Submit your Article

At least 10 people have died and 33 remain missing after flash floods swept through Gansu province in northwestern China, state media reported Friday. The floods, triggered by days of heavy rain since August 7, have damaged roads and villages, leaving streets coated in silt and debris, according to Al Jazeera.

President Xi Jinping has ordered “all-out” rescue efforts and urged authorities to step up disaster prevention amid increasingly frequent extreme weather. China has faced record rainfall in recent weeks, with severe flooding killing over 60 people across the north, including Beijing, since late July.

US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in the UK for a working visit, starting with a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The trip will include cultural visits and meetings with US troops, Firstpost reported.

Known for his “America First” stance and sharp criticism of Britain’s Labour Party, Vance’s visit comes amid heightened transatlantic tensions. Despite political differences, Vance and Lammy share a personal connection through faith.

Discussions will likely focus on Ukraine, Gaza, and trade. Protests are expected, reflecting opposition to Vance’s policies seen during his previous US trip, according to Firstpost.

China has lodged a strong protest against Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s recent remarks that the Philippines could not stay out of a conflict over Taiwan. Speaking during a visit to India, Marcos highlighted the country’s large Filipino community in Taiwan and said the Philippines would be drawn into any all-out war there to protect its people, Firstpost reported.

In response, China reaffirmed its “One China” policy, stressing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the issue is a core internal matter. Chinese officials warned Manila against interfering in what they consider China’s sovereign affairs, despite geographic proximity and Filipino ties to Taiwan.

Marcos’s comments come amid escalating South China Sea tensions and reflect the Philippines’ push for stronger strategic partnerships, including with India, to bolster regional security. The Chinese embassy in Manila also lodged formal protests over the remarks, according to Firstpost.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly withdrew a law that threatened the independence of anti-corruption agencies following mass protests.

Though the reversal eased tensions, his approval has dropped from 84 percent last year to about two-thirds, according to recent polls. The move exposed limits to public trust, with many fearing favoritism amid corruption concerns, Firstpost reported.

Zelensky now must work to restore confidence at home and abroad.

The US has temporarily halted routine visa services for Zimbabwean citizens, citing concerns with the Zimbabwean government. Diplomatic and official visas remain unaffected, Al Jazeera reported.

This is part of broader travel restrictions under President Trump targeting several African countries to prevent visa misuse and overstays. Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia are among nations asked to improve traveler vetting.

Separately, the US will require Malawian and Zambian visitors to pay bonds up to $15,000 for tourist or business visas starting August 20. The bond is forfeited if they overstay. Arrivals must use three specific US airports, according to Al Jazeera.

The State Department says these steps protect national security and public safety.

Taiwan has confirmed its first chikungunya fever case this year, linked to a major outbreak in southern China’s Guangdong province. The infected woman had traveled to Foshan, where over 8,000 cases have been reported recently, according to Xinhua.

The virus, spread by mosquitoes, causes fever, rash, and joint pain. The outbreak grew rapidly due to low immunity and heavy rains that helped mosquitoes breed. Chinese authorities have responded with strict measures, including fines and fogging.

Though cases in Foshan are now declining, Taiwan’s health agency has raised travel warnings for the region and advises travelers to stay cautious, Xinhua reported.

Five persons including three of a single family of Bardiya have gone missing in the flash flood in Uttarakhand, India a few days ago.

It is learnt that they had gone to work as laborers in Bankuda Village, Pauri district, Uttarakhand, India.

Mek Bahadur Gurung, spokesperson at the Madhuban Municipality, informed that Narendra Khadka (39) of Madhuban Municipality-6, Bardiya, his wife Saraswati Bhandari Khadka, and their two-year-old son Roman Khadka went missing in the flood.

Similarly, Amrita Pariyar, wife of Ramu Pariyar of Madhuban Municipality-5 and Subash Pariyar (20) of Sukumbasi Tole in Sangamvasti, Gulariya Municipality, have also gone missing in the flood.

According to a preliminary investigation, they had reached the Indian state through contractor Chitra Bahadur Paudel of Maduban Municipality-5.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has denounced recent US anti-migrant raids, pledging to protect Mexican nationals affected. Speaking at her daily press briefing, she said her government would assist compatriots facing detention or deportation, Xinhua reported.

Sheinbaum has strengthened Mexico’s consular network in the US, including support for citizens held at Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center. Official data shows over 75,900 Mexicans were repatriated from the US between January 20 and August 1.