Singapore has announced a major family support package offering nearly S$70,000, or over $55,000, in direct assistance for every Singaporean child up to age 17. The move comes as the country’s fertility rate fell to a record low of 0.87. The package includes child credits, grants, childcare subsidies, parental leave and housing support, along with a S$10,000 baby gift. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government wants to make it easier for Singaporeans to start and raise families. The government is expected to spend nearly S$7 billion on family and parenthood initiatives this financial year. (PC: X)

The United States has announced fresh sanctions on Iran, stepping up economic pressure on Tehran as talks over a wider peace deal remain unresolved. The new measures are aimed at cutting off Iran’s revenue sources and increasing financial pressure on the country. US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran was “collapsing”, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the move as a major financial offensive against an adversary. The sanctions come as separate negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz continue. Washington and Tehran remain locked in tensions, with no broader agreement yet reached to ease the ongoing conflict. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel to 50% from January 1, 2027, escalating the trade dispute between the two countries. The announcement followed the collapse of trade talks between Washington and Ottawa. Trump accused Canada of imposing unfair tariffs on US farmers and said Canada had taken advantage of the United States for years. Canada has already indicated it could retaliate against US tariffs on a range of American goods. Trump said manufacturers could avoid the higher duties by producing vehicles and automotive parts in the United States. The proposed increase would further intensify trade tensions between the two closely linked North American economies.

The Trump administration on August 24 released a proposed regulation to codify a fee of more than $100,000 on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. President Donald Trump had first imposed the fee through a temporary proclamation last year, but courts blocked it. The proposed fee would significantly increase the cost of H-1B visas, which are widely used by the technology, education and research sectors. The move is facing legal challenges, with lawsuits arguing that the administration’s power to restrict entry does not allow it to override the law establishing the H-1B visa programme. The proposal could therefore face further legal scrutiny as the administration seeks to formalise the unprecedented charge. (PC: Getty Images)

Ukraine launched a wave of drone strikes targeting warehouses of Ozon, Russia's second-largest online retailer, causing major fires and injuries across several southern regions. Ozon said its logistics facilities in Krasnodar, Dagestan, Stavropol and Adygea were affected, with workers evacuated from some sites. Russian authorities said three children were killed in a drone strike in the Krasnodar region, while several others were hospitalised. The attacks follow recent Ukrainian strikes on Wildberries logistics hubs, which Kyiv says support Russia's military supply network, a claim Moscow denies. Ozon shares fell sharply as the Kremlin considered possible support for affected businesses. (PC: BBC)

Nearly 90,000 people have been told to evacuate or prepare to leave as the fast-spreading Hawk Fire approaches Reno, Nevada. About 42,000 residents were ordered to evacuate immediately, while another 45,000 were placed on alert. The human-caused wildfire has burned around 15,000 acres and remained completely uncontained as of Sunday evening. Six people, including three emergency responders, were injured. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared an emergency in Washoe County and deployed the National Guard. Authorities have closed most schools and imposed road closures as firefighters battle the blaze amid strong, unpredictable winds. (PC: BBC)

Police investigating the killings of a Hindu family of four in Bangladesh’s Rangpur have revealed disturbing details about the crime. Two detained suspects allegedly consumed drugs before and after the killings, stayed inside the house, showered and ate food before trying to stage the crime as a robbery. Investigators said the suspects also burnt the faces of the four victims with chemicals. Retired teacher Ganapati Chakraborty, his wife Pritilata, daughter Agami and 12-year-old son Priyam were found dead inside their locked home. Police said two suspects have been detained and allegedly confessed, while the family suspects wider involvement. (PC: HT)

Iran has reportedly received an invitation to join the Mecca Defence Pact formed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, a move that could reshape regional security ties. The reported invitation has not been officially confirmed by Tehran or the three founding members. The pact, signed on August 7, treats an attack on one member as an attack on all and aims to strengthen defence cooperation. Iran has said it has no reason to oppose the alliance, despite renewed tensions with Saudi Arabia and its ties with Yemen’s Houthis. Iranian membership, if confirmed, would mark a major diplomatic shift. (PC: India Today)

Iran has received an invitation to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey on August 7, as tensions with the United States continue. Mehdi Rahimi, chief of Iran’s Parliament news agency, said Tehran was considering the offer, according to Al Mayadeen. The invitation comes ahead of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s planned visit to Tehran. The pact states that an armed attack on any one of its three members would be treated as an attack on all. Bangladesh has also indicated interest in joining. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised Iran’s resistance to US pressure, calling for continued national unity against what he described as a comprehensive economic war. (PC: MSN and X)

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Kyiv on Monday for his first foreign trip, marking Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day and reaffirming Britain’s support. He will chair his first meeting of the “coalition of the willing”, established by the UK and France under former prime minister Keir Starmer. Burnham will also accept an award recognising British support for Ukraine and attend independence day events. His visit follows escalating Russian strikes, including a Friday attack on a shopping centre that killed at least 16 people. Burnham said UK support would not waver and vowed Britain would stand with Ukraine until a “just and lasting peace”. Moscow has warned of “consequences” over Ukraine’s use of British drones. (PC: X)