Japan's oldest English-language daily newspaper
Record low Danube levels have pushed Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant to cut output and then shut for the first time in its 44-year history, forcing authorities to ask big energy users to cut consumption and warn of possible grid stress. Low river levels are also disrupting shipping and power generation across the Rhine and Danube basins, raising energy costs.
Three months into Australia’s world‑first ban on under‑16s from social media, officials say the policy has reshaped the national debate but enforcement remains weak as many youths retain or recreate accounts despite age checks. The regulator notes minimal changes in offline activities and widespread non‑compliance by platforms on age verification.
The United States has proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from about 59–60 countries, citing failures to curb goods made with forced labour. The EU has negotiated a digital trade deal with South Korea and is preparing new industrial measures to reduce single‑supplier dependence. China has tightened controls on outbound investment and is hosting a steady stream of foreign leaders.
The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has prompted European travel cautions and U.S. and EU policy actions. Washington is urging European partners to impose travel restrictions, while the CDC has barred certain entrants from affected regions and is coordinating with allies ahead of the World Cup. The spread to Uganda and other neighbors has intensified containment efforts.
Liberian lawmakers publish a staggered roadmap to establish a UN-backed war crimes court (SWACCOL) and a domestic anti-corruption court, outlining eleven phases, public hearings, and diaspora consultations with a December plenary deadline; momentum is tempered by upcoming elections.
The articles report that a memorandum of understanding with Iran has been agreed, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing some sanctions while signaling a staged path to a broader agreement. Markets respond with oil falls and risk-on sentiment; analysts warn about details still to be resolved and the political resonance ahead of elections.
A Reuters Institute report shows social media and video platforms have surpassed traditional outlets as the main source of news in 2026, with 54% of respondents citing these platforms. While youth lean toward digital sources, older audiences still rely on traditional media elsewhere. The shift reflects changing habits, advertising dynamics, and growing trust concerns in legacy outlets.
Abelardo de la Espriella has secured a narrow victory in Colombia's presidential runoff, pledging a hard-line security approach and a renewed alliance with Israel. Iván Cepeda contests the result as Petro-era policies face upheaval. Protests erupt in Cali as results tighten and markets watch for policy shifts.
China has placed 10 US companies, including rare‑earth producers MP Materials and USA Rare Earth and several drone makers, on its export control list, barring Chinese companies from selling dual‑use items to them. Beijing has also excluded 46 US firms from government procurement, and has framed the moves as retaliation for a recent Pentagon blacklist of Chinese companies.
A UN independent commission has found evidence that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted by Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank, with about 20,179 children killed in Gaza between Oct 2023 and Oct 2025, constituting roughly 30% of child fatalities. Israel rejects the report, while UNICEF notes ongoing child casualties since the ceasefire. The commission says the attacks amount to genocide and crimes against humanity.
The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed former Apollo CEO Leon Black to produce nondisclosure agreements and to return for a sworn deposition on July 16 after he declined to answer questions about NDAs during a closed-door interview. Committee chair James Comer says the NDAs may connect Black to Jeffrey Epstein; Black denies wrongdoing.
North Korea has commissioned the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon, marking a step in its naval modernization under Kim Jong Un. Officials describe the vessel as part of a broader push to equip the navy with nuclear-capable weapons, with plans for additional ships and the development of strategic, larger vessels in the coming years. Analysts warn the move could heighten regional tensions even as Pyongyang touts deterrence.
The Guardian, The Japan Times, AP News, and others report Beijing’s export controls on dual-use items target Japanese firms as Tokyo expands its defense posture. Detentions of Japanese nationals in China over alleged rare-earths-related export violations are intensifying the diplomatic row. The moves come after Japanese comments on Taiwan and potential military action raised Beijing’s alarm.
Sony has announced it will stop producing physical PlayStation game discs from January 2028. New titles will be sold via the PlayStation Store or as retailer-issued download codes; games releasing before 2028 remain unaffected. The move follows years of rising digital sales and has provoked consumer backlash over ownership, preservation and the second‑hand market.
Anthropic has alerted lawmakers to a campaign by operators linked to Alibaba’s Qwen lab that allegedly carried out 28.8 million exchanges with Claude across nearly 25,000 fraudulent accounts between April 22 and June 5, aiming to extract its capabilities. The company says the activity is the largest known distillation attack to date and calls for penalties and stronger safeguards.
Vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz have risen this week amid shifting navigation guidance and ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Oman. Observers report mixed routes with a northern Iranian corridor and a southern Omani corridor, while the broader risk to shipping remains elevated.
