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• Kevin Warsh signaled in a closely watched speech that the Federal Reserve may need to raise borrowing costs as early as September. • Warsh praised the overall performance and resilience of the economy, noting its ability to withstand shocks despite potential rate hikes. • The move could create tension with President Donald Trump, who previously targeted Jerome Powell for resisting rate cuts, though Trump may grant Warsh more leeway.

Federation says it fears death toll of more than 540 will continue to rise as rescuers reach cut-off areasNepal-Tibet flash flood – latest updatesVisual guide: how the deadly flooding unfoldedTell us: have you been affected by the flash floods?The Red Cross has said at least 93,000 people may have been affected by Wednesday’s flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border, which have killed more than 540 people, left another 1,500 missing, and triggered a huge rescue operation that is being hampered by fears of new flooding.The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network, said it feared the death toll would continue to rise as some of the hardest-hit areas remained inaccessible after roads and bridges were destroyed by the torrents. Continue reading...

Confusion and politics aside, Australia can’t pretend to be removed from the world – and the millions of people in need of sanctuaryGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMessy politics aside, this much is clear: Australia is being cruelly parsimonious in resettling people, at a moment when it is of greatest global need.There are more people in the world requiring protection right now than at any time in human history, but Australia is obsessed with cutting numbers in the face of febrile anti-migration rhetoric. Continue reading...

• Global markets showed mixed results on Thursday morning as strong sales growth forecasts from Nvidia drove technology shares higher. • While the tech-heavy Nasdaq surged, other trading sectors were dampened by geopolitical uncertainty and stubbornly high U.S. inflation data. • This volatility highlights the ongoing tension between AI-driven growth and macroeconomic pressures affecting broader investor sentiment.

• Toh Ser Khoon of SP reports that Singapore's enterprise AI progress depends on workforce readiness, clear governance, and the redesign of organizational workflows. • While many organizations have started with individual experimentation using available tools, core systems and job roles have remained stagnant. • The next phase of adoption requires shifting from isolated tool use to systemic changes that build trust and integrate AI into how work is organized.

• Singapore will officially lift the cap on dialect film screenings starting in September 2026. • The policy change removes previous restrictions on the number of films featuring dialects that can be screened in cinemas. • This move is significant as it allows for greater cultural expression and provides moviegoers with more diverse linguistic options in local cinema.

• A partial lunar eclipse will occur on August 27-28, marking the most significant lunar event until December 2028. • Live coverage is currently providing a countdown to the event, offering viewers essential viewing tips and real-time updates. • This event is notable for its rarity and quality, serving as the premier lunar eclipse for the next several years.

• Global stock markets remained muted as investors weighed the potential for impending U.S. sanctions on Iran, which has dampened overall risk appetite. • Wall Street futures are pointing lower following a Friday close where major North American markets had previously ended the session in positive territory. • Market participants are shifting their focus toward a heavy slate of corporate earnings reports scheduled for release throughout the week.