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- Hong Kong will maintain its ban on seafood from 10 Japanese prefectures despite Beijing partially lifting its own restrictions. - The city says it will remain prudent due to the unprecedented duration and scale of Fukushima’s wastewater discharge, and is seeking updated data and scientific evidence from Japan. - Any policy change will be publicly announced. - China’s customs authority has resumed Japanese seafood imports except from 10 prefectures: Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama.

A viral post lamenting the Philippines’ seventh-place ranking for tourist arrivals in Southeast Asia has triggered national soul-searching over why the country lags neighbors like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Critics blame poor transport infrastructure, high travel costs, and difficult access despite the nation’s renowned beaches, culture, and hospitality. Official data show the Philippines drew 5.9 million visitors in 2024, missing a 7.7 million target and trailing regional peers. While some note improvements in visitor spending and longer stays, frustrations persist that the country isn’t a “priority” ASEAN destination. Experts, however, suggest the Philippines may be shifting toward a more sustainable, higher-value tourism model rather than chasing volume.

China has partially lifted its blanket ban on Japanese seafood imposed in 2023 over Fukushima wastewater concerns, allowing conditional imports from selected regions while maintaining prohibitions on 10 prefectures including Fukushima and Tokyo. The move follows Chinese monitoring and sampling that found no abnormalities and Japan’s assurances on product safety. It signals Beijing’s bid to ease a diplomatic irritant and improve ties with Japan and regional neighbors, while keeping strict safeguards and exclusions for areas linked to the Fukushima discharge.

China’s manufacturing PMI rose to 49.7 in June from 49.5 in May and 49.0 in April, signaling a slower contraction as US-China trade tensions eased. New orders moved into expansion at 50.2, while new export orders improved to 47.7. Analysts say stronger exports are stabilizing momentum and expect Beijing to pause further monetary easing for now, pending July Politburo guidance. However, they warn the economy could face stronger headwinds in the second half of 2025.

- SCMP highlights five notable weekend stories across Asia and beyond. - China warned other countries not to sign US trade deals that use Beijing’s interests as bargaining chips, amid a rush to secure tariff agreements before a July deadline. - Analysts say China is closely watching Donald Trump’s growing involvement in Middle East tensions, including fallout from Israeli strikes in Tehran. - Dozens of passengers were stranded after Cathay Pacific cancelled flight CX843 from New York to Hong Kong, prompting complaints over communication and arrangements. - A separate feel-good headline (not fully detailed in the excerpt) notes Japanese Princess Kako flying economy, drawing public attention for her modest travel choice.

Electric vehicles are linked to higher rates of motion sickness than conventional cars, largely due to their distinctive acceleration and regenerative braking, which creates low-frequency deceleration that triggers dizziness, nausea, and discomfort. Chinese research highlights the health and comfort impacts on passengers. In response, Japanese researchers propose a simple, downloadable sound-based therapy that, when played before travel, may reduce EV-induced motion sickness.

Tickets for Hong Kong residents to tour China’s aircraft carrier Shandong, which will dock in the city from July 3–7, were snapped up within 45 seconds after release on WeChat. Of 10,000 total tickets available, 2,000 are for the carrier and 8,000 for the destroyer Zhangjian and frigate Yuncheng, with real-name registration offered in multiple daily sessions. Users complained the process was complex and required extremely fast submissions, with successful bookings reportedly completed in 10–15 seconds.

Ghana and China are in a diplomatic dispute over illegal gold mining (“galamsey”) amid a surge in gold prices and rising Chinese investment in Ghana’s gold sector. Ghanaian criticism has focused on alleged Chinese involvement in illicit operations, but China’s ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, rejects the idea that Chinese nationals are chiefly responsible. He argues that Chinese workers cannot obtain mining licences and are often brought in by Ghanaian facilitators, saying many of those caught are migrant laborers. Tong calls the widespread blame of Chinese nationals unfair to the broader Chinese community in Ghana.

Two Sabah state assemblymen from UMNO, Yusof Yacob and Andi Suryady Bandy, and businessman-whistle-blower Albert Tei pleaded not guilty to corruption charges tied to alleged bribes for mineral prospecting licences. Yusof is accused of taking 200,000 ringgit in March 2023 and Andi 150,000 ringgit in May 2023; Tei, a partner in the implicated firms, is charged with offering the bribes. The case, sparked by covert videos posted online, heightens pressure on Sabah’s ruling coalition ahead of an expected December election and underscores ongoing concerns about corruption in the resource-rich state. All three were granted bail; convictions could bring up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines.

