Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema won a second five-year term with 60% of the vote, according to the electoral commission. His main rival, Brian Mundubile, received 38% and claimed irregularities, while some opposition figures were arrested over alleged insurrection plans.
Key Facts
President Hakainde Hichilema was re-elected with 60% of the vote.
Challenger Brian Mundubile got 38% and alleged voting problems without evidence.
Several opposition leaders were arrested accused of plotting an insurrection.
Mundubile denied these claims and said security forces attacked his home.
Voting counting was briefly paused due to reports of violence and stolen ballots but then resumed.
Observers said election day was mostly peaceful but noted concerns about media freedom and late rule changes.
International observers warned restrictions on the opposition may have affected the fairness of the election.
Zambia has a history of peaceful transfers of power since 1991.
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Israeli settlers have surrounded three Palestinian families in Qusra, a town in the occupied West Bank, cutting off access to supplies and emergency help for over a week. Despite international criticism and pressure, the settlers continue their actions, often with the presence or support of Israeli soldiers.
Key Facts
The siege is happening in Qusra, near Nablus in the occupied West Bank.
Three Palestinian families, including one with a Palestinian-American resident, are trapped at home without basic supplies.
Similar settler sieges have occurred recently, such as against the al-Tubassi family in Jalud.
The United Nations, European countries, and the White House have condemned the settler violence.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the besieging settlers “Israeli terrorists,” opposing the Israeli government's stance.
Israeli military ordered the families to leave, converted nearby homes to military use, and soldiers entered Qusra.
Officials say they plan to give Israeli police more law enforcement roles in the West Bank, which some critics fear may promote further Israeli control.
Despite criticism, settlers continued similar actions in nearby areas, sometimes backed by soldiers preventing aid or detaining Palestinians.
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The ongoing conflict and blockade in Gaza have caused serious problems for breast cancer patients. Hospitals are running out of medicine and equipment, making it hard for women to get early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Key Facts
Gaza’s healthcare system is under severe strain due to the ongoing war and blockade by Israel since October 2023.
There are about 10,000 cancer cases in Gaza, with over 2,000 new cases each year.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Gaza.
Hospitals like Yafa Medical Hospital often have broken mammography machines and no spare parts to fix them.
Since the conflict began, there has been a 40% or more increase in advanced cancer cases.
More than 4,000 women wait to travel outside Gaza for treatment, and delays are causing deaths.
Shortages of radiotherapy and cancer medicines slow down recovery rates.
Psychological stress from the conflict also negatively affects patients' health and recovery.
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A 55-year-old man in Wakefield died after being bitten by a dog during an argument on a footpath. Another man, Lee Ellis, has been charged with manslaughter and for having a dangerous dog that caused injury leading to death.
Key Facts
The incident happened on an old train line footpath near Blacker Lane in Calder Grove, Wakefield.
The man who died was 55 years old and was bitten by a dog during an altercation.
Lee Ellis, also 55 and from Calder Grove, was charged with manslaughter.
Ellis was also charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury that resulted in death.
He is currently in custody and will appear in Leeds magistrates court on Tuesday.
The dog involved is a German shepherd and is being held by police in kennels.
West Yorkshire police are handling the investigation.
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A student leader in Jharkhand, India, ended a 16-day hunger strike after the government agreed to cancel a controversial job exam amid protests over exam irregularities. The protesters continue their demonstrations, demanding a national agency investigate other exams with alleged cheating.
Key Facts
Devendra Nath Mahto ended his hunger strike in a hospital in Ranchi after 16 days.
Protesters allege cheating and question paper leaks in government recruitment exams.
Jharkhand’s government canceled the preliminary civil service exam and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission combined graduate exam.
The state’s Criminal Investigation Department is investigating exam irregularities and has made arrests, including the head of the Public Service Commission.
The chief minister said shocking facts have emerged but gave few details as investigations continue.
Exams conducted by a private agency, TSR Data Processing Private Limited, will be canceled, and recruitment exams since 2014 will be reviewed.
Protesters want the Central Bureau of Investigation to lead the probe and have vowed to continue protests until that happens.
