Top 10 world news: Russia reaffirms stance on grain deal, Pope Francis in Portugal, and more

President Vladimir Putin requested assistance from his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday (August 2), seeking Turkish support in exporting Russian grain to African nations to address the crisis stemming from food shortages.

During his five-day trip to Portugal for a significant Catholic youth event, Pope Francis called upon Europe on Wednesday (August 2)to seek bold paths towards peace in order to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In other news, the Indian Supreme Court instructed the Central and state governments of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi to guarantee the prevention of hate speech or violence during the marches organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, who are protesting against the communal clashes in Haryana's Nuh.

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Russia reaffirms stance on grain deal, continues strikes on key Ukrainian ports

Russian President Vladimir Putin asked his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday (August 2) to help Moscow export its grain to African countries to evade crisis because of food shortage.During the call, Putin also reaffirmed thatRussiawould return to the deal "as soon as the West actually fulfils all the obligations toRussia" contained within it.

Pope Francis urges Europe to find 'courageous courses of peace' for Ukraine as he arrives in Portugal

Pope Francis, who is on a five-day visit to Portugal for a major Catholic youth event, on Wednesday, urged Europe to find "courageous courses of peace" to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Pope has constantly been advocating for peace in Ukraine and has repeatedly called for the warring nations to follow the diplomatic channels. He strivedto play a mediating role, though he has been denounced for not condemning Russia for the war.

Indian Supreme Court orders authorities to ensure no hate speech happens at protests against Nuh violence

The Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (August 2nd) directed the Centre and state governments of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to ensure that no hate speech or violence takes place during the marches being held by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in protest against the communal clashes in Haryana's Nuh.

Beijing receives heaviest rainfall since records began 140 years ago

China continues to be battered by the torrential rains as capital Beijing drowns in water. On Tuesday, the weather service informed that the city's had received the "heaviest rainfall in 140 years" since record-keeping began.

"The maximum value of rainfall recorded during this storm, which was 744.8 millimetres, occurred at the Wangjiayuan Reservoir in Changping," the Beijing Meteorological Service said.

Hezbollah chief urges for halt to deadly clashes at Palestinian camp in Lebanon

After clashes continued between rival factions at a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, leaving 11 people dead, terror group Hezbollah has called for a halt to the proceedings.

Hassan Nasrallah, head of the group, in a televised address on Tuesday (August 1)urged the factions to keep aside their differences as the camp residents and their lives were being put in danger.

Thailand: Pheu Thai to dump election winner Move Forward Party, form new coalition

Thailand's progressive party Pheu Thai released a statement on Wednesday saying that it will nominate a real estate tycoon to become the prime minister after the reformist party that won the general election was excluded from a coalition trying to form the next government.

West Bank shooting attack: Woman suffers shrapnel injuries in Jordan Valley

A shooting attack in West Bank's Jordan Valley near the Hamra Junction on Wednesday, has left a 31-year-old woman injured.

The victim, as per Israel National News report, was taken to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital for treatment of shrapnel wounds she suffered on her face. Israeli security forces are currently searching for the perpetrators, who reportedly fled the scene.

New Zealand opposition party dismisses concerns over road plan's alleged risk of entering Chinese debt trap

New Zealand's National Party, led by Christopher Luxon, has unveiled an audacious proposal to construct a NZ$24 billion (US$14.6 billion) road network, a cornerstone of its election manifesto aiming to revitalise public infrastructure.

However, the initiative has drawn both admiration and skepticism, with particular focus on the funding source - China.

Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy: Delhi court orders de-sealing of property

A Delhi court on Wednesday (August 2) ordered to de-seal Uphaar Cinema hall, in which 59 people lost their lives and more than 100 were injured because of a tragic blaze in 1997. The court said that the sealing ofthe property would not serve any purpose.

US says Russia could be ready for resuming talks on Black Sea grain deal

Over a fortnight after Russia killed the Black Sea grain deal which allowed safe passage to Ukrainian ships carrying grain shipments, the United States has said Kremlin might be prepared to return to talks, according to Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US envoy to United Nations.