Nigeria is stepping up efforts to strengthen religious harmony, promote tolerance and encourage peaceful coexistence among different communities.

The push comes as the country continues to focus on national unity and dialogue across religious and social groups. Authorities and community leaders are emphasising the importance of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and cooperation in maintaining stability.

The latest developments highlight Nigeria’s efforts to build stronger relationships between religious communities and promote a more inclusive and peaceful society.

Nigeria Champions Efforts to Strengthen Religious Harmony

Russia’s top court has reportedly banned the country’s only registered anti-war political party ahead of key elections, dealing a significant blow to the organised anti-war opposition.

The court decision comes as Russia prepares for an important electoral period and amid continued scrutiny of political competition and opposition activity. The move could further reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming vote.

 Russia's Top Court Bans Only Registered Anti-War Party Ahead of Key Elections

Russia-Ukraine tensions escalate as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warns of a harsh response to Kyiv, saying Moscow is intensifying its actions.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to travel to New Delhi for the upcoming BRICS Summit, as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in September 2026.

In India, fugitive drug kingpin Virendra Singh Basoya has been brought back from the UAE and taken into custody by the Narcotics Control Bureau. The Supreme Court has also quashed FIRs against comedian Samay Raina and four others over alleged insensitive remarks concerning persons with disabilities on India’s Got Latent.

President Droupadi Murmu has opened Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan, while a Tiranga rally in Jammu and Kashmir showcased patriotism and communal harmony ahead of Independence Day.

Internationally, around 1,800 people have been evacuated in western Germany after a wildfire spread, while Zambia has suspended nationwide vote counting following reports of violence. Gold prices have also declined as investors book profits after bullion recently climbed to its highest level in more than two months.

Russia Warns Ukraine | Iran Prez To Visit India | US-Iran Tensions | Germany Wildfire | Zambia News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked fresh controversy after referring to Britain as the “Islamic Republic of Britain” during a podcast appearance.

Netanyahu was discussing Britain’s historic relationship with Israel and the legacy of Winston Churchill when he contrasted the country’s past position with what he described as a changing political climate in Europe.

He also suggested that several European countries have shifted their approach towards Israel, particularly amid disagreements over the war in Gaza and Israel’s wider regional policies.

Netanyahu further referred to the possibility of a nuclear-armed Islamic republic, saying that, in his view, Britain could become one before Iran. The remarks are likely to attract attention in London and across Europe, where governments have increasingly expressed concerns over the Gaza conflict while maintaining complex diplomatic relationships with Israel.


Netanyahu Calls Britain ‘Islamic Republic Of Britain’ | Israeli PM’s Remarks Spark Fresh Controversy

The United States has raised concerns over Pakistan’s military and intelligence spending, calling for greater civilian and parliamentary oversight of defense budgets and improved transparency in government finances.

According to the US State Department’s 2026 fiscal transparency report, Pakistan has faced criticism over limited public scrutiny of its defense and intelligence budgets, delayed disclosure of its executive budget proposal and insufficient information about government debt and liabilities linked to state-owned companies.

Washington has also highlighted the lack of public disclosure surrounding some major military imports and defense acquisitions, which are reportedly funded outside the main defense budget.

US Pressures Pakistan Over Defense Spending | Washington Demands Greater Civilian Oversight

#Gravitas Russia is warning of 'chaos' in global food markets after a major Ukrainian attack disrupted grain terminals at the black sea port of Novorossiysk.  The strikes are threatening a crucial export route at a time when the war is already putting pressure on global supplies.   

Ukraine Attacks Will Cause Worldwide Food Crisis, Warns Putin | GRAVITAS 

A fiery exchange unfolded during a White House press briefing involving Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and reporters, with questions focusing on the Trump administration’s claims and media coverage. Leavitt has repeatedly engaged in heated exchanges with journalists during White House briefings, including confrontations over coverage of the Iran conflict.