The ruling alliance in Jharkhand faces pressure, while the opposition BJP supports the protesters.
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Russia has warned the UK about consequences after reports said Ukraine used British drones to attack targets inside Russia. Ukraine has increased long-range strikes on Russian military and industrial sites, aiming to impact Russia’s war resources and public morale. Both sides have intensified attacks, causing civilian casualties and damaging infrastructure.
Key Facts
Ukraine reportedly used drones made by two UK companies to strike inside Russia for the first time.
Russia’s embassy in the UK said Britain is escalating the Ukraine conflict and warned of consequences.
The UK government stated it supports Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine’s drone attacks have increased, with three times more strikes in July compared to January.
Russia claims it shot down 598 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions, seas, and Crimea.
Recent attacks killed civilians on both sides, including at least seven in Russia and five in Ukraine overnight.
Ukraine has developed homegrown drones and cruise missiles to strike targets up to 1,500 miles away.
Both Russian and Ukrainian air defenses are heavily strained, raising concerns about increasing civilian harm.
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Video shows Israeli settler children blocking and attacking an ambulance in the Tel Rumeida area of Hebron, located in the occupied West Bank. The ambulance was carrying a patient at the time of the incident.
Key Facts
The incident took place in the Tel Rumeida neighborhood of Hebron.
The area is part of the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settler children were involved in attacking and blocking the ambulance.
The injured party was being transported in the ambulance during the attack.
The video was released by the Palestinian Red Crescent, an emergency medical organization in the area.
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A man in West Yorkshire was charged with manslaughter after another man died from injuries caused by a dog bite during a fight on a footpath. The incident happened on a disused railway line in Calder Grove, and the injured man later died in the hospital.
Key Facts
A 55-year-old man was seriously hurt during an incident involving a dog on a footpath in Calder Grove, Wakefield.
The injured man died in hospital about six hours after the incident.
Lee Ellis, 55, has been charged with manslaughter and owning a dog dangerously out of control.
The dog involved is believed to be a German Shepherd and was taken by the police.
Lee Ellis was held in custody and was scheduled to appear in court soon.
The incident took place around 1:30 pm on a disused railway line off Blacker Lane.
West Yorkshire Police are handling the case.
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Doctors in Sri Lanka removed a very large bladder stone weighing 3.1 kg from a 55-year-old man. This stone is believed to be the biggest bladder stone ever taken out through surgery.
Key Facts
The surgery happened last week in a hospital in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
The patient was first admitted due to a stroke and later found to have bladder stones because he had trouble urinating.
The removed stone weighed as much as a newborn baby and was about the size of an ostrich egg, around 17 cm wide.
Doctors believe the stone had been in the man's bladder for 5 to 10 years.
Bladder stones form when minerals in urine turn into solid lumps, often if urine stays too long in the bladder.
Stones larger than 4 cm are called giant bladder stones and usually need surgery.
The previous largest bladder stone recorded by Guinness World Records weighed 1.9 kg and was removed in Brazil in 2003.
The patient’s health is now stable, and he is still receiving treatment for other medical issues.
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South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung emphasized that a strong military alliance with the United States is important for national security. This came after U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly ordered a large cut to joint military exercises with South Korea, causing concern and confusion in South Korea about the future of the alliance and regional security.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered a "substantial reduction" of joint military exercises with South Korea just before scheduled drills began.
The exercises, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, are annual drills focused on preparing against North Korean threats.
Trump stated his decision was influenced by his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s refusal to join a U.S. war against Iran.
The cut to exercises was made without consulting South Korea, raising worries about trust between the allies.
Many South Koreans feel uneasy about the reliability of the U.S. alliance due to past actions like U.S. tariffs and immigration raids affecting South Korean workers.
South Korean President Lee said national security improves with a solid U.S. alliance and that South Korea must strengthen itself to be a more valuable ally.
North Korea condemned the joint drills and warned it would respond with stronger military measures.
Experts say North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un likely will not return to talks with the U.S. unless offered major concessions.
