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1. Dua Lipa supports protest in Albania
British singer Dua Lipa has voiced her support for protests in Albania against a planned luxury hotel by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in a nature reserve. Demonstrators are rallying to protect the environment and preserve local traditions.
2. Iran threatens to block more trade routes as US launches fresh strikes
Iran has issued a warning to block additional trading routes following new US military strikes on its targets. The Revolutionary Guards announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the US ceases its “acts of aggression,” with potential closures of other oil and gas export channels.
3. Prime Minister Albanese sets up an AI office
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the creation of a new Office of AI. This office aims to oversee the government’s approach to artificial intelligence, addressing issues related to education, labor, climate, copyright, and defense.
4. Von der Leyen and Zelenskyy sign EU-Ukraine drone deal
The European Union and Ukraine have formalized a partnership to enhance drone production, a crucial aspect of modern military strategy. The agreement was signed in Kyiv by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
5. Swiss tourist faces 15 months in prison for insult in Bali
A Swiss man faces a potential 15-month prison sentence in Bali after violating local customs during the Nyepi festival. He was arrested for leaving his home during the Day of Silence and making derogatory remarks about the celebration.
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6. Kenya’s High Court has dismissed a bid by a Rastafarian group seeking to legalise cannabis for religious use. The court ruled that the ban on cannabis smoking does not infringe upon their constitutional rights to freedom of religion and belief.
7. In a significant development, Gibraltar and Spain have ended border checks, marking a new chapter in their relationship. Gibraltar’s Chief Minister declared that this move signifies that “Europe is back,” as people and vehicles freely crossed the border for the first time in years.
8. China’s economic growth has sharply declined, falling short of its targets amid weak domestic demand and the impact of the ongoing Iran war on oil prices. The latest figures reveal that the world’s second-largest economy grew by just 4.3% in the second quarter, raising concerns about its economic stability.
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A prominent Russian dissident has warned that President Putin may be planning a military incursion into the Baltic states. Garry Kasparov, a former world chess champion and vocal critic of the Kremlin, stated that such a move would be a natural escalation in response to perceived threats. He suggests that NATO’s eastern flank could be targeted, raising concerns about regional stability.
In economic news, the anticipated trade deal between India and the UK could significantly impact British businesses, particularly in the alcohol sector. The agreement aims to reduce customs duties on Scotch whisky from 150% to 75% immediately, eventually lowering it to 40% over a decade. This shift is seen as a major opportunity for British alcohol and spirits companies, according to industry experts.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 15 to 22 degrees with sunny feels like. In London, 18 to 29 degrees with sunny feels like. In Paris, 22 to 33 degrees with sunny feels like. In Brussels, 17 to 31 degrees with sunny low. In Berlin, 16 to 27 degrees with sunny low. In Stockholm, 14 to 28 degrees with sunny feels like. In Madrid, 23 to 36 degrees with sunny low.
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