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Current affairs articles
Geopolitics
'Process can’t be unending': Supreme Court wants SIR tribunals in Bengal to work faster
Times of India – World
· India
- Over 34 lakh appeals pending against voter name deletions in West Bengal's SIR tribunals.
- Supreme Court oversees these appeals, highlighting systemic del…
US lifts TikTok ban on government devices after ByteDance restructuring
South China Morning Post – World
· China
The White House has formally lifted the ban on TikTok on US government devices after the Justice Department determined that the version operated by the platfor…
How India’s government can be a good parent to its young people
South China Morning Post – World
· China
The resignation of Indian education minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month, yielding to pressure from the “cockroach” youth protests, was an example of democra…
Ex-Marine freed from Russian prison after Trump discussed case with Putin
NBC News – World
· US
A former U.S. Marine who spent more than four years in a Russian prison and is believed to be seriously ill has been released and was on his way back to the Un…
Phia Touted Elevenfold Revenue Growth. Now Reports Say Its Founders Knew It Was Claiming Sales It Didn’t Drive
Inc.
· Global
Internal messages show Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni knew months before Phia’s $35 million Series A that its affiliate technology could take credit for purcha…
Doctors ignored ‘warning signs’ before Maradona’s death, court hears
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Diego Maradona showed “warning signs” that went unheeded during the home hospitalisation leading up to his death in 2020, a witness on Tuesday told the trial e…
Deported From the U.S., Trapped in a Prison in Africa
The New York Times – World
· US
Roberto Mosquera, a Cuban immigrant who has lived in the United States since 1980 and completed a prison sentence in 1996, was arrested by ICE last year and se…
US faults China over opaque overseas lending, warns of emerging-market debt risks
South China Morning Post – World
· China
The United States has stepped up scrutiny of China’s overseas lending, warning that the lack of transparency surrounding Chinese loans could increase the risk …
“That product is off the market, so I think there’s absolutely lower risk for cyclospora in terms of eating lettuce,” one professor of food safety tells WIRED.
- CJI Surya Kant's 'cockroach' remark sparked controversy three months ago.
- The remark led to the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party.
- The party org…
US military says it has fired on ship in Gulf of Oman to enforce blockade of Iranian ports
South China Morning Post – World
· China
A US helicopter on Tuesday fired missiles into the engine room of a Panama-flagged cargo ship that attempted to break the American blockade of Iran’s ports, th…
IEEE Engineering Summit Supports Bhutan’s Digital Transformation
IEEE Spectrum
· Global
In collaboration with the Kingdom of Bhutan government, IEEE recently introduced its Engineering Education, Research, and Innovation Summit.Held on 9 and 10 Ju…
FBI says cybercriminals are hacking into victims’ online accounts to steal their intimate pictures
TechCrunch
· US
In a new alert, the FBI said cybercriminals are targeting adults and minors in an attempt to steal their personal and intimate pictures in extortion campaigns.
In shattered Cali, residents search for loved ones and signs of hope
BBC News – World
· Europe
Most deaths from the magnitude-7.4 quake were reported in Cali, Colombia’s third-most populous city, as crews search collapsed buildings for those still trappe…
Facebook parent Meta to unwind US$2 billion Manus AI deal after Beijing block
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Facebook owner Meta Platforms is set to fully unwind its acquisition of Chinese-founded artificial intelligence platform Manus, more than three months after Be…
Google also shared numbers of how people are actually using the chatbot, with 63% of Gemini users talking directly to the assistant using the voice feature. Pl…
Israel and Venezuela renew consular ties after 17 years of no diplomacy
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Israel and Venezuela announced on Tuesday that they had renewed consular relations 17 years after diplomatic ties were severed between the two countries.
The m…
Man charged with bomb threat against US consulate in Canada
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Canadian police on Tuesday charged a man with making a bomb threat against the US consulate in Halifax, the latest security incident involving an American dipl…
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'Process can’t be unending': Supreme Court wants SIR tribunals in Bengal to work faster
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Over 34 lakh appeals pending against voter name deletions in West Bengal's SIR tribunals.
- Supreme Court oversees these appeals, highlighting systemic delays in resolving voter disputes.
- Pending cases strain judicial resources, affecting electoral integrity and voter rights.
- Deletion of voter names in West Bengal raises concerns about electoral fairness and administrative efficiency.
