ARAN

Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga won gold in the men's javelin at the 2026 Asian Games, beating India's favoured throwers in a competition widely billed as an Indian sweep. The result ended India's dominance in the event and marked a breakthrough javelin triumph for Sri Lanka on the continental stage.

Major technology companies are rapidly expanding the use of guarantees to back debt financing for AI datacentres and chips, issuing up to $300 billion in commitments in less than a year, according to analysis shared by economist Adam Tooze. The commitments largely stay off the companies' balance sheets, raising questions about hidden leverage in the AI buildout and how much risk the industry is actually carrying.

Malaysian YouTuber Alieff Irfan has released a surprise-visit video in which he turns up unannounced at the house of the female members of AI Team 2026, a talent group. During the visit he says he found items that 'should not be there', teasing the reveal without detailing them. The clip has drawn over a million likes, with viewers reacting to the group's living setup and the teasing contents of the discovery.

Marcelo Maranata, a candidate for governor of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil's elections, took part in the RBS TV debate alongside other contenders. He said sectoral agricultural development funds "must all be maintained", argued that salary adjustments should be tied to revenue increases, and called promises to end health care waiting lists "irresponsible".

Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman addressed the Gaza conflict at a public forum and defended her decision to appear alongside political commentator Hasan Piker. The appearance has drawn scrutiny, with critics questioning her association with the streamer and her positions on the Israel-Gaza war, while supporters back her stance.

Turkish lender Garanti BBVA has completed a USD 125 million sustainable subordinated bond issuance, adding to the growing pipeline of sustainability-linked debt from emerging market banks. The deal gives investors a chance to support environmental and social objectives while holding a subordinated instrument from one of Turkey's largest private banks, part of the Spanish BBVA group.

Lindsay Clancy appeared in court for the first time since her trial ended in a mistrial, but prosecutors and judges left the question of a retrial unresolved. The case, which drew wide attention over the deaths of her children and questions about her mental state, remains in limbo as authorities weigh whether to try her again.

Humanoid robots are being developed or deployed with the ability to change their appearance to suit different job roles, according to a report by Chosun Ilbo. The development points to a shift in robotics from single-purpose machines toward adaptable units that can be reconfigured for tasks in service, retail or industrial settings. The report offers few further details, and it is not yet clear which companies or models are involved.

Negotiations are under way in Italy for the renewal of the national collective labour agreement covering local government employees (CCNL Enti Locali) for 2025-2027. The key issues on the table are the retribuzione di posizione, a pay grade linked to the role held, and the retribuzione di risultato, performance-related pay tied to results. Public sector unions and the employers' association ARAN are expected to focus on how pay rises and bonuses will be distributed across local authority staff.

Franklin Madison has introduced a guaranteed issue life insurance product aimed at expanding access to financial protection. Guaranteed issue policies typically require no medical exam or health questions, making coverage available to people who might otherwise struggle to qualify. The company says the offering broadens options for consumers seeking simpler life insurance coverage.

The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances has published its findings on Armenia, Belize, Gabon and Lesotho, reviewing how each state is meeting its obligations under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The conclusions form part of the committee's regular examination of countries party to the treaty.

Jennifer Lawrence has publicly expressed interest in hosting Saturday Night Live again, more than ten years after her most recent stint as host. The Oscar-winning actor last fronted the NBC comedy show in the early 2010s. There is no confirmation yet from SNL or NBC that another hosting appearance is planned, and fans are weighing whether the network will take her up on it.

Mike Jones, the firearms and preparedness personality known online as Garand Thumb, laid out a 30-day survival plan for a nationwide power grid failure in an interview on the Shawn Ryan Show. He walks through food, water, fuel, security and medical preparations ordinary households can make. The conversation is drawing wide attention amid ongoing concerns about grid reliability and infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Actress Jasmine Guy has spoken out against online criticism of her appearance, saying that the internet can be brutal to women. The star, known for her role in A Different World, addressed the comments directly in a new interview. Her remarks are drawing attention to how harshly public figures, especially women, are judged online.

Control Resonant, the upcoming follow-up to Remedy's supernatural action game Control, has received a detailed look at its art direction and technology. The studio explains how its design tools and visual choices shaped the game's paranaturally warped version of Manhattan and its boss encounters, drawing attention from fans ahead of release.