The latest moments have renewed debate over the relationship between the Trump administration and the White House press corps, with reporters challenging official statements while Leavitt strongly defending the administration’s position.

Watch the full report for the key exchanges, fact-check moments and the latest developments from the White House.


 War of Words, Fact Check Moments on White House Press Secy Leavitt

The United States is expanding its campaign against drug cartels across Latin America as Colombia joins the U.S.-led Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia has authorised joint military operations targeting terrorist organisations and narco-terror networks.

Hegseth also signalled a more aggressive approach to cartel networks, comparing the planned campaign with tactics used against ISIS and al-Qaeda. The latest move could significantly deepen military and intelligence cooperation between Washington and Bogotá.

U.S. Leads New Anti-Cartel Bloc, as Hegseth Vows 'ISIS-Style' Ops Against Cartels

A shooting at a high school in Georgia, United States, left one ninth-grade student injured after a verbal argument escalated into a physical fight inside a school bathroom. Police said another ninth-grade student allegedly brandished a firearm, shot the victim and fled the school on foot.

The injured student was rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a school resource deputy provided immediate medical assistance. The teenage suspect was arrested about an hour later in a nearby neighbourhood.

The school is expected to remain closed to students as authorities continue their investigation, while counsellors have been made available to support students and staff.

In a separate incident in Minnesota, police are investigating a deadly shooting at a home daycare in Hopkins that left a woman and her seven-year-old daughter dead. The suspect, a 41-year-old man, also died by suicide. Authorities are examining possible links to another killing involving a 78-year-old relative.

Georgia High School Shooting: Student Injured, Teen Suspect Arrested After Bathroom Fight Escalates

Tensions between Israel and Syria continue to focus on the strategically important Golan Heights, as both sides remain locked in a dispute over territory and security.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and later extended its laws and administration over the area. The United Nations and most of the international community continue to regard the territory as occupied Syrian land.

The situation has become more complicated since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, when Israeli forces moved into the UN-patrolled buffer zone and expanded their military presence in southern Syria.

The latest developments come amid wider efforts to determine the future of Israel-Syria relations, with the Golan Heights remaining one of the most sensitive territorial issues in any potential agreement.

Israel, Syria Tussle Over Control of Golan Heights

Donald Trump’s foreign policy and economic agenda are facing growing challenges as tariffs, the Iran conflict and stalled Russia-Ukraine peace efforts reshape the global political landscape.

From sweeping tariff policies and their impact on global trade to the escalating Iran conflict, Trump’s approach to international affairs is facing intense scrutiny. At the same time, efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war have struggled to produce a lasting breakthrough, raising questions over Washington’s ability to deliver a negotiated settlement.

The developments come as allies, rivals and financial markets closely watch the Trump administration’s next moves. Tariffs have created uncertainty for businesses and economies, while conflicts in the Middle East and Europe continue to test US diplomatic influence.

Is Trump losing momentum on some of his biggest foreign-policy promises? Or could his administration still turn these challenges into political and diplomatic victories?

Watch the full analysis for a closer look at Trump, tariffs, Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war, peace talks and the wider geopolitical fallout.

Trump's Fall: Tariffs, Iran War, Failed Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks & More...

Taiwan has stepped up military readiness with its annual Han Kuang military exercises, designed to test the island’s ability to respond to a potential Chinese attack.

The drills use live troops, real terrain and military equipment to test command coordination, combat responsiveness and homeland defence capabilities.

Taiwanese authorities say the exercises are aimed at strengthening national defence capabilities and improving coordination between the military and coast guard in the face of external threats.

The annual drills come amid continued tensions across the Taiwan Strait and growing concerns over China’s military pressure on Taiwan.

Taiwan Begins Han Kuang Military Drills to Prepare for Potential Chinese Attack

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, with both sides exchanging heavy long-range strikes far beyond the front lines.

Ukrainian drone attacks in Russia’s southern regions reportedly killed two people, including an eight-year-old child, while debris damaged buildings in the port city of Novorossiysk. Russian authorities said their air defenses shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones over Russian territory and the Black Sea.

