Several countries, including South Korea, India, China, the UK, and the EU, are increasing rescue and aid efforts after severe floods in Nepal and nearby China. Many people are still missing, and officials are worried that a lake created by the disaster might break, causing more flooding.
Key Facts
The floods affected Nepal and parts of China, especially near the Himalayan mountains.
Hundreds of foreign nationals are among those missing after the floods.
Rescue work is difficult because the area has rough mountain terrain.
A new lake has formed due to the floods and could burst, leading to more damage.
Countries involved in aid include South Korea, India, China, the UK, and the European Union.
Relief agencies like the Red Cross are active in helping the affected people.
The disaster is linked to a natural mudslide and flood events in a geologically sensitive area.
Authorities continue to search for over 1,300 missing people.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 2001 CIA intelligence report identified Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, by his nickname "Mukhtar," but the CIA did not connect this information to other warnings. Despite multiple reports linking KSM to terrorism dating back to the 1990s, the agency failed to recognize his role in planning attacks on the United States before 9/11.
Key Facts
On August 28, 2001, the CIA received a report linking the nickname "Mukhtar" to Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM).
KSM was known to the CIA since at least 1996 for planning the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
KSM lived in Afghanistan and Pakistan after escaping a failed CIA rendition in Qatar in 1996.
The CIA had information tying KSM’s alias and nickname to previous terrorist attacks, such as the 1998 African embassy bombings.
The CIA focused on other suspects like Khalid al-Mihdhar and Zacarias Moussaoui and did not fully investigate KSM’s involvement.
KSM had family members connected to al-Qaeda who were involved in terrorist activities.
German intelligence later showed KSM communicated via phone with other terrorists before 9/11.
The CIA failed to "connect the dots" and link all these pieces of intelligence before the 9/11 attacks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran has used missiles, drones, and cyberattacks to challenge the U.S. and its allies during a conflict that has lasted six months. Experts warn that Iran’s cyber operations targeting important data centers and infrastructure could cause serious damage and disruption in the U.S. and beyond.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Israel have been engaged in a conflict with Iran for six months.
Iran has caused billions of dollars in damage with missile and drone strikes on military and trade targets.
Iran is also carrying out cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, including U.S. water systems and a UK power plant.
Iranian forces targeted a data center in Bahrain, describing it as hitting "the brain of the operations processor."
Experts say data centers are critical for economies, security, and technologies like artificial intelligence.
Iran’s cyber strategy does not rely on matching traditional military power but targets weaker points to cause large effects.
Cyberattacks can combine with physical strikes to create wide-ranging disruption.
Iran has a history of cyber warfare and has been targeted itself, notably by the Stuxnet computer worm.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Six months ago, the United States launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran, aiming to weaken its government and military. While the mission caused significant damage, Iran’s leadership remains intact, and both sides are now involved in difficult negotiations with uncertain outcomes.
Key Facts
Operation Epic Fury began six months ago, targeting Iran’s leadership and military.
The operation killed Iran’s top leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and damaged military infrastructure.
Iran survived the attack, and its Revolutionary Guards increased control over the country.
Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil transport.
Negotiations are ongoing, including talks about safe shipping routes through Hormuz.
President Donald Trump threatened military action against Oman for involvement in negotiations.
The Islamabad Memorandum is a key but expired agreement framework for talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Both Iran and the U.S. face challenges accepting a deal due to lack of trust and differing goals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Pakistan Ambassador to the U.S. responded to claims by India’s Ambassador that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is unfair and that Pakistan has blocked India’s water projects. He said the treaty was carefully negotiated, benefits both sides, and that Pakistan is following the treaty’s rules by resolving disputes through proper channels. He also noted that India’s recent suspension of the treaty has no legal basis.
Key Facts
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 after long negotiations with the World Bank’s help.
The treaty gives India full rights over three eastern rivers and protects Pakistan’s rights over three western rivers.
Pakistan gave up using the eastern rivers and changed its irrigation system accordingly.
