Global oil prices rose for a fourth consecutive day as prospects for peace between the United States and Iran appeared to weaken, heightening concerns over energy supplies. At 00:04 GMT on Wednesday, Brent crude gained 26 cents, or 0.29%, to $91.28 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 37 cents to trade at $85.31 per barrel.

Both crude benchmarks had reached their highest levels since July 24 at the close of trading on Tuesday. The source said diminishing prospects for US-Iran peace talks had created concern in the market about oil supply.

Investors were closely monitoring developments amid conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran concerning ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz. The report linked the continued price gains to these supply worries and the reduced likelihood of peace between the two countries.

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT for Teens, a dedicated experience for users aged 13 to 17 designed to support learning, critical thinking and confidence using AI. Users estimated by the system to be under 18, or who state they are 13 to 17, are automatically placed in the teen experience. It includes stronger built-in safety protections, learning-focused tools and added controls for parents.

Study Mode uses guiding questions and step-by-step scaffolding rather than simply providing answers. Responsible homework reminders can identify apparent attempts to shortcut assignments and redirect users to collaborative problem solving. The platform also offers quizzes, learning visualizations and Study Hours, which teens or parents can schedule so Study Mode is enabled by default at chosen times.

Default safeguards address self-harm, violence, eating disorders, dangerous activities, and explicit sexual or graphic content. Parents with linked teen accounts can set Quiet Hours, manage selected settings and receive limited safety notifications; OpenAI is adding notifications related to eating disorders. OpenAI also announced a partnership with CodeAI to provide students and educators with tools and resources intended to help teens understand, question, direct and create with AI.

The Global Alliance for Palestine has announced a worldwide day of action on October 10 to express solidarity with Palestinians and protest the ongoing situation in Gaza. The announcement, reported on August 19, 2026, calls for participation by pro-Palestinian groups, human rights activists, labour organisations and members of the public in countries around the world.

The initiative aims to highlight Palestinian rights, call for an end to the war in Gaza and convey a message of international solidarity. Organisers said the planned activities will include demonstrations, rallies, marches and other peaceful events in cities across the world.

According to the alliance, the central purpose is to show support for Palestinians and increase pressure on the international community to take effective action. It said the effort is intended to further organise global public opinion amid the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and urged individuals and organisations in different countries to prepare local activities for October 10.

FIFA has ended its working relationship with senior executive Kevin Lamour after he criticised president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell World Cup partnerships. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the development in a statement, saying Lamour’s employment relationship with the organisation ended on August 17, 2026.

The report links Lamour’s dismissal to his opposition to the proposed sale of World Cup partnerships. It describes the FIFA proposal as highly controversial and says Lamour had criticised the plan advanced by the FIFA president.

Lamour lost his job less than three weeks after opposing the disputed proposal, according to the report. The FIFA spokesperson confirmed only that the working relationship had ended; the source provides no further details on the dismissal, the proposal’s status, or any next steps by FIFA or Lamour.

China has launched an “Ice Silk Road” through the Arctic Ocean along Russia’s northern coast to transport goods to Europe, seeking to reduce dependence on key Middle Eastern sea routes. Chinese shipping company Sea Legend has begun regular cargo operations from Ningbo, China, to Felixstowe in the United Kingdom via Russia’s Northern Sea Route. The article was published on August 18, 2026.

The Arctic passage could cut China-Europe transit times to about 18 to 20 days, compared with more than 40 days via the Suez Canal, potentially reducing both fuel costs and delivery time. Much of Asia-Europe trade currently passes through the Suez Canal and Red Sea, while the Strait of Hormuz remains crucial for energy shipments. Conflict, attacks and political tensions along these waterways can disrupt global trade.

Declining Arctic ice and improved icebreaker capabilities are increasing the route’s commercial potential. However, uncertain weather, ice-related navigational risks, icebreaker requirements and higher insurance costs remain constraints. Russia’s control of the route also creates political risks linked to the Ukraine war and Western sanctions. Analysts say the route will not soon replace the Suez Canal or Hormuz, but could become an important alternative as commercial traffic grows.

A series of strong earthquakes in Indonesia, Colombia and Mexico over the past month has raised questions about whether the world is experiencing more earthquakes than before. Three earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher struck those countries, while Venezuela had two major earthquakes within seconds of each other in June. However, data available through mid-August 2026 indicate that recent activity remains within normal fluctuations rather than showing an unusual long-term increase.

