Ukraine's allies meet amid doubts over guarantees, US backing
Western leaders met in Paris with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to advance security guarantees for Ukraine, but the effort still hinges on US backing, Reuters reported.
France’s Emmanuel Macron said technical plans are ready, stressing Europe’s determination to support Kyiv and hoping Washington will sign on. Donald Trump has yet to commit, though his envoy Steve Witkoff discussed the proposals with officials in Paris.
Russian President Vladimir Putin repeated calls for talks but warned Moscow remains ready to use force if necessary.
Indonesian students to stage parliament protest, await meeting with government
Thousands of students protested outside Jakarta’s parliament, demanding accountability for police violence and a government dialogue. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of a motorbike taxi driver hit by police, fueling wider anger over corruption and lawmakers’ lavish benefits, Reuters reported.
Despite prior meetings with parliament members, students say their calls for reform and an independent investigation remain unaddressed. At least ten people have died and over 1,000 injured since unrest began, drawing criticism of heavy-handed security measures.
Students vow to continue protests until their demands for justice and transparency are met.
US employer health insurance premiums set to climb in 2026
Health insurance premiums under employer plans are expected to rise 6 to 7 percent in 2026, a Mercer survey shows. Even with benefit redesigns, employer costs are projected to grow 6.5 percent, and nearly 9 percent without changes, Reuters reported.
The surge is driven mainly by expensive specialty drugs, higher demand for medical and mental health care, and inflation in healthcare wages. To manage the burden, many employers are revising coverage, increasing cost-sharing, and expanding access to virtual and behavioral health services.
Trump takes tariffs fight to US Supreme Court
Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to quickly review a ruling that struck down his use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs. A federal appeals court said Trump overstepped by relying on the 1977 emergency law, stressing that only Congress can levy tariffs on such a scale, Reuters reported.
The administration argues the measures are vital for economic security and wants the Court to act before September 10, with hearings in November. The tariffs remain in place while the case continues.
The challenge was brought by small businesses and a dozen Democratic-led states, who warned that Trump’s move violated the Constitution. If the Supreme Court sides with them, it could curb Trump’s wider economic agenda.
Pegula and Sabalenka meet again, resurgent Osaka faces Anisimova in US Open semis
Revenge will be at the forefront of Jessica Pegula's mind when she takes on Aryna Sabalenka in the U.S. Open semi-finals on Thursday in a rematch of last year's final, while Naomi Osaka faces Amanda Anisimova for a place in the title decider, Reuters reported.
World number one Sabalenka advanced via walkover after Marketa Vondrousova withdrew injured and is aiming to reach her sixth consecutive hardcourt Grand Slam final.
The Belarusian has made the semis at all four majors this season but has yet to win a title, losing in the Melbourne Park and French Open finals, and to Anisimova in the last four at Wimbledon.
Pegula arrives in peak form. Her 6–3 6–3 win over Barbora Krejcikova made her the first American woman since Serena Williams (2011–14) to reach back-to-back U.S. Open semi-finals without dropping a set, according to Reuters.
Afghanistan quakes leave nearly 1,500 dead, survivors struggle for aid
Eastern Afghanistan has been devastated by a series of earthquakes that killed at least 1,457 people and injured thousands. Entire villages in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces have been flattened, leaving families digging graves by hand and clinging to what little they have left.
Roads blocked by landslides and aftershocks have slowed rescue efforts, while aid groups warn of a looming crisis. The Red Crescent estimates more than 84,000 people are affected, but food and medical supplies are running dangerously low, Reuters reported.
With international funding limited and the country’s isolation under Taliban rule, survivors face hunger, disease, and worsening hardship unless urgent help arrives.
Trump says China should have mentioned US during 'beautiful ceremony'
President Donald Trump praised China’s military parade in Beijing as “beautiful” but said the United States should have been acknowledged in President Xi Jinping’s speech, citing America’s support to China during World War II, according to Reuters.
The ceremony, marking 80 years since Japan’s defeat, drew global attention with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in attendance.
Afterward, Trump posted a sarcastic message suggesting Xi, Putin, and Kim were “plotting against the US,” a remark the Kremlin brushed off as irony, Reuters reported.
Incidents of human trafficking, smuggling on the rise
Incidents of human trafficking and smuggling are increasing.
According to the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizen, the Nepal Police has rescued 127 victims or affected persons from different places from within the country and abroad in the fiscal year 2024/25.
The 'National Report on Combating Human Trafficking and Smuggling, 2081', made public by the Ministry on Wednesday, stated that a total of 3,490 victims, including 758 through the rehabilitation centers based in 10 districts and 2,732 through different organizations of the same districts were rescued and rehabilitated.
Likewise, the information centers of various organizations located along the Nepal-India border and checkpoints have identified a total of 4,300 individuals as being at risk of human trafficking, with assistance from the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force.
Those vulnerable to human trafficking include 2,766 women (64.3%), 1,436 girls (33.4%), 15 men (0.4%), and 83 boys (1.9%), according to the ministry.
The information centers have provided counseling services against human trafficking and smuggling to a total of 77,500 individuals, shared Ministry spokesperson Chakra Bahadur Budha.







