Vodka loses position as top alcoholic beverage in Russia
Vodka, once a national symbol of Russia , has lost its leading position in the country's alcoholic beverage market. According to a report from the Atol company, beer now accounts for 51% of total alcoholic beverage sales in Russia, while vodka accounts for only 6%.
The change reflects new Russian consumer trends favoring lighter drinks such as beer and wine, and government efforts to reduce alcohol consumption and improve public health.
Israel preemptively attacks Hezbollah
On August 25, the Israeli military launched a preemptive strike in Lebanon after determining that Hezbollah was preparing to launch a major attack. Israel used about 100 jets to attack more than 40 Hezbollah launch sites in southern Lebanon.
In response, Hezbollah launched more than 320 missiles and drones at Israel, claiming to have completed the “first phase” of an attack in retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander last month. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged to defend the country and did not seek all-out war.
Malaysian warship sinks off coast
The Royal Malaysian Navy warship KD Pendekar sank off the coast of Johor on August 25 due to severe flooding from a leak in the engine room. Despite efforts to bring it under control, the ship sank completely at 3:54 p.m. the same day.
All 39 crew members were rescued safely, with no injuries. The initial cause is believed to be a collision with a submerged object. The Malaysian Navy has set up an investigation board to determine the exact cause.
New information about the location of MH370's body
Australian scientist Vincent Lyne claims to have pinpointed the location of the MH370 wreckage in the Broken Ridge area, a 6km deep crater in the Indian Ocean. He says it is the “perfect hiding place” with narrow slopes and fine sediments where the plane was deliberately crashed.
Engineer Richard Godfrey also confirmed the location, based on satellite data and new technology.
Mr Lyne is calling on officials to prioritise the search here, in the hope of solving the mystery of MH370 10 years after it disappeared.
Telegram CEO arrested in France
Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram , was arrested in France on August 24 as part of a criminal investigation. Durov faces 12 charges, including complicity in drug trafficking, money laundering, and distribution of child pornography.
After his arrest, he was released on bail with the condition that he pay 5 million euros, report twice a week and not leave France. The case has sparked debate about free speech and the relationship between governments and technology platforms.
US F-16 given to Ukraine crashes, pilot dies
Ukraine confirmed that the first F-16 fighter jet provided by the US crashed on August 26 while facing Russian air strikes. Pilot Oleksiy Mes died in the incident. The Ukrainian General Staff said that before the crash, the F-16 shot down four Russian cruise missiles.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, with the hypothesis that it may have been due to pilot error or mechanical failure, not Russian fire. This is the first loss for Ukraine since receiving F-16s this month.
