AT LEAST 14 NEWBORNS KILLED IN ISLAMABAD HOSPITAL NURSERY FIRE AFTER AIR-CONDITIONING EXPLOSION

At least fourteen newborn babies have been killed in a fire at one of Pakistan's largest public hospitals in Islamabad, after an air-conditioning compressor exploded in a third-floor nursery early on Wednesday morning.

The blaze broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences just before seven o'clock local time, with rescue officials saying fifteen infants were inside the ward when the fire erupted.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grief over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation.

Hira Mustafa reports from Islamabad.

IN: “The blaze erupted...”
OUT: “...for the treatment.”
DUR: 34 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0826-0614mustafa-hospitalfire1.mp3

(ALT)

Reporter Hira Mustafa in Islamabad says the district administration has formed an inquiry committee and has been given twenty-four hours to identify the cause of the fire.

IN: “We have seen...”
OUT: “...hearing on ground.”
DUR: 29 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0826-0614mustafa-hospitalfire2.mp3

(ALT)

Hira Mustafa in Islamabad says the tragedy has sent shockwaves across Pakistan, with growing public anger directed at the hospital authorities over their failure to save the infants.

IN: “Here in Islamabad...”
OUT: “...the 14 infants.”
DUR: 19 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0826-0614mustafa-hospitalfire3.mp3

INDIA AND CHINA CONCLUDE 25TH ROUND OF BORDER TALKS IN BEIJING, AGREE TO SEEK BOUNDARY SETTLEMENT

India and China have concluded their 25th round of border talks in Beijing, with both sides agreeing to continue dialogue and seek a mutually acceptable boundary settlement.

The discussions between India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday came ahead of a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to New Delhi for the BRICS summit in September — which would be his first trip to the Indian capital in seven years.

The two countries' relations have been strained since a deadly clash between their troops in the Galwan Valley in 2020.

From New Delhi, Neha Poonia reports.

IN: “What's important is...”
OUT: “...its diplomatic calendar.”
DUR: 35 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0826-0404poonia-indiachinabordertalks2.mp3

(ALT)

Reporter Neha Poonia in New Delhi says both Doval and Wang Yi have framed the improving relationship as a foundation for a possible leaders' meeting at the BRICS summit next month.

IN: “Ajit Doval has...”
OUT: “...keep moving forward.”
DUR: 32 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0826-0404poonia-indiachinabordertalks3.mp3

CANADA HITS BACK WITH RETALIATORY TARIFFS ON MORE THAN 700 US PRODUCTS AS TRUMP ESCALATES RHETORIC

Canada on Tuesday announced retaliatory tariffs on more than seven hundred American products, doubling duties on steel and aluminium to fifty per cent and imposing new levies on electronics, dairy and clothing.

The move came after trade talks collapsed late on Friday, prompting Washington to impose fifty per cent tariffs on roughly twenty billion dollars' worth of Canadian goods.

US President Donald Trump has responded with a barrage of personal attacks on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and has floated renaming Lake Ontario.

Kate Fisher reports from Washington.

IN: “Clearly I think...”
OUT: “...in golden letters.”
DUR: 27 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-2342fisher-canadatradewar1.mp3

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING TO GLOW PINK TONIGHT IN TRIBUTE TO DOLLY PARTON

The Empire State Building will glow pink at 9:25 tonight Eastern Time in tribute to Dolly Parton — a nod to her iconic hit "9 to 5" — as the world mourns the country music legend's death at the age of 80.

Parton died on Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee. US President Donald Trump has ordered American flags lowered across the country for a week in her honour.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the entertainment world and the political spectrum.

Mitch Mccann reports from New York.

IN: “One of the...”
OUT: “...United States today.”
DUR: 38 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-2056mccann-dollypartonreactions1.mp3

DOLLY PARTON DIES PEACEFULLY IN NASHVILLE AT 80; PRESIDENT TRUMP ORDERS FLAGS LOWERED FOR ONE WEEK

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died peacefully in Nashville at the age of 80, with US President Donald Trump ordering flags to be lowered across the country for one week in her honour.