University of Pennsylvania scholar Neysun Mahboubi, a US expert on Chinese law, sees “moderate optimism” for US-China relations after leading Penn students on a 10-day visit to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. He notes parallels to the mid-1990s: American students are only just returning after a disruptive period (then post-1989, now post-pandemic), and their rarity drew an exceptionally warm reception. Despite China’s vast transformation, person-to-person engagement remains crucial. Mahboubi argues that history suggests bilateral ties can weather current strains, and renewed academic and youth exchanges can help stabilize relations—even amid recent US moves to tighten vetting of Chinese student visas.

Thousands gathered in Seoul to celebrate the release of Squid Game’s third and final season, marking the end of the globally influential Netflix series. At a fan event near Gyeongbokgung Palace, performers in the show’s signature pink guard uniforms paraded alongside props from its deadly children’s games. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk said he poured everything into the project and felt both sentimentality and relief at its conclusion. The series, launched nearly four years ago, has become a symbol of South Korea’s cultural impact worldwide.

Sergei Tikhanovsky, a prominent Belarusian opposition blogger and would-be presidential candidate, has been freed after more than five years in solitary confinement, released alongside 13 others following a rare US delegation visit to President Alexander Lukashenko. Emaciated but defiant, Tikhanovsky describes extreme isolation and punitive conditions, saying his spirit is “not broken” and rejecting any notion of seeking a pardon. He credits the releases to Lukashenko’s bid to reopen dialogue with the US but urges continued pressure, noting over 1,000 political prisoners remain and new arrests followed the releases. His wife, opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, welcomes his return but warns sanctions should not be eased until repression ends. Tikhanovsky says he seeks only a democratic Belarus, not political position.

China has intensified a nationwide crackdown on “danmei” (boys’ love) erotica, arresting at least 30 mostly young female writers since February for “producing and distributing obscene material,” particularly targeting works with explicit gay content hosted on the Taiwan-based Haitang platform. Penalties can exceed 10 years if profit is involved. The campaign, reportedly driven by Lanzhou police, has sparked rare public debate over China’s obscenity laws, gendered censorship, and low thresholds for criminal “distribution,” while related online discussions and legal-aid posts are being censored. Writers describe humiliating arrests and severe social fallout, yet the popular, female-centered genre—seen as a subversive space for exploring desire and alternative gender dynamics—remains culturally influential despite prior crackdowns, including a 2018 10-year sentence for a danmei author. Critics also raise concerns about violent content and underage access, reflecting broader gaps in age-based content regulation in China.

A jury in Victoria, Australia has begun deliberations in the high-profile trial of Erin Patterson, 50, accused of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth by serving a beef Wellington allegedly containing death cap mushrooms in July 2023. Prosecutors argue she knowingly used toxic fungi, lied repeatedly (including about having cancer), and disposed of a food dehydrator to cover her tracks. The defense maintains the poisoning was an accident, says she panicked and lied out of fear and embarrassment, and stresses there is no motive; Patterson testified she loved her in-laws, may have mixed store-bought and foraged mushrooms, and vomited due to bulimia, which could explain her lesser illness. After two months of evidence and over 50 witnesses, the judge instructed jurors not to convict based solely on lies or emotion. The sequestered jury will decide on three murder and one attempted murder charges.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has long been viewed as one of Boeing’s safest and most innovative jets, with over 1,100 in service and more than a billion passengers carried without fatal accidents until the recent Air India disaster, whose cause remains under investigation. Designed after 9/11 to prioritize fuel efficiency and point-to-point travel, the 787 introduced extensive composite materials, advanced aerodynamics, and modern electrical systems, delivering major efficiency and noise gains over older models. Early service was marred by 2013 lithium-ion battery fires that led to a temporary global grounding, and subsequent years saw significant production and quality-control issues—exacerbated by a new South Carolina assembly line—resulting in delivery halts. Whistleblowers, notably the late John Barnett, alleged unsafe production practices and missing or substandard parts; FAA audits partially substantiated concerns, including missing “non-conforming” parts and metal shavings near wiring. While Boeing denies systemic safety risks, the crash has refocused scrutiny on whether manufacturing quality lapses have undermined the 787’s strong operational safety record.

Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats, one of the city’s last major pro-democracy parties, has disbanded after nearly 20 years, citing pervasive “red lines” and intense pressure under the Beijing-imposed national security regime. The move—following two other opposition party closures this year—comes days before the law’s fifth anniversary and amid a broader crackdown: leaders jailed, bank accounts closed, fines for unauthorized fundraising, and expanded offenses under Article 23. Party figures say it’s no longer safe to run a political party in Hong Kong, warning that civil society and political rights have been severely eroded and ordinary citizens now think twice before exercising basic civic freedoms.

