Northwestern European country, a constituent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Researchers have detected helium escaping from LHS 1140b, a rocky super-Earth 48 light-years away that sits in its star's habitable zone. The Science paper has confirmed an atmosphere on a habitable-zone rocky exoplanet for the first time; teams used ground-based infrared spectroscopy and theoretical models to identify an upper-atmosphere helium signal. JWST follow-up is planned.
The government has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (IMCR) and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps as national security threats. Ministers have said the measures will criminalise support, extend policing powers and allow prosecutors to pursue those who carry out or direct sabotage in the UK. Police have arrested a suspect, Vahid Aberi, and carried out searches in Liverpool and Birmingham; he will appear in court in London.
EU debates options to curb trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Golan Heights as member states remain split. Belgium has moved to ban, while others weigh licensing, tariffs or a full ban amid rising settlement activity and international legal concerns. Ministers have yet to decide on concrete measures.
England has reached the World Cup semi-final after a 2-1 win over Norway in Miami. Jude Bellingham has scored twice to take his tally to six for the tournament, while Thomas Tuchel criticises the performance as sloppy despite the result. The team now prepares for a semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta.
Spain has secured a second World Cup title with Ferran Torres’s extra-time winner against Argentina, finishing 1-0 in a match defined by Spain’s dominance and Argentina’s discipline issues. Enzo Fernandez’s red card proved pivotal as Spain capitalised on their superior ball control and tactical discipline to seal victory.
Germany and France have stepped up cooperation on nuclear deterrence, with Berlin participating in a French-led exercise and reaffirming NATO commitments. The move signals deeper European defence self-reliance amid questions about U.S. security guarantees, while stressing that NATO’s umbrella remains intact.
Pew Research Center finds more countries hold favorable views of China than the US in 25 of 36 countries surveyed, marking the first time China has surpassed the US in long-running global opinion tracking. The period surveyed includes February to May, during tensions around Iran, Trump policies and related global events.
Kylian Mbappé has extended his World Cup dominance, scoring twice as France overpowers Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. Olise and Barcola provide assists as France advances toward a potential clash with Paraguay; Deschamps contemplates legacy amid personal bereavement.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help end the Russia-Ukraine war in a nearly 90-minute call with Vladimir Putin and has agreed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue negotiations at next week’s NATO summit in Ankara. Ukraine has struck oil and naval facilities near St. Petersburg, and Russia has responded with heavy missile and drone strikes on Kyiv.
NATO leaders have met in Ankara after months of U.S. threats to scale back forces in Europe and repeated U.S. demands that allies raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Tensions over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and U.S. troop reviews have strained transatlantic ties, while European governments are increasing procurement and planning to assume more conventional defence responsibilities.
England has secured a place in the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s after a 40‑run win over South Africa. Nat Sciver‑Brunt and Heather Knight led a 133‑run partnership that set a challenging target, while Sophie Ecclestone’s fielding and bowling sealed the win in a day of high pressure and emotion.
Rwandan and Congolese officials remain locked in a dispute over commitments under a Washington-brokered peace deal, with UN experts noting M23 remains active and minerals continue to flow from conflict zones. Western governments have stepped up sanctions, and the ICJ case against Rwanda has widened the international response.
Ukraine’s long-range strikes have hit oil refineries and energy facilities across Russia, fueling a fuel shortage in several regions. Attacks have disrupted refining capacity from Omsk to Yaroslavl, triggering rationing and price pressures while Moscow promises restoration efforts.
A continent-wide heatwave has intensified, with France, the Netherlands and Belgium reporting thousands of excess deaths as temperatures shatter records. Health systems are strained, and wildfires and droughts are spreading across southern Europe. Officials warn that climate change is driving more extreme heat, with record highs continuing into the coming days.
England faces Mexico in the World Cup last-16 at the Azteca Stadium. Security has been stepped up amid noise outside England’s hotel and concerns about crowds, with authorities preparing for potential disruptions. Kick-off remains at 6pm local time, with officials emphasizing safety and orderly conduct.
Prosecutors in Berlin have charged a 68‑year‑old man with 22 counts of aggravated rape involving 14 women, part of a wider probe into an online network that prosecutors say enabled drug‑facilitated sexual assaults. Investigations trace the crimes to chats and online forums with suspected involvement of dozens of people across countries. Authorities say the scale is likely under‑detected.