The yen has weakened to multi-decade lows as US rates remain higher than Japan's. Intervention is being considered, but the long-running carry trade and energy costs keep downward pressure on the currency. Markets are watching potential official action and the broader implications for Japan's economy and global markets.
Netherlands edge to a dramatic exit at the World Cup as Morocco advances after a 1-1 draw, with a decisive penalty by Soufiane Rahimi. The Dutch are under pressure over coach Ronald Koeman after unconventional defensive changes.
Ford says it has turned a corner on recalls and quality, aiming to launch a fresh lineup across North America while reducing warranty costs. Yet analysts note ongoing headwinds as suppliers, electrified powertrains and software deployment complicate new vehicle launches.
The India-Japan summit in New Delhi has produced joint statements on economic security, AI, energy resilience and defence cooperation. Leaders have announced a three-pronged push: strengthening supply chains, expanding defence tech collaboration, and boosting private investment, with a long-term goal of greater Indo-Pacific stability.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have married in a private ceremony at Madison Square Garden, their publicist has confirmed. The couple did not use bridesmaids or groomsmen; Austin Swift served as Man of Honor and Jason Kelce as Best Man. Adam Sandler officiated and both wore Christian Dior Haute Couture; Swift wore Cartier and Christian Louboutin shoes.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has begun in Manila. Police have deployed around the Senate as pro- and anti-Duterte demonstrators gather. Duterte denies wrongdoing and has appeared via counsel, with the outcome potentially barring her from future office and shaping the 2028 race.
Oman is exploring a tolling approach for the Strait of Hormuz while navigating international law, amid US opposition and regional pressure. Reports show ongoing transits and ongoing diplomacy as the crisis evolves.
Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies unfold across Mashhad, Tehran and beyond as Iran’s leadership figures gather for a six‑day event. Mojtaba Khamenei remains absent, fueling questions about his health and authority as regional leaders project unity amid ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.
The Japanese Hayabusa2 spacecraft has conducted a close flyby of the 450-meter asteroid Torifune as part of an extended mission after its primary Ryugu objective. In another development, China’s Tianwen-2 has arrived at its asteroid target, aiming to return samples to Earth next year, while Japan’s Hayabusa2 plans further encounters.
The US-backed Board of Peace has scaled back its Gaza reconstruction plan to a small pilot camp near Rafah and authorised limited international stabilisation personnel. Hamas has dissolved its Gaza governing body but has not agreed to disarm. Israel has refused major troop withdrawals, continued strikes and delayed legal agreements needed for larger deployments; large-scale rebuilding is unlikely before Israel's October election.
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, restoring Russian athletes' access to many international qualifiers ahead of Los Angeles 2028 while leaving decisions on flags, anthems and full national symbols unresolved. Several international federations, including World Athletics, are maintaining bans and legal challenges are being signalled.
The White House has removed two Democratic members of the Election Assistance Commission and accepted a Republican member’s resignation, narrowing the panel ahead of the midterms. The action follows a Supreme Court ruling expanding presidential authority over independent agencies and comes amid broader moves to shape election administration. Agencies warn officials of potential prosecutions for interfering with voting and residents are urged to ensure compliance with new election rules.
Modi has stepped up engagement across the Indo-Pacific, signing agreements with Indonesia, Australia and others amid regional security tensions. China has tested a ballistic missile in the Pacific, prompting concerns over Beijing's expanding military reach. Modi's three-nation tour highlights New Delhi's aim to shape regional balance.
JAXA has flown the RV-X, lifting it 11 metres and landing it upright 16 metres away at Noshiro, marking Japan’s first successful launch and landing of a rocket. China’s Long March-10B has achieved a sea-based net catch on its maiden flight, signaling a major step toward reusable launch technology. The stories show growing momentum in global efforts to reduce space-launch costs and expand access to space.
The Philippines has formally objected to a China Daily AI-generated video that dehumanizes Filipinos and mocks the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling. Manila calls for takedown and warns against propaganda that escalates tensions as regional powers urge adherence to UNCLOS.
Finance officials signal ongoing reviews that could steer Japan’s GPIF toward greater yen-denominated assets, amid government talk of encouraging domestic investment. The GPIF’s next review is due in 2030, with current allocations unchanged for now.
Bloomberg reports that CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. is guiding near-term retirement for senior executives as it completes the sale and spin-off of assets in telecommunications, ports and retail.
