Syria counting on Russian support in push for ‘domestic unity’ – FM

The fourth day of the fifth Test cricket match between England and India is underway at the Oval, with England at 53-1. Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope are at the crease, facing early in-swing deliveries from India's Akash Deep. The live updates capture the tense, back-and-forth action as both teams vie for dominance.

Editor’s Note: This match is a crucial part of a high-stakes Test series between two cricketing powerhouses. For fans, it’s a gripping contest where every session could shift momentum, making live updates essential. For casual readers, it’s a snapshot of the drama and skill that defines elite Test cricket.

The 2025 Tour de France Femmes is heating up as Stage nine reaches its thrilling mountain conclusion in Châtel. The peloton has just reeled in Wiebes' breakaway group, setting the stage for a dramatic final push among the contenders for the yellow jersey. Meanwhile, fans can catch up on yesterday's action with Jeremy Whittle's race report from Stage eight.

Editor’s Note: This stage is a pivotal moment in the race—mountain finishes often decide the overall winner, so every move counts. The Tour de France Femmes continues to grow in prestige, and this year's competition highlights the skill and endurance of women's cycling at the highest level. If you love edge-of-your-seat sports drama, this is it.

The Women’s Open 2025 is in its final round at Royal Porthcawl, with live hole-by-hole coverage keeping fans updated. Mimi Rhodes made headlines with an incredible hole-in-one, where her ball ricocheted in "snooker-style." Meanwhile, Andrea started with a bogey, adding tension to the leaderboard.

Editor’s Note: This is a thrilling moment for golf fans, especially with Rhodes’ rare and exciting hole-in-one. The final round’s live updates make it easy to follow the action, and early struggles from players like Andrea keep the competition unpredictable. If you love sports drama, this is a must-watch.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for a two-day visit, during which the two leaders signed agreements to strengthen cooperation in security, trade, and energy. The deals aim to boost economic ties and enhance regional stability.

Editor’s Note: This meeting signals a warming of relations between Pakistan and Iran, two neighboring countries with complex geopolitical ties. Strengthening trade and security collaboration could help stabilize the region and open up new economic opportunities, especially in energy—a critical sector for both nations. For everyday citizens, this could mean more jobs, better infrastructure, and potentially lower energy costs down the line.

Renewed sectarian violence broke out in Syria's Sweida province, a predominantly Druze region, on August 3, disrupting a fragile truce. FRANCE 24 interviewed Amr Fahed, a Syrian artist and activist, to shed light on the situation.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the ongoing instability in Syria, where even areas with temporary peace deals remain vulnerable to flare-ups of violence. For civilians in Sweida, the clashes mean more fear and uncertainty, underscoring how deep sectarian tensions still run in the country. It’s a reminder that Syria’s war isn’t truly over—it’s just shifted shape.