Ukraine, meanwhile, reported that Russian drone and missile strikes killed civilians in Kherson. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched a large wave of missiles and drones targeting areas including the Odesa region and northeastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also warned that Russia could be preparing for a new mobilisation following its September parliamentary elections. Ukrainian authorities say intelligence points to preparations for a potential large-scale recruitment drive, although Russian officials have not confirmed such a plan.

Ukraine Strikes Russia With Hundreds of Drones as Moscow Launches Major Air Assault

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, triggering a massive rescue operation as emergency teams race to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Nearly 250 people have reportedly been killed, while thousands remain missing or unaccounted for in some of the hardest-hit areas. Rescue teams in Pereira, Cali and other affected regions are working around the clock using sniffer dogs, heavy machinery, cameras, radar and seismic sensors.

In one dramatic rescue, crews pulled a 32-year-old woman alive from the rubble of a collapsed building in Pereira, prompting cheers and applause from exhausted rescuers and volunteers.

The earthquake has caused widespread destruction, with more than 1,600 buildings reportedly damaged or collapsed. Hospitals, airports and major highways have also been affected, while aftershocks have forced many survivors to sleep outdoors in makeshift shelters.

Colombia Earthquake: Rescue Teams Race to Find Survivors as Death Toll Nears 250

UNESCO has warned that the Taliban’s continued ban on girls’ and women’s education could cause decades of damage to Afghanistan’s social and economic future.

An estimated 2.4 million Afghan girls have been excluded from secondary education since 2021, while women have also been barred from attending universities. Afghanistan remains the only country where girls and women are formally prevented from accessing secondary and higher education.

UNESCO estimates that the restrictions could push nearly 600,000 women out of the workforce by 2066, potentially resulting in around $9.6 billion in cumulative income losses.

The UN agency has also warned of a shortage of more than 11,000 qualified female teachers by 2030. More than 2 million primary-school children are already out of school for reasons beyond the ban on girls’ education.

Taliban Education Ban Sparks UNESCO Warning | Millions of Afghan Girls Locked Out of School

Taiwan’s military has conducted a major nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) decontamination exercise as part of its ongoing annual Han Kuang military drills.

The exercise in Hualien on Taiwan’s east coast simulated a chemical weapons attack involving personnel, tanks and armoured vehicles. Troops practised rapidly moving contaminated vehicles away from danger, identifying contaminated areas, detecting toxic substances and removing hazardous materials.

Soldiers wearing full protective equipment also underwent body decontamination, while tanks and armoured vehicles were cleaned and disinfected according to designated procedures.

The NBC exercise is one part of the wider Han Kuang military drills, Taiwan’s largest annual military exercises designed to test and strengthen combat readiness against a range of potential threats.

Taiwan Conducts NBC Decontamination Drill | Han Kuang Exercises Simulate Chemical Attack 

A 26-year-old Fijian rugby player has died in Japan after suffering suspected heat stroke during training amid an intense nationwide heatwave.

Simonyi Vunilagi, a back-row forward with Fukuoka-based Kyushu Electric Power, was reportedly taken to hospital after developing symptoms consistent with severe heat stroke while training on Monday. He died on Friday morning.

His club said players, staff and associates were devastated by his sudden death.

The tragedy comes as Japan experiences extreme temperatures, with some areas recording temperatures above 40°C. Fukuoka recorded a high of 35°C on Monday.

According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, nearly 18,600 people were hospitalized for heat stroke between July 20 and 26, with 45 people pronounced dead on arrival.


Japan Heatwave Tragedy | Fijian Rugby Player Dies After Suspected Heat Stroke During Training

Scientists are turning to an unexpected ally in the fight to better understand hurricanes and changing ocean conditions — sharks.

Researchers at the University of Delaware are fitting sharks with tiny CTD tags that measure temperature, salinity and depth as the animals move through the ocean. When the sharks return to the surface, the devices transmit their collected data to satellites, transforming their natural movements into valuable ocean observations.

