Indonesia was hit by another strong earthquake on Saturday, hours after a deadly 7.7-magnitude quake killed at least 38 people. The latest quake had a magnitude of 6.5 and was recorded at 4:24 pm IST, according to India’s National Centre for Seismology. It struck at a depth of 165 km. There were no immediate reports of deaths or damage from the latest tremor. Earlier, the 7.7-magnitude quake hit Nagekeo district in East Nusa Tenggara. It caused buildings to collapse and landslides. Around 2,000 people were evacuated. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted as rescue teams continued operations.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari sparked controversy after saying the country “tolerates” its Hindu population. Speaking on Pakistan’s Independence Day, Zardari claimed Hindus make up 3–4% of the population and said they are free in Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s 2023 census puts the Hindu population at 5.2 million, or 2.17%. His remarks have drawn criticism over the treatment of religious minorities. Rights groups have reported cases of forced conversions, abductions and violence against Hindu and Christian communities. Pakistan’s Constitution promises religious freedom, but critics say the word “tolerate” raises questions about whether minorities receive equal rights.

An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed seven people early Saturday, according to Lebanese state media, making it the deadliest reported incident since a June lull in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The strike reportedly hit a home on the outskirts of Ansar village, with three others wounded. The attack comes amid continuing tensions despite agreements aimed at reducing fighting and facilitating Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament. Israel has said its military operations target Hezbollah infrastructure and are intended to protect Israeli forces and communities. The latest casualties underscore the fragile security situation along the Lebanon-Israel border, where sporadic strikes continue despite diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed escalation. (PC: AFP)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, August 15, causing buildings and homes to collapse and triggering widespread panic. At least 20 people were killed, six injured and two remained trapped or missing after landslides, according to reports. Residents fled to safer areas as strong aftershocks continued. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning after the shallow quake, but later lifted it after only minor waves were recorded. Rescue operations were complicated by landslides, damaged roads and communication disruptions. Hospitals also evacuated patients as emergency teams assessed damage across affected areas. (PC: Reuters)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia, killing at least five people and injuring several others. The quake caused building collapses, landslides and widespread panic across parts of East Nusa Tenggara. Authorities issued a tsunami warning following the shallow offshore earthquake, prompting around 2,000 residents to evacuate to safer areas. The warning was lifted about three hours later after tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded. Emergency teams continued assessing damage and responding to affected communities as aftershocks were reported. The disaster highlighted Indonesia’s vulnerability to powerful earthquakes because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. (PC: X)

Nearly 500 people, including 183 minors, have been detained in France since July 1 on suspicion of starting wildfires, with authorities saying around 70% are suspected of deliberate arson. The arrests come as France and several European countries battle severe fires amid record-breaking heat, drought and strong winds. In southwestern France, more than 525 people were evacuated from Luglon after a blaze spread across nearly 1,100 hectares. Croatia reported one death and dozens of injuries, while thousands were evacuated elsewhere. Scientists say climate change is intensifying extreme heat and worsening wildfire conditions across Europe. (PC: The Guardian)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, August 15, causing buildings and homes to shake, crack and collapse. The shallow quake occurred about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara, according to the US Geological Survey. At least two deaths were initially reported, with later updates putting the toll higher as authorities assessed the damage. Several strong aftershocks followed the main tremor. A tsunami warning was issued for nearby coastal areas, prompting residents to evacuate to higher ground, but the alert was later lifted. Hospitals also moved patients outdoors amid safety concerns. 

US President Donald Trump has threatened to declare the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz a US territory after claiming Iran is being defeated. The remarks come amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and a prolonged disruption of shipping through the crucial waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas normally passes. Iran strongly rejected Trump’s proposal, asserting that the status of the strait cannot be determined by US declarations. The escalating rhetoric has heightened geopolitical tensions and raised concerns over global energy supplies, maritime security and international stability as Washington and Tehran remain locked in confrontation. (PC: AP)

A second passenger train derailed in southeast England within 24 hours when the rear carriages of a Greater Anglia service came off the tracks near Wickford, Essex, on Friday. The train was travelling from Southend to London Liverpool Street with around 40 people aboard. It left Rayleigh at 2:06 PM but failed to reach Wickford as scheduled. The carriages remained upright and no injuries were reported, while British Transport Police, paramedics and firefighters attended. The incident followed a more serious derailment near Lewes in East Sussex less than a day earlier, which left two people seriously injured and 18 with minor injuries. Authorities have not confirmed whether the ongoing heatwave contributed to either derailment.

US military families and active-duty personnel have alleged deteriorating conditions aboard multiple ships deployed in the Middle East amid the Iran conflict, including shortages of food, water, soap and supplies, broken plumbing and exhausting schedules. Accounts reported by MeidasTouch, which have not been independently verified, extend concerns beyond the USS Abraham Lincoln. A parent alleged the Lincoln suffered water-system failures, rationed showers and overflowing toilets, with human waste covering restroom floors. A family member linked to USS George H.W. Bush claimed the carrier had spent 136 days at sea with inadequate food, water and soap. The US Navy has acknowledged supply challenges, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called reports of poor conditions “completely misrepresented.” (PC: AFP)