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Donald Trump has urged Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign immediately, citing concerns over Tan’s investments in companies linked to the Chinese military. Tan, who joined Intel earlier this year to help revive the company, has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers over national security risks, according to BBC.

Intel defended Tan, stressing their commitment to US security and ongoing domestic investments. Experts believe Trump’s attack may also relate to tensions over Intel’s US manufacturing plans.

Following Trump’s comments, Intel’s shares fell more than 3 percent. With US chip production a key priority, industry watchers say stable leadership is vital for Intel’s future growth, BBC reported.

The US has raised its reward for information leading to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s arrest to $50m, accusing him of major drug trafficking, according to BBC.

Attorney General Pam Bondi linked Maduro to cocaine smuggling and criminal gangs like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel. The DEA says it seized large amounts of cocaine connected to him.

Maduro denies the charges. He returned to power after a disputed election earlier this year. The US has long accused him of drug trafficking and corruption, increasing tensions between the two countries.

Former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal was recently convicted on drug charges in the US, raising speculation of cooperation against Maduro, BBC reported.

Trump has ordered regulators to explore ways to let Americans invest their 401(k) savings in assets like cryptocurrencies, private equity, property, and gold. The move seeks to give everyday workers access to investments usually limited to the wealthy, according to BBC.

While some major firms are already preparing private equity retirement funds, critics warn this could increase risks for savers. The Department of Labor has 180 days to review rules, but any changes won’t happen right away.

This follows recent rollbacks of previous guidance that cautioned against including crypto and private equity in retirement plans, BBC reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan for a new military offensive in Gaza has raised fears of more Palestinian casualties and risks to hostages. He wants to remove Hamas and secure Israel but does not intend for Israel to govern Gaza long-term, aiming to hand control to Arab forces, BBC reported.

The offensive could last months, displacing many and worsening the humanitarian crisis. Military leaders warn it could endanger hostages and troops.

Hostage families prefer negotiations to ensure their safety. Some international allies caution against a full occupation.

Polls show Israelis favor a hostage deal and peace, but Hamas remains unwilling to negotiate. Critics accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war to maintain political support.

The conflict has already caused heavy losses on both sides, according to BBC.

Portugal has extended its national wildfire alert to August 13 as extreme heat and worsening weather raise fire risks. Restrictions on rural activities, forest access, bonfires, machinery, and fireworks remain in force.

This is the country’s worst fire season since 2022, with over 41,000 hectares burned—eight times more than last year. Authorities blame arson for 14 percent of fires and negligence for 21 percent, according to Xinhua.

The government is considering tougher penalties for fire crimes and has mobilised 72 aircraft, nearly 3,000 firefighters, and hundreds of vehicles to fight 66 active blazes. One firefighter has died and 148 have been injured this year.

US President Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miran, chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, to fill a vacant seat on the Federal Reserve Board until January 31, 2026.

The vacancy follows the resignation of Fed Governor Adriana Kugler, effective August 8. Miran, a key figure in shaping trade policy during Trump’s second term, previously served as an economic policy adviser at the US Treasury from 2020 to 2021, according to Xinhua.

The seven-member Fed Board is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Russian President Putin has confirmed plans to meet US President Trump in the coming days, with the UAE considered as a potential venue, according to Firstpost.

Speaking after talks with UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Putin said both sides were interested in the meeting and that including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky would require “certain conditions.”

The talks follow Trump’s envoy visiting Moscow as Washington pushes for a Ukraine ceasefire. The UAE, a close US ally and major Russian trade partner, has avoided taking sides in the war.

Russia’s Kronotsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve reports encouraging growth in the endangered Steller sea lion population. Automated cameras in the reserve and South Kamchatka Sanctuary have documented a steady rise in births, Xinhua reported.

At Kozlov Rock — the species’ only breeding site on Kamchatka’s coast — around 100 pups have been born annually over the past five years, up from the previous average of 80–100 per year. The current population there is estimated at about 400.