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Indonesia’s economy is slowing, with unemployment projected by the IMF to rise to 5 percent and millions slipping from the middle class amid weak manufacturing, cheap Chinese imports, and softer exports. Despite this, President Prabowo Subianto is pursuing costly campaign promises, notably a nationwide free school lunch program—the world’s second largest—alongside affordable housing and a new sovereign wealth fund. To fund them, he’s slashed ministry budgets, redirected billions, and fired contractors, even as state spending is a key growth driver. The lunch program has faced food poisoning incidents, accountability and corruption concerns, logistical challenges across the archipelago, and has been downsized from roughly $45 billion to $28 billion this year, contributing to the largest budget deficit in decades (outside pandemic years). A $1.5 billion stimulus aims to boost growth to 8 percent, but critics call the lunch plan a fiscal “time bomb,” arguing funds are better spent on teacher pay and school access. Public dissatisfaction is rising—student protests, a viral “Just Flee” meme, and worries over the military’s expanding role—while promised benefits from nickel-led industrialization have yet to materialize. Many Indonesians feel the government is in denial about worsening job prospects and legal uncertainty, and some, like laid-off middle-class workers, have lost confidence that the state can help.

Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya’s long-dominant, Kremlin-backed leader, appears seriously ill, raising succession questions in a region long kept stable through his personalized, often brutal rule and lavish Moscow subsidies. His 17-year-old son, Adam—recently elevated to top security roles and feted by President Putin—seems groomed as heir, despite Russia’s legal age requirement of 30 for regional leaders. Other potential successors include Magomed Daudov, linked to the 2017 anti-gay purge, and Apti Alaudinov, a former security chief who burnished his standing by fighting in Ukraine. Kadyrov’s visibility has sharply declined amid evident frailty, while his family consolidates control over security and finances. The Kremlin has tolerated Kadyrov’s unique autonomy—his own forces, Islamic rules at odds with federal law, and independent foreign ties—in exchange for loyalty and quiet in a historically volatile region. His exit poses a test for Putin: who can maintain Chechnya’s tight grip without destabilizing the North Caucasus?

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, died in a car crash in northern Spain early Thursday. Spanish authorities said their Lamborghini blew a tire while overtaking on the A-52 near Cernadilla, left the road, and caught fire. Jota, recently married on June 22 and a key figure in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title run, scored six league goals last season and made 49 appearances for Portugal, netting 24 times. Tributes poured in from Liverpool, fans at Anfield, Cristiano Ronaldo, former Portugal coach Fernando Santos, and clubs in Portugal, highlighting Jota’s impact on and off the pitch, including his prominence in esports.

At the ECB’s annual Sintra conference, officials struck an unusually upbeat tone as eurozone inflation hit the 2% target, shifting focus from price pressures to boosting Europe’s competitiveness against the U.S. and China. Policymakers and economists urged long-discussed structural reforms—deepening the single market, easing cross-border capital flows, and improving labor mobility—arguing Europe can leverage its scale if it acts. Presentations highlighted Europe’s low unemployment but weak productivity tied to job stickiness, and warned that China is directly competing in Europe’s high-tech strengths. With Trump-era U.S. policies seen as opening strategic space for Europe, speakers pressed for self-driven reforms rather than blaming trade, acknowledging past inaction but ending with renewed optimism that Europe can follow through.

The New York Times tracker shows unusually high temperatures forecast across parts of Europe, with maps indicating where Thursday’s highs are well above seasonal averages based on 1979–2000 norms. While attributing a single event to climate change requires detailed study, scientists agree heat waves are becoming hotter, more frequent, and longer-lasting. The piece notes the WMO’s confirmation that 2024 was the hottest year on record and the first exceeding 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. It also offers practical guidance for coping with extreme heat, including sleep tips, medication cautions, acclimatization strategies, and travel precautions. Sources include the University of Maine Climate Change Institute and NOAA’s Global Forecast System.

French heritage brand Saint James has halted shipments of 50,000 Breton shirts and sweaters to the U.S., awaiting a looming tariff decision by President Trump that could raise duties on EU goods up to 50%. The company, which already absorbed an extra 10% tariff to avoid alienating 150 U.S. retailers, says the uncertainty—part of broader, fluctuating U.S. trade measures—has upended planning, frozen two planned U.S. store openings, and could force price hikes or rerouting goods to markets like Japan. While the U.S. is under 10% of its exports, CEO Luc Lesénécal warns higher tariffs would be a major barrier. The situation underscores wider European industry disruption and tense E.U.-U.S. talks, with executives decrying “yo-yo” policy and a weaker dollar adding to pressure. Saint James insists it cannot shift production to the U.S. without losing its “Made in France” identity.

Newly released letters show Attorney General Pam Bondi told tech companies they could legally ignore the 2024 TikTok ban because President Trump had invoked sweeping constitutional authority to suspend the law. Following his inauguration, Trump ordered the Justice Department not only to halt enforcement but to declare companies had “no liability” for providing services to TikTok during suspension periods—effectively immunizing conduct Congress prohibited and the Supreme Court unanimously upheld. Legal scholars called the move an unprecedented assertion of executive power, far beyond traditional prosecutorial discretion, likening it to “nullifying” a statute and encroaching on Congress’s authority. The letters, obtained via FOIA suits, went to firms including Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others. Critics warned the approach sets a dangerous precedent that presidents cannot “dispense with laws,” while the administration framed it as tied to national security and foreign affairs powers amid ongoing attempts to broker a TikTok sale.

