Briefly

UNITED STATES

Biden assault allegation prompts GOP attacks

A sexual assault allegation is raising Joe Biden's first big challenge as the Democrats' presidential nominee, fueling Republican attacks and leaving many in his own party in an uncomfortable bind. Biden's campaign has denied the allegation from his former Senate staffer Tara Reade, who has said Biden assaulted her in the basement of a Capitol Hill office building in the 1990s. But the story garnered fresh attention this week after two of Reade's associates said she previously told them about elements of her allegations. The tension is heightened because Biden himself is saying nothing about the allegation. Some Democrats said that approach isn't working and are urging a more forceful response.

INDIA

Bollywood star Rishi Kapoor dies of leukemia

Bollywood mourned a second loss in as many days as celebrated actor Rishi Kapoor, whose career spanned half a century, died on Thursday aged 67 after a prolonged struggle with leukemia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, calling him "a powerhouse of talent". His death came as a severe blow to the Hindi movie industry and film lovers, who were already reeling from the passing on Wednesday of Irrfan Khan, one of the country's most feted actors, aged 53.

LIBYA

Militias announce truce during Ramadan

East-based militias announced on Wednesday cessation of military action in the country during the holy month of Ramadan. The United Nations-backed government has not responded to the statement so far. The UN Support Mission in Libya, or UNSMIL, on Friday called for a humanitarian truce in Libya during Ramadan. The oil-rich nation has been gripped by chaos since the ouster and killing of longtime leader Muammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Agencies - Xinhua