The Pacific's leaders are grappling with Solomon Islands' contentious decision to block all outsiders from the region's most important annual meeting next month. So what does the episode say about how strategic competition is reshaping the region?

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng has been granted judicial mercy by the courts, and fined the maximum stipulated sum of $30,000 for abetting the obstruction of justice.The 79-year-old, who has incurable cancer, listened intently as District Judge Lee Lit Cheng passed the sentence on Friday (Aug 15) afternoon.The offence of abetting the obstruction of justice carries a jail term of up to seven years, or a fine, or both.Ong pleaded guilty on Aug 4 to one charge of abetting former Transport Minister S. Iswaran in obstructing the course of justice.A second charge of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts will be taken into consideration for sentencing. Iswaran was handed a 12-month jail term on Oct 3, 2024. This term included four months' jail for obstructing the course of justice by making payment to Singapore GP to cover the cost of the flight from Singapore to Doha.Judge Lee noted Ong's «lower culpability», as it was Iswaran who had asked Ong to bill him for the Doha trip.Judicial mercy is when the courts give leniency to offenders with exceptional personal circumstances, on humanitarian grounds.  

The BJP criticized Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for not attending the Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort. Amit Malviya, BJP I-T cell chief, questioned Gandhi's absence and commitment to national events, also noting his disoriented appearance at the Congress HQ. He further emphasized that such absence sends a poor message about his commitment to national occasions.

On the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from the Red Fort, acknowledging its century of service to the nation. He hailed the RSS as the world's largest NGO, emphasizing its dedication to nation-building and welfare.

On August 13, The Times of Israel reported that Israel was holding talks with Indonesia, Uganda, South Sudan, Libya, and the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland on the potential resettlement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to their territories

The poll, carried out between August 8 and August 10, surveyed 1,500 respondents

Unlike Western countries, Russia is still open to mutually beneficial cooperation in the Arctic with those who are ready to respect Russian interests, Nikita Lipunov believes

Vinay Kumar recalled that in 2024 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Russia twice, and noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin was expected to visit India in 2025

In early 2025 Iran suggested that the agenda of cooperation in nuclear energy with Russia be expanded by adding the construction of small modular nuclear power plants in the Islamic Republic to the discussion, Alexey Likhachev noted

In his Independence Day address, PM Modi highlighted India's progress and future goals. He lauded Operation Sindoor, warned against terrorism and demographic changes, and emphasised self-reliance in space. Modi also praised the RSS's contributions and cautioned against repeating the Emergency's mistakes. He addressed farmers' interests amid tariff disputes and advocated for 'Swadeshi' products, urging national unity and development.

On India's Independence Day, Russia extended warm greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging India's significant achievements across various sectors. Vladimir Putin emphasized the strategic partnership between the two nations and expressed eagerness to broaden bilateral cooperation. This message arrives amidst US tariff threats and geopolitical tensions, highlighting the enduring bond between Russia and India.

The Ukraine conflict should have never happened, and all the parties involved did “everything” wrong, the US president says Read Full Article at RT.com

The authorities in Kiev have struggled to deal with widespread draft evasion throughout the conflict with Russia Read Full Article at RT.com

In his Independence Day speech, the Indian leader spoke of the country’s military prowess and claimed success in the conflict in May Read Full Article at RT.com

The talks will build on earlier rounds between US envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian president, the foreign minister has said Read Full Article at RT.com

The attack on an apartment block also injured 12 people, acting governor Aleksandr Khinshtein has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Police are 'monitoring the situation closely' at Guildford's Stoke Park in Surrey where the makeshift caravan site has been created.

The suspect, aged in his 20s, was living at the Britannia Hotel, and was being held by police in Hackney, east London , in the early hours of this morning.

The incident took place at Manchester Airport at just after 6.30am this morning with people heading on their summer holidays warned to expect delays.

Footage shows a long line of black armoured vehicles speeding along a road, flanked by flashing police cars and trailed by what appears to be an ambulance.

A video showed the playful mammal dancing across the water but marine experts have now urged tourists to stay away from the playful animals following further reports of injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on Independence Day, warned of a premeditated conspiracy to alter India's demography through illegal infiltration. He asserted that these «ghuspaithiyas» pose a threat by snatching opportunities from the youth, targeting women, and encroaching on tribal lands. Modi announced a high-powered demographic mission to tackle this crisis within a set timeframe.

Following the devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar's Chasoti village, which resulted in 60 fatalities and over 100 injuries, Prime Minister Modi has assured Jammu and Kashmir of full support. The disaster, occurring during the Machail Mata Yatra, caused widespread destruction. Rescue operations are ongoing, with helpline numbers established to aid those affected by the floods.

Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation on Independence Day, outlining initiatives for energy independence, domestic semiconductor production, and GST reforms. He introduced the PM Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana to boost job creation and emphasized prioritizing farmers' interests. Modi also warned against nuclear threats and criticized the Indus Waters Treaty, vowing to protect India's interests.

The Oasis frontman, 52, has been launching maracas and his iconic tambourine into the audience at the end of every concert on their tour after singing Champagne Supernova.

Junta blockades, soaring prices and US aid cuts are driving a sharp rise in hunger and malnutrition across conflict-hit Rakhine State.

Dr Lee Wei Ling, the daughter of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, has a wish fulfilled nearly a year after her death.In a Facebook post on Thursday (Aug 14), Lee Hsien Yang said that he took his sister «on one last boat ride» from Edinburgh, Scotland to scatter her ashes out at sea.«Farewell Ling. My principled, steadfast and indomitable sister,» he added.Dr Lee, a neurologist, died at the age of 69 on Oct 9, 2024, four years after she was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative brain disease.Lee described the country where he strewn Dr Lee's ashes upon the waves as one that held deep significance for both of them.He recalled: «Ling and I went to Scotland on our own when we were still in school. We toured the countryside, and stayed in Edinburgh, climbed Arthur’s Seat, and visited Edinburgh castle.»She returned by herself from time to time over the years for her medical exams, and to hike the rugged hills she loved so much."

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng has arrived at the State Courts on Friday (Aug 15) to await the sentencing of his case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran.The 79-year-old Malaysian pleaded guilty on Aug 4 to one charge of abetting Iswaran in obstructing the course of justice. A second charge of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts will be taken into consideration for sentencing.Before his hearing scheduled for 2.30pm, Ong arrived wearing a white shirt and a mask.He remained silent as he walked into court alongside his lawyers and staff.[embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@asiaone/video/7538692473908989202[/embed]Ong suffers from multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, and other health issues.If convicted of abetting the obstruction of justice, he may face a jail term of up to seven years, or a fine, or both.[[nid:720857]]At the Aug 4 hearing, the defence asked the court to exercise judicial mercy, on grounds that sending Ong to prison would significantly endanger his life.

According to Andrey Marochko, the Ukrainian army is increasing its forces in this area in an attempt to stabilize the front line

«We hope for a very constructive dialogue,» special representative of the Russian president for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries said

Rodion Miroshnik stressed that Washington and Moscow share a broad agenda, covering international and global issues as well as direct economic, cultural, sporting, and other exchanges

The August 15 meeting in Anchorage will be the first face-to-face talks between Putin and Trump since June 2021