Thousands of Norwegian Eurojackpot players were mistakenly told they’d won vastly inflated prizes due to a currency conversion error at state-owned Norsk Tipping, which multiplied eurocent amounts by 100 instead of dividing. No incorrect payouts were made, and correct amounts were posted the next day. CEO Tonje Sagstuen apologized and resigned after an emergency meeting with the Culture Ministry, acknowledging repeated technical failures at the company. The government urged stronger controls, noting Norsk Tipping’s monopoly status. Players reported plans upended after expecting windfalls that didn’t materialize.

Residents of Russian-occupied Mariupol say Kremlin-backed portrayals of a rebuilt, normal city are false. They describe widespread destruction beyond showcase facades, severe water shortages with unsafe supplies, frequent power cuts, scarce and costly food and medicines, and inadequate access to basics like insulin. Locals report aggressive Russification in schools, including propaganda lessons and claims that multiple Ukrainian regions are part of Russia, with dissenting teachers punished. Despite risks of surveillance and arrests, underground Ukrainian resistance groups conduct morale-boosting messaging and gather intelligence on Russian military movements, occasionally sabotaging infrastructure. Many residents reject any peace deal ceding territory, insisting on liberation rather than “peace at any cost.” The Russian administration did not respond to questions about shortages or water supply.

Humanoid robots competed in a 3-on-3 autonomous football showcase at Beijing’s ROBO League, where they kicked, scored, and frequently fell. Four teams used AI-driven strategies in matches that served as a preview for the World Humanoid Robot Games scheduled in Beijing this August.

A comparative analysis of blood samples from adults in Italy, Singapore, Bolivia (Tsimane) and Malaysia (Orang Asli) challenges the idea that age-related chronic, low-grade inflammation (“inflammaging”) is universal. Industrialized groups showed classic inflammaging protein markers, while the two Indigenous populations displayed inflammation patterns tied to infections, with little increase with age. The findings suggest environment, lifestyle, and exposure to microbes and pollutants may drive inflammation more than aging itself, and that not all inflammation is equally harmful. Experts urge caution due to dataset differences, shorter lifespans in nonindustrialized groups, and the need for larger longitudinal studies. Practical takeaway: healthy aging may hinge more on diet, exercise, and reducing environmental exposures than on anti-inflammatory supplements.

A Fifth Circuit panel heard arguments on whether President Trump can use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan immigrants alleged to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The ACLU argued the statute applies only in declared wars, invasions, or similar crises involving hostile nations, not criminal gang activity, and noted U.S. intelligence largely rejects claims the gang acts at Venezuela’s direction. Justice Department lawyers urged deference to the president’s determination of an “invasion,” citing FBI assertions of assassination plots and the gang’s spread across 40 states, though some judges questioned whether occupying apartment buildings qualifies as an “invasion.” The case, likely headed to the Supreme Court, also disputed how much time detainees should get to contest deportation—DOJ proposed seven days; the ACLU sought 30—after a prior high court ruling required meaningful opportunity to challenge removal under the Act.

China is rapidly building a global lead in clean energy, installing more wind and solar than the rest of the world combined and exporting EVs, batteries, and solar technologies while amassing the majority of clean energy patents. It’s expanding manufacturing and projects abroad, tightening control over key inputs like rare earth magnets, and scaling nuclear (including next-gen and fusion research), making it harder for rivals to catch up. The U.S., by contrast, under the Trump administration is doubling down on fossil fuels—opening drilling, speeding pipelines, and pushing oil and gas exports—framing energy policy around economic and security goals rather than climate. This divergence has major climate and geopolitical implications: China’s cheap clean tech is enabling emerging economies to decarbonize, while U.S. policy seeks to entrench global fossil fuel use, shaping future alliances and markets.

The article details how several of President Trump’s executive actions mirror and amplify inaccurate or misleading claims he made publicly. It highlights three cases: - Sanctuary cities and immigration: An April 2025 order framing the border as an “invasion” echoes exaggerated campaign claims about migrant numbers and criminality. While crossings were high, many were repeat entries; millions were deported or processed legally, and research shows immigrants are not more likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens. - Autopen theory: A June 2025 memo orders an investigation into whether President Biden’s staff used an autopen without his awareness. The memo misstates a conservative group’s findings, which did not show a “vast majority” of Biden’s actions were autopen-signed, and overlooks evidence of Biden personally signing some documents. - Alleged persecution of Christians: An order establishing a task force against “anti-Christian bias” cites cases of anti-abortion activists as peaceful worshipers targeted by the Biden DOJ. In reality, those convicted had violated the FACE Act by blocking clinic access; experts found no systematic government persecution of Christians. Overall, the piece shows how Trump’s directives often embed his misleading narratives to justify policy moves.

