Iran claims attacks on strait of Hormuz ships amid fresh US strikes – Middle East crisis live

Iran claims attacks on strait of Hormuz ships amid fresh US strikes – Middle East crisis live

The Guardian •

Revolutionary Guard claims attack on oil tanker and two other ships as US carries out tenth consecutive night of strikesFull report: Almost 100 troops injured in recent weeks, Pentagon admits, as Iran launches reprisals on US alliesLebanon’s army has begun to deploy troops to a southern Lebanese village to take charge of security in the so-called “pilot zone”, according to Reuters, citing a securi...

Trade, trophies and tanks

Euronews •

In today's newsletter: A team of Members of the European Parliament travel to China, Spain's reigning champions tour Madrid, and an expert explains the point of Europe's military parades.

UK borrows less than expected in June in boost for Burnham

UK borrows less than expected in June in boost for Burnham

The Guardian •

Figure of £16bn from ONS comes after new prime minister revealed plans to cut VAT on electricity billsBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK government borrowed less than expected in June, in a boost for Andy Burnham as he set out plans to cut VAT on household electricity bills and promised a new direction for the British economy.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said public sector net borrow...

Burnham cuts VAT on household electricity bills; UK borrows less than expected in June – business live

Burnham cuts VAT on household electricity bills; UK borrows less than expected in June – business live

The Guardian •

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsThe removal of VAT from electricity bills is positive but it does not address the scale of the problem that British households are facing, campaigners at the End Fuel Poverty Coalition have said.Simon Francis, coordinator of the group, said:Removing VAT from electricity bills is a positive statement of intent by the new administration. But ...

Air passenger rights reform: What the new rules mean for you

Euronews •

It's official: air passengers across the bloc will enjoy stronger rights from mid-2027. The European Parliament and the European Council approved the agreement reached earlier in June to strengthen passengers’ protection against flight disruptions.

Malaysia’s US$500 million warship, Philippines’ Pax Silica AI hub: 7 Asia highlights

Malaysia’s US$500 million warship, Philippines’ Pax Silica AI hub: 7 Asia highlights

SCMP •

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Malaysia’s US$500 million warship set for delivery, minus the missiles Malaysia’s navy is preparing to take delivery of a warship fully equipped for anti-submarine, anti-a...

Man of his word: Pope Leo speeches declared human-authored by Australian AI detection tool

Man of his word: Pope Leo speeches declared human-authored by Australian AI detection tool

The Guardian •

Maps of Hope has been certified by Proudly Human, a company led by former chief scientist, Dr Alan Finkel A collection of speeches and writings by Pope Leo XIV has been certified as human-authored less than two months after Leo declared artificial intelligence the greatest threat to humanity.Proudly Human, the Australian company spearheaded by Australia’s former chief scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, un...

How Chinese police infiltrated and monitored the dark web with the help of AI tools

How Chinese police infiltrated and monitored the dark web with the help of AI tools

SCMP •

Chinese police scientists have offered a rare insight into how they were able to break into the dark web using artificial intelligence to decode underground content. The dark web – a realm unfamiliar to most – is built on encrypted communications and anonymous routing technologies that render user activity nearly untraceable, making it a haven for illegal activity and data trafficking. In recent y...

Chinese ride-share driver answers emergency calls, rushing to scenes to save lives

Chinese ride-share driver answers emergency calls, rushing to scenes to save lives

SCMP •

A Chinese ride-sharing driver has dedicated himself to his city’s emergency medical services, offering first aid to nearly 400 cases in the past year. Liu Xianfu, 54, is a driver and first aid volunteer in Foshan city, in southern China’s Guangdong province. The migrant from Hunan province in the south-central region first worked as a truck driver, then a taxi driver. He saw many accidents on the ...

Gaza celebrates World Cup victory of Spanish team they took into their hearts

Gaza celebrates World Cup victory of Spanish team they took into their hearts

The Guardian •

People gather at cafes and outdoor screenings to support team after Spain’s backing for Palestinian rights The Spanish football team’s World Cup win has been celebrated in the streets of Gaza, where Spain’s support for Palestinian rights and Israel’s backing for the Argentinian team turned the competition into more than a football showdown.Gathered at cafes and outdoor screenings, Palestinians def...

UK military ‘eyes innovative electric flying taxi’ as 2029 launch planned

UK military ‘eyes innovative electric flying taxi’ as 2029 launch planned

The Guardian •

Vertical Aerospace says government has given £10m backing, taking its total investment in the project to £48mBritish flying taxi startup Vertical Aerospace has said the UK government has expressed interest in buying a military variant of its aircraft as it races to gain approval for flights with paying passengers.Vertical also welcomed another £10m grant from the government, taking its total UK st...

Why people slept inside wooden cupboard beds for hundreds of years in medieval Europe

Why people slept inside wooden cupboard beds for hundreds of years in medieval Europe

Times of India •

Box beds served as enclosed sleeping spaces in European homes for centuries. These wooden structures provided warmth during cold winters and saved limited living space. Families and workers shared these beds, sometimes leading to overcrowding concerns. As housing improved, box beds gradually disappeared from modern households. Modern versions now focus on privacy and design rather than necessity.