World News Live Updates: Record Jellyfish Numbers In UK Waters Linked To Global Heating

China has escalated tensions in the South China Sea by releasing a video via its state broadcaster that shows the Chinese coastguard towing a Philippine vessel away from the contested Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Renai Jiao, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This action represents a new level of assertiveness, moving beyond previous tactics like using water cannons, and is accompanied by Beijing’s strongest rhetoric to date against Manila’s presence in the disputed waters. The incident occurred during a Philippine attempt to resupply its military outpost on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. This move directly challenges the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone, heightens the risk of miscalculation in the region, and puts further pressure on the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

An unusually high number of jellyfish have arrived in UK seas this summer, a phenomenon experts attribute to their yearly reproduction cycle being amplified by abnormally warm sea surface temperatures, The Guardian said in a report. These conditions are exacerbated by global heating, which has contributed to recent record marine heatwaves in the North Atlantic. The surge in jellyfish populations has significant implications, potentially impacting the UK’s coastal tourism and public safety due to an increased risk of stings. Furthermore, it poses a threat to the fishing industry by clogging nets and competing with commercial fish stocks for food, which can disrupt marine ecosystems and local economies.

Following significant public backlash and the country’s first major street protests since the Russian invasion, Ukraine’s parliament has voted to restore the full operational powers of its key anti-corruption watchdogs, as per a report in The New York Times. The initial move, which sought to limit public access to the electronic asset declarations of public officials, was seen as undermining agencies like the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP). The reversal is critical for Ukraine’s international standing, as robust anti-corruption measures are a condition for both its European Union membership aspirations and the continued flow of vital financial and military aid from Western allies. This decision reaffirms Ukraine’s commitment to governance reforms, aiming to bolster domestic public trust and reassure international partners during the ongoing war.

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted for a second straight day on Saturday, launching a column of volcanic materials and ash up to 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the atmosphere, as per a report in AP. The event, which followed a significant eruption on Friday evening, has blanketed nearby villages with debris, though no casualties were immediately reported. The escalating activity, with the ash plume increasing from a 10-kilometer height on Friday to 18 kilometers on Saturday, poses a significant threat to regional aviation safety and public health due to the widespread ashfall.

Apple reported a significant sales rebound in its Greater China region, which includes mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, for the quarter ending June 28, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Revenue in the region grew nearly 4.4% year-on-year, rising to US$15.37 billion from US$14.73 billion. This growth follows a period of decline and is attributed to consumer subsidy programs in China that helped stimulate spending on high-value items. Despite the positive quarterly results, the company continues to face a challenging market with intense competition from a resurgent Huawei.

Concern is growing in New Delhi over stalled trade negotiations with the US and harsh criticism from President Donald Trump, according to a report in The Washington Post. The talks have stalled over key disagreements, including US demands for greater market access for its agricultural and medical products and India’s desire for the restoration of its benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). The situation is causing alarm in Indian government circles due to the potential economic impact on exports and the perception that the trade friction could undermine the broader strategic partnership. This follows a period of heightened trade tensions, including the US withdrawal of India’s GSP benefits in 2019 and subsequent retaliatory tariffs from India.

US President Donald Trump is considering a move to add Argentina to the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a step that would ease travel restrictions for Argentine citizens, according to a report in The Washington Post. The potential policy change is reportedly driven by the strong political friendship between Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei, rather than Argentina meeting the program’s strict eligibility criteria. A State Department cable acknowledges that Argentina currently fails to meet a key requirement for the VWP. If implemented, the waiver could provide significant economic benefits to Argentina by boosting tourism and business investment, but it also raises questions about the consistent application of US immigration security protocols and the integrity of the waiver program.

The widespread use of drones by both Ukrainian and Russian forces is creating a new form of psychological trauma among soldiers, termed ‘Droneophobia.’ This condition is characterized by intense anxiety and hyper-vigilance triggered by the constant sound and threat of unmanned aerial vehicles, which are used for surveillance, targeting, and direct attacks. This pervasive threat fundamentally alters the battlefield, forcing tactical changes and placing unprecedented mental strain on soldiers, leading to symptoms similar to PTSD even after they have left the frontlines. The development highlights the growing need for specialized mental health support to address the unique psychological challenges of modern, technology-driven warfare.

Trade relations between the US and Canada remain tense due to unresolved disputes over digital taxes and softwood lumber, creating uncertainty for businesses, according to a report in BBC. Key points of friction include Canada’s plan to implement a Digital Services Tax, which has prompted threats of retaliatory tariffs from the US, and the long-standing conflict over Canadian softwood lumber exports. While industry groups in both nations are pressuring for a resolution, the overall tone of negotiations is described as downbeat. These persistent disagreements are casting a shadow over the upcoming mandatory joint review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) scheduled for 2026.

