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Germany is increasing its military forces through voluntary recruitment and modernizing its military service rules. The country aims to build a larger army and stronger defense as part of a response to security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Key Facts
Germany wants to increase its active military force by 80,000 to a total of 260,000 soldiers.
The country plans to have 200,000 reservists in addition to active-duty troops.
Since January, over 300,000 letters were sent to 18-year-olds to ask if they want to join the military and collect information about their health and education.
Women also received the letters but are not legally required to respond, unlike men.
The Military Service Modernisation Act started on January 1, setting new rules for young Germans regarding military and civic duties.
These military expansions are part of Germany’s plan to build “Europe’s strongest conventional army” announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz in 2023.
Germany’s new military plans signal a stronger commitment to defending Europe and sharing defense responsibilities within NATO.
Rayhan Butt, an 18-year-old musician, plans to join the military’s marching band and supports voluntary military or civic service.
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Uganda is facing a severe food crisis due to a long drought, especially in the Karamoja region where many people rely on farming and livestock. The government has started emergency food aid, but the situation is worsened by climate change, environmental damage, conflict, and past cuts in foreign aid.
Key Facts
Uganda is experiencing its worst drought in decades, with no rain since April in Karamoja.
At least 19 people have died from starvation in Karamoja; 1.5 million are at risk of malnutrition.
The Karamoja region is dry and difficult to live in; most locals depend on farming and livestock.
Climate change, environmental damage like deforestation, and overgrazing contribute to the drought.
Conflict between cattle herders and raiders has made the crisis worse.
Karamoja has been historically marginalized and underdeveloped since colonial times.
Cuts in U.S. foreign aid under President Donald Trump have reduced food support.
Corruption has diverted funds meant to help the region, worsening governance problems.
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Concacaf has publicly criticized FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in a new World Cup commercial entity to private investors, expressing concerns over a lack of proper consultation and transparency. The proposed sale, intended to raise billions to fund football projects, has surprised key football leaders who were not informed beforehand.
Key Facts
Concacaf and UEFA have both criticized FIFA’s plan to sell World Cup-related commercial rights to private investors.
Concacaf officials said they first heard about the plan through media reports, not direct communication from FIFA.
The new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise, is valued at $20 billion and aims to raise about $4.2 billion through the sale.
FIFA has given its 211 member associations a deadline of September 19 to agree to the sale and receive payments of around $20 million each starting January next year.
Joshua Kushner’s company, Thrive Eternal, is leading the investor group; he is the brother of Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law.
UEFA strongly opposes the move, calling it a threat to football’s governance and plans to hold emergency talks on the issue.
The sale plan risks increasing pressure to expand the World Cup to 64 teams and hold it more often due to its high commercial value.
Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham also criticized the proposal, saying the World Cup does not belong to investors.
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Ukrainian drone attacks caused fires at industrial sites in the Russian city of Ryazan, damaging warehouses and injuring six people. Both Russia and Ukraine have recently increased attacks on military and industrial targets, affecting civilian areas and disrupting local businesses.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones attacked industrial facilities in Ryazan, Russia, causing fires and damage to homes and buildings.
Authorities shot down 45 drones over the Ryazan region overnight, with debris causing injuries.
Major Russian retailer Wildberries had to evacuate warehouses after drone damage disrupted about 10% of its storage capacity.
In southern Russia’s Taganrog, missile debris killed one woman and injured a man.
Russian attacks in Ukraine’s Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions caused deaths and multiple injuries.
Both countries have been targeting ships in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, reducing oil and grain supplies.
Ukraine’s acting Defence Minister said Ukraine must use careful and unequal tactics against Russia.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss missile production and peace talks.
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Khalida Boufedeche was elected as Algeria’s first woman to serve as the speaker of the parliament’s lower house. She is a trained allergist and a member of the National Liberation Front party, becoming the fourth-highest-ranking official in Algeria.
Key Facts
Khalida Boufedeche was elected on July 28, 2026, as the speaker of Algeria’s lower house of parliament.
She is the first woman to ever hold this position in Algeria.
Boufedeche is trained as an allergist and represents the capital city, Algiers.
