EU’s Von der Leyen seals deal with Ukraine to scale up drone production
France 24 •

EU’s Von der Leyen seals deal with Ukraine to scale up drone production

Ukraine and the European Union have signed a "drone deal" to combine Kyiv's expertise with Europe's industrial capacity in order to boost production, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday. Her visit comes as Russian strikes killed six people and wounded at least 20 across Ukraine, according to regional authorities. 

Deadly Russian strike hits Odesa as von der Leyen arrives in Ukraine for defence talks
France 24 •

Deadly Russian strike hits Odesa as von der Leyen arrives in Ukraine for defence talks

Russia carried out a strike on the port city of Odesa in Ukraine that killed three, a local official reported on Wednesday, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv to announce new defence initiatives. Overnight, Ukraine also said it struck 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including gas tankers.

England risks building new ‘death traps’ as experts warn of overheating crisis
The Guardian •

England risks building new ‘death traps’ as experts warn of overheating crisis

Vulnerable people more at risk as research finds only half of local authority plans require cooling strategiesEngland risks constructing a new generation of “death trap” buildings that can fatally overheat unless the government tightens standards and prioritises climate safeguards, planning experts have said.Fears are growing about the plight of vulnerable people in heatwaves, with research this w...

Chinese in the driver’s seat? India-China reset hits a bump on New Delhi’s streets

Chinese in the driver’s seat? India-China reset hits a bump on New Delhi’s streets

SCMP •

It was supposed to be just another hectic day on New Delhi’s roads. Instead, early this month, several e-rickshaws on the Indian capital’s crowded streets reportedly came to a halt mid-ride in separate incidents that left drivers stranded and passengers searching for answers. Videos of the disruption quickly went viral on social media, turning a local transport breakdown into a national debate. Th...

Chinese in the driver’s seat? India-China reset hits a bump on Delhi’s streets

Chinese in the driver’s seat? India-China reset hits a bump on Delhi’s streets

SCMP •

It was supposed to be just another hectic day on New Delhi’s roads. Instead, early this month, several e-rickshaws on the Indian capital’s crowded streets reportedly came to a halt mid-ride in separate incidents that left drivers stranded and passengers searching for answers. Videos of the disruption quickly went viral on social media, turning a local transport breakdown into a national debate. Th...

Chinese motorcycle tycoon donates US$735,000 to flood victims after clearing US$15 million debt

Chinese motorcycle tycoon donates US$735,000 to flood victims after clearing US$15 million debt

SCMP •

Chinese motorcycle tycoon Zhang Xue has donated five million yuan (US$735,000) to flood-stricken Guangxi right after clearing a 100-million-yuan (US$15 million) corporate debt, moving many online. Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, in southern China, was hit by heavy rains that caused dam breaches and flooding, which had killed 39 people. On July 9, the founder of motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO pos...

Wednesday briefing: ​Do MPs have the will to stop mega-donors interfering in UK politics?

Wednesday briefing: ​Do MPs have the will to stop mega-donors interfering in UK politics?

The Guardian •

In today’s newsletter: The representation of the people bill has become a test of whether ​Britain can curb the surge in billionaire‑backed ​donations trying to influence how we run the countryGood morning. I’m Hettie O’Brien, and I’ll be arriving in your inbox regularly from today, rounding out the First Edition team alongside Libby and Michael.I’ve spent much of my time at the Guardian writing a...

Australia news live: Aria chief calls for AI content licensing; five-year-old dead after crash in Perth

Australia news live: Aria chief calls for AI content licensing; five-year-old dead after crash in Perth

The Guardian •

Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastShorten shocked by testimony given to royal commission on antisemitismFormer Labor leader Bill Shorten, now the vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra, said he was shocked by the evidence given from the university sector during the latest round of hearings before the royal commission on antisemitism.It descri...

Iran threatens to close more vital seaways as US renews blockade

Iran threatens to close more vital seaways as US renews blockade

SCMP •

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to close “all other export corridors that ⁠benefit the US and its allies”, Iranian media reported, after Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz and the US reimposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports. “Regional energy exports are either shared by all, or denied to all,” the IRGC said in a statement carried by Iran’s IRNA state news agency on Wednesday...

Iran threatens to block more vital seaways as US renews blockade

Iran threatens to block more vital seaways as US renews blockade

SCMP •

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to close “all other export corridors that ⁠benefit the US and its allies”, Iranian media reported, after Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz and the US reimposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports. “Regional energy exports are either shared by all, or denied to all,” the IRGC said in a statement carried by Iran’s IRNA state news agency on Wednesday...

Pacific security axis grows as New Zealand eyes Australia-Fiji defence pact

Pacific security axis grows as New Zealand eyes Australia-Fiji defence pact

SCMP •

New Zealand’s interest in joining a newly signed defence pact between Australia and Fiji may mark the start of a broader hard security alliance covering the South Pacific, but analysts warn smaller states’ concerns are likely to go unaddressed. The Ocean of Peace Alliance, signed by Australia and Fiji on July 6, binds Canberra and Suva to come to each other’s defence if attacked. Days later, New Z...

Alleged illegal donations by Catholic Schools NSW to Liberals raise questions over use of taxpayer funds

Alleged illegal donations by Catholic Schools NSW to Liberals raise questions over use of taxpayer funds

The Guardian •

Catholic Schools NSW’s alleged donations to Liberal party show the need to ensure public money is spent for approved purposes, expert saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn education funding expert says alleged illegal donations by Catholic Schools NSW to Liberal party operatives, under investigation by the state corr...

France set to adopt assisted dying law in final vote

France set to adopt assisted dying law in final vote

France 24 •

France was on Wednesday set to move closer to joining the ranks of countries that guarantee the right to assisted dying, after the long journey to adoption of a controversial bill championed by President Emmanuel Macron.

Spain shuts down France and advances to the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory

Spain shuts down France and advances to the World Cup final with a 2-0 victory

France 24 •

Spain’s defensive prowess and swagger were just too much for an attacking trio led by France great Kylian Mbappé, and just enough to get the 2010 champions into another World Cup final. Spain will play on Sunday against the winner between reigning champion Argentina and England on ⁠Wednesday. France will play in the third-place match on Saturday. FRANCE 24's Selina Sykes reports from the Dallas st...

University of Melbourne ‘sharply’ changed protest policies after pro-Palestine sit-ins, commission hears

University of Melbourne ‘sharply’ changed protest policies after pro-Palestine sit-ins, commission hears

The Guardian •

Response of universities to incidents on campus investigated in royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesionFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe interim vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne (UoM) says pro-Palestine sit-ins on campus led to the institution “quite sharply” changing its protest policie...

Nepal court jails ex-deputy PM, home minister in fake refugee scam; 14 others convicted

Nepal court jails ex-deputy PM, home minister in fake refugee scam; 14 others convicted

Times of India •

Two former Nepal ministers received prison sentences for their involvement in a fake refugee document scam. Top Bahadur Rayamajhi was sentenced to four years, and Bal Krishna Khand received two years. Fourteen others were also convicted and sentenced for their roles in the alleged fraud. The investigation began in 2023 after authorities uncovered claims of Nepali citizens posing as refugees.

Green-led council plans to ban cooperation with Home Office on immigration raids

Green-led council plans to ban cooperation with Home Office on immigration raids

The Guardian •

Exclusive: Lewisham council’s move marks first step in Greens’ plan to create a corridor of sanctuary boroughs across LondonA Green-led London council is planning to ban its officials from working with the Home Office on immigration raids, after uncovering evidence suggesting government officials wanted to use environmental health data to target restaurant workers.Councillors on the Lewisham borou...