New lizard species “Syrax” discovered in Thailand

Russia has raised concerns over reports that the United States and Türkiye may facilitate the transfer of a large stockpile of American-made weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said recently released documents from the US Congress indicate that the proposed shipment could include a substantial quantity of offensive weapons. According to her, the documents refer to 12 multiple rocket launch systems, more than 2,500 unguided cluster munitions for those systems, around 47,000 203mm cluster artillery shells and 70 ATACMS short-range missiles. Zakharova said Moscow was particularly concerned about what she described as unanswered questions surrounding the reported re-export arrangement. She questioned who initiated the proposal, how the weapons would be transported and when the reported shipment could reach Ukraine. The Russian spokeswoman also criticised Washington and Ankara for their alleged involvement, arguing that both countries have previously presented themselves as potential contributors to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict. According to Zakharova, supplying additional weapons to Ukraine would not fundamentally alter the military situation but could increase the scale of destruction and casualties. She warned that further arms deliveries could also have broader consequences for Russia’s relations with both the United States and Türkiye. Moscow also questioned Türkiye’s position because Turkish authorities have previously made assurances about limiting the supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine. Zakharova said that adopting peace-oriented rhetoric while simultaneously facilitating military support for Kyiv could damage mutual trust between the countries involved. The Russian Foreign Ministry has reportedly sought explanations from both Washington and Ankara following the information contained in the US congressional documents. Zakharova urged the parties involved to reconsider the situation before any reported transfer moves forward. She said there was still an opportunity for the countries concerned to assess the potential consequences of the proposed arms shipment. The allegations come as international efforts to address the Ukraine conflict continue alongside ongoing military operations

In late July, Meghan’s lifestyle range, As Ever, launched a new blackberry spread alongside a softly lit video of her picking the fruit. A month later, she and Prince Harry announced plans to return and live in the UK, just as blackberry season winds down. Whether another such video follows remains unclear, especially since experts say the couple’s wider brand is now at a turning point. Since their departure from royal duties in 2020, most of the Sussexes’ California-based ventures, from streaming deals to fragrance lines, have struggled to draw large audiences. Experts say it’s genuinely unclear what direction they’ll take next. Their UK return has surprised many, and although they will not resume royal duties, questions remain about what comes instead. Oxford marketing professor Andrew Stephen says the couple excelled early at capturing attention and monetising it, but have struggled to turn that into a lasting brand identity. He describes their current portfolio as fragmented, spanning social impact, entertainment and lifestyle, making it hard to define exactly what their brand represents. Their $100 million Netflix deal and $25 million Spotify agreement, both signed in 2020, have delivered underwhelming results by most measures. The Netflix arrangement produced just five shows over five years before being replaced with a lower-commitment, first-look agreement last year. Spotify, meanwhile, parted ways with the couple back in 2023. Branding expert Susan Fournier warns that the couple’s repeated pivots, from royal insiders to critics to media producers to lifestyle influencers, carry real risk. She argues that once a brand shifts direction dramatically, reversing course becomes difficult, and a UK return could look like yet another turn rather than a resolution. Stephen suggests the solution lies in building a focused, coherent set of ventures and credible causes, rather than continuing to diversify. One possibility involves Meghan returning to acting, with reports suggesting talks over a role in Netflix’s “The Gentlemen.” Her lifestyle brand, As Ever, is also expected to continue regardless of the move. A potential relocation to the Cotswolds has also sparked interest, with stylist Laura Stoloff suggesting genuine synergy between Meghan’s brand and English country life. Still, Stephen cautions that a new postcode alone won’t reposition a brand, only consistent action will.

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has issued an official order rescinding the controversial $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponisation Fund”, resolving a key point of friction ahead of his confirmation vote before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The action follows extended negotiations with Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who had withheld support for the nomination pending written assurances that the initiative would be permanently discarded. Although Blanche previously indicated in Congressional testimony that the department would not move forward with the program, lawmakers sought a formal rescission to prevent its potential revival. The directive also clarifies terms surrounding a related legal settlement, stipulating that provisions concerning tax audit protections apply exclusively on a retroactive basis to open claims active at the time of the agreement and do not extend to future tax filings.