Kazakhstan’s new pro-government Adilet party won over 71% of the vote in the country's recent parliamentary election, which will likely strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s control. The election followed changes to the constitution that merged the parliament’s two chambers into one and allowed Tokayev to potentially run for a new seven-year term.
Key Facts
The Adilet party, formed this year and led by Tokayev’s aides, won more than 71% of the vote.
Four other parties also won seats in the 145-member parliament, all generally supporting Tokayev.
About 74% of eligible voters participated; roughly 12.6 million of 20 million people could vote.
The new parliament, called the Kurultai, replaced the former two-chamber system with a single chamber.
Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court ruled that the new constitution allows President Tokayev to run for another seven-year term.
Reforms aim to give the parliament more decision-making power instead of concentrating power in the presidency.
Tokayev has led Kazakhstan since 2019 and is working to move away from the rule of the previous long-time president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Tokayev plans to soon announce a vice president, a new post created by the constitutional changes.
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Thailand has started a new law to forgive political crimes committed over the past 20 years, but it does not include cases involving defaming the monarchy, known as lese majeste. The law aims to help heal political conflicts but excludes serious offenses like lese majeste, corruption, and violent crimes.
Key Facts
The amnesty law applies to political offenses from January 1, 2005, to July 15, 2025.
About 6,000 people could benefit from the amnesty, which can end court cases, clear records, and free prisoners.
Lese majeste cases, which involve defaming the monarchy, are not covered by the amnesty.
Lese majeste law allows anyone to report others and can lead to long prison sentences, up to 15 years.
More than 290 people, many student activists, have been charged with lese majeste since 2020.
Only about 10 people involved in lese majeste cases are expected to be eligible for the amnesty.
The law was passed by Thailand’s Parliament in July and will be overseen by a committee led by the prime minister.
Thailand’s political struggles have involved conflicts around former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and issues with the military and monarchy supporters.
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Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, a senior Muslim religious leader in Syria, was sentenced to life in prison for crimes during the country’s long war. The court found him guilty of encouraging violence, supporting killings, and misusing his official position.
Key Facts
Ahmad Hassoun served as Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 to 2021.
He was arrested at Damascus airport in March 2025 after coming out of hiding.
His trial started on June 25, 2025.
The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus gave him a life sentence on Monday.
Charges included inciting violence and justifying killings.
He was also found guilty of abusing his official role.
Syria’s war has lasted nearly 14 years.
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The UK government has asked social media companies to remove videos that show people driving dangerously, especially the wrong way on roads, after a fatal crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough that killed seven people, including two police officers. The government warned that if social media firms do not act, it will use legal powers from the Online Safety Act to force them to remove such content.
Key Facts
A fatal crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough involved a car driving the wrong way and killed seven people, including two police officers.
Some of the victims were reportedly involved in making TikTok videos showing dangerous driving.
The UK government has told social media companies to remove videos that encourage or glorify dangerous driving.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard spoke about using the Online Safety Act to compel platforms to act if they don’t remove harmful content.
Similar dangerous driving videos have caused public concern in Ireland after five teenagers died in a wrong-way crash on a motorway in County Kildare.
Irish police said some drivers on motorways are driving the wrong way to gain social media likes.
TikTok refused to participate in an Irish parliamentary committee discussion about these dangerous driving videos, citing a police investigation.
The issue highlights worries about how social media platforms regulate harmful content related to unsafe driving.
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A group of 22 former international cricket captains have sent a second letter to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asking for proper medical treatment for Imran Khan, the former cricketer and ex-prime minister. Khan was recently taken to a government hospital for a medical checkup ordered by Pakistan’s Supreme Court, but the captains question how the examination was conducted and whether it followed the court’s instructions.
Key Facts
Imran Khan, once Pakistan’s cricket captain and prime minister, was taken to a government hospital for a medical exam.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered Khan’s transfer for a checkup by a medical board including his doctors and sister.
Khan was examined by a state-appointed team instead, and declared medically fit after a few hours.
The former cricket captains say the hospital exam did not follow the court’s order fully.
These captains include famous players from India and Australia, who have written to the Pakistani prime minister twice.
Khan’s family claims his health is poor, including severe vision loss in one eye; the government disputes this.