Morocco has moved into the World Cup knockout rounds with a disciplined, counter-attacking display, while questions linger over their former coach and the direction of the team.
Canada has selected ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to build up to 12 conventionally powered submarines, with the contract potentially worth tens of billions of dollars. Prime Minister Carney has pledged higher defence spending and NATO interoperability as Ottawa seeks greater strategic autonomy ahead of the Ankara summit.
The United States has granted Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air-defence interceptors, addressing critical shortages but production will take months to years. Ukraine is pressing allies at NATO for faster and larger support amid ongoing Russian ballistic missile strikes that have damaged Kyiv and other cities.
The NATO summit in Ankara is shaping up as a test for alliance unity as President Trump’s threats to curb U.S. involvement collide with Turkey’s bid to leverage its ties with Trump. Turkey’s foreign minister says the Erdogan-Trump rapport could ease tensions, while other members weigh new security arrangements amid funding and defence-spending debates.
A tech-backed analysis has found that bars and breweries saw an 8% revenue uptick during the World Cup group stage, driven by late-night demand. Host cities outperformed the national average, with notable spikes in Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the New York metro. Non-alcoholic drinks and food orders also rose as chains rolled out promotions.
NATO leaders reaffirm an Article 5 commitment while European defence spending rises. Trump criticises allies over Iran war and defence budgets, threatening trade measures and debates over Greenland. Ukraine receives new aid and weapons deals are announced, but unity appears fragile as divisions persist.
Josh Kerr has broken the mile world record at the London Diamond League, running 3:42.66 to shave 0.47 seconds off Hicham El Guerrouj's 1999 mark. The Scot led through precise pacing from Brannon Kidder and Zan Rudolf and won by a clear margin; the meet also featured standout wins from Julien Alfred and Karsten Warholm.
The peanut butter floor by Wim T. Schippers has reopened at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam for a two-month show. The installation uses peanut butter to cover a hexagonal floor, with brand Calvé donating the spread. The piece is a hallmark of the artist’s provocative, playful approach to art, first created in 1969, and the event also honors his unconventional burial.
A cross-border crackdown on county lines has led to multiple seizures, arrests and safeguarding actions as authorities target recruitment of vulnerable youths and drug distribution networks in Merseyside and across the UK.
World Cup coverage shows a surge in online abuse against players, with authorities noting a rising pattern of racist and discriminatory behavior on and off the pitch. FIFA data indicates a spike in reports to law enforcement and monitoring bodies, while unions call for stronger action from platforms and governments.
Newcastle United faces continued pressure as Bruno Guimarães pushes for a move to Arsenal, while the club pursues replacements after high-profile summer exits. Bazoumana Touré has joined for £43m, with Sean Steur set to arrive from Ajax; the squad rebuild accelerates as tensions rise over player departures and strategic direction.
UK Labour leader-in-waiting Andy Burnham has apologised for Labour’s initial Gaza response, saying the UK must press Israel harder and consider sanctions and a ban on settlements. He reframes Labour’s position as it readies him to lead the party, while stressing accountability for war crimes and protection of civilians.
England and Argentina clash in a World Cup semi-final marked by a new rule allowing red cards for players who cover their mouths during verbal exchanges. Paredes complains to referee Elfath as Kane briefly covers his mouth; earlier incidents involving Hincapié and Almirón underline enforcement of the rule.
France has eliminated Morocco 2-0 in Boston, with Mbappé scoring and setting up Dembele as they advance to the World Cup semi-finals. Morocco, chasing revenge after 2022, bows out but shows a young, improving side.
EU discussions on curbing trade with Israeli settlements face deep division over ban, tariffs, or licensing. Several member states have already imposed or considered unilateral measures amid rising settlement activity and calls for accountability under international law. The debate follows new data on settlement expansion and international rulings.
Venezuela’s interim government and the opposition have started formal talks to strengthen democracy, backed by the United States, following twin earthquakes that have killed thousands. Dinorah Figuera leads the opposition delegation, while negotiations focus on electoral reform, democratic guarantees, and political participation.
England has advanced to the World Cup semi-finals following a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring the decisive goal. The Guardian, Independent, and BBC coverage highlight how England now faces Argentina in the semi-final in Atlanta, while questions swirl over manager Tuchel and the team’s prospects against Messi and co.
