- Friday, 22 August 2025
BBC
Aung San Suu Kyi sent to solitary confinement
Myanmar's deposed pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from house arrest to solitary confinement in a prison in the capital Nay Pyi Taw. The 77-year-old Nobel laureate was arrested when the military ousted her elected government in February 2021.
Taliban appeal for aid after deadly earthquake
The Taliban in Afghanistan has appealed for international support, as the country deals with the aftermath of a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake.
Afghan earthquake: At least 920 people killed and 600 wounded, officials say
The quake struck about 44km (27 miles) from the south-eastern city of Khost shortly after 01:30 local time (21:00 Tuesday GMT), when many people were at home, asleep in their beds.
Transgender players banned from international game
Transgender players have been banned from women's internationals while rugby league's governing body does further research on its inclusion policy. International Rugby League (IRL) said it wanted to "balance the individual's right to participate... against perceived risk to other participants".
World's largest freshwater fish found in Mekong, scientists say
A 300kg (661lb) stingray caught in the Mekong River in Cambodia is the biggest freshwater fish ever documented, scientists say.
Japanese court upholds ban on same-sex marriage
Japan's ban on same-sex marriages does not violate the constitution, a district court in Osaka has ruled. The ruling dealt a blow to gay couples and rights activists, after another district court in Sapporo ruled in 2021 that the failure to recognise same-sex marriage was "unconstitutional".
Dozens killed in India and Bangladesh floods
At least 59 people are known to have died in lightning strikes and landslides triggered by severe monsoon storms in India and Bangladesh. Millions of people have been stranded while emergency workers have struggled to reach those affected.
Some polar bears adapt to hunt without sea ice
The findings, from a research team based at the University of Washington, open up the possibility that pockets of the species might survive despite rising temperatures.
'Long Covid' risk lower with Omicron, study finds
Just over 4% of those infected during the Omicron wave had logged long Covid symptoms, compared with 10% of those infected in the preceding, Delta, wave. But as far more were infected during the Omicron wave, the total was higher.
Nepal to move Everest base camp from melting glacier
Nepal is preparing to move its Everest base camp because global warming and human activity are making it unsafe. The camp, used by up to 1,500 people in the spring climbing season, is situated on the rapidly thinning Khumbu glacier.
Rich nations accused of climate talks 'betrayal'
Climate talks in Bonn headed into their final day with rich nations accused of betraying the developing world. Poorer countries say that a promise they would be compensated for the damage done by richer countries' emissions would be honoured this year.
Sea level rise threatens 200,000 properties in England
Nearly 200,000 properties in England may have to be abandoned due to rising sea levels by 2050, a report says. It looks at where water will cause the most damage and whether defences are technically and financially feasible.
People in Pakistan urged to drink fewer cups of tea
People in Pakistan have been asked to reduce the amount of tea they drink to keep the country's economy afloat. Sipping fewer cups a day would cut Pakistan's high import bills, senior minister Ahsan Iqbal said.
Sri Lanka gives government workers extra day off a week
It comes as the island nation, home to around 22 million, facing its worst economic crisis in more than 70 years.
Bad air shortening life by 10 years in Delhi - study
Air pollution can shorten lives by almost 10 years in the Indian capital, Delhi, the world's most polluted city, says a report by a US research group. The study adds that the average Indian life expectancy is shortened by five years at current air quality levels.
