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US envoys meet Putin

US envoys meet Putin in Moscow for Ukraine talks

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US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Washington seeks to revive diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The high-level meeting took place at the Kremlin on Saturday, with the American delegation carrying a new proposal intended to help bring the conflict to an end. Putin described the situation in Ukraine as difficult but praised US President Donald Trump’s efforts to find a settlement. Trump has said the two envoys were carrying a proposal to end the war, although the details of the plan have not been publicly released. The Moscow meeting comes as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues, with both sides carrying out long-range drone and missile attacks. Despite the renewed diplomatic activity, major disagreements remain over territory, security guarantees and Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO. Russia has maintained its demand that Ukraine give up territory in four regions claimed by Moscow and abandon its NATO ambitions. Ukraine has rejected such conditions and has repeatedly opposed surrendering territory captured or occupied during the war. As a temporary goodwill measure surrounding the talks, Russia announced a three-day pause in strikes against Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Ukraine would refrain from striking Moscow through Monday. The limited pause is intended to create safer conditions for the diplomatic discussions, rather than representing a broader ceasefire. Witkoff and Kushner are expected to travel to Kyiv after their Moscow meetings. It will be their first visit to the Ukrainian capital during this peace effort, giving them an opportunity to hear directly from Ukrainian officials. The latest diplomatic push offers a possible opening for negotiations, but significant obstacles remain. Whether the US proposal can narrow the gap between Moscow and Kyiv could determine whether the renewed talks lead to meaningful progress toward peace.

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Nepal tunnel rescue

Nepal rescuers try to reach dozens trapped in tunnel as two pulled out alive and one found dead

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Rescue teams in Nepal are racing against time to reach workers believed to be trapped inside a hydropower tunnel after devastating flash floods and landslides struck the country. In a major breakthrough, two workers were pulled out alive from the Trishuli 3A hydropower project after spending nine days trapped underground. The rescued workers were identified as Sanjay Shah, a foreman, and Kabir Maharjan, a project supervisor. They were found around 170 metres inside the tunnel and brought to safety by rescue personnel. Shah was reported to be stable, while Maharjan required intensive medical treatment. The dramatic rescue has renewed hopes that other trapped workers could still be alive. Rescue officials believe dozens of people may remain inside tunnels and other structures affected by the disaster. Teams have been battling thick mud, rocks and debris while attempting to clear pathways into the underground areas. However, the operation has also brought tragedy. A body was discovered during the search, although authorities initially said the victim had not yet been identified. The discovery added to the growing fears surrounding workers who remain unaccounted for. The floods followed a devastating disaster on August 26 that affected areas around Nepal’s border with Tibet. The disaster caused widespread destruction, damaging roads, homes and hydropower infrastructure and leaving thousands of people dead or missing. Rescue teams continue to work in extremely difficult conditions, hoping to locate more survivors. The successful recovery of two workers after nine days has provided a crucial boost to those efforts and to families still waiting for news of their loved ones.

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Iran US strike wedding

Iran says US strike killed four at wedding in ‘war crime’ as US denies targeting civilians

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Iran has accused the United States of committing a “war crime” after a US strike reportedly hit a residential building where a wedding celebration was taking place in southern Iran. Iranian authorities said at least four people were killed, including children, while dozens more were injured in the attack in Kuhestak, in Sirik County, Hormozgan province. The incident occurred amid renewed fighting between the United States and Iran, with American forces carrying out strikes against Iranian targets and Tehran responding with attacks on US positions in the region. The escalation has raised fresh concerns about civilian safety as military operations continue around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said the strike struck a home during a wedding gathering and described the victims as civilians. Images released by the Iranian Red Crescent showed damage to the building and injured people, including children. The organisation has called for an independent investigation and appealed to the International Criminal Court for legal action. The United States, however, has denied deliberately targeting civilians. US Central Command said American forces do not target civilians and indicated that reports of civilian deaths were being examined. US officials have maintained that their military operations are directed at military and strategic targets rather than civilian gatherings. The exact circumstances surrounding the strike remain disputed. Reports indicate that a communications facility near the residential area was also hit, while weapons experts examining debris have identified fragments consistent with a US-made precision missile. Further investigation will be needed to determine the intended target and whether the attack violated international humanitarian law. The deaths have intensified already severe tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran has vowed a strong response, while continued military exchanges threaten to widen the conflict and increase civilian casualties across the region.

