“I came here looking for my younger brother, whose name is Sulisman. We still have not received any news about him,” Slamet Hermanto said. “Hopefully, we will receive some good news.”

By Thursday afternoon, officials had received 70 ante-mortem records and collected 31 DNA samples. Biological relatives are being prioritised for DNA comparison, alongside information on missing passengers' physical characteristics and personal records.

The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people from Surabaya to Banjarmasin when it capsized in bad weather early on Sunday. Six people have been confirmed dead and 108 rescued, leaving 129 missing.

The ferry was carrying 243 people, including 213 passengers and 30 crew, when it overturned in the Masalembo waters while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. Authorities deployed 17 ships and aircraft and around 622 personnel on Monday, alongside underwater teams and navy-operated drones , as the search continued for survivors.

Technology investment was another focus, with Marcos meeting executives from Indian companies including HCLTech, Cognizant, Hinduja Group and VVDN Technologies. The visit builds on the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership established in 2025, while Marcos attended the summit as the 2026 ASEAN chair and the Philippines participated as an invited Outreach Country.

Banjarmasin search and rescue chief I Putu Sudayana said nearby commercial vessels helped rescue 103 people from the water .

“As of noon, some of the passengers have been successfully evacuated by vessels operating in the area,” Sudayana said.

The ship left Surabaya on Saturday with more than 240 people aboard and lost contact early Sunday after its captain reported that it was listing amid bad weather and high waves. It later capsized about 148 kilometres from Trisakti Port.

Indonesia's search and rescue agency deployed vessels and a helicopter, while the navy sent the KRI Nala to assist. Commercial ships operating nearby also joined the rescue effort.

At Trisakti Port, relatives said they had received little information about those still missing, with some relying on social media posts for confirmation that loved ones had boarded the vessel.

Xi is expected to spend about 24 hours in the Indian capital and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday evening, with trade and investment expected to feature prominently.

The visit comes as China and India continue efforts to stabilise relations following years of tensions and a series of recent high-level contacts.

The two-day summit, hosted under India's BRICS chairship, brings together leaders and senior representatives from the bloc's 11 member countries.

Running from September 12 to 13, the summit is being held under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

“We believe BRICS will become a real force in the global economy when the results of our cooperation are reflected in contracts, factories, ports, and the economic lives of the peoples of our countries,” he said.

He called for greater use of national currencies in trade between member states, backed by mechanisms to manage currency risks and settlements.

Pezeshkian also urged the BRICS New Development Bank to expand local-currency financing for infrastructure and energy projects, while proposing a joint reinsurance company with initial capital of $10 billion to support major investments.

He called for streamlined customs procedures, fewer regulatory barriers and greater private-sector participation across the bloc.

The Iranian president said Iran was ready to use its energy resources and geographical position to strengthen BRICS food, energy and transport supply chains.

The latest information indicated the boat was still near Anak Krakatau at around 18:13 on Monday, Amrad said. "So far, the search has yielded no results."

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency, Basarnas, deployed four teams to search waters around Anak Krakatau, Rakata Island and Panjang Island. All eight people remained missing as of Wednesday morning.

Anak Krakatau has continued to erupt intermittently, with authorities maintaining a three-kilometre exclusion zone around its active crater.

German traveller Ana said her flight to Lombok had been cancelled and passengers were struggling to get clear information. "It's a little bit difficult for us because nobody can tell us anything about the flights and where we can get our money back and what the next step is," she said.

Passenger Ronald Tampubolon said his flight had been delayed from 11:00 to 14:00, while another traveller, Maurin, said long queues made both refunds and rescheduling difficult.

Reports said hundreds of flights and around 22,800 passengers were affected at Soekarno-Hatta. A further 31 Jakarta-bound flights were cancelled at airports across Malaysia.

Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, erupted repeatedly on Saturday. Indonesia's meteorological agency reported ash plumes reaching up to 6,000 metres on the Java side and as high as 15,000 metres on the Sumatra side and over parts of Banten province.

Neighbour Bidhnu Karman said the family was trapped inside for around four hours as floodwater surged around the building.

"They were saying goodbye and waving their hands as if it was the end," he said. "But fortunately, they were lucky to stay alive by God's grace, and the house withstood the floods."

Owners Prakash Pandey Pyakurel and Lakshmi Pandey had been at a nearby shop when the flood approached and rushed back to the house, where relatives were still inside.

Karman said he lost all his belongings, including decades of savings, but was grateful to have survived. There has been no formal engineering assessment explaining why the house remained standing.

Nepalese authorities said on Friday that 1,287 bodies had been recovered, 5,083 people remained missing and more than 13,000 had been rescued following the August 26 disaster.

"There was nothing here after the floods. Now they have set up this Tuin, and it is helping our people . We are able to help 150 to 200 people cross each day," former government official Seetharam Baneth said.

The crossing provides an alternative route for isolated communities after the August 26 floods devastated parts of the Trishuli Valley. Authorities said at least 1,287 people have been killed and more than 5,000 remain missing across Nepal.

The disaster was triggered by the collapse of part of a glacier and underlying rock near the Nepal-China border, unleashing flash floods, landslides and debris downstream. Nuwakot is among the worst-hit districts, where damaged infrastructure has complicated relief efforts and access to remote areas.

From the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East to the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia, these routes form the backbone of international energy trade, handling the vast majority of seaborne crude flows.

Eight routes that power the global economy

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), roughly 80 million barrels of oil move through global maritime trade daily, with a large share funnelled through just a small number of chokepoints.

The Strait of Malacca, linking the Indian and Pacific oceans, is the busiest oil transit route in the world, carrying more than 23 million barrels per day, nearly a third of total maritime oil flows.