California’s Madre fire in San Luis Obispo County exploded to about 70,800 acres by Friday morning, making it the state’s largest wildfire this year. Burning in remote terrain of Los Padres National Forest near State Route 166, the blaze was 10% contained, with no structures reported damaged but 50 threatened and 213 people evacuated. Authorities issued 15 evacuation orders and 13 warnings, and closed a section of SR-166. The fire has scorched at least 11,500 acres of the Carrizo Plain National Monument and affected the adjacent ecological reserve, potentially impacting a herd of about 100 tule elk; ecological outcomes will depend on burn intensity. Officials cite very dry vegetation and forecast extreme heat as factors heightening statewide wildfire risk, while federal firefighting resources face funding constraints. Significant aerial and ground resources have been deployed; the cause remains under investigation.

John Bolton argues that recent Israeli-U.S. strikes dealt “enormous” but insufficient damage to Iran’s nuclear program and urges Washington to finish dismantling it militarily if needed. He dismisses prospects for diplomacy or a new nuclear deal, saying Tehran won’t denuclearize without regime change and routinely exploits negotiations. While acknowledging unknown sites and retained know-how, he contends Iran’s key conversion and fabrication capabilities are likely inoperable, can be surveilled, and should be struck again if reconstituted. Bolton warns against offering Iran political or economic lifelines, criticizes premature victory claims and underestimation of the strikes’ impact, and calls for sustained resolve, surveillance, and support for change in Tehran to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program.

The Pentagon’s latest assessment says recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes have set back Iran’s nuclear program by one to two years, marking another shift after earlier estimates ranged from a few months to “obliteration,” as claimed by President Trump. Conflicting evaluations from the Defense Intelligence Agency, CIA, and senior officials highlight uncertainty about the damage, though initial reports indicate severe destruction at Fordo and Natanz after B-2s dropped GBU-57 bunker-busters. In response, Iran moved to suspend cooperation with U.N. nuclear inspectors, raising concerns about future monitoring. A cease-fire is in place as Washington signals a turn to diplomacy, while allies reportedly praised the operation.

Russia has officially recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, the first country to do so since the group took power in 2021. Moscow says recognition will boost cooperation in trade, energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure, and follows Russia’s April decision to remove the Taliban from its terrorist list to enable security coordination against ISIS-K, which has attacked Russian targets. The move marks a diplomatic win for the Taliban amid continued international condemnation over severe restrictions on women’s rights. While countries like China, India and others have expanded engagement with Kabul, the United States and most Western governments still refuse recognition, tying it to human rights concerns. Afghanistan’s foreign minister urged other nations to follow Russia’s lead.

A tropical depression off the Southeast U.S. is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Chantal by Saturday, bringing heavy rain, flash-flood risk, strong surf, rip currents, and 1–2 feet of storm surge to the Carolinas through Monday. Forecasts call for 2–4 inches of rain, with up to 6 inches in spots; a tropical storm watch is in effect with more warnings likely. The system has already brought rain to Florida. The season, forecast by NOAA to be above average with 13–19 named storms, comes amid rising risks from climate change, including heavier rainfall, rapid intensification, and slower-moving storms. Last year’s hurricanes caused over $113 billion in damage and more than 250 deaths.

Six people accused of witchcraft were killed by members of Burundi’s ruling party youth militia, the Imbonerakure, near Bujumbura, according to a local official and witnesses. Two victims were burned alive and four were beaten or stoned to death; three others were rescued after police intervened. Authorities arrested 12 suspects and condemned the mob justice, saying locals had wrongly blamed recent unexplained deaths on the victims. The Imbonerakure has long been accused by rights groups of violence and abuses. The incident highlights persistent belief in witchcraft across parts of Africa and related human rights concerns.

Australia revoked rapper Ye’s (Kanye West’s) visa over his pro-Nazi song “Heil Hitler,” Immigration Minister Tony Burke said, citing the promotion of Nazism and public safety concerns. The track, banned in Germany and on major platforms, includes praise of Hitler and a 1935 speech sample. Burke noted Ye had previously visited Australia and made offensive comments, but officials reassessed his status after the song’s release. The ban isn’t permanent; future applications will be reviewed case by case. Ye has a history of antisemitic remarks and social media suspensions, including recent posts declaring “I AM A NAZI” and selling swastika t-shirts during the Super Bowl.

Coco Gauff, the No. 2 seed and recent French Open champion, was upset in Wimbledon’s first round by unseeded Dayana Yastremska 7-6 (3), 6-1. Gauff struggled with 29 unforced errors and nine double-faults, citing mental fatigue from the quick turnaround after Roland-Garros. The loss makes her the third woman in the Open era to fall in Wimbledon’s first round immediately after winning the French Open. Wimbledon has been Gauff’s least successful major, and her serve faltered badly against Yastremska, who capitalized with 16 winners and strong recent form on grass. The tournament saw an early wave of upsets, with 23 seeds exiting by Day 2.