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Nepal climate change flash floods

Nepal calls for ‘global effort’ to address climate change after devastating flash floods

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Nepal has called on the international community to take stronger collective action against climate change after devastating flash floods caused widespread destruction in the Himalayan nation. The disaster has highlighted the growing vulnerability of mountain communities as glaciers melt and extreme weather becomes increasingly unpredictable. The recent catastrophe was triggered by a massive collapse of ice and rock in the Himalayan region, unleashing destructive floods that swept through communities, damaged roads and bridges, and severely affected critical infrastructure. Hundreds of people have been killed, while many others remain missing as rescue and recovery operations continue. Nepal’s leaders have stressed that the country contributes only a tiny share of global greenhouse gas emissions but faces some of the most serious consequences of a warming planet. The government has urged nations around the world to work together to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and reduce the risks posed by melting glaciers and unstable mountain environments. The tragedy has also renewed calls for greater international cooperation in climate research, early-warning systems, disaster preparedness and the sharing of real-time environmental data across borders. Because Himalayan rivers and glaciers affect several countries, experts say regional and global collaboration is essential to protect vulnerable populations downstream. As Nepal begins the difficult task of rebuilding, the disaster serves as a powerful warning that climate change is not a distant threat. For communities living beneath the world’s highest mountains, its consequences are already being felt. Nepal’s appeal for a global effort reflects a growing demand for meaningful climate action, stronger adaptation measures and support for countries suffering the harshest impacts of a crisis

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Iran sanctions

Iran faces ‘greatest financial offensive ever’, says US treasury secretary

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Iran is facing what US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described as “the single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary,” as Washington intensifies its economic pressure on Tehran. The new campaign signals a major escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to isolate Iran and cut off the financial resources supporting its government. Bessent described the strategy as an “economic D-Day,” aimed at severing Iran’s economic lifelines and increasing pressure on the country’s leadership. The United States has focused its attention not only on Iran’s domestic economy but also on foreign companies and countries that continue to conduct significant trade with Tehran. The measures could include expanded secondary sanctions, potentially forcing international businesses to choose between access to the US financial system and continued economic ties with Iran. The announcement comes at a time when Iran’s economy is already under severe strain. Its currency has fallen to record lows, while inflation and the wider economic impact of the continuing conflict have added further pressure on ordinary citizens. US officials believe greater financial isolation could weaken Iran’s ability to sustain its current policies and potentially reduce the need for further military action. However, Tehran has strongly rejected the US approach, arguing that decades of sanctions have failed to force Iran into submission. Iranian officials have warned of retaliation against countries that cooperate with Washington’s new measures, raising concerns about further instability across the Middle East and possible disruption to global energy markets. As tensions continue to rise, the economic confrontation between Washington and Tehran could have consequences far beyond the two countries, affecting international trade, oil supplies and diplomatic relations across the region.

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Mark Carney tariffs

Carney calls Trump’s fresh tariffs a ‘miscalculation’ after trade talks collapse

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has described new U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump as a “miscalculation” after last-minute trade negotiations between Canada and the United States collapsed. The talks had raised hopes of a broader agreement after both governments reported progress earlier this week. However, negotiations broke down late Friday after Canada objected to changes in the U.S. position that Carney said were unfair and economically damaging. The United States has now imposed 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, escalating an already tense trade dispute. The new measures affect billions of dollars in Canadian exports, while important sectors such as steel, automobiles, lumber and other strategic industries remain caught in the wider tariff conflict. In a televised address, Carney said Canada had been negotiating in good faith but was unwilling to accept an agreement that compromised its economic interests or sovereignty. He argued that Washington had “asked too much and offered too little.” Canada has responded by preparing dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on selected U.S. products, including steel, dairy products, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics. The new Canadian measures are scheduled to take effect after Labour Day. Carney warned that the dispute could increase costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the border. However, he said Canada would focus on strengthening domestic industries and diversifying its international trading relationships. The collapse marks another major deterioration in the traditionally close economic relationship between Canada and the United States. With no immediate new negotiations scheduled, businesses are facing increased uncertainty over supply chains, investment and future market access.

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Russia strikes

Russia ‘purposefully’ hit critical infrastructure in latest strikes, Kyiv mayor says

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Russia deliberately targeted critical infrastructure in Kyiv during its latest wave of attacks, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, as the Ukrainian capital continues to recover from one of the heaviest Russian bombardments in recent months. Klitschko said on Thursday that a critical infrastructure facility in Kyiv had been “purposefully” attacked, marking the first such strike on the capital in several months. The attack could disrupt hot-water supplies in parts of the Desnianskyi and Dniprovskyi districts, officials warned. The infrastructure strike came after a large overnight Russian missile and drone barrage that killed at least 16 people and injured more than 40 across Kyiv and surrounding areas, according to Ukrainian officials. Residential buildings, a school, a children’s hospital and a kindergarten were among the sites damaged. Ukraine’s authorities said the attacks involved a combination of ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles alongside a large number of drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many of the incoming weapons, but officials said ballistic missiles remain particularly difficult to stop because of shortages of Patriot interceptor missiles. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the assault as calculated and called for stronger international support for Ukraine’s air-defense capabilities. Russia, meanwhile, said its strikes targeted Ukrainian military-related facilities, including drone-component production sites, a military depot and a logistics hub. The latest attacks have increased concerns over the safety of Kyiv’s civilian population and essential services. Ukrainian officials say the deliberate targeting of infrastructure could put additional pressure on residents, particularly as the country prepares for another difficult winter. The strikes also underline the continuing intensity of the Russia-Ukraine war, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to seek an eventual resolution.

