An Indian jewellery brand, Giva, has withdrawn its advertisement featuring Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon for the festival of Rakshabandhan after backlash over her revealing outfit and a scene tying a rakhi to a pet dog. Criticism was led by actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, who described the ad as "intentionally creepy" and questioned the appropriateness of Sanon's attire for the traditional event, sparking a broader debate on women's clothing choices in relation to culture and tradition. Giva stated that the ad was withdrawn out of respect for cultural sentiments, and this incident follows a trend of brands in India retracting advertisements amidst social media criticism, similar to Tanishq's withdrawal of a controversial interfaith couple ad in 2020.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United was named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year after a record-breaking 2025-26 season in which he provided 21 assists, surpassing the previous record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Manchester City's Khadija Shaw won the Women's PFA award for the second time, scoring 21 goals and securing her team’s first Women’s Super League title in ten years. Additionally, Nico O’Reilly was named the Men’s Young Player of the Year and contributed to City’s success by scoring twice in the League Cup final against Arsenal.
The United States has launched "Operation Economic Outcast," imposing sanctions on at least 60 entities across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe to further isolate Iran economically amid an ongoing conflict. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that all sources of Iranian revenue, particularly oil, will be targeted, threatening countries that trade with Iran with secondary sanctions if they facilitate transactions that benefit Tehran. This move follows a previous sanctions campaign dubbed "Operation Economic Fury," and aims to cut Iran off from its economic lifelines, stressing that countries must choose between engaging with the US or Iran.
At least 14 newborn babies died in a fire that erupted in the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where 15 babies were present at the time of the incident. One baby was reportedly saved by a doctor, while many of the deceased infants were in incubators or on oxygen, which intensified the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with initial suggestions pointing to an air conditioner, and authorities, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
Four missing people have been found dead on South Korea's Jeju Island, leading to public outcry over police handling of missing persons cases. Among the deceased is 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, whose case was prematurely closed by a police sergeant, identified as Bu, who is now facing accusations of lying to victims' families; Bu had reportedly handled nearly 300 missing persons reports. The South Korean government has initiated police reforms amid growing criticism and recognized the breakdown in police discipline, with over 70,000 adults reported missing each year, yet 99% resolved within a month.
Civil society groups, led by the Campaign for Better Transport, are urging the UK government to promote cycling and walking in light of summer heatwaves that highlighted the need for transport decarbonization, as the domestic transport sector contributed nearly a third of the UK's net greenhouse gas emissions last year, with a 2% increase from the previous year. The intervention, supported by 54 organizations, calls for policies to increase journeys made by public transport, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and enhance local transport improvements, especially for trips under five miles. In response, the Department for Transport has committed to investments such as freezing rail fares and investing £4.5 billion in cycling and walking initiatives while aiming to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport.
Australia's inflation rate rose to 3.5% in July, down from 3.8% but above the expected 3.3%, increasing fears of a fourth interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank this year. The Reserve Bank's underlying inflation measure remained at 3.6%, leading economists to predict a possible rate increase as early as September, contrary to previous expectations of stability. Additionally, the ABS reported that home building costs surged by 5.7% and rents rose by 3.6% over the year, with fuel prices increasing by 7.5% in July due to the end of fuel excise relief.
Serena Williams, in her return to the US Open, and partner Carlos Alcaraz lost 5-4(4), 4-1 to Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic in the mixed doubles quarterfinals after an initial win against Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool. Despite a spectacular moment where Williams hit a 120mph ace, their performance faltered against the strong Swiss-Italian duo, who made no unforced errors in the second set. In other matches, top seeds Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were upset in the first round by Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova, while the mixed doubles main draw continued to attract attention with sellout crowds.
India, the world's largest sugar consumer, has seen a nearly 40% increase in sugar prices over the past two months, prompting the government to import 1 million tonnes of sugar for the first time in nearly a decade. The expected sugar production for the current season is now estimated at 30.6 million tonnes, which is 11% lower than the earlier estimate of 34.3 million tonnes, compounded by adverse weather and overestimated production forecasts leading to premature exports. To mitigate the shortfall, the Indian government is allowing earlier cane crushing and permitting duty-free sugar sales by refineries in special economic zones, while also facing challenges of erratic weather affecting future crop yields.
Starting in October, energy bills for households in Great Britain will increase by 4%, reaching a typical annual cost of £1,723, which marks the highest price cap in three years. This increase comes after a previous 13% rise in July, largely attributed to soaring global energy prices linked to the war on Iran, making the cumulative increase about £350 compared to 2024 levels. The energy regulator Ofgem noted that while the price cap reflects changes in energy usage patterns, around a third of households with fixed-rate deals will remain unaffected by this new cap.
