Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has inspected the domestically produced VSK-100B assault rifle at Kidma Tech, emphasizing its purpose for 'confidence in peace'. The rifle is the first fully localized small arm produced in Belarus.
A UK-wide salmonella outbreak, linked to imported eggs, has resulted in one death and over 200 illnesses, with 34 hospitalizations; investigations by UKHSA point to eggs from outside the UK.
European Central Bank economists warn that the current AI-driven stock market rally may face a sharp correction. Citing historical parallels like the 1990s internet boom, they caution that over-optimism and systemic risks could threaten euro area financial stability.
Debutant spinner Manav Suthar took 4-76 and Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3-67 to bowl Sri Lanka out for 284 on Day 3 of the first Test in Galle. India holds a 178-run lead as openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal resume play on Day 4.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) faces violent backlash after auditing dilapidated government schools in India. Following the murder of activist Abdul Hafeez's father in West Bengal, the group remains committed to its 'Fix the Schools' campaign despite state-level restrictions.
Starting August 18, auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra must possess functional Marathi skills. Non-compliant drivers face a show-cause notice and a one-month grace period to learn the language before potential license suspension or revocation.
BP has secured a license to develop the second phase of Venezuela's Loran gasfield, partnering with UAE and Qatari firms. This move follows calls from the Trump administration for foreign investment to rebuild Venezuela's fossil fuel industry after the ousting of Nicolás Maduro.
Alibaba's new 27-billion parameter model, Qwen3.8-27B, has matched the performance of OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Luna in recent benchmarks by Artificial Analysis, outperforming several mid-tier and high-end competitors in agentic workflows.
India faces a must-win Hockey World Cup match against Pakistan to secure a second-round spot. After a 2-4 loss to England, former captain PR Sreejesh notes that improved fitness and tactical awareness have shifted the dynamics of the historic rivalry.
The trial of Duane 'Keffe D' Davis has commenced in Las Vegas for the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur. Prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the drive-by shooting in retaliation for an attack on his nephew, citing his own memoir as key evidence.
Matt Ballin and Ben Te'o are the leading candidates to replace Billy Slater as Queensland State of Origin coach after Cameron Smith and Kevin Walters officially withdrew from consideration for the position.
Trisha Prabhu, who developed the 'ReThink' keyboard app at age 13 to curb cyberbullying, has expanded her initiative into a global non-profit. The app prompts users to reconsider sending offensive messages, a method shown to reduce hostile online behavior by over 90%.
Nearly half of UK jobseekers now face AI-driven recruitment, sparking concerns over algorithmic bias and the loss of human interaction. Critics, including Andy Burnham, argue these mechanised processes alienate applicants and lack transparency.
Formula 1 resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix following a summer break. Key developments include Cadillac's leadership change, Aston Martin's upcoming Honda engine upgrade, and ongoing uncertainty regarding the 2026/2027 calendar due to Middle East conflicts.
Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing is meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss economic and security cooperation. The visit aims to secure resources including fertilizer, oil, and weapons to support the junta's position.
O Flamengo goleou o Mirassol por 5 a 1 e encostou no líder Palmeiras na 23ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, voltando a depender apenas de suas próprias forças para conquistar o título da competição.
South Korea's Pro Footballers Association is urging the K League to transition to a Fall-Spring schedule to protect players from record-breaking summer heat and climate change.
Martin Odegaard delivered a man-of-the-match performance, scoring Arsenal's third goal in a 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City in Cardiff, signaling a strong return to form after injury struggles.
Data from the US Energy Information Administration reveals that utility-scale solar and batteries dominated the 368 new power plants that began operation in the US during the first half of the year, led by massive projects in states like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
I leader politici italiani utilizzano i libri come strumenti di campagna elettorale in vista del 2027. Da Matteo Renzi a Silvia Salis, passando per i casi passati di Meloni, Schlein e Vannacci, le librerie diventano il primo terreno di scontro politico.
Highlights from SCMP's overseas correspondents covering US-China relations in early August 2026 include a stalling bilateral investment board, US defence bill focus on China, and a family protest over property marketing.
Luigi Mangione's state murder trial for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been postponed indefinitely as lawyers seek dismissal on double jeopardy grounds following his federal guilty plea.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema won a second five-year term with 61.4% of the vote, defeating rival Brian Mundubile following an election marked by opposition complaints, a temporary vote-counting pause, and security raids.
Zambian police arrested 11 individuals, including six opposition figures, during a raid over alleged armed insurrection as vote counting experienced a temporary suspension amid electoral disputes.