France has enacted a sweeping ban on smoking in most public outdoor areas—including beaches, parks, bus shelters, and near libraries, pools, and schools—with fines from €135 to €700, following an initial grace period. The move, aimed at “denormalizing” smoking and protecting children, builds on prior indoor bans and high tobacco taxes. Despite long-standing cultural associations with smoking, France still has high smoking rates (over 30% of adults; 15% of 17-year-olds), significant tobacco-related deaths (about 75,000 annually), and a black market. Café terraces remain a key remaining space for smokers, sparking debate between public health goals and personal freedoms/social life.

Europe’s first major summer heat wave brought record-breaking temperatures, health alerts, and disruptions across the continent. Barcelona logged its hottest June in more than a century and a 100°F day; Spain set a June national high of 114°F and saw persistently hot nights due to unusually warm Mediterranean waters. In France, red alerts led to over 1,300 school closures and the Eiffel Tower summit shutting to visitors, with Paris near 104°F. The U.K. recorded its warmest June for England and Wimbledon’s hottest opening day. Italy faced simultaneous heat alerts in major cities and torrential northern rains, with a suspected heat-related death near Bologna. Portugal hit a June record of 115°F, Turkey battled wildfires and mass evacuations, and the Netherlands and Czech Republic prepared for high temperatures. Forecasters linked the early, intense heat to global warming, with June likely among the five hottest on record.

A new expedition led by the Purdue Research Foundation and Archaeological Legacy Institute will travel in November to Nikumaroro (formerly Gardner Island) to investigate a “visual anomaly” in the island’s lagoon, dubbed the Taraia Object, that may be Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed 10-E Electra. Building on the Nikumaroro hypothesis and evidence gathered by The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery, the team will spend five days inspecting the site, with potential excavations next year if the aircraft is confirmed. Earhart, who disappeared with navigator Fred Noonan in 1937 during a world flight attempt, had planned to return the Electra to Purdue University after her journey. Organizers say this effort may offer the best chance yet to resolve the long-standing mystery.

Mexican authorities discovered 383 embalmed bodies stacked across rooms in a private crematorium in Ciudad Juárez, near the U.S. border, and arrested two people for negligence. Officials say families were given non-ash materials in place of remains, and some bodies may have been there up to two years. The state attorney general pledged a thorough investigation and maximum penalties. The case highlights Mexico’s overburdened forensic system amid widespread organized crime violence; authorities did not specify whether the bodies were linked to criminal killings. Forensics reported 218 male, 149 female, and 16 undetermined remains.

Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, described her cancer recovery as a “roller coaster” during a visit to a cancer support center in Colchester, emphasizing the difficulties patients face after treatment when they’re no longer under close clinical care but not yet back to normal life. Diagnosed with an unspecified cancer in March 2024, she underwent preventative chemotherapy in September, announced remission in January, and has been gradually resuming light public duties. She highlighted the value of community support and acknowledged the tendency for patients to show stoicism despite ongoing challenges. King Charles III is also continuing treatment for an unspecified cancer while returning to public duties.

A Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Brisbane was delayed about two hours after a 2-foot green tree snake was found in the plane’s cargo hold during boarding. Snake catcher Mark Pelley initially feared it was venomous in the dark hold but safely captured it on the first attempt, avoiding a possible evacuation and aircraft disassembly. Believed to have traveled from Brisbane in a passenger’s luggage, the protected, non-venomous snake cannot be released for quarantine reasons and was given to a veterinarian to place with a licensed keeper. Similar snake incidents have occurred on flights in Australia and elsewhere.

Conor McGregor’s legal team abruptly withdrew a bid to introduce new evidence in his appeal of a civil verdict that found him liable for assaulting Nikita Hand in 2018, for which she was awarded €248,603.60 in damages. The withdrawn evidence reportedly involved two of Hand’s former neighbors and was linked to testimony from pathologist Prof Jack Crane; the late change drew sharp objections from Hand’s counsel. The Court of Appeal allowed the withdrawal but called the timing unsatisfactory. McGregor’s appeal now proceeds on four remaining grounds, largely challenging the original trial’s use of his “no comment” Garda interview answers and arguing he never claimed full cooperation with police. Proceedings continue, including a related costs appeal by James Lawrence, who had been cleared in Hand’s case.

A Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Brisbane was delayed two hours after a 60cm green tree snake was found in the cargo hold during boarding. Snake catcher Mark Pelley initially feared it was venomous and warned that if it escaped into the plane’s panels, the aircraft might need evacuation and disassembly. He captured it on the first attempt. Pelley believes the Brisbane-native snake likely arrived inside a passenger’s luggage. Due to quarantine rules, it can’t be released and has been handed to a Melbourne vet to be rehomed with a licensed keeper.