Close behind is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically sensitive waterways on the planet. Around 20 million barrels per day pass through this narrow corridor between Iran and Oman, accounting for roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade.

Other critical routes include the Suez Canal and SUMED pipeline system, the Bab el-Mandeb strait near the Red Sea, the Danish and Turkish straits in Europe, the Panama Canal, and the Cape of Good Hope, each carrying millions of barrels daily and linking key producers to major consuming regions.

What makes these chokepoints so important is not just volume, but lack of alternatives.

Many oil-exporting countries in the Gulf rely heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, with limited pipeline capacity to bypass it.

Similarly, Asian economies including China, Japan and South Korea depend heavily on the Strait of Malacca for energy imports, making it a strategic vulnerability in times of geopolitical tension.

Katz said the continued Israeli military presence would be intended to protect communities in Israel’s western Negev region. His comments come as Israel maintains that any lasting settlement in Gaza must include Hamas’s disarmament and the territory’s demilitarisation, while Hamas has tied the surrender of its weapons to the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Tarlac has declared a state of calamity after widespread flooding made major roads impassable and damaged homes, property and farmland. The Aquino and Agana bridges are key links between Tarlac City and western municipalities including Sta Ignacia, Mayantoc, Camiling, San Clemente and San Jose. Authorities are working on temporary bridge connections and alternative routes as monsoon rain continues across the province.

Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry has proposed a major change to the country’s drug laws that could remove criminal liability for some offences involving drugs intended for personal use rather than sale. The proposal is contained in a regulatory policy consultation document published on August 14, 2026 and opened for public discussion until September 8. It concerns amendments aimed at decriminalising certain forms of illegal handling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their analogues when there is no intention to sell them. The ministry is proposing that parts 1 and 2 of Article 296 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code be repealed or substantially reworked. Under the current law, part 1 covers non-medical drug consumption in public places, while part 2 covers illegal manufacture, processing, acquisition, possession and transportation without intent to sell. The latter can currently result in a fine of up to 160 monthly calculation indices, corrective labour, up to 160 hours of community service or arrest for up to 40 days. This does not amount to legalising drugs. The ministry is considering several models, including decriminalising possession without intent to sell when quantities remain within legally established limits, retaining criminal liability for manufacturing and processing, and introducing administrative penalties that could escalate for repeat offences.

New Taldykorgan–Ust-Kamenogorsk highway shows signs of deterioration after costing more than 180bn tenge

A highway between Taldykorgan and Ust-Kamenogorsk that cost more than 180 billion tenge is already showing signs of deterioration , prompting activists to demand further inspections and a longer warranty period. The road was constructed between 2018 and 2025 using borrowed funds from China’s Export-Import Bank. But an inspection conducted on August 21, 2026, by a group of activists led by Rollan Mashpiyev found numerous areas where the asphalt appeared to be peeling, cracking or deteriorating. In some locations, the problems appeared to extend beneath the asphalt to the road foundation. Mashpiyev said the group travelled from Semey to the Ayagoz area to examine the road and found that damage had become noticeably worse. The activists argue that the problem may extend beyond the quality of the asphalt itself. Mashpiyev said cracks had reappeared even in areas where asphalt had already been replaced, suggesting that defects could exist in the lower layers of the road.

Kazakhstan builds $78.6bn pipeline of investment projects targeting more than 88,000 jobs

Kazakhstan has assembled a portfolio of 215 investment projects worth $78.6 billion , as the government seeks to shift foreign and domestic capital towards manufacturing, advanced processing, technology and higher-value industries. The portfolio managed by KAZAKH INVEST is expected to create more than 88,000 jobs. Of the 215 projects, 93 worth $32.2 billion are already being implemented, while another 122 worth $46.4 billion remain under development. The strategy follows President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s 2025 address, Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Current Tasks and Solutions Through Digital Transformation. Rather than focusing solely on attracting larger amounts of capital, the government says it wants to change the structure of investment by prioritising manufacturing, deep processing, high-tech production and the localisation of goods with greater added value. Since rules governing investment agreements were introduced, Kazakhstan has signed 66 agreements worth more than 17.8 trillion tenge. Six were concluded in 2024, followed by 30 agreements worth around 11.2 trillion tenge in 2025.

Kazvodkhoz returns to profit after overhaul cuts receivables by 90%

Kazakhstan’s state water-management company Kazvodkhoz has returned to profitability after a restructuring programme that included management reforms, digitalisation, asset transfers and tighter financial controls. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said the state enterprise had eliminated its losses and ended 2025 with a profit, while its accounts receivable fell by 90%. One major change involved merging the Nurinsky Group Water Pipeline state enterprise with Kazvodkhoz. The government has also approved a roadmap to transfer non-core assets, including group water pipelines, into municipal ownership so Kazvodkhoz can concentrate more closely on its core water-management responsibilities. Financial management has also been digitalised. Since the beginning of 2026, Kazvodkhoz has completely stopped accepting cash payments for irrigation water. All contracts with water users are now concluded electronically through a new billing system. Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Zhandos Salimov said the transformation includes redesigning and automating business processes, creating systems for planning and assessing the performance of branches, centralising revenue and expenditure management and introducing project-management principles.

More than 283,000 cameras installed as Kazakhstan strengthens security in 7,656 schools

Kazakhstan has installed more than 283,000 surveillance cameras across 7,656 general education schools , as authorities strengthen security measures ahead of the new academic year. The Interior Ministry has declared 2026 the Year of Children’s Safety within the ministry, with measures focused on protecting children not only at school but also on streets, in public places and online. Of Kazakhstan’s 7,656 schools, 7,159, or 93.5%, are directly connected to police operational control centres or duty units, allowing law-enforcement agencies to respond more quickly when security incidents are detected. The ministry said its approach goes beyond surveillance. Preventing juvenile offences remains a priority, with authorities focusing on legal education, identifying problems at an early stage and providing individual support to children and families. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has also emphasised the importance of developing what authorities describe as a law-abiding generation, arguing that respect for the law and Constitution is important both to young people’s individual well-being and to Kazakhstan’s broader development.