Judit Polgár has declined Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s offer to become Hungary’s interim president. Magyar had nominated the celebrated chess grandmaster after parliament passed a constitutional amendment that ended Tamás Sulyok’s term. Magyar has said his party will meet this week to pick a new nominee and parliament will vote to install a president until a new constitution is adopted.
Europe’s leaders are pursuing a global, integrated missile defense against future threats, while Ukraine seeks faster air-defense and a European-backed, lower-cost system. At Paris talks, Macron and Zelenskyy outline steps toward a coalition of the willing and the Freyja project to supplement, not replace, existing defenses.
The UN has condemned Hamas for obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza, with reports of armed groups entering food-distribution points and a WFP warehouse. The EU commits almost 900 million euros to early recovery and reconstruction, while donors seek conditions for disbursement amid ongoing conflict and calls for Hamas disarmament.
Dutch referee Rob Dieperink, who had been dropped from the World Cup list amid sexual assault allegations, has died at 38. The Metropolitan Police investigation in London did not lead to charges, and FIFA had removed him from World Cup duties earlier this year. KNVB expresses shock and sadness as tributes come in from colleagues.
The ICC oversight body is set to vote on Karim Khan’s fate after allegations of misconduct toward a female aide. Khan has denied wrongdoing; the UK Bar Standards Board and US sanctions have added pressure as the Assembly of States Parties prepares for a special session at the UN on July 24.
Caricom’s reparations commission has convened in London to press Britain on sovereignty, decolonisation and reparations, while seeking a framework for negotiations. Caribbean leaders say the region remains the most colonised and demand self-determination for overseas territories, debt relief, and a formal apology.
France’s National Assembly has approved a bill to legalise medically assisted dying for adults with a serious, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage, with strict safeguards. The measure now goes to the Constitutional Council for review before it could become law, after the Senate previously rejected it by a wide margin.
The ICC has restructured the 50-over World Cup for 2027, proposing a first-round round involving the three lowest-ranked qualifiers, a two-group main stage, a 'Super Seven' knockout, and no quarterfinals. The change aims to increase context and consequences but faces concerns over transparency and impact on emerging cricket nations.
Groups challenge Trump’s February 2025 sanctions on ICC officials and allied entities in New York federal court, arguing First Amendment rights and US sovereignty. The case follows escalating US pressure on the ICC and comments by Rubio about broader measures.
The 2026 World Cup final is nearing as Spain or Argentina compete for the trophy designed in Milan by Silvio Gazzaniga. The piece traces the trophy’s origins, its dramatic history, and how FIFA now awards a replica after the original is kept in FIFA’s Swiss headquarters between tournaments.
The International Criminal Court has confirmed 17 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Libyan militia commander Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri. The case, linked to Mitiga prison abuses between 2014 and 2020, now proceeds to a Trial Chamber for a timetable and potential conviction.
West Ham captain Bowen has pledged his future to the club, stating the ambition to return to the Premier League after relegation. He travelled to Prague to meet Daniel Kretinsky and Jiri Svarc and was convinced by the club’s direction. Several teammates are associated with exits as West Ham navigates the transfer window.
The ICC has handed Nawaz a three‑month suspension for a Carboxy‑THC offence from the 2026 T20 World Cup. The sanction is backdated to May 1 after he admitted the violation and undertook rehabilitation. His records from the Netherlands match have been disqualified, and he has served about two and a half months of provisional suspension.
Capdevila has urged US authorities to overturn a visa waiver denial that would prevent him from attending Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey with his 2010 teammates; the denial stems from a 2016 Tehran exhibition and visa rules linked to Iran travel.
Spain has secured its second World Cup title after Ferran Torres scores in extra time against Argentina in New Jersey. The victory follows a dramatic match and triggers celebrations across Spain, while a fountain collapse in Ciudad Rodrigo casts a shadow over the night.
The European Commission has fined AliExpress €1.2 billion for failing to stop the sale of illegal, unsafe and counterfeit goods on its platform. The EC found weak staffing, bypassable checks, ineffective brand authorisation and recommendation systems that promoted flagged items. AliExpress says the penalty is disproportionate and will appeal; it must submit a compliance plan by 20 October.
NATO allies have announced more than $50 billion in new procurements and cross-border production deals, signaling a rapid buildup in military hardware and cooperation. The moves include drones, airborne warning aircraft, and a transatlantic push to expand European manufacturing capacity. Analysts say the money is real and the pace will accelerate, with continued questions about political turnout and legitimacy.