The government says Khan was examined by doctors from the private hospital but could not be moved there for security reasons.
Khan is currently held in Adiala prison in Rawalpindi.
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Victoria police arrested two men and seized drugs, guns, and vehicles linked to the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) during an investigation into corruption in the building industry. The police are probing secret commissions, fraud, and drug trafficking as part of an ongoing operation targeting organized crime in construction.
Key Facts
Two men were charged: one for possessing a Schedule 4 drug, another for not properly storing a firearm and ammunition.
Police seized four union vehicles, drugs, a rifle, ammunition, phones, laptops, documents, and USB devices.
No CFMEU officials have been charged; the union says it is cooperating with police.
The investigation targets secret commissions, which means illegal payments made secretly to influence business.
Operation Hawk started in July 2024 and focuses on crime in the construction industry, including links to outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Victoria police are working with industry groups, regulators, and government to gather intelligence.
The CFMEU administration has reformed and states it will not tolerate criminals in the union.
The corruption scandal contributed to the resignation of Victoria’s former premier Jacinta Allan and led to a royal commission announced by the new premier Ben Carroll.
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Since the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran started six months ago, petrol prices have risen in at least 145 countries, causing higher costs for consumers worldwide. Higher oil prices are also pushing up food costs, as fuel is important for growing, shipping, and storing food.
Key Facts
Petrol prices rose most in Myanmar by 56%, from $0.77 to $1.20 per litre since February 23.
Other countries with large petrol price increases include Bhutan (55%), Cuba (51%), UAE (50%), and Nigeria (48%).
In the US, petrol price increased 39%, from $2.94 to $4.09 per gallon.
Due to higher petrol costs, $50 worth of fuel now lets a US family sedan drive 25% less distance than before (536 km instead of 718 km).
Oil prices strongly affect food costs because fertilizers and transportation rely on fuel.
Low-income countries are more vulnerable to food shortages as they spend more on food and import key farming supplies.
Oil is used to make many daily products including plastics, clothes, cosmetics, and household items.
Natural gas, a petroleum product, is essential for fertilizers that help produce enough food globally.
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U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and several European leaders arrived in Kyiv on August 23, 2026, to mark Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day. Burnham plans to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discuss defense cooperation, including sharing classified information to help Ukraine produce long-range missiles.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the U.K. Prime Minister and this is his first trip abroad since taking office.
He arrived in Kyiv on August 23, 2026, the day before Ukraine's Independence Day.
Other European leaders visiting include Antonio Costa (European Council), Maia Sandu (Moldova), Luc Frieden (Luxembourg), and Alar Karis (Estonia).
Burnham is expected to announce that the U.K. will allow defense company MBDA to share classified info on British parts used in the SCALP missile.
This move will help France and Ukraine work together to produce the SCALP missile locally in Ukraine.
The SCALP missile is similar to the UK's Storm Shadow missile; both use technology from France and Britain.
Ukraine celebrates 35 years of independence since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
The leaders will also hold a "coalition of the willing" meeting focused on supporting Ukraine.
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King Harald of Norway, 89 years old, was hospitalized last week due to a bacterial blood infection. He is currently stable and receiving antibiotics while his son, Crown Prince Haakon, is acting as regent.
Key Facts
King Harald has been on sick leave for several weeks.
He was admitted to the National Hospital about a week ago.
The king has a bacterial blood infection and is being treated with antibiotics.
His condition is stable according to the royal palace.
Crown Prince Haakon is serving as regent during the king’s illness.
King Harald also suffers from hemolytic anemia, a condition affecting red blood cells.
He was being treated with cortisone, which caused fluid buildup requiring hospital care.
King Harald has been Norway’s monarch since 1991 and has had several hospital stays in recent years.
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Helicopters and firefighters from EU countries and Russia are helping Serbia fight large wildfires in nature reserves near Belgrade and in southwestern mountains. Serbia asked for international help after its own resources were not enough, and teams from several countries continue working to control the fires.
Key Facts
Wildfires have been burning for weeks in the Deliblatska Pescara nature reserve near Belgrade, Serbia.
Another fire in the Stolovi mountain range was brought under control with help from a Russian water-bombing aircraft.
Serbia requested assistance from both the EU and Russia after its own firefighting forces were insufficient.