From 2016 to 2025, the world recorded an average of 133 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher each year. There were 99 such earthquakes in 2024, compared with a high of 157 in 2021. By mid-August this year, 91 magnitude-6-or-higher earthquakes had been recorded worldwide, including 11 of magnitude 7 or above. Scientists say the pace is slightly higher than the recent decade but not abnormal, and no magnitude 8 or 9 mega-earthquake has occurred this year.

USGS data show that about 20,000 earthquakes are recorded globally each year, or roughly 55 a day, though most are too weak to be felt. Damage also depends on depth, proximity to populated areas, building quality and soil conditions. Scientists cannot precisely predict timing, but risk assessment, stronger construction and early-warning systems can help save lives.

Disney has released the first footage from “Frozen 3,” the third installment of the popular animated franchise, with a theatrical release planned for November 24, 2027. The preview was shown recently at Disney’s D23 fan event, attended by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, the voices of Anna and Elsa. Bell said the two sisters will embark on the biggest adventure of their lives in the new film.

A central attraction of the story will be the long-awaited royal wedding of Anna and Kristoff, bringing a festive atmosphere to Arendelle. The footage also hints at the possibility of romance in Olaf’s life. But the celebration is disrupted when a mysterious new character appears on the way to the wedding in a snow-covered, rugged mountain area.

The character tells the sisters, “The two sisters of Arendelle, at last we meet,” signaling a new conflict. Menzel, Bell, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff return as Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff. The film was initially planned for release in 2026 but was delayed by a year. Gad said the filmmakers do not want to rush and aim to preserve the story and emotion of the first two films.

Artist Concetta Antico says she sees subtle red, blue and green hues within ordinary shadows that her students did not perceive. Genetic testing later indicated that she may have tetrachromacy, a visual trait linked to the possible presence of a fourth type of cone cell in addition to the three cone types found in most people. In theory, the additional cell could send a wider range of signals to the brain and support finer color discrimination.

Research cited from Newcastle University’s tetrachromacy project suggests that about 12 percent of women may carry genetic traits associated with producing four cone types, although rates can differ among populations. Having the gene or an extra cone cell does not by itself establish that someone sees more colors. Dr Kimberly A. Jameson of UC Irvine says functional tetrachromacy refers to demonstrably enhanced color discrimination, but proving it is difficult.

Scientists disagree on whether tetrachromats perceive entirely new colors or simply distinguish more subtle differences within familiar colors. Online tests cannot reliably diagnose the condition because most screens use only red, green and blue channels. Experts say genetic testing and laboratory-based assessments are comparatively more reliable, while the process through which retinal tetrachromacy becomes functional tetrachromacy remains incompletely understood.

The memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran to halt war is due to expire on Monday, with no indication of an agreement to extend it. US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the deal after talks mediated by Pakistan on June 17. It envisioned reaching a final peace agreement within 60 days, while allowing an extension with consent from both sides.

Under the memorandum, both countries were to permanently stop military operations. The United States promised to lift its naval blockade, ease sanctions on Iran and provide a reconstruction package worth at least $300 billion. Iran agreed to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz and keep shipping traffic operating normally.

In recent weeks, both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said no decision has yet been made on restarting talks with the United States. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan remain in contact with Iran, while Tehran is seeking a separate arrangement with Oman for a new maritime route, saying a political solution must come first.

An anonymous India-based X account posted an unverified claim about Iran’s nuclear programme on the morning of August 5, saying Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi would not abandon efforts to obtain nuclear weapons while Israel and the United States possessed them. The post included Vahidi’s photograph and an AI-generated mushroom-cloud image. No evidence showed that Vahidi made the statement or that Iran had built nuclear weapons.

According to The New York Times’ fact-checking, the claim originated from an Indian X account with about 175,000 followers. Within two hours, another Indian account with about 82,000 followers published a Hindi translation. Israeli accounts then amplified it, followed by Channel 14, Yair Netanyahu, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, Senator Rick Scott and Fox News.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected the viral post as a rumour against the Islamic Republic and blamed Israel without providing evidence. Later, questions arose over the claim’s authenticity, and Waltz’s X post was removed without explanation. The episode showed how a fabricated quotation from an anonymous account could cross borders and languages and influence senior political statements before verification.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were held in Berlin, Germany, and Seoul, South Korea, according to a report by Iran’s state news agency on Sunday. In Berlin, protesters gathered to oppose Western countries’ military support for Israel and voiced solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Demonstrators in the German capital chanted various slogans in support of Palestinians. In Seoul, many protesters also assembled in solidarity with Palestinians and demanded an end to what they described as crimes by the Israeli government in Gaza.