Sky News reports on the rapid spread and devastating impact of “kush,” a cheap, highly addictive synthetic drug ravaging Sierra Leone and neighboring West African countries. Authorities in Freetown seized a container shipped from the UK containing suspected kush ingredients, including acetone and materials in Amazon UK bags, highlighting a transnational supply chain spanning Europe, Asia, and South America. Independent tests found nitazenes—some up to 25 times stronger than fentanyl—in roughly half of sampled kush, correlating with severe health effects: teenagers with leg-eating sores, users unable to walk, and infants born to mothers who smoke while pregnant. Addiction has entrenched communities like the “Under de Bridge” group in Freetown, where poverty, unemployment, and past traumas fuel use. The trade involves children and crosses borders into countries like The Gambia, which has adopted hardline raids but lacks rehabilitation services; enforcement is pushing the market underground rather than eliminating it and stoking xenophobia toward Sierra Leoneans. Sierra Leone’s government urges regional and UK support. Experts call for coordinated international action targeting nitazenes and the full supply chain to stem a crisis overwhelming resource-limited countries.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended by the Constitutional Court, which voted 7–2 to investigate ethics violations after a leaked call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. In the call, she criticized a Thai army commander while seeking to ease border tensions following a deadly clash, sparking protests and a political backlash. She has 15 days to respond and says her remarks were a negotiating tactic. Deputy PM Suriya Juangroongruangkit is acting leader. Her party’s coalition has weakened, a no-confidence bid is likely, and her approval rating has fallen to 9.2%. Paetongtarn, 38, is Thailand’s youngest PM and part of the Shinawatra political dynasty.

A Lancet study warns that recent Trump administration cuts to USAID could cause about 14 million deaths globally by 2030, including 4.5 million children under five, reversing decades of health gains in low- and middle-income countries. USAID has been credited with preventing over 91 million deaths since 2001, including major reductions in fatalities from HIV/AIDS, malaria, diarrheal diseases, and tuberculosis. The cuts—implemented after a rapid review that closed over 80% of USAID programs—threaten critical health and humanitarian efforts, despite the U.S. being the world’s largest aid donor. Researchers urge reversing the funding reductions to avoid widespread, preventable mortality and development setbacks.

The 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro is being held in Switzerland from 2–27 July across eight venues, with the final in Basel. Sixteen teams are competing, including hosts Switzerland, defending champions England, and debutants Wales; groups include England and Wales together with France and the Netherlands in Group D. England open vs France on 5 July in Zurich (8pm UK), while Wales face the Netherlands the same day in Lucerne (5pm UK); England vs Wales is on 13 July in St Gallen (8pm UK). Prize money totals €41m, with up to €5.1m for the winners. England are without Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright, while Wales’ first-ever Euros squad features veterans Angharad James (captain), Jess Fishlock, Hayley Ladd, and Sophie Ingle. All matches are broadcast in the UK by BBC and ITV (sharing 31 games; the final on both), with official watch parties in London and Birmingham. Extreme heat has raised player welfare concerns. England are considered contenders despite a tough group.

The global football players' union, FIFPRO, has raised concerns about player safety at the Women's Euros in Switzerland due to extreme heat warnings, with temperatures expected to reach 30C. FIFPRO has asked FIFA to allow cooling breaks every 15 minutes and extend half-time from 15 to 20 minutes to help lower players' core temperatures. The issue is not new, but climate change is making it increasingly problematic, and FIFA is under pressure to balance player welfare with the needs of fans and broadcasters.

China is set to install a record-setting 500 MW impulse turbine at the Datang Zala Hydropower Station in Tibet, developed by Harbin Electric Machinery after four years of design and testing. Two of these 80-tonne, martensitic steel turbines—each with 21 buckets and a 6.23m diameter—will be deployed on the Yuqu River, a Nu River tributary. According to state media, the pair will generate power equivalent to burning 1.3 million tonnes of coal annually, marking the world’s largest single-unit capacity for an impulse turbine and a significant boost to China’s hydropower capabilities.

Chinese researchers from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing Institute of Technology, and Guilin University of Electronic Technology developed a blockchain storage system called EQAS designed to resist quantum-computer attacks. Instead of traditional math-based cryptographic schemes that quantum algorithms could break, EQAS uses a more secure signature mechanism to verify transactions and protect ledger integrity. The team argues that current blockchain security methods are vulnerable to quantum advances, and EQAS offers a post-quantum alternative for applications like finance and supply chains.

Armenia seeks to significantly deepen ties with China as it diversifies foreign policy away from Russia after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, during his first official visit to Beijing, said there are “no limitations” to expanding relations and signaled readiness to elevate ties to a strategic partnership, aligning Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative with China’s Belt and Road. The pivot follows dissatisfaction with Russia’s role during the 2020 war and Azerbaijan’s 2023 offensive, Armenia’s heavy losses, and Yerevan’s move to leave the Russia-led CSTO.

Astronomers have confirmed a third-ever interstellar object, designated 3I/Atlas, blazing through the solar system. Likely a large, icy comet (indicated by its fuzzy appearance), it was previously labeled A11pl3Z. Traveling at over 60 km/s, it will pass just inside Mars’s orbit and poses no threat to Earth, according to the European Space Agency. Scientists believe many such interstellar visitors may go undetected.