The EU sent four Black Hawk helicopters from Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, plus firefighters and vehicles from Germany and Romania.
Over 400 personnel work daily in the affected areas, dropping a total of 168 tonnes of water on the fires.
Serbia is not an EU member but can request aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Serbia had previously helped Spain by sending firefighting resources during its wildfire season.
Wildfires are also affecting neighboring countries, including fires near Strumica in North Macedonia and along the Bosnia-Croatia border, where cross-border cooperation is ongoing to control the flames.
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Kyiv, Ukraine, with several European leaders to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day. During the visit, Burnham announced that the UK will allow the sharing of secret information about British long-range missile parts to help Ukraine produce its own missiles.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day.
He was joined by leaders from the European Council, Luxembourg, Moldova, and Estonia.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed the visitors and highlighted the importance of allies.
The UK government will permit the European defense company MBDA to share classified details about UK-made parts of the Storm Shadow/Scalp missiles.
This information will help Ukraine develop its own long-range missiles.
The move aims to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities during the ongoing conflict.
The visit and announcement show strong UK and European support for Ukraine.
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Gaza’s healthcare system is collapsing due to ongoing war damage and lack of resources. Many hospitals and clinics are damaged or closed, making it very hard for displaced and sick people to get medical care, especially in informal camps where basic services are missing.
Key Facts
Gaza’s healthcare system is worsening despite no recent bombings of hospitals.
Many displaced people live in informal camps with no medical services.
A local medical team provided free check-ups and saw over 150 patients with various health problems.
Patients face obstacles like high transportation costs, long distances, and extreme heat to reach doctors.
Only 6 out of 22 UNRWA clinics that helped refugees before the war are currently open.
19 of Gaza’s 34 hospitals are partially functioning, often with major wards closed.
There are only 2,200 hospital beds available for about 2 million people in Gaza.
Lack of medication and delayed care worsen diseases and increase health risks for the population.
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Police identified Benjamin Charles Parker, 36, as the suspect in the killing of five people found at a rural property in Oregon. Parker was found dead by apparent suicide in Washington state the day after the victims were discovered.
Key Facts
Five bodies were found at a rural property near Forest Grove, Oregon.
The victims were discovered after a vehicle fire was reported on Saturday morning.
Benjamin Charles Parker was named as the suspect by police.
Parker was found dead inside his vehicle in Washington state on Sunday.
Authorities believe Parker died by suicide.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said there is no active danger to the public.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are asking for information from the public.
The case is described as very complex by the sheriff.
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The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will announce new sanctions against Iran, calling the effort the largest financial attack against an enemy. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman will continue talks to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil transport. Iran’s president supports a previous U.S.-Iran agreement as the best way to end the current conflict, despite the deal’s deadline passing without progress.
Key Facts
The U.S. plans new economic sanctions against Iran, described as the biggest financial attack ever on a country.
Treasury Secretary Bessent urges Iran’s allies to cut ties with Iran to improve their own global economic standing.
Talks between Iran and Oman will continue about managing ship traffic and possible fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway used by many ships, especially for oil transportation.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding signed in June is still the best path to peace.
The U.S.-Iran deal set a 60-day limit for negotiations, but the deadline passed without agreement, and both sides declared it dead.
President Trump supported shifting to stronger economic pressure on Iran after military efforts and failed talks.
Oman’s foreign minister will visit Tehran to continue discussions about the Strait of Hormuz.
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Ukraine is hosting a meeting in Kyiv with its main European allies to talk about increasing air defense against rising Russian missile attacks. Leaders from the UK, France, and Germany are leading the meeting, which aims to secure more interceptor missiles to protect Ukraine’s capital and support the country’s defense efforts.
Key Facts
Ukraine’s “Coalition of the Willing” meeting on air defense is held in Kyiv, chaired by leaders from the UK, France, and Germany.
Most leaders will join the meeting by video call; a few foreign officials will attend in person.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is visiting Kyiv for his first foreign trip since taking office.
Ukraine has faced increasing missile and drone attacks from Russia, causing many in Kyiv to seek shelter underground.
Ukraine is asking allies for more interceptor missiles, as deliveries of Patriot missiles have decreased since 2023.
Attacks have targeted Russian logistics and e-commerce sites, causing fires and evacuations in southern Russia.
