Qatar Rejects Iran’s Claims That It Is Holding Missing Pilots

Qatar has dismissed Iran’s allegations that it is secretly detaining three Iranian military pilots whose aircraft crashed during the conflict, describing the claims as “completely baseless, false and illogical.”

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Tuesday that Doha had already handed over the remains of one pilot to an Iranian delegation after they were recovered in April.

Iranian officials have claimed that three pilots — Javad Salehi, Abdolmajid Dashtian and Omran Behraveshian — survived the crashes and were captured alive by Qatar. Iranian General Mohammad Bagherzadeh also appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross for intervention, saying the men had been held for six months without communication.

Al-Ansari rejected the allegations, saying the Iranian aircraft had violated Qatar’s airspace and sovereignty and were dealt with according to the law. He added that Qatar had invited Iran to send a technical team to examine the search operations, but Tehran had not responded.

The dispute follows an Iranian attack on the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, which hosts US Central Command personnel. Qatar said it shot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers during the attack.

Despite the escalating accusations, al-Ansari said Qatar remained committed to diplomacy and dialogue while warning that Doha would defend its people, territory and sovereignty against any attack.

Wike Vows to Pull Down Houses Blocking Abuja Drainage Channels

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered the immediate demolition of buildings constructed on designated waterways and drainage channels in Abuja, including properties reportedly owned by senators and other prominent Nigerians.

The directive followed an inspection of flood-prone areas in Maitama Extension, where several buildings were submerged after heavy rainfall. Authorities identified blocked drainage channels and construction along waterways as major factors worsening the flooding.

Wike directed the FCT Development Control Department to begin demolitions immediately and continue the exercise through Saturday.

He said the enforcement would apply regardless of the social or political status of property owners, insisting that no individual would be protected from action for building on designated water channels.

> “Any house that’s found on the water channel will go down,” Wike said.

The minister also ordered the immediate desilting of affected drainage systems and urged residents and traders to stop dumping refuse into waterways.

While acknowledging that climate change and unusually heavy rainfall contributed to the flooding, Wike said human activities, including illegal construction, blocked drains and poor waste disposal, had significantly worsened the situation.

Google Plans to End Pixel Production in China by 2027

Google is preparing to stop manufacturing its Pixel smartphones, smartwatches and wireless earbuds in China from 2027, as the US technology giant shifts more of its production to Vietnam and India.

According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Google has informed suppliers of plans to have its entire Pixel device lineup produced outside China starting next year.

The move comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Beijing, which have encouraged major US technology companies to reduce their dependence on Chinese manufacturing.

Google has already expanded Pixel production in Vietnam and India. The company is expected to further strengthen manufacturing capacity in both countries as it seeks to increase global smartphone shipments.

The shift will also affect other products in Google's hardware portfolio, including Pixel Watches and wireless earbuds.

The decision highlights the broader transformation taking place in the global electronics supply chain, with major technology companies increasingly diversifying manufacturing beyond China to reduce geopolitical and supply-chain risks.

For Google, moving Pixel production to Vietnam and India could provide greater flexibility while helping the company build a more geographically diversified manufacturing network.

vivo Unveils OriginOS 7 With New Light-and-Shadow Design for Android 17

vivo has officially announced OriginOS 7, its next major software update, introducing a redesigned interface built around a new “light and shadow” visual experience.

The update is based on Android 17, and a beta version has already begun rolling out to selected devices in China.

According to vivo’s OS product director, OriginOS 7 focuses on four major elements: perception, intelligence, interaction and emotional expression.

The new interface is designed to make light and shadow behave more naturally depending on what appears behind interface elements. Visual effects will also respond to user actions, with taps and swipes triggering dynamic lighting and shadow animations.

vivo’s Blue V assistant will receive additional visual integration, with lighting effects changing depending on the task being performed to help guide users through different actions.

The company is also introducing customizable light-and-shadow effects, allowing users to personalize the appearance and mood of their interface.

Global rollout remains uncertain

For now, vivo has not announced an official international release date for OriginOS 7. Beta testing began in China after registrations opened in July.

Based on vivo’s previous software rollout patterns, international users could potentially see the update a few months after the Chinese beta, although this has not been confirmed by the company.

Early testers have also noted similarities between OriginOS 7’s translucent visual style and Apple’s Liquid Glass design language introduced with iOS 26.

