Dalai Lama asserts ‘sole authority’ to decide successor ahead of 90th birthday

The principal of Auckland Girls' Grammar, Ngaire Ashmore, condemned a violent brawl among students, describing the behavior as "totally unacceptable." An investigation by the school and police is underway following the release of footage showing girls fighting, with authorities taking the situation very seriously. Want More Context? 🔎

Leaders of the INDIA bloc convened at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's residence for dinner, aiming to showcase unity amid ongoing protests over electoral roll reviews in Bihar. Notable attendees included Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, and Tejashwi Yadav, who discussed plans for a statewide protest and emphasized the alliance's coordination in Parliament. Want More Context? 🔎

Jayla-Jean Mclaren, a one-year-old girl from the Isle of Wight, died in hospital after suffering serious injuries at home, prompting the arrest of her parents, aged 31 and 27, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. The family expressed their love for her in a tribute, while police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her tragic death. Want More Context? 🔎

The U.S. State Department's new visa bond program, effective August 20, requires certain visitors, including some Canadian permanent residents, to post a bond between US$5,000 and US$15,000 when applying for a B-1 or B-2 visa, with entry limited to Boston Logan, JFK, or Washington Dulles airports. This program, part of efforts to curb illegal immigration, currently affects only visitors from Malawi and Zambia, while Canadians are exempt unless they hold passports from countries on the...

India is signaling it may seek to rebalance its global partnerships after Trump’s salvo of tariffs on Indian goods.Indian PM Modi and Brazil’s President Lula discussed US tariffs affecting both countries, with Lula planning a 2026 state visit to India. They aim to increase bilateral trade to over $20bn by 2030 and expand their preferential trade agreement, signaling India's potential shift in global partnerships amid rising tensions with the US. Want More Context? 🔎

The Trump administration plans to reverse cuts to the National Weather Service (NWS), allowing NOAA to hire 450 staff, including meteorologists and hydrologists, amid scrutiny following deadly summer floods. Reps. Sorensen and Flood, who co-sponsored the Weather Workforce Improvement Act, emphasized the need for permanent staffing solutions to avoid future cuts and ensure public safety. Want More Context? 🔎