China’s domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in Hong Kong for a five-day visit—the first such call by a fully homegrown carrier—escorted by the destroyers Yanan and Zhanjiang and the frigate Yuncheng. Spotted near Lamma Island early Thursday, the carrier will host open tours and cultural exchange activities through Monday. It is the first Chinese carrier visit since the Liaoning in 2017. Hong Kong leader John Lee framed the visit as a demonstration that the city’s national security is “rock-solid.”

Veteran editor Cheong Yip Seng’s new memoir, Ink and Influence: An OB Markers Sequel, highlights Lee Kuan Yew’s respectful, pragmatic approach to China that differed from Western attitudes and helped earn Beijing’s lasting trust. Drawing on Cheong’s coverage of Lee’s 1976 visit to Beijing and his tenure as Straits Times editor-in-chief, the book portrays Lee as candid about China’s strengths and weaknesses while insisting on equality and mutual respect. An anecdote from Deng Xiaoping’s 1978 visit—Lee arranging a spittoon and ashtray out of cultural sensitivity—illustrates Lee’s attentiveness to Chinese norms. The memoir spans Cheong’s four decades in journalism, his interactions with political leaders, and his views on the future of Singapore’s media.

The Philippines has endorsed Japan’s “one-theatre” strategy, which treats the East China Sea, South China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula as a unified operational area to counter China’s maritime expansion. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the approach will enhance operational synergy, intelligence-sharing, and mutual support among the “Squad” (Philippines, Japan, US, South Korea, Australia). The concept, proposed by Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and welcomed by the US, reflects deeper alignment among regional allies facing shared maritime and aerial threats, particularly given their archipelagic geographies and lack of land borders with China.

Bryan Kohberger, a 30-year-old former criminology PhD student, pleaded guilty to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—in a deal to avoid the death penalty. He also admitted to burglary, waiving rights to appeal or seek leniency, and will be formally sentenced on 23 July, likely to life in prison. Prosecutors said he planned the attack and bought the knife months in advance; the sheath was found but not the weapon, and no sexual motive was identified. The plea spares a trial, leaving some questions—like motive—unanswered and dividing victims’ families, with some calling the deal a disappointment while others welcomed closure. Kohberger was arrested weeks after the killings, linked by DNA on a knife sheath; his defense had challenged the DNA and moved the trial location but failed to remove the death penalty option. Idaho permits capital punishment but hasn’t executed anyone since 2012.

A fast-moving wildfire near Ierapetra, Crete, has triggered mass evacuations as gale-force winds drive flames through rugged, forested terrain. Authorities have evacuated about 1,500 people—including tourists—from Ferma, Achlia, Agia Fotia, Galini, and Koutsounari, with around 200 sheltered in Ierapetra’s indoor arena. Homes and rentals in Agia Fotia have been destroyed, power is out, and at least four elderly people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The fire front spans at least 6 km, threatening homes, tourist sites, and a fuel station; thick smoke has forced road closures and reduced visibility. A large firefighting contingent—155 firefighters, eight foot teams, 38 engines, and helicopters—has been reinforced by additional units arriving by sea and air. Crews are creating firebreaks and remaining on site overnight, while emergency alerts continue. The blaze, fueled by dry conditions, steep terrain, and strong winds, comes amid a broader regional heatwave that has caused evacuations in Turkey and heat-related deaths in parts of Europe.

US President Donald Trump urged Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to resign immediately, escalating his long-running criticism over interest rates. Trump linked his demand to a call by Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte for an investigation into Powell’s testimony about costly renovations at the Fed’s headquarters. Powell, originally appointed by Trump and later reappointed by President Biden, has said he would not step down and that the White House cannot lawfully remove him without cause; his term ends in May 2026. Powell recently noted the Fed might have cut rates already if not for economic effects from Trump’s tariff policies. The Fed declined to comment.

Kerala’s government is moving ahead with optional daily Zumba sessions in 14,000 public schools as part of an anti-drug initiative, despite protests from Hindu and Muslim groups calling it a “cultural invasion.” Critics argue mixed-gender dancing and “foreign” influences violate moral and traditional values. Education Minister V Sivankutty says religion should not be mixed with education, participation is optional, and students will wear school uniforms, emphasizing the program’s goal of promoting fitness and healthy habits to support students’ well-being and academics.

French astronaut Sophie Adenot will bring a gourmet “bonus meal” to the International Space Station next year, created by 10‑Michelin‑star chef Anne-Sophie Pic. The menu includes dishes like foie gras cream on brioche, lobster bisque with crab and caraway, braised beef, and chocolate cream—engineered to be crumb-free, lightweight, and shelf-stable for up to 24 months. Designed to boost morale and connect Adenot to her French roots, the special meal will be shared with crewmates, marking a high-end twist on space cuisine within the ESA’s tradition of occasional personalized meals.

A Ugandan military helicopter crashed and caught fire at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, killing five people. The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived with serious injuries and burns. The helicopter, part of the African Union mission supporting Somalia against al-Shabab, was on a routine combat escort mission and had flown from Balidogle airbase. The crash occurred in the airport’s military section, briefly delaying a Turkish Airlines departure, while domestic flights continued. An investigation into the cause is under way.

