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NZ emissions stall, threaten climate targets

New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission warns that emissions reductions are stalling and the country is at high risk of missing its 2031–2035 budgets and 2050 targets unless the pace more than doubles in the next 1–2 years, with action now critical. Key gaps include scrapped agricultural methane pricing, fragile emissions trading signals, and insufficient progress on deploying low‑emission technologies like electric vehicles, solar, and heat pumps to close the policy and implementation gap.

7 sources

Trump expands generics tariff, broadens Section 232 scope

President Donald Trump unveiled a phased tariff plan for imported generic drugs, imposing a zero tariff for two years starting August 1, 2026, then escalating to 100% for one year and 200% thereafter to push onshoring of U.S. production and penalize companies that don’t build domestic facilities. The move expands the administration’s pharmaceutical trade policy after an earlier Section 232 action and signals potential broader application beyond generics to reshape drug supply chains.

11 sources

RoboCop Series Greenlit for Prime Video with Blumhouse

Prime Video has officially greenlit an eight-episode Robocop series from Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Atomic Monster, with Peter Ocko as showrunner and writer, James Wan as executive producer, and Ed Neumeier also serving as an EP; the logline centers on a giant tech conglomerate pairing a robot with the consciousness of a fallen officer for police work, signaling a fresh yet respectful reimagining of the franchise. A premiere date hasn’t been announced, but multiple outlets confirm the creative team and development efforts aimed at adapting the iconic property for today’s audience.

29 sources

CAQM Reviews 175 NCR Inspections, 25 Resumptions

The CAQM's 135th ETF meeting for NCR reviewed 14 days of enforcement, with Flying Squads conducting 175 inspections across C&D sites, industrial units, and DG sets, leading to proposals for one closure, sealing 19 DG sets, nine compliance orders, and four Environmental Compensation cases, and 25 resumption orders after compliance checks. Cumulative enforcement totals showed 27,925 inspections, 1,803 closure directions, 1,446 verified resumption orders, 126 cases sent for final decisions, and ongoing review of road redevelopment in Ghaziabad under the standard framework, underscoring strengthened inter-agency coordination to curb pollution.

6 sources

Photo: U.S. Department of State / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

U.S. Jordan Sign Reciprocal Trade Agreement

The United States and Jordan announced a reciprocal trade agreement to expand market access and reduce barriers for U.S. exports, including duty-free treatment for most U.S. goods entering Jordan and expanded access for American agricultural products and motor vehicles. The pact also emphasizes environmental and labor standards, intellectual property protections, fair trade practices, customs modernization, and cooperation on supply chain resilience and investment security, with further talks planned on services and investment to remove remaining barriers.

9 sources

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Google's Nuvem cable connects US Portugal

Google’s Nuvem subsea cable connects Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with Sines, Portugal, routing through Bermuda and the Azores over about 7,000 km to provide a 384-terabit-per-second data corridor between the U.S. and Europe. The deployment reinforces Portugal’s role as an Atlantic gateway and hub for AI-driven data centers, aided by renewable-energy-powered infrastructure and major tech investments.

7 sources

Photo: United States Department of the Treasury / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

China reportedly cuts Iranian oil purchases by 40%

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says China reduced its imports of Iranian crude by about 40% in recent months, driven by sanctions on privately owned teapot refineries and China’s strategic petroleum reserves. The remarks underscore intensified sanctions enforcement targeting Tehran’s energy sector and could pressure Iran’s oil revenues while signaling potential shifts in global oil dynamics.

9 sources

Prosecutors raid Fidesz servers, opposition says

Hungary’s opposition Fidesz says prosecutors raided the party’s data centre amid an embezzlement-related probe linked to the National Cultural Fund, while Fidesz alleges the action is a politically motivated attack by PM Peter Magyar’s new government; the authorities have provided few details. Magyar’s administration, pursuing anti-corruption reforms and constitutional changes to curb Orbán-era influence, has framed the move as part of turning the page from the previous leadership, with Fidesz calling the actions autocratic.

6 sources

Vishal TK Plans Historic Commonwealth Games Debut in Glasgow

Indian sprint prodigy Vishal Thennarasu Kayalvizhi (Vishal TK) heads to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after becoming the first Indian man to break the 45-second barrier in the 400m with a national-record 44.98 seconds, carrying four national titles and a growing global top-60 profile along with pivotal relay contributions at the Asian Athletics Championships. He credits a strong support system, including the Inspire Institute of Sport and his coach, and speaks of a winning mindset and dedication to inspire the next generation of Indian athletes as he aims for a breakthrough on the world stage.

