A global survey found that more than eight-in-ten adults across 35 countries are deeply concerned about the prevalence of fabricated news and information. This concern was particularly high in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, while North America and several European countries also expressed worries. This alarming trend has prompted researchers to delve deeper into the issue, including a recent report on the American public's views on made-up news and how it may impact the 2024 election.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have resurfaced after India issued an alert to its neighbor about possible cross-border flooding due to heavy monsoon rains. This marks the first known diplomatic-level contact between the two countries since May, when India carried out missile strikes in retaliation to the killing of tourists in Kashmir. The alert was shared outside of the established Indus Waters Commission, raising concerns about the status of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. While the ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump appears to be holding, the flood alert highlights the continued tension between the two nuclear-armed rivals.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Bangladesh, aimed at improving relations, has led to tension instead. Bangladesh has demanded an apology for the torture of Bengali-speaking people in 1971, along with other unresolved issues. Despite recent efforts towards reconciliation, the two nations face difficulties in normalizing relations.
As Typhoon Kajiki approaches Vietnam's central coast, the country is bracing for what is to come. With winds up to 166kmh, the strength and speed of this storm are causing airports to shut down, schools to close, and mass evacuations to be initiated. The Vietnamese government is issuing warnings of heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, urging residents to prepare for the worst. This is not the first time Vietnam has faced such a powerful storm, with past experiences causing destruction and devastation.
A quick-thinking and brave Saudi man, Maher Fahd Al Dalbahi, leapt into a burning truck at a petrol station in Dawadmi, Riyadh Province. He selflessly drove the truck away, averting a potentially disastrous explosion. The courageous act has gained widespread admiration and many are calling for Al Dalbahi to be officially recognized for his heroism. He suffered severe burns in the process but has shown signs of improvement. The deputy governor of Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, personally called to check on him and directed for him to receive the highest level of care.
A man known only as C N Chinnaiah has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after making allegations of murders, rapes, and burials at Dharmasthala for the past 20 years. The arrest came following inconsistencies found in his statements and documents, after being questioned late into Friday night by the SIT. The complainant had previously claimed to have evidence of a woman's sexual assault and death, but forensic reports showed the remains to be that of a man. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the SIT is continuing their investigation and no conclusion can be drawn yet.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced potential plans to meet with US President Donald Trump in the United Arab Emirates in an effort to resume high-level discussions. The decision comes after recent talks between Putin and a Trump envoy, indicating a mutual interest in deescalating tensions between the two countries. This potential summit also highlights the growing diplomatic significance of the UAE as a neutral ground for hosting sensitive meetings. While details are still being coordinated, observers are hopeful that this meeting could contribute to addressing key international issues and promoting better relations between Russia and the US.
JUI-F chief Fazl-ur-Rehman has criticized the federal and provincial governments for overlooking the unchecked growth of militancy in Pakistan. He warns that the state has failed to provide security to its citizens, with militant groups controlling various parts of the country. Rehman also accuses the government of diverting development funds to terror groups, worsening the situation. His remarks have exposed the deep fissures within the political establishment and highlight the severity of the security vacuum in Pakistan.
Tragedy struck the Bhandup area of Mumbai as a 17-year-old boy was electrocuted while walking home in the rain. Despite warnings from local residents, the loud music from his headphones drowned out their shouts and he was fatally shocked. As the city experiences heavy downpours, normalcy slowly returns with the resumption of public services and the IMD predicting a decrease in rainfall intensity.
White House adviser Peter Navarro stirred controversy by accusing India of having a role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as he defended Trump's decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods. Navarro also claimed that India's partnership with China and purchase of Russian oil was contributing to the crisis, calling it a "refining profiteering scheme" and "laundromat for the Kremlin". Despite his admiration for India and its leader Modi, Navarro urged the country to take responsibility for its actions and work towards peace instead of fueling the war.