Maroosha Muzaffar

North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward waters off its eastern coast, according to South Korea’s military. The launches prompted an emergency meeting by South Korea’s National Security Council and maritime warnings from Japan. They followed Kim Yo Jong’s criticism of the reduced US–South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which Washington and Seoul describe as defensive while Pyongyang views it as preparation for an attack.

A Grade 9 student, Mohammad Mael Jalani, allegedly brought two pistols to a high school attached to Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City, fired at a teacher and killed a Grade 10 student before dying after falling from the building. Authorities say the attack may have been premeditated and was partly live-streamed on Facebook. Two others were injured, hundreds were evacuated and classes were suspended. Police are investigating the motive, including the suspect’s gaming and chat history, while the shooter’s father was removed from his post after officials confirmed that at least one firearm had been issued by the Bureau of Customs.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered authorities to transfer jailed former prime minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within 48 hours for treatment, where he is expected to remain until 16 September. Medical records cited anxiety, palpitations, headaches and blood-pressure concerns despite authorities saying his eyesight had improved. The court also ordered a medical board including Khan’s sister and personal physician, and directed that his family, lawyers and sons be allowed contact. Khan’s supporters and Amnesty International have criticized prolonged isolation and restricted access, while a government adviser said his condition did not justify the concerns raised by his party. Khan remains imprisoned under corruption and state-gifts convictions, both under appeal, and denies wrongdoing.

Ukraine carried out a large drone offensive against Russia, reportedly involving more than 800 drones, and struck the Kamensk-Shakhtinsky plant in Rostov region, which produces solid rocket fuel and explosives-related materials for Russian weapons systems. A major Wildberries warehouse near Moscow was also destroyed. Russia said it intercepted 822 drones and reported attacks around the capital, while a Russian strike injured nine people in Ukraine's Odesa region. Elsewhere, Italy's defence minister said there was no evidence that Russia caused an explosion at a KNDS Ammo Italy plant, and Russia's Supreme Court upheld a ban on the anti-war Yabloko party. Opposition politician Lev Shlosberg was sentenced to 11 years in prison for criticizing the war.

Ukraine carried out a major overnight drone attack involving more than 800 drones, according to Russian authorities, striking a rocket-fuel plant in Rostov and a large Wildberries warehouse near Moscow. Kyiv said the plant’s explosives and gunpowder workshops were damaged or destroyed, while the warehouse attack underscored its ability to disrupt Russia’s economy and bring the war closer to civilians. Russia reported further battlefield gains and launched strikes that injured civilians in Odesa. The updates also cover Ukraine’s planned ballistic-missile capability, proposed EU sanctions targeting around 1,600 Russian individuals and entities, and rare criticism of the war from former VEB economist Andrei Klepach.

Ukraine launched a large overnight drone assault on Russia, reportedly destroying Wildberries’ largest warehouse near Moscow and striking other infrastructure. Russia said it intercepted hundreds of drones, while Ukrainian officials reported casualties from Russian attacks, including a three-month-old baby killed in Marhanets and sharply higher civilian casualties in July. The coverage also reports the first use of British-made drones in Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia, Russia’s placement of Conor Kennedy on its wanted list, the foiling of an alleged Russian assassination plot in Warsaw, and growing tensions over Vladimir Putin’s visit to disputed islands claimed by Japan.

Ukraine says it used Flamingo missiles to strike a Russian rocket and space centre in Samara, about 900 kilometres from the border, and attacked the Savasleyka airfield used by Russian fighter jets. Russian authorities acknowledged localized damage to industrial infrastructure after what they called a massive attack. The developments followed Ukrainian threats to expand strikes on Russian energy and military facilities, while NATO scrambled aircraft after a drone entered Latvian airspace. Russia rejected peace talks that would freeze the current frontline, and Russia and North Korea reaffirmed security cooperation. Ukrainian experts also warned that Russian frequency-hopping drones could widen the battlefield kill zone.

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has immediately revoked his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah’s royal titles, citing conduct deemed unbecoming of a royal spouse, damage to the monarchy’s reputation and a lack of respect toward the sultan. No details of the alleged conduct or divorce have been disclosed. Raabi’atul Adawiyyah remains married to Prince Abdul Malik, the sultan’s son and fourth in line to the throne, while their four children reportedly retain their titles. The decision differs from earlier title removals involving the sultan’s former wives after divorce.

