Arm

Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 military personnel, effective immediately. The decree replaces all previous staffing decrees and marks the seventh expansion of the army since the start of the war in Ukraine, signalling continued manpower demands from Moscow.

Sudan's civil war has produced two rival authorities with no international legitimacy. The army-backed administration under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan controls much of the formal state apparatus in Port Sudan, while the Rapid Support Forces under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo exercise power across territory it holds. Washington says neither side represents legitimate constitutional governance, leaving questions about who can negotiate or sign agreements on Sudan's behalf.

Germany is channeling massive investment into rebuilding its armed forces, with defense spending increasingly framed as an engine for economic growth. Supporters argue rearmament can revive Germany's stagnant industrial base and infrastructure, while critics question whether arms production can replace the export manufacturing model that long powered Europe's largest economy. The debate reflects a broader European shift toward defense readiness amid security concerns in the region.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called on nuclear-armed states to return to negotiations, marking 35 years since the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. He warned that global arms-control safeguards are weakening, positioning Kazakhstan, which gave up its Soviet-era arsenal, as a voice for disarmament amid rising nuclear tensions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the 80th UN General Assembly, outlining Iran's positions on nuclear weapons, Israel and regional security. He is reported to have drawn clear red lines for Tehran, insisting Iran will not pursue nuclear arms while defending its right to respond to Israeli actions and regional pressure. The speech is drawing wide attention as tensions over Iran's nuclear program and the conflict with Israel remain high.

The Canadarm2, the large robotic arm used to move cargo and crew around the International Space Station, has stopped working. The report has drawn attention among space watchers because the arm is essential for docking operations and station maintenance. Details on the cause of the failure and plans to restore it remain unclear.

CNBC's Daily Open newsletter highlights a growing split in the artificial intelligence world: some of the technology's own creators are publicly warning about AI's dangers, while companies continue investing heavily in data centres, chips and other infrastructure to expand it. The piece frames the tension between safety concerns and the commercial race as a defining issue in the sector right now.

Japan is converting disused golf courses into large-scale solar farms, as the country has little spare flat land for renewable energy projects. With mountainous terrain, limited open space and a push to expand renewables, former golf resorts are seen as some of the few suitable sites available for utility-scale solar development.

Russian forces carried out large-scale strikes on Kyiv, with claims that targets included military hubs and 'NATO specialists' in the Ukrainian capital. The reports come from Russian-aligned sources and have not been independently verified. The strikes fit an ongoing pattern of aerial attacks on Ukrainian military infrastructure as the war continues.

Kazakhstan has offered to serve as a venue for negotiations on nuclear arms, according to a report by Kazakh outlet Aju Press. No further details about the proposal, the parties involved, or any responses were provided. The move would be consistent with Kazakhstan's history as a former Soviet nuclear site that gave up its arsenal.

A new survey finds 8 in 10 people aged 16 to 34 believe their smartphone use harms their everyday life. The figure, reported in the Netherlands, points to growing concern among young adults about screen time, attention, sleep and wellbeing, even as phones remain central to work and social life.

Thales, Bull and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are joining forces to develop software for quantum computers intended for the French military. The announcement, reported by Clubic, ties France's defence ambitions to its homegrown quantum computing industry, and observers are highlighting the strategic and industrial significance of the partnership for French sovereignty in advanced technology.

A farmer reportedly raised the alarm that led police to thwart a suspected terrorist plot targeting RAF Fairford, the US Air Force base in Gloucestershire, England. Authorities say the tip-off prompted an investigation and arrests. The case is drawing attention to vigilance around the strategic airbase and the role of local residents in reporting suspicious activity.

New research highlighted by ScienceAlert finds that as the Pacific Ocean warms, its water-age circulation is behaving counterintuitively: younger surface waters are becoming older, while older deep waters are becoming younger. The finding suggests warming is disrupting normal ocean mixing and ventilation patterns, with possible implications for heat storage, carbon uptake and marine ecosystems across the Pacific.

Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps reports that around 250 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner north of Lyman, where a limited Ukrainian offensive has overrun enemy defenses in recent weeks. If confirmed, it would be the largest mass surrender of Russian troops since spring 2022. Observers are watching for official confirmation of the figures.

Andy Burnham has said Brexit has done more harm than good and announced he will lay out options at the next reset summit aimed at tightening the relationship between the UK and the EU. The Greater Manchester Mayor's comments add to pressure on the government over how far to go in rebuilding ties with Brussels, and drew strong reaction on social media.

Enel Energia, the Italian utility's energy supply arm, is being searched for in Italy. One related report describes an elderly woman chased off fake gas technicians claiming to work for a supplier. Beyond the company's name trending and this fraud warning, no further details are available about what specifically is driving attention to Enel Energia right now.

ITV has announced the full cast list for Winter, a new crime drama series starring Richard Armitage. The reveal, covered by regional outlets including the EDP, confirms the supporting actors joining the former The Stranger and Hannibal star in the series. Casting announcements for British crime dramas routinely draw wide attention, and Armitage's involvement is the main draw for viewers anticipating the show's release.

US President Donald Trump has downplayed North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, describing leader Kim Jong-un as 'a friend'. The remarks have drawn attention given longstanding tensions over Pyongyang's weapons programme and the two leaders' history of summits and stalled diplomacy.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning further cuts to the number of generals and admirals in the American military as part of an effort to reshape the Pentagon's senior leadership. The move, reported by The Washington Post, signals a continued push to slim down and remake the top echelons of the armed forces, a contested effort likely to draw scrutiny over its impact on military readiness and command structure.

Amazon's Prime Day sale has brought live discounts on fitness trackers, with retailers and shopping outlets highlighting their favorite deals on Garmin, Samsung and Fitbit devices. Shoppers are browsing reduced prices on popular wearables during the limited-time event, and deal roundups are guiding buyers on which trackers are worth picking up before the sale ends.

A children's toy entertainment channel is drawing large audiences with a video showing a remote-controlled army truck digging and building a secret underground tunnel. The clip has gathered hundreds of thousands of likes, suggesting strong ongoing interest in military-themed toy play content aimed at young viewers.

Addenbrooke Classical Academy is set to take on Aurora Science & Tech in a Colorado high school girls volleyball matchup scheduled for September 30, 2026. The fixture was listed by CHSAANow, the coverage arm of the Colorado High School Activities Association, which publishes schedules and results for prep sports across the state. Local fans and school communities typically follow these games for league standings and playoff implications.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered another expansion of the country's armed forces, continuing a series of troop increases since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The move signals Moscow's intention to sustain a prolonged conflict and keep pressure on Ukraine and NATO, drawing attention from analysts and foreign governments watching Russia's military posture.