APEC Sets Voluntary AI and Digital Security Agenda in Chengdu
APEC’s July 23 Chengdu Statement links AI security, connectivity, privacy, scam prevention and digital skills, but creates no binding regional rules.
World
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Stronger El Niño Forecast Raises Crop and Food-Security Risks
NOAA says El Niño is strengthening toward a potentially very strong 2026-27 event, prompting early plans to protect crops, livestock, water and food access.
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Brazil court backs state limits on Amazon soy moratorium
Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court upheld state laws limiting benefits for soy-moratorium participants while affirming the pact’s constitutionality and global supply-chain stakes.
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Canada’s Housing Relief Is Growing as Construction Slows
Canada’s rents and home prices are easing, but weaker housing starts could bring back shortages if demand recovers before builders return.
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Afghan Returns Pass 1 Million as U.N. Plans for More Arrivals
More than 1 million returns to Afghanistan were recorded by August 1, while a U.N. plan prepares for nearly 2.7 million additional arrivals through December.
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UN assessment puts affordable housing at the center of urban inequality
The UN says 1.16 billion urban residents lived in slums or informal settlements in 2024, linking housing to transport, services, jobs and resilience.
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U.S. Extends Jones Act Waiver for Selected Cargoes
A 90-day extension lets qualifying foreign-flagged ships move selected fuel, fertilizer and agricultural cargoes between U.S. ports from Aug. 17.
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US-Iran Talks Stall as Hormuz Dispute Widens Mediation Effort
U.S.-Iran talks have stalled over how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while expanded outreach to Europe adds pressure to Oman-led diplomacy.
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Brazil opens reciprocity process after new U.S. tariffs
Brazil has opened a formal reciprocity process after new U.S. tariffs, but no counter-tariffs are in force as consultations with Washington begin.
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El Salvador’s Ruling Party Clears Path for Bukele’s 2027 Bid
Nuevas Ideas backed Nayib Bukele for El Salvador’s 2027 election after reforms allowed indefinite reelection, shortened the current term and changed voting rules.
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Sudan’s Drone War Is Cutting Civilians Off From Aid
Drone attacks across Darfur and Kordofan are damaging water, power, fuel, roads and health services as cholera spreads and aid access grows harder.
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Southeast Asia haze risk rises as El Niño targets August and September
Indonesia’s active fires, an ASEAN Level 2 alert and a strengthening El Niño forecast are raising the risk of localized smoke crossing into Malaysia.
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India’s Supreme Court prepares special Lok Adalat for pending cases
India’s Supreme Court will hold a consent-based Special Lok Adalat Aug. 21–23 for selected pending cases, as its docket stood at 92,755 on March 9.
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North Korea fires second missile as allied drills approach
North Korea launched a ballistic missile from the Wonsan area on August 12, prompting coordinated responses days before U.S.-South Korea drills begin.
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Qusra families remain confined as settlers keep pressure on homes
Three Palestinian families in Qusra remained confined Friday as settlers stayed nearby, aid access was blocked and Israel’s response drew scrutiny.
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UK and EU target Sudan gold networks financing the war
Britain sanctioned 11 people and companies while the EU restricted Sudan-origin gold and mining inputs in a broader effort to cut war financing.
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Two UAE Tankers Attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Damage Reported
Two ADNOC tankers were attacked by drones while crossing the Strait of Hormuz on August 13. No injuries were reported, but minor damage was reported.
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Russia’s Fuel Squeeze Deepens After New Refinery Strike
A reported fourth refinery attack in three days has added pressure to Russia’s uneven fuel supply as queues, sales limits and harvest costs mount.
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Singapore Expands Review of Proposed Keppel Bay Marina Acquisition
Singapore’s competition regulator has moved SUTL Enterprise’s proposed S$40 million acquisition of Marina at Keppel Bay into a deeper review.
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EU Agrees to Extend Ukrainian Protection Through March 2028
EU countries agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians through March 4, 2028, while adding a future-applicant check tied to Ukrainian military obligations.
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Yemen Clashes Raise Humanitarian Risks as Hunger Worsens
Clashes reported in Yemen’s Taiz province threaten to deepen a humanitarian crisis in which more than 18 million people face hunger.
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South Africa’s Ramaphosa impeachment committee resolves to appeal
South Africa’s impeachment committee will seek Constitutional Court review of an interim order pausing public hearings in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala inquiry.