Canada has vowed to respond to US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs “dollar for dollar” after Washington and Ottawa failed to reach a trade agreement by the midnight deadline. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused the US of making unfair last-minute changes during negotiations. The talks had been extended by three days in an effort to reach a deal and avoid the higher tariffs. With no agreement secured, Canada is preparing measures to match the US duties, escalating tensions between the two major trading partners. The dispute could affect cross-border trade and increase economic uncertainty for businesses in both countries. (PC: AFP)

More than 70 British MPs have reportedly raised concerns over the deteriorating situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling for urgent international attention. The lawmakers have highlighted allegations of violence, arrests, communications restrictions and suppression of civic protests in the region. They have urged the United Nations to take note of the situation and press for greater accountability and protection of rights. The development follows growing unrest linked to demands for better governance, basic services and economic relief. Earlier, British parliamentarians had also urged the UK government to intervene diplomatically over reported crackdowns and communication blackouts in PoK. (PC: X)

Turkey has issued an international arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of an investigation into Israel’s interception of an activist flotilla bound for Gaza, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced Friday. Gurlek said Turkey’s Justice Ministry had requested that the Interior Ministry issue Interpol red notices for Netanyahu and other officials so they could be sought internationally. Turkey had previously issued warrants against Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials over allegations of “genocide” related to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel firmly denies the genocide allegations. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel had sent Turkey a “clear message” over its alleged plans to establish a military foothold in Syria, warning Israel would not tolerate such a presence moving south.

Prince Harry and six other high-profile claimants have been ordered to pay an initial £9.54 million in legal costs to Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers Limited after losing their High Court privacy case. The group, including Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, had accused the publisher of unlawful information-gathering, allegations it denied. Judge Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed the claims in July, saying they failed to prove their case. The claimants must make the initial payment by August 28 and could face further costs. They have until October 2 to seek permission to appeal. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination and returned to Adiala Jail within hours. The Supreme Court had ordered his transfer to Shifa International Hospital, but authorities cited security concerns for changing the facility. Khan’s sister Uzma said he appeared stable but alleged that he told her he was being repeatedly tortured in prison. Authorities did not immediately respond to the allegation. PTI said the hospital change and denial of access to Khan’s personal physician violated the court order and announced plans to file a contempt petition. (PC: The Indian Express)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna outside Delhi’s Parliament Street Police Station on August 21, demanding an FIR over alleged pellet-gun injuries suffered by 19-year-old Sahil Lochav during the July 20 protest. Gandhi confronted police officials after claiming they initially refused to register the complaint. He alleged that pellets were lodged in Lochav’s eye and body, while Delhi Police maintained that the complaint had been received and would be investigated by the Crime Branch. After hours of protests, police initiated the process of registering an FIR against unknown persons based on Lochav’s complaint. (PC: India Today)

Forensic teams have uncovered 582 human skeletons at the Chemmani mass grave near Jaffna, Sri Lanka, including remains believed to belong to infants and young children. Excavators also found personal items such as milk bottles, toys, school bags, shoes and bangles. Experts reported that several skeletons showed signs consistent with execution, including one whose hands were tightly bound to the chest. The identities of the victims remain unknown and will require DNA testing and comparison with families of missing people. The site has long been associated with allegations of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during Sri Lanka’s civil war. (PC: Reuters)

Bangladesh is considering joining a proposed economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said. He stressed that Dhaka would assess the move based on its national interests and changing global economic and trade dynamics. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye recently signed a defence pact pledging collective response to an armed attack against any member. Kabir also said Bangladesh is strengthening ties with Pakistan and China while its relationship with India remains strained. He indicated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible India visit is unlikely soon, citing unresolved issues and the need for a more favourable diplomatic environment. (PC: The Print)

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have reportedly purchased Strancally Castle, a historic 19th-century Gothic-style property in County Waterford, Ireland. The off-market deal is estimated at €20 million to €30 million, with the upper figure equivalent to around ₹335 crore, although the exact price has not been disclosed. The estate covers approximately 440 acres and includes a 16,000-square-foot castle built around 1830. The couple reportedly plans to use the property during visits to Ireland while continuing to live in the United States. Ireland is also home to Meta’s international headquarters. (PC: Reuters)

The Israeli military has acknowledged for the first time that its troops fired on a vehicle carrying five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab and her family in Gaza in January 2024. Hind survived the initial attack but remained trapped in the car for hours, pleading with Palestinian Red Crescent rescuers for help. She was later found dead alongside family members, while two medics sent to rescue her were also killed. The admission reverses Israel’s earlier claim that its forces were not near the vehicle. The military has now ordered a criminal investigation, while rights groups have demanded independent international accountability. (PC: AP)