China begins building world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet
China has started construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, raising concerns in India and Bangladesh.
The $167bn Motuo Hydropower Station is expected to surpass the Three Gorges Dam in capacity. Beijing says the project will support clean energy and local development, BBC reported.
However, India and Bangladesh fear it could disrupt downstream water flow, impact livelihoods, and pose environmental risks. Critics also warn of threats to Tibet’s biodiversity and local communities.
Harvard and Trump lawyers take funding fight to court
Harvard University and the Trump administration will face off in a Boston court Monday over the freeze of more than $2bn in federal grants, according to BBC.
The White House is demanding changes to Harvard’s hiring, admissions, and teaching practices, targeting antisemitism and DEI programmes. It has also sought to restrict the university’s access to a visa system for foreign students.
Harvard is challenging the move in court, arguing it violates constitutional rights and bypasses legal procedures. The Justice Department maintains that federal funding is conditional and can be withdrawn.
The hearing, led by Judge Allison Burroughs, comes ahead of a September 3 deadline set by the administration. The outcome could have broader implications for other universities facing similar pressure, BBC reported.
Bangladesh Air Force jet crashes into Dhaka school, killing 19
At least 19 people were killed after a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school and college campus in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday, authorities said. Over 50 others, including children, were hospitalized with burn injuries, according to Reuters.
The F-7 BGI aircraft, which took off at 1:06 p.m. local time, went down at Milestone School and College, sparking a large fire and damaging part of the building. Videos showed thick smoke billowing from the crash site as firefighters battled the blaze.
Bangladesh's Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow and pledged a thorough investigation and full support for victims and their families. He called the loss “irreparable”, Reuters reported.
Death toll from South Korea rains rises to 18, thousands displaced
At least 18 people have died and nine are missing after heavy rains swept across central and southern South Korea, officials said. The downpours, which began on July 16, triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread damage, according to Al Jazeera.
Sancheong County was among the worst-hit areas, with 10 fatalities and four people still unaccounted for. Nearly 14,200 residents were forced to evacuate, while authorities reported extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure.
The military has deployed troops to aid recovery efforts, as rain alerts were lifted and heat wave warnings issued in parts of the south, Al Jazeera reported.
