Saturday, August 29

    Wildfires have ravaged northeastern Algeria, claiming at least 12 lives and leaving 54 injured during a scorching heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five individuals died in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Of those injured, six remain in critical condition due to burns and require intensive medical treatment. The fires rapidly spread through multiple northern provinces, where emergency services are actively engaged in firefighting efforts around forested regions and nearby residential zones.

    In July 2026, South Korea experienced a notable increase in foreign visitors, with the total reaching 2,093,223 and reflecting a continued strong rebound in global tourism. This monthly figure represents a 20.8% rise compared to 1,733,199 arrivals in July 2025. Additionally, it surpasses the pre-pandemic level of July 2019 by 44.6%. The Korea Tourism Organization announced these updated monthly tourism statistics on August 25.

    News

    Nearly 22,000 Pakistanis were deported from Gulf countries between March 1 and July 13, 2026 for violations such as overstaying visas, illegal entries, drug offenses, forged documents, and organized begging. Saudi Arabia expelled the most individuals, with 15,500 Pakistanis deported, followed by the UAE (3,803), Oman (1,606), Bahrain (521), Qatar (429), and Kuwait (97). Efforts to crack down on immigration controls and visa authenticity have intensified, with increased security measures at airports and a focus on preventing misuse of visas for illegal activities.

    Technology

    Japan successfully conducted the launch of its H3 rocket, delivering the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into orbit. Michibiki No. 7, also known as QZS-7, is now part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, enhancing accuracy in positioning, navigation, and timing services. Japan began offering operational QZSS services in November 2018, covering Japan and the broader Asia-Oceania region. The achievement of this flight follows the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025, with the rocket’s second-stage engine shutdown. JAXA conducted an investigation before resuming H3 launches with successful missions.

    Automotive