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More than 620 drones attacked the Moscow region overnight, making it one of the biggest drone attacks on the city in years. Russian officials said many drones were shot down, but some caused damage and injuries. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported fighting off most drone attacks and dealing with injuries from Russian strikes on its cities.
Key Facts
Over 620 drones targeted the Moscow region overnight.
Russian defenses shot down at least 197 drones heading toward Moscow.
The drone attack injured three people in the Moscow region, including a 10-year-old girl.
Some homes, warehouses, and a logistics complex in Moscow’s outskirts were damaged.
Ukraine claims it attacked warehouses supplying parts for Russian drones.
Ukrainian forces shot down or suppressed 111 out of 147 drone attacks overnight.
Five people, including a 9-year-old boy, were injured in Russian attacks on the Ukrainian city of Izyum.
Civilian deaths in July were high on both sides, with 437 killed in Ukraine and 79 in Russia during attacks.
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A ship was hit by an unknown object in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room and causing a crew member to be hurt. The Omani coastguard is helping the crew, and British maritime authorities are investigating the incident while warning other ships to be careful.
Key Facts
The vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The engine room was damaged, and there was at least one crew casualty.
The Omani coastguard is assisting the ship’s remaining crew members.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) is investigating who or what caused the strike.
No environmental damage has been reported so far.
UKMTO advised ships in the area to be cautious and report suspicious activities.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is very limited, down from over 130 daily crossings to fewer than 10.
The US and Israel began a war on Iran, leading to Iran blocking the strait and attacking commercial ships.
A US-Iran agreement aiming to ease tensions in the strait expired recently.
Iran and Oman are holding talks about future navigation rules for the strait.
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Russian officials said that 620 drones targeted the Moscow region overnight, causing several injuries and damage to buildings. Russian air defenses intercepted over 180 drones, and some damage occurred to a warehouse owned by the company Wildberries, which Ukraine says supplies parts for Russian drones.
Key Facts
A total of 620 drones flew toward the Moscow region in one night.
Russian air defense shot down more than 180 drones over Moscow.
Three people were wounded in the attack, including a 10-year-old girl.
A house burned down in the Pavlovsky Posad district during the attack.
A warehouse belonging to Wildberries, a large e-commerce company, was hit by drone debris.
Ukraine has conducted multiple attacks on Wildberries warehouses, accusing the company of helping Russia's drone efforts.
The drone attacks represent an increase in long-distance strikes amid stalled frontline fighting and frozen peace talks.
Civilians continue to suffer higher death tolls as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies.
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China has introduced a new shipping route called the "Ice Silk Road" that passes through the Arctic Ocean to connect China and Europe. This route could provide an alternative to traditional shipping lanes in the Middle East, which have been disrupted by conflict, but it is only usable in summer months when Arctic ice melts.
Key Facts
The Ice Silk Road starts in Ningbo, China, follows Russia’s Northern Sea Route through the Arctic, then goes south to Felixstowe, England.
A test shipment last October took 20 days, much faster than 40 days via the Suez Canal or 50 days around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.
The route is better for cargo sensitive to heat and time, such as lithium-ion batteries and solar power products.
Arctic sea ice has decreased significantly, making the route possible during summer but impassable in winter due to ice.
The route depends on seasonal melting of ice and is not available year-round.
Environmental groups criticize Arctic shipping for potentially speeding up ice melting.
The route passes through Russia’s Northern Sea Route, involving geopolitical and access challenges.
The Middle East crisis, including conflicts around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, has increased interest in alternative routes.
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A new study ranked all 296 local areas in England by how friendly and connected people feel. The Isles of Scilly was named the friendliest place, while Barking and Dagenham ranked as the least friendly. The study aims to start a conversation about social connection and division in the UK.
Key Facts
The study used government data measuring neighbor interactions, loneliness, local pride, and community involvement.
The Isles of Scilly topped the list as the friendliest place in England.
Barking and Dagenham was rated the least friendly area.
Other friendly areas include South Hams, West Devon, Derbyshire Dales, and Richmond upon Thames.
The findings support a project called the National Conversation, inviting people to share experiences and views on social connection.
The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion will use survey results for a report on social division in the UK.