US President Donald Trump has dismissed the lead official responsible for economic data, a move that coincides with a significant market drop driven by concerns over tariffs, BBC says in a report. The dismissal follows the release of a jobs report that was weaker than anticipated, intensifying fears among investors about the economic impact of the administration’s trade policies. This development has raised concerns regarding the potential politicization of federal economic agencies and the credibility of future government data, particularly as it comes during a period of heightened market volatility linked to ongoing trade disputes.

The family of Khamis Ayyad, a 40-year-old US citizen from Chicago, is calling on the Trump administration to open an investigation following his death in the West Bank, as per a report in Al Jazeera. Relatives state that Ayyad was killed in an attack by an Israeli settler and are demanding a formal probe by the US government into the circumstances of the incident, which has political implications for US-Israel relations and highlights the risks for US nationals in the region.

A funeral was held in the West Bank for Khamis Ayyad, a Palestinian man who died from smoke inhalation after his home was allegedly set on fire by an Israeli settler, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This event occurs amid what human rights organizations describe as a significant increase in settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied territory, a trend that has intensified since October 2023. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and deteriorating security situation in the region, fueled by what critics call a climate of impunity for attacks on Palestinians. The killing contributes to already strained Israeli-Palestinian relations and has prompted international calls for accountability and the protection of civilians.

Google is backing the Singapore-headquartered social gaming platform STAN, which primarily targets the Indian market, according to a report in TechCrunch. The platform is positioning itself as a direct competitor to established gaming community services like Discord. However, STAN is noted to have a different market approach compared to its rivals, signaling a strategic move by Google to invest in emerging community platforms within the rapidly growing digital ecosystem of India.

A former North Korean IT worker has revealed details of a widespread, state-controlled scheme where overseas tech workers’ wages are used to fund the Pyongyang regime, according to a report in BBC. This illicit revenue stream is a critical component for financing North Korea’s prohibited weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. These highly skilled operatives use sophisticated methods, including false identities and VPNs, to secure freelance employment globally, posing significant cybersecurity and intellectual property theft risks to businesses. International bodies, including the UN and US government agencies, have repeatedly warned companies about the legal and financial dangers of unknowingly hiring these workers, who are often victims of forced labor with the majority of their earnings confiscated by the state.

A US federal appeals court has partially revived a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s X, creating potential legal and financial exposure for the company over its content moderation practices, according to a report in The Guardian. The court ruled that X must face a negligence claim for its alleged failure to promptly report a video with explicit images of minors to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). While the ruling upheld broad immunity for X under Section 230 for content posted by users, it established that this protection may not extend to a platform’s failure to meet specific legal reporting obligations. This decision sets a significant precedent for the tech industry, potentially narrowing the scope of Section 230’s liability shield and increasing pressure on social media platforms to strengthen their reporting protocols for illegal content.

Canada is experiencing a significant surge in measles cases, with the national total reportedly surpassing that of the United States, according to a report in The New York Times. The situation is particularly acute in the western province of Alberta, where a rapid increase in infections has led some physicians to criticize provincial officials for not declaring a public health emergency. This outbreak is part of a broader global resurgence of the disease, attributed to declining childhood vaccination rates. While officials in Alberta have so far resisted declaring an emergency, the situation is placing significant strain on public health resources and fueling debate over government intervention.

Fishing communities in Laos are facing severe consequences from pollution in the Mekong River, reportedly caused by widespread, unregulated gold and rare earth mining in conflict-ridden parts of Myanmar, as per a report in Al Jazeera. Since the 2021 military coup, Myanmar’s fragmented governance has allowed illicit mining to flourish in territories controlled by ethnic armed organizations, which use the profits to fund their operations. These mining activities employ highly toxic substances like mercury, cyanide, and acids, which are discharged into rivers, leading to severe transboundary contamination that threatens public health, food security, and ecosystems across the lower Mekong basin.

The New South Wales supreme court has ruled in favour of pro-Palestinian protesters, granting them legal protection to march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, according to a report in The Guardian. The decision by Justice Belinda Rigg follows previous attempts by NSW Police to ban or reroute the demonstration, citing public safety concerns. In her judgment, Justice Rigg noted the march is motivated by the belief that the “horror and urgency of the situation in Gaza demands an urgent and extraordinary response from the people of the world.” The organizers, Palestine Action Group, estimate that up to 50,000 people could participate in the demonstration, which is part of a broader wave of global protests regarding the conflict.

France is dispatching 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Friday, France 24 says in a report. The aid will be transported on four separate flights, each carrying 10 tonnes, originating from Jordan. This initiative is aimed at addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.