At least 13 people were killed when a tourist aircraft crashed during a sightseeing flight over Peru's world-famous Nazca Lines. The small plane went down shortly after takeoff near the city of Nazca, with all passengers and crew on board losing their lives. The aircraft was carrying tourists eager to view the UNESCO World Heritage geoglyphs from the air. Emergency teams rushed to the crash site, but there were no survivors. Peruvian authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy, examining weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, and possible mechanical or operational failures. (PC: X)

At least three people were killed and 21 others injured after a powerful bomb exploded outside the upscale Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow on August 1. The victims included the woman carrying the homemade explosive device, a security guard who stopped her from entering, and a restaurant patron. Authorities believe the blast may have been remotely triggered and are investigating whether the woman knowingly transported the bomb. The restaurant was hosting a private event at the time. Russian investigators have launched a terrorism probe, while the motive and those responsible remain unknown amid heightened security concerns. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced that he has cancelled planned military strikes against Iran after receiving requests from Iran and several Middle Eastern countries to allow diplomacy a chance. Trump said the decision is conditional on the rapid finalization of a peace agreement. The proposed framework reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, addressing concerns over Iran's nuclear programme, and reducing regional tensions. Israel is said to support continued negotiations, while Saudi Arabia has also encouraged restraint to prevent further escalation. Although optimism has increased, no final agreement has yet been confirmed, leaving the fragile diplomatic process under close international scrutiny. (PC: Reuters)

US officials are investigating a wave of cyberattacks targeting water systems across multiple states, with Iran emerging as the leading suspect amid heightened tensions following the recent US-Israel-Iran conflict. While authorities stressed there is no evidence that drinking water has been contaminated or rendered unsafe, the incidents have raised concerns over the security of critical infrastructure managing water treatment, pressure and chemical levels. The attacks were first reported in Minnesota, with similar suspicious activity later confirmed in Michigan, and investigators believe more than seven states could be affected. Federal officials said the probe remains at an early stage, with no definitive forensic evidence yet establishing Iran's responsibility. (PC: Times Now)

Renowned Nepali-British mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja’s final Instagram post has gained attention after he was killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The 43-year-old revealed he had changed his plans at the last moment to climb Broad Peak after realising it would leave only Cho Oyu to become the first person to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres twice without supplemental oxygen. Calling his mission bigger than personal achievement, Purja wrote that he sought only “safe passage” and never took mountains for granted. His expedition ended in tragedy after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, killing Purja and all 10 members of his team. (PC: AP)

US embassies across West Asia have urged American citizens to consider leaving the region or prepare for departure amid fears of escalating conflict with Iran. The advisory follows renewed exchanges of fire, Donald Trump's warning of further US strikes, and Iran's accusation that Washington is fuelling regional tensions. Kuwait said Iranian drone attacks struck several vital facilities without causing casualties. Maritime security concerns have also intensified after two tanker incidents near the Strait of Hormuz, while Yemen's Houthi rebels forced Saudi vessels to reroute from the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The developments underscore growing instability across key energy and shipping corridors, raising concerns over regional security, global trade and oil supplies.

Iran has warned of sweeping retaliation if the US or Israel launches fresh strikes, unveiling a reported target list of major energy infrastructure across the Middle East. According to Iran's Tasnim News, potential targets include Saudi Arabia's Ghawar, Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities, the UAE's Zakum field and Ruways refinery, Qatar's North Field and Ras Laffan LNG hub, Kuwait's Burgan field, Bahrain's Sitrah refinery, and Israel's Leviathan and Tamar gas fields. The warning follows reports that US President Donald Trump is considering attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure to pressure Tehran in ceasefire negotiations. Iran says it has prepared a comprehensive response plan, while Washington has announced no final decision. (PC: Reuters)

Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja, 43, has been confirmed dead after a devastating avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range during an expedition. Elite Exped confirmed his death a day after he and nine other climbers lost communication following the avalanche. The team included six climbers from Nepal and one each from Pakistan, Oman, the United States and China. A former British Special Forces member, Purja gained global recognition in 2019 by climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in just over six months, a feat documented in Netflix’s 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. Broad Peak stands 8,051 metres and is among the world's toughest climbs. (PC: India Today)

The death toll from the migrant crisis at Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta has risen to 67, marking one of the deadliest border incidents in recent years. Hundreds of migrants attempted to enter Ceuta through border fences and coastal routes, leading to chaotic scenes and a major security response. Rescue teams continued recovery operations while many survivors required medical treatment. The tragedy has intensified international concern over migration policies, border enforcement, and humanitarian protections. Rights groups have urged Spain and Morocco to investigate the incident thoroughly and strengthen measures to prevent further loss of life during dangerous migration attempts. (PC: Reuters)

    At least 57 people have died after an unprecedented surge of around 50,000–60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta within 24 hours. The mass movement overwhelmed local authorities, prompting Spain to deploy additional police and military forces while accelerating migrant returns. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the influx as a violation of Spain's territorial integrity and blamed human trafficking networks for exploiting legal confusion. The crisis has triggered political tensions across Europe, renewed debates over migration policy, and raised serious humanitarian concerns as rescue, relief, and border security operations continue. (PC: AP)