Severe malnutrition in Somalia is surging after U.S. cuts, aid groups say
Source: The Washington Post – World
·
“What we are seeing is shocking and far beyond the threshold of an extremely critical emergency,” one humanitarian official said.
US lifts TikTok ban on government devices after ByteDance restructuring
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Justice Department states TikTok’s US joint venture is no longer under 2022 ban.
- White House lifts TikTok restriction on government devices after legal review.
- OMB rescinds 2023 directive banning TikTok due to revised legal interpretation.
- DOJ’s opinion clarifies app isn’t a “covered application,” aligning with Trump’s 2020 directive.
Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni reportedly knew Phia was ‘cookie stuffing’ for months
Source: TechCrunch
·
- Phia, co-founded by Gates and Kianni, faces accusations of cookie stuffing, where it falsely claimed credit for unaffiliated purchases, violating affiliate agreements.
- Bloomberg alleges cookie stuffing constituted significant sales, leading to revenue drops after the practice was halted, impacting brands like Nike and Nordstrom.
- Phia lost half its staff and faced investor backlash for aggressive affiliate marketing, with leaked Slack messages confirming executives knew about the practice.
- The company claims to have removed misattributed transactions and hired a compliance head, but past data collection controversies persist.
Accel closes oversubscribed $550M India fund within weeks, 19 months after its last
Source: TechCrunch
·
- Accel closes $550M India fund (part of $3.5B global raise), oversubscribed despite remaining capital in its previous $650M India fund.
- Focus on AI, consumer internet, fintech, and advanced manufacturing, with AI as a horizontal tech underpinning these sectors.
- Global investors boost India focus, citing growing AI adoption and startup potential amid broader VC slowdown.
- Coordinated fundraising includes regional funds and a $1.35B growth vehicle, supporting early-stage bets on founders.
Anguish of Colombian brother at rubble of building being searched for earthquake survivors
Source: BBC News – World
·
- Earthquake in Cali, Colombia, caused a building collapse, killing at least 95 and trapping dozens, with rescue efforts ongoing.
- Rescuers use silence to detect survivors, with hope fading as time passes, though some trapped individuals remain alive.
- Efraín Gallego waits anxiously for his brother, highlighting the emotional toll on families amid uncertainty.
- Volunteers and rescuers collaborate tirelessly, emphasizing community support and the search for survivors in the rubble.
How India’s government can be a good parent to its young people
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Protests erupted over leaked medical entrance exam, led by Cockroach Janata Party, demanding accountability and education reforms.
- At least 20 suicides followed retest announcement, highlighting exams' life-or-death role in India's hypercompetitive job market.
- In India and China, fair education admissions act as social mobility safety valves; undermining them sparks unrest, as seen in India's protests.
- East Asian economies, including Singapore and China's regions, top Pisa rankings, linking educational success to economic growth.
Ex-Marine freed from Russian prison after Trump discussed case with Putin
Source: NBC News – World
·
- Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, imprisoned in Russia for over four years, was released and en route to the U.S.
- Gilman is believed to be seriously ill following his prolonged detention.
- President Trump announced his release after discussions with Russian President Putin.
- NBC News reported the update on August 11, 2026.
Father and sons forced to manually clear rubble in Gaza
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Father and sons manually clear rubble from destroyed home in Gaza using basic tools.
- Civil defense teams blame Israel’s blocked heavy machinery for slowing body recovery.
- Trapped bodies remain under collapsed buildings due to restricted equipment access.
- Al Jazeera reports on the ongoing humanitarian crisis and delayed rescue efforts.
Phia Touted Elevenfold Revenue Growth. Now Reports Say Its Founders Knew It Was Claiming Sales It Didn’t Drive
Source: Inc.
·
Internal messages show Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni knew months before Phia’s $35 million Series A that its affiliate technology could take credit for purchases it may not have generated.
US says helicopter fired missiles to disable ship breaking Iran blockade
Source: BBC News – World
·
- US helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at Panama-flagged ship *Vela Nova* to disable its steering gear after ignoring warnings, per Centcom.
- US enforces blockade of Iranian ports amid ongoing conflict, with Centcom redirecting 55 vessels and disabling 3 non-compliant ships.
- Iran’s closure of Strait of Hormuz disrupts global oil flow, causing price volatility, while Houthi attacks target Saudi ships in Red Sea.
- Stalemate persists over Strait reopening; both sides exchange fire, with Iran engaging Oman but not the US in talks.
