For communities across Africa, rain can mean the difference between a successful harvest and hunger. For generations, traditional spiritual leaders known as rainmakers have played an important cultural role, with communities turning to rituals believed to influence rainfall. But changing weather patterns and growing climate pressures are challenging these traditions. In Uganda and elsewhere, unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spells and shifting seasons are making it harder to rely on traditional knowledge alone. The changing climate is forcing communities to navigate the intersection of culture, spirituality, agriculture and increasingly unpredictable weather.

Climate change tests Africa’s traditions 

The Panama Canal, a crucial global trade lifeline, is facing mounting pressure as drought reduces the water available to operate the waterway. Intensifying dry conditions have forced authorities to consider limiting the number of ships crossing the canal, raising concerns for global trade, shipping costs and supply chains. At the heart of the crisis is a changing climate, with El Niño contributing to unusually dry conditions. As water levels fall, the Panama Canal’s struggle highlights how extreme weather can disrupt one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

Drought slows ships on Panama Canal 

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to halt strikes on Russia's diesel fuel infrastructure, warning that the attacks are "hurting the world" by driving up global fuel shortages. Speaking to reporters in Doonbeg, Ireland, Trump stated that while Ukraine can pursue other military targets, it must stop knocking out Russian diesel refineries. Trump stated that Ukraine's targeted strikes are directly triggering global diesel shortages and rising energy costs. This comes as Ukraine says Russia is destroying its railway network. Russia said Sunday it struck "railway infrastructure" in western Ukraine used to "transport military cargo" from Europe, after Poland and Ukraine said Moscow hit a Warsaw-bound passenger train and an area near the Polish border.

EU extends deadline on Russia sanctions: NATO jets shoot down drone over Lithuania

US President Donald Trump Downplayed a New Report Linked Satellite Imagery Provided by Chinese Entities to an Iranian Strike on Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. Three u.s. Military Personnel Lost Their Lives in This Attack on July 17.

Trump downplays China's alleged 'help' to Iran in strike on Jordan base

India’s latest defence assessment has flagged a reduction in Chinese troop deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), offering a fresh development in the ongoing India-China border situation. The report highlights changes in China’s military posture along the disputed frontier.

China scaled back troops along Lac in 2025 amid thaw in ties with India

Whether It Is for the Brutal War in Gaza or Growing Settler Violence in West Bank, Israel Is Getting Increasingly Isolated Globally. Even Brics Called Out Israel Over Its Role in Gaza and Lebanon and Supported the Creation of an Independent State of Palestine.

Strong BRICS resolution on Palestine isolates Israel after American snub

Calls for reforming and restructuring the United Nations Security Council are growing, with developing countries demanding greater representation and a stronger voice in global decision-making. 

UNSC reform, restructuring and ensuring representation of developing countries

Iran says the Houthis make their own decisions based on their interests, highlighting the complex relationship between Tehran and the Houthi movement in Yemen. 

Iran: Houthis make their decisions based on their own interests

Kenya is set to head toward presidential elections in 2027, with political tensions and public protests shaping the country’s political landscape. As parties and leaders prepare for the next presidential contest, economic concerns, governance issues and demands from citizens are expected to remain key factors ahead of the polls.


Kenya protests: Kenya to head for presidential polls in 2027

Israeli ministers have called for the citizenship of directors behind the controversial film Naza to be revoked, sparking a heated political and public debate in Israel. The demand has triggered outrage and raised questions over artistic expression, political pressure and citizenship rights.


Israeli ministers demand directors lose citizenship | 'Naza' sparks outrage in Israel

The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of growing geopolitical tensions, with threats, attacks and maritime standoffs unfolding over the past six months. This timeline tracks the key incidents, major flashpoints and escalating tensions that have put the strategic waterway under global scrutiny and raised concerns over shipping, oil supplies and regional security.


Hormuz tensions: Six months of threats, attacks & standoffs

Natural caffeine sources are gaining popularity as consumers look for alternatives to traditional coffee and energy drinks. Matcha and caffeine-rich botanicals are emerging as popular choices, offering a steadier energy boost and a calmer experience. From matcha to plant-based ingredients, the trend reflects growing interest in natural energy sources and mindful consumption.


Natural caffeine sources gain popularity; matcha & botanicals offer calm energy

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations are underway across Mumbai as thousands of devotees gather at the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. The revered Ganesh idol draws massive crowds seeking blessings during the festival, with elaborate decorations and vibrant celebrations marking the occasion.


Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Devotees throng the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in Mumbai

During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met and agreed to deepen political and humanitarian ties.


BRICS summit 2026: Iran, India agree to deepen humanitarian and political ties

Survivors of the Indonesia ferry tragedy have been brought to a temporary medical facility at Trisakti Port for treatment and medical checks. Rescue teams continue to respond as authorities assess the aftermath of the ferry incident and work to account for those affected.


Indonesia ferry tragedy: Survivors brought to temporary medical facility at Trisakti Port

According to the Ministry of Defence's latest annual report, India and China are experiencing a gradual diplomatic and military stabilization along the northern frontier. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has scaled back its troop presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), maintaining 10 combined arms brigades near the border alongside equal reserves in traditional training areas. While the report characterizes the border situation as stable, the Indian Army maintains a robust, high state of readiness across all sectors to meet any contingency. 

India-China reset: Will diplomatic thaw reflect along lac?

