Thailand has temporarily suspended the issuance of firearms licences following a deadly school shooting in Nonthaburi that left nine people dead, including the teenage attacker. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the interior ministry and police to halt new licences for possessing, purchasing and carrying guns, while existing licences will be reviewed. The 14-year-old allegedly killed his grandparents at their home before opening fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, killing six others and later taking his own life. As victims and the attacker’s grandparents were cremated, authorities called for tighter gun controls and stronger penalties for firearms offences. (PC: AFP)

A food safety inspection at a Zepto warehouse in Hoskote, Bengaluru Rural, has exposed serious hygiene and food-handling violations. Officials found organic waste, discarded wrappers and bottles, accumulated dirt, and empty cardboard boxes inside the facility. The inspection also identified problems including non-compliant labelling, misbranding, and unhygienic storage and handling of food products. The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department sealed the warehouse and issued a notice to the facility. Officials have also recommended legal action against the operator. The raid is part of a wider food-safety enforcement drive in Bengaluru aimed at ensuring compliance with FSSAI standards and protecting consumers. 

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez in a private civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, according to his management. The 41-year-old Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together since 2016 and first met when she worked as a sales assistant at a Gucci store. The couple made their relationship official with a private wedding, marking a new chapter in their nearly decade-long partnership. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. The couple had announced their engagement in August 2025. (PC: X)

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a nationwide campaign to improve government schools in villages, beginning August 15. The initiative calls on parents to conduct social audits of basic facilities, including electricity, drinking water, functional toilets and mid-day meals. Dipke has also challenged sarpanches to improve schools under a “Sarpanch Challenge,” with successful efforts to be publicly recognised through before-and-after photographs. The campaign will begin from Dipke’s village in Hingoli, Maharashtra. The CJP says the initiative aims to address rural educational infrastructure gaps and ensure children of farmers and labourers receive facilities comparable to those available in urban schools. 

Lionel Messi has reportedly taken an indefinite break from competitive football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68. The Argentina captain travelled to Rosario to attend his father’s funeral and spend time with his family. According to reports, Messi has no fixed date for returning to Inter Miami or resuming football commitments. Jorge Messi was a major influence on Lionel’s career and had served as his agent and close adviser for years. Inter Miami are currently awaiting clarity on when their captain will return, while Messi focuses on grieving and supporting his family. (PC: AP)

A landslide struck Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, Mumbai, around 3:48 a.m. on Wednesday following heavy rainfall, killing two people and leaving several others feared trapped beneath debris. A portion of a hillock collapsed onto two to three residential structures. Police officials said four to five people were initially suspected to be trapped, while later reports put the number at around six. BMC, Mumbai Fire Brigade, NDRF, police and other emergency teams launched rescue operations. Specialised equipment, including a victim camera, is being used to search for survivors. Authorities are continuing relief and rescue efforts at the site. (PC: The Hindu)

Hardik Pandya reportedly wanted to return to Gujarat Titans, but the proposed blockbuster IPL trade move collapsed over his demand to regain the captaincy. The all-rounder, who led GT to the IPL final in 2022 and the playoffs in 2023, had moved to Mumbai Indians in 2024. Reports suggest Gujarat considered bringing him back, with Shubman Gill reportedly willing to accommodate Pandya. However, Pandya’s reported captaincy demand became the major stumbling block. His camp has denied that he personally approached Gujarat for a move. The development leaves his future with Mumbai Indians uncertain ahead of the next IPL season. (PC: X)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced stricter packaging rules for pan masala, banning plastic-based and plastic-laminated packaging. Under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, manufacturers must use plastic-free paper, paperboard, cellulose or other naturally derived materials. Aluminium foil, metallised layers and synthetic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and PVC are also prohibited. Tin and glass containers are permitted alternatives. The amendment, notified in August 2026, aligns pan masala packaging with existing plastic-waste management provisions and aims to reduce plastic pollution while strengthening regulatory compliance across the industry. 

NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme, a major expansion of India-US cooperation in human space exploration. The offer was made during the ninth India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru on August 5-6, with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also participating. NASA’s initiative aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually establish a permanent settlement. India joined the US-led Artemis Accords in 2023, becoming the 27th signatory; the alliance now includes 70 countries. The invitation could deepen India’s role in international lunar exploration and strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States in civil space activities.

France and New Zealand have confirmed their participation in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, easing concerns over a potential UEFA-led boycott of FIFA competitions. The confirmations come amid a dispute between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino over a now-abandoned proposal that had drawn strong criticism from the European confederation. UEFA had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions following the disagreement, while countries including Argentina and Mexico supported Infantino. France became the first country to confirm its participation, followed by New Zealand. New Zealand Football said sending its U20 women’s team to Poland next month was important for developing the women’s game. The confirmations provide relief for FIFA as tensions with UEFA continue. (PC: AFC)