The treaty sets rules for India’s hydropower projects on western rivers to protect Pakistan’s water rights.
Pakistan uses the treaty’s dispute-resolution process when disagreements arise about India’s projects.
A Court of Arbitration confirmed in 2026 that the treaty is still valid and must be followed.
India’s decision in 2025 to suspend the treaty is not supported by the treaty or international law.
Political or security issues cannot override legal obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nadav Weiman, director of Breaking the Silence, says there is a difference between what the Israeli military says about its actions in Gaza and what soldiers report. He explains that some evidence to justify attacks, like the strike on Nasser Hospital, is found after the fact instead of beforehand.
Key Facts
Breaking the Silence collects testimonies from Israeli soldiers about military operations in Gaza.
These testimonies show a gap between official explanations and soldiers' experiences.
The gap relates to military policies, assumptions, and rules of engagement, not just individual events.
The strike on Nasser Hospital is an example where justification was made retroactively.
This practice is called “retrospective incrimination,” meaning finding reasons after an attack rather than before.
The testimonies question how targets are identified in Israeli military strikes.
The topic relates to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ongoing tensions in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
King Harald of Norway has died, and Crown Prince Haakon is expected to become the next king. The royal family has faced challenges recently, including health issues and legal problems involving close family members.
Key Facts
King Harald of Norway has passed away.
Crown Prince Haakon will become Norway’s next king.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit had a lung transplant in June.
There have been reports about Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Her son was sentenced to four years in prison for rape.
The royal family has experienced a difficult year with these events.
The news focuses on Norway and the future of its monarchy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Norway’s King Harald V died peacefully at age 89 after being treated for a rare blood disease. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, is now king and expected to take the name King Haakon VIII.
Key Facts
King Harald V died on August 28 at Oslo University Hospital.
He had a rare blood condition called haemolytic anaemia, which destroys red blood cells.
Harald became king in 1991 and ruled for 35 years.
He was Norway’s first king born in Norway since the 14th century.
Harald remained active despite health issues, including having a pacemaker.
He gained respect for his 2011 speech after a deadly terrorist attack in Norway.
Crown Prince Haakon automatically becomes king after Harald’s death.
The monarchy is facing challenges, including controversies involving Crown Princess Mette-Marit and family members.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ratko Mladic, a former Bosnian Serb military leader convicted of genocide and war crimes during the 1990s Bosnian war, died while serving a life sentence in The Hague. Serbia’s Justice Minister announced that Mladic will receive a funeral with military and state honors in Serbia.
Key Facts
Ratko Mladic was a Bosnian Serb military leader during the 1992-1995 Bosnian war.
He was convicted of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, including involvement in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre.
Mladic died on Thursday in The Hague where he was imprisoned.
Serbia’s Justice Minister Nenad Vujic said Mladic will receive all military and state honors he is entitled to.
Serbian officials are waiting for The Hague authorities to release Mladic’s body.
The Bosnian war resulted in about 100,000 deaths and displaced 2.2 million people.
Mladic was part of a leadership trio during the war, alongside Slobodan Milosevic and Radovan Karadzic.
The Srebrenica massacre is considered Europe’s worst mass killing since World War II.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Nepal army is rescuing people trapped inside a tunnel at a hydropower project in Rasuwa after severe floods hit the country. More than 100 people were believed to be trapped, and the flood death toll has reached 475.
Key Facts
The rescue is happening at a hydropower tunnel in Rasuwa, Nepal.
Over 100 people were estimated to be trapped inside the tunnel.
Soldiers are carrying survivors and moving through thick mud to reach others.
The rescue efforts are part of a larger response to deadly floods across Nepal.
Nepal’s flood death toll reached 475 as of the latest report.
The national army and local police are involved in rescue operations.
The floods have caused significant damage and ongoing emergency activities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
On Thursday night, the UK saw the August full Moon, called the Sturgeon Moon, along with a partial lunar eclipse that gave the Moon a reddish color. This happens when the Earth blocks some sunlight from reaching the Moon, causing the red light to be reflected back to Earth.