7 sources

Photo: United States Department of the Treasury / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

US China plan September AI safety talks

U.S. and China are moving toward formal AI talks in September, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, to set guardrails for frontier models and address risks to security, cyber threats, and labor markets following the May Trump-Xi summit. The discussions, aimed at establishing intergovernmental governance on AI before Xi’s September 24 U.S. visit, signal a continued effort to manage rivalry while keeping lines of communication open.

6 sources

Photo: David Hawgood / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Waterford church stabbing injures woman

A woman in her 50s was stabbed at the Holy Cross Church in Tramore, Co Waterford during Mass this morning with her injuries described as serious but not life-threatening, and a man in his 30s was arrested at a nearby location as Gardaí seized a knife for examination. Investigations are ongoing, with Gardaí appealing for witnesses and asking anyone who was in the Summerhill area between 9:15am and 10:15am to come forward.

17 sources

Photo: 外務省 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Global hunger falls for third year, risks loom

Global hunger fell for the third straight year to 7.8% (about 645 million people) in 2025, led by gains in Asia and Latin America, though Africa remains the region with the most hungry people. Progress is fragile, with climate shocks, higher energy and transport costs, and risks like the Strait of Hormuz and El Niño threatening to undo advances.

9 sources

Photo: Zz42 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Tottenham Sign Alice Sombath in Club-Record Move

Tottenham Hotspur Women have signed France defender Alice Sombath from Lyonnes for a club-record fee, joining six new arrivals this summer as Spurs push to finalize their squad ahead of a full pre-season. The 22-year-old Champions League winner and Euro 2025 participant said the league is highly competitive and stressed that her qualities can help Spurs, who view her addition as part of a long-term building project under manager Martin Ho.

7 sources

Teja Engineering Secures ₹18 Crore ONGC O&M Contracts

Teja Engineering Industries has won two ONGC O&M contracts totaling about ₹18 crore, including a ₹15 crore three-year LP gas compression facilities contract at Mandapeta and Tatipaka under the Rajahmundry asset and a ₹3 crore six-month award at Ankleshwar for GCP-I, GCP-IV and GCS Motwan. These wins extend Teja’s ONGC relationship and bolster its long-term revenue visibility by expanding its service portfolio across India's gas infrastructure assets.

5 sources

Photo: Bollywood Hungama / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Delhi CJP Protest Turns Violent, Injuries Reported

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Delhi Police’s actions during the Jantar Mantar protests, stressing that peaceful demonstrations are a constitutional right only when conducted with proper permission and that unauthorised violence or attempts to destabilise politics are unacceptable. He warned that leaderless or faceless protests can be infiltrated by vested interests and cited police damage and injuries as justification for measured action, while acknowledging some participants acted with sincere intentions.

6 sources

ED raids eight Bengaluru sites in ISIS probe

Investigations into ISIS recruitment and money-laundering in Bengaluru led ED and NIA to raid about eight locations, implicating Iqra Welfare Trust, Guidance for Mankind and others; the case stems from an NIA FIR and involves charges of funding, conspiracy and recruitment for ISIS. The accused allegedly ran Iqra Camp and Quran Circle to indoctrinate youths, raised funds through trusts and savings, and facilitated travel to Syria via Turkiye, with ISIS propaganda spread around anti-CAA/NRC protests and through encrypted social media.

11 sources

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Delhi Protests Turn Violent; Sonu Sood Urges Compassion

Actor Sonu Sood urged compassion toward students amid the NEET-UG protests, insisting the future deserves a hug, not a lathi, as clashes left over 118 police injured. The demonstrations, led by the Cockroach Janata Party, spurred appeals from Rahul Gandhi on peaceful protest as demands including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation for affected families were raised.

6 sources

Photo: Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Seven Dead, Five Injured as Sleeper Bus Catches Fire in Southern Vietnam

A sleeper bus crashed and caught fire on National Highway 1 in Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam, killing seven and injuring five as flames engulfed the 24-seat vehicle, with authorities investigating the blaze. Related reports describe a similar fatal bus-fire incident on the route from Lam Dong to Ho Chi Minh City, with ongoing inquiries into the cause.

