Sri Lanka's opposition, led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, threatens to overthrow the ruling NPP government. The opposition accuses the NPP of failing to keep its election promises. Namal Rajapaksa, son of Mahinda, stated they are ready to act at the first opportunity. This comes as several members of the previous Rajapaksa administration face corruption charges.

Myanmar's military announced a major crackdown on a notorious internet scam hub near the Thai border. Nearly 1,600 foreign nationals were arrested in just five days. Authorities also seized thousands of computers and mobile phones. This operation targets sprawling fraud factories that have proliferated in Myanmar's border regions. The crackdown follows pressure from China, a key military backer.

A devastating boiler explosion at a chemical factory in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan has claimed at least 15 lives. Several others are injured and have been hospitalized. Nearby structures collapsed due to the powerful blast. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to clear the debris and search for more victims. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the tragic incident.

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has taken a leave of absence from teaching at Harvard University and stepped down as director of a center following the release of emails detailing his friendly relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Summers also severed ties with OpenAI amid the fallout. The university had reopened an investigation into his connections with Epstein.

President Donald Trump has signed a bill. This bill will lead to the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The announcement was made on Wednesday. This development is significant. It pertains to sensitive information. The public will soon have access to these documents. This marks a key step in the ongoing process.

Congress decisively passed a bill compelling the Justice Department to publicly release its Jeffrey Epstein files, overcoming months of opposition from President Trump and Republican leadership. This bipartisan effort, driven by abuse survivors, aims for accountability and transparency regarding Epstein's crimes and his death in federal custody.

President Donald Trump is looking at a deal to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The US President mentioned this as he prepares to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. Economic and defense agreements are expected to be signed during the visit. Trump hopes Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords soon.

The 27th amendment, passed by a two-thirds majority, also consolidates military power under a new Chief of Defence Forces role and establishes a Federal Constitutional Court.

President Donald Trump has issued full pardons to former lawyer Rudy Giuliani, ex-chief of staff Mark Meadows, and conservative attorneys Sidney Powell and John Eastman. The proclamations, posted online, also cover fake electors charged in state cases. These pardons aim to address perceived injustices related to the 2020 election efforts.

Pakistan's parliament is set to vote on the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which proposes significant changes including abolishing the CJCSC position and establishing a Federal Constitutional Court. The opposition has condemned the move, calling it a threat to the constitution and announcing nationwide protests. Legal experts are divided on the amendment's impact on the judiciary.

A Ukrainian drone attack briefly disrupted power and heating in Russia's Voronezh city overnight. While electronic warfare systems downed several drones, a utility facility fire caused temporary outages. No injuries were reported. Russia's defence ministry stated it destroyed 44 Ukrainian drones across other regions, with Kyiv yet to comment on the Voronezh incident.

Chinese firm Xpeng Aeroht has commenced trial production of its modular flying car, the Land Aircraft Carrier, at the world's first intelligent factory for mass-produced flying cars. This move positions China ahead of competitors like Tesla and Alef Aeronautics in the burgeoning flying car market, with Xpeng targeting mass production and delivery by 2026.

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has appealed to Belgium's Supreme Court. This challenges an earlier order allowing his extradition to India. The Antwerp Court of Appeals had deemed India's request enforceable. Choksi faces charges in a large bank scam. His appeal suspends the extradition process.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to rebuild nuclear facilities with greater strength after U.S. strikes, reiterating that the program is for civilian purposes and not for developing nuclear weapons. This statement comes amid warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump of further attacks if Iran restarts its nuclear sites.

Canada and the Philippines are strengthening defense ties. A new agreement allows joint military drills. This move aims to deter China's assertive actions in the South China Sea. The Philippines is building security alliances to counter a militarily superior China. Canada has been vocal against China's provocative behavior in the region.

New Pentagon rules significantly weaken transgender troops' ability to remain in service. Commanders can now overrule decisions made by peer boards. Trans service members must also wear uniforms matching their birth-assigned gender to attend hearings. This policy faces criticism for undermining fairness and dignity for those serving.

Asian and Pacific Rim leaders are concluding their economic forum after a temporary trade war truce between Presidents Trump and Xi. The summit, overshadowed by the US-China deal, saw China position itself as a proponent of free trade. Discussions also touched on denuclearization efforts, drawing criticism from North Korea.