ElevenLabs, a London-based AI voice generation startup, plans aggressive global expansion and aims to be IPO-ready within five years. CEO Mati Staniszewski said the company is considering new hubs in Paris, Singapore, Brazil, and Mexico, adding to existing offices in London, New York, Warsaw, San Francisco, Japan, India, and Bangalore. The firm serves consumers, enterprise integrations (e.g., Cisco), and industry-specific applications like healthcare. ElevenLabs hasn’t chosen a listing venue and will base it on user distribution, with London a possibility if conditions improve. Valued at $3.3 billion after a $180 million round backed by top VCs and corporates, the company may raise more capital selectively to accelerate expansion.

Apple’s China iPhone sales grew 8% year over year in Q2 2025—the first growth since Q2 2023—driven by May discounts on iPhone 16 models and higher trade-in values timed ahead of the 618 shopping festival, according to Counterpoint Research. Despite the rebound, Apple remains third in China’s market behind Huawei and Vivo, with Huawei up 12% and leading share. The uptick offers relief amid a 15% YTD stock decline and broader pressures, including U.S. tariff threats and Huawei’s resurgence.

Baidu has launched its biggest search overhaul in a decade, embedding AI features to counter rising competition from AI-first rivals like DeepSeek, as well as Tencent and short-video platforms Douyin and Kuaishou. The revamped search allows long, conversational queries (over 1,000 characters), voice/image/file prompts, and integrates Ernie Bot to generate text, images, and video. Analysts see the move as both defensive and offensive to maintain relevance as users shift to AI chatbots for answers. Despite Baidu’s early AI push, its stock has lagged peers this year, increasing pressure to demonstrate leadership against fast-moving competitors.

K-pop labels are leaning heavily on live concerts to offset slumping album sales and stock declines. From Oct 2024 to Mar 2025, K-pop touring revenue jumped 79% year over year, defying a broader global touring slowdown. Blackpink’s new “Deadline” tour is projected to gross about $440 million, while Seventeen ranked third globally in midyear grosses. Concerts offer higher margins, especially via merchandise, and have shifted revenue mix: at Hybe, concerts (31%) surpassed music sales (27.3%) in Q1 2025. YG saw concert revenue surge over 270% on Treasure and Babymonster tours; JYP lagged due to fewer large shows and renewal/military-service uncertainties. K-pop stocks, excluding JYP, have rallied strongly in 2025. Analysts favor companies with “Mega IPs” capable of touring over 1.5 million fans per cycle—benefiting Hybe most, while YG’s reliance on Blackpink and SM’s lack of mega acts pose risks; Babymonster’s growth is pivotal for YG.

UK markets were rattled after Finance Minister Rachel Reeves was seen crying in Parliament, prompting speculation about her job and the fate of her strict fiscal rules. Bond yields spiked and the pound fell until the government said it was a personal matter and Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly backed her, calming markets the following day. Reeves faces mounting pressure after welfare policy U-turns eroded fiscal headroom created by her rules and past tax hikes on business. With debt targets and limited room to maneuver, the government is seen in “dire straits,” forced to choose between spending cuts, higher taxes, or breaking borrowing rules, while managing rising internal Labour dissent.

Hong Kong has surged ahead as the world’s top IPO venue in 2025, with new listings raising about $14 billion in H1—around eight times last year’s level—putting it on track to surpass Nasdaq and NYSE. The rebound follows years of weakness and is driven by: Beijing’s policy support and faster approvals (including HK’s new Technology Enterprises Channel); improved market sentiment and valuations amid hopes of stimulus and China’s tech momentum; heavy southbound inflows from mainland investors; and a wave of A-to-H dual listings as mainland firms seek offshore capital and global expansion. Delisting fears in the U.S. and HK’s inclusiveness toward sectors like AI, renewables, and biotech are further steering Chinese companies to Hong Kong. Major deals include CATL’s ~$5 billion secondary listing, with up to 100 IPOs and $25.5 billion in fundraising projected for 2025.

A Danish man identified as Ali S. was arrested in Aarhus for allegedly gathering intelligence on Jewish sites and individuals in Berlin at the direction of an Iranian intelligence service. German prosecutors say he photographed multiple targets in June, including the German-Israeli Society HQ and a location linked to Josef Schuster, suggesting potential preparation for attacks. He will be extradited to Germany and brought before the Federal Court of Justice. Germany summoned Iran’s ambassador and increased protection of Jewish and Israeli sites amid heightened tensions following recent Israel-Iran conflict. Iran’s embassy in Berlin denied the allegations as politically motivated. German officials and Jewish groups urged stronger action against Iran, including designating the IRGC a terrorist organization.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian enacted a new law suspending Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after U.S. strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow). The law requires any future IAEA inspections to be approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reflecting Tehran’s claim that the agency aligned with the U.S. and Israel. Details and timing of the suspension remain unclear, and the IAEA said it awaits official notification. Nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran are paused; both sides signal openness to diplomacy but disagree on when and under what security assurances negotiations might resume. Iran has acknowledged significant damage to its nuclear facilities from recent strikes.