The commission warns that factors like immigration issues, cost of living, and social media extremism worsen social disconnection.
The National Conversation survey is open until the end of August for public input.
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China announced new border rules starting September 15 that increase government control over who can leave the country. These rules allow officials to check travelers more closely and ban Chinese citizens from leaving for up to three years under certain conditions, such as using fake documents or threatening national security.
Key Facts
The new rules take effect on September 15, 2026.
Travelers may need to provide extra information and documents about their travel reasons.
Providing false documents or statements can lead to bans on leaving or entering China.
Chinese citizens involved in illegal exits or activities threatening national security abroad can face exit bans from six months to three years.
Violations related to exporting or importing technology that harm China’s industrial security can also result in travel bans.
The rules formalize powers that border officials already had but now clearly state them in writing.
Citizens banned from leaving have limited ways to challenge the decision, as authorities do not need to give detailed reasons for national security cases.
The new rules have sparked discussions about travel freedom on Chinese social media.
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A strong earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Flores, killing at least 68 people and injuring over 200. More than 19,000 people have lost their homes and are living in temporary shelters while rescue efforts continue.
Key Facts
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 and struck early on Saturday at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).
At least 68 people died and more than 213 were injured due to the earthquake.
Around 19,000 people are displaced, living in tents, evacuation centers, and makeshift camps.
About 4,500 homes were damaged or destroyed by the quake.
The disaster also damaged 122 health facilities, 252 schools, and 84 places of worship.
Over 2,100 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quake, with 70 felt by residents.
Residents experienced fear and trauma, especially children, as many buildings, including schools and houses, were destroyed.
Rescue teams are actively evacuating and providing medical aid, including helicopter evacuations.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for faster progress in gaining full wartime control of South Korean forces from the US and in developing nuclear-powered submarines. This follows President Donald Trump’s order to significantly reduce joint military drills between South Korea and the US, citing improved relations with North Korea.
Key Facts
President Trump instructed the Pentagon to cut joint military exercises with South Korea this week.
Trump said North Korea has been “unthreatening and respectful” and praised his relationship with Kim Jong-un.
South Korea wants to regain wartime operational control (Opcon) from the US, a goal delayed for decades.
The US has led wartime command of South Korean forces since the Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty.
South Korea took back peacetime control of its military in 1994 but not wartime control.
This week’s drills, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, were planned to certify South Korea’s readiness to take over wartime control.
President Lee emphasized that strengthening South Korea’s military also strengthens the US-South Korea alliance.
Trump has previously paused or reduced joint US-South Korea exercises during talks with North Korea.
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President Donald Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has replied to his request for talks, describing their exchange as positive. Trump also ordered the Pentagon to reduce joint military drills with South Korea, linking the decision to Seoul’s refusal to support a U.S.-led war effort against Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump said Kim Jong Un responded to his request for a conversation.
Trump described the interaction between him and Kim as “very positive” but gave no details.
Trump ordered a significant reduction in U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
He said these drills send a hostile message to North Korea and are costly.
Trump criticized South Korea for not helping the U.S. in a military operation against Iran.
South Korea said the drills started as planned and are meant to protect peace, not attack North Korea.
North Korea has strengthened ties with Russia and China and supported Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
Trump's relationship with Kim has been less prominent than during his first term, but he remains interested in direct talks.
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Simon Levy, a registered sex offender, was sentenced to life in prison for killing two women who were involved in sex work. The case highlights how women who sell sex often face violence and do not receive proper protection or support from the justice system.
Key Facts
Simon Levy was sentenced to a rare whole life tariff for murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins.
Both victims, and others targeted by Levy, were vulnerable women involved in sex work.
Levy believed he could harm these women without consequences because of their profession.
Women who sell sex often face high levels of violence but are reluctant to report it to police.
A UK charity, National Ugly Mugs, helps sex workers report violence, mostly anonymously.
Only 8% of violent incidents reported to this charity are shared with the police.
A 2024 Scotland survey found 90% of women in prostitution experienced violence; many had past sexual abuse or exploitation.
Police have shown dismissive attitudes towards sex workers, contributing to ongoing risks.
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