Tornado damages homes in southern Vietnam
A sudden tornado hit Ca Mau province in southern Vietnam early Wednesday, damaging 20 houses. Three homes were completely destroyed, while 17 others suffered roof damage, according to Xinhua.
The tornado struck around 7:30 a.m. during a bout of torrential rain.
Authorities have noted an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across southern Vietnam in recent weeks, Xinhua reported.
FIFA 2026 World Cup draw set to be held in Las Vegas in December
Las Vegas is expected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Friday, December 5, though FIFA has not officially confirmed it. The ceremony will likely take place at the Sphere, a 17,000-seat venue, Al Jazeera reported.
Despite not being selected as a match host, Las Vegas was chosen over cities in co-host nations Canada and Mexico.
The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The draw will assign teams into 12 groups, with the US, Mexico, and Canada already placed in Groups D, A, and B respectively, according to Al Jazeera.
Bangladesh reforms panel to investigate past election irregularities
The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has restructured a five-member commission to probe alleged irregularities in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections held under the Awami League. The move comes amid rising criticism over the credibility of those polls, both domestically and internationally, according to Firstpost.
The new commission, headed by retired Justice Shamim Hasnain, includes the same members as the previous panel. Its mandate is to review election-related complaints and propose reforms to ensure free and fair future elections. The deadline for submitting its report has been extended to October 31.
Trump says India deal not finalised, higher tariffs possible
U.S. President Donald Trump said a trade deal with India has yet to be finalised and warned of possible higher tariffs ahead of an August 1 deadline to seal an agreement, Reuters reported.
His comments followed a Reuters report that India was preparing to accept higher tariffs of 20%-25% on its exports to the U.S. in the absence of a trade deal, as it holds off on offering fresh concessions ahead of Friday's deadline.
"India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs, almost more than any other country," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, adding that would come to an end, according to Reuters.
Asked about the Reuters report, Trump said a trade deal had not been finalised and India could face steeper tariffs
