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

Norway’s $2T wealth fund cuts stakes in 11 Israeli firms

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund—world’s largest—has sold shares in 11 Israeli companies, citing risks tied to the Gaza war. While financially small, the move has outsized political impact and could pressure other institutional investors. Keywords: Norway oil fund divestment, Israeli companies, ESG investing, sovereign wealth fund, Gaza war fallout, global markets, ethical investment policies.

📷Nicolai Tangen attends a media conference on his employment agreement as new CEO for Norges Bank Investment Management, in Oslo, Norway, Thursday May 28, 2020. (Hakon Mosvold Larsen/NTB scanpix via AP, File)

UN condemns deadly assault around El Fasher as Sudan crisis deepens

The UN voiced alarm after a large RSF attack on El Fasher and the nearby Abu Shouk camp left scores of civilians dead and worsened famine conditions. Officials warned of dire shortages of food, water and medical care under the prolonged siege. Keywords: Sudan conflict, El Fasher attack, RSF militia, Darfur humanitarian crisis, Abu Shouk camp, UN warning, famine, civilian protection.

Typhoon Podul sweeps Taiwan; closures but no major damage

Typhoon Podul crossed southern Taiwan today, prompting school and government shutdowns and thousands of precautionary evacuations. Airports saw limited delays and authorities warned of crop losses and landslides, while the storm moved into the Taiwan Strait toward China. Keywords: Typhoon Podul Taiwan, Taitung landfall, Taiwan weather alerts, evacuations, flight delays, agricultural damage, Taiwan Strait, storm tracking.

Europe’s E3 warn Iran: snapback sanctions if nuclear talks stall

Britain, France and Germany threatened to trigger the UN “snapback” mechanism restoring sanctions unless Tehran re-engages by late August. The ultimatum follows a breakdown in inspections after strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year. Iranian figures have hinted at quitting the NPT if snapback proceeds, raising regional risk. Keywords: Iran nuclear program, E3 snapback sanctions, UN Security Council, IAEA inspections, Non-Proliferation Treaty, Middle East tensions, uranium enrichment, diplomatic deadline

📷Ian’s Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, Kazem Gharibabadi, waits for the start of the IAEA board of governors meeting at the International Center in Vienna, Austria, Nov. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak, File)

Israel’s army chief Eyal Zamir has approved the “main concept” for a new Gaza operation, even as tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spill into public view. Netanyahu insists the war will continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated. Fresh raids and street battles were reported around Gaza City as diplomats debate who could govern the enclave after the fighting. Keywords: Israel Gaza offensive, Eyal Zamir, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza City clashes, Hamas, hostage deal, Middle East crisis, post-war governance.

📷Palestinians began migrating to safe areas following Israeli attacks in Gaza City
Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images