More than 600 pilgrims in Iraq were briefly hospitalized with respiratory problems after inhaling chlorine as the result of a leak at a water treatment station, authorities said Sunday. The incident took place overnight on the route between the two Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, located in the center and south of Iraq respectively.

Security forces charged with protecting pilgrims said the incident had been caused by "a chlorine leak from a water station on the Karbala-Najaf road". This year, several million Shiite Muslim pilgrims are expected to make their way to Karbala, which houses the shrines of the revered Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.

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Manchester United has announced the signing of Slovenia international Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, bolstering their attacking options ahead of the new season. The 22-year-old forward has signed a contract until June 2030, the club confirmed in a statement.

Over the past two seasons, Sesko has scored more goals than any other player under the age of 23 in Europe's top five leagues. In the 2024-25 campaign alone, he netted 21 goals and provided six assists for Leipzig. Since making his debut in 2021 and becoming Slovenia's youngest-ever senior international, Sesko has earned 41 caps and scored 16 goals for his country.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Raksha Bandhan on Saturday at his official residence in Delhi.

Children and members of the Brahma Kumari spiritual organization tied rakhis on his wrist, marking the occasion with warmth and tradition. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi posted on social media, extending his best wishes and highlighting the festival’s importance in strengthening sibling bonds. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, and in return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and care.

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Early on Saturday, as temperatures soared outside, a sprawling shopping centre in Dubai echoed to the squeak of sneakers as hundreds of people joined "Mallathon" -- an indoor, air-conditioned race.

The government-backed initiative aims to encourage exercise during August, often the United Arab Emirates' hottest month, and make use of Dubai's giant malls which are otherwise empty at that time. Running outside during summer in the Gulf, one of the world's hottest regions where temperatures sometimes top 50C, is unpleasant and even unsafe for many.

Throughout August, nine of the city's shopping centres -- including the cavernous Dubai Mall, one of the world's biggest -- are open daily for runners and walkers from 7am-10am.

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The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, southern Spain, reopened to visitors on Saturday following a fire that broke out late Friday night. The affected vaults had been recently restored and are not among the building's oldest parts.

The fire also damaged some sculptural, pictorial, and altarpiece works, but the overall impact was "very localized," according to the dean of the Cathedral. The blaze began around 21:15 local time on Friday, reportedly sparked by an automatic sweeping machine. No casualties or trapped individuals were reported, according to Spanish broadcaster Cadena SER.

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In response to imported cases of Chikungunya fever in Hong Kong, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department stepped up mosquito control efforts in various districts.

Workers conducted mosquito control operations on a section of Boundary Street outside Fa Hui Park where it reached the yellow level, indicating widespread of mosquitos of the Adedes albopictus type. In many districts, the department is continuing to collaborate with governments departments and stakeholders to strengthen patrols, particularly at construction sites and locations with higher mosquito risk.

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More than 1,000 Cambodian Buddhist monks attended a prayer ceremony for soldiers killed in border clashes on Friday. They briefly marched on the streets in capital Phnom Penh before gathering at a Buddhist temple. Pictures of the reportedly fallen soldiers were displayed at the temple.

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The Myanmar-based team, Yangon Galacticos won the PUBG Mobile tournament at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia. A grand celebration and a meet-and-greet event for the world champion team were held at People's Square in Yangon.

The celebration featured a documentary on the journey of Myanmar's Esports athletes, speeches by senior Esports players, and heartfelt words from the parents of the champion athletes. The Managing Director of Kanbawza Bank Limited, honored the Myanmar Electronic Sports Federation with a donation of 500 million kyats. Following this, the Managing Director of KBZPay, contributed 200 million kyats to support the successful organization of the celebration.

KBZPay continues to support the development of Myanmar Esports sector by sponsoring various tournaments, including the Inter-University Esports Competition (Varsity League), the National Esports Championship leading to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, and the Esports World Cup. Since the establishment of the Myanmar Electronic Sports Federation, KBZ Bank and KBZPay have provided a total of 4.5 billion kyats to help develop the Esports scene in Myanmar.

The Esports World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia was one of the world's largest international Esports tournaments, with over 1,000 elite teams and approximately 5,000 professional players from more than 100 countries competing.

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Basic education schools in Nawnghkio were closed for nearly a year due to terrorist attacks. The schools were reopened on 25 July, and students can learn peacefully, with the school enrolment process being provided.
A total of 26 basic education schools have reopened in the township, and 4,400 students are attending the schools at present.
The Nawnghkio General Hospital was reopened on 2 August to provide healthcare services to locals.
Medical treatment was provided to 67 outpatients, and 129 patients were vaccinated against measles and the flu yesterday.
Moreover, 27 patients, 16 males and 11 females, are receiving medical treatment, and the medics offer proper healthcare services. — MNA/KTZH

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited Bago's historic Kanbawzathadi Palace on Sunday to inspect ongoing cultural heritage preservation work.

The Senior General reviewed the restored sections, including replica royal halls from ancient Myanmar dynasties, traditional artifacts, and historical photos. The Senior General emphasized the need for systematic conservation, using modern technology to preserve the nation’s rich history for future generations.

They also viewed the reconstruction of royal carriage, once used by King Bayintnaung, and Theinni Gate area, where ancient city walls and moats are under preservation. He instructed officials to maintain cleanliness and beauty of the palace grounds, to revive and protect the ancient Hanthawaddy city site and fortifications, to improve visitor spaces and restore nearby Bago River banks, using stone reinforcements for proper water flow.

Kanbawzathadi Palace, originally built in 1553 by King Bayintnaung, was destroyed in the late 1500s. It was rediscovered and excavated between 1990 and 1997, with several royal buildings now reconstructed based on archaeological evidence. The site is now a popular destination for local and international visitors.

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