Parton had spoken publicly just days ago about struggling with her health after years of caring for her husband Carl Dean, who died in March last year.

The singer, songwriter and actress rose from humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to become one of the most celebrated entertainers in American history.

Ira Spitzer reports from San Francisco.

IN: “Her biography is...”
OUT: “...of her power.”
DUR: 36 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-2027spitzer-dollyparton1.mp3

CANADA HITS BACK WITH TARIFFS ON $20BN OF US GOODS AS WALL STREET SHRUGS OFF TRADE TENSIONS

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs of up to fifty per cent on nearly twenty billion dollars' worth of American goods, effective the eighth of September, in a dollar-for-dollar response to new duties imposed by Washington.

Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne says the countermeasures will target steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment and electronics, with Ottawa also unveiling billions of dollars in support for affected workers and businesses.

Wall Street's early reaction, however, has been muted, with the major indices edging higher on Tuesday despite the escalating trade dispute.

Mitch Mccann reports from New York.

IN: “Steel and aluminum...”
OUT: “...to play out.”
DUR: 32 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1714mccann-marketslatest1.mp3

CANADA HITS BACK WITH RETALIATORY TARIFFS ON NEARLY $20 BILLION OF US GOODS AS TRADE WAR ESCALATES

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs on nearly twenty billion dollars' worth of American goods, striking back after Washington imposed fifty per cent duties on Canadian exports over the weekend.

US President Donald Trump responded on social media, accusing Canada of having ripped off the United States for decades, and calling it the most difficult country to negotiate with.

The counter-tariffs — covering some seven hundred products including steel, dairy, and electronics — take effect on the eighth of September, backed by a support package worth more than five billion dollars for affected workers and businesses.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: “President Trump posted...”
OUT: “...Ontario any longer.”
DUR: 32 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1659harper-canadatradewar1.mp3

(ALT)

Reporter Nick Harper in Washington says US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins offered a notably restrained response to Ottawa's countermeasures, declining to address the retaliatory tariffs directly.

IN: “She was speaking...”
OUT: “...up of rhetoric.”
DUR: 34 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1659harper-canadatradewar2.mp3

PAKISTAN SAYS 'SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS' MADE IN TEHRAN TALKS AIMED AT REVIVING LAPSED US-IRAN PEACE FRAMEWORK

Pakistan says significant progress has been made in efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran, after the country's army chief and interior minister held a day of talks in Tehran on Monday.

The 60-day peace framework set out in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed in June by Pakistan, Iran and the US, lapsed in mid-August without renewal — with Tehran saying Washington had failed to meet its conditions.

Pakistan is now pushing to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.

Hira Mustafa reports from Islamabad.

IN: “Taking to the...”
OUT: “...held extensive meetings.”
DUR: 35 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1248mustafa-pakistanmediation1.mp3

(ALT)

Hira Mustafa in Islamabad says the presence of Pakistan's army chief in the Tehran delegation was seen as particularly significant because of his relationship with the White House.

IN: “Experts who we...”
OUT: “...the other issues.”
DUR: 33 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1248mustafa-pakistanmediation2.mp3

(ALT)

Hira Mustafa in Islamabad says Pakistan has so far offered no indication it has secured any protection from the latest round of American sanctions on Iran — and points to the stalled Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline as evidence of Islamabad's caution.

IN: “At this stage...”
OUT: “...of American penalties.”
DUR: 38 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1248mustafa-pakistanmediation3.mp3

IRAN SAYS IT IS 'READY' FOR NEW US SANCTIONS AS RIAL HITS RECORD LOW

Iran's economy minister has said Tehran has been preparing "for a long time" for the latest round of American sanctions and is ready to face them — as the Iranian rial hits a record low of more than two million to the US dollar.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday unveiled what he called "Operation Economic Outcast," targeting nearly sixty entities, individuals and vessels involved in oil smuggling, nuclear procurement and cyber operations.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: “In many ways...”
OUT: “...be extended further.”
DUR: 26 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1242harper-middleeastconflict1.mp3

(ALT)

Reporter Nick Harper in Washington says the sanctions list reveals the network of brokers and shadow vessels helping to generate and funnel revenue back to Tehran.

