Salman Rushdie: Iran blames writer and supporters for stabbing
As news emerged of Friday's attack, eyes turned to Tehran where the fatwa - religious edict - calling for the writer's assassination was first issued more than three decades ago.
But on Monday, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani - giving the country's first official reaction - said Tehran "categorically" denied any link, adding "no-one has the right to accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran".
However, he said freedom of speech did not justify Mr Rushdie insulting religion in his writing.
"In this attack, we do not consider anyone other than Salman Rushdie and his supporters worthy of blame and even condemnation," the spokesman said during his weekly press conference in Tehran.
As news emerged of Friday's attack, eyes turned to Tehran where the fatwa - religious edict - calling for the writer's assassination was first issued more than three decades ago.
But on Monday, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani - giving the country's first official reaction - said Tehran "categorically" denied any link, adding "no-one has the right to accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran".
However, he said freedom of speech did not justify Mr Rushdie insulting religion in his writing.
"In this attack, we do not consider anyone other than Salman Rushdie and his supporters worthy of blame and even condemnation," the spokesman said during his weekly press conference in Tehran.
Ukraine hits Russian Wagner mercenary HQ in east
Ukrainian artillery has struck a headquarters of Russia's shadowy Wagner paramilitary group of mercenaries in eastern Ukraine, reports say.
The extent of damage to the military base of the group - which has been linked to war crimes - is not clear.
Luhansk's governor claims its secret location was revealed after a Russian journalist shared its address.
Last week, pro-Kremlin correspondent Sergei Sreda posted a photo on Telegram of the base with its apparent address.
The image, shared on the social media site but since deleted, shows five people in military uniform with a street sign in Popasna, Luhansk visible in the top left corner. read more
Ukrainian artillery has struck a headquarters of Russia's shadowy Wagner paramilitary group of mercenaries in eastern Ukraine, reports say.
The extent of damage to the military base of the group - which has been linked to war crimes - is not clear.
Luhansk's governor claims its secret location was revealed after a Russian journalist shared its address.
Last week, pro-Kremlin correspondent Sergei Sreda posted a photo on Telegram of the base with its apparent address.
The image, shared on the social media site but since deleted, shows five people in military uniform with a street sign in Popasna, Luhansk visible in the top left corner. read more
Alaska primary: Sarah Palin seeks comeback backed by Trump
Republican Sarah Palin, who is eyeing a political comeback, is through to November's election in Alaska in the state's House of Representatives race, US media project.
Her rivals are Republican Nick Begich III and Democrat Mary Peltola. The fourth contender is not yet known.
Ms Palin, 58, rose to prominence as a vice-presidential candidate in 2008.
She largely left the spotlight before the 2016 election of Donald Trump, who has become her key ally and supporter.
This year Alaska's party primaries have been replaced with open primaries - the top four runners advance to the poll. read more
Republican Sarah Palin, who is eyeing a political comeback, is through to November's election in Alaska in the state's House of Representatives race, US media project.
Her rivals are Republican Nick Begich III and Democrat Mary Peltola. The fourth contender is not yet known.
Ms Palin, 58, rose to prominence as a vice-presidential candidate in 2008.
She largely left the spotlight before the 2016 election of Donald Trump, who has become her key ally and supporter.
This year Alaska's party primaries have been replaced with open primaries - the top four runners advance to the poll. read more
Ukraine war: Russia to allow inspectors at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - Putin
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said UN officials will be granted permission to visit and inspect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear complex.
The Kremlin made the announcement after a call between Mr Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
It came as claims of fighting near the plant continued, with four civilians reportedly injured by Russian shelling.
Separately, the US pledged on Friday to send more arms and ammunitions to assist in Ukraine's war effort.
In a read-out following the call between the French and Russian leaders, the Kremlin said, Mr Putin had agreed to provide UN investigators with "the necessary assistance" to access the Zaporizhzhia nuclear site. read more
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said UN officials will be granted permission to visit and inspect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear complex.
The Kremlin made the announcement after a call between Mr Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
It came as claims of fighting near the plant continued, with four civilians reportedly injured by Russian shelling.
Separately, the US pledged on Friday to send more arms and ammunitions to assist in Ukraine's war effort.
In a read-out following the call between the French and Russian leaders, the Kremlin said, Mr Putin had agreed to provide UN investigators with "the necessary assistance" to access the Zaporizhzhia nuclear site. read more
Darya Dugina: Daughter of Putin ally killed in Moscow blast
The daughter of a close ally of Russia's President Vladimir Putin has been killed in a suspected car bomb.