The tradition historically involved participants throwing stones at one another, but organisers replaced them with fruits and flowers following intervention by the Uttarakhand High Court in 2013 to reduce injuries. Some stone-throwing, however, has continued at previous events.

"This is a tradition of our village. This does not harm anyone," participant Bahadhur Singh said, describing blood shed during the ritual as "a blessing for everyone."

This year's battle lasted around eight minutes, with the four clans distinguished by white, pink, yellow and saffron colours.

Bagwal Mela is one of Devidhura's best-known traditions and is held annually at the Maa Barahi temple on Raksha Bandhan, the Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

"Communication lines in that area, they are totally disrupted, and therefore it has been difficult to get in touch with people on the ground," Jaiswal said.

Those out of contact include hydropower workers and pilgrims from several Indian states. Twenty-one Indians from Tamil Nadu have been rescued, while around 200 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims stranded on the Chinese side have requested evacuation assistance.

India has deployed two military aircraft carrying 47.5 tonnes of emergency supplies, including medicines, food and shelter materials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah, pledging "all possible humanitarian and relief assistance."

At least 910 people remain missing or out of contact across Nepal after the flood swept through Rasuwa and downstream along the Trishuli and Narayani river systems.

Preliminary reports said the disaster was caused by a partial glacier collapse, triggering a large ice and rock avalanche. At the time of publication, Nepalese authorities reported 567 deaths and nearly 2,000 people missing, while five deaths had been confirmed in Tibet, with 558 people listed as missing. Citizens from more than 20 countries are among those unaccounted for, including eight Russians whose whereabouts were unknown, according to the Russian Embassy in Nepal. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences to those affected.

Authorities said 28 bodies had been recovered in Nuwakot by Thursday evening. Chitwan recorded the highest toll with 137 deaths, followed by Nawalparasi East with 87.

At least 910 people remain missing or out of contact across Nepal, including residents, security personnel and hundreds of domestic and foreign travellers. Rescue teams continue to search devastated areas along the affected river systems.

The flood swept through Rasuwa before surging downstream along the Trishuli and Narayani rivers, destroying settlements and damaging roads, bridges and other infrastructure . Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said preliminary satellite imagery suggested an ice and rock avalanche may have created a temporary debris dam on the Lhende River that later burst.

“We have no any kind of official confirmation of any kind. But looking at the scale of destruction, it looks bad,” he said, adding that the immigration building where the group was believed to have been was washed away.

Sadhguru said the group's leader, Praveen, sent a message at 9:05 saying they had reached the immigration building shortly before the disaster struck. His Nepal phone never became active, leading the foundation to believe the group had not crossed the border. Sadhguru said he had sought assistance through the Indian and Chinese embassies, while the pilgrims' families had been informed.

The floods swept through the mountainous border region on Wednesday, sending water , mud and debris through communities along Nepal's Trishuli river system. Scientists have suggested a collapsed glacier could have triggered the disaster. At least 165 people have been killed, and nearly 1,500 remain missing across Nepal and China's Xizang, including foreign tourists and pilgrims.

Homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure were swept away, while around 40 kilometres of roads and dozens of bridges were damaged. Nepal deployed security forces, helicopters and medical teams as rescuers struggled to reach communities cut off by the destruction.

Scientists have suggested the disaster may have been triggered by a collapsed glacier along the border. China's People's Liberation Army Western Theatre Command also deployed a team aboard a Y-20 transport aircraft to coordinate military aviation, medical, engineering and transport units.

At least 292 people have been killed, and more than 1,384 remain unaccounted for across China and Nepal. Chinese authorities have reported three deaths and 558 missing, while Nepal has recorded 289 deaths and more than 826 people still out of contact. More than 1,500 personnel have been mobilised to search for survivors, clear roads and assess the damage.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing travelled to the area to oversee the response after President Xi Jinping ordered all-out rescue efforts. Operations remain complicated by unstable terrain, disrupted access and a barrier lake near Gyirong Port, while authorities have warned that further rainfall could trigger additional mudflows and landslides.

Vietnam has proposed four areas of cooperation to strengthen food security across the Asia-Pacific, as it prepares to host APEC in 2027. Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trịnh Việt Hùng presented the proposals at the 11th APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting in Hangzhou, China, on August 25, which brought together agricultural leaders from all 21 APEC economies. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for nearly half of global food production and trade. Vietnam’s first proposal is to make agri-food supply chains more resilient and closely connected. The second calls for stronger innovation and digital transformation, including greater use of artificial intelligence, big data, biotechnology and precision agriculture. The third focuses on mobilising investment and financial resources so that successful agricultural pilot projects can be expanded rather than remaining small-scale experiments. Vietnam’s fourth priority is greater knowledge sharing, capacity building and cooperation between APEC forums.

Tô Lâm says AI will change teachers’ jobs but will not replace them

Vietnam’s General Secretary and President Tô Lâm says artificial intelligence will fundamentally change the classroom, but teachers will remain indispensable. Speaking on August 25 at a meeting reviewing the implementation of Resolution 71, a Politburo directive adopted a year earlier to overhaul education and training, Tô Lâm said schools should embrace AI and digital technology without allowing machines to replace the human role of educators. His argument was that as technology becomes increasingly capable of providing information, teachers will have to move away from simply transmitting facts. Their role should increasingly involve guiding how students reason, inspiring them, recognising individual talents and teaching them how to apply knowledge responsibly. He also warned against allowing students to outsource their thinking to AI. Technology, he argued, should instead encourage students to reason more deeply, become more creative and develop stronger problem-solving skills. The comments formed part of a wider criticism of Vietnam’s education system. Tô Lâm said progress over the first year of Resolution 71 had largely created the groundwork for reform but had not yet produced enough substantive change.