The article argues that Europe’s push to massively increase military spending—pitched as both a path to strategic autonomy and industrial revival—is a strategic and economic mistake. Citing examples like plans to convert Brussels’s shuttered Audi factory into a weapons plant, the author contends that defense-led reindustrialization will strain tight budgets, crowd out social and infrastructure spending, and fuel political backlash, resembling 1980s-style Reaganism rather than “military Keynesianism.” Structural inefficiencies—fragmented procurement, poor coordination, reliance on U.S. suppliers, and underperforming “zombie armies”—mean higher spending won’t translate into real capability. Cultural resistance to militarization and recruitment challenges further limit effectiveness. The likely outcome, the author warns, is the worst of both worlds: minimal economic gains, expanded defense outlays, and no credible path to European strategic power.

Prada sparked backlash in India after showcasing T-strap sandals in Milan that resembled Kolhapuri chappals, a traditional handcrafted shoe from Maharashtra with a protected geographical indication. Indian social media and industry groups accused the brand of cultural appropriation and demanded credit. Prada apologized, acknowledged the inspiration, and said the collection is in early development with no confirmed commercialization, while opening dialogue with Indian artisans. Legal experts noted that selling GI-tagged Kolhapuris would require sourcing from designated districts and crediting artisans, but Prada’s “inspired by” claim isn’t illegal. The episode highlights India’s heightened cultural pride; some designers argue the visibility could boost global awareness and sales of genuine Kolhapuris.

The article examines how Hong Kongers convicted over the 2019 pro-democracy protests continue to face long-term consequences under China’s national security crackdown. Through three profiles, it shows careers derailed, social isolation, and pervasive self-censorship. A social worker, “Fung,” lost her license and now works in a hotel despite experience and a master’s degree; she remains determined to stay in Hong Kong. Former student leader Chan Chi Sum, jailed for conspiracy to incite subversion, feels left behind as peers advance; he is rebuilding his life through odd jobs and studying media to document the city’s changes. “Tsui,” a software engineering major imprisoned for rioting, returned to a climate of enforced silence, concealing his past at work and warning friends to avoid political speech. Their stories highlight the enduring personal, professional, and psychological costs of the crackdown, even as public dissent has been effectively silenced.

Apple’s manufacturing shift to India is accelerating, with Foxconn’s new $2.5 billion iPhone campus near Bengaluru already employing about 8,000 workers and targeting 40,000 as operations expand. India now produces roughly 18% of the world’s iPhones and could reach 25–30% by the end of 2025 as the Devanahalli plant comes fully online. The project is catalyzing a broader industrial ecosystem—local and international suppliers for parts, equipment, and services are clustering nearby—boosting wages 10–15% and reviving manufacturing in a city better known for services and tech design. India’s push aligns with its “Make in India” strategy and $26 billion in subsidies aimed at strategic manufacturing and job creation. While skeptics note much of the high-value components (chips, camera modules) are still imported—deriding current work as “screwdriver” assembly—the government is nudging Apple to increase local sourcing, targeting 30% value from India by 2028. Firms like Indo-MIM and Zetwerk are already supplying specialized parts and tooling, while expertise from East Asia is being imported to speed capability building. The Indian model highlights both the appeal and the challenge of relocating iPhone production outside China: rapid ecosystem formation is possible with policy support, large labor pools, and supplier co-location, but replicating China’s deep, high-value component base remains hard. This helps explain why calls to shift iPhone manufacturing to the United States face steep hurdles in cost, scale, and supply-chain depth, even as India demonstrates meaningful progress.

Researchers analyzing DNA from over 130 skeletons at Çatalhöyük, a well-preserved Neolithic city in southern Anatolia occupied from 9000–8000 BCE, found evidence of a matrilineal, likely matriarchal society. Genetic links among individuals buried under house floors showed household connections primarily through maternal lines, with female offspring more often remaining in the same buildings while adult males likely moved after marriage. Females received five times more grave goods than males, indicating preferential treatment. The study suggests husbands relocated to wives’ households and aligns with other ancient DNA research (e.g., late Iron Age Britain) showing women-centered social structures and inheritance.

U.K. authorities seized 2.4 metric tons of cocaine worth about £96 million ($132 million) from a ship arriving from Panama at London Gateway port, marking the country’s sixth-largest cocaine bust. The drugs were found beneath containers following an intelligence-led operation. Officials highlighted enhanced intelligence sharing and international cooperation against trafficking. The U.K., a major European market for cocaine, has seen cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rise 31% from 2022 to 2023. The bust follows recent large seizures by Mexican and U.S. authorities.

Australian police charged former “Beauty and the Geek Australia” contestant Tamika Chesser, 34, with the murder of her partner, 39-year-old Julian Story, whose dismembered and partially burned remains were found after a fire at a Port Lincoln apartment. Story’s head is missing, and police have appealed for public help, releasing CCTV of Chesser to track her movements and urging residents to review surveillance or dashcam footage. Chesser, found in a catatonic state at the scene, appeared in court via video; no clear motive has been identified, though the pair were in a relationship. Police emphasize recovering Story’s head for the family’s funeral, and his relatives issued a statement thanking authorities and the community for support.

