Autonomous region of China; major cities include Hohhot, Baotou, Chifeng, Tongliao, Ordos
Rocket Lab has announced plans to acquire Iridium in an $8 billion deal, aiming to merge launch, manufacturing and a global satellite network to broaden its space-services footprint. The transaction values Iridium at $54 per share and signals ongoing consolidation in the satellite industry as SpaceX broadens its own services.
Tropical Storm Maysak has strengthened and moved inland, triggering floods across Guangxi and neighbouring provinces. Authorities report deaths and widespread evacuations as reservoirs and river embankments exceed warning levels. Rescue operations are ongoing as the region braces for more heavy rain and potential further flooding.
A wave of legal actions has unfolded as multiple individuals face charges for fraud, embezzlement and money laundering across the U.S. and Europe. Proceedings highlight the reach of illicit finance in corporate and public institutions, with investigations centering on unemployment benefits fraud, luxury embezzlement and political corruption.
Typhoon Maysak and Super Typhoon Bavi have unleashed heavy rain and flooding across Guangxi. The Liulan reservoir breach in Nanning has killed 26 people, with 9 missing. Rescue operations involve thousands of workers and boats, evacuations surpassing 130,000, and power restoration in hundreds of homes as officials warn more rain will come.
The UN General Assembly has reappointed Volker Turk as High Commissioner for Human Rights after debates over a four-year term. Russia and Israel oppose the extension; the United States warns of consequences. Guterres has nominated Turk for another four years, with some regional blocs backing the move and others voicing concerns. The vote will determine whether Turk serves until 2030.
The UN General Assembly has reappointed or attempted to reappoint the High Commissioner for Human Rights for a second term, with Turkish rights chief Tyrk receiving broad support while critics warn of procedural concerns and potential bias. The vote followed private consultations and public debate about prolonging his tenure beyond October.
This week has seen major moves in AI infrastructure financing and buildouts. SpaceX has released renderings for Terafab, a more-than-100-million-square-foot semiconductor factory it plans in Texas that it values at at least $16.8bn for the initial phase. Separately, Nvidia has been reported to be negotiating a $250bn guarantee to back OpenAI’s proposed 10-gigawatt Ohio data‑centre lease and construction debt.
Typhoon Dolphin has weakened inland but continues to cause extreme rainfall and floods across Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian. Authorities have evacuated hundreds of thousands, canceled thousands of flights, and closed major attractions as the storm moves westward.
Dolphin has made landfall near Yuhuan, Zhejiang, bringing winds of 151 km/h and torrential rain. The storm has prompted mass evacuations, flight cancellations, and widespread transport disruptions as authorities warn of prolonged rainfall and flood risk across eastern China.