She is a member of the National Liberation Front (FLN), the country’s ruling party.
The FLN won the most seats in recent parliamentary elections, securing 91 out of 407 seats.
Voter turnout in these elections was very low, at 21 percent, the lowest ever recorded.
Women hold only 25 seats in the parliament, about 6 percent of the total.
Boufedeche previously worked in local politics and serves on her party’s central committee.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of about 7 struck southern Japan's Kumamoto area, causing widespread damage. Rescue teams are searching for survivors amid collapsed buildings and damaged roads, with at least 13 people killed and many more missing.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred in the Kumamoto area on Kyushu island with a magnitude of 7.1 (Japan agency) or 6.8 (US Geological Survey).
At least 13 people have died and many are missing following the quake.
Rescue workers are urgently searching through rubble to find survivors.
An explosion happened about an hour after the earthquake at an Aeon shopping centre, injuring some and leaving four workers missing.
Seven people remain missing at a Nippon Paper Industries factory where a chimney collapsed.
Nearly 37,000 homes lost electricity and 9,500 lost gas; communications were disrupted in some areas.
More than 9,000 people evacuated their homes and are staying in over 500 shelters.
Automakers Toyota and Honda have suspended operations at their Kumamoto factories to ensure safety and repair damage.
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Four women have accused singer and actor Jared Leto of sexual misconduct. These claims were made in a BBC documentary that includes allegations of assault, inappropriate relationships under the age of consent, threats, and grooming.
Key Facts
Four women accused Jared Leto of criminal sexual misconduct.
One woman said she was assaulted by Leto at 17 in a motel.
Another said she had sex with Leto at 17, below California’s age of consent, and Leto allegedly dismissed concerns.
A third woman claimed Leto threatened her with sexual assault when she was 19 and left alone with him in a hotel room.
A fourth woman said Leto groomed her at 16 by making sexual calls and suggesting sex, using his celebrity status.
The allegations were presented in the BBC documentary titled "Jared Leto: Hollywood's Dark Secret."
Jared Leto did not respond to requests for comment from Newsweek or the BBC.
The story is ongoing and new information may come out.
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In 1975, a shop in London opened that sold products made specifically for left-handed people. The store offered items like gardening tools and playing cards designed for left-handers, with many sales both in the shop and by mail order.
Key Facts
The shop opened in London in 1975.
It was the first store in the world focused on left-handed customers.
Products included left-handed secateurs (garden clippers), builder’s trowels, and playing cards.
The store served both walk-in customers and mail-order buyers.
The news report about the shop was originally shown on BBC One on April 18, 1975.
The shop was known for catering to the needs of left-handed people, who often face challenges using right-handed tools.
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Young people in India recently protested strongly against the government, focusing their anger mainly on Prime Minister Narendra Modi rather than any individual minister. Their protests challenged the image Modi’s government has built and expressed deep frustration with the government’s power and a sense of humiliation, sparked by a controversial remark from India’s chief justice about unemployed youth.
Key Facts
Indian youth led a large protest that forced Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign.
The main target of the protest was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, not the minister.
Protesters used simple, handmade signs showing individual voices rather than organized slogans.
The protests challenged Modi’s long-standing public image and authority.
The movement was fueled by outrage over a remark by the chief justice comparing unemployed youth to "cockroaches."
A scandal involving the NEET exams became a focus for demanding government accountability.
The government appeared unaware of the growing unrest beneath society’s surface.
Mainstream media and political elites were focused on praising India’s progress and global role during this time.
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Russia’s main security agency, the FSB, has charged Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram app, with helping terrorism and placed him on an international wanted list. The agency claims Telegram did not remove channels used by groups they label as terrorists and extremists in Russia, while Durov says the charges are false and aimed at limiting free speech.
Key Facts
Pavel Durov is the founder of the messaging app Telegram.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) accused Durov of aiding terrorism.
The FSB says Telegram hosts channels used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups for sabotage and crimes.
Durov was put on an international wanted list by Russia.
Telegram is one of the most popular messaging apps in Russia.
Durov stated that Russian authorities opened a criminal investigation against him.
