Independent Russian media outlet Mediazona reports that more than 66,000 Russian soldiers have died in the Ukraine war, according to data compiled with the BBC Russian Service. The death toll has increased by over 4,600 in the past month. Mediazona’s count, based on open-source data and reports, includes deaths of conscripts and prisoners. While the Russian government rarely discloses accurate figures, Mediazona’s data reveals a high number of casualties from various regions, including Bashkortostan, and among different age groups. The official Russian count remains significantly lower, with 5,937 reported deaths.

The Seaman Book, issued to Merchant Navy employees, cruise line workers, and fishermen, acts similarly to a passport and can bypass visa requirements for international travel related to their duties. During official work assignments, this document, along with the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), serves as a crew transit visa, easing immigration at ports. However, for personal travel, holders must present a regular passport and visa. The Passport Seva portal is offline for maintenance, affecting appointment scheduling until August 29, 2024. This does not impact those with a Seaman Book for work-related travel.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on August 31, 2024, killed at least 48 people, Palestinian health authorities reported. The strikes come as the United Nations prepares to begin a polio vaccination campaign for 640,000 children in the enclave. The campaign, which depends on daily eight-hour pauses in fighting, follows the confirmation of a polio case in Gaza, the first in 25 years. Health officials stressed that a comprehensive ceasefire is crucial for successful vaccination. The Israeli military continues operations in Gaza, targeting militants and infrastructure amid ongoing conflict that has caused widespread devastation.

Brazil has banned X, formerly Twitter, after the social media platform missed a Supreme Court deadline to appoint a new legal representative. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension until X complies with court orders and pays fines related to spreading disinformation. The row began in April when the judge demanded X block accounts accused of spreading false information, many linked to former president Jair Bolsonaro. X owner Elon Musk condemned the ban, calling it an attack on free speech. Brazil's telecommunications agency is working to enforce the ban, including removing X from app stores within five days.

A Russian Mi-8T helicopter with 22 people on board, including three crew members and 19 passengers, has gone missing in the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. The helicopter departed from a base near the Vachkazhets volcano but failed to check in at its scheduled time of 04:00 GMT, according to reports from the federal air transport agency, cited by Interfax and Reuters. Authorities are currently conducting a search operation. The incident has raised concerns, as communication with the helicopter was lost, and its whereabouts remain unknown. Further details are awaited as the search continues in the remote region.

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.