In other news

Chinese aerospace engineers are revisiting the oblique rotating wing concept to develop a hypersonic drone carrier that can fly at five times the speed of sound and release a swarm of drones. The design, inspired by Nasa's AD-1 experimental aircraft, features a single, centrally mounted wing that rotates up to 90 degrees to achieve efficient and stable flight across various speeds. The proposed aircraft can maximize lift at low speeds and reduce drag at high speeds, making it a potential cornerstone of future warfare.

The National Museum of China is hosting an exhibition of works by 19th-century Russian realist painter Ilya Repin, titled 'Ilya Repin: Encyclopedia of Russian Life,' as part of a cultural exchange between China and Russia. The exhibition, featuring 48 oil paintings and 44 sketches, aims to emphasize Repin's 'Russianness' amidst a cultural dispute between Russia and Ukraine over the artist's national identity. The event is part of the 2024-25 Russian-Chinese Years of Culture, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

China is mandating that its data centres use more domestically produced AI chips to reduce reliance on foreign technology, particularly Nvidia, amid tightening US export controls. The move is part of Beijing's efforts to strengthen its indigenous semiconductor sector. Data centres across the country have been asked to source over 50% of their chips from domestic producers. The policy originated from guidelines proposed by the Shanghai municipality in March last year and has now become a nationwide mandatory policy.

The article discusses the rise of 'vertical dramas' in America, a new format of scripted shows that are divided into bite-size episodes, typically lasting a minute or two, and shot in a vertical format. Chinese filmmakers are pioneering this format, which is gaining popularity among American audiences and shaking up the streaming market. The dramas are designed to be fast-paced and melodramatic, with storylines that often feature werewolves, evil stepmothers, and brooding billionaire husbands. The article explores the potential impact of this trend on Hollywood and the traditional television industry.

The Hong Kong government has expressed strong disapproval and opposition to the granting of asylum to two opposition activists, Ted Hui and Tony Chung, by Australia and the United Kingdom, respectively. The activists, who are wanted for national security offences, announced on social media that they had been granted asylum. The Hong Kong government spokesman condemned the actions of the countries, stating that they showed contempt for the rule of law and interfered in Hong Kong's affairs. The government warned that such actions would have consequences. The move has sparked a diplomatic row between Hong Kong and the two countries.

Japan's non-profit organizations that help vulnerable women in the sex industry are facing scrutiny after allegations of misconduct by social workers. A woman named Rina reported that a social worker from a Tokyo-based non-profit organization she had sought help from was involved in suspicious behavior, including snorting a white powder at a karaoke bar. The incident reflects growing concerns about social workers exploiting the people they are meant to protect. The issue gained attention after the arrest of Yoshihide Tanaka, former secretary general of Nippon Kakekomidera, for cocaine possession. Tanaka's arrest has heightened concerns about the integrity of these organizations and their ability to protect vulnerable individuals.

Chinese scientists have developed a new technique that can make organs such as the brain and heart transparent, allowing for exceptionally clear 3D images of their inner workings. The Tsinghua University-led team achieved this by preserving the integrity of biological structures and enhancing the brightness of fluorescent dyes used to highlight cells and molecules. This method enables the study of organs without damaging their internal structures and has the potential to unravel individual human neurons' micro-connectivity in the brain.

The risk of importing chikungunya into Hong Kong is expected to rise due to increasing global prevalence and frequent summer travel, according to Ronald Lam Man-kin, director of the Department of Health. However, Lam reassured the public that the risk of local transmission will remain low with proper disease control measures in place. The global incidence of chikungunya has increased, with over 240,000 cases reported worldwide as of July, and climate change has extended the distribution of mosquitoes that carry the virus.

Heavy monsoon floods and landslides have killed at least 307 people in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The majority of deaths occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in north-west Pakistan. The floods have damaged at least 74 homes, and a rescue helicopter crashed during operations, killing its five crew members. The region is prone to landslides and flooding due to climate change, which has made weather events more extreme and frequent. The death toll is expected to rise as heavy rainfall continues until August 21.

