The Southern African nation of Namibia is planning to kill 723 wild animals, including 83 elephants, to address a hunger crisis affecting 1.4 million people amidst the country's worst drought in a century. The environment ministry has deemed the measure necessary, aligning with the constitutional mandate to utilize natural resources for citizens' benefit. This approach is supported by the UN Environment Programme, which recognizes sustainable harvesting of wild animals as a viable food source. With over 30 million people across Southern Africa impacted by drought, Namibia's decision aims to provide relief to its citizens, highlighting the severe consequences of the regional drought crisis.

The ancient Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia is facing a new challenge as tourists recreate the popular "Temple Run" video game on site, sparking concerns among conservationists and historians. Visitors are filming themselves running, jumping, and crashing through the historic complex, mimicking the game's actions, and sharing the videos on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. With some clips garnering over 2 million views, authorities are urging tourists to treat the UNESCO World Heritage Site with respect and dignity, citing concerns over potential damage and disrespect to the ancient structure and its cultural significance.

The UK government has denied plans to force businesses to adopt a four-day workweek, clarifying its position on the "Make Work Pay" proposal. Education Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith stated that the plan aims to promote flexible working, allowing employees to compress their hours into fewer days, such as working 10 hours a day for four days. The government seeks to boost productivity through flexible arrangements, not impose a specific workweek structure. This clarification follows reports suggesting the government would mandate a four-day workweek, which Smith dismissed as inaccurate. The focus remains on supporting flexible working practices.

US and Iraqi forces conducted a joint operation in western Iraq, targeting Islamic State (IS) leaders. The operation resulted in the deaths of 15 IS militants. US Central Command reported that the operation involved air strikes and an airborne assault, with IS members resisting using weapons, grenades, and explosive belts. No civilian casualties were reported. The Iraqi military stated that the operation targeted IS hideouts in desert and cave areas. The joint operation aimed to disrupt IS operations in the region. Seven US troops were reportedly injured, according to US defense officials.

A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has ordered social media giant X (formerly Twitter) to be taken down in the country. The move comes after Elon Musk failed to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, despite months of feuding with the judge over non-compliance with orders to block fake news and hate accounts. The judge also imposed fines of £2.5m and threatened users with daily fines of £7,000 if they use VPNs to access X. Brazil's telecom regulator has confirmed it will suspend X, complying with the court order. The ban marks a significant escalation in the battle between Musk and Brazilian authorities.

A 14-year-old girl was killed and at least five others died after a Russian strike hit a playground and residential building in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The attack, which also wounded 59 people, including nine children, caused significant damage with fires and collapsed structures. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for international support to enable Ukraine to strike targets in Russia and prevent such attacks. The US and UK have partially permitted Ukraine to target Russian areas but with restrictions. Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for long-range capabilities and full air defense support.

Russia has launched its third major bombardment of Ukraine in four days, targeting Kyiv and other cities with missiles and drones. Ukraine’s military reported that one of the newly received F-16 warplanes crashed during Monday's attack, killing the pilot, Col. Alexei “Moonfish” Mes. The crash is the first loss of an F-16 in Ukraine. Amid the ongoing strikes, Ukraine's air defenses intercepted many Russian drones and missiles. President Zelenskyy continues to urge Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range strikes against Russia to expedite the end of the conflict.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Ukraine's Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, effective Friday. This decision follows a tragic incident on Monday when an F-16 jet crashed, killing its pilot during a major Russian assault. Zelensky cited the need to strengthen command levels but did not specify the reasons for Oleshchuk's dismissal. General Lieutenant Anatoliy Kryvonozhka will temporarily assume the role of Air Force Commander. The crash's cause remains under investigation, with no evidence suggesting it was caused by Russian fire. The F-16s represent a significant development in Ukraine's defense efforts against Russia's ongoing invasion.

Kolkata Police rejected claims by the CBI that the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital crime scene, where a 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered, was compromised. The CBI had earlier alleged the crime scene was tampered with, and the victim's family was misled about the nature of her death. The police clarified that all individuals present were authorized and that the viral photo was taken after the inquest. The case, involving civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, has ignited nationwide protests, with demonstrators demanding justice and stricter laws to prevent violence against women.

The UK government plans to require employers to offer flexible working hours, including a four-day week, while ensuring full-time hours. Deputy PM Angela Rayner is leading the initiative, aiming to introduce legislation this autumn. Although businesses will not be forced to implement four-day weeks, employers must offer flexible hours unless it is "not reasonably feasible." Conservatives like Kevin Hollinrake have raised concerns about the potential impact on businesses, citing increased costs. However, a recent trial showed positive outcomes for companies that adopted a four-day work week. The proposal is part of Labour's "New Deal for Working People."