Ukraine reported the largest Russian airstrike since the 2022 invasion, with 537 aerial weapons launched (477 drones/decoys and 60 missiles). Air defenses downed 249 drones and likely jammed 226. Strikes hit multiple regions, including western areas far from the front, killing at least two people and wounding several, with significant damage in Cherkasy, Kherson, Kharkiv, and Lviv’s Drohobych. An F-16 supplied to Ukraine crashed after downing seven targets; the pilot died. Russia claimed limited gains near Novoukrainka and reported downing Ukrainian drones over Bryansk, where two were injured. Despite Putin signaling openness to talks in Istanbul, recent negotiations have stalled and the war shows no sign of easing.

Norsk Tipping, Norway’s state lottery, mistakenly told thousands of Eurojackpot winners they had won millions due to a currency conversion error that multiplied euro amounts by 100 instead of dividing when converting to kroner. No incorrect payouts were made. CEO Tonje Sagstuen apologized and resigned over the incident; she had led the company since September 2023 and will receive six months’ severance. The company, which has faced multiple technical issues over the past year, is investigating the mistake.

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb criticized recent public health moves under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., warning they politicize vaccine policy and could restrict access to vaccines beyond COVID. He said Kennedy’s remake of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—dismissing many members and appointing several without vaccine-science expertise—has undermined credibility and led to remedial explanations during meetings. Gottlieb argued ACIP actions reflect long-held anti-vaccine priorities of Kennedy and Children’s Health Defense, citing the push to avoid thimerosal-containing flu vaccines despite longstanding evidence showing no link to autism. He noted thimerosal remains in a small share of multi-dose flu vials mainly for adults and was largely removed decades ago to address public concern, not safety issues. Gottlieb urged rapid confirmation of a CDC director and fuller, more balanced ACIP membership to restore scientific rigor and prevent broader erosion of vaccination access and public health policy.

Two tropical systems formed Sunday on opposite sides of Mexico. In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Barry weakened to a tropical depression as it made landfall near Tampico with 35 mph winds, bringing 3–6 inches of rain (up to 10 inches locally) to parts of Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas before rapidly weakening inland. In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Flossie developed south-southwest of Acapulco with 40 mph winds, is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane Monday or Tuesday while remaining over open water, and could drop 3–6 inches of rain across Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco. NOAA projects an above-normal Atlantic season with 13–19 named storms, 6–10 hurricanes, and 3–5 major hurricanes.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro led a protest in São Paulo against his ongoing Supreme Court trial over an alleged plot to overturn the 2022 election. A few thousand supporters gathered on Paulista Avenue, framing the event as a defense of “freedom” and “justice.” Bolsonaro and 33 allies face five charges tied to the alleged plan; he denies wrongdoing and calls the case political persecution. Conviction could bring up to 12 years in prison. Despite chants for his return, Bolsonaro is barred from running for office until 2030 due to a prior electoral court ruling that he abused power and spread false claims about Brazil’s electronic voting system.

Thousands marched in Bogotá’s Pride parade, celebrating LGBTQ identity while protesting ongoing violence against the community. The event doubled as a show of resilience and defiance amid rising attacks, highlighting calls for protection, visibility, and equal rights in Colombia.

CNN reports from Tehran on the “Hosseini Infants Ceremony,” where hundreds of women raise their babies to symbolize willingness to offer them to God and Imam Hossein. Held on the first Friday of the Islamic month, the ritual reflects Shiite mourning traditions tied to Imam Hossein’s martyrdom. Correspondent Frederik Pleitgen witnessed the event amid heightened national mourning and regional tensions, situating it within broader scenes of public religious and political expression in Iran.

The UK Royal Household’s annual report shows the Sovereign Grant remains £86.3 million ($118.5 million), unchanged for the third year. Funded by taxpayers, it covers official duties and palace upkeep but not security. The grant includes a £51.8 million core budget and £34.5 million for Buckingham Palace’s ongoing refurbishment. In 2024–25, royals carried out over 1,900 engagements and hosted 93,000 guests at 828 events. The report confirms the decommissioning of the royal train and expanded use of sustainable aviation fuel and electric vehicles. Critics argue the grant system is excessive and linked inappropriately to Crown Estate profits, while palace officials emphasize the monarchy’s “soft power” value. The Royal Family’s income also includes revenues from the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall and private investments.

A bystander’s video from West Los Angeles shows immigration agents in plain clothes chasing a woman who had been selling food outside a Home Depot; she clings to a tree as they try to detain her. The incident, captured near a busy street, highlights aggressive enforcement tactics and sparked public attention after being shared online.