Iran and Oman have established a new temporary shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor seven miles (11.3 km) wide, following a phase of talks, but Iran insists the strait will not be reopened until the U.S. meets its commitments under a June peace deal. The Strait of Hormuz, which previously accounted for one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has had most shipping activities shut down since February due to the US-Israel war with Tehran. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed claims of cleared mines in the strait and warned that US vessels could become targets if they entered the area, emphasizing that diplomatic talks for a broader peace deal are stalled.
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, Australia’s first Olympic breakdancer, gained viral fame after her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she received no points from judges. Reflecting on her experience, Gunn expressed that the intense online backlash was surreal and emphasized that reactions online often differ greatly from real-life interactions, especially regarding female athletes who face more scrutiny on their performance and appearance. Additionally, a proposed musical about her life was canceled due to legal concerns over protecting her brand and artistic integrity.
A massive response from Canadians, with over 2,000 people indicating intent to boycott US products within 12 hours, reflects the existential crisis stemming from heightened trade tensions with the US, particularly under President Trump. The ongoing trade war, which escalated with Trump's tariffs of 25% on almost all imports from Canada and Mexico in February 2025, has transformed into a broader confrontation over Canadian sovereignty, with Prime Minister Mark Carney emerging as a key leader amid these tensions. Carney's advocacy for middle powers to unite against perceived threats to the global order underscores the depth of the political fracture and its implications for future trade relations.
Target faced significant backlash after selling a children's Halloween costume that critics claimed evoked racist minstrel caricatures, leading the company to apologize and withdraw the product from its shelves. The costume, which was promoted using an image of a Black child, was criticized for its resemblance to Jim Crow-era imagery, prompting calls for corporate reform and a boycott that previously resulted in a 33% decline in stock prices. Despite this setback, Target's stock experienced a recovery, closing at $169.89 on August 24, 2026, and the company plans to invest $2 billion in growth initiatives, including opening over 30 new stores this year.
At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped in a gang attack in Kenscoff, a neighborhood near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as reported by the United Nations on August 26, 2026. This incident represents one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent years, with threats made against hostages by a gang leader, known as Izo 2, who warned that hostages would be executed if any gang members were harmed. The attack, which also saw at least five children among the deceased, marks a significant escalation of violence in a community already affected by previous gang-related incidents.
A fire at the maternity ward of PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of at least 14 infants when an air conditioning unit exploded around 6:45 a.m. Local officials reported that 16 newborns were present during the incident, with only one infant being rescued. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an immediate investigation, stating that such a tragedy involving children represents an "irreparable loss."
In August 2020, 12-year-old Raheela Bibi was severely injured by a landmine explosion in Pakistan, resulting in the amputation of both her hands, while her siblings also sustained injuries. According to a preliminary analysis by the NGO Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, over 5,000 people, primarily civilians, were killed or injured by landmines in 2025, with 90% of victims in South Sudan being children. The article highlights the ongoing danger of landmines, particularly in Ukraine where approximately 25% of the territory is affected and over 1,150 civilians have been killed or injured since February 2022, with full demining estimated to cost nearly $35 billion over 10 years.
In August 2020, 12-year-old Raheela Bibi lost both hands to a landmine explosion in Pakistan, highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by landmines, which killed or injured over 5,000 people in 2025, with 90% of victims in South Sudan being children. Despite the Ottawa Treaty, which has been ratified by 166 countries since 1999, recent withdrawals by several European NATO countries, including Ukraine, have raised concerns about the future of the treaty amidst ongoing conflicts. As of mid-2025, approximately 25% of Ukraine is affected by landmines, leading to over 1,150 civilian casualties since February 2022, with the cost of full demining in Ukraine estimated at under $35 billion over the next decade.
A teenage girl in Queensland has allegedly been raped at a state-funded residential care home, with a staff member accused of the attack on August 20; Queensland's child safety minister, Amanda Camm, confirmed an investigation is underway. Camm highlighted that a recent inquiry found 67% of reported sexual exploitation cases in state care involved children in residential care, calling this outcome "unacceptable." The government is committing $200 million to reform the child safety system and plans to introduce a Queensland Protection Commission by early 2027 to enhance safeguarding measures for vulnerable children.
the Spectrum Building. Two years after the August 2024 fire, more than 80 residents are still awaiting insurance payouts and are trapped in a financial and emotional limbo, paying mortgages on homes that no longer exist, as the freeholder, Arinium Ltd, went bankrupt. Despite government promises, the progress on cladding remediation throughout the country has only marginally improved, with only 53% of affected buildings having started or completed necessary work.
Iran is moving to criminalize all contact with foreign media, with the proposed law potentially sentencing individuals to six months to two years in prison for interviews or interactions without prior notification to the intelligence ministry. Notably, acclaimed photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was sentenced to 15 years in prison for documenting the US-Israeli war on Iran, highlighting the risks journalists face under the new law. Human rights groups warn that this legislation threatens to isolate Iranian society by transforming civic engagement into security crimes, creating an environment similar to North Korea.
