More than half of asylum seekers rejected under tightened laws will remain in UK

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) warns that the global economy is shifting from globalization toward geo-economic fragmentation. • A full economic decoupling between Eastern and Western powers could result in a massive loss of up to $6.9 trillion from global GDP.

• The U.S. military presence in the Indian Ocean and along the maritime Silk Route is described as an "occupation" linked to its ongoing conflict with Iran. • This geopolitical tension has disrupted oil and gas supplies, causing energy costs to soar for emerging economies across South and Southeast Asia.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles to expand India's defense diplomacy and strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. • As part of the visit, India handed over the fast patrol vessel *Lespwar* ("hope"), along with ten utility vehicles, five laser-radial boats, and six ambulances.

• A new report highlights India's expanding global influence, driven by its strategic focus on diplomacy, defense, and development. • India has emerged as a primary voice for developing nations by leveraging key international platforms, including the G20, BRICS, and Global South initiatives.

• The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement to pause hostilities and strikes in West Asia to prevent further escalation. • U.S. envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with mediators in Doha, Qatar, though Qatari officials clarified that no direct talks between the U.S. and Iran are currently taking place.

• The United States is reportedly accelerating its withdrawal from European security commitments following a diplomatic rift regarding support for the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran. • An upcoming NATO summit in Turkey is expected to serve as a pivotal transition point for the alliance's structure and strategic direction.

• Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler stated that NATO is adapting to a changing security environment rather than facing a crisis. • Guler dismissed concerns regarding a U.S. exit from the alliance, asserting that Washington is seeking better burden-sharing from European allies rather than withdrawal.

• Internal power struggles within the Iranian regime have intensified as rival factions clash over the direction of the country's nuclear talks. • The conflict has escalated beyond foreign policy disagreements, evolving into a bitter battle for political influence at the highest levels of government.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a renewed global commitment to combat terrorism by addressing its root causes rather than relying solely on security measures. • Guterres warned that terrorist threats are evolving, emphasizing that a rights-based approach is essential to prevent radicalization and ensure long-term stability.

Visit to monarch planned for 6 September and will take Jamaica’s mission for reparatory justice to the ‘next level’Jamaican officials will travel to the UK in September to formally lodge an unprecedented petition with King Charles to seek legal guidance on their slavery reparations claim from Britain, the country’s government announced on Tuesday.Speaking in the parliament of the Caribbean nation, Olivia Grange, the culture minister, confirmed that the trip was planned for 6 September, and was intended to take Jamaica’s mission for reparatory justice to the next level. Continue reading...

Parliamentary inquiry recommends new laws to police behaviour at polling boothsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNew laws are needed to police behaviour at polling booths after Australia’s democracy came “under assault” at last year’s federal election – including from third parties such as Plymouth Brethren Christian Church members and rightwing lobby group Advance – the chair of a parliamentary inquiry has said.The proposed new code of conduct for campaigners was among several recommendations in the interim report from the Labor-led committee reviewing the 2025 ballot, which was tabled on Tuesday afternoon. Continue reading...

Diplomats in Sarajevo failed to agree on a candidate for the high representative role, which carries a lot of power and influence across the BalkansDiplomats from the US and Europe have been unable to resolve their differences and agree on a new top international envoy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in a standoff which has become a transatlantic test of wills over influence in the Balkans.A meeting in Sarajevo to select a new high representative, a post with far-reaching powers, ended without a compromise, in a spat that has undermined western cohesion in the region in the Trump era. Continue reading...