The White House has restricted journalists' access to top communications officials' offices, requiring appointments for entry into Room 140. This move, citing protection of sensitive material, mirrors recent Defense Department clampdowns. Officials claim reporters engaged in unauthorized recording and eavesdropping, hindering private meetings. The White House Correspondents' Association opposes these limitations, fearing reduced accountability.

President Donald Trump has praised India's efforts in reducing oil imports from Russia. He reiterated his assertion that Delhi will significantly decrease its energy purchases from Moscow. India's Ministry of External Affairs has stated that its import policies prioritize safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring stable energy prices. Discussions are ongoing to deepen energy cooperation with the US.

ASEAN and China have upgraded their free trade agreement. The new deal includes digital and green economy sectors. This move strengthens economic ties between the bloc and China. Bilateral trade reached $771 billion last year. China seeks to boost engagement with ASEAN. The upgraded agreement was signed at a summit in Malaysia. Negotiations concluded in May this year.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers convened ahead of a landmark ASEAN summit welcoming East Timor as its 11th member. The meeting also precedes U.S. President Donald Trump's first trip to Asia since returning to the White House, with leaders set to address regional security and economic challenges amidst global political turbulence.

China's Communist Party Central Committee saw its highest personnel turnover since 2017, replacing 11 members during a key meeting. This shake-up coincides with an ongoing military anti-corruption purge, which led to the expulsion of eight generals, including former CMC Vice Chair He Weidong. Veteran general Zhang Shengmin was promoted to a key military commission role.

A senior UN official warned Wednesday of generational impacts in Gaza from malnutrition among pregnant women and babies, urging a surge of aid to help prevent potential lifelong health issues. Malnutrition will have generational effects, not on the mother, but on the newborn, likely to result in ever longer lasting care and problems throughout the life of the baby, he said at UN headquarters in New York.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy entered prison Tuesday to serve a five-year sentence. He is the first modern French ex-leader to be jailed. Sarkozy was convicted for illegally financing his 2007 election campaign with Libyan funds. Supporters gathered outside his home, expressing anger and injustice. Sarkozy stated he is an innocent man being locked up.

Pakistan announced it will hold talks with the Afghan Taliban in Qatar on Saturday following airstrikes inside Afghanistan that killed at least 10 people, ending a two-day border ceasefire. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik will lead the delegation, according to state television.

President Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Zelenskyy amid stalled negotiations for long-range missile systems. Following a call with Russian President Putin, Trump signaled reluctance to sell the missiles, citing U.S. needs. Putin had warned such a sale would damage U.S.-Russia relations, while Zelenskyy sought the weapons to strike deep into Russian territory.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu narrowly survived a no-confidence vote, averting immediate political chaos and allowing him to focus on the crucial 2026 budget. His survival also prevents President Macron from needing to call snap legislative elections, a move he had considered if the government fell.

Fierce clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border over the weekend left dozens dead, prompting both countries to heighten military alert. Pakistan closed border crossings, halting trade and stranding hundreds of trucks carrying goods, including food and imports. Islamabad accused Taliban forces of harboring militants attacking Pakistan, while the Taliban denied the presence of Pakistani militants.

Hamas and Israel are exchanging hostages and prisoners as a ceasefire takes hold, marking a significant step in ending the devastating war. Living hostages are expected to return home first, while hundreds of Palestinian prisoners await release. U.S. President Donald Trump is in the region to discuss the deal and postwar plans.

Mass firings of federal workers have commenced, impacting thousands across departments like Treasury and Health and Human Services. This aggressive move by the Trump administration escalates the government shutdown, with officials stating the cuts target Democrat-oriented areas. Critics, including some Republicans, condemn the actions as punitive and unhelpful to negotiations.

North Korea showcased its most powerful nuclear weapons, including a new intercontinental ballistic missile, at a military parade marking the Workers' Party anniversary. Leader Kim Jong Un highlighted his growing diplomatic ties and arsenal, with foreign leaders from China, Russia, and Vietnam in attendance.

Russia's parliament has approved leaving a key nuclear arms pact with the United States. This agreement, signed in 2000, aimed to reduce large stockpiles of weapons-grade plutonium. Russia cited new US actions and sanctions as reasons for its withdrawal. Both nations possess the world's largest nuclear arsenals. This move impacts global strategic stability.