Quảng Trị asks US to deepen cooperation on war legacy and development

Vietnam’s central province of Quảng Trị is seeking stronger cooperation with the United States on mine clearance , war victims, missing soldiers and a wider range of development priorities. Chairman of the Quảng Trị provincial People’s Committee Lê Hồng Vinh held talks with newly appointed US Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks on August 25, during what provincial authorities said was her first visit to a Vietnamese locality since beginning her tenure. Vinh highlighted longstanding US support for addressing the consequences of the Vietnam War, particularly the clearance of unexploded bombs and mines. He said that work had not only made communities safer but also opened contaminated land for economic and social development. Quảng Trị is now implementing its 2026–2035 Action Programme on Addressing the Post-war Bomb and Mine Legacy, with the ambitious goal of becoming Vietnam’s first locality to meet the criteria of a “mine-Safe province” by 2035. The province wants continued US assistance with mine surveys and clearance, mine-risk education, support for victims and capacity building for specialist agencies.

Trần Cẩm Tú ends Singapore visit with first strategic dialogue and technology agreement

Senior Communist Party official Trần Cẩm Tú concluded an official visit to Singapore on August 25 after the two countries held their first Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Dialogue, opening a new political channel for regular discussions between their ruling parties. Tú, a Politburo member and Permanent Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Secretariat, travelled to Singapore at the invitation of the executive committee of Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party. During his visit, he met Prime Minister and PAP Secretary-General Lawrence Wong. The two sides agreed that the new Strategic Dialogue would provide a direct and regular channel for discussions on policymaking, governance, Party building, national development and major strategic issues. Tú also met Education Minister and PAP Chairman Desmond Lee, with talks covering science, technology, artificial intelligence, leadership training and governance. At a meeting with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the two sides identified technology, innovation, human resources and emerging industries as areas where their economies could complement each other.

Vietnam and Australia look for new investment opportunities as economic ties deepen

Vietnam and Australia are looking for new areas of trade and investment cooperation as both governments seek to turn their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into stronger commercial ties. The Australia-Vietnam Policy Institute Forum was held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 25 under the theme “Harnessing Australia–Vietnam Trade and Investment to Support Vietnam’s Rapid Growth Agenda.” It brought together policymakers, businesses and other organisations from both countries. Australian Consul-General in HCM City Kate Wallance pointed to Vietnam’s economic expansion, saying the country had become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies after recording 8% growth in 2025. She said Vietnam was also shifting towards growth driven more heavily by innovation and increasingly focusing on the quality rather than simply the speed of economic expansion. That includes trying to attract investment that brings technology transfer, workforce development and innovation while strengthening national resilience. Wallance said long-term expansion would require greater international cooperation and patient foreign capital.

Chinese authorities said the mudslide crossed the border from Nepal at around 10:30 local time, causing major casualties at Gyirong Port in Shigatse.

President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out search for the missing, the evacuation of residents at risk and treatment for the injured. He also called for increased monitoring and warnings against further disasters .

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing travelled to the area to oversee rescue operations.

China activated a Level I emergency response in Xizang, deploying 431 firefighters, 72 vehicles, rescue dogs, life detectors and inflatable boats. A national Level II disaster relief response was also activated.

Across the border in Nepal, a landslide of mud and rock crashed into the Lhende River, triggering severe flooding that swept away homes, roads and other infrastructure. At least 95 people were killed.

"At around 1:00 or so, there were one or two slight, minor explosions, and it wasn't until around 2:40 or so that a second major blast occurred," one resident said.

The fire reportedly broke out shortly after 01:00 in Annan District, with a major explosion occurring around 02:45 as firefighters battled the blaze.

Authorities said the site contained industrial waste, including discarded oil barrels and materials containing aluminium and magnesium. The cause remains under investigation.

"The preliminary findings... confirmed that there were discarded oil barrels inside, as well as scrap aluminium and magnesium," Tainan Fire Department director Yang Zonglin said. Fifteen people were injured, including three firefighters, although none sustained life-threatening injuries.

At least 68 homes were affected, including 11 directly damaged by fire, while more than 20 civilian and emergency vehicles were also damaged. Authorities deployed 144 firefighters and 53 vehicles to the scene.

The procession was among several events in Yogyakarta marking the anniversary, with musical parades and exhibitions drawing public participation.

"This event marks the commemoration of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, featuring public participation to honour the services of our past heroes," participant Selasih said.

Yogyakarta played a significant role in Indonesia's independence struggle, serving as the country's capital from 1946 as the young republic resisted Dutch attempts to restore colonial rule.

Indonesia celebrates Independence Day on August 17, marking the proclamation of independence by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta in 1945.

Supporter Ajmal Badri described the anniversary as a celebration of the defeat of foreign forces after years of conflict. "Five years ago, the great powers of the world that came to occupy Afghanistan used all kinds of bombs, cruise missiles, and forces here, but Praise be to God, through the sacrifices of the Mujahideen and great personalities, they were defeated," Badri said.

Another supporter, Qari Sajid, described August 15 as "Independence Day" and celebrated the Taliban's victory over the United States . "On this day, we defeated a superpower, meaning we defeated America," Sajid said, claiming Afghans were now living in a peaceful environment.

