Today's News Digest
A devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing over 80 people with dozens still trapped in collapsed buildings across major cities. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions escalate across multiple fronts: Russia bars its only anti-war party from elections, Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, and Ukraine conducts deep strikes into Russian territory.
World
Powerful earthquake devastates western Colombia
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, killing more than 80 people with dozens more trapped under rubble in major cities including Cali, Bogotá, and Medellín. More than two dozen structures collapsed in Cali alone, prompting emergency requests for disaster teams from other regions to support rescue efforts.
Russia bars only anti-war party from parliamentary elections
A Moscow court has ruled that Russia's only liberal, anti-war party cannot participate in next month's parliamentary elections, further narrowing the political space in the country.
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, demands Trump concessions
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the Trump administration agrees to Iranian demands, with talks on shipping routes described as separate from full reopening discussions.
Ukraine strikes deep into Russia, killing at least 13
A Ukrainian drone attack on an industrial city in Tatarstan killed at least 13 people and injured 75 more, marking one of the deadliest Ukrainian drone strikes since Russia's full-scale invasion began.
Netanyahu rejects Trump's Gaza plan amid election pressure
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected a Trump administration 15-point plan for Gaza, attempting to balance competing demands from his right-wing coalition and the U.S. president ahead of a tough election. The Trump administration reportedly views the rejection as campaign rhetoric rather than a final position.
Shia pilgrimage draws 20 million to Iraq despite regional wars
More than 20 million Shia pilgrims gathered in Iraq's shrine city for the Arbaeen festival, demonstrating the religious event's resilience despite ongoing conflicts across the Middle East.
India's Jharkhand state hit by youth protests over exam irregularities
Thousands of protesters in India's eastern Jharkhand state clashed with police using tear gas, demanding an overhaul of government job qualifying exams after claiming widespread irregularities in the selection process.
Massive flooding in India's Assam kills 100, displaces thousands
Heavy monsoon rains caused rivers including the Brahmaputra to overflow in Assam state, resulting in at least 100 deaths and displacing thousands while damaging infrastructure and livelihoods.
Taiwan conducts simulated defense against potential Chinese attack
Taiwan conducted a 30-minute simulated disruption exercise designed to test and build public resilience in the face of a potential Chinese military attack.
Environment & Climate
Global oceans hit record-high temperatures in July
The world's oceans recorded their hottest July on record, partly driven by developing El Niño conditions, as wildfires continue to devastate western Europe.
Massive wildfire forces 12,000 evacuations in British Columbia
A rapidly spreading wildfire in Canada's Okanagan region forced more than 12,000 people to evacuate over the weekend, with officials still assessing the full extent of property damage as the fire remains uncontrolled.
Oman battles extensive oil spill from Russian shadow-fleet tanker
Oman is working to contain a major oil spill from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet used to circumvent Western sanctions.
Health & Science
WHO warns Ebola outbreak in DRC outpacing containment efforts
The World Health Organization warns that infection rates in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak are high and authorities are struggling to contain the disease. The WHO also revealed that earlier cases were wrongly attributed to malaria and typhoid, meaning the outbreak began months before official declaration.
Partial solar eclipse visible across UK on August 12
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the United Kingdom on August 12, with up to 95-96 percent of the sun covered by the moon in some regions—the most dramatic eclipse visible from the UK since August 1999.
Salmonella recall spans 26 states as Taylor Farms pulls jalapeño products
Taylor Farms has recalled jalapeño products across 26 states and major retailers due to Salmonella contamination amid a broader Cyclospora outbreak affecting multiple food products.
Technology & Business
China's workhorse rocket explodes in flight
One of China's primary launch vehicles experienced an in-flight failure, raising broader concerns about the reliability of China's space program if the failure involved the YF-100 engine.
Google begins hosting rival app stores in Play Store following Epic ruling
Following its legal loss to Epic Games, Google has started hosting competing app stores within its Play Store, with Aptoide becoming the first app store distributed inside Google Play under a judge's order.
Ford reportedly planning $25,000 crossover to compete in budget segment
Ford dealers have been informed about an upcoming Escape-sized crossover priced around $25,000, signaling the automaker's push into the affordable vehicle market.