A former Pakistani state minister, Rukhsar Ahmed, was arrested in Manchester in July 2024 on suspicion of raping and trafficking vulnerable girls in the 1990s. He was recently re-elected as a member of the Pakistan legislative assembly and is currently on police bail in the UK but has not attended a required police appointment due to illness.
Key Facts
Rukhsar Ahmed was arrested at Manchester airport on July 18, 2024, for allegations of child sexual abuse and trafficking from the 1990s.
Ahmed is a 62-year-old former minister in Pakistan who was re-elected as an MP in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in 2024.
He has been on police bail in the UK but missed a scheduled appointment, citing being too unwell to travel.
The allegations include abuse involving children in care homes in Manchester, specifically the Rusholme area.
Greater Manchester police sought to restrict Ahmed’s travel, but a judge denied tighter bail conditions.
Ahmed owns a former restaurant near Manchester’s “curry mile” and is influential in the local Pakistani community.
Multiple women have accused Ahmed of abuse, and an investigation is ongoing.
If Ahmed does not return to the UK for further questioning, police may issue an arrest warrant or begin extradition proceedings.
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South Korea is experiencing its highest recorded temperatures, reaching 42.5°C in the city of Yangsan. The heatwave has caused at least 19 deaths, and Seoul is under a severe heat warning for the first time since a new system was introduced to handle extreme heat.
Key Facts
The highest temperature recorded in South Korea was 42.5°C in Yangsan.
This is the hottest temperature since South Korea began modern weather records.
At least 19 people have died due to the heatwave.
Seoul is currently under a severe heat warning.
The heat warning system was set up by the South Korean government this year.
The heatwave has had widespread effects across the country.
The government is closely monitoring the situation to protect people.
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The director of a Russian drone factory, Vladimir Tkachuk, was seriously injured when his car exploded in the Urals region. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not provided details about the cause or who might be responsible for the explosion.
Key Facts
Vladimir Tkachuk is the director of the Uraldrinzavod factory.
The factory makes Upyr drones for the Russian military.
Tkachuk’s car exploded on a Wednesday in the Urals.
He was badly wounded and hospitalized in grave condition.
The state news agency Tass reported the incident.
No information has been given about who caused the explosion or why.
The incident took place in Russia’s Ural region.
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Pakistan has introduced new rules requiring international media workers, including Pakistani citizens, to get official permission before reporting outside Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. These rules aim to control foreign reporting but have raised concerns about press freedom and could limit independent news coverage in much of the country.
Key Facts
The new Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines require foreign media and local contributors to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to report outside three major cities.
Pakistan ranks 153 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index.
Local and international media already face pressure, and these rules may restrict independent reporting further.
Journalists can lose accreditation for allegedly acting against Pakistan's ideology, security, or public order, though these terms are not clearly defined.
The government says the rules help verify media, support access, and coordinate reporting, not restrict freedom.
Journalists and experts say these guidelines have no legal basis and limit press freedom and freedom of movement.
The government has been critical of foreign media coverage of protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
International journalists often have to wait a long time or never receive NOCs, hurting their ability to report breaking news.
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A study of over 458,000 adults found that losing muscle with age, a condition called sarcopenia, may increase the risk of serious infections like respiratory infections, urinary infections, and sepsis. Maintaining muscle through strength exercises and enough protein may help reduce this risk.
Key Facts
Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle that often happens as people get older.
The study followed people for about 12 years and found those with sarcopenia had a higher chance of serious infections.
Infections linked to sarcopenia include lung infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and sepsis.
Muscle helps the body fight illness by producing molecules that regulate the immune system and by storing amino acids needed during sickness.
Muscle loss can lead to weaker immune function and more inflammation in the body.
Early signs of sarcopenia include difficulty standing without using hands, slower stair climbing, and struggling with heavy objects.
Resistance exercises like weightlifting and eating enough protein can help slow down muscle loss.