Badri also dismissed the prospect of US forces returning to Afghanistan, saying; "The Americans can neither come here again nor will they have the courage to return."

US President Donald Trump previously expressed interest in regaining control of Bagram Airbase, arguing that the facility was strategically important because of its proximity to China.

The final US troops left Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, ending a nearly 20-year military presence that began following the September 11 attacks.

The earthquake struck shortly before 5 a.m. local time at a depth of about 15 kilometres, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

Three strong aftershocks followed within half an hour, measuring magnitudes 5.9, 5.6 and 6.1.

Around the port town of Maumere, rescuers recovered 20 bodies and found six people injured, while two remained trapped under rubble, Fathur Rahman, head of the city’s rescue agency, told Reuters.

Authorities had yet to reach Nagekeo regency, the area closest to the epicentre, as disrupted communications and outages complicated efforts to determine the full extent of the destruction.

At Maumere port, video showed chunks of concrete falling from a terminal building as passengers waited to board an inter-island ferry. Some people were thrown into the sea when a gangway collapsed.

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said some victims were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble.

BMKG issued a tsunami warning for affected coastlines, prompting residents to move inland and seek higher ground. The warning was lifted about three hours later after no significant rise in sea level was detected.

BNPB said around 2,000 people had evacuated or relocated on their own. Many residents remained outdoors as repeated aftershocks left them afraid to return home.

One earthquake after another

Saturday’s earthquake follows a series of powerful tremors recorded around the world over the past two months.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on 10 August, while a magnitude 6.8 tremor hit Japan ’s Kyushu region on 28 July, according to data from the British Geological Survey.

Mexico’s Chiapas region was struck by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake on 17 July, while Venezuela recorded two major tremors, measuring magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2, on 24 June.

Indonesia itself recorded a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Sulawesi on 16 June.

The archipelago sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a belt of intense seismic and volcanic activity, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries.

The team has emerged as Sweida continues to recover from deadly violence in July 2025 involving Druze and Bedouin armed groups, as well as Syrian government forces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 1,895 people were killed during the wider escalation. Despite the difficult circumstances, the players and their coach are looking beyond local competition, hoping to represent Syria on the international stage.

Turkmenistan is preparing for a major session of the Halk Maslahaty , the country’s highest representative body, scheduled for September 23, 2026, at the Maslahat Köşgi Palace in Ashgabat. The session comes immediately before celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, giving it both political and symbolic importance. The meeting was formally convened through a resolution signed on 15 July 2026 by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty. The resolution describes the body as representing the interests of Turkmenistan’s people and says the forthcoming session is intended to strengthen public participation in decisions concerning state and public life. Regional Halk Maslahaty bodies in Turkmenistan’s provinces and Ashgabat have been instructed to submit their lists of public representatives by 1 September 2026. A separate organising committee has also been created to prepare the session, with the Halk Maslahaty apparatus and the Mejlis, Turkmenistan’s parliament, tasked with coordinating preparations at regional and local levels.

Turkmenistan and IOM deepen cooperation on migration governance and anti-trafficking measures

Turkmenistan is expanding cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) around migration governance, border management, human trafficking and the protection of vulnerable migrants. The relationship has accelerated during 2026. On May 8, Chairman of the State Migration Service Amanmuhammet Sazakow met IOM Director General Amy Pope at the United Nations in New York. Their discussions covered migration management , humanitarian response and cooperation within the UN system. IOM also highlighted Turkmenistan’s role in providing a humanitarian transit corridor for foreign nationals displaced by instability in the Middle East. Practical cooperation has continued inside Turkmenistan. From 15 to 17 July 2026, IOM organised a three-day programme in Ashgabat to strengthen government capacity for evidence-based migration policy, strategic planning and implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Officials were also trained to monitor migration-related Sustainable Development Goal indicators as Turkmenistan prepares its third Voluntary National Review.

Smart-well technology signals a wider digital transformation of Turkmenistan’s energy industry

Turkmenistan is increasingly applying smart-well technology, artificial intelligence, sensors and digital monitoring systems to its oil and gas industry as it seeks to raise production efficiency and modernise one of the economy’s most important sectors. A smart well uses monitoring and control systems to provide continuous information on operating conditions and allow production to be adjusted more precisely. Turkmen energy specialists argue that the technology can improve safety , extraction efficiency and the economic performance of wells while reducing the need for costly interventions. This forms part of a broader digitalisation drive. Turkmenistan’s energy strategy now includes AI-based geological analysis, digital oilfields, predictive maintenance, automation, digital twins and advanced reservoir monitoring. An official energy-sector assessment published on 30 July 2026 said AI and advanced analytics can help operators identify equipment problems before failures occur, improve production planning and strengthen environmental monitoring.

Turkmenistan pushes for stronger regional action to protect the Caspian Sea

Turkmenistan is continuing its diplomatic and environmental campaign to protect the Caspian Sea , with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov calling for deeper cooperation among the five littoral states: Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Russia. The government has announced plans for another high-level Caspian environmental meeting in October 2026, intended to move regional cooperation to what Berdimuhamedov described as a new stage. The initiative follows an earlier meeting hosted by Turkmenistan in August 2025 involving deputy prime ministers from the coastal states. Environmental protection is increasingly important because the Caspian faces declining water levels, pollution, pressure on biodiversity and risks associated with offshore energy development and coastal economic activity. Turkmenistan’s approach is built partly around the Tehran Convention, the regional framework signed in 2003 to protect the Caspian marine environment. It covers pollution from land, vessels and seabed activities, protection of biological resources, environmental monitoring and cooperation during emergencies.

