The Trump administration on August 24 released a proposed regulation to codify a fee of more than $100,000 on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. President Donald Trump had first imposed the fee through a temporary proclamation last year, but courts blocked it. The proposed fee would significantly increase the cost of H-1B visas, which are widely used by the technology, education and research sectors. The move is facing legal challenges, with lawsuits arguing that the administration’s power to restrict entry does not allow it to override the law establishing the H-1B visa programme. The proposal could therefore face further legal scrutiny as the administration seeks to formalise the unprecedented charge. (PC: Getty Images)

Ukraine launched a wave of drone strikes targeting warehouses of Ozon, Russia's second-largest online retailer, causing major fires and injuries across several southern regions. Ozon said its logistics facilities in Krasnodar, Dagestan, Stavropol and Adygea were affected, with workers evacuated from some sites. Russian authorities said three children were killed in a drone strike in the Krasnodar region, while several others were hospitalised. The attacks follow recent Ukrainian strikes on Wildberries logistics hubs, which Kyiv says support Russia's military supply network, a claim Moscow denies. Ozon shares fell sharply as the Kremlin considered possible support for affected businesses. (PC: BBC)

Nearly 90,000 people have been told to evacuate or prepare to leave as the fast-spreading Hawk Fire approaches Reno, Nevada. About 42,000 residents were ordered to evacuate immediately, while another 45,000 were placed on alert. The human-caused wildfire has burned around 15,000 acres and remained completely uncontained as of Sunday evening. Six people, including three emergency responders, were injured. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared an emergency in Washoe County and deployed the National Guard. Authorities have closed most schools and imposed road closures as firefighters battle the blaze amid strong, unpredictable winds. (PC: BBC)

Police investigating the killings of a Hindu family of four in Bangladesh’s Rangpur have revealed disturbing details about the crime. Two detained suspects allegedly consumed drugs before and after the killings, stayed inside the house, showered and ate food before trying to stage the crime as a robbery. Investigators said the suspects also burnt the faces of the four victims with chemicals. Retired teacher Ganapati Chakraborty, his wife Pritilata, daughter Agami and 12-year-old son Priyam were found dead inside their locked home. Police said two suspects have been detained and allegedly confessed, while the family suspects wider involvement. (PC: HT)

Iran has reportedly received an invitation to join the Mecca Defence Pact formed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, a move that could reshape regional security ties. The reported invitation has not been officially confirmed by Tehran or the three founding members. The pact, signed on August 7, treats an attack on one member as an attack on all and aims to strengthen defence cooperation. Iran has said it has no reason to oppose the alliance, despite renewed tensions with Saudi Arabia and its ties with Yemen’s Houthis. Iranian membership, if confirmed, would mark a major diplomatic shift. (PC: India Today)

Iran has received an invitation to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey on August 7, as tensions with the United States continue. Mehdi Rahimi, chief of Iran’s Parliament news agency, said Tehran was considering the offer, according to Al Mayadeen. The invitation comes ahead of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s planned visit to Tehran. The pact states that an armed attack on any one of its three members would be treated as an attack on all. Bangladesh has also indicated interest in joining. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised Iran’s resistance to US pressure, calling for continued national unity against what he described as a comprehensive economic war. (PC: MSN and X)

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Kyiv on Monday for his first foreign trip, marking Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day and reaffirming Britain’s support. He will chair his first meeting of the “coalition of the willing”, established by the UK and France under former prime minister Keir Starmer. Burnham will also accept an award recognising British support for Ukraine and attend independence day events. His visit follows escalating Russian strikes, including a Friday attack on a shopping centre that killed at least 16 people. Burnham said UK support would not waver and vowed Britain would stand with Ukraine until a “just and lasting peace”. Moscow has warned of “consequences” over Ukraine’s use of British drones. (PC: X)

Two young men detained over the killing of a Hindu family of four in Bangladesh’s Rangpur reportedly attacked the family after retired schoolteacher Ganapati Chakraborty confronted them for using yaba on his under-construction home’s rooftop. Police said the accused, cousins Siddhartha Das and Mugdha Das, allegedly strangled Ganapati, killed his wife Pritilata, daughter Agami and 12-year-old son Priyam, then scattered belongings to stage a robbery. They reportedly bathed, ate dates and cucumbers, consumed drugs and left before prayers. Police recovered drug-use items and other clues, including evidence of an attempt to test a gold bangle. The accused allegedly took the victims’ phones and submerged them in detergent water to destroy evidence. (PC: CNN)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has declared an “economic D-Day” against Iran, saying Washington is entering the “endgame” of its campaign and will use its economic powers to sever financial channels supporting Tehran. Bessent accused Iran of treating security guarantees as “extortion” and said President Donald Trump had created conditions for the US to deploy its full authority against Iran. He claimed Trump had dismantled Iran’s military capabilities, destroyed nearly 100% of its military factories and buried its nuclear programme. Iran responded by threatening to halt all oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf if the US economic campaign continues. Tehran also warned sanctions supporters could face an “act of war.” (PC: Bloomberg)

Iran has warned it could halt all oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf if the US continues what Tehran calls an “economic war.” Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei issued the warning as Washington prepared fresh sanctions targeting Iran and its trade partners. Rezaei also said Iran would consider any country supporting the US economic campaign an “act of war.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was expected to announce tougher measures, described as a major financial offensive against Iran. China urged diplomacy, while Iranian officials criticised Washington’s sanctions strategy. The warning comes amid disrupted trade, damaged infrastructure and near-standstill shipping through Hormuz, contributing to pressure on global fuel prices.