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Trump Canada tariffs

Trump pauses new tariffs on Canada for three days, saying deal close

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US President Donald Trump has paused planned new tariffs on Canadian imports for three days, saying the United States and Canada are close to reaching a trade agreement. The temporary suspension came just hours before the proposed 50% tariffs were due to take effect. Trump said the two countries had made significant progress toward a deal and that the additional time would allow officials to finalize the agreement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also confirmed that substantial progress had been made, although Canadian officials indicated that important issues still need to be resolved. The proposed tariffs would affect around $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, raising concerns among businesses on both sides of the border. Industries including dairy, alcohol, lumber and other sectors have been closely watching the negotiations because higher tariffs could increase costs and disrupt established supply chains. The latest development represents another attempt by Washington and Ottawa to prevent their trade dispute from escalating. The United States and Canada maintain one of the world’s largest bilateral trading relationships, making tariff decisions particularly important for manufacturers, exporters and consumers. Trump has also suggested that the long-discussed Keystone XL oil pipeline could potentially return to the negotiating table, adding another economic issue to the broader discussions. For now, the three-day pause provides both governments with a limited window to complete negotiations. If an agreement is finalized, it could prevent the immediate introduction of the steep tariffs and ease pressure on Canadian exporters. However, with several major issues still under discussion, the outcome remains uncertain.

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Trump decoy plane

Members of Trump’s cabinet remained on decoy plane, after president’s quiet exit

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President Donald Trump was secretly moved to another aircraft during his recent departure from Turkey, while several senior officials, White House staff and journalists remained aboard the plane they believed was carrying him. The unusual security operation was reportedly designed to protect the president from a credible threat linked to Iran. After attending a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump publicly boarded the older Air Force One, creating the impression that he would leave Turkey on the aircraft. However, security officials had arranged a covert switch. Trump was reportedly taken from the aircraft using an airport catering vehicle and transported to a smaller C-32A military jet. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also traveled separately with Trump. Meanwhile, members of Trump’s administration and the press corps stayed on the original aircraft. Reports identified senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller as being among those aboard the decoy plane. The aircraft then departed Turkey without Trump, helping create uncertainty about his actual location. The operation reportedly followed intelligence indicating a potential threat against Trump. Security officials were concerned that the president’s movements could be monitored and that a recognizable aircraft might become a target. Trump later acknowledged that he had been moved because of security concerns, saying he faced serious threats. The revelation has raised questions about the risks faced by officials and journalists who unknowingly remained on the decoy aircraft. Supporters of the operation argue that presidential security can require deception and secrecy, while critics have questioned whether everyone aboard the aircraft was adequately informed about the potential danger. The incident highlights the extraordinary security measures surrounding presidential travel and the continuing concerns over threats against Trump.

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Colombia earthquake

Dozens reported dead as buildings collapse in Colombia after magnitude 7.4 earthquakeDozens reported dead as buildings collapse in Colombia after magnitude 7.4 earthquake

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A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and leaving dozens of people dead. The earthquake hit at around 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, according to reports. The strong tremor was felt across several parts of the country, including Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó. Buildings collapsed in several affected areas, trapping people beneath rubble and prompting emergency crews to launch urgent search-and-rescue operations. Hospitals were also placed under severe pressure as large numbers of injured residents arrived for treatment. At least 79 people had been reported dead in the latest accounts, although authorities warned that the number could rise as rescuers reach damaged buildings and isolated communities. Children were among those reported killed, while many others suffered injuries. Pereira was among the hardest-hit cities, with dozens of structures reportedly collapsing. Infrastructure was also damaged, including airports, creating additional challenges for emergency response teams. Residents were advised to remain outdoors because of the possibility of further aftershocks. The earthquake was followed by additional tremors, increasing fears that already weakened structures could collapse. Rescue workers, police, firefighters and medical teams have been deployed to affected areas as authorities assess the full scale of the disaster. Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella, called for an emergency response and pledged government assistance to victims and affected communities. International support has also been offered as Colombia begins dealing with the extensive destruction. Officials continue to search collapsed buildings for survivors while assessing damage to homes, roads and public infrastructure. The final death toll is expected to remain uncertain until rescue operations are completed.

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