Doctors ignored ‘warning signs’ before Maradona’s death, court hears
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- 7 healthcare professionals face trial for negligence in Maradona’s 2020 death, ongoing since April.
- Maradona died of heart failure and pulmonary edema two weeks post-surgery.
- Witness claims ignored warning signs like swelling, shortness of breath, and hypertension.
- Medical board analyzed records to assess his health, per court testimony.
A Man Asked a Bot to Book Him a Gym Class. It Deleted Someone Else’s Spot Instead
Source: Inc.
·
Andrew Bird was using an OpenClaw agent to book a gym class when it pulled out all the stops to move him up the waitlist.
Deported From the U.S., Trapped in a Prison in Africa
Source: The New York Times – World
·
- Roberto Mosquera, a Cuban immigrant with U.S. residency since 1980 and a 1996 prison sentence, was arrested by ICE.
- He was sent to Eswatini, an African country he’d never heard of, after a hunger strike.
- Mosquera obtained a phone during his detention to speak with Nicholas Casey of *The New York Times Magazine*.
- His experience highlights ICE’s use of foreign detention and limited access to communication.
Travis Kelce eyes multi million dollar move amid growing fitness concerns
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Travis Kelce returns for his 14th season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- He is the team’s leading tight end.
- Kelce recorded 76 receptions in the season.
- He is bouncing back after a season hiatus.
After 86 Years, McDonald’s Just Added an Energy Drink to Its Menu. It Signals a Bigger Shift in Fast Food
Source: Inc.
·
The fast-food giant is trying to make drinks a reason why customers walk through the door—rather than a last-minute add-on.
Relatives mourn victims of Pakistan avalanche
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Three Nepali mountaineers died in a Pakistan avalanche on Broad Peak, with bodies recovered and arriving in Kathmandu.
- Relatives mourn the victims as their recovered bodies arrive at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Victims: Kili Pemba Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa, and Nima Sherpa, lost days ago in the disaster.
- Avalanche tragedy highlights risks of high-altitude climbing in the region.
US faults China over opaque overseas lending, warns of emerging-market debt risks
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- US State Department mandates stricter disclosure of sovereign loans, liabilities, and collateral to address transparency gaps in foreign claims.
- Report highlights China’s lack of transparency, obscuring sovereign liabilities and complicating risk assessments.
- Poor disclosure increases risks of unexpected defaults or debt restructuring in emerging markets.
- Governments must now publicly disclose loan terms, liabilities, and collateralised assets for sovereign loans.
Inside the Secret Service 'shell game' to hide US presidents in plain sight
Source: BBC News – World
·
- **Trump allegedly secretly transferred** via catering truck to a C-32A after Air Force One left Turkey, with decoys remaining on board.
- **Decoys are standard** in presidential security, including motorcades with dual limousines and helicopter groups to mislead threats.
- **Past examples** include Clinton’s unmarked jet, Bush’s surprise Baghdad arrival, and Biden’s covert Ukraine trip with limited media.
- **Threat severity** likely prompted the move, but experts debate whether passengers on the original plane should have been warned.
Pakistan interior minister in Tehran amid talks to reopen Hormuz
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Pakistan's interior minister met Iran's FM in Tehran for mediation on US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
- Talks aim to end tensions and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
- Mediation efforts focus on de-escalating regional conflicts.
- The meeting highlights diplomatic engagement amid ongoing tensions.
In Gaza’s tents, widows face war’s harshest realities alone
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Widows in Gaza face displacement, loss, and daily survival struggles amid war, with Mona al-Masri exemplifying the burden of caring for her family alone.
- Over 50,000 widows in Gaza, including 28,224 war-related cases, require urgent support due to destroyed homes, poverty, and instability.
- Psychological trauma and social challenges plague widows, who juggle family responsibilities while coping with grief and fear in unstable conditions.
- Experts stress the need for financial aid, healthcare, legal support, and vocational training to empower widows and address their multifaceted needs.
Fishermen face deadly dangers as Yemen’s Red Sea becomes a warzone
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Yemeni fishermen face deadly risks in the Red Sea due to conflict, with attacks, mines, and restricted zones forcing many to abandon their trade.
- Fishing exports dropped 70% since 2015, leaving families without income, as war zones and factional control limit access to deep waters.
- Over 30,000 fishermen have been impacted, with 113 missing and 264 killed by mines, pushing many to seek safer livelihoods.