Global talks to develop a landmark treaty to end plastic pollution have collapsed due to deep divisions between countries. The UN negotiations, the sixth round of talks in under three years, were due to end on Thursday but countries continued to negotiate into the night. A group of about 100 nations, including the UK and EU, pushed for curbs on plastic production, while oil states like Saudi Arabia and Russia argued for a focus on recycling. The talks were convened in 2022 in response to mounting scientific evidence of the risks of plastic pollution to human health and the environment. The collapse of the talks means countries fall further behind on addressing the issue.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her former bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie have been charged with fraud and corruption for allegedly using public funds to fuel their personal and intimate relationship. Prosecutors claim that from October 2021 to June 2024, the pair falsely claimed Vappie was on duty while they were engaged in personal activities, including 14 domestic and international trips. They used secure messaging apps to hide their relationship and allegedly intimidated subordinates, lied to FBI agents, and committed perjury. If found guilty, they face multi-year prison sentences and fines of up to $250,000.

A train collision in southern Denmark resulted in one fatality and dozens of injuries. The train hit a slurry tanker and derailed between the towns of Tinglev and Kliplev, near the German border. A 60-year-old woman died, and 27 others were injured, with five seriously hurt and two in critical condition. The train carried 106 people, including students from a school in Sønderborg. The Danish Prime Minister expressed condolences to the affected families and individuals. The rail operator DSB shut down services along the line, and an investigation is implied.

Thousands of firefighters are battling huge wildfires in Spain and Portugal as a severe heatwave continues to grip southern Europe. The fires have devastated over 1,500 square kilometers of land in Spain, resulting in seven deaths. The heatwave has also led to wildfires in other parts of southern Europe, including Greece, France, and the Balkans. Spain's national weather agency has warned of a very high risk of fires across most of the country, with temperatures exceeding 44C in several areas.

The article discusses the newly elected Pope Leo XIV and how, despite signaling a change in tone from his predecessor Pope Francis, he is following a progressive path on issues like same-sex couple blessings and migration attitudes. The article cites polling data showing that lay Catholics and gay Catholics are more liberal than might be expected, with a majority wanting the church to change with the times.

The article discusses China's planned electric vehicle (EV) factories in Turkey, specifically the one planned by BYD, China's largest EV maker. Despite initial fanfare and a $1bn investment announcement in 2024, the project has made little progress a year later. The factory, planned for Manisa, Turkey, is expected to open next year, but there are currently no visible signs of construction. The article raises concerns about the potential impact of Chinese EV factories on Turkey's domestic EV maker, TOGG.

The article discusses a surge in Russian sabotage attacks across Europe in 2024, citing a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The report reveals a sharp escalation in Russia's campaign of sabotage and subversion in Europe since 2022. The article highlights warnings from European officials, including Martina Rosenberg, head of Germany's military counter-intelligence service, and Britain's imposition of sanctions on Russian intelligence officers. The report suggests that while the number of attacks may have fallen in recent months, it may be the calm before another storm.

The article discusses the vibrant civic groups in Germany, such as shooting clubs and other social organizations, that play a crucial role in holding the country's society together. The author describes attending a festival in Arnsberg, where members of a shooting club gathered, paraded through the streets, and celebrated with speeches, dancing, and beer. These civic groups are an integral part of German culture and contribute to the country's social fabric.

Bolivia is holding presidential and congressional elections on Sunday, which could mark a significant shift in the country's politics as the right-wing opposition seeks its first victory in decades. The election is considered one of the most consequential and unpredictable in recent times. The long-dominant leftist party may lose power, potentially leading to a right-wing government being elected for the first time in over two decades.

The article discusses the strained relations between Syria and Lebanon, highlighting the complex story behind their tense border dynamics. A year ago, a lightning offensive by Islamist insurgents in Syria toppled Bashar Assad, and a new government took place in Damascus. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, a bruising war with Israel weakened Hezbollah, a Shiite Lebanese militant group allied with Assad and backed by Iran. A U.S.-negotiated ceasefire has brought a fragile peace, but the situation remains volatile. The article explores the historical context and current events that have contributed to the strained relations between the two countries.

Rescue workers in northwestern Pakistan have expanded relief operations after flash floods killed over 220 people in Buner district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The floods were triggered by cloudbursts and torrential monsoon downpours on Friday, causing landslides and widespread destruction. Officials said the rescue efforts are ongoing, with a focus on providing aid to affected areas.