Starting muscle-strengthening habits in midlife may protect against illness later on.
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German police found a drone carrying an explosive device near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The airport was temporarily closed, flights were diverted, and a bomb disposal robot was used to remove the detonator from the drone.
Key Facts
A drone with an explosive device was discovered near the south runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany.
The drone was found close to a Ukrainian-flagged Antonov cargo plane used for military transport.
Airport runways were closed, and several flights, including passenger and cargo planes, were diverted.
A DHL cargo plane aborted a landing and hit an unknown object mid-air but landed safely with minor damage.
Authorities deployed a bomb disposal robot to examine and remove the detonator from the drone.
The airport is an important hub for military and NATO cargo, as well as for Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines.
Ukrainian officials suspected Russia might be behind the drone incident.
Regular airport operations resumed on the northern runway after early morning investigations.
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A piece of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket crashed into the Moon at about 5,400 mph after drifting in space since January 2025. NASA expects the impact to create a small crater and plans to study the results to learn more about the Moon's surface.
Key Facts
The rocket piece was from a Falcon 9 launch in January 2025 that sent two private lunar landers toward the Moon.
The rocket part was left in orbit, but gravity and solar forces changed its path, leading to the Moon collision.
The impact speed was about 5,400 miles per hour.
NASA estimates the impact will create a crater about 60 feet wide and 12 feet deep.
The collision will throw dust and rock into the surrounding area but will not threaten Earth or greatly affect the Moon.
NASA will study the crater and debris to learn about lunar dust behavior and the Moon's geology.
Data from this event could help improve planning for future Moon missions.
Similar controlled crashes were done during NASA’s Apollo missions to learn about the Moon.
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A man has been charged after a nine-year-old girl died during a family camping trip in Scotland. The girl was found seriously injured near Arbroath and later died in hospital. Police are treating the death as suspicious and say they are not looking for anyone else.
Key Facts
The girl, from West Yorkshire, was found injured just after midnight at an industrial estate in Arbroath, Scotland.
She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but later died.
A 35-year-old man known to the girl has been charged and will appear in Dundee sheriff court.
Three other family members were also taken to hospital; the man was taken separately by police.
Police Scotland described the man as white British in response to online speculation.
Police are continuing their investigation and asked the public to share any information.
The girl and her family had been camping in the area with a small tent.
West Yorkshire police are assisting Police Scotland with the investigation.
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British Prime Minister Andy Burnham invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit a naval base. This move shows that the UK wants to act more independently in Europe and rely less on the United States.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a naval base.
This visit signals a change in how the UK handles its European relationships.
The UK aims to have more independence in Europe.
The UK wants to rely less on the United States for support.
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Lebanon and Israel are holding talks in Rome, brokered by the United States, to discuss Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and security arrangements. The two sides remain divided over the issue of disarming Hezbollah, making further Israeli withdrawals unlikely at this time.
Key Facts
The talks are the second day of the second round in Rome and the seventh overall, following previous talks in Washington.
Lebanon and Israel aim to maintain a fragile ceasefire and build on a framework agreement signed in June.
Lebanon wants the Lebanese army to secure strategic areas like Ali Taher Hill and prevent Hezbollah’s weapons there.
Israel demands disarmament of Hezbollah as part of the security arrangements but stepped back from linking this directly to border talks for the first time.
The talks include discussions on appointing a third party, possibly Italy, to verify Israeli withdrawal and oversee Lebanese army control.
Lebanon requests Israel stop demolitions and bombings in the south, including near Beaufort Castle.
Hezbollah is not part of the talks, will pull back south of the Litani River but will not disarm in the north.
Locals in southern Lebanon have mixed views, with some distrusting Hezbollah and Israel, while others hope for peace amid economic troubles.
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A Mexican social media influencer named César Gastélum was shot and killed while livestreaming on TikTok outside a fast food restaurant in Culiacán. Two men on a motorbike approached and shot him before fleeing the scene. Police are investigating but no arrests have been made yet.