Turkmenistan and Afghanistan reinforce economic ties through energy and transport projects

Turkmenistan and Afghanistan continue to deepen relations built around energy, transport, trade and what both governments describe as longstanding historical and cultural ties. For Ashgabat, Afghanistan is not only a neighbouring state but a crucial corridor connecting Turkmenistan’s energy resources with South Asian markets. The most important project remains the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline , alongside the TAP electricity transmission project, fibre-optic infrastructure and railway links. The relationship has increasingly focused on practical infrastructure. Projects include the Serhetabat–Herat section of the TAPI pipeline, known as Arkadagyň ak ýoly, the Serhetabat–Herat fibre-optic line, a warehouse complex at Torghundi dry port, railway development from Torghundi towards Afghanistan’s interior, and electricity infrastructure in Herat Province. At a UN Security Council briefing on Afghanistan on 8 June 2026, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative Vepa Hajiyev said stability in Afghanistan was essential to prosperity across the wider region. Turkmenistan argued that infrastructure and economic integration should be regarded as tools for long-term stabilisation rather than support for any particular Afghan political force.

The ceremony was held during Aadi Amavasai, a new-moon day in the Tamil calendar.

Local villager Parandaman said the tradition dates back around 200 years and has continued at the temple for generations.

"The highlight of the program is childless women getting pregnant after attending this ritual. It is very successful," he said.

Parandaman said a couple who had twins after participating in the ritual had returned to make an offering to the temple equal to the weight of their babies.

The tradition is linked to a Siddhar, a figure in Tamil spiritual tradition believed by devotees to have attained Jeeva Samadhi, and continues to attract hundreds of women hoping to start or expand their families.

Entrepreneur Hafizul Islam said he began making banana fibre products in 2016 after seeing the process used in India.

"If India can make products with banana fibre, then why can't we unemployed people in Bangladesh, or why can't I?" he said. The growing industry is providing income for farmers who sell stems previously discarded after harvest, as well as workers who process and weave the fibre.

Weaver Fazila Khatun said her earnings had helped pay for her son's education , while worker Arzina Begum said the industry had created opportunities for people overlooked by the garment sector.

Banana fibre is now being used to produce items ranging from saris and footwear to home decor and biodegradable packaging.

Bananas account for around 20 per cent of Bangladesh's fruit crops, generating an estimated 3.78 million tonnes of banana pseudo-stem biomass annually, according to reports.

Japanese media focused on Takaichi's choice of words, noting that previous prime ministers had explicitly referred to maintaining the principles in the future, while her remarks were framed in the present tense.

Asked about revisions to Japan's National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy and Defence Buildup Programme, Takaichi said discussions were ongoing and declined to prejudge their outcome.

"There is no change in viewing the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as our policy course," she added.

The principles commit Japan to not possessing or producing nuclear weapons and not allowing their entry into Japanese territory. Takaichi has previously questioned the third principle.

Her remarks came as Hiroshima marked 81 years since the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the city during World War II, killing around 140,000 people.

Nearly 9,500 people were staying in evacuation centres across Kyushu, while 13,520 households were still without power following Tuesday's 7.1-magnitude quake.

The earthquake flattened homes, damaged bridges and sparked fires , with temperatures forecast to reach 38°C this weekend.

"Thank God for these shelters," one evacuee told AFP, explaining that conditions at home and in cars were unbearable because of the heat and mosquitoes.

"In this heat, if you don't have electricity and air conditioning, it's very tough," supermarket employee Hiroyuki Matsushima said.

One widely shared post described an Indonesian woman whose application was placed under review, while her husband, using a Western name and phone number, was reportedly admitted immediately. Similar accounts from other users fuelled accusations that the club favoured expatriates and digital nomads over residents.

Indonesia 's Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, condemned the organisers' conduct, saying foreigners must not create exclusive communities that discriminate against Indonesian citizens. Authorities identified the organisers only by their initials, JAS and HQV, and confirmed both had left Indonesia for Singapore before enforcement action was taken. They have since been placed on Indonesia's entry ban list.

Immigration officials are also investigating whether the organisers complied with Indonesian immigration and business regulations. Authorities said foreign nationals are not permitted to organise commercial events without the appropriate permits or visa status.

In a public statement, Entourage Bali apologised to those who felt excluded and denied deliberately discriminating against Indonesians. The organisers said the community had been created primarily to connect digital nomads living in Bali and that an error in its automated approval system caused some, but not all, Indonesian phone numbers beginning with +62 to be rejected. They added that Indonesians accounted for around 25% of tickets sold for the club's running events and announced that all activities had been suspended while they reviewed their procedures.

The incident has reignited debate over the rapid growth of Bali's expatriate and digital nomad communities. Indonesian officials have increasingly tightened enforcement against foreigners accused of violating visa conditions , operating businesses without permits or showing disrespect toward local customs and laws.

On the 21st day of his hunger strike, Delhi Police removed Wangchuk from the protest site and admitted him to Safdarjung Hospital, saying his condition had become critical. Authorities said the decision was taken on medical advice and in compliance with directions from the Delhi High Court requiring regular monitoring of his health.

Wangchuk's supporters and family dispute that explanation, arguing that he was taken against his wishes in an effort to weaken a peaceful protest. His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, challenged his continued stay at the government hospital, describing it as akin to detention and seeking his transfer to a private medical facility. The Delhi High Court has since ordered his immediate transfer to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, with the government not objecting.

The incident has further energised the student-led movement. Protesters have continued demonstrations in New Delhi and organised marches towards Parliament, while some participants have broadened their demands beyond education reform to include calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign. The government has not publicly responded to those political demands or engaged directly with protest leaders.