Key Facts
The August full Moon is called the Sturgeon Moon, named after the time when sturgeon fish are common in North American rivers.
A partial lunar eclipse occurred because the Earth passed between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on part of the Moon.
Only part of the Moon entered Earth's darkest shadow, called the umbra, so it was not fully dark.
The red color appears because Earth's atmosphere scatters blue light more than red, letting red light reach the Moon and reflect back.
The partial eclipse was visible in the UK and other places like Turkey and Italy.
The Moon was at its brightest and most red before dawn in the UK.
Photos of the eclipse were taken from locations across the UK, including Hampshire, Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Surrey.
The next lunar eclipse visible in the UK will happen in February 2027.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Australian woman named Cara Severino, who was missing after severe flooding in Nepal, has contacted her family to say she is safe. The flood killed at least 469 people and left over 1,500 missing near the China-Nepal border.
Key Facts
Flash flooding occurred at the China-Nepal border, causing many deaths and missing people.
At least 469 people died, and more than 1,500 are still missing.
Cara Severino, 25 years old, was among 39 Australians reported missing.
She made contact with her family more than two days after the flood.
Cara was hiking the Langtang trail and was stranded without phone signal and with a dead phone battery.
She reached Gosainkunda and is now trying to get to Kathmandu on foot with Nepali hikers, a journey of over 110 km.
Most other missing Australians were traveling with tour groups, unlike Cara.
The missing Australians were mostly part of pilgrimage groups visiting Mount Kailash.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America." This action has caused amusement among Canadians and comes during increasing trade tensions between the United States and Canada.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump issued an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America."
The renaming is part of rising trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada.
Canadians have responded by laughing at the decision, calling it a silly joke.
Lake Ontario is one of the Great Lakes shared by the U.S. and Canada.
The move reflects the ongoing strained relationship between the two countries over trade.
The order is an unusual step affecting a natural landmark important to both nations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Japan is facing heavy rain and flooding after extreme downpours in recent weeks, especially in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures. At the same time, parts of western Europe, including France and Spain, experienced severe storms with strong winds, large hail, and a tornado.
Key Facts
In Toyama, Japan, 361.5mm of rain fell in one day, about half of London’s or Paris’s yearly average rainfall.
Several rivers in Japan overflowed, causing floods and mudslides that damaged buildings.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued the highest-level rain and landslide warnings, prompting evacuations.
Typhoon Saudel recently hit southern Japan with winds up to 100 mph and heavy rain before moving toward southeast China.
The current El Niño weather pattern may increase storms and rainfall in Japan.
Western Europe saw severe storms with heavy rain, strong winds, hail up to 10 cm in Spain, and a tornado in Pomas, France.
The storms in Europe were caused by a mix of low-pressure systems, unstable air, and changing wind patterns.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A massive flood caused by a landslide hit the Nepal-Tibet border region, killing at least 469 people and leaving nearly 1,000 missing. Rescue efforts continue as thousands of police and military personnel work to find survivors and assess the damage.
Key Facts
The flood happened on August 26, 2026, in the Rasuwa district near the Nepal-Tibet border.
At least 469 bodies have been recovered so far, with nearly 1,000 people still missing in Nepal.
In Tibet, 3 people died and 558 remain missing due to the disaster.
A landslide triggered the flood, displacing over 100 million cubic meters of ice, rock, and debris.
The landslide caused a wall of water that damaged villages, roads, and bridges up to 62 miles downstream.
About 1,545 people were injured and rescued so far.
Over 8,000 police officers and military personnel are involved in rescue and recovery operations.
The United States Geological Survey recorded the landslide as a 5.2 magnitude seismic event.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the king of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom who became a monarch as a young child, has died at the age of 34. His death was announced by the kingdom’s prime minister, and a prince heir will be named according to tradition.
Key Facts
Oyo Nyimba became king at age 3 after his father’s death in 1995.