Thailand, which decriminalized cannabis in 2022, has introduced tighter rules to curb an unregulated “green rush.” The U-turn stems from concerns over public health, youth access, disorderly retail growth, and gaps in oversight that allowed widespread recreational use despite decriminalization being intended mainly for medical and wellness purposes. The new measures aim to reimpose controls on sales and usage, formalize licensing, and restore regulatory clarity after three years of rapid, loosely governed market expansion.

CNN profiles AlphaBot 2, a Shenzhen-built humanoid using embodied AI to understand instructions and learn tasks from a few demonstrations—like playing dice—without explicit programming. China is heavily backing embodied AI with funding, centers, and education, aiming to drive economic growth. AlphaBot 2 is already used in factories for material handling and labeling; AI² Robotics hopes future versions will handle home chores such as making tea and doing dishes. Major hurdles remain: high costs, safety, privacy, and the difficulty of training robots for diverse home environments. Experts predict 5–10 years before humanoids are truly useful at home, with interim deployments planned in airports and potentially senior facilities. Prices may fall to car-like levels within five years, and long term, firms like AI² envision “a robot for every family.”

Canada is on alert for potential Iranian “transnational repression” after Iran’s attacks on Israel, with Public Safety Canada keeping the national terrorism threat at “medium.” Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler—under RCMP protection since 2023 due to an Iranian death threat—warns that Iranian sleeper cells may target regime critics, including diaspora activists, journalists, Jews, and Israelis. He cites recent executions and mass arrests in Iran, and urges creation of an independent Canadian agency to counter foreign repression and prosecution of collaborators, noting IRGC presence is likely underestimated. Foreign Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed concerns about foreign interference, highlighted Canada’s terror designation of the IRGC and lack of Iran ties, and pressed Iran for accountability over Flight PS752. Canada’s border agency has identified 20 inadmissible senior Iranian officials.

Fox News reports that while U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is urging budget cuts under the UN80 reform initiative ahead of the 2026 budget, senior U.N. officials remain insulated from austerity. Despite rhetoric about reducing senior-level costs, benefits for professional staff through the secretary-general appear untouched. The article highlights extensive perks: high base pay with cost-of-living multipliers (placing U.N. compensation 10–20% above comparable U.S. civil service roles), housing subsidies up to 40%, broad tax exemptions or reimbursements, dependent allowances and substantial education grants, a generous pension with two-thirds employer contribution, comprehensive travel coverage with daily subsistence allowances (enhanced for directors and above), and a range of mobility, relocation, hardship, non-family duty station, and danger pay incentives. Guterres’ reported salary exceeds that of the U.S. president and includes a Manhattan residence and chauffeured car. Critics quoted argue that these benefits contradict the organization’s belt-tightening message and burden top funders like the U.S.

Ukraine says Russia carried out its largest aerial assault since the 2022 invasion, firing 537 aerial weapons overnight, including 477 drones/decoys and 60 missiles. Ukraine reports 249 shot down and 226 likely jammed. Strikes hit multiple regions, including the far west; Poland scrambled aircraft to protect its airspace. At least two people were killed in Kherson and Kharkiv, and six were injured in Cherkasy. A Western-supplied Ukrainian F-16 crashed after being damaged while intercepting targets, killing the pilot. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready for another round of direct peace talks in Istanbul, though prior efforts have yielded no progress.

UK authorities seized 2.4 metric tons of cocaine worth about $132 million from a ship arriving from Panama at London Gateway port, in one of the country’s largest drug busts. The Home Office said it was the sixth-biggest cocaine seizure on record. Officials credited an intelligence-led, international operation, with Border Force emphasizing efforts to disrupt criminal gangs. The UK is a major European market for cocaine, and cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose 31% from 2022 to 2023.

UK punk-rap duo Bob Vylan sparked outrage at Glastonbury after leading chants of “Death to the IDF,” “Free Palestine,” and “from the river to the sea,” prompting condemnation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and festival organizers, who called the remarks hate speech and said they crossed a line. Avon and Somerset Police are reviewing footage for potential offenses, and the BBC removed the set from its iPlayer after issuing a live warning about discriminatory language. Another act, Kneecap, also led “Free Palestine” chants amid separate controversy. Glastonbury emphasized it opposes all war and terrorism and does not endorse artists’ views.

Two 5-year-old European brown bears, Mish and Lucy, escaped their enclosure at Wildwood Devon in southwest England and were found in a staff-only food storage area eating snacks, including a week’s worth of honey. Visitors were moved to a secure building as a precaution, and the bears were monitored via surveillance until they returned to their enclosure, later falling asleep. The park called it an operational error, noted the enclosure’s structural integrity was intact, involved police, and launched an internal investigation to prevent a repeat. No public threat or injuries were reported.

