Good afternoon,

Today’s news: Globally, updates from Gaza and India. Plus, global talks to end plastic pollution. Locally, the 78th Independence Day, monsoon floods kill 325 nationwide, and Bajaur residents evacuated amid security operations.

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Around The World

Updates from Gaza. Israel drew international condemnation after its far-right Finance Minister announced his intention to approve the construction of more than 3,000 homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, bisecting land intended for a future Palestinian state. The UN spokesperson said Israel’s move would put an end to prospects of a two-state solution, while EU foreign policy chief slammed the plan as a breach of international law.

Meanwhile, at least 32 people, including 13 seeking aid, were killed on Thursday in Israeli attacks across Gaza as four more people died from malnutrition amid a growing starvation crisis in the besieged territory.

Flash flood in India. At least 46 people have died and more than 200 are missing in the town of Chashoti, a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindu tourists, after flash floods caused by the sudden burst of heavy rain swept away vehicles and devastated buildings. The flood sparked frantic rescue efforts by the Army and local Police, which are still underway. 

Trash talk. Global talks to develop a landmark treaty to end plastic pollution have once again failed as there remained a split between a group of more than 100 nations calling for curbs on the production of plastic, and oil states pushing for a focus on recycling. The talks were convened in 2022 in response to the mounting scientific evidence of the risks of plastic pollution to human health and the environment. Plastic production has already risen from two million tonnes in 1950 to about 475 million tonnes in 2022 – and it is expected to keep rising without extra measures. Microplastics have also been detected in soils, rivers, the air, and even organs throughout the human body.

Pakistan

All you can eat. Pakistan marked its 78th Independence Day on Thursday with rallies, flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and tributes to martyrs across the country. President Asif Ali Zardari conferred 488 military and civilian awards on Independence Day in recognition of contributions during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the Marka-i-Haq engagement with India. Recipients included 13 martyrs, service chiefs, cabinet members, senior officials, diplomats, journalists, and cultural figures.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari received the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for diplomatic efforts post-Indian aggression. Military honours included the Hilal-i-Juraat for COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir and CAS Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sindhu, along with Tamgha-i-Basalat, Tamgha-i-Jurat, and other decorations for acts of bravery. The government also announced over 260 civil award nominees for Pakistan Day 2026, spanning science, arts, sports, and public service.

The planet's fury. At least 146 people have died, 15 injured, and several remain missing after flash floods swept across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the PDMA reported. The disaster, driven by monsoon rains since late June, has battered much of Pakistan, killing 325 people — including 142 children — and injuring over 740 nationwide. Rescue efforts, hampered by damaged roads, persistent rain, and disrupted communications, are ongoing, with military helicopters assisting evacuations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur have ordered accelerated rescue operations. Similar devastation was reported in Lower Dir, Shangla, and Swat, while northern regions, including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, have faced landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure damage, further straining relief efforts.

Bajaur evacuations. Security forces in Bajaur reported killing nine militants during a targeted operation in Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils. Authorities have ordered residents of 26 areas to evacuate by Aug 16 for their safety, moving to relief camps in Khar with official transport. Each displaced family will receive Rs. 75,000 in provincial aid, part of a Rs. 5bn relief package. The order follows protests over civilian deaths from shelling earlier this week, with demonstrators demanding protection of non-combatants and compensation for losses. Registration for displaced families begins today, with payments processed digitally. 

What Else Is Happening?

💉Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE) warned that around 10% of Pakistan’s diabetics (over 3.4 million people) suffer from diabetic foot, putting them at high risk of ulcers or amputations, as the country battles the world’s highest diabetes prevalence. 

📈Shares in Intel jumped by more than 7% on Thursday following reports that the Trump administration is in talks to take a stake in the chipmaker. The reported deal would also support the technology firm's plans to build a manufacturing hub in Ohio.