Darya Dugina died after an explosion on a road outside Moscow, Russia's investigative committee said.
It is thought her father, the Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin who is known as "Putin's brain," may have been the intended target of the attack.
Mr Dugin is a prominent ultra-nationalist ideologue who is believed to be close to the Russian president.
Alexander Dugin and his daughter had been at a festival at an estate near Moscow, where the philosopher gave a lecture. read more
The daughter of a close ally of Russia's President Vladimir Putin has been killed in a suspected car bomb.
Darya Dugina died after an explosion on a road outside Moscow, Russia's investigative committee said.
It is thought her father, the Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin who is known as "Putin's brain," may have been the intended target of the attack.
Mr Dugin is a prominent ultra-nationalist ideologue who is believed to be close to the Russian president.
Alexander Dugin and his daughter had been at a festival at an estate near Moscow, where the philosopher gave a lecture. read more
377A: Singapore to end ban on gay sex
Singapore will repeal a law that bans gay sex, effectively making it legal to be homosexual in the city-state.
The decision, announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on national TV, comes after years of fierce debate.
LGBT activists in Singapore have hailed the move as "a win for humanity".
The city-state is known for its conservative values, but in recent years an increasing number of people have called for the colonial-era 377A law to be abolished.
Singapore is the latest place in Asia to move on LGBT rights, after India, Taiwan and Thailand. read more
Singapore will repeal a law that bans gay sex, effectively making it legal to be homosexual in the city-state.
The decision, announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on national TV, comes after years of fierce debate.
LGBT activists in Singapore have hailed the move as "a win for humanity".
The city-state is known for its conservative values, but in recent years an increasing number of people have called for the colonial-era 377A law to be abolished.
Singapore is the latest place in Asia to move on LGBT rights, after India, Taiwan and Thailand. read more
Darya Dugina: Ukraine killed Putin ally's daughter, Russia says
Russia has accused Ukrainian special services of killing the daughter of one of Vladimir Putin's allies.
Journalist Darya Dugina, aged 29, died on Saturday when a car she was driving exploded near Moscow.
Her father, Alexander Dugin, a prominent ultra-nationalist thought to be close to the Russian president, may have been the intended target.
Russia' Federal Security Service (FSB) now says it has solved the case and that Ukraine is directly responsible.
Ukrainian officials had already denied any involvement in the explosion. read more
Russia has accused Ukrainian special services of killing the daughter of one of Vladimir Putin's allies.
Journalist Darya Dugina, aged 29, died on Saturday when a car she was driving exploded near Moscow.
Her father, Alexander Dugin, a prominent ultra-nationalist thought to be close to the Russian president, may have been the intended target.
Russia' Federal Security Service (FSB) now says it has solved the case and that Ukraine is directly responsible.
Ukrainian officials had already denied any involvement in the explosion. read more
Elon Musk subpoenas former Twitter boss ahead of Twitter court battle
Elon Musk has launched legal action to summon Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey to appear in court as part of his legal battle with the tech company.
Mr Musk is seeking to end his $44bn deal for Twitter after alleging the firm failed to provide enough information on fake account numbers.
But the social media site is suing Mr Musk to try to force him to buy it.
The case will be heard in Delaware, US, in October unless both parties decide to settle outside of court beforehand.
Twitter hopes that a judge will order Mr Musk - who is the world's richest man - to complete the takeover at the agreed price of $54.20 per share. read more
Elon Musk has launched legal action to summon Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey to appear in court as part of his legal battle with the tech company.
Mr Musk is seeking to end his $44bn deal for Twitter after alleging the firm failed to provide enough information on fake account numbers.
But the social media site is suing Mr Musk to try to force him to buy it.
The case will be heard in Delaware, US, in October unless both parties decide to settle outside of court beforehand.
Twitter hopes that a judge will order Mr Musk - who is the world's richest man - to complete the takeover at the agreed price of $54.20 per share. read more
India sacks officers for accidentally firing missile into Pakistan
India's government has sacked three air force officers for the "accidental firing of a missile" into Pakistan in March.
The incident had escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Delhi had blamed the "deeply regrettable" incident on a "technical malfunction" during routine maintenance.
Islamabad warned Delhi to "be mindful of the unpleasant consequences of such negligence" and to avoid a repeat.
The officers responsible for the 9 March incident have been terminated from service, the Indian Air Force said in a statement on Tuesday. read more
India's government has sacked three air force officers for the "accidental firing of a missile" into Pakistan in March.