Best known for developing artificial glaciers, or "ice stupas", to help communities in Ladakh cope with water shortages, Wangchuk has become one of the most recognisable faces of the movement. His hunger strike has drawn renewed attention to longstanding concerns over the integrity of India's competitive entrance examinations, which determine access to universities and professional courses for millions of students each year.

The statement added that the Houthi forces were fully prepared for “all options” and warned that any escalation by Saudi Arabia would be met with “comprehensive escalation and force”. It framed the stance as a defence of a “just cause”, saying the Yemeni people had the right to respond “by all available means”.

The festival draws pilgrims from multiple faiths, including Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Indigenous Vedda communities, as well as Pada Yatra devotees who travel on foot to reach the sacred town. The celebrations will culminate in the Maha Perahera on 29 July, followed by traditional rituals including a pre-dawn fire-walking ceremony. The festival is set to conclude on 30 July with the Diya Kapeema, a symbolic water-cutting ritual held in the Menik Ganga.

"We cannot be a republic, we cannot be a democracy , if there is no solid legal ground to pursue officials charged with committing serious offences," he said, stressing that the Vice-President, as an impeachable official, should be given the opportunity to answer the allegations against her.

Adiong argued that the proceedings were about reinforcing the rule of law and demonstrating that no public official should be placed above constitutional accountability because of political popularity or an electoral mandate.

He warned against dismissing every allegation as politically motivated, saying such a narrative risked fostering a culture of impunity.

"Some continue using the argument that they received the most votes and therefore should be above the law," he said. "If we follow that kind of narrative, it reinforces a culture of impunity, which is the opposite of accountability and transparency."

Adiong emphasised that the impeachment trial should not be viewed as a declaration of guilt, but as the proper constitutional process for examining the evidence.

"I'm not saying the Vice-President is guilty of the charges," he said. "What I can say is: let the process continue. This is the most democratic and legitimate avenue for the people to evaluate the evidence and strengthen the Constitution."

He described the trial as a historic moment for the Philippines, arguing that strong institutions were essential for the country's democratic future.

"We cannot progress as a nation if we selectively apply accountability and justice , or if political partisanship overrides the public interest," Adiong said. "The integrity of our institutions needs to be strengthened if we are to move forward as a strong democratic nation in Asia."

Al-Aqili said Yemen would take action using all available means to defend its sovereignty, stressing that patience had been exhausted. He added that the response would aim to deter further incidents and reaffirm the country’s ability to protect its territory across land, sea and air.

Addressing the audience, Putin also acknowledged the challenges faced by those on the front line and behind the scenes, noting that fear is a natural response in difficult circumstances. However, he emphasised that resilience and unity remain key factors in overcoming adversity, highlighting the mobilisation of millions of people in support of the country’s goals.

The celebration attracted a steady stream of visitors, including fans who had travelled from overseas.

Although now approaching the size of her mother, with only her smaller frame and smooth ears setting her apart, Moo Deng has lost little of her appeal.

Moo Deng became a global social media phenomenon shortly after birth through videos shared by her keeper, propelling the endangered pygmy hippopotamus into the international spotlight.

According to Chinese state media , Yang abused his positions to help individuals and companies obtain engineering contracts, land transfers and financing in exchange for cash and other valuables.

The ruling was handed down by a court in Changzhou, which described Yang's crimes as "extremely serious" and said they had caused "exceptionally heavy losses" to the interests of the state and the public.

Although Yang admitted his offences, expressed remorse and cooperated with investigators, the court said the scale and severity of his crimes meant he did not deserve a reduced sentence.

Yang's case forms part of President Xi Jinping's long-running anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted officials across government, the military and the financial sector. While Beijing has portrayed the drive as an effort to root out corruption, critics have argued it has also been used to sideline political rivals.

Death sentences for white-collar crimes remain uncommon in China but can be imposed in cases involving exceptionally large sums. Former banking executive Lai Xiaomin was executed in 2021 after taking 1.8 billion yuan in bribes, while former Inner Mongolia official Li Jianping was executed in 2024 over corruption offences involving more than 3 billion yuan.

Afghan officials condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty, while Pakistan said the operation targeted militant groups responsible for recent attacks inside its territory. According to Islamabad, the strikes were aimed at camps linked to an armed faction accused of carrying out cross-border violence . The escalation follows a deadly assault on security forces in Karachi, underlining the fragile security situation along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border.

"China and Belarus are good friends. We are developing a comprehensive strategic partnership, and our relations have withstood challenges from international turbulence. Our friendship is only growing stronger," Xi said, adding that he was ready to hold further in-depth discussions with Lukashenko on issues of mutual interest.

Xi also highlighted the two countries' co-operation under China's Belt and Road Initiative and Beijing's broader global initiatives, saying the partnership had produced "new results" while maintaining close co-ordination on international affairs.

Lukashenko told Xi he had travelled to Beijing directly from the Moscow region, where he had met Russian President Vladimir Putin a day earlier before flying to China.

"It feels like home," Lukashenko remarked as he greeted Xi, who described the Belarusian leader as "my dear friend" and noted that the pair met regularly to discuss a wide range of issues.

The visit comes as China and Belarus continue to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties despite heightened geopolitical tensions and Western sanctions imposed on Minsk over its support for Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

China has remained one of Belarus' closest international partners, expanding trade, investment and infrastructure co-operation while backing closer political engagement between the two countries.

He also claimed US President Donald Trump had shifted his position on Iran’s nuclear programme, saying Washington had moved from demanding unconditional surrender to acknowledging Iran’s rights. His remarks come as Qatar announced the start of the Lake Lucerne Summit, bringing together US and Iranian representatives with mediation from Qatar and Pakistan. Talks are expected to address a regional ceasefire, navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear programme, alongside a 14-point memorandum outlining de-escalation measures and a 60-day window for broader negotiations.