Key Facts
César Gastélum had over 500,000 followers on TikTok and mainly posted comedy videos.
He was livestreaming with friends wearing bright orange delivery driver outfits when he was shot at close range.
Police initially thought he was a delivery driver due to his clothing but identified him later.
The shooters escaped on a motorbike and police are examining evidence including cartridge casings and CCTV footage.
It is unclear if César Gastélum had received any threats before he was killed.
This is not the first killing of an influencer in Mexico; a similar fatal shooting occurred last year during a TikTok livestream.
Violence in Culiacán, capital of Sinaloa state, has increased due to conflict between two factions of the Sinaloa cartel.
Another influencer linked to cartel violence in the region was killed in December 2024, possibly related to gang rivalries.
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Norah O'Donnell talks with her fitness trainer Kira Stokes about the importance of exercise, especially lifting weights, as people lose muscle mass with age. They discuss how exercise helps mental health and offer advice on getting started and using weighted vests.
Key Facts
Norah O'Donnell and Kira Stokes have exercised together for 12 years.
Norah initially resisted lifting heavier weights but now understands its benefits.
People can lose up to 8% of their muscle mass every 10 years after age 30.
Exercise supports both physical strength and mental well-being.
Weighted vests are a topic they discuss as a workout tool.
Norah shares her favorite and least favorite exercises.
Viewers can suggest health topics by texting Norah.
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Andy Burnham shared that his wife was surprised when he decided to run again for Labour party leader after losing twice before. He said her honest and direct feedback helped him improve as a politician, and he emphasized the need for bold changes in politics, especially on social care.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham has run for Labour leader three times, losing in 2010 and 2015.
His wife, Marie-France van Heel, was initially worried about his decision to run again.
She gives him straightforward advice, which he values for improving his political skills.
Burnham believes his experiences have made him a stronger politician.
Recently, he promised to work with other parties to fix problems in social care.
He criticized politicians for avoiding difficult issues like social care reform.
Burnham called for radical political ideas to address current challenges in Britain.
He mentioned that past economic approaches have hurt many areas, especially old industrial towns.
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Search teams recovered the bodies of famous climber Nirmal Purja and three others from Broad Peak in Pakistan after an avalanche. The total number of bodies found reached seven nearly a week after the disaster involving 10 climbers from different countries.
Key Facts
Nirmal Purja, a well-known British-Nepali mountaineer, died in an avalanche on Broad Peak.
The bodies of Purja, Zhong Wang (China), Nima Sherpa, and Kilu Sherpa (both from Nepal) were recovered on Wednesday.
Three other bodies had been recovered earlier on August 1.
The search and rescue operation involved military helicopters and was described as very difficult.
The climbers came from Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, China, Britain, and the U.S.
Families and supporters held a candlelight vigil in Kathmandu to honor the deceased.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister expressed condolences and said Pakistan is cooperating with foreign embassies for the operation.
Mountaineering accidents are frequent in northern Pakistan due to natural hazards like avalanches and falling rocks.
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Extreme heat can make it harder for airplanes to take off safely because hot air is thinner, which reduces lift and engine power. Airlines sometimes have to reduce the plane’s weight by limiting passengers, cargo, or fuel to ensure a safe departure, especially at airports in hot or high-altitude locations. Climate change may increase these flight disruptions.
Key Facts
Hot weather causes air to become thinner, making it harder for planes to lift off and engines to work well.
Airlines may ask passengers to give up seats or remove cargo to lower the plane’s weight in hot conditions.
Airports in desert climates, like Las Vegas, often face these issues; Las Vegas reached 114°F (47°C) on July 24, 2023.
High-altitude airports, such as Denver or Mexico City, experience similar challenges because air is naturally thinner at higher elevations.
Shorter runways also make takeoff harder in hot weather, as planes need more distance to reach lift-off speed.
