The number of U.S. military personnel killed or wounded since the start of the Iran war has risen to 774, according to the latest Pentagon data. The Defence Casualty Analysis System reported that 18 service members have been killed, while 756 have been wounded in action. The updated figures highlight the growing human cost of the conflict as Washington continues its military operations in the region. The casualties include troops injured during combat and related operations. The Pentagon regularly updates its casualty data as new information becomes available, with the latest figures marking a significant rise in U.S. military losses. (PC: Washington Post)

Actor and motorsport enthusiast Ajith Kumar escaped unhurt after his racing car spun off the track during the Michelin Le Mans Cup race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The incident took place at Turn 11 on August 22, when his No. 16 Ligier went into the gravel, prompting the Safety Car to be deployed. Ajith was competing in the LMP3 Pro/Am category for Ajith RedAnt by Virage. Despite the scare, the actor suffered no injuries. Ajith has previously survived several racing accidents and continues to compete in international motorsport events alongside his film career. (PC: Deccan Herald)

Astrophysicist Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, has become the first Indian woman to receive the prestigious COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal. She received the honour at the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy. Subramaniam is the fourth Indian to win the medal, recognised for her contributions to space science and astronomy. Her work includes a key role in AstroSat's Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope and India's future INSIST space telescope project. She has also contributed to major international astronomy programmes. The award marks a significant milestone for Indian science and women's growing contribution to space research.  

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)

Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has temporarily suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket over the online sale of poisonous Datura fruits and seeds for human consumption. The action followed complaints and an investigation that found toxic Datura products listed and stored for sale on the platforms. The regulator said the companies’ responses were unsatisfactory. Amazon did not submit a response, while Instamart sought more time. BigBasket said it had stopped selling the products. Authorities have also ordered the suspension of licences of suppliers and sellers and directed platforms to remove all related listings immediately. (PC: NDTV)

The football used by Diego Maradona to score his famous “Hand of God” goal at the 1986 World Cup has sold at auction for £2.5 million. Maradona punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during Argentina’s 2-1 quarter-final victory. He later scored the iconic “Goal of the Century” in the same match. The Adidas Azteca ball, kept by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser for more than three decades, was sold by Heritage Auctions in the United States. It previously sold for £1.74 million in 2022. The price, however, fell short of the expected £7.3 million. (PC: BBC)

Sikkim rock band Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) has begun a European tour, with performances scheduled in Portugal and Spain this month. The four-member band will make its Portugal debut at the Milagre Metaleiro Open Air Festival before headlining the Valdor Rock Festival in Burgos, Spain, on August 29. The tour is GATC's second international outing this year after performing in Australia in March. Formed in 2009, the band has built a global following and previously opened for Guns N' Roses in Abu Dhabi. GATC is also preparing to release its fourth studio album, featuring its recent single, Generation Coward. (PC: X)

India’s men’s hockey team crashed out of the FIH World Cup semifinal race after suffering a 3-5 defeat against Argentina in their second-round pool match in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Monday. India needed a victory by at least two goals to remain in contention but failed to control the match. Argentina’s Tomas Domene and Joaquin Toscani scored two goals each, while Nicolas della Torre added another. For India, Sukhjeet Singh scored twice through field efforts, while Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke. Sukhjeet found the net in the 34th and 58th minutes, while Hardik scored in the 36th minute. The defeat ended India’s hopes of reaching the World Cup semifinals. (PC: Hockey India/X) 

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India next month to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. The September 12-13 summit comes as India and China cautiously work to stabilise ties following the deadly 2020 border clashes. Xi is reportedly likely to be accompanied by a delegation of around 400 officials, with Chinese authorities already finalising hotels and security arrangements. The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to China last year, his first in seven years. Despite gradual diplomatic improvement, recent border-related tensions have continued to complicate relations. Xi’s presence at the summit could provide an important opportunity for both sides to engage on bilateral and regional issues. (PC: Times Now)