The name Muhammad has topped the list of baby boy names in England and Wales for the second consecutive year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In 2024, 5,721 boys were named Muhammad, a 23% increase from the previous year2. Variants like Mohammed and Mohammad also ranked high, placing 21st and 53rd respectively. The rise reflects the growing Muslim population in Britain and the cultural significance of naming children after revered Islamic figures2. Other Islamic names such as Yusuf, Musa, and Ibrahim also entered the top 100. For girls, Olivia retained the top spot, followed by Amelia and Lily. The data highlights shifting cultural trends in British naming practices. (PC: University of Oxford & Kerv)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for tougher sanctions on Russia after a deadly missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed at least 31 people, including five children. The youngest victim was just two years old. Over 150 others were injured. The strikes damaged homes, a hospital, a school, and a university. "Sanctions do work – and they must be strengthened," Zelensky said. He urged the U.S., Europe, and allies to act fast. U.S. and German officials signaled more support, with Germany promising two Patriot systems. Trump condemned Russia’s actions and hinted at new sanctions if a ceasefire isn't reached soon. (PC: Reuters)

Industry leaders, led by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), are warning that UK food inflation is set to reach 6% by Christmas 2025, up from 4% in July—pushing a significant strain on household budgets . The BRC cautioned that additional tax increases in the upcoming autumn budget could “fan the flames of inflation”, passing further costs onto consumers . Rising wage demands, business rates, and national insurance are already squeezing retailers—who say 85% have raised prices and 65% expect to hike again. (PC: iStock)

Gisborne Airport in New Zealand holds a rare distinction—it is the only airport in the world where a railway line crosses the main runway. The Palmerston North–Gisborne Line passes directly through the airport, requiring precise coordination between air traffic control and KiwiRail to prevent collisions. Trains and planes do not operate simultaneously; both systems follow a strict schedule to avoid any overlap. The airport covers 160 hectares and handles over 150,000 passengers annually, with more than 60 domestic flights per week. This rare setup makes Gisborne Airport a fascinating case of transportation integration. (PC: AI)

At least 15 people, including a mother and her 6-year-old son, were killed and 145 injured as Russia launched its largest air assault on Kyiv in months. Over 300 drones and missiles struck 26 locations, destroying an apartment block and damaging schools and hospitals. The attack defied US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire demand to Vladimir Putin, with a deadline of August 8. Trump warned of tougher sanctions if no truce is reached. Ukrainian officials called for “maximum pressure” on Moscow, while denying Russian claims of capturing Chasiv Yar in Donetsk. Rescue operations in Kyiv continue amid rising civilian toll. (PC: BBC)

Fifteen-year-old Majd al-Shaghnobi, the first war-injured Gazan child to receive treatment in the UK, has arrived in London for reconstructive surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Severely wounded by an Israeli tank shell in February 2024, Majd lost his jaw and teeth while seeking food. UK charity Project Pure Hope facilitated his evacuation after months of campaigning. His surgery will be performed pro bono by a team of specialists. Co-founder Omar Din called the UK government’s support “long-overdue.” PM Keir Starmer recently pledged to help more children. UN agencies report worsening starvation and suffering for children still trapped in Gaza. (PC: BBC)

A radar-related air traffic control outage disrupted UK airspace on Wednesday, cancelling 155 flights—84 departures and 71 arrivals—according to Cirium. London’s Heathrow airport faced the most disruptions with over 45 flights called off. The issue, deemed non-cyber related, was resolved by switching to a backup system. The glitch, during peak summer travel, impacted major carriers including British Airways and EasyJet. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with NATS CEO Martin Rolfe, calling it an isolated event. PM Keir Starmer acknowledged widespread passenger frustration. Ryanair demanded Rolfe’s resignation. The outage follows similar failures in March and two years ago. (PC: AP)

Canada will officially recognize Palestine as a state in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced. This follows similar moves by the U.K. and France. Carney said the suffering in Gaza needs urgent global action. Canada’s decision depends on reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including elections without Hamas. He also called for Hamas to release hostages and disarm. Israel strongly opposed the move, calling it a reward for terrorism. Donald Trump warned the decision could hurt trade ties. Over 140 countries already recognize Palestine. Canada said peace in the Middle East needs both Israeli and Palestinian states to live side by side. (PC: X)

In Kathmandu’s bustling Thamel district, 57-year-old rickshaw driver Babu Tamang has found comfort and companionship in an eight-year-old stray dog named Shyam, who now accompanies him daily to work. After losing his earlier pet to a leopard attack, Tamang rescued Shyam two years ago—sparking a deep bond. The dog follows the rickshaw, hops on board after rides, and draws smiles and extra tips from tourists. Despite oil-stained fur and occasional bath-time squabbles, Shyam remains steadfast. Tamang calls him “family,” as fellow rickshaw drivers and passengers embrace the pair’s heartwarming friendship. (PC: AP)

Canada has officially announced it will recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, becoming the third major Western power (after the UK and France) to do so. Prime Minister Mark Carney cited the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza—including widespread starvation—as a key trigger. Recognition is conditional upon reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including general elections in 2026, exclusion of Hamas from governance, and demilitarization pledges. The move intensifies diplomatic pressure on Israel and signals a shift in Western policy, drawing criticism from both Israel and the U.S. (PC: NDTV)