An American archaeology student, Yara Souza from Florida, made a significant discovery during her first excavation in the U.K. She found a rare 9th-century gold object in Redesdale, Northumberland, northeastern England. The object, about 1.5 inches long with a decorative finial, was buried near Dere Street, a major Roman road. Experts believe the object may have had a religious or ceremonial use and was likely buried deliberately. The discovery is considered exceptional and could be displayed at a local museum.

Nine Guatemalan prison guards held hostage by rioting inmates since Thursday were freed on Saturday after authorities negotiated with gang members from Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). The riots began on Tuesday as the gangs demanded the return of their leaders who were transferred to another prison and placed in solitary confinement. One prison official was killed during the unrest. The violence is part of an ongoing rivalry between the two gangs, which have been causing problems in Guatemala.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed foreign companies at the opening of a Chinese factory in São Paulo, criticizing U.S. tariffs and signaling a possible shift towards Beijing. Lula denounced U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs as 'unnecessary turbulence' and announced an aid package for companies affected by the tariffs. Tensions between Lula and Trump extend beyond trade to politics, with the U.S. lambasting Brazil's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

A hiker in his 20s was found dead on Mount Rausu in Hokkaido, Japan, after being attacked by a brown bear while walking with a friend. The victim was dragged into the bushes, and his friend reported the incident to the police. Following the attack, three trails leading to Mount Rausu were closed, and over 71 people were airlifted out of the area. Hunters later found and killed three brown bears near where the victim's body was discovered. The incident has raised concerns about bear attacks in Japan, with officials hosting 'bear drills' to prepare for future incidents.

Kseniya Alexandrova, a 30-year-old former Miss Universe contestant from Russia, died after being involved in a car accident with an elk in Tver Oblast, Russia. The accident occurred on July 5 when Alexandrova and her husband were driving in their Porsche Panamera. The elk smashed through the windshield, causing severe brain injuries to Alexandrova, who was in the passenger seat. She remained in a coma for over a month before passing away on August 15. Her husband survived the accident and described the horrific scene, stating that the elk's legs shattered the front of Alexandrova's skull.

The New York Yankees won their second consecutive series against the St. Louis Cardinals, defeating them 12-8 on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Busch Stadium. Ben Rice had a standout game with seven RBIs, including a three-run homer and a three-run double. Aaron Judge also had a strong performance, hitting his 39th home run and an RBI double. The Yankees' win improved their record to 66-57, moving them closer to the Mariners and Red Sox in the AL wild-card standings. Manager Aaron Boone praised Rice's performance, saying he has become a prominent player. The Yankees' offense was led by Rice, Judge, Trent Grisham, and José Caballero, who all contributed to the team's victory.

Couples' therapist Lisa Oake explains why people risk everything for an affair, citing five psychological pitfalls: being overly 'good', perfectionism, poor boundaries, being in an abusive or emotionally withholding marriage, and recent loss. She notes that humans are wired to seek approval and often repress emotions, leading to a violent recoil. Oake suggests that affairs can be a catalyst for self-reflection and renegotiation of a relationship, but also come with severe consequences. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself before reaching an emotional breaking point.

Myanmar's military junta, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, is rebranding itself and planning elections in December 2025 and January 2026, despite evidence of intensifying atrocities, including systemic torture, summary executions, and aerial attacks on civilians. The UN's Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar has gathered evidence of widespread human rights abuses, including the detention and torture of children as young as two years old. Analysts say the election is a sham, designed to give the junta a veneer of legitimacy, and that it will not be free or fair due to the military's repression and attacks on civilians. The international community, including the US and Western countries, has denounced the election and refused to recognize the junta as the legitimate government of Myanmar.

The article reports on the dire situation in Gaza's hospitals, which are overwhelmed with malnutrition cases among children. Nine-year-old Maryam Dawas is highlighted as a severe case, having lost significant weight due to malnutrition. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports nearly 13,000 new admissions of children for acute malnutrition in July. The Gaza Health Ministry states that 251 people, including 108 children, have died from famine and malnutrition. Israel's coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT) claims Hamas is inflating the numbers, but the article argues that famine exacerbates existing health conditions. The situation is attributed to Israel's total blockade, which began in March and was partially eased in May, following almost two years of war and a partial blockade since 2007.