Fox News reports that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) faces a pivotal, uncertain future after heavy U.S. and Israeli strikes that experts say have shattered its regional deterrence and proxy network. Dr. Afshon Ostovar argues the IRGC’s 25-year strategy—building missile/nuclear deterrence and expanding via proxies—has largely collapsed, with Hezbollah degraded, Hamas crippled, Syria slipping away, and key Iranian military sites hit. Behnam Ben Taleblu notes the IRGC’s origins as an ideologically driven parallel force to safeguard the revolution, which tied it closely to the clerical elite and sustained repression, terrorism, and anti-U.S./Israel narratives that now resonate less with ordinary Iranians. Sanctions and losses strain the IRGC’s vast economic network, pushing it toward front companies and increasing reliance on Russia and China for conventional rebuilding. Both experts doubt the IRGC will break with the regime; instead, they foresee intensified domestic repression, reduced external reach, and a more insular, autocratic Iran—potentially akin to North Korea—despite the regime’s continued resilience.

State media in North Korea aired footage of Kim Jong Un tearfully mourning over a flag-draped coffin, purportedly of North Korean soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The images were shown during a cultural event in Pyongyang marking one year of a strategic partnership with Moscow and included photos of North Korean and Russian troops together and a bloodstained battlefield notebook with pro-Kim messages. Russia’s culture minister attended and appeared emotional. A South Korean analyst said the imagery is intended to craft a victory narrative around North Korea’s role in the war.

Mexican authorities found 20 bodies in Culiacan on Monday, including five decapitated. Four decapitated corpses were hung from a highway bridge with their heads in a nearby bag, and 16 additional gunshot victims—one also decapitated—were discovered in a van on the same freeway alongside a cartel note. The killings come amid violent infighting between Sinaloa cartel factions Los Chapitos and La Mayiza. Officials say military and police are working to restore order. The U.S. recently sanctioned Los Chapitos as a terrorist group for fentanyl trafficking.

Sergei Torop, a former Russian traffic policeman who founded the Church of the Last Testament in Siberia and claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus (“Vissarion”), was sentenced to 12 years in a maximum-security prison for using psychological pressure to extract money and causing physical and mental harm to followers. His aides Vladimir Vedernikov and Vadim Redkin received 12 and 11 years, respectively. The trio, arrested in a 2020 helicopter raid, were found to have harmed at least 16 people morally and several physically; Vedernikov also faced fraud charges. Torop’s sect, founded in 1991, promoted strict lifestyle rules and communal living in a remote settlement known as the Abode of Dawn.

Astronomers have identified 3I/ATLAS, only the third known interstellar object to pass through our solar system after ‘Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019). First spotted by the ATLAS telescope in Chile and traced in data back to June 14, the object’s nearly straight, hyperbolic path and high speed (~60 km/s) indicate it originated outside our solar system, likely traveling for millions of years. Estimated at roughly 20 km in diameter with notable uncertainty, 3I/ATLAS appears to be an active comet shedding material and is the brightest and fastest interstellar visitor yet observed. It poses no threat to Earth, coming no closer than ~270 million km on December 19, 2025; it will pass Mars at ~30 million km on October 2 and reach perihelion around October 30 at ~210 million km from the Sun. Currently in Sagittarius, it will be widely observed by major telescopes over the coming months, briefly disappearing near the Sun before reappearing in December and remaining observable into mid-2026. Scientists hope to use it to compare comet properties across star systems and refine understanding of planetary formation.

The article, based on excerpts from a new book by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, details how Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign made pragmatic, politically driven shifts that helped secure his victory. Key moves included: - Abortion: Facing backlash after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Trump rejected a national abortion ban and adopted a states’ rights position, vowing to veto a federal ban. A data-driven internal presentation argued that any federal limit would hurt him in Midwest battlegrounds; the stance appealed to moderates. - Voter targeting: Internal analysis found Trump’s 2020 shortfall was driven more by losses among men—especially White, rural, young, and non-White men—than by suburban women. The campaign pivoted from persuading swing voters to mobilizing low-propensity male voters, leveraging grassroots networks and appearances on male-oriented podcasts to expand turnout. - Early voting: After undermining mail-in and early voting in 2020, Trump reversed course under pressure from advisers, promoting “Too Big to Rig” to encourage Republicans to vote early. Meanwhile, the RNC under Chris LaCivita saw turmoil and hiring purges over loyalty to the 2020 fraud narrative, later partially reversed by Susie Wiles. Overall, the book portrays a campaign prioritizing electoral math over ideological consistency, recalibrating on abortion, male voter outreach, and early voting to maximize turnout and win.

Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, died alongside his younger brother André Silva, 25, in a car crash in Cernadilla, Zamora, Spain. Police said a burst tire during an overtaking maneuver caused the Lamborghini to crash and catch fire around 00:30 local time. Jota, recently married with three children, had 49 caps for Portugal, winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, and was part of Liverpool’s recent Premier League title-winning season. He began at Paços de Ferreira, moved to Atlético Madrid, and starred on loan at Porto and Wolverhampton before joining Liverpool in 2020, winning the FA Cup and League Cup. Tributes poured in from Liverpool, Portugal’s federation, Cristiano Ronaldo, Darwin Núñez, and Steven Gerrard.