The incident had escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Delhi had blamed the "deeply regrettable" incident on a "technical malfunction" during routine maintenance.
Islamabad warned Delhi to "be mindful of the unpleasant consequences of such negligence" and to avoid a repeat.
The officers responsible for the 9 March incident have been terminated from service, the Indian Air Force said in a statement on Tuesday. read more
Prayuth Chan-ocha: Thai court suspends PM and coup leader
Thailand's top court has suspended prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha from official duty while it considers a legal challenge to his term limit.
Opposition parties have filed a case arguing that Mr Prayuth - in charge since 2014 - has overstayed his tenure.
Thailand's constitution limits prime ministers to eight years in office.
The ex-army chief first seized power in the 2014 military coup and then retained office in 2019 under a heavily restricted election.
However, in recent years he has been facing growing opposition, and backlash within his own coalition. read more
Thailand's top court has suspended prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha from official duty while it considers a legal challenge to his term limit.
Opposition parties have filed a case arguing that Mr Prayuth - in charge since 2014 - has overstayed his tenure.
Thailand's constitution limits prime ministers to eight years in office.
The ex-army chief first seized power in the 2014 military coup and then retained office in 2019 under a heavily restricted election.
However, in recent years he has been facing growing opposition, and backlash within his own coalition. read more
Student loan forgiveness: Biden cancels $10,000 in student debt for millions
US President Joe Biden will cancel up to $10,000 (£8,474) in federal student loans for millions of Americans who earn less than $125,000 each year.
Mr Biden will also forgive $20,000 of debt for students on Pell Grants, which applies to those in greatest financial need.
"People can finally crawl out under that mountain of debt," he said.
An estimated 43 million Americans owe a combined total of $1.6tn in federal student debt.
Nearly one-fifth owe less than $10,000.
The temporary student loan pause, first put in place in March 2020, will also be extended a final time until 31 December of this year. read more
US President Joe Biden will cancel up to $10,000 (£8,474) in federal student loans for millions of Americans who earn less than $125,000 each year.
Mr Biden will also forgive $20,000 of debt for students on Pell Grants, which applies to those in greatest financial need.
"People can finally crawl out under that mountain of debt," he said.
An estimated 43 million Americans owe a combined total of $1.6tn in federal student debt.
Nearly one-fifth owe less than $10,000.
The temporary student loan pause, first put in place in March 2020, will also be extended a final time until 31 December of this year. read more
Ukraine war: Russia railway station strike kills 25, injures dozens
A Russian rocket strike on a railway station killed 25 people, Ukraine says, on the day marking six months since Moscow's invasion began.
Five of the victims of the attack in the eastern town of Chaplyne burnt to death in a vehicle, officials said. Two boys aged six and 11 were also killed.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported the strike during a UN Security Council meeting. A further 31 people were hurt.
Russia said it hit a military train killing hundreds of Ukrainian troops.
"As a result of a direct hit by an Iskander missile on a military train at the Chaplyne railway station in the Dnipropetrovsk region, more than 200 servicemen of the reserve of Ukraine's Armed Forces and 10 units of military equipment were destroyed, on their way to combat zones in the Donbas," its defence ministry said in a statement. read more
A Russian rocket strike on a railway station killed 25 people, Ukraine says, on the day marking six months since Moscow's invasion began.
Five of the victims of the attack in the eastern town of Chaplyne burnt to death in a vehicle, officials said. Two boys aged six and 11 were also killed.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported the strike during a UN Security Council meeting. A further 31 people were hurt.
Russia said it hit a military train killing hundreds of Ukrainian troops.
"As a result of a direct hit by an Iskander missile on a military train at the Chaplyne railway station in the Dnipropetrovsk region, more than 200 servicemen of the reserve of Ukraine's Armed Forces and 10 units of military equipment were destroyed, on their way to combat zones in the Donbas," its defence ministry said in a statement. read more
Nato investigates hacker sale of missile firm data
Nato is assessing the impact of a data breach of classified military documents being sold by a hacker group online.
The data includes blueprints of weapons being used by Nato allies in the Ukraine conflict.
Criminal hackers are selling the dossiers after stealing data linked to a major European weapons maker.
MBDA Missile Systems admitted its data was among the stash but claimed none of the classified files belong to the firm.
The pan-European company, which is headquartered in France, said its information was hacked from a compromised external hard drive, adding that it was cooperating with authorities in Italy, where the data breach took place. read more
Nato is assessing the impact of a data breach of classified military documents being sold by a hacker group online.
