Gisborne Airport in New Zealand holds a rare distinction—it is the only airport in the world where a railway line crosses the main runway. The Palmerston North–Gisborne Line passes directly through the airport, requiring precise coordination between air traffic control and KiwiRail to prevent collisions. Trains and planes do not operate simultaneously; both systems follow a strict schedule to avoid any overlap. The airport covers 160 hectares and handles over 150,000 passengers annually, with more than 60 domestic flights per week. This rare setup makes Gisborne Airport a fascinating case of transportation integration. (PC: AI)

At least 15 people, including a mother and her 6-year-old son, were killed and 145 injured as Russia launched its largest air assault on Kyiv in months. Over 300 drones and missiles struck 26 locations, destroying an apartment block and damaging schools and hospitals. The attack defied US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire demand to Vladimir Putin, with a deadline of August 8. Trump warned of tougher sanctions if no truce is reached. Ukrainian officials called for “maximum pressure” on Moscow, while denying Russian claims of capturing Chasiv Yar in Donetsk. Rescue operations in Kyiv continue amid rising civilian toll. (PC: BBC)

Fifteen-year-old Majd al-Shaghnobi, the first war-injured Gazan child to receive treatment in the UK, has arrived in London for reconstructive surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Severely wounded by an Israeli tank shell in February 2024, Majd lost his jaw and teeth while seeking food. UK charity Project Pure Hope facilitated his evacuation after months of campaigning. His surgery will be performed pro bono by a team of specialists. Co-founder Omar Din called the UK government’s support “long-overdue.” PM Keir Starmer recently pledged to help more children. UN agencies report worsening starvation and suffering for children still trapped in Gaza. (PC: BBC)

A radar-related air traffic control outage disrupted UK airspace on Wednesday, cancelling 155 flights—84 departures and 71 arrivals—according to Cirium. London’s Heathrow airport faced the most disruptions with over 45 flights called off. The issue, deemed non-cyber related, was resolved by switching to a backup system. The glitch, during peak summer travel, impacted major carriers including British Airways and EasyJet. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with NATS CEO Martin Rolfe, calling it an isolated event. PM Keir Starmer acknowledged widespread passenger frustration. Ryanair demanded Rolfe’s resignation. The outage follows similar failures in March and two years ago. (PC: AP)

Canada will officially recognize Palestine as a state in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced. This follows similar moves by the U.K. and France. Carney said the suffering in Gaza needs urgent global action. Canada’s decision depends on reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including elections without Hamas. He also called for Hamas to release hostages and disarm. Israel strongly opposed the move, calling it a reward for terrorism. Donald Trump warned the decision could hurt trade ties. Over 140 countries already recognize Palestine. Canada said peace in the Middle East needs both Israeli and Palestinian states to live side by side. (PC: X)

In Kathmandu’s bustling Thamel district, 57-year-old rickshaw driver Babu Tamang has found comfort and companionship in an eight-year-old stray dog named Shyam, who now accompanies him daily to work. After losing his earlier pet to a leopard attack, Tamang rescued Shyam two years ago—sparking a deep bond. The dog follows the rickshaw, hops on board after rides, and draws smiles and extra tips from tourists. Despite oil-stained fur and occasional bath-time squabbles, Shyam remains steadfast. Tamang calls him “family,” as fellow rickshaw drivers and passengers embrace the pair’s heartwarming friendship. (PC: AP)

Canada has officially announced it will recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, becoming the third major Western power (after the UK and France) to do so. Prime Minister Mark Carney cited the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza—including widespread starvation—as a key trigger. Recognition is conditional upon reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including general elections in 2026, exclusion of Hamas from governance, and demilitarization pledges. The move intensifies diplomatic pressure on Israel and signals a shift in Western policy, drawing criticism from both Israel and the U.S. (PC: NDTV)

  A US Navy F-35C Lightning II fighter jet crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, on July 30, during a training mission. The pilot successfully ejected safely, with no other personnel injured or civilian damage reported . Dramatic visuals captured a plume of thick black smoke rising from the wreckage site . The jet was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VF‑125 ("Rough Raiders"), and local authorities confirmed that the crash occurred in central California’s Fresno County . The cause remains under investigation, and no details about the damage to infrastructure have been released.

Seven more people, including children, have died from malnutrition in Gaza in the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, raising the total to 154 since 2023. UN-backed experts say famine is "currently playing out" in Gaza. Aid remains critically short, with only 109 trucks entering Tuesday—many looted. Six Palestinians were reportedly killed near an aid site in Rafah, but the IDF disputes this. Israel blames Hamas for the crisis, while the UK’s pledge to recognise Palestine by September triggered backlash from Israel. US envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Israel this week to discuss the escalating crisis. (PC: BBC)

Spain is offering a Digital Nomad Visa for just Rs 8,000, allowing people to live and work there for one year. This visa is for non-EU citizens, like Indians, who work remotely or are self-employed with foreign clients. One key rule is that only 20% of your income can come from Spain. You must also show a university degree or three years of work experience, steady income, and health insurance. The minimum monthly income should be around 2,763 euros (Rs 2.7 lakh). It’s a great chance to enjoy Spain’s beauty while working remotely from a new country. (PC: Freepik)