Jeannette Jara, a Communist Party lawyer and former labor minister, won Chile’s leftwing primary with 60.5%, defeating moderate Democrat Socialist Carolina Tohá (27.7%). Jara will lead the ruling coalition in the 16 November presidential election, succeeding term-limited President Gabriel Boric. Known for pragmatic leadership, she helped raise the minimum wage and cut the workweek to 40 hours, drawing comparisons to former president Michelle Bachelet. Despite her landslide, low primary turnout and public concerns over crime, migration, and a sluggish economy favor rightwing contenders José Antonio Kast and Evelyn Matthei, setting up a polarized race.

China hosted its first fully autonomous humanoid robot football tournament in Beijing, featuring three-a-side matches between university teams using shared hardware from Booster Robotics and custom AI algorithms. Despite frequent stumbles, difficulty kicking, and even robots needing stretchers, the event served as a testing ground for safety and coordination in humanoids. Tsinghua University’s THU Robotics won the championship 5–3 over China Agricultural University’s Mountain Sea team. Booster Robotics’ CEO said future human-robot matches are possible but will require strong safety assurances.

Lesotho activist Tšolo Thakeli was arrested after a viral video questioned Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s unfulfilled job-creation promises, highlighting no budget provision for 70,000 jobs and years of inaction amid high youth unemployment. Initial charges of insulting the PM and inciting violence were dropped, but he was re-arrested for sedition, detained in harsh conditions, and warned by the police chief never to mention the PM’s name. Thakeli, a longtime campaigner on youth joblessness, remains defiant, continuing posts that draw large audiences. His arrest sparked protests in Maseru and regional human rights concern. Now on bail ahead of a 2 July trial, he fears for his safety but insists he is a citizen seeking accountability in a country facing 16% overall and 24% youth unemployment, alongside frequent corruption scandals.

Mexican authorities found 381 embalmed bodies piled “indiscriminately” on the floors of a private crematorium in Ciudad Juarez, saying none had been cremated and some may have been stored for up to two years. Families were allegedly given material other than ashes. Prosecutors attribute the discovery to negligence and overcapacity, with one administrator surrendering to authorities. It’s unclear if the dead were victims of violence. The case highlights Mexico’s overwhelmed forensic system amid widespread organized crime and resource constraints.

Seoul is experiencing large swarms of “lovebugs” (Plecia longiforceps), drawn north by rising temperatures, urban heat islands, and development near mountain habitats. First noted in South Korea during a 2022 outbreak, the insects don’t bite or spread disease and provide ecological benefits like pollination and soil enrichment, but their sheer numbers have sparked public frustration and a sharp rise in complaints. Authorities caution against broad pesticide use due to collateral harm, instead advising water spraying, light traps, sticky pads, and dark clothing. Researchers are testing targeted fungal pesticides, while birds are beginning to curb populations naturally. Despite ecological value, 86% of residents consider lovebugs pests. The swarms typically subside by mid-July due to the bugs’ short lifespans.

A severe cold spell gripped southern South America over the weekend, with temperatures 10–15C below average across Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. Puerto Natales, Chile, saw –15.7C, prompting frost warnings. As a northern storm system clears into the Atlantic, high pressure is expected to push the cold north into Paraguay, Bolivia and southeastern Peru, dropping typical 30C daytime highs to the mid-teens. Meanwhile, torrential rain hit southern Brazil (92mm in 24 hours) after recent deadly floods. In China, two weeks of monsoon-fueled rain caused historic flooding in Guizhou and Guangxi, submerging parts of Rongjiang, killing six and prompting 300,000 evacuations; additional rains from a tropical system compounded impacts. Scientists link such extreme rainfall to warming-driven increases in atmospheric moisture.

China’s factory activity shrank for a third month in June, with the official manufacturing PMI edging up to 49.7 but still below the 50 expansion mark. Production (51) and new orders (50.2) improved, while inventories (48) and employment (47.9) fell. Non-manufacturing rose to 50.5, driven by stronger construction (52.8) despite softer services (50.1). New export orders improved to 47.5 amid a tentative U.S.-China trade truce, but deflation pressures persist: consumer prices fell 0.1% year-on-year in May, producer prices declined sharply, and industrial profits dropped 9.1%. Economists warn momentum may fade in H2 without more fiscal support; Beijing is signaling efforts to boost consumption and may expand vouchers, trade-in programs, and debt issuance. Further trade details with the U.S. remain unclear. A Caixin PMI reading is due, expected to rise to 49.

