CHINA: Authorities in Beijing have suspended a high-ranking military official while he is being investigated, its Defence Ministry announced today.

The official, Miao Hua, is director of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission that oversees the country’s People’s Liberation Army.

Defence spokesperson Wu Qian said that Mr Miao is under investigation for “serious violations of discipline.”

UGANDA: At least 13 people have died in eastern Uganda after landslides buried 40 homes in six villages, relief officials said today.

The Uganda Red Cross Society said that 13 bodies have been recovered and the rescue effort is continuing.

Local media reported that authorities expect the death toll could rise to 30.

The landslides happened after heavy rains on Wednesday night in the mountainous district of Bulambuli, which is about 173 miles east of the capital, Kampala.

PAKISTAN: Police have levelled multiple charges against imprisoned former premier Imran Khan, his wife and others for inciting people to violence, officials said today.

This followed days of protests and clashes in which at least six people were killed and scores more were injured.

AUSTRALIA: A social media ban for children under 16 passed the Australian Senate today and will soon become a world-first law.

The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to A$50 million (£26m) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts.

The Senate passed the Bill 34 votes to 19. The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved the legislation 102 votes to 13.