- Fishermen blame warring factions for restricting their work, leading to arrests, detentions, and mass migration to safer regions like Aden.
Is It Safe to Eat Lettuce Yet?
Source: Wired
·
- Over 22,000 cyclosporiasis cases linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Mexico, with 517 hospitalizations and 2 deaths; recall now deemed effective.
- Two new clusters under investigation, including parsley/cilantro in NC and jalapeño-related salmonella affecting 345 across 27 states.
- Michigan outbreak declining; experts say lettuce is safer now, but vigilance remains due to lag in symptom reporting and potential residual contamination.
- Food systems’ complexity and summer heat heighten risks; whole lettuce is safer, while bagged mixes pose tracing challenges.
- CJI Surya Kant's 'cockroach' remark sparked controversy three months ago.
- The remark led to the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party.
- The party organized Gen Z protests against the remark.
- The protests and party continue to gain attention three months later.
Claude’s New Watermarks Will Follow Text Even After It’s Copied. The Era of Secret AI Use May Be Ending
Source: Inc.
·
Anthropic’s new watermarks will change how businesses worldwide use Claude—and how transparent they are about it.
US military says it has fired on ship in Gulf of Oman to enforce blockade of Iranian ports
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- US Navy helicopter disabled Panama-flagged cargo ship after crew ignored warnings to bypass Iran’s blockade.
- Third vessel intercepted since July 14 blockade; 55 ships redirected, two boarded by US forces.
- UK reported Gulf of Oman incident involving a container ship and military forces, but details were unclear.
- Vessel no longer heading to Iran; casualties remain undetermined.
TikTok Is Closing Its Nashville Office Just 2 Years After Opening, Cutting 250 Jobs
Source: Inc.
·
The company recently announced plans to shutter its location in Music City. It claims the closure aligns with its long-term growth strategy.
30,000 pounds of beef from Argentina recalled in two states
Source: The Washington Post – World
·
A recall of beef products from Corte Argentino USA affects retailers and grocery distributors in Texas and Florida.
Uber surprised robotics company Serve by selling its entire stake
Source: TechCrunch
·
- Uber sold its entire stake in Serve Robotics, a spin-off from Postmates X, after years of partnership.
- Divestiture surprised Serve, as differing business strategies led to partnership end.
- Declining robot utilization and diverging fleet operations views caused the split.
- Serve is among over 30 autonomous vehicle companies Uber has partnered with or invested in.
2026 Is a Tough Year to Make a Deal. 5 Women Who’ve Moved Millions Share Their Best Negotiating Lessons
Source: Inc.
·
The best negotiators don’t sound like they’re negotiating. Five executives on how they really close a deal.
IEEE Engineering Summit Supports Bhutan’s Digital Transformation
Source: IEEE Spectrum
·
- IEEE and Bhutan collaborated on a summit to advance digital transformation through engineering education, sustainable development, and AI integration in Bhutan's curriculum.
- The event emphasized shifting to skills-based learning, addressing infrastructure gaps, and aligning tech with Bhutan’s gross national happiness (GNH) values.
- IEEE President Mary Ellen Randall highlighted supporting local universities to develop ethical, sustainable technology for Bhutan’s future.
- IEEE provided six-month free access to technical resources for Bhutanese institutions to foster innovation and digital readiness.
FBI says cybercriminals are hacking into victims’ online accounts to steal their intimate pictures
Source: TechCrunch
·
- FBI warns cybercriminals hack social media accounts of adults/children to steal explicit content, using social engineering and phishing.
- Victims face extortion, harassment, and re-victimization; attacks disproportionately target young boys, linked to self-harm risks.
- Perpetrators exploit leaked passwords, impersonate customer service, and use fake domains to trick users into revealing credentials.
- FBI urges unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, and caution against unsolicited "customer service" requests to protect data.
Russia releases ailing former Marine imprisoned since 2022
Source: The Washington Post – World
·
Robert Gilman and his mother were on a plane back to Washington on Tuesday.
In shattered Cali, residents search for loved ones and signs of hope
Source: BBC News – World
·
- Magnitude-7.4 earthquake strikes western Colombia, killing at least 169 and injuring dozens. Cali, the third-most populous city, is hardest hit.
- Crews search collapsed buildings for trapped survivors as rescue efforts continue in the devastated city.
- Residents search for loved ones and seek hope amid the destruction, with many still missing.
