Around the World

GT keeps the news wire ticking by bringing you news from around the globe

INDIA
Celebrating checkmates
Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa staged a comeback from a six-point deficit on the final day to defeat Fabiano Caruana 15-13, becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour title. The 21-year-old won a prize of 200,000 USD, taking his tour earnings to 404,354 USD. He also secured an automatic qualification to defend his title in the 2027 Grand Chess Tour. This victory added to his impressive 2026 season after the Norway Chess title and Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz title.

 

NEPAL
Cascading calamity
A catastrophic flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts on August 26, killing over 930 people and leaving more than 4,200 missing. Initially associated with a 5.2-magnitude seismic event, scientists now attribute the tragedy to an ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse in the Himalayas. The resulting surge overwhelmed the Bhote Koshi River, devastating communities and infrastructure downstream.

ICELAND
Sovereignty first
The voters in Iceland have rejected a proposal to resume European Union membership negotiations, with nearly 53% voting against it in a closely contested referendum. While supporters argued that joining the bloc could help stabilise their economy and offer geopolitical solidarity amid rising global tensions, the fierce ‘No’ campaign successfully rallied the country warning that EU membership would force Iceland to share its prized fishing waters and quotas with foreign companies. The result puts the country’s EU ambitions on hold.

USA
Apple’s new era
Apple enters a new era as Tim Cook steps down as CEO after 15 years. In a post on X, Cook stated that his “gratitude is endless”. Appointed in August 2011, Cook succeeded Steve Jobs and steered Apple from a 350 billion USD valuation into a multi-trillion-dollar tech giant. John Ternus, Apple’s hardware chief, will succeed Cook as CEO from September 1. However, this is not the end of Cook’s association with Apple as he will take on the position of the company’s executive chairman.

KENYA
Stella completes test run
A group of 23 Dutch students from Eindhoven University of Technology developed Stella Juva, the world’s first solar ‘ambulance’. It finished a test run of more than 800km while operating as a mobile health clinic in Kenya. Completely powered by solar panels and equipped with an X-ray machine, an ultrasound, and a vaccine fridge, it could help healthcare reach under-served areas. Stella Juva will now be shipped back to the Netherlands for further innovations.

NORWAY
New reign ahead
Haakon VIII becomes the fourth king to lead the country’s modern monarchy, after inheriting the Norwegian throne upon the death of his father, Harald V. More than 20,000 mourners gathered to pay tribute to the late monarch who passed away on August 28 after reigning for 35 years. He formally swore an oath of allegiance before the Parliament on September 1. King Haakon is expected to uphold his father’s legacy of service. His daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, is now in line to become Norway’s first queen since the 15th century.

AUSTRIA
Royal necklace stolen
A 200-carat platinum necklace set with 673 diamonds has been stolen from Vienna’s Museum of Applied Arts by two unmasked men. The suspects allegedly bought tickets before smashing a display case and fleeing with the jewellery during opening hours. The necklace once belonged to Egypt’s Queen Consort Nazli and was sold at auction for 4.3 million USD in 2015. This daylight heist is the latest in a series of high-profile thefts targeting European museums.