Michael Madsen, the actor known for roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films including Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, died at 67 after a cardiac arrest at his Malibu home. Authorities found no foul play. Over a career spanning from the early 1980s, Madsen balanced acclaimed projects like Thelma & Louise, Donnie Brasco, Die Another Day, and Sin City with numerous indie and genre films. He faced personal and legal struggles, including DUIs, a domestic battery arrest, and the 2022 suicide of his son Hudson. At his death, he had more than a dozen projects in development, including Resurrection Road, Concessions, Cookbook for Southern Housewives, and a forthcoming book, Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems. His representatives remembered him as an iconic presence who was eager for a new chapter.

Paramount Global, CBS News’ parent company, agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes” report aired in fall 2024. CNN’s Brian Stelter characterized the case as extraordinary, with the settlement ending the dispute without a trial.

- Lee Jae Myung signaled a sharp break from Yoon Suk Yeol’s style with an open, informal press conference at the Blue House, close to journalists, randomizing questions to include smaller outlets, and using personal anecdotes. - He avoided mentioning Yoon, emphasized cross-party cooperation after the martial law crisis, and acknowledged concerns about one-party dominance as the electorate’s choice. - He warned US tariff talks—especially affecting autos, steel, and semiconductors—are “very difficult” and may not conclude before the suspension expires on 9 July. - On North Korea, he urged continuous dialogue alongside strong deterrence within the US alliance, seeking a “virtuous cycle of peace,” but offered limited specifics. - He supports reducing the workweek to 4.5 days, framing it as an incremental reform informed by his own experience of hardship.

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that a stable climate is a human right, imposing legal duties on all 35 OAS member states—including the US and Canada—to take urgent, science-based action to reduce emissions, adapt, cooperate internationally, curb climate disinformation, and ensure a just transition. The court affirmed the right to a healthy environment now explicitly includes climate stability, requiring states to regulate both public and private emitters and strengthen oversight of high-polluting sectors like fossil fuels, cement, and agro-industry. It urged tougher conditions, taxation, just-transition contributions, potential cessation of non-compliant activities, and avenues for compensation, including holding transnational corporations accountable for subsidiaries’ emissions. The opinion also recognizes nature’s rights and mandates ecosystem restoration. Though advisory and nonbinding, it consolidates existing law and is expected to shape litigation, policy, and climate negotiations, including ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who is under house arrest for a corruption conviction, during a trip to Buenos Aires for the Mercosur summit— pointedly avoiding a private meeting with Argentina’s President Javier Milei. Lula’s court-approved, 45-minute visit was framed by Kirchner as an act of political solidarity against “lawfare,” drawing parallels to Lula’s own overturned conviction and imprisonment. The move underscores strained Lula–Milei relations, highlighted by ideological clashes, past insults, and Milei’s previous outreach to Jair Bolsonaro. At the summit’s close, a stiff embrace between Lula and Milei symbolized their frosty ties, even as Lula assumed Mercosur’s rotating presidency.

Trinidad and Tobago will award Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi its highest honor, the Order of the Republic, during his first-ever visit by a sitting Indian leader. The move, backed by many Indo-Trinidadian Hindus who see cultural and diplomatic significance, has drawn strong objections from the country’s largest Muslim organization, ASJA, which cites concerns over Modi’s human rights record, including Kashmir’s status change and the 2002 Gujarat riots. While Modi has also received honors from several Muslim-majority countries, critics argue recognition should consider justice and accountability. The visit comes amid India’s push to deepen Caribbean ties and is part of Modi’s wider tour of the Americas and Africa.

Two women—68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the UK and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand—were killed by a female elephant with a calf during a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Guides fired shots and wounded the elephant but could not stop the charge; both women died at the scene. Authorities note female elephants can be highly protective of calves. The incident follows two fatal elephant encounters involving American tourists in Zambia last year.

The article argues that enormous human losses will not compel Russia to end its war in Ukraine, as the Kremlin frames mass casualties as patriotic sacrifice and a source of national pride. Reporting from Kharkiv illustrates the intensifying devastation of civilian life and the normalization of danger amid constant strikes. Russian propaganda and culture around the war are depicted as circular and dehumanizing, justifying ongoing violence despite reaching an estimated one million Russian casualties. The author concludes that the conflict will not cease due to economic strain or destruction alone; only a profound internal shift in Russia—such as political upheaval—or major international developments could bring peace, while Ukrainians continue to fight resolutely for freedom and sovereignty.

A severe European heat wave has fueled wildfires across Spain, Greece, and Turkey, with a major blaze on Crete prompting evacuations. Greece deployed about 230 firefighters, supported by drones, 10 helicopters, police, and medical teams, as high temperatures and gale-force winds intensified the flames. The situation reflects broader wildfire risks across the region amid record-breaking heat.