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Amid news of an assassination, regional tensions, and a historic prisoner swap, a story that caught the attention of readers is one on the fast food industry. Giants like McDonald’s are seeing a drop in sales worldwide. Believe it or not, many find the food unaffordable. We explain in our weekly wrap read more
 "Why more and more people are ditching fast food (It’s not health)")
McDonald’s global sales have fallen for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter, that is the April-June period. Consumers hit by inflation are skipping eating out or picking cheaper options. File photo/AP
Peace continues to be evasive in West Asia. Until a few weeks ago, it seemed like negotiations between Hamas and Israel were on the cards after Benjamin Netanyahu’s US visit. But the region is on edge once again after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
While all fingers point toward Mossad, Israel has neither accepted nor declined its role in the attack. But this week, the Israeli Defense Forces claimed to have eliminated two big enemies – Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah’s most senior military commander on July 31 and Mohammed Deif, Hamas’ second in command on July 13. We bring you all the developments from the region.
From West Asia, let’s move to Russia. In the age of heightened geopolitical tensions, the Russia and West carried out a historic prisoner swap deal. The exchange comes after years of extensive negotiations with Moscow and led to the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov among 24 others.
A shocking story comes from the UK. A knife attack at a dance class in Southport left three girls, aged six to nine, dead. Eight other children and two adults were injured. Behind the attack was a 17-year-old. The stabbings have rocked the nation, leading to a far-right riot.
All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers from stories around the world.
1. On Tuesday, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in of Iran’s new president Masoud Pezeshkian. That was the last the world saw of the Hamas chief. He was assassinated in a plush guesthouse in the Iranian capital in the wee hours of Tuesday. But who was Haniyeh? Here’s the story of the man who was born in a refugee camp in Gaza and went on to become one of Hamas’ most powerful leaders.
2. How was Haniyeh killed? At first, reports said that an “airborne projectile” struck the room where he was staying. However, days after the assassination, a well-planned plot has come to the fore. An explosive device was reportedly smuggled into the guesthouse two months ago. The compound where the Hamas chief would be put up was under surveillance. Here’s how the attack was planned and executed.
3. It’s the biggest prisoner swap between Russia and Western countries since the Cold War. The deal frees 24 detainees from seven countries including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan and Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov. But how did Wasghition navigate the exchange? We take you behind the scenes.
4. Horror unfolded at a Taylor Swift-themed event – a dance class for children aged six to 10 in the UK’s Southport. A 17-year-old allegedly went on a stabbing spree, killing three girls and injuring ten others, mostly children. The name of the accused was kept under wraps until the court decided otherwise. He has been identified as Axel Muganwa Rudakubana. Who is he?
5. Our next story comes from Pakistan. It’s about a land dispute between two families – one a Sunni, another a Shia. The fight has turned ugly, rather deadly. At least 49 people have been killed and 200 injured in the northwestern Kurram tribal district on the border of Afghanistan. The tension has spread to neighbouring villages and settlements. What happened? We explain.
6. Donald Trump is going all-out and attacking Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic candidate and his rival in the US presidential elections. Many of his jibes are simply sexist. He also continues to raise questions about her capability. At the National Association of Black Journalists convention on July 31, Trump claimed that Harris failed to pass the bar exam. But is there any truth to it? We fact-check.
7. The Happy Meal is not bringing joy any more. Fast food giants like McDonald’s are seeing a drop in sales globally. Other popular chains are also seeing a slump. Burger King and Wendy’s do not have many takers. Has inflation made even fast food out of reach for some? We analyse.
That’s all from us this Sunday. Happy reading. And if you want to delve deeper into global news, bookmark this page.
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English (US) ·