Protesters in both capitals chanted, “Palestine must be liberated,” while protesting Israeli occupation in occupied territories. The report did not provide details about the organizers, the number of participants, or the specific locations of the rallies.

China, the world’s largest oil importer, is gaining the ability to influence international oil prices by raising or reducing its purchases, according to a report published on August 16, 2026. The report says Beijing is emerging as a new rival to OPEC and its allies, whose production decisions have long been central to global oil-market pricing. During supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz crisis, China’s reduced imports helped limit price pressure.

From February through June, China cut crude oil imports by nearly half, to about 5.5 million barrels a day. Analysts cited in the report believe Brent crude could have risen by about another $30 without that move. China had built substantial crude reserves when prices were lower from late 2025 into early 2026, allowing it to rely on stockpiles rather than make large new purchases during the crisis.

The report also links China’s ability to manage oil demand to wider electrification, including electric vehicles, public transport and renewable energy use. OPEC remains highly influential, but internal changes and conflicting member interests are complicating its decisions. Supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, concerns over weak demand, rising US oil inventories and changes in Chinese imports are all affecting prices.

The deaths of several young bodybuilders have renewed concern about cardiac risks in competitive bodybuilding. Brazilian professional bodybuilder and fitness influencer Mailson Araujo, 35, became ill at home and later died after posting a gym photo earlier this month in Bahia, northeastern Brazil. The cause of his death has not been confirmed. In late May, 22-year-old Brazilian bodybuilder Gabriel Gunli died of sudden cardiac causes, while other cases have been reported in Brazil, the United States and Germany.

A 2025 study in the European Heart Journal followed nearly 20,000 amateur and professional competitors from 2005 to 2020. It found professional bodybuilders had more than five times the risk of sudden cardiac death compared with amateurs. Of 121 deaths identified, 46 were classified as sudden cardiac deaths. Lead author Dr Marco Vecchiato cited performance-enhancing drugs, rapid pre-contest weight loss and extreme strength training as possible contributing factors.

A Danish study of 1,189 known anabolic steroid users found nearly ninefold higher cardiomyopathy risk and threefold higher heart-attack risk. Autopsies have often found enlarged hearts and thickened left ventricles, though doctors say genetics, training and steroid use may each contribute. Limited recording of steroid-related deaths makes the exact toll difficult to determine.

A recent Pew Research Center opinion survey across 36 countries has presented a negative picture of India’s international image, with the strongest unfavorable sentiment recorded in Pakistan. The survey, based on responses from more than 42,000 people collected from February to May this year, highlighted negative views of New Delhi in several nearby and important countries. The report was published on August 16.

In Bangladesh, 51% of respondents expressed an unfavorable view of India, compared with 42% who held a favorable opinion. The source links the result to recent strains in Bangladesh-India relations and says India’s sheltering of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina created fresh tension between Dhaka and New Delhi. In Malaysia, about 58% of respondents held negative views of India.

The survey also found divided or negative trends in some Western and Asian countries. Public opinion in the United States was described as almost evenly split on India, indicating no clear positive consensus. According to the report, India’s influence may be increasing globally, but New Delhi still faces a significant challenge in winning public support internationally.

Social media platform X plans to end its current Creator Earnings program and introduce a replacement called Original Content Rewards for content creators. Creators can continue earning under the existing system until September 7, while eligible users will be able to apply for the new program from September 8.

Applicants must have an X Premium subscription, at least 500 verified followers, and a minimum of 500,000 views from verified users during the previous 90 days. The program will prioritize original material, including creators’ own photos, videos, reports, analysis, comments, memes, and graphics.

Content that makes only minor changes to others’ material will not be treated as original. Users who copy posts from other accounts or download and repost content will not qualify for earnings. X said some incentives in the old system had become less effective than expected. Allegra Zakia said creators should focus on producing new, valuable content rather than only earning more money. X may revise the program’s rules later based on user experience and circumstances.