The US has signed deportation deals with Honduras and Uganda as part of Donald Trump’s wider crackdown on illegal immigration. Honduras will take several hundred Spanish-speaking migrants over two years, including families with children. Uganda has agreed to receive some African and Asian migrants, but only those without criminal records. Human rights groups warn the policy could put migrants in danger if sent to unsafe countries. Similar deals have already been made with Paraguay, Rwanda, Panama, and Costa Rica. The Trump administration is pushing more nations to accept migrants who are not their citizens, despite international law concerns. (PC: BBC)

The Kremlin has dismissed talk of an early summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky. US President Donald Trump, who met Putin in Alaska last week, said Putin may not want to make a deal. Trump suggested direct talks between Putin and Zelensky could be useful, though he offered to attend if needed. Russia’s foreign minister said any meeting would take time and preparation. European leaders voiced doubt over Putin’s intentions. French President Emmanuel Macron called him “a predator.” Ukraine, meanwhile, said it was open to any format of peace talks. (PC: BBC)

Massive wildfires have scorched approximately 38,000 hectares in just 24 hours—nearly matching the total area burned in all of 2024—across Extremadura, Galicia, and Castile and León. In total, about 382,600 hectares have burned so far this year, more than four times the 2006-2024 average . The closure of roads, rail services, and a 50 km stretch of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail has hampered local life . With the end of a 16-day heatwave and forecasts of cooler, wetter weather, authorities report stabilizing conditions . The Spanish army, reinforced by EU aid, has deployed 3,400 troops and 50 aircraft to assist firefighting efforts . Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged emergency aid and proposed making climate emergency policies permanent, while dozens face arrest in suspected arson investigations.

Nadeen Ayoub will make history as the first Miss Palestine to compete at Miss Universe 2025. The 27-year-old will represent Palestine at the global pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, on 21 November. Ayoub, crowned Miss Palestine in 2022, said she carries the “voice of a people who refuse to be silenced.” She shared that she represents every Palestinian woman and child with strength and hope. Her debut marks a milestone for representation, giving Palestine a cultural stage at the world event. Miss Universe 2025 will host contestants from nearly 100 countries, highlighting diversity, identity, and women’s empowerment. (PC: Francis R. Malasig/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Arab mediators are waiting for Israel’s reply after Hamas agreed to a new Gaza ceasefire plan. The proposal, backed by Qatar and Egypt, calls for a 60-day truce, release of hostages, and talks for a lasting peace. Hamas said it accepted without changes, hoping it would lead to a permanent deal. Israel has demanded that all hostages be freed at once and Gaza be demilitarised. Prime Minister Netanyahu has not ruled out a partial deal but is preparing for a Gaza City offensive. Families of hostages urged the government to agree, warning delay risks their loved ones’ lives. (PC: BBC)

Jasveen Sangha, 42, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” will plead guilty to selling ketamine linked to Friends actor Matthew Perry’s death. She faces five charges, including distributing ketamine causing death or serious injury. Perry died in October 2023 at his Los Angeles home from acute ketamine effects. Sangha’s Los Angeles home was called a “drug-selling emporium” by federal prosecutors, with dozens of vials seized. She is one of five people accused of supplying ketamine to Perry. Sangha could face up to 65 years in prison. She will formally enter her guilty plea in the coming weeks. (PC: BBC)

At least 358 people, including 30 children, have died in flash floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Buner district was the worst hit, with over 200 fatalities. The floods were caused by cloudbursts, with over 150 mm of rain falling within an hour in some areas. Floodwaters swept away homes and buildings, leaving many missing. Authorities are using excavators and other machinery to recover bodies. Relief supplies including tents, blankets, medicines, and food have been sent. Officials warn of more heavy rain until September 10. Since late June, floods have claimed 695 lives across Pakistan this monsoon season. (PC: X)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking a major shift after three and a half years of stalemate. Rubio said the meeting, suggested by former US President Donald Trump, could lead to direct discussions and eventually a three-way summit with Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised Trump’s approach but criticized NATO for eastward expansion. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump’s commitment to Ukraine’s security a “breakthrough” and said it strengthens the push for peace and regional stability in Europe. (PC: X)

Spain and Portugal are battling record wildfires as heatwaves and drought fuel flames across both countries. More than 343,000 hectares of land have burned in Spain this year, the highest on record, while Portugal has lost 216,000 hectares. At least six people, including two firefighters, have died. Thousands have been forced to leave their homes as over 20 major fires rage in western Spain’s Galicia, Castile and Leon, and Extremadura. Portugal deployed 2,000 firefighters in the north and center. Both countries are receiving international help, but strong winds and smoke hinder aircraft. Officials hope cooler weather brings relief soon. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, remembered for his role as a professor in 3 Idiots, passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 91. He died at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, though the exact cause remains unknown. His last rites will be held on August 19 in Thane. Potdar worked in both Hindi and Marathi films, with notable roles in Tezaab, Parinda, Rangeela, Vaastav, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and Dabangg 2. He also appeared in popular TV shows like Wagle Ki Duniya and Bharat Ki Khoj. Fans and colleagues are mourning the loss of the beloved actor. (PC:Times Now)