8 sources

Photo: World Bank Group/ Grant Ellis / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Ukraine Receives $690 Million IMF Disbursement Amid War

The IMF has approved a $690 million disbursement for Ukraine under its $8.1 billion loan program, bringing total funding to about $2.2 billion as Kyiv maintains macroeconomic stability amid ongoing war. While targets have been met, several structural reforms slowed or were delayed, prompting a revised reform timetable and additional corrective measures to keep the program on track amid heightened security risks and a projected slower 2026 growth.

11 sources

Photo: United States District Court for the Northern District of California / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Anthropic $1.5 Billion Copyright Settlement Approved

A San Francisco federal judge approved a $1.5 billion settlement with authors over Anthropic's use of pirated books to train Claude, marking the largest U.S. copyright settlement and covering roughly 480,000 works at about $3,000 per title. The deal ends the case but leaves questions about outputs, requires destruction of pirated files, and drew objections from some authors who say it may not fully compensate or preclude further claims.

11 sources

DOJ alleges UC San Diego med school bias

The Justice Department finds that UC San Diego School of Medicine used race-based methods in admissions, including a shadow application process and race proxies, to preferentially admit Black and Hispanic applicants, violating Title VI and the 2023 Students for Fair Admissions ruling. The agency plans to monitor compliance, pursue settlements where violations are found, and notes this aligns with ongoing federal scrutiny of diversity policies in higher education during the current administration.

8 sources

Photo: Shealeah Craighead / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Trump Signs Proclamation to Boost US Aluminum Industry

President Trump moved to shore up domestic aluminum by directing the Commerce Secretary to create incentives for building, expanding, or refurbishing U.S. smelters and by pursuing onshoring plans that grant reduced tariffs for approved production. He also overhauled the Section 232 tariff regime to cut duties temporarily, expand country-specific carve-outs and broaden the definition of eligible products, part of a broader push to reinforce national security and the aluminum industrial base.

9 sources

Photo: Daniel Torok / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Trump Tightens Waivers in Defense Supply Chains

"President Donald Trump signed an executive order to tighten defense procurement rules by curbing waivers, requiring contractors to prove domestic sourcing, disclose material origins, and submit mitigation plans while the Pentagon maps supply chains and replaces unreliable suppliers. The move targets reducing reliance on China and other adversaries by accelerating domestic production of critical minerals and related components, with enforcement mechanisms and a planned effective date to phase out prohibited foreign sources.

13 sources

Photo: C-SPAN / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Graham plans to run for full Senate term

Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, announced she will run for South Carolina’s Senate seat after being appointed to serve out the remainder of her brother’s term, saying she’s in and has her family’s support. President Trump urged her to run and a special Republican primary is scheduled for August 11, with Graham potentially becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.

8 sources

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Recently covered

NZ emissions stall, threaten climate targets

Trump expands generics tariff, broadens Section 232 scope

RoboCop Series Greenlit for Prime Video with Blumhouse

CAQM Reviews 175 NCR Inspections, 25 Resumptions

U.S. Jordan Sign Reciprocal Trade Agreement

Google's Nuvem cable connects US Portugal

China reportedly cuts Iranian oil purchases by 40%

Prosecutors raid Fidesz servers, opposition says

Vishal TK Plans Historic Commonwealth Games Debut in Glasgow

US China plan September AI safety talks

Waterford church stabbing injures woman

Global hunger falls for third year, risks loom

Tottenham Sign Alice Sombath in Club-Record Move

Teja Engineering Secures ₹18 Crore ONGC O&M Contracts

Delhi CJP Protest Turns Violent, Injuries Reported

ED raids eight Bengaluru sites in ISIS probe

Delhi Protests Turn Violent; Sonu Sood Urges Compassion

Seven Dead, Five Injured as Sleeper Bus Catches Fire in Southern Vietnam

Ukraine Receives $690 Million IMF Disbursement Amid War

Anthropic $1.5 Billion Copyright Settlement Approved

DOJ alleges UC San Diego med school bias

Trump Signs Proclamation to Boost US Aluminum Industry

Trump Tightens Waivers in Defense Supply Chains

Graham plans to run for full Senate term