The research will initially focus on the North Atlantic, where scientists hope highly migratory sharks can reach deep and remote parts of the ocean that are difficult and expensive to monitor using conventional methods.

 Scientists to Turn Sharks into Ocean Sensors & Hurrican Detectors

Typhoon Dolphin has made landfall on China’s eastern coast, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain as authorities prepare for widespread flooding and landslides.

China’s National Meteorological Center forecast sustained winds of up to 162 kmph before the typhoon gradually weakens as it moves inland. The storm has already caused major disruptions across eastern China, with nearly 1,300 flights cancelled at Shanghai’s two main airports and another 270 flights cancelled at Hangzhou airport.

Rail services across parts of the Yangtze River Delta have also been suspended as a precaution. Authorities have ordered vessels back to port, halted ferry services and restricted offshore and construction activities.

Mass evacuations are underway, with more than 30,000 people relocated from vulnerable areas in Shanghai and around 99,000 people moved to safer locations in Fujian.

Typhoon Dolphin Hits Eastern China | 1300 Flights Cancelled, Mass Evacuations & Flood Alerts Issued

Powerful Typhoon Dolphin is heading toward eastern China after battering Japan's Okinawa region with strong winds and heavy rain.

The storm is expected to make landfall along China's eastern and southern coast between late Sunday and early Monday, with winds reaching up to 216 kmph.

China has raised its emergency response to Level Three and upgraded its typhoon warning from yellow to orange as authorities prepare for the storm.

Flood-control measures have been activated across several provinces, while warnings for landslides and urban waterlogging have also been issued.

China Braces for Typhoon Dolphin Landfall, Emergency Level Iii Activated

Thailand is grappling with one of its deadliest school shootings in years after a 14-year-old student opened fire at a school in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. CCTV footage reportedly shows the teenager firing at classmates at Deepsin Nonthaburi School.

At least nine people have been killed, including school staff and a 12-year-old girl, while more than 30 people were injured. The teenager later died after shooting himself. Authorities are also investigating reports that he allegedly killed his grandparents before going to the school.

Police are investigating how the teenager accessed a registered handgun belonging to his grandfather, while a large quantity of ammunition was reportedly found in his school bag. Investigators are examining his online activity, relationships, possible bullying and reports that he had researched an American school shooting case.

Thailand School Shooting | 14-Year-Old Gunman Kills 9, Injures 30+ | Calls Grow for Tighter Gun Laws

Typhoon Dolphin Heads Toward China | Orange Alert Issued | 216 Kmph Winds Threaten Eastern Coast

Thailand is grappling with a deadly school shooting after a 14-year-old student allegedly opened fire at a school in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok.

The shooting reportedly killed several school staff members, including teachers and administrators, while more than 30 people were injured. The teenager later died after shooting himself, while authorities also reported the death of a 12-year-old girl, taking the reported death toll to nine.

Authorities say the teenager allegedly used a handgun belonging to his grandfather. A large quantity of ammunition was reportedly found in his school bag, prompting investigators to examine how he gained access to the registered firearm.

Thailand School Shooting | 14-Year-Old Opens Fire at School, Nine Killed

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a major trilateral defence pact, creating a new security arrangement amid escalating tensions across West Asia.

The agreement is being viewed as part of Saudi Arabia's effort to diversify its security partnerships while maintaining its longstanding relationship with the United States. The pact builds on the existing defence relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with Turkey now joining the arrangement.

Iranian officials and clerics have criticised the agreement, warning that closer military cooperation between the three countries will not guarantee security.

The pact comes as tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict involving Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and broader regional instability.

Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact | New Alliance Amid Iran Tensions | What It Means for West Asia

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to intensify, with both sides exchanging strikes and reporting casualties and damage.

Russian strikes in the Kyiv region have reportedly killed at least three people, including a child, while others were wounded. Fires also broke out in multiple districts following the attacks, according to Ukrainian emergency authorities.

