1Environmentwwf.panda.org
WWF: Potential ‘super El Niño’ could trigger cascading crises for people and nature
A potential record-breaking'super El Niño' could trigger long-lasting impacts on people's lives and livelihoods, according to WWF. The El Niño, which began in June and is expected to peak in late 2026 or early 2027, could worsen droughts, floods and fires, disrupt food supply chains across vulnerable regions, and exacerbate risks for communities and ecosystems on the front lines of the climate crisis. The combination of El Niño and a rapidly warming world could exacerbate droughting, floods, and fires. The impacts could extend across societies and economies. WWF warns that the consequences of a super El Niño will be felt far beyond temperature records. The organisation urges urgent action to strengthen resilience, cut emissions, and protect and restore ecosystems.
2Businesspharmaphorum.com
UK MHRA authorises orforglipron private prescription
Eli Lilly's oral glucagon-like peptide-like Peid-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, orforglipron (Foundayo), has been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and is now available to be prescribed for eligible adults via private prescription following its approval on 10th August 2026. The drug has been marketed for two indications including weight management and diabetes treatment for those with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. The marketing authorisation is based on results from six clinical trials. The UK became the first country in Europe to approve Foundayo, becoming only the second product in the oral GLP--1 class to be cleared for use by the MHRA after Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill.
3Healththecooldown.com
US food recalls are up 400%, and shoppers say they can't grocery shop 'in peace'
The number of food recalls in the US has increased by 400% to around 400%, according to a recent TikTok post. The post highlighted concerns about cyclospora, listeria, salmonella, and other contamination issues. Viewers expressed their frustration, stating that following alerts to stay informed made them feel more uneasy. They also questioned how anyone could "comfortably go out to eat" when the source of ingredients is often unknown. A single ingredient can move through multiple brands, store labels, and restaurant supply chains, meaning one contamination issue can quickly spread across a wide range of products and households. Official recall notices and store alerts are usually the best way to confirm whether a specific product is affected. Consumers benefit when companies and regulators move quickly and make it easier to trace ingredients across large supply networks.
4Environmentlivemint.com
Centre grants four-month relief to renewable projects hit by West Asia war
The Indian government has granted a four-month extension to renewable energy projects affected by the West Asia war, allowing them to avoid penalties for missing their project completion deadlines. The decision was made by the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), which addressed renewable energy implementation agencies (REIAs) such as Solar Energy Corp. of India, NHPC, NTPC and SJVN, as well as state chief secretaries, the ministry's power, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Central Electric Regulatory Commission (CERC). The ministry stated that the standard bidding guidelines for procurement of renewable power, including Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, provide provisions for force majeure definitions, exclusions, applicability and available relief. Despite requests for extension, the government set up a mechanism to end the relief by June 2028.
5Politicschannelnewsasia.com
Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low
Ukraine is hosting a meeting of its key European backers to press for critical air-defence supplies and pressure on Moscow. The meeting will be chaired by the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany, with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and EU Council President Antonio Costa also present. This comes as Russian attacks have killed more civilians than at any time since the first months of the invasion. Civilian deaths have reached their highest levels since Russia's 2022 invasion. Ukraine's President, Zelenskyy, has issued public pleas for more air-Defence support. Diplomacy on ending the conflict, Europe's largest since World War II, is effectively frozen.
6Worldnews18.com
US forces redirect 70 vessels, disable 3, board 2 during Iran blockade: CENTCOM
US forces have redirected 70 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two during a naval blockade against Iran, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). This comes as Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization (PGSA) has warned that vessels violating its protocols for the Strait of Hormuz could face restrictions on future passages, including fines, detention or confiscation. PGSA also warned that any vessel cooperating with listed vessels will be added to its Non-Compliant Vessels (NCV) list. It has urged cargo owners shipping to or from the Persian Gulf to review its Non Compliant Vessel list before chartering vessels. This comes after Iran announced that vessels from "authorised" countries would be required to pay service fees to Tehran.
7Entertainmenttimeout.com
'Free Blockbusters' are popping up all over America to fuel your '90s nostalgia
'Free Blockbusters' are popping up all over North America, offering free DVDs and VHS tapes for rent. These kiosks are located near stores, malls, and schools. The first Free Blockbuster location was set up in 2019 by a former Blockbuster employee and Vhs tape collector who refurbished newspaper dispensers. If you have a location near you, you can franchise one. Many Free Blockbusters are just refurbished newspapers boxes with provided logos.
8Politicsthestar.com.my
Japan defence budget risks ‘turmoil’, says Pyongyang
The Japanese government has criticised plans to increase its defence budget, accusing Tokyo of preparing for a "war of aggression". This comes as the US is in talks with North Korea, amid concerns about US commitments to security in East Asia. The Japanese defence ministry is seeking a "record-high" budget for the upcoming fiscal year, estimated at 8.9 trillion yen (RM226bil), which is expected to break all-time records. While not finalised, the move "clearly signifies a dangerous expansion of the war budget that will bring new turmoil to the region and the world", according to KCNA. The United States is also seeking engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, with President Donald Trump scaling back annual military drills with Seoul.
9Businessdealstreetasia.com
Shein targets $27b valuation in Hong Kong IPO; aims to raise $1.8b
Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is set to raise HK$13.86 billion ($1.77 billion) in its Hong Kong initial public offering, aiming to be valued at up to $27 billion. The company is selling 280 million shares in a price range between HK$47.60 and HK$49.50 per share. The final price will be announced on August 31 and start trading on September 1. This is a major decline from earlier private fundraising rounds that valued Shein at $98.2 billion in 2022. Cornerstone investors led by Boyu, Tiger Global and General Atlantic have also purchased about $383 million worth of Shein shares. The IPO is the largest new share sale in Hong Kong in 2026, surpassing autonomous driving firm Momenta Global's $751 million offering in July.
10Sportsnzherald.co.nz
The key area where Springboks will back themselves in second test
New Zealand's 33-16 victory over South Africa in the first test has put South Africa's hopes of beating them again in Cape Town. The Springboks believe that the All Blacks' performance in the game, which they won at Ellis Park, could result in physical damage. However, the All Black's character, leadership, ability to solve problems, and ability to pass and catch have all won them. The win has proven that New Zealand can beat any team, including the defending World Cup champions, including South Africa, in a one-off fixture. The All Blacks are now considered genuine World Cup contenders. The victory has put pressure on South Africa to broaden their tactical scope from scrummaging for penalties, box-kicking and mauling.
11Techcfotech.com.au
Dexcom, Health2Sync partner on diabetes care in Asia
Dexcom and Health2Sync have formed a partnership focused on diabetes care in Australia and Singapore, linking glucose monitoring with digital chronic disease management. The partnership aims to support more connected care for people living with diabetes and their healthcare providers in both markets. This move reflects a broader push to expand digital health tools across Asia-Pacific. The deal is seen as another partnership in Asia-Pasas as digital health companies aim to integrate monitoring devices with software platforms used by patients and clinicians. The companies have not disclosed commercial terms or product integration details.