A cross-border cocaine trafficking operation involving Liberia, Spain and the UK has been revealed. Liberia’s case centers on a 237.6-kilogram seizure linked to Paul King and Global Logistics Services, with prosecutors alleging a web of false documentation and warehousing. Spain’s investigation ties a 13-ton haul to a money-laundering network connected to a California SPAC founders. San Diego’s gang sweep uncovers a retail-to-wholesale cocaine market, with 20 pounds seizing weekly. Authorities warn of Liberia as a transit hub and Europe-bound shipments.
Civil rights leaders have announced a major demonstration in Washington, D.C. for Aug. 28, marking the 63rd anniversary of the 1963 march. The event, led by Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III, aims to press Congress after a Supreme Court ruling tightened voting rights protections and spurred state redistricting.
Analysts say redirecting more savings into Japanese assets could sustain demand for government bonds and support the yen. The focus remains on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s expansionary fiscal agenda and gradual BOJ tightening, with GPIF discussions fueling renewed investor interest in domestic bonds.
OpenAI is developing a screen-free, home AI companion that can control smart devices and access ChatGPT capabilities. The device is described as a personality-driven helper, designed to learn the owner over time. Bloomberg notes potential clashes with Apple’s trade secrets amid ongoing hardware discussions.
Nationwide day-ahead power prices in Japan have risen by 9% week-on-week to 21.57 yen per kWh, the highest since early June, driven by surging LNG prices amid supply disruptions in the Middle East. The trend adds to volatility from a duck-curve in Europe.
Eisenkot has surged in polls as his Yashar party leads Likud in some surveys for the October 27 election, with calls for stronger security and universal service forming the core of his platform. Netanyahu faces a shifting coalition dynamic as security concerns and politics collide.
England leads through Anthony Gordon but Argentina nets two late goals to win 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, ending England's bid for a first final since 1966. Tuchel faces criticism for defensive changes as England's momentum collapses; France looms for third place.
The Department of Homeland Security has finalised a rule replacing "duration-of-status" with fixed admission periods: most student and exchange visas will be capped at four years and foreign journalist visas at 240 days (90 days for mainland Chinese). The rule takes effect 60 days after Federal Register publication, allows extensions, and is entering congressional review.
Beijing-based Moonshot AI has released Kimi K3, a 2.8‑trillion‑parameter open‑weight model that has outperformed leading U.S. systems on blind coding benchmarks, is priced substantially below comparable U.S. offerings, and is scheduled to publish its model weights on July 27 so developers can download, modify and self‑host the model.
Trump has framed election security as a defining issue, citing declassified claims that China stole 220 million US voter files. The White House is pressing for stricter voter-ID rules and citizenship verification, while opponents question the data’s accuracy and timing ahead of the midterms.
Japan has signalled readiness to act decisively if needed to widen investment in Japanese assets, as leaders push for stronger growth and greater household and pension fund participation. Officials caution that intervention cannot be dictated and must align with evolving conditions.
Japan's parliament has approved revisions to the Imperial House Law to admit distant male relatives into the line of succession and to allow princesses to retain royal status after marrying outside the family. The government maintains the male-only principle for the throne, leaving Princess Aiko ineligible to ascend, amid broad public support for a female emperor.
The Open at Royal Birkdale has issued Bryson DeChambeau a two-stroke penalty for inadvertently improving the area of his backswing by trampling long grass. The decision is described as clear-cut by R&A officials. McIlroy condemns the late-night delay to tee-times as a poor look; Lucas Herbert leads, with Ryan Fox rising. DeChambeau says the ruling fires him up for the weekend.
The military is implementing mandatory testosterone screening for troops aged 30 and older, aiming to optimize performance and longevity. Experts warn the policy lacks solid evidence and could pose health risks, particularly for women. Reports from multiple outlets highlight concerns about timing, medical guidelines, and potential overreach.
Prime minister has announced an 850 million VAT cut on household electricity bills from October, funded by scrapping the Digital ID programme. The move is part of a broader plan to ease the cost of living, with ministers pledging to pass savings through to consumers as cabinet reshuffles unfold.
The India Meteorological Department has recorded rainfall beating long-period averages in about a third of Indian states as monsoon activity remains dense, with satellite imagery showing widespread cloud cover across the nation. The pattern comes after a period of variability, including an unusually dry June.
Leyva has been named chief executive officer of 7-Eleven Inc. and will start Aug. 1, overseeing store-network expansion and growth of the company’s overseas business. TSMC and other AI-linked firms are seen as catalysts for sustained growth in the sector, though fulfillment challenges remain.