Flight safety checks include calculating the plane’s weight, airport elevation, and outside temperature before takeoff.
Experts compare the effect of thin hot air on airplanes to athletes who tire faster at high altitudes.
Scientists warn that climate change could cause more frequent heat waves, leading to more flight delays and restrictions.
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A Russian drone hit a street vendor in Kherson, Ukraine, during a series of missile and drone attacks that killed at least 17 people. Ukrainian officials say these attacks, which also target civilians using small drones, are part of a deliberate effort by Russia.
Key Facts
At least 17 people were killed in recent missile and drone attacks by Russia in Ukraine.
The attacks happened overnight and are part of frequent strikes this summer.
Ukraine was unable to shoot down any Russian missiles during these attacks.
Russian drones are targeting civilians, according to Ukrainian authorities.
A street vendor in Kherson was hit directly by a Russian drone.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks as deliberate targeting of civilians.
These events occur amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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Large wildfires near Spokane, Washington, have burned over 10,000 acres and destroyed more than 700 buildings, forcing about 65,000 people to evacuate. Firefighters are working to control the fires, while emergency shelters support those displaced. A man has been arrested on suspicion of starting one of the wildfires.
Key Facts
The Spokane Complex fires include the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires.
More than 700 structures, including many homes, have been destroyed.
Around 65,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with some areas ordered to "Go Now."
A 37-year-old man, Aaron F. Farinacci, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson.
The fires have burned approximately 10,437 acres near Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city.
High winds (40-50 mph), hot weather, and very dry conditions helped the fires spread fast.
Thousands of firefighters, including state and federal teams, are fighting the fires.
Smoke from the fires has caused air quality warnings in the region.
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A popular Mexican influencer named Cesar Gastelum was shot and killed while live streaming outside a restaurant in Sinaloa, a region known for drug cartel violence. The attack happened in a busy area in the state capital, and local police confirmed his death.
Key Facts
Cesar Gastelum had over 600,000 followers on TikTok and was streaming live with friends when he was shot.
The shooter fired from a motorcycle and the livestream video showed the attack.
The killing occurred in Culiacan, near the Sinaloa prosecutor’s office, an area affected by cartel violence.
Police and soldiers arrived at the scene and forensic experts collected evidence.
Several other influencers in Sinaloa have been killed in recent years, some connected to gangs.
A previous high-profile case was the killing of influencer Valeria Marquez during a TikTok livestream.
Violence against influencers linked to drug gangs is a growing problem in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Authorities arrested a suspect linked to Marquez’s murder and a former mayor’s killing.
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Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, is facing a crisis as hundreds of unaccompanied migrant children remain there after a large number of migrants crossed from Morocco last week. Local leaders say their shelters are overwhelmed and are asking the Spanish government for help.
Key Facts
Around 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco recently; about 70,000 have returned.
Approximately 2,500 migrants remain, including hundreds of children traveling alone.
Ceuta’s facilities can support only 90 children but are currently caring for 1,100.
The crowded conditions have caused problems with food, water, shelter, and sanitation.
Ceuta’s leader called the situation “unsustainable” and warned of risks to public order.
The Spanish government has provided 25 million euros to help with the emergency.
Some regional governments may resist accepting relocated children under current laws.
Ceuta officials had warned the national government about rising migrant numbers before the crisis escalated.
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A Russian attack on Kyiv and nearby areas killed at least 17 people, including eight at a railway station. Ukraine intercepted most drones but could not stop any Russian missiles due to a shortage of U.S.-supplied missile interceptors.
Key Facts
The attack targeted Kyiv and its region.
At least 17 people died in the attack.
Eight of the victims were killed at a railway station.
Ukraine intercepted most Russian drones during the attack.
Ukraine failed to stop any Russian missiles.
The failure is linked to a shortage of U.S.-made ballistic missile interceptors.
The attacks caused significant damage and alarm in the Ukrainian capital.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is mentioned in relation to the conflict.
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