China's Comac C919 is set to operate its first commercial international flight from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, a move presented as a symbolic step in China's effort to develop a self-sufficient commercial aviation industry. Despite entering domestic service in 2023, the aircraft relies heavily on foreign suppliers, has underperformed production targets, and lacks certification from European and US regulators. Analysts, including Scott Kennedy of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, say the Mongolia route is mainly a public-relations exercise and that Comac remains unlikely to challenge Boeing and Airbus in the near future.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says North Korea may send 30,000 to 50,000 troops to Russia to gain experience from the war in Ukraine, adding to Pyongyang’s existing military support for Moscow. US intelligence reportedly believes Vladimir Putin could test NATO within weeks through a limited incursion or cyberattacks in eastern Europe. The live updates also cover suspected Russian hybrid attacks against Germany, Ukrainian strikes on Russian-linked vessels and an oil refinery, civilian casualties near Kyiv and a Russian beach, Donald Trump’s response to the conflict, and the deteriorating health of detained former US Marine Robert Gilman.

Human remains believed to belong to five climbers missing since a 3 November avalanche on Nepal’s 5,630-metre Yalung Ri have been exposed by melting snow nearly nine months after the disaster. Police attempted to reach the site but were forced to abandon the recovery because of worsening weather. The remains have not been formally identified; recovery and examination are required. Seven people were swept away in the avalanche, with the bodies of two climbers recovered shortly afterward, while five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides remained unaccounted for amid dangerous snow conditions.

Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers died in an avalanche on Broad Peak, Pakistan, after Purja unexpectedly added the mountain to an expedition originally intended for Gasherbrum II. The accident occurred amid heavy snowfall, strong winds and conditions that had prompted other teams to leave. Experts question why the group proceeded and whether the climbers were travelling too closely on avalanche-prone terrain, although they caution against assigning blame without knowing the precise conditions or decisions made. The climbers represented four expedition operators, none of which had publicly explained the forecasts or coordination behind the summit attempt. Difficult weather and terrain have severely hampered recovery efforts, leaving several bodies stranded at high altitude.

An avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan killed 10 mountaineers from Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, China and the United States. Rescuers recovered seven bodies, while Nawang Thindhu Sherpa’s body was reportedly located in an inaccessible area and Pakistani guide Sohail Sakhi and American climber Mallory Geis remained missing. The article profiles the victims, including renowned climbers Nirmal Purja, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Pur Bahadur Gurung, Nadhira Al Harthy and Wang Zhong, highlighting their major Himalayan achievements and the loss to the international mountaineering community.

A Russian overnight barrage of 28 missiles and 115 drones killed at least 17 people and wounded 42 in the Kyiv region, prompting Volodymyr Zelensky to urge Donald Trump and other allies to supply more ballistic-missile interceptors. Zelensky said Ukrainian air-defense missile supplies are one-third of their 2025 level, while NATO chief Mark Rutte said he was coordinating with allies. The coverage also reports Russia’s appointment of Denis Lyamin to lead its new Unmanned Systems Forces, claimed captures of two Ukrainian villages, and a North Korean missile unit being sent to Russia. The EU plans to provide Ukraine with £1.2 billion from interest earned on frozen Russian assets. Separately, Germany opened a counterterrorism investigation after an explosive-laden drone was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport, disrupting flights but causing no reported casualties.

Search teams backed by military helicopters recovered the bodies of British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, Zhong Wang, Nima Sherpa and Kilu Sherpa at Broad Peak base camp after an avalanche killed 10 climbers on 30 July. The bodies are due to be transported to a military hospital in Skardu when weather permits, while three climbers remain missing and recovery efforts will continue when conditions allow. Pakistan has coordinated with the relevant embassies and offered condolences to the victims’ families.

Bangladesh has asked India to clarify whether it supports a planned virtual address by exiled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina at a Delhi event organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia. Dhaka says the event could hinder efforts to improve bilateral relations, particularly because Hasina leads the banned Awami League and has been sentenced to death in Bangladesh. Foreign affairs state minister Shama Obaed said Bangladesh is focused on India’s position rather than Hasina’s remarks and may contact India’s foreign ministry if necessary. The issue comes as both countries seek to stabilize relations ahead of the BRICS summit in Delhi.

Japanese police arrested 61-year-old Kyoto guitarist Kazunori Yokoi after years of complaints that his loud hard-rock music and a radio playing continuously caused sleep deprivation, depression and tinnitus among neighbours. Authorities recorded noise levels above 80 decibels and seized more than 40 guitars, amplifiers and other audio equipment. Yokoi reportedly admitted making the noise but denied that it had harmed anyone.

Five Italian students and their supervisor apologised to Sugus, a Thai woman who confronted them for speaking loudly on a Bangkok BTS train. The incident, which included offensive gestures and remarks about bringing money to Thailand, went viral and triggered public outrage. Police fined five students 1,000 baht each and imposed an additional 1,000-baht fine on one student for an indecent public gesture. After the parties agreed to remove related media and take no further legal action, Sugus accepted the outcome despite considering the fines low. The Italian Embassy in Bangkok also apologised, while Sugus urged people to stop issuing abuse and threats against the students.