With OriginOS 7, vivo is positioning its software as a more dynamic and visually responsive Android experience while bringing its devices in line with the latest Android 17 generation.

Oppo Reno16 F Review: Premium Design, Long Battery Life and Camera-Focused Performance

Oppo’s latest midrange smartphone, the Reno16 F, focuses on the areas that matter most to everyday users: design, battery life, display quality and photography.

Priced at $999, the Reno16 F delivers a premium-looking build and reliable performance, although its MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy chipset means it is better suited to everyday tasks than demanding gaming.

Premium Design and Display

The Reno16 F features a 6.57-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Its slim design, matte rear finish and flush-fit frame give it a more expensive feel than its price suggests.

The Twilight Violet version changes appearance under different lighting, shifting between brown and plum-purple tones. Oppo also offers a Pop White variant with a holographic planet-inspired design.

Despite its large screen, the phone weighs under 200 grams, making it relatively comfortable to carry.

Excellent Battery Life

One of the Reno16 F’s strongest features is its 6,500mAh battery, which can comfortably provide up to two days of regular use.

It supports 45W fast charging, with a charger included in the box. The phone also runs ColorOS 16, which offers extensive customisation options for icons, lock screens and the always-on display.

However, the software experience is affected by a large amount of preinstalled third-party applications, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Spotify, AliExpress, CapCut and Amazon.

Camera Performance

Photography is another major strength of the Reno16 F.

The phone comes with a 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto camera and 8MP ultrawide camera. The main and telephoto cameras feature optical image stabilisation, while the ultrawide camera is less impressive.

Photos generally produce vivid colours and good detail, while low-light and indoor photography also perform well. The front camera delivers clear images without excessive processing.

Video recording is limited to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps, reinforcing the phone's photography-first approach.

There is, however, a problem with AI image processing. In some situations, the processing can distort straight lines and make architectural objects appear curved.

Performance

The Dimensity 7300-Energy processor provides smooth performance for everyday activities such as browsing, social media, streaming and general multitasking.

Gaming is a different story. Users looking for a phone for demanding games may find the chipset limiting, although the 120Hz display helps keep navigation and animations smooth.

Durability and Software Support

The Reno16 F carries an IP69K rating, providing strong protection against dust, water splashes and high-pressure sprays.

Oppo also promises five years of major operating-system updates and six years of security updates for the Reno16 series, which is a strong commitment for a midrange smartphone.

The optional Oppo Bubble accessory adds a quirky touch. It works as a Bluetooth camera remote and allows users to view the camera's viewfinder and take photos remotely.

Verdict

The Oppo Reno16 F is a compelling option for users who prioritise camera performance, battery life and premium design over raw processing power.

Its weaknesses include excessive preinstalled apps, inconsistent AI image processing, mediocre speakers and the lack of wireless charging. Nevertheless, its strong battery, capable cameras, durable construction and long software-support commitment make it a solid midrange smartphone.

Overall rating: 4/5

Android 17 Rollout Begins: Full List of Supported Phones

Google’s Android 17 update is now available, but only a limited number of smartphones have received the stable version. Google Pixel devices currently lead the rollout, while Samsung and Motorola have begun releasing Android 17 on selected models.

As of August 17, 2026, these are the major devices confirmed to have Android 17 or to be actively testing it:

Google Pixel: Pixel 6 and newer models are already running Android 17. The newly announced Pixel 11 series will also ship with Android 17.

Samsung: Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 come with Android 17 out of the box. The Galaxy S26 series remains in the One UI 9 beta.

Motorola: The Android 17 rollout has started with the Motorola Edge 2025, with newer Razr and Edge models expected to follow.

OnePlus: The OnePlus 15 is currently being tested with the Android 17-based OxygenOS 17, with a stable release expected later this year.

Xiaomi: Xiaomi has begun testing HyperOS 4, its Android 17-based software, on selected Xiaomi 17 and Redmi K90 devices.

OPPO: ColorOS 17 is currently in closed beta, beginning with selected Find X9 models.

Vivo and iQOO: Developer previews are available on the Vivo X300 Pro and iQOO 15.

Honor: MagicOS 11, based on Android 17, is currently undergoing closed beta testing on selected devices.

Google has also introduced new AI capabilities with Android 17, but not every phone will receive them. The newer Gemini Intelligence features require at least 12GB of RAM, a recent flagship processor and support for Gemini Nano v3.