He was known as the world’s youngest king and was admired by many, including world leaders.
His death was announced by Prime Minister Calvin Rwomiire Akiiki on a Friday morning.
Oyo had been treated abroad for an unknown illness before his death.
The Tooro Kingdom is one of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms restored in 1993, with cultural but no political power.
The kingdom is located in western Uganda, near the Congo border.
Oyo never married and was considered a notable bachelor in Uganda.
Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi was a longtime supporter and friend of Oyo’s royal family before Gadhafi died in 2011.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
King Haakon VIII became Norway’s monarch after his father passed away. He represents a modern Norwegian monarchy focused on social issues, even as his family faces several scandals involving his wife, stepson, and sister.
Key Facts
Haakon VIII became king after the death of King Harald.
He focuses on issues like protecting the environment and fighting racism and homophobia.
Haakon grew up attending public schools and served three years in the Norwegian navy.
He studied political science and international politics in the U.S. and the U.K.
His wife, Mette-Marit, has a past that included a rebellious youth and controversial connections.
Mette-Marit recently had a lung transplant due to pulmonary fibrosis.
His stepson, Marius, was sentenced to four years in prison for rape and assault but has appealed.
Haakon’s sister Martha-Louise is known for promoting alternative therapies and married a man critics call a “charlatan.”
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
At least 469 people have died and over 1,500 remain missing after a large glacier collapsed in the Nepal-Tibet border region, causing massive flooding. Rescue efforts are ongoing but are difficult because many roads and bridges were destroyed.
Key Facts
A glacial collapse caused a huge flow of ice, mud, and rocks into a Himalayan river, leading to severe floods.
The flooding mostly affected Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the China border and parts of Tibet.
The death toll is at least 469 in Nepal and 3 in Tibet, with more people still missing.
Over 1,500 people are missing, including 668 tourists from 34 countries.
Many missing tourists were on trekking trips or traveling for a Hindu pilgrimage to Tibet.
The flood caused water levels in rivers to rise rapidly, by up to 9 meters (27 feet) in 30 minutes.
Rescue teams face challenges because floodwaters damaged infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Authorities are using unusual places like science academies as temporary morgues due to space shortages.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
King Harald V of Norway, Europe’s oldest monarch, died at age 89 in Oslo. He became king in 1991 and was known for modernizing the Norwegian monarchy while serving as a symbolic head of state in a democratic country.
Key Facts
King Harald V died on a Friday at 6:35 a.m. at the National Hospital in Oslo.
He was 89 years old and Europe’s oldest monarch at the time of his death.
Harald became king in January 1991 after the death of his father, King Olav V.
His son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeded him as King Haakon VIII.
The Norwegian monarchy has a mostly ceremonial role; real political power is held by the elected parliament.
Harald was born in Norway in 1937, the first Norwegian prince born there since 1370.
During World War II, Harald and his family fled to the United States to avoid Nazi occupation.
He married his school sweetheart Sonja Haraldsen after nine years, despite pressure to marry a European princess.
Harald was an accomplished sailor and represented Norway in several Olympics.
He worked to modernize the monarchy and maintain its popularity in Norway.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rescue efforts in Nepal have been paused because a new, overflowing lake upstream may cause more flooding after a deadly flash flood near the Nepal-China border. The flood has killed at least 469 people, with over 1,500 still missing between the two countries.
Key Facts
Authorities stopped rescue operations temporarily due to fears of more flooding from a newly formed lake.
The death toll in Nepal rose to 469, up from 390 the previous day.
China reported 3 deaths in Tibet from the disaster.
More than 1,500 people are missing in Nepal and China combined.
The new lake holds about 70 million cubic feet of water and is expected to increase by 106 million cubic feet soon.
The lake’s barrier is located near Gyirong Port, a border crossing flooded by mud and water.
Nepal’s military and disaster authorities have airlifted over 3,200 people from affected areas.
Rescue teams are trying to reach people trapped in a tunnel near the Nepal-China border, but mud is blocking access.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
