Pakistan has introduced new travel rules requiring foreign journalists to get government approval before reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. The regulations took effect immediately under the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026. Journalists must also register with the government and apply separately for official accreditation. The move comes after international criticism of Pakistan's handling of protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where reports have alleged civilian deaths, arrests and restrictions on the media. Pakistan says the new rules create a formal system for foreign media. The government has denied allegations of excessive force during the protests in PoK. (PC: The Print)

At least 17 people were killed and 44 injured after Russia launched ballistic missiles and drones on Kyiv in one of the capital's deadliest attacks this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said more Patriot missile interceptors from allies "could have saved lives" and blamed delays in air defence support for the heavy casualties. Ukraine said Russia fired 24 ballistic missiles and 115 drones, with air defences intercepting most drones but no ballistic missiles. Russia said it targeted military logistics hubs, supply centres and warehouses linked to Ukraine's defence operations. (PC: NDTV)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, living in exile in India since her government was ousted in August 2024, is set to make a virtual public appearance from New Delhi. Her planned address has intensified tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, with Bangladesh warning its media against broadcasting her statements. Dhaka continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India after she was sentenced to death in absentia in 2025 over alleged crimes against humanity during the 2024 protests. Hasina has rejected the verdict. India has said it has no involvement in the private event. The issue remains sensitive for India-Bangladesh relations. (PC: X)

Oil prices fell to a three-week low after US officials said talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz had made progress. Brent crude dropped nearly 5% to below $80 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate also fell more than 5%. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a deal could be reached soon. Iran said it is holding talks with Oman, not the United States. The Strait of Hormuz is a key global shipping route for oil and gas. Markets welcomed the positive signs, but uncertainty over a final agreement remains. (PC: Getty Images)

UK's Princess Eugenie has given birth to a baby girl in Lisbon, Portugal. Buckingham Palace said King Charles and Queen Camilla were delighted by the news. Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, announced the birth on Instagram and said they were "beyond in love" with their daughter. The couple already have two sons, August and Ernest. They have not yet chosen a name for the baby. The girl was born on August 3 and weighed 6 pounds 9 ounces. She is now 15th in line to the UK throne. The family spends much of its time living in Portugal.

Ukraine has shared a video that it says shows a Russian drone chasing a civilian street vendor in the Kherson region before exploding near him. The 52-year-old man survived with shrapnel injuries, concussion and trauma, officials said. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the incident a Russian "human safari" attack and urged the world to take notice. Ukraine's Foreign Minister described it as a deliberate attack on civilians. A 2025 UN report documented similar drone attacks in Kherson. Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians. The BBC verified the video's location but could not independently confirm who filmed the attack.

Japan has warned that the Indo-Pacific could face a Ukraine-like security crisis as military cooperation among China, Russia and North Korea deepens. In its 2026 Defence White Paper, Tokyo described the regional security environment as the most severe since World War II, identifying China as its greatest strategic challenge due to expanding military capabilities and increased activity around Taiwan and the East China Sea. The report also highlighted growing China-Russia joint bomber patrols and naval exercises near Japan, alongside North Korea's rapid advances in missile technology. Japan said the trilateral alignment is raising regional tensions and poses a serious threat to the post-war security order in East Asia. (PC: Wikipedia)

Iran's worsening economic crisis is forcing families to adopt a "survival economy" as inflation and the ongoing war with the US erode household incomes. According to Iranian media, people are selling natural hair, used perfume bottles, second-hand clothing and other personal belongings, while many are renting laptops instead of buying them to reduce costs. Annual inflation reportedly reached 66%, with year-on-year inflation nearing 88%, driving families to cut spending, delay purchases and rely on instalment payments for healthcare. The hardship comes as diplomatic uncertainty continues, with US President Donald Trump claiming peace talks are underway while Tehran insists no direct negotiations with Washington are taking place. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing escalating unrest as weeks of protests, violent clashes and internet shutdowns deepen tensions with authorities. According to a BBC report, dozens of people have been killed over the past two months, though protesters and officials dispute the circumstances surrounding the deaths. In Rawalakot, makeshift clinics have emerged to treat injured demonstrators, highlighting the strain on local healthcare. Protesters insist they are ordinary civilians demanding their rights and reject allegations linking them to terrorism. The unrest, coupled with staggered elections and communication restrictions, has become one of the most significant challenges to Islamabad's control over the region, with tensions showing little sign of easing. (PC: ANI)

Ukraine launched fresh overnight drone strikes on sites linked to Russian online retailer Wildberries, while an attack near Moscow killed at least 5 people and injured 10 others. Russian officials confirmed Wildberries facilities were hit in the St Petersburg and Tver regions. Officials said a warehouse at an industrial site near Moscow caught fire, but did not confirm it belonged to the company. Ukraine says the depots are used to supply the Russian military, a claim Moscow denies. Russia said it destroyed 320 Ukrainian drones overnight. Russian strikes on Ukraine also killed at least 4 people, according to Ukrainian emergency officials. (PC: BBC)