IN: “Just running through...”
OUT: “...UAE and Switzerland.”
DUR: 29 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1242harper-middleeastconflict2.mp3

(ALT)

Nick Harper, our reporter in Washington, says the threat of secondary sanctions could cause significant trade friction between the United States and a range of countries that do business with Iran.

IN: “Really this is...”
OUT: “...point of view.”
DUR: 36 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1242harper-middleeastconflict3.mp3

(ALT)

Nick Harper in Washington says the White House maintains it is open to diplomacy, but direct talks between Washington and Tehran still appear a long way off.

IN: “The official line...”
OUT: “...is an option.”
DUR: 36 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1242harper-middleeastconflict4.mp3

INDIA'S NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER DOVAL MEETS CHINESE VICE PRESIDENT IN BEIJING AHEAD OF 25TH ROUND OF BOUNDARY TALKS

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing ahead of the twenty-fifth round of Special Representatives boundary talks on Tuesday.

The discussions come as both sides seek to resolve the standoff that began along their disputed frontier in 2020, with India saying peace along the border is a prerequisite for broader ties, while Beijing has pushed to move the relationship forward.

The talks are seen as crucial ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to New Delhi for the BRICS summit next month.

Neha Poonia reports from New Delhi.

IN: “China has been...”
OUT: “...disengagement has happened.”
DUR: 38 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1040poonia-bordertalks1.mp3

(ALT)

Neha Poonia in New Delhi says both sides are looking to deepen economic cooperation, with previous summits between the two leaders having produced significant agreements.

IN: “We have seen...”
OUT: “...have been announced.”
DUR: 20 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-1040poonia-bordertalks3.mp3

IRAN INSISTS IT WILL COUNTER NEW US ECONOMIC MEASURES

Iran says it is 'fully prepared' to hit back against US economic sanctions and will inflict 'another defeat' on Washington.

Tehran says it is confident its economic partners will continue to do business, and says it has its 'own tools' to respond.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a series of new measures and a crackdown on nations and businesses which don't cut economic ties with Iran.

Iranian-American journalist Negar Mortazavi expects the sanctions will achieve very little.

IN: “Is this...
OUT: ...done that.”
DUR: 17 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825iran-negar1.mp3

MUMBAI'S AUGUST MONSOON RAINFALL FALLS WELL BELOW NORMAL AFTER RECORD-WET JULY

Mumbai has recorded barely half its normal August monsoon rainfall, with just 286 millimetres falling in the first nineteen days of the month against an average of more than 560.

The dry spell follows a record-wet July, when the city received more than 1,400 millimetres — well above the monthly norm — and patchy rain and overcast skies continued on the evening of Monday the 24th of August.

Across India more broadly, forecasters warn the overall monsoon season could end up significantly below average.

Rebecca Bundhun reports from Mumbai.

IN: “It looks like...”
OUT: “...weather department sources.”
DUR: 19 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-0408bundhun-monsoon1.mp3

(ALT)

Rebecca Bundhun, reporting from Mumbai, says the monsoon rains are vital for Indian agriculture — and officials blame the El Niño weather phenomenon for a season that could have a significant economic impact.

IN: “The monsoon is...”
OUT: “...severe in September.”
DUR: 39 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0825-0408bundhun-monsoon2.mp3

US TREASURY SECRETARY UNVEILS 'OPERATION ECONOMIC OUTCAST' SANCTIONS CAMPAIGN AGAINST IRAN BUT HOLDS OFF ON IMMEDIATE PENALTIES

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has unveiled a sweeping new sanctions campaign against Iran dubbed "Operation Economic Outcast" — but stopped short of imposing immediate penalties, describing the announcement as a "warning shot" to countries still doing business with Tehran.