Government tours are halted. The House remains closed. The Senate faces repeated failed votes. President Donald Trump threatens federal worker firings and no back pay. The shutdown enters its second week with no resolution. Both parties are entrenched in their positions. Behind the scenes, discussions are occurring. The core issue is health care funding.

Around 900 individuals, including hikers and staff, stranded by a severe snowstorm on the Chinese side of Mount Everest have been safely evacuated. The storm cut off access to their tents at over 16,000 feet, with some experiencing hypothermia. The scenic area has been temporarily closed.

Israel has deported 171 activists detained during an aid flotilla to Gaza. Among those sent back were Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg. The deportees hailed from various nations including Greece, Italy, France, and the United States. They were sent to Greece and Slovakia. This action follows their detention while participating in the flotilla.

Typhoon Bualoi caused 51 deaths in Vietnam. The storm made landfall on Monday, leaving 14 people missing and injuring 164 others. Property damage reached 15.9 trillion dong. Roads, schools, and offices suffered severe damage. Over 230,000 houses were damaged. Nearly 89,000 hectares of crops were destroyed. The central bank urged banks to support affected businesses.

French cities saw protests against spending cuts and for higher taxes on the wealthy. Major unions called for action amid budget talks and political changes. The Eiffel Tower closed due to the strike. Unions urge Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to reconsider proposed measures. Earlier demonstrations also drew many people across France.

A U.S.-sponsored 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza is awaiting Hamass response. The proposal, backed by Israel, calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage exchange, Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and an internationally led transitional government.

FBI Director Kash Patel visited New Zealand in July. He presented replica pistols to senior security officials. New Zealand law prohibits these weapons. Officials surrendered the gifts for destruction. Authorities then destroyed the pistols. This event caused some discussion. Patel's visit also included remarks about China. The FBI opened its first New Zealand office.

Women in Gaza faced sexual exploitation for aid. Men offered food, money, or jobs for sexual interactions. Six women shared their experiences anonymously. Aid groups noted a rise in cases during the crisis. This exploitation occurred as women sought assistance. The situation showed women's vulnerability in the region. Many women felt forced to comply due to their needs.

A Chinese court sentenced 16 members of a family-run criminal gang to death for operating deadly scam centers in Myanmar's borderlands. The group engaged in cyber fraud, drug trafficking, and murder, killing 14 people, including those attempting to escape or disobey. Their illicit activities generated over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion).

Kyiv faced one of its heaviest Russian bombardments since the war began, with drones and anti-aircraft fire filling the night sky, monitors reported Sunday. The assault, ongoing by morning, forced residents into underground metro stations for safety.

Slovenia has barred Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This action highlights Slovenia's commitment to international law. The decision follows an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Slovenia had already restricted entry for two other Israeli ministers. They also imposed an arms embargo on Israel. Slovenia expects Israel to respect international court decisions. The government emphasizes its dedication to human rights.

The White House is preparing for possible government shutdown. Agencies are told to plan for large-scale firings. This is different from past shutdowns. Earlier, workers were furloughed. Now, positions may be eliminated. The move increases pressure on Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. They oppose a clean funding bill. Democrats demand healthcare improvements.

The US Secret Service has taken down a large network of SIM farms in New York. This happened as world leaders gathered at the United Nations. These farms contained many SIM cards and servers. Officials say the network could have disrupted cellular service. It could have also been used for illegal activities.

Donald Trump asserted at the UN that he stopped the India-Pakistan conflict. He stated this claim repeatedly, citing a ceasefire agreement. India refutes any third-party involvement. India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure. India maintains the ceasefire followed direct talks between military operations directors. Narendra Modi clarified no leader asked India to halt Operation Sindoor.

NATO has issued a stern warning to Russia, demanding an immediate halt to escalating airspace violations along its eastern border. This follows an incident where Russian fighter jets breached Estonian airspace, prompting emergency consultations. The alliance reaffirms its commitment to defending its members and deterring threats, while also pledging continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is in search of a new leader to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, aiming to restore political stability and voter support. Five candidates are competing for the position, promising change and a focus on addressing rising prices to regain lost ground in parliament.

US President Donald Trump claimed he helped end conflicts between India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia, and several other countries through trade, asserting 60% of wars were stopped this way. Speaking at the American Cornerstone Institute, he said he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for ending seven wars and expressed confidence in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.