Author: Fathima T K

Nigeria: The vulture populations across Africa have suffered a dramatic decline, but conservation efforts in parts of Nigeria are offering hope for species facing growing threats from hunting, poisoning and habitat loss. Awka-Etiti in south-eastern Nigeria has become an important example of how local traditions can help protect vultures. The community contains a sacred forest surrounding a shrine dedicated to the deity Nguma. The vultures continue to have a role in traditional practices observed by some residents. The birds are vital to healthy ecosystems because vultures consume dead animals within hours. Their powerful stomach acids allow them to safely eat…

Washington: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to spend up to $20 million (£14.8 million) on gloves capable of delivering electric shocks during law enforcement operations. The proposed purchase involves the Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (GLOVE). The device can deliver up to 380 volts of electricity, roughly 3 times the charge of a standard US power outlet. The ICE’s gloves are designed to deliver the electrical pulses through direct contact with a person’s skin. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has outlined the planned purchase in a procurement note. A no-bid contract could be published as early as…

England: Scientists at the University of Reading have created a chocolate bar using cocoa grown in Berkshire, marking a rare example of chocolate produced entirely from ingredients grown in the UK. The bar has been made to celebrate the university’s 100th anniversary. Maha Khan, a master’s student at the university, harvested, fermented and processed cocoa beans from plants held in the institution’s collection. The complete process was carried out at the university’s food department. Maha, remarked that, “Cocoa plants are very sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall, and climate change is already causing problems in countries that produce most…

Mumbai: Godrej Consumer Products shares have fallen sharply after Sudhir Sitapati, CEO of Godrej resigned with immediate effect, raising concerns among investors over the sudden leadership change. The stock dropped as much as 10 percent on August 10 to its lowest level in more than 3 years. Shares were last down 8.96 percent at 932.90 rupees ($9.73; £7.26) as of 9:24 a.m. IST. The decline follows Sitapati’s unexpected departure from the consumer products company. Sitapati resigned on August 10 with immediate effect. The resignation came only months after Sitapati had been reappointed as chief executive. The timing of the departure…

Beijing: The Beijing Meteorological Service has forecast intense rain across most parts of the capital from August 11 evening through August 13, with heavy downpours expected in several districts. Rainfall could exceed 100mm (3.9 inches) within 6 hours and surpass 150mm (5.9 inches) over a 24-hour period. Cumulative rainfall in Tongzhou, Daxing, Fangshan, Mentougou, Huairou and Fengtai could exceed 200mm (7.9 inches) within 24 hours. Beijing is preparing for heavy rainfall that could exceed one-third of the capital’s average annual precipitation within 24 hours as moisture from Typhoon Dolphin moves north and meets cooler air over northern China. The forecast…

Australia: The government of Australia will begin a targeted bird flu vaccine programme for vulnerable native and captive birds as the H5N1 outbreak continues to spread. The government announced on August 11, 2026, that vaccines worth AU$2 million ($1.4 million; £1 million) are available for the programme. The supply includes about 1,500 vials. States and territories will manage the rollout under an agreed national approach. Australia recorded its first case of the highly contagious H5N1 strain in June, more than 230 cases have since been confirmed. The outbreak also caused the first mass mortality event among Australian wild birds. About…

Seoul: North Korea hackers have used artificial intelligence to strengthen cyberattacks targeting military, diplomatic and academic sectors across multiple regions. The Seoul-based cybersecurity firm Genians identified a pattern of activity by the hacking group Kimsuky. The group links to North Korea’s intelligence services. The report, released on August 11, 2026, states that Kimsuky has deployed AI-generated documents in spear-phishing campaigns since 2026. The attacks rely on malicious files designed to appear legitimate, often mimicking research papers or event invitations. Genians noted that AI tools enable rapid content creation, increasing the scale and efficiency of such attacks. The use of artificial…

Taiwan: The Taiwan war games have examined military defence and communication resilience as forces trained to repel a Chinese assault and control mobile internet access. The exercise forms part of the annual Han Kuang drills, which began on August 5, 2026, and runs for 10 days to prepare for potential conflict scenarios involving China. Military units have staged a pre-dawn operation on Penghu Islands, a strategically important location in the Taiwan Strait. The forces deployed M60A3 tanks along with artillery and anti-aircraft systems. The drills simulates a rapid coastal landing by opposing forces. The military describes the response as a…

London: The survey of European holidaymakers found that 51 percent of Germans and 46 percent of Britons associate Germans with getting up early to claim a sunlounger. The perception is far less common elsewhere in Europe, with only 5 percent to 17 percent of respondents in other countries sharing the stereotype. The findings showed a different picture when holidaymakers were asked about personal behaviour. The figure rose to 45 percent among both Italian and French holidaymakers. Britons recorded the lowest level at 33 percent. Among people staying at locations with pools and sunloungers, 38 percent of German respondents said a…

London: The medicine disposal pressures are mounting as England has recorded 3,400 tonnes of wasted medicines in a single year, placing increasing strain on the National Health Service England (NHS England). The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) stated that discarded medicines in 2024–25 could fill 75 swimming pools. The organisation analysed data from regional health bodies to estimate the scale of the issue. The NPA also reported that the annual cost to the NHS stands at least £480 million ($609 million). The organisation has called for more frequent reviews of repeat prescriptions. Patients who receive multiple medicines should undergo regular checks.…