European stocks were set for a mildly positive open Monday, tracking gains in Asia and U.S. futures. IG futures pointed to small rises for Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40, with the FTSE 100 flat. The British pound edged higher after a U.K.-U.S. trade deal took effect, cutting tariffs on British car exports (to 10%) and removing duties on aerospace parts, though a baseline 10% tariff remains and a zero-tariff steel agreement is still pending. The U.K. confirmed Q1 2025 GDP growth at 0.7%. Investors awaited German and Italian inflation data and German retail sales, while China’s manufacturing contracted for a third straight month despite stimulus efforts.

Germany’s annual inflation unexpectedly fell to 2.0% in June, matching the European Central Bank’s target and undershooting Reuters’ 2.2% forecast. The harmonized CPI was 2.1% in May. While France and Spain saw slight upticks and Italy was unchanged, economists say the euro area appears on track for sustained target-level inflation. Capital Economics expects one final ECB rate cut in September to a 1.75% deposit rate. ING cautions that disinflation has been driven by external factors—lower oil prices and a stronger euro—and that services inflation remains elevated, with risks from volatile energy prices and potential new tariffs. The ECB is expected to pause in July while keeping a September cut on the table if disinflation persists.

BP has become a rumored takeover target after years of strategic turbulence and underperformance. Former CEO Bernard Looney’s 2020 pivot toward net zero and renewables survived initial pandemic losses and rode the 2022 oil price surge, but momentum faded as profits fell in 2023–2024 and Looney resigned over governance issues. New CEO Murray Auchincloss’s 2024 reset shifted focus back to oil and gas and dialed down renewables, yet investors remain unconvinced; BP’s shares are down about 15% since the change, fueling speculation of bids from Shell, Exxon, Chevron, or Adnoc. Activist Elliott reportedly took a stake, adding pressure. Shell has denied being in talks and says M&A faces a high bar, and analysts question the value of a deal unless BP’s valuation is extremely compelling, tempering near-term takeover prospects.

The UK-U.S. trade deal takes effect, setting a blanket 10% tariff on UK goods entering the U.S. and giving UK-made cars a preferential rate: the first 100,000 vehicles each year face a 10% tariff, with any additional cars at 25%—well below the 50% applied to other countries. This is expected to revive UK auto exports to the U.S., the largest market for British cars, and removes duties for UK aerospace. However, uncertainty remains over UK steel and aluminum: while the UK already enjoys a 25% rate versus 50% for others, both sides have discussed moving core steel tariffs to 0%. Talks are complicated by the U.S. “melt and pour” rule, which affects products finalized in the UK but not melted there, notably at Tata Steel. PM Keir Starmer hailed the deal as protecting key industries and jobs.

Thirty-year-old Olorato Mongale was lured to a daytime “date” in Johannesburg and was later found beaten to death. CCTV showed her entering a white VW Polo with two men. Police recovered the car with her blood inside; one suspect, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makanya (“John”), was shot dead by police, while the second, Bongani Mthimkhulu, remains at large. After her killing, police received 94 calls from women identifying the pair as perpetrators of similar date-linked robberies, revealing a syndicate that targeted young women at gunpoint. The case highlights South Africa’s femicide crisis—over 5,500 women were murdered last year, a 33.8% rise—and criticism of slow, uncoordinated police response. Friends and advocates say Mongale followed safety precautions, underscoring how pervasive and targeted the violence has become.

Hundreds of protesters in Venice targeted Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s lavish wedding weekend, condemning overtourism, rising local costs, and environmental impacts they associate with the billionaire and Amazon. Demonstrators displayed anti-Bezos banners across the city, claiming they disrupted plans and pushed a final party to the Arsenale. Despite city officials defending the event and Bezos donating €1m to Venice-focused environmental groups, activists dismissed the contribution as conscience-clearing. The wedding, estimated at £34–41m with 200 VIP guests, drew sharp local backlash amid Venice’s struggles with flooding, cruise ship pressure, and tourism.

The Bayesian superyacht that sank off Sicily in August 2024, killing British billionaire Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and five others, has been raised and placed in a steel cradle in Termini Imerese for a full examination. Newly released photos show the damaged interior, including lounge areas and access hatches. Salvage teams will also recover the yacht’s 72m mast, cut off during the operation, while conducting a seabed sweep. The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch will analyze the vessel—examining factors like escape routes—and publish a report. Families, including that of onboard chef Recaldo Thomas, are calling for accountability and lessons learned. A UK inquest will consider the deaths of the British victims; 15 people survived.

Tens of thousands protested in Belgrade demanding snap elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule, capping months of student-led demonstrations sparked by a fatal rail station canopy collapse blamed on government corruption. Clashes erupted as some protesters tried to approach a pro-Vucic camp; riot police used tear gas, detained several dozen people, and reported six officers injured. Authorities estimated 36,000 attendees, while an independent group counted about 140,000. Vucic, accused by critics of authoritarianism and deepening ties with Russia and China, rejected early elections, saying “Serbia always wins in the end.” National elections are scheduled for 2027.