Russian attacks have killed civilians, including children; Ukrainian attacks have also caused casualties near Kharkiv.
Norway pledged to provide nearly $9.1 billion more in aid to Ukraine by 2027, matching its current support.
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New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed a law to ban children under 16 from using social media. The law would require platforms like Instagram and TikTok to check users' ages and could fine companies that do not comply. However, the proposal has not gained enough support to become law before the upcoming election.
Key Facts
The proposed law bans children under 16 from using social media platforms.
Platforms affected include Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook.
Social media companies would need to verify users’ ages using existing account data, facial age checks, digital ID, or formal ID.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp, gaming platforms like Roblox, and AI tools like ChatGPT are excluded.
No penalties are planned for parents or children, but tech companies could be fined up to 10% of global revenue for violations.
The proposal has divided the coalition government; two of three coalition parties oppose it.
The law requires three voting stages in Parliament and was not passed before Parliament dissolved ahead of the November election.
Similar age restrictions have been introduced or planned in countries like Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia.
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Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is visiting Tehran for the third time this year to meet senior Iranian officials. His trip aims to support peace and security efforts in the region and to help mediate an end to the conflict involving the United States and Iran.
Key Facts
Field Marshal Asim Munir is Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces.
Munir is traveling to Tehran for talks with Iran’s senior officials.
This is his third visit to Iran in 2026.
The visit follows recent phone talks between Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about regional peace and security.
Pakistan hopes to help mediate the US-Iran conflict and strengthen regional stability.
Munir may discuss the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye.
The talks could address security concerns related to Yemen’s Houthi fighters, who are believed to be supported by Iran.
The visit comes after attacks by the Houthis killed three Pakistani sailors in August.
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A group of Japanese lawmakers from different parties visited Beijing to meet Chinese officials. They aim to improve relations after tensions arose from a statement by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan.
Key Facts
The lawmakers include members from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and two opposition parties.
They are meeting Chinese Communist Party officials from Monday through Thursday.
Relations between Japan and China worsened after Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival.
Taiwan is a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory.
Communication between Japan and China has stopped in many official areas, affecting their relationship.
The Chinese side agreed to this meeting as a chance to start dialogue again.
Takaichi did not take back her Taiwan comment but showed restraint by praying remotely on a sensitive anniversary instead of visiting a controversial shrine.
The diplomatic visit seeks to ease economic and political tensions between the two countries.
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More than 1,000 little penguins on Phillip Island, Victoria, have received their first dose of a bird flu vaccine, making it possibly the largest vaccination effort for wild birds in the world. The program aims to protect around 5,000 penguins from the H5N1 bird flu, which has already caused deaths in some nearby islands.
Key Facts
Over 1,000 little penguins have been vaccinated against bird flu on Phillip Island.
About 5,000 penguins on Phillip Island and St Kilda are expected to get two doses of the vaccine.
Little penguins return to the same burrows nightly, helping the vaccination process.
The vaccination uses the H5N1 vaccine, targeting a deadly strain of bird flu.
Some penguins on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) and King Island (Tasmania) have died or tested positive for bird flu.
The penguin population on Phillip Island is around 40,000 birds.
The vaccination program was started by the Victorian government with vaccines supplied by the federal agriculture department.
Experts warn vaccination alone may not be enough and stress the importance of biosecurity measures to prevent bird flu spread.
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Aleksander Ceferin, head of European football (UEFA), said he will not try to replace FIFA president Gianni Infantino but told Infantino to quit or face a leadership challenge. Infantino faces criticism over a failed plan to allow private investment in FIFA tournaments, and some football groups are withdrawing support from him ahead of a March election.
Key Facts
Aleksander Ceferin says he is not interested in becoming FIFA president.
Ceferin criticizes Infantino’s plan to get private investors to run FIFA tournaments, which is now abandoned.
UEFA and some other football federations have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions due to Infantino’s actions.
Ceferin predicts Infantino will either step down or face an opponent in the next FIFA presidential election in March.
Infantino has support from African and South American football groups but is losing backing from European, Asian, and North/Central American federations.
Infantino visited the Dominican Republic to seek support despite recent controversies.
FIFA has not publicly commented on Ceferin’s criticism.
Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016 and aims to be re-elected until 2031.
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