Global health watch: polio detected in Israel sewers; Europe flags mosquito-borne surge

WHO confirmed a cVDPV1 polio outbreak based on linked environmental samples in Israel (no paralytic cases to date), prompting vaccination vigilance. Europe’s disease agency warned of record West Nile and chikungunya activity, calling it a “new normal” tied to warming climates and vector spread. Health officials across the Americas also track measles spikes this year, with fatalities reported in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.

📸https://www.paho.org/en/news/15-8-2025-ten-countries-americas-report-measles-outbreaks-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com

China accelerates digital yuan push and eyes stablecoin routes

Beijing is stepping up promotion of the e-CNY to boost the yuan’s global role, with pilot usage already tallying trillions of yuan in transactions. Policymakers and researchers are also floating a yuan-backed stablecoin—potentially routed via Hong Kong’s new rules—as part of a broader response to the dominance of dollar stablecoins. Barriers remain: convertibility limits and capital controls still constrain adoption.

📸In this Aug. 11, 2015 photo, a shadow of a man is reflected on a glass as he reads a newspaper reporting China’s central bank or People’s Bank of China announced the 2015 edition of the 100 renminbi notes will be issued starting from November 12, at a stand in Beijing. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Markets drift as Jackson Hole looms; oil steadies, gold eases

Global stocks were mixed today with investors sitting tight ahead of the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium and Chair Powell’s remarks. The dollar hovered near recent highs; U.S. and European equities slipped, and gold ticked lower. Oil held firmer after larger-than-expected inventory draws, while traders debated odds of a September rate cut. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei dipped as Australia’s benchmark hit records; Chinese blue-chips inched higher.

📸U.S. one hundred dollar notes are seen in this picture illustration taken in Seoul February 7, 2011. REUTERS/Lee Jae-Won/File Photo

Ukraine war: new pressure points as “coalition of the willing” talks proceed

Kyiv’s allies held talks on stepping up support while Russia claimed Ukraine isn’t “interested” in a long-term settlement. Frontline analyses highlight Russian pressure in eastern sectors alongside continued Ukrainian deep-strike activity against logistics. Air-raid alerts sounded nationwide overnight as both sides contest drones and artillery dominance. Expect additional announcements on air defense and ammunition in coming days as capitals weigh costs ahead of winter.

📸Ukrainian servicemen fires a self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops in Zaporizhzhia region.
Photograph: Maksym Kishka/Reuters

Israel launches new Gaza City offensive amid hostage deadlock

Israel has begun the first phase of a major ground push to seize Gaza City, calling up tens of thousands of reservists and ordering new evacuations as fighting intensifies around urban districts. Military spokespeople describe Hamas as “weakened,” but negotiations over a ceasefire-and-hostage deal remain stalled, and humanitarian agencies warn of worsening civilian risk. Reports describe heavy strikes around Jabaliya, Sabra and Tuffah as armored units seek to encircle the city.

📸Smoke rises following an Israeli strike, in Gaza City, August 21, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas Purchase Licensing Rights

Earthquake in Queensland 5.6 magnitude

What happened when Trump met Putin?

NASA's VIPER Rover Lands Successfully in Historic Mission to Moon's South Pole

NASA has successfully landed its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) near the Nobile Crater at the Moon's south pole. The historic landing, confirmed at 08:45 UTC, marks the first time a mobile robot will directly survey the lunar surface for water ice and other resources in one of the coldest, permanently shadowed regions of the solar system. The golf-cart-sized rover survived its complex descent sequence and has already transmitted its first signals and images back to mission control at the Ames Research Center.
Over the next 100 Earth days, the solar-powered VIPER will navigate the challenging, dark terrain to create the first-ever resource maps of the lunar south pole. Using its suite of scientific instruments, including a 1-meter drill, it will analyze the composition and concentration of lunar soil, or regolith, for water ice. The mission is a cornerstone of the Artemis program, as the data gathered will be critical for establishing a sustainable long-term human presence on the Moon and planning future crewed missions to Mars. The success of the VIPER landing is a monumental achievement for NASA and its commercial partners in the new era of space exploration.

G7 Nations Announce "Project Unity" for Cross-Border Digital Currency Trials

In a landmark financial development, the finance ministers of the G7 nations have jointly announced the launch of "Project Unity," a collaborative initiative to test the interoperability of their respective Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). The project aims to create a common technical and regulatory framework that would allow for seamless, real-time cross-border payments between participating countries, potentially revolutionizing international trade and finance. This unified approach is seen as a direct response to the fragmented landscape of private cryptocurrencies and a strategic move to maintain the G7's central role in the global financial system.
The first phase of trials, set to begin in early 2026, will involve the US, Germany, Japan, and the UK. The framework will focus on ensuring robust security, privacy, and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. While proponents praise the initiative for its potential to lower transaction costs and increase financial efficiency, privacy advocates are raising concerns about the potential for government surveillance inherent in state-controlled digital currencies. Project Unity signals a clear acceleration in the global shift towards government-backed digital money, setting the stage for a new era of financial technology.