Russia Downs 269 Ukrainian Drones; Kyiv Faces $27 Billion Defense Gap
Russia says it shot down 269 Ukrainian drones in 12 hours. Ukraine cites a $27 billion defense deficit and seeks EU aid.
International Relations
Vietnam approves $3 billion budget increase for China rail link
Vietnam's parliament approved a $3 billion budget hike for a China-linked railway, extending the route to 426 km and lifting total cost to $11.1 billion.
Scottish State Bank Posts £138mn Loss; UK Eyes Ukraine Missile Deal
Scotland's state bank logs fifth straight annual loss; UK PM to back Ukraine missile production; Treasury reviews pub rates.
US Unveils 'Economic D-Day' Sanctions as Iran Vows to Halt Gulf Oil Exports
The US is set to announce sweeping new sanctions against Iran, which has threatened to block all Gulf oil exports in retaliation.
China's Property Slump Deepens After Evergrande Founder's Life Sentence
China's property crisis continues to drag on the economy, with prices still far from equilibrium and exports increasingly relied upon for growth.
UK productivity shows sustained recovery, economists say
UK productivity is showing sustained improvement, with output per hour rising 1.1% annually, easing pressure from an ageing population and defence spending.
Electric cars take 25.7% of European market in July
European BEV registrations rose 13.6% in July, with France and Germany driving growth while Italy's share slipped.
Zelenskyy urges unity and forgiveness at Kyiv prayer breakfast
At Ukraine's National Prayer Breakfast, President Zelenskyy called for national unity, forgiveness, and mutual support to secure a strong peace.
US Envoy Clarifies Golan Remarks After Backlash in Washington
US envoy Tom Barrack walks back remarks on Golan Heights, reaffirming Trump-era policy after criticism.
Nordic-Baltic Leaders Pledge Continued Support in Kyiv
Nordic and Baltic leaders met in Kyiv, pledging continued support, including Norwegian aid and defense cooperation.
Zelenskyy seeks early EU funds to close $27 billion defense gap
Zelenskyy asks Nordic and Baltic leaders to advance EU loan funds to cover a $27 billion defense budget shortfall.
West Bank Mourns Teenager Killed in Nablus Refugee Camp
A 14-year-old Palestinian boy was killed by Israeli forces in Nablus. His funeral drew mourners to the Askar refugee camp.
Zelenskyy meets Finnish president, US senators in Kyiv
Zelenskyy hosted Finland's president and US senators in Kyiv, signing drone and robotics deals and discussing Russian attacks.
Amputee Palestinian beaten with pipe by settler in West Bank
A 61-year-old Palestinian amputee was beaten with a pipe by an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank; police arrested a 16-year-old suspect.
Carney's Stand Against Trump Tariffs Tests Canada's Economic Sovereignty
Canada retaliates against new US tariffs, testing Carney's warning that middle powers must resist economic coercion.
China Delays Chang'e-7 Lunar Mission, Citing Launch Conditions
China postpones Chang'e-7 lunar mission, citing launch conditions; no new date given.
Tropical Storm Narra Floods Guangxi, Thousands Relocated
Tropical Storm Narra caused flash flooding in Guangxi, China, displacing thousands and prompting a Level I emergency response.
Child killed in Israeli strike on central Gaza home
An Israeli airstrike on a home in Zawaida, central Gaza, killed a four-year-old and wounded five, including a child.
Iran announces major gas discovery in southern Fars Province
Iran discovers 7.5 trillion cubic feet of sweet gas in Fars Province, boosting output amid infrastructure repairs and looming US sanctions.
China's inbound tourism boom: night markets, tech hubs, and mountain sports draw global visitors
China's inbound tourism is surging, with international visitors drawn to night markets, tech hubs, and mountain sports events.