World

Far-right Israeli minister sparks outrage by praying at flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound

Middle East

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked regional outrage Sunday by visiting Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound, a flashpoint where non-Muslim prayer is banned. His presence defied longstanding norms as Gaza reeled from deadly aid chaos and deepening famine.
This image grab from a handout video posted on the official X account (formerly known as Twitter) of Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shows him speaking outside the Dome of the Rock at the Aqsa mosque compound (known to Jews as the Temple Mount) in the old city of Jerusalem on August 3, 2025. © AFP

India, Philippines stage joint sail and naval drill in the disputed South China SeaIndia and the Philippines are staging joint naval sail and exercises in the disputed South China Sea for the first time, a high-profile military deployment that will likely antagonize China

Photos of Benin’s traditional mask festival as ancient customs come alive

A father’s grief and a nation’s hope: Lebanon awaits justice 5 years after Beirut blastFive years after the Beirut port explosion, families of victims are still seeking justice

A year after a bloody uprising, Bangladesh is far from political stabilityBangladesh is marking one year of the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Aug. 5 amid hopes and desperation for a better democracy

From code to combat: AI-driven drones rewrite battle rules from Op Spider Web to Operation SindoorIn an insightful conversation with Firstpost, Sai Pattabiram, Founder and CEO of an Indian drone manufacturer company, Zuppa, explained the significance of drones in modern warfare and the challenges that come with it.An FPV drone with an attached portable grenade launcher is seen during a test fly. Image used for representative purpose/Reuters

Bolsonaro backers rally to praise Trump for Brazil pressure

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) (AFP) – Thousands of fervent supporters of Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets Sunday, showing support for US President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign against the trial of his right-wing ally.
Supporters of Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro rally against the government © Sergio Lima / AFP Rallies in support of embattled former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro take place in cities including Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro seen here. © Mauro Pimentel, AFP

Op Sindoor impact: Indian Army to equip battalions with drones, anti-drone systems, says reportThe Indian Army is set for a major transformation to modernise its combat capabilities, with plans to make drones and anti-drone systems standard equipment at the battalion level, says report. The revamp also includes raising new commando units, forming integrated brigades, and upgrading artillery systems.Indian Army soldiers participate in a mock drill exercise during the Army Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 15, 2016. File Image/Reuters

Op Sindoor impact: Indian Army to equip battalions with drones, anti-drone systems, says reportThe Indian Army is set for a major transformation to modernise its combat capabilities, with plans to make drones and anti-drone systems standard equipment at the battalion level, says report. The revamp also includes raising new commando units, forming integrated brigades, and upgrading artillery systems.Indian Army soldiers participate in a mock drill exercise during the Army Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 15, 2016. File Image/Reuters

Irish missionary among nine kidnapped in Haiti orphanage raid

Americas

Nine people, including an Irish missionary and a three-year-old child, were kidnapped early Sunday from an orphanage near Haiti’s capital, authorities said, as escalating gang violence grips the country. No ransom demands have yet been made.
In this file photo, people walk by the entrance of the Congregation of Sisters of Saint Anne in Port-au-Prince, January 22, 2024. © Richard Pierrin, AFP