He claims the investigation is based on made-up reasons to limit privacy and free speech.
Russia continues to restrict access to Telegram as part of its actions.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a quiet visit to the White House, which shows his more complex relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Diplomats Jeffrey Feltman and Michael Ratney discussed this on Al Jazeera’s program ‘This is America.’
Key Facts
Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House in a low-profile way.
His visit reflects a more complicated relationship with President Trump.
Jeffrey Feltman and Michael Ratney are diplomats commenting on this situation.
The discussion appeared on Al Jazeera’s show called ‘This is America.’
The article suggests Netanyahu avoided a public or dramatic moment like Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had with Trump.
Netanyahu’s approach may indicate caution or a change in diplomatic relations.
The information is based on diplomatic observations, not official statements.
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A large wildfire in southwestern France has burned about 42,000 hectares but is currently under control after a calm night. Authorities warn that hot and dry weather could still create fire risks, and about 2,750 firefighters are working to manage the situation.
Key Facts
The wildfire is in the Gironde region of southwest France and has burned roughly 42,000 hectares.
After a quiet second night, the fire remains stable with no increase in the area burned.
Around 2,750 firefighters are involved in fighting the wildfire.
Authorities evacuated 4,000 people from tourist areas along the Atlantic coast as a safety measure.
A heatwave alert (orange level) was issued for 16 departments in the region.
The European Union says wildfire responses must improve due to accelerating climate change, focusing on prevention and better forest management.
About 90% of wildfires are caused by human activities like campfires or discarded cigarettes.
Weather conditions including rising temperatures and dry winds remain unfavorable for containing the fire fully.
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A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Japan's Kyushu island on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people. Rescue teams are working quickly to find others trapped under rubble as thousands of people have had to leave their homes.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 6.8 in magnitude.
It occurred on Kyushu island in Japan.
At least 13 people died because of the quake.
Many people are still missing after the disaster.
Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Rescue workers are trying to save those trapped under debris.
Officials expect the death toll to rise.
The event happened recently, with ongoing rescue efforts.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Kumamoto prefecture in Japan, causing at least 13 deaths and damage to buildings, including a shopping mall and historic sites. Rescue teams are working to find people trapped and restore services, while aftershocks continue to worry residents.
Key Facts
The earthquake hit Kumamoto, a region with previous quakes, but this one was stronger than recent ones.
At least 13 people have died, including three in a large shopping mall where some are still trapped.
Authorities deployed 4,600 personnel to help with rescue and recovery efforts.
Tens of thousands of people lost power and water after the earthquake.
Historic sites such as Kumamoto Castle and Yatsushiro Shrine were damaged or destroyed.
Many residents reported heavy property damage and fear of more aftershocks.
Emergency teams are urgently working through the night to monitor and respond to the damage.
Officials warned the public to stay alert for possible additional earthquakes following this event.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to secure strong international support, including meetings with UK and US leaders and military aid. However, he faces domestic challenges in Ukraine, including ongoing protests after the dismissal of popular defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was known for modernizing the military.
Key Facts
Zelenskyy met UK’s Andy Burnham, who confirmed the UK’s continuing support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy had a positive meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., after attending Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral.
The US Senate advanced a broad bill imposing sanctions on Russia.
Zelenskyy has successfully secured hundreds of billions in military, financial, and humanitarian aid from multiple countries.
Ukraine faces daily protests following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Fedorov, 35, was known for modernizing Ukraine’s military, increasing troop pay, reforming contracts, and fighting corruption.
Fedorov used data-driven technology and coordinated with Elon Musk to disrupt Russian communications on the battlefield.
Fedorov’s approach contrasts with the older, more traditional military leadership style in Ukraine.
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Iran’s military fired multiple ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in the Middle East, but all were intercepted by U.S. forces. The attacks happened as President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Key Facts
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched several ballistic missiles targeting U.S. forces in the Middle East.
All missiles were intercepted, and U.S. forces remain alert and prepared.
The attacks included missile interceptions over Jordan, where a U.S. airbase and command center were targeted.
Iran stated the attacks are a response to continued threats and actions by the U.S. against its interests.