Iran's currency hit a record low on Monday as the new measures were announced, while Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary warned that no oil would leave the Persian Gulf if the campaign is broadened.

The sanctions target a network of brokers, companies and shadow-fleet vessels across several countries that transport Iranian oil and channel revenue to Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: “There were no...”
OUT: “...sort of deal.”
DUR: 30 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-2339harper-iraneconomicsanctions1.mp3

(ALT)

Nick Harper, our reporter in Washington, says the key question is whether countries that buy Iranian oil — including China, India and Turkey — will be willing to cooperate with a US-led pressure campaign.

IN: “The big problem...”
OUT: “...he himself created.”
DUR: 37 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-2339harper-iraneconomicsanctions2.mp3

(ALT)

Nick Harper in Washington says the US military remains in the region enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports — and could resume combat operations if the economic pressure campaign fails.

IN: “We have a...”
OUT: “...again resume hostilities.”
DUR: 19 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-2339harper-iraneconomicsanctions3.mp3

Bessent threatens sanctions on Iran trading partners

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has outlined new sanctions on countries that trade with Iran as a way to further weaken the Iranian economy.

However, he did not name countries or provide a timeline for the new measures that he referred to as "economic D-Day” for Iran.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: “We are..." 
OUT: “...sanctions." 
DUR: 59 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824bessent-nh.mp3

CEASEFIRE MONITORS DEPLOY TO EASTERN CONGO AS M23 ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF SHELLING

The first ceasefire verification team has deployed to eastern Congo under the peace deal brokered by Qatar — travelling by United Nations helicopter to Minembwe in South Kivu province, where heavy fighting has been reported in recent weeks.

The deployment comes days after the Congolese government and the M23-led rebel alliance agreed a roadmap for peace talks following five days of negotiations in Switzerland.

However, M23 has accused government forces of shelling a village near Minembwe on Monday, causing civilian casualties — an allegation the Congolese military has not yet responded to.

Chris Ocamringa reports from Kinshasa.

IN: “This ceasefire mission...”
OUT: “...and Southern Africa.”
DUR: 38 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1753ocamringa-qataripeacedeal1.mp3

WALL STREET FALLS AS CHIP STOCKS DRAG AHEAD OF NVIDIA EARNINGS, LOSSES TRIMMED BY TREASURY BUYBACK REPORT

US stocks fell on Monday as semiconductor shares dragged the S&P 500 and Nasdaq lower ahead of Nvidia's earnings report on Wednesday, though losses were trimmed after reports the Treasury Department could tap its general account to fund a bond buyback programme.

While the broader tech sell-off dominated early trading, shares in major American carmakers also came under heavy pressure after US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social threatening to raise tariffs on Canadian automotive imports to fifty per cent from January.

The threat follows the collapse of trade talks between Washington and Ottawa on Friday, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing retaliatory tariffs on American goods from the eighth of September.

Mitch Mccann reports from New York.

IN: “This morning, Donald...”
OUT: “...president is writing.”
DUR: 36 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1659mccann-marketslatest1.mp3

(ALT)

Mitch Mccann in New York says investors are focused on how the US Treasury plans to pay for its bond buyback programme, with reports pointing to the government's main bank account as the likely source.

IN: “It's the main...”
OUT: “...need that money.”
DUR: 36 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1700mccann-marketslatest2.mp3

US TREASURY SECRETARY BESSENT TO UNVEIL UNPRECEDENTED SANCTIONS PACKAGE TARGETING IRAN'S ECONOMIC LIFELINES

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to announce what the White House is calling an unprecedented package of sanctions designed to economically isolate Iran, as the Iranian rial plunges to a record low and inflation nears ninety per cent.