Owners of older devices should also check their manufacturer's update policy. Some models, including the Galaxy S22 series and Pixel 5, are not eligible for Android 17.

For now, Pixel users have the widest access to Android 17, while other major Android manufacturers are gradually expanding their rollouts. Stable updates for Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo and Honor devices are expected to arrive in the coming months.

Shehu Sani Defends Adeleke’s Support for Tinubu

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has defended Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke over his decision to thank President Bola Tinubu and endorse him for the 2027 presidential election.

Adeleke, after being declared winner of the Osun governorship election, praised Tinubu for allowing the election process to remain free and fair. He also reiterated his support for the President’s re-election bid.

Sani argued that critics who expected Adeleke to remain openly confrontational toward Tinubu were overlooking the realities of Nigerian politics and elections.

According to him, winning an election involves more than securing votes at polling units. He said candidates must also ensure that their votes are protected throughout the collation process.

Sani noted that some politicians had lost elections despite winning at polling units because they were unable to safeguard their results during collation.

Meanwhile, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo suggested that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu was based on an existing agreement, saying, “Agreement is agreement.”

However, Adeleke’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, rejected the claim, insisting that there was no agreement between the governor and the President.

Olajengbesi said Adeleke’s support for Tinubu was based on the President’s performance and reforms that had strengthened states economically.

The development has attracted attention because Adeleke belongs to the opposition Accord Party, while Tinubu leads the ruling All Progressives Congress. Adeleke’s conciliatory approach has therefore sparked debate within opposition circles over whether it represents political compromise or strategic cooperation.

18-Year-Old Australian Golfer Jessica Bang Dies in Thailand After Brain Hemorrhage

Australian professional golfer Jessica Bang has died at the age of 18 after suffering a brain hemorrhage while preparing for a tournament in Thailand.

Bang collapsed on August 1 and was rushed to a hospital in Bangkok, where she underwent emergency brain surgery. She died on Thursday, according to the WPGA Tour of Australasia.

The young golfer had recently begun her professional career after earning her place on the tour through qualifying school late last year.

Bang made an impressive start to her career in February when she won the Women’s New South Wales Open Regional Qualifying Event in only her fifth professional appearance. She carded a final-round 65 to secure a place in the NWS Women’s Open on the Ladies European Tour, although she later missed the cut.

The WPGA Tour of Australasia expressed deep sorrow over her death, describing Bang as an outstanding young talent who had made a significant impression during her short time on the professional circuit.

Her cousins also remembered her for her cheerful personality and sense of humour, saying she would be deeply missed by her family.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by Bang’s cousins has raised more than A$50,000 to support the family following her sudden death.

The Australian golf community has since mourned the loss of a promising young player whose professional career was only beginning.

Backlash Over Release of 85-Year-Old Drug Trafficker in Thailand

Thailand’s Justice Minister has ordered a review of the country’s pardon criteria following widespread criticism over the release of an 85-year-old convicted drug trafficker who served less than 10 years of a life sentence.

Laota Saenlee, a former anti-communist guerrilla who later became involved in drug trafficking, was arrested by undercover officers in 2016 for selling crystal methamphetamine in the Golden Triangle, a notorious drug-producing region where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet.

He was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, Thailand’s Corrections Department said he was released from a maximum-security prison near Bangkok on Friday after a series of royal pardons reduced his sentence.

Officials said Laota qualified for the release because of his advanced age and good behaviour while in prison. Authorities added that he would be monitored following his release.

The decision has sparked strong public criticism, with some former law enforcement officials questioning why a major drug offender was considered eligible for early release.

Rewat Klinkesorn, a former narcotics police chief who was involved in investigating Laota, said he was shocked by the decision and called for the corrections system to strengthen its regulations.

Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat said on Tuesday that he had directed the Corrections Department to provide clarification on the circumstances surrounding Laota’s pardon and release.

“The officials followed the pardon criteria, but there are some flaws in the criteria,” the minister said, adding that a review was already underway.

Laota, who belongs to the Lisu ethnic minority, reportedly joined China’s anti-communist Kuomintang as a child soldier before later fighting communist insurgents in Thailand during the 1970s.

He has also been linked to Khun Sa, a notorious Myanmar-based rebel leader and drug trafficker who died in 2007.