- The earthquake's aftermath includes ongoing search efforts and reports of widespread damage in Cali.
How and When to View the Perseid Meteor Shower (August 2026)
Source: Wired
·
- **August 12–13**: Perseids meteor shower peaks, offering up to 100 meteors/hour under ideal conditions, aided by a new moon for darker skies.
- **Viewing tips**: Avoid light pollution, use naked eyes, lie down for wide sky coverage, and stay patient for sporadic meteor bursts.
- **Optimal timing**: Peak activity aligns with new moon, enhancing visibility and making it one of the top three meteor showers annually.
- **Observation advice**: No telescopes or bright screens; meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, not just near constellation Perseus.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT desktop app for Linux
Source: TechCrunch
·
- OpenAI launches ChatGPT app for Linux, addressing long-standing community demand for desktop access.
- Supports Ubuntu 24.04/26.04 LTS, Debian 13, and Fedora 43/44, with compatibility for downstream distros.
- Released globally in preview, extending ChatGPT and Codex to major desktop OS platforms.
- OpenAI trails Anthropic, which already offered a Linux version of its Claude app a month prior.
Lebanon takes step to become first Arab country to abolish death penalty
Source: The Washington Post – World
·
The bill would make life sentence with hard labor the highest penalty that can be imposed.
Facebook parent Meta to unwind US$2 billion Manus AI deal after Beijing block
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Manus deletes data from users affected by Meta's acquisition as it reverts to independent operations.
- Affected users must back up data until August 23 to avoid loss.
- Deletion complies with unspecified regulatory requirements in certain regions.
- Manus, launched in March 2025, is an AI agent platform for task automation.
Rescuers scramble for survivors with 180 dead in Colombia earthquake
Source: BBC News – World
·
- **Magnitude 7.4 earthquake** struck western Colombia, killing over 180 (est. 240) and damaging thousands of homes, with Cali and Pereira hardest hit.
- **State of emergency** declared; rescue efforts ongoing, 2,600 injured, 200 missing, and curfews imposed to prevent looting.
- **International aid** pledged, including $15.5m from the U.S. and support from Spain, Brazil, and others.
- **Aftershocks** continue, with over 70 recorded, and communities face ongoing risks of further collapses and misinformation.
Google’s Gemini app surges to 1 billion users
Source: TechCrunch
·
- Google's Gemini app surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, becoming its 14th product to reach this milestone, rivaling OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
- Gemini integrates across Google’s products, with 63% of users employing voice features and generating 150M images daily.
- The app now has 100M iOS users, with growth tied to new models like Gemini 3.5 Flash and AI-agent enhancements.
- The milestone follows Q2 2026 earnings and precedes the Made by Google event, promising more Gemini-powered Pixel features.
Israel and Venezuela renew consular ties after 17 years of no diplomacy
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Israel and Venezuela renewed consular ties after 17 years, following Israel’s aid post-Venezuela’s 2023 earthquakes.
- Break in relations in 2009 linked to Israel’s Gaza offensive, with Venezuela and Bolivia severing ties.
- US military action in January 2024 ousted Maduro, leading to interim leader Delcy Rodriguez under Trump’s pressure.
- Both nations agreed on a coordination mechanism for consular services, with no diplomatic ties since 2009.
Former judge removed by Orbán elected Hungarian president
Source: BBC News – World
·
- András Baka, a respected Hungarian judge, elected as head of state to oversee dismantling Orbán's legacy and drafting a new constitution, replacing the 2011 constitution.
- New government passes 27 laws, abolishes emergency powers and Fidesz-era institutions, while reforming state media to restore independence.
- Fidesz protests Baka's election, accusing the Tisza government of establishing a "tyranny," despite Baka's non-political stance and opposition to term limits.
- Baka emphasizes democratic principles, rejecting revenge-driven governance, and aims to curb Hungary's reliance on strong leaders, restoring constitutional checks.
A $1 Billion Sphere Is Coming to Washington, D.C. The Next Fight Is Over Who Gets the Jobs
Source: Inc.
·
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, which labor unions say should go to locals.
Man charged with bomb threat against US consulate in Canada
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Halifax incident: Man charged with bomb threats against US consulate.
- Car found with propane and flammable items caused downtown evacuation; no threat confirmed.
- Suspect, 54, faces charges; US embassy declines security comments during investigation.
- Follows two Toronto consulate shootings, heightening concerns over US diplomatic security in Canada.
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