Are India-China coming closer? China thins Himalayan troop presence! 

If you’re looking at Singapore’s skyline today, you might notice something very different—it’s almost disappearing behind a thick blanket of haze. Smoke from wildfires burning across Indonesia is drifting towards Singapore, pushing air quality into the unhealthy range. Watch for complete details on pollution readings and weather patterns.

Pollution blankets Singapore city

A wildfire is causing serious concern in southern Spain after flames swept through the hills near the famous Costa del Sol. Three people have been injured in the fire, including one person who suffered burns and had to be taken to the hospital. Watch for live reports and visual updates.



Wildfire rages near Costa Del Sol homes

It has been nearly three weeks since catastrophic flash floods, triggered by a glacial mountain collapse, tore through northern Nepal. In the wake of the disaster, 1,385 lives have been confirmed lost, with thousands more still unaccounted for. Watch for full on-ground updates and humanitarian analysis.


5,130 remain unaccounted in Nepal floods 

BRICS nations will work on early warning data integration by using a shared reference framework to share risk information, improve weather forecasting, and take early action against disasters. Watch for detailed analysis on cross-border emergency response models and technological integrations.


BRICS set of guidelines for disaster management

A train carrying Boris Johnson and the former CIA chief David Petraeus may have been the target of a Russian drone strike that hit a train engine near the Poland-Ukraine border, according to Ukrainian Railways.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, described the attack as “Putin’s terror knocking directly on the doors of the EU and Nato”.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian train hit near Polish border 

Voting began on Monday in the Philippines' Muslim-majority south under heightened ​security after three people were killed and 15 wounded in violence on the eve of the historic election.
The vote is ‌seen as a crucial test of efforts seeking to bring lasting peace and development to a region once torn by separatist conflict and extremism which peaked in the 2017 siege of Marawi City by Islamic State-linked militants.

Philippines elections: Three shot dead, 15 wounded ahead of polls

Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden reportedly had plans to target India, according to documents linked to his terror network. The revelations shed light on the organisation’s plans and its interest in expanding its operations beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan. The alleged India plot highlights the broader terror threat posed by Al-Qaeda and its leadership.


Osama Bin Laden ‘planned’ to target India, CIA reveals dozens of declassified documents 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses world leaders at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The summit brings together leaders of major emerging economies to discuss trade, development, global governance and strategic cooperation. Modi is expected to outline India’s vision for a stronger and more inclusive BRICS partnership. Watch WION’s LIVE coverage for key announcements, major speeches and the latest updates from the summit.


BRICS Summit 2026: PM Modi addresses Day 2 of 18th BRICS summit 

Chinese President Xi Jinping has departed New Delhi after attending the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India. Xi joined other global leaders for key discussions on economic cooperation, global security and pressing international issues. His departure marks the end of his participation in the summit. Stay with WION for the latest updates from BRICS Summit 2026.


BRICS Summit 2026: Chinese president Xi Jinping departs from New Delhi after attending BRICS summit

Day 1 of the BRICS Summit ended on a high note for India, all 11 members unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration, overcoming sharp Iran-UAE differences over West Asia after days of tense negotiations. PM Modi packed the day with bilaterals, including a landmark meeting with Xi Jinping. With the main open session done and dusted, all eyes now turn to Day 2, where the agenda shifts to inclusive global growth and the BRICS+ outreach nations.


BRICS Summit: New Delhi declaration adopted with full consensus, big diplomatic win for India

Escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities and simultaneous maritime threats at the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-al-Mandeb have pushed global oil prices past $100 per barrel. With crude transport through Hormuz severely disrupted, energy exporters relying on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea pipelines face secondary blockade threats along the Bab-al-Mandeb passage. Together, these two strategic chokepoints govern nearly 30% of global seaborne oil trade, leaving international supply chains and energy security facing acute disruption risks. Watch for detailed analysis of the evolving crisis.  


Price of Iran-U.S. War: Hormuz, Bab-al-Mandeb put global oil supplies at risk

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the 2026 BRICS Summit aboard his heavily guarded Ilyushin Il-96-300PU, known as the "Flying Kremlin" or "Doomsday Plane." Operating as a fully mobile airborne command center, the high-security aircraft features advanced radar-jamming tech, encrypted satellite communications, and anti-missile defense systems alongside luxurious presidential suites. Watch for full details on the security architecture and high-stakes arrival of President Putin in India. 

Putin’s 'doomsday plane' in Delhi: Inside the secretive 'flying Kremlin' aircraft 

Marking two decades since its inception, the expanded 11-member BRICS bloc is pushing to transform the Global South from passive "rule-takers" into active "rule-shapers" of the international system. As world leaders gather in New Delhi, the key question remains whether a diverse group of nations can forge sustainable consensus, challenge Western-dominated institutions, and act as a stabilizing force in a fractured global order.

 The verdict-BRICS at 20: Can the expanded bloc rewrite the rules of global power? 

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea early Saturday, just a day after the US, South Korea and Japan wrapped up five days of joint naval drills, exercises Pyongyang has long condemned as a security threat. The missiles, fired from the Wonsan area, flew about 250 km toward the East Sea. South Korea's military said it's closely sharing information on the launches with the US and Japan, and held an emergency security meeting following the incident.

North Korea fires ballistic missiles: Following US-S Korea-Japan drills

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