The Golden Triangle has long been associated with large-scale production and trafficking of heroin, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs, with organised criminal groups operating across the region.

15 Hindu Worshippers Killed in Hotel Fire, Temple Stampede in India

At least 15 Hindu worshippers were killed in two separate incidents in eastern India on Monday while taking part in religious activities marking the final Monday of the holy Shravan month dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Eight people died after a fire broke out at a hotel in Tarapith, West Bengal, while seven others were killed in a stampede at the Ashok Dham temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar.

The victims of the hotel fire had travelled to Tarapith to offer prayers during the busy religious period, which attracts large numbers of devotees.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed condolences to the families of those who died. The cause of the hotel fire had not immediately been established.

In Bihar, seven pilgrims were crushed to death and 19 others injured after a stampede erupted at the temple.

Officials said the incident was triggered by rumours that an electric pole had fallen on worshippers inside the temple premises.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary described the tragedy as “heart-wrenching” and announced compensation of 400,000 rupees ($4,180) for the family of each victim.

Deadly stampedes frequently occur during major religious gatherings in India, often raising concerns about crowd control and safety measures.

In one of the country's worst recent religious crowd disasters, 120 people were killed in Uttar Pradesh in 2024 during a gathering attended by tens of thousands of devotees.

UK Commends Peaceful Osun Election, Raises Concerns Over Vote-Buying, BVAS Delays

The United Kingdom has commended the peaceful conduct of the 15 August 2026 Osun State governorship election while raising concerns over vote-buying and delays associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

The British High Commission, in a statement issued on Monday, congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and praised Osun voters for their active and peaceful participation.

The UK said its accredited observers and independent monitoring groups recorded several positive developments, including the timely opening of polling units in many areas, the efforts of security personnel to maintain order and the effective implementation of electoral procedures by INEC officials.

However, the British government identified some concerns, including isolated incidents that created tension before and during the election.

It also highlighted voter interference, particularly vote-buying, describing it as a major challenge that cuts across political parties.

The High Commission further raised concerns about access to polling units for persons with disabilities and elderly voters, as well as overcrowding caused by delays and limited BVAS devices for accreditation.

It urged Nigerian authorities to carefully review the issues and consider recommendations from civil society organisations to improve transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral process.

The UK said the lessons from the Osun election would be valuable as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, noting that off-cycle elections benefit from additional resources that may be more difficult to provide during nationwide elections.

It expressed hope that the experience would help strengthen the integrity, inclusiveness and credibility of future elections in Nigeria.

Adeleke was declared the winner of the Osun governorship election, securing a second term in office.

Reform UK proposes sweeping ban on benefits for foreign nationals

Reform UK has proposed a major overhaul of the UK welfare system that would prevent most foreign nationals from accessing a wide range of benefits if the party comes to power.

The proposal would affect even EU citizens with settled status, potentially requiring Britain to renegotiate parts of its post-Brexit agreement with the European Union.

Reform’s treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, said the changes were necessary to make the welfare system fairer and reduce what he described as excessive pressure on British taxpayers.

The party says its welfare reforms could save about £50 billion a year, including an estimated £21 billion from restricting benefits for foreign nationals by the fifth year.

Under the proposal, foreign nationals could be excluded from benefits including Universal Credit, housing support, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, free childcare and disability payments. Only limited exemptions, such as war widows’ pensions and Armed Forces compensation, would apply.

Reform also wants people who have claimed benefits for more than 12 months and are considered fit to work to complete 20 hours of community work each week. Those who refuse or fail to participate could face sanctions, including reductions in their benefits.

The party estimates that by 2029, about 1.5 million non-British adults could be receiving Universal Credit, while around 215,000 could be receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The proposal has sparked criticism from Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens.

Labour accused Reform of potentially dragging Britain into renewed Brexit negotiations and removing support from people who have legally lived and worked in the UK for many years.

The Conservatives said the proposals appeared poorly assembled, while the Liberal Democrats argued that improving the NHS and social care system was essential to reducing welfare spending.

Reform has also proposed replacing the existing PIP system with a new disability assessment and introducing insurance requirements for larger employers to cover workers during the first two years of sickness absence.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies warned that much of the projected savings would depend on a tougher disability assessment, while noting that previous attempts to tighten eligibility had produced smaller savings than expected.