FBI director Kash Patel handed Indonesia a collection of looted Papuan artefacts, including stone axes and ceremonial objects associated with the Dani, Asmat and Sentani peoples, during a handover to President Prabowo Subianto. Culture Minister Fadli Zon described the return as part of efforts to restore Indonesia’s cultural sovereignty, and said the objects would be displayed at the National Museum. The handover follows the earlier return of eighth-century Buddhist sculptures and more than 800 artefacts from the Netherlands, reflecting Indonesia’s broader campaign to recover heritage removed through colonialism, theft and illegal trafficking.

Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating the wider Iran-US conflict as Tehran warned it would respond “eye for an eye” to any US strikes on its infrastructure. The US continued nightly attacks on Iranian targets, while Donald Trump threatened retaliatory strikes for any further assaults on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign minister recounted surviving a US-Israeli strike that killed Ali Khamenei at the war’s outset. Global oil prices climbed above $95 amid fears of supply disruptions, and Chinese supertankers continued transiting the Red Sea despite heightened danger. Saudi authorities confirmed damage to a vessel, and political tensions in Washington grew as the House passed major defense spending aligned with Trump’s requests while some Democrats criticized continued war funding.

Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi faced criticism after revealing she often sleeps zero to three hours a night, prompting debate across political lines about leadership, workload management and the risks of sleep deprivation. Opposition lawmakers argued that excessive hours impair judgment and reflect poor delegation, with some calling for her resignation. Supporters defended her dedication while commentators noted gendered expectations around household duties and advocated for better support systems. The controversy revived comparisons with Margaret Thatcher, whom Takaichi has cited as an inspiration.

A 16-year-old boy in Bentley, Perth, was charged with murdering his mother and attempting to kill his 12-year-old sister, who escaped with stab wounds and was treated in critical but stable condition. Police found the mother dead at the family home and the injured child on a nearby highway, establishing two crime scenes. Acting inspector Jessica Securo said the incident is being treated as a suspected family violence homicide, with the homicide squad examining evidence and prior interactions between the family and authorities. Police believe no one else was involved.

Iran accuses the US of acting like ISIS after reported strikes on civilian infrastructure as both sides continue cross-border attacks for a ninth day. US officials warn they are preparing for a wider conflict but face limits due to depleted munitions. Rising tensions drive Brent crude prices above $90 per barrel, while Ryanair reports sharply lower profits caused by soaring jet fuel costs. Two US service members were killed in Iranian attacks in Jordan, and diplomatic efforts appear stalled as Iran signals it will pursue both war and negotiation based on national interests.

A wild elephant known as Dhurbe has repeatedly returned to villages near Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, killing four members of one family over 14 years despite their relocation. Officials report Dhurbe has killed at least 25 people since 2010 and is monitored through satellite tracking, though attacks continue as human settlements increasingly overlap with elephant habitats in the Chure-Tarai region. Local authorities note Dhurbe’s predictable movements, while villagers say they have no safe place left to go after the latest fatal attack destroyed the family’s home.

US and Canadian authorities charged 37 people and arrested 24 across multiple countries in a major crackdown on India‑based crime syndicates involved in murder‑for‑hire, kidnappings, extortion and drug trafficking. Key suspects include Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, accused of directing the 2023 killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an event that heightened tensions between Canada and India. Investigators seized large quantities of drugs and firearms, and additional indictments targeted a Canada‑linked trafficking network. Sikh organizations welcomed the enforcement efforts while urging transparency regarding potential involvement of foreign state actors, as diplomatic strains between Canada and India persist.

A Chinese court sentenced former senior official Yang Youlin to death after convicting him of taking over 2.2bn yuan in bribes, embezzling state funds, and abusing his authority across three decades in Nanjing. The ruling includes permanent loss of political rights and full confiscation of assets, with recovered illegal gains transferred to the state. The case is among China’s largest recent corruption prosecutions and one of the few resulting in a death sentence, which remains rare for economic crimes. The report places the case within China’s long-running anti-corruption campaign, referencing other high-profile officials previously executed or given death sentences for similar offences.

India plans a high-altitude mission to retrieve the climber known as Green Boots, whose body has remained on Everest for 30 years. The operation faces extreme logistical, financial and environmental challenges, including navigating the death zone, frozen terrain, Chinese permissions and religious concerns among Tibetan workers. Green Boots’ identity remains disputed, tied to members of a 1996 Indian expedition. Experts highlight the complexity and danger of body recovery on Everest, where more than 200 climbers’ remains still lie due to cost, risk and ethical considerations.