The new measures are expected to go beyond targeting individual businesses that trade with Tehran, instead putting pressure on the governments of countries that help sustain Iran's cash flow — a move that could affect major trading partners including China, Turkey and India.

The announcement marks a shift in Washington's strategy, pivoting from military strike threats towards what it hopes will be a more effective economic campaign to end the near six-month war.

Kate Fisher reports from Washington.

IN: “It's hard to...”
OUT: “...it stands alone.”
DUR: 38 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1432fisher-iranusupdate1.mp3

(ALT)

Kate Fisher in Washington says US President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent have both signalled the scale of the economic campaign they intend to wage against Tehran.

IN: “That's right. He's...”
OUT: “...it economic D-Day.”
DUR: 9 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1432fisher-iranusupdate2.mp3

US TREASURY SECRETARY BESSENT SET TO UNVEIL 'ECONOMIC D-DAY' SANCTIONS PACKAGE AGAINST IRAN AS RIAL HITS RECORD LOW

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to announce what he has called an unprecedented sanctions package against Iran at a press conference in Washington later on Monday, as the Iranian rial plunges to a record low against the dollar.

The move marks a shift in American strategy after the Pentagon reportedly warned US President Donald Trump that military targets in Iran have been exhausted and munitions stockpiles are running low.

Washington is now betting that economic pressure can succeed where months of military action have not in forcing Tehran to the negotiating table.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: “It seems as...”
OUT: “...against an adversary.”
DUR: 34 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1349harper-trumpiran1.mp3

(ALT)

Nick Harper, our reporter in Washington, says the Pentagon has told the White House that the American military has exhausted its list of viable targets in Iran, forcing a change of strategy.

IN: “They've really run...”
OUT: “...financial revenue streams.”
DUR: 33 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1350harper-trumpiran2.mp3

(ALT)

Nick Harper in Washington says one of the biggest obstacles to the new sanctions strategy is persuading countries like China, Russia, and North Korea to stop helping Iran evade economic restrictions.

IN: “Donald Trump will...”
OUT: “...time against Iran.”
DUR: 37 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1350harper-trumpiran3.mp3

ZELENSKYY TELLS EUROPEAN LEADERS UKRAINE IS 'NOT A VICTIM BUT A FIGHTER' AS ALLIES GATHER IN KYIV FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has addressed European leaders at St Sophia Square in Kyiv on Ukraine's thirty-fifth Independence Day, declaring his country is "not a victim, but a fighter" and warning that Moscow must not be allowed to deceive Europe and the world.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham was among nearly a dozen leaders present, making Kyiv his first overseas destination since taking office — and announcing that Britain will declassify blueprints for components used in long-range cruise missiles, clearing the way for the weapons to be built on Ukrainian soil.

The address came as Russia launched more than a hundred and forty drones and multiple missiles at Ukraine overnight, killing eight people.

Olly Barratt reports from London.

IN: “Andy Burnham, we...”
OUT: “...UK Prime Minister.”
DUR: 31 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1311barratt-burnhamukraine1.mp3

EUROPEAN COMMISSION APPROVES 6.1 BILLION EUROS IN DEFENCE PROCUREMENT FOR UKRAINE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

The European Commission has approved €6.1 billion (around $6.7 billion) in new defence procurement for Ukraine, timed to coincide with the country's Independence Day.

The package covers air and missile defence systems, ammunition and radar equipment, and is drawn from a broader €45 billion (approximately $49.5 billion) allocation agreed by the European Council earlier in the year.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the move demonstrates that European support for Kyiv remains concrete and unwavering.

Will Denslow reports from Brussels.

IN: “This is certainly...”
OUT: “...with its momentum.”
DUR: 34 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1304denslow-europeancommissionapproval1.mp3

(ALT)

Will Denslow, our reporter in Brussels, says European leaders have long regarded Ukraine as the continent's first line of defence against Russian aggression.

IN: “They have long...”
OUT: “...produce weaponry themselves.”
DUR: 32 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0824-1304denslow-europeancommissionapproval2.mp3