The data includes blueprints of weapons being used by Nato allies in the Ukraine conflict.
Criminal hackers are selling the dossiers after stealing data linked to a major European weapons maker.
MBDA Missile Systems admitted its data was among the stash but claimed none of the classified files belong to the firm.
The pan-European company, which is headquartered in France, said its information was hacked from a compromised external hard drive, adding that it was cooperating with authorities in Italy, where the data breach took place. read more
FBI cites 'evidence of obstruction' in Trump Florida home search
The FBI told a judge they expected to find "evidence of obstruction" of justice in a search of former President Donald Trump's Florida home, according to newly released court papers.
Investigators said top secret files had been stored at Mar-a-Lago along with assorted newspapers and magazines.
The justice department said it censored the affidavit to protect "a significant number of civilian witnesses".
Mr Trump said the inquiry was being led by "political Hacks and Thugs".
On Friday, the US Department of Justice released a version of the affidavit used to justify the FBI's incursion into Mr Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on 8 August, but it has been heavily redacted. read more
The FBI told a judge they expected to find "evidence of obstruction" of justice in a search of former President Donald Trump's Florida home, according to newly released court papers.
Investigators said top secret files had been stored at Mar-a-Lago along with assorted newspapers and magazines.
The justice department said it censored the affidavit to protect "a significant number of civilian witnesses".
Mr Trump said the inquiry was being led by "political Hacks and Thugs".
On Friday, the US Department of Justice released a version of the affidavit used to justify the FBI's incursion into Mr Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on 8 August, but it has been heavily redacted. read more
Pakistan floods: Appeals for aid as 119 more die in a day
Pakistan is appealing for further international assistance as floods devastate the country, leaving people searching for higher, drier ground.
The death toll from the monsoon rains has reached 1,033 - with 119 killed in the previous 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority says.
The US, UK, UAE and others have contributed to a disaster appeal, but more funds are needed, officials say.
Pakistan's government is doing everything it can to help, they add.
Speaking to the BBC, interior ministry official Salman Sufi said the country was desperate for international support. read more
Pakistan is appealing for further international assistance as floods devastate the country, leaving people searching for higher, drier ground.
The death toll from the monsoon rains has reached 1,033 - with 119 killed in the previous 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority says.
The US, UK, UAE and others have contributed to a disaster appeal, but more funds are needed, officials say.
Pakistan's government is doing everything it can to help, they add.
Speaking to the BBC, interior ministry official Salman Sufi said the country was desperate for international support. read more
EU faces awful winters without gas cap - minister
Belgium's energy minister has warned that EU countries will face five to 10 terrible winters if nothing is done to reduce natural gas prices.
Calls are mounting for an EU-wide cap on the price of gas and its decoupling from the price of electricity.
EU states have been struggling with huge energy price hikes since key gas supplier Russia invaded Ukraine in February, triggering sanctions.
Countries backing Ukraine are trying to cut imports of Russian gas and oil.
Russia, which supplied the EU with 40% of its gas last year, has in turn restricted supplies. read more
Belgium's energy minister has warned that EU countries will face five to 10 terrible winters if nothing is done to reduce natural gas prices.
Calls are mounting for an EU-wide cap on the price of gas and its decoupling from the price of electricity.
EU states have been struggling with huge energy price hikes since key gas supplier Russia invaded Ukraine in February, triggering sanctions.
Countries backing Ukraine are trying to cut imports of Russian gas and oil.
Russia, which supplied the EU with 40% of its gas last year, has in turn restricted supplies. read more
Kherson: Ukraine claims new push in Russian-held region
Ukraine's military says it has broken through Russia's first line of defence in the occupied Kherson region.
The reported push appears to form part of a long-awaited counter-offensive being launched by Kyiv in an attempt to retake the country's south.
It follows weeks of Ukrainian attacks aimed at cutting off Russian forces there from main supply routes.
Russia's military claims that Ukrainian troops suffered "heavy losses" during an unsuccessful attacking attempt.
The claims by both Ukraine and Russia have not been independently verified. read more
Ukraine's military says it has broken through Russia's first line of defence in the occupied Kherson region.
The reported push appears to form part of a long-awaited counter-offensive being launched by Kyiv in an attempt to retake the country's south.
It follows weeks of Ukrainian attacks aimed at cutting off Russian forces there from main supply routes.
Russia's military claims that Ukrainian troops suffered "heavy losses" during an unsuccessful attacking attempt.
The claims by both Ukraine and Russia have not been independently verified. read more