US government debt has crossed the $40 trillion mark for the first time, raising fresh concerns over the country’s growing fiscal burden. Treasury Department data showed total public debt reached $40.047 trillion. The debt has more than doubled since Donald Trump first took office in 2017, rising by $11.6 trillion across his two terms, while it increased by $8.4 trillion during Joe Biden’s presidency. Rising spending on Social Security, Medicare and interest payments, along with lower revenues linked to tax cuts, have added pressure. Budget experts have warned that urgent action is needed to address the growing debt. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has announced what he called the “most crushing economic operation ever” against Iran, as Washington increases pressure on Tehran amid stalled talks to end the five-month conflict. Trump said Iran had failed to reach a deal and warned that countries helping Tehran through trade, financial services or other support would face “tremendous economic consequences”. His administration has already imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran’s oil, shipping and financial sectors under Operation Economic Fury. Iranian state media dismissed the announcement, saying the country has long experience in bypassing US restrictions.

Pakistan has threatened to stop accepting illegal migrants returned from the UK if London continues attempts to deport convicted child rapist and Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed, The Telegraph reported. Born in Pakistan, Ahmed moved to the UK in the 1970s and was among nine men convicted of exploiting girls as young as 13. He was identified as the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, which operated in Rochdale and Oldham and involved multiple rape and sexual offences. Ahmed was convicted in 2012 and sentenced to 22 years in prison. Islamabad considers his crimes a UK matter and has warned the dispute could damage wider bilateral cooperation. (PC: X)

Israel’s military has announced its first criminal investigations into troop conduct during the Gaza war, focusing on the deaths of five-year-old Hind Rajab and 15 Palestinian paramedics. Hind was trapped in a vehicle with slain relatives in February 2024 and pleaded for help before being killed. The paramedics were killed in March 2025, after which their bodies were reportedly bulldozed into a mass grave. The military said it reviewed 150 incidents and decided not to investigate three attacks involving World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders workers. Rights groups accuse Israel of war crimes and genocide, allegations Israel rejects. Israeli officials say its justice system can address violations, while rights groups dispute its effectiveness. (PC: US News)

Reports indicate Russia has been sending explosives, drone components and ammunition to Iran through the Caspian Sea as Tehran seeks to replenish military stocks depleted during its war with the US and Israel. A European government document obtained by NBC News and confirmed by a Western official says the shipments include TNT, drone parts and ammunition. Satellite imagery assessed by analysts also suggests the cargo contains components needed for ballistic missile production. The reported transfers come as Iran works to rebuild its military capabilities following the conflict. The shipments, if confirmed, could indicate continued Russian support for Iran’s military replenishment efforts, particularly in areas involving explosives, unmanned systems, ammunition and missile-related components. (PC: TOI)

Rhossi, a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle native to the Gulf of Mexico, is recovering in Houston after surviving a 5,000-mile journey to Wales. A local dog found the cold-stunned turtle, weighing just 2lb, on a Welsh beach in December 2023. Anglesey Sea Zoo spent two years nursing him back to health, helping him reach 46lb before he flew to Houston on August 10. Houston Zoo veterinarians found him healthy, active and vigorous, but scans showed lingering pneumonia, delaying his planned return to the Gulf. Multiple agencies and nonprofits are supporting his recovery. With only 7,000-9,000 nesting females estimated, Rhossi could potentially return to the wild and breed within a few years.

Iran’s Consulate General in Hyderabad mocked US President Donald Trump’s claim over the Strait of Hormuz by posting a map depicting California as “NEW TERRITORY OF ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN.” The satirical post came after Trump shared an image on Truth Social portraying the strategic waterway as “NEW US Territory.” Iran’s diplomatic response appeared designed to mirror Trump’s territorial claim and underline Tehran’s rejection of Washington’s position on Hormuz. The exchange comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions and an ongoing dispute over control and navigation through the strategically important strait. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had also criticised Trump’s claim, while Tehran maintains that the waterway remains subject to its demands and restrictions.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning to return to Britain later this month, six years after relocating to the US. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to move with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, to a non-royal residence outside London. The children are reportedly enrolled at a British school starting in September. King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly been informed. The Sussexes are expected to retain homes in California and Portugal. Their security arrangements remain undisclosed, despite Harry previously saying he would not feel safe bringing his family to Britain without police protection. The reported move follows Harry’s recent reunion with his father. (PC: Politics UK)

India and Palestine have signed two MoUs to strengthen development cooperation, including the construction of a 200-bed super-speciality hospital in Jenin and a vocational training centre. The hospital will include a trauma centre and serve neighbouring areas such as Tulkarm and Tubas. Indian official Sripriya Ranganathan reaffirmed New Delhi’s support for the Palestinian people and a negotiated two-state solution. India also handed over life-saving medicines, including anti-cancer drugs, and discussed further support for Palestine’s health sector, education, skill development and employment opportunities. (PC: HT)

Israel's military has confirmed for the first time that its soldiers fired at a car carrying five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed along with six relatives in Gaza in 2024. Hind initially survived and pleaded for help during a phone call with Palestinian Red Crescent operators. An ambulance sent to rescue her was also hit, killing two paramedics. The Israel Defense Forces said it has opened a criminal investigation into the deaths of Hind, her family and the paramedics. The IDF will also investigate the killing of 15 Palestinians, including medics and a UN worker, in Rafah in 2025. (PC: BBC)