The missile strikes occurred while President Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who supports strong actions against Iran.
Iran’s attack is seen as a message to be included in talks about regional issues, such as alleged Iranian nuclear facility construction.
Oil prices rose sharply after the announcement of the missile attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a point of tension, with Iran controlling shipping routes and rejecting joint management proposals from Oman.
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Jordan’s military said it intercepted and destroyed five missiles launched from Iran early on Wednesday. The U.S. military reported it also shot down Iranian missiles targeting American forces and coordinated with Saudi Arabia to attack militia sites in Iraq linked to Iran.
Key Facts
Jordan’s air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran.
The Jordanian military did not report any casualties from the missile attack.
The U.S. military knocked down a missile barrage launched by Iran targeting American forces.
The U.S. Central Command said all Iranian missiles against U.S. forces were intercepted.
The U.S. worked with Saudi Arabia to strike sites in Iraq used by Tehran-backed militias.
These attacks ended a brief pause in fighting in the region.
The missiles were connected to ongoing tensions involving Iran and its allied groups in Iraq.
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A small number of families have returned to a village in southern Lebanon called Zawtar al-Gharbieh after an agreement between Israel and Lebanon. This deal involves Israel pulling back from some areas in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. Many homes in the village are damaged or destroyed, and Hezbollah opposes the agreement and ongoing talks between Israel and Lebanon.
Key Facts
Mahasen Faqih and her husband recently returned to their damaged home in Zawtar al-Gharbieh, southern Lebanon.
The village is part of a U.S.-brokered “pilot zones” deal where Israel agreed to withdraw in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.
About 15 families have returned so far, out of roughly 500 homes in the village.
Nearly half the homes in the village have been destroyed, with many others damaged.
Hezbollah strongly opposes the deal and the talks between Israel and Lebanon.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war started on March 2, 2026, after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel.
Israel invaded southern Lebanon and occupied several villages along the border during the conflict.
Israeli forces are supposed to withdraw from certain areas, but some zones had little or no Israeli troops present before the agreement.
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A small group of Israeli settlers has been crossing into southern Syria to try to claim land for new Jewish settlements. These settlers, called the Pioneers of Bashan, want to establish homes in Syrian territory near the Golan Heights, a region Israel has controlled since 1967. The Israeli military is trying to stop these incursions while the group claims historical and security reasons for their actions.
Key Facts
The Israeli military found Jewish settlers crossing into southern Syria and stopped before attacking because they were not militants.
The settlers belong to a group called the Pioneers of Bashan, named after a biblical region that includes parts of modern Syria.
The group aims to set up Jewish settlements in southwestern Syria, around Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida provinces.
Southern Syria includes a "buffer zone" that Israel declared in December 2024 after conflict in Syria.
The Golan Heights were captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 war and later annexed, though most of the world does not recognize this.
The settlers argue their presence could help protect the Golan Heights and support the Druze minority after violent clashes in the area last year.
The Israeli military regularly tries to stop these settlers from entering Syria.
The broader Israeli settlement movement has strong support from Israel’s far-right government.
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China’s coastguard and civilian ships have increased patrols east of Taiwan, an area they have not frequently entered before. This move appears to be part of China's efforts to surround Taiwan and assert control over waters it claims, raising concerns about a possible strategy to isolate Taiwan from trade and outside help.
Key Facts
China’s Maritime Safety Administration and coastguard conducted several patrols and law enforcement operations east of Taiwan in June and July.
These patrols mark the first time China has frequently operated east of Taiwan rather than just in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s government reported that Chinese patrols included asking commercial ships about their origins and destinations.
There was an increase in Chinese maritime activity around Taiwan and nearby islands, from 30 sightings in May to 55 in June.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and extends this claim to Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which reaches 200 nautical miles from its coast.
China’s actions respond partly to Japan and the Philippines discussing maritime boundaries, which China views as infringing on its claims.
Experts describe these moves as part of a "grey zone" strategy designed to pressure Taiwan without open conflict.
China says its patrols are legal actions to protect its territorial sovereignty and maintain regional maritime order.
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