Family members allege the child had previously been bullied and extorted by other children, and say footage shows him being taken towards the pole before the incident. The boy was taken to hospital in critical condition but later regained consciousness, though he remains traumatised and under medical observation as investigations continue.

Turkish technology experts are raising alarms over the rapid spread of deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence to create highly convincing fake videos, audio recordings, and images that can imitate real people. The growing sophistication of these tools is making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish authentic content from manipulated material. Security specialists recommend verifying information through multiple trusted sources, scrutinising unusual facial movements or audio inconsistencies, and avoiding sharing sensational content before confirming its authenticity. The concern is particularly acute in politics, finance, and social media, where deepfakes can be used for fraud, misinformation, reputational attacks, and identity theft. Researchers note that AI-generated media has become realistic enough to deceive large audiences and can be difficult to detect without specialised tools.

Silifke mayor among those detained in municipal operation

A major operation targeting Silifke Municipality in Mersin has resulted in detentions , including Mayor Mustafa Turgut, according to Turkish media reports. The operation has drawn significant political attention because Turgut is one of the region’s most prominent local government figures. While authorities have not publicly disclosed all details surrounding the investigation, the case forms part of a broader pattern of judicial scrutiny involving municipal administrations across Turkey. Such operations often focus on allegations relating to procurement, municipal finances, licensing procedures, or administrative misconduct. The development is likely to intensify debate over governance, transparency, and political accountability at the local level. Given Silifke’s importance within Mersin Province, the outcome of the investigation could have broader political implications for local administration and public trust in municipal institutions.

Hotel owner wounded in armed attack in Çorum

A hotel operator identified as K.K. (44) was injured after being targeted in a shooting outside his business on İnönü Street in Çorum. According to reports, two suspects arrived at the hotel, opened fire, and fled the scene immediately afterwards. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Police launched a large-scale investigation and recovered evidence from the scene, including a firearm believed to have been used in the attack, which was later found in a nearby children's park. Authorities are reviewing security camera footage and pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the suspects. The incident has renewed concerns about violent crime and firearm-related attacks in urban areas, particularly where business owners become targets of organised or personal disputes.

Anthropic restrictions expose widening fractures in the global AI race

A dispute surrounding advanced AI company Anthropic is highlighting growing tensions in the international technology sector. Recent restrictions affecting access to some of the company's most advanced models, including Fable 5 and Mythos 5, have triggered concerns about the fragmentation of the global AI ecosystem. The controversy stems from export controls and access restrictions affecting foreign governments, companies, and users. Critics argue that limiting access to cutting-edge AI systems could deepen technological divides between countries and accelerate the emergence of separate AI spheres dominated by competing geopolitical blocs. Anthropic has reportedly entered discussions with US authorities in an effort to address the restrictions. The episode reflects a broader struggle over who controls advanced AI technologies, how they are distributed globally, and whether national security concerns should outweigh international technological collaboration.

Two injured after minibus and commercial vehicle collide in Samsun

Two people were injured in a traffic accident in Çarşamba district, Samsun, when a light commercial vehicle collided with a minibus. The impact caused the minibus to veer off course and strike a concrete electricity pole. According to local reports, the accident occurred on Baraj Yolu Avenue in Sarıcalı neighbourhood. Emergency medical teams responded to the scene and transported the injured individuals to Çarşamba State Hospital for treatment. The incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns in Turkey, where collisions involving commercial vehicles and public transport continue to contribute to injury rates. Authorities routinely urge drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly on busy urban and regional roads where traffic density can increase accident risks.

Others criticised the reliability of the agreement and the US position, suggesting shifting policies could undermine trust. The memorandum of understanding, signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire framework, steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted calls for withdrawal from Lebanon.

Zhuang brocade, with a history of more than 2,200 years, has traditionally been used in ethnic clothing and remains closely associated with the Zhuang people, China’s largest ethnic minority. By linking the craft to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Tan hopes to expand its reach beyond Guangxi and integrate it into modern daily life, bringing greater international recognition to the heritage.

Asia and Africa are expected to account for nearly 85% of all births worldwide in 2026, highlighting the growing demographic weight of the world's two most populous continents, according to United Nations population projections.

UN estimates indicate that approximately 64.9 million babies will be born in Asia in 2026, representing 49% of global births. Africa is projected to record 47.6 million births, or 35.9% of the worldwide total.

Combined, the two continents will account for 84.9% of all births globally, underscoring a long-term demographic shift that is increasingly concentrating population growth in developing regions.

The projections reflect contrasting demographic trends across the world. While birth rates remain relatively high in many African and South Asian countries, fertility levels have fallen sharply across Europe, East Asia and parts of North America.

Europe is expected to record around 6.1 million births in 2026, accounting for just 4.6% of the global total. Latin America and the Caribbean are projected to account for 9.3 million births, while North America is expected to record about 4 million births. Oceania's share is estimated at roughly 700,000 births.

The figures align with the UN's World Population Prospects, which projects that nearly all future global population growth will occur in Africa. At the same time, several countries in Europe and East Asia face shrinking populations and rapidly ageing societies.

The demographic transformation is already reshaping economic and political priorities. Governments across Africa are investing in education, healthcare and job creation to accommodate expanding young populations, while wealthier nations are increasingly confronting labour shortages and rising pension costs linked to lower birth rates.

India, now the world's most populous country, remains a major driver of global births alongside other populous Asian nations such as Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh. Across Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to play an increasingly significant role in global population growth over the coming decades.

According to the United Nations , the world's population surpassed 8 billion in 2022 and is projected to continue growing for several more decades before stabilising later this century. Much of that growth will be determined by demographic trends unfolding in Asia and Africa.