The national lottery's new interim CEO, Phil Walker, faces scrutiny over his previous roles in the gambling industry, specifically at William Hill and Game Nation, prompting concerns from MPs regarding his suitability for managing the lottery, which has a value of £6.5 billion over ten years. Notably, Walker was personally sanctioned in 2024 due to “widespread and alarming” failures in enforcing money laundering and terrorism financing controls at William Hill, which was fined a record £19.2 million the previous year. Additionally, MPs have questioned whether Walker's involvement with Game Nation, the UK's third-largest chain of adult gaming centres linked to gambling addiction concerns, conflicts with his responsibilities at the lottery, as the game is played by about 20 million people regularly.
Complaints regarding autism and ADHD services in England have surged over 200%, increasing from 410 in 2021-22 to 1,257 in 2025-26, amid rising demand that has left over 562,000 open NHS referrals and more than 60% of patients waiting over a year for care. The NHS ombudsman reported numerous issues, including patients being misinformed about their rights to choose providers and significant delays in assessment and treatment, often pushing individuals to seek private care at high costs, such as one man who paid nearly £4,000. The system's complexity and inconsistencies have exacerbated the situation, leading to frustrations for patients and a six-month waiting time for the ombudsman's office to address complaints.
The US military conducted a strike in the Caribbean Sea that killed four people, part of a yearlong campaign against alleged drug traffickers initiated by the Trump administration, resulting in at least 227 fatalities across 68 strikes. The US Southern Command stated that the vessel was involved in narco-trafficking but did not provide evidence of drug cargo. Rights groups argue that these strikes violate international law and categorize them as extrajudicial killings, while President Trump labeled the actions as necessary to combat the drug trade.
In Alaska's November midterm elections, both incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan and a similarly named challenger, retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan, will appear on the ballot, raising concerns about voter confusion. Despite facing this unique challenge, incumbent Sullivan received nearly 43% of the vote in the recent primary, while Peltola, his Democratic opponent, garnered over 48%; the challenger Dan J. Sullivan accounted for only 2.5% of the vote. Alaska’s election system, which utilizes ranked-choice voting, complicates the race further and may allow voters to support both candidates without jeopardizing their preferred choice.
At least 14 newborn babies were killed in a fire at the Mother and Child Centre of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad, with some reports indicating the death toll might be as high as 15. The fire, believed to be caused by a malfunctioning air conditioning unit, broke out shortly before 07:00 am local time, and one infant was rescued before firefighters extinguished the flames. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences, ordered an investigation, and emphasized that those responsible would face strict action, highlighting the ongoing issues with safety regulations in Pakistan, where deadly fires are not uncommon.
Animal rights campaigners in France are advocating for a national ban on marmot hunting, citing moral concerns and the impact of the climate crisis on these Alpine rodents, whose populations are reportedly declining. Each year, approximately 1,000 marmots are killed in France, yet studies indicate females are producing fewer pups and the animals are experiencing increased territorial violence due to changing environmental conditions. While hunting is regulated, campaigners argue that the focus should shift from conservation issues to the ethics of hunting animals for sport.
Yorgen Fenech, 44, on trial for the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, claims he was framed and alleges that Keith Schembri, a senior aide to Malta's former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, orchestrated the killing. Fenech testified that he was informed by Melvin Theuma, the self-confessed middleman, that there was an active plan to murder Caruana Galizia, with an associated cost of €120,000, and he accused Schembri of being emotionally fixated on her due to her writings about him. The prosecution's case is built on Theuma's testimony that Fenech paid him €150,000 (£128,000) to hire the men who planted the car bomb that killed Caruana Galizia in October 2017.
Iran is facing a dilemma regarding the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, which contributors suggest could lose half its value within three years due to new pipeline projects by Gulf neighbors. Senior Iranian officials have expressed urgency to end the ongoing war, emphasizing that military strength cannot compensate for economic hardship, with warnings from the central bank governor about severe economic challenges that could lead to governmental instability. The overarching debate in Iran has shifted from using the strait as a threat to finding ways to ensure its importance as a secure and stable passage, fostering a cooperative economic reliance on Iran.
Commissioner Virginia Bell has decided to delay the final report of the royal commission into antisemitism by four days, moving the submission from December 14 to December 18, 2027, to avoid distracting from the anniversary of the Bondi terror attack. Despite significant pressure from Jewish community leaders and parliamentarians for an extension to hear from more witnesses, Bell stated that the commission has thoroughly addressed its terms of reference within the original timetable. An open letter from senior security leaders supported the call for an extension, citing concerns that the brevity of the hearings has limited the investigation into the rise of antisemitism and extremism in Australia.