Moscow has also claimed that Russian forces struck three vessels near Black Sea ports, alleging that the ships were carrying military-related cargo for Ukraine. Videos released by Russia reportedly show vessels being hit at sea.

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to use long-range drones against targets inside Russian territory. Experts say these attacks have allowed Kyiv to put pressure on Russian critical infrastructure and targets in Crimea.

Russia-Ukraine War Escalates | Russian Strikes Kill Three Including Child | Kyiv Hit by Fresh Attacks

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a major trilateral defence pact aimed at strengthening mutual security amid growing threats and instability across West Asia.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement brings together three strategically important countries and is being presented as a defensive arrangement rooted in the UN Charter. Officials have stressed that the pact is not intended to create a new military bloc or automatically commit the three countries to offensive operations.

The agreement comes amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States, Yemen and the wider Gulf region. Iranian officials have reacted sharply to the pact, with some warning Saudi Arabia that a security agreement with Turkey and Pakistan would not guarantee protection.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Trilateral Defence Pact Amid Iran Tensions

The Government of India has formally assigned standard names to 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh, reinforcing the country's official cartographic records amid the continuing boundary dispute with China.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said the exercise was carried out in consultation with the Arunachal Pradesh government. The newly designated names have been incorporated into the official maps of the Survey of India, providing uniform legal, administrative and cartographic recognition to the identified locations.

The move comes against the backdrop of China's repeated attempts to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing refers to as “South Tibet.” New Delhi has consistently rejected China's claims over the northeastern state and maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

India Names 27 Places in Arunachal Pradesh | Counters China’s Renaming Claims | India-China Tensions

US President Donald Trump has suffered a major legal setback after a federal appeals court upheld an order halting work on his planned White House ballroom.

The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ruled 2–1 against the Trump administration, agreeing that such a major overhaul of the White House requires explicit approval from Congress. The court said the decision over whether to construct a massive ballroom belongs to Congress rather than the executive branch.

The ruling puts Trump's estimated $400 million project on hold. The appeals court has paused its decision for two weeks, giving the Trump administration time to ask the US Supreme Court to intervene.

US Appeals Court Blocks Trump’s $400 Million White House Ballroom Project

US President Donald Trump has renewed his effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, reigniting a major legal and political battle over presidential power and the independence of America's central bank.

The Trump administration is seeking Cook's removal over allegations involving mortgage documents from 2021, before she joined the Federal Reserve in 2022. Trump has accused Cook of mortgage fraud, while Cook denies wrongdoing and her lawyers have called the allegations baseless and politically motivated.

The Supreme Court previously ruled 5–4 that Cook could remain in her position while she challenges her removal, finding that she had not been given the required procedural protections. However, the ruling did not permanently prevent Trump from attempting to remove her again.

Chief Justice John Roberts indicated that the president could pursue removal if Cook received proper notice and an opportunity to respond. Cook's deadline to respond is August 26.

Trump Renews Effort to Fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook | Battle Over Federal Reserve Independence

A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million into a teen mental health fund, ruling that Facebook and Instagram contributed to harming young users and created a public nuisance.

The court also directed Meta to implement stronger youth safety measures, including limits on teen usage, stricter controls on adult interactions with minors, notification restrictions, and safeguards against inappropriate AI chatbot interactions.

The landmark ruling could influence similar lawsuits across the United States, where dozens of states and more than 1,300 school districts are pursuing legal action against social media companies over alleged harm to children.

Meta Hit With $567 Million Penalty Over Teen Mental Health | Facebook & Instagram Under Fire

Superbugs are a big health hazard resulting in 4.95 million deaths on average per year. Now, a superbug named Candida Auris has spread to 23 U.S. states. It has come under lens as it can hide in a person's hair follicles for months without any symptoms.

Superbug That Can Hide in Your Hair Spreads to 23 U.S. States | GRAVITAS 

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