World News Live Updates: Search For Missing Hiroshima Bombing Victims Continues On Ninoshima Island 80 Years Later

Spotify is implementing price increases for its Premium subscribers in multiple global regions, including Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, The Verge says in a report. The announcement on August 4th follows a disappointing profit forecast on July 29th that caused the company’s stock to fall by 11.5%. While Spotify did not release a full list of affected countries, price hikes of €1 per month have already been observed for new customers in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. This move is part of a broader industry trend toward prioritizing profitability and follows previous price adjustments by Spotify in the US and some European nations. Despite Daniel Ek’s recent emphasis on long-term subscriber retention, reports indicate these price increases were planned before the latest earnings report.

A Dutch foundation has initiated a class action lawsuit against the global football governing body FIFA and five other associations over its transfer regulations, AP says in a report. The legal action seeks compensation for professional male and female players who have played for a club in the European Union or the United Kingdom since 2002, arguing they may have lost income due to restrictive rules. This move follows a significant Belgian court ruling in January 2023, related to footballer Lassana Diarra, which indicated that aspects of FIFA’s transfer system could be in violation of EU competition law by limiting players’ freedom of movement and earning potential.

Afghanistan is witnessing its sharpest-ever surge in child malnutrition, with the World Food Program (WFP) stating it needs $539 million to assist the country’s most vulnerable families, AP said in a report. The UN agency highlighted that almost 10 million people, which constitutes a quarter of Afghanistan’s population, are currently facing acute food insecurity. The situation is further underscored by the fact that one in three children in the country is stunted. The WFP linked the severe rise in malnutrition to a significant drop in emergency food assistance over the last two years, a period following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021 and subsequent economic crisis.

An opposition party in Ivory Coast, the African Peoples’ Party–Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), has accused the government of the ‘arbitrary arrests’ of six of its members, according to a report in AP. Sébastien Dano Djédjé, the executive president of the party founded by former President Laurent Gbagbo, stated during a Sunday press conference that the members were ‘abducted and taken to unknown locations.’ The party frames the alleged arrests as part of a wider political crackdown by the government of President Alassane Ouattara, escalating political tensions in the country.

Thailand is addressing a surge in its captive lion population, driven by demand from petting cafes and private owners, by proposing a ban on the private ownership of lions and other dangerous exotic animals, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The move follows several high-profile seizures of lion cubs in early 2024, which highlighted regulatory loopholes and links to illegal breeding and trade networks. Previously, lions were classified as ‘controlled animals,’ allowing for ownership with permits that were often loosely enforced. The proposed legislation by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation aims to reclassify lions as a ‘prohibited’ species, creating significant challenges for current owners and placing pressure on animal welfare organizations to manage a potential influx of confiscated animals.

Palestinian women in the West Bank have initiated a hunger strike to demand Israeli authorities return the body of a slain activist, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The protest targets Israel’s controversial and long-standing policy of withholding the bodies of Palestinians killed in conflicts, which prevents families from performing traditional burials and achieving closure. This specific hunger strike follows the killing of 31-year-old activist Awdah by an Israeli settler, and it underscores the heightened tensions in the region, which have been fueled by a documented rise in settler violence and what critics describe as a dual legal system in the occupied territory.

Pakistani authorities have resumed the forced deportation of approximately 1.4 million Afghan refugees whose legal residency status expired, as per a report in AP. This new phase targets Afghans holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards after the government declined to grant an extension, affecting individuals who had hoped for more time to settle their affairs, including selling property and concluding business. The move follows a previous deportation drive that began in late 2023 against undocumented Afghans. The United Nations has expressed significant concern over the expulsions, citing the principle of non-refoulement and the severe humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan, which will be further strained by the large-scale return of refugees.

As part of its strategy for a post-conflict Gaza, Israel is considering supporting local clans and influential families to fill the governance vacuum left by the dismantling of Hamas’s authority, The Washington Post says in a report. This approach aims to establish localized control for civil administration and humanitarian aid distribution, bypassing both Hamas and the internationally-backed Palestinian Authority. However, the strategy faces significant obstacles, including resistance from Hamas, the reluctance of prominent families to be seen as collaborators, and the risk of fragmenting Gaza into unstable, competing fiefdoms. The move contrasts with calls from the US and other partners for a revitalized Palestinian Authority to assume control, highlighting a major divergence in post-conflict planning for the region.

Chinese authorities are seizing thousands of counterfeit ‘Labubu’ dolls, which are internet-viral collectibles, as part of a widespread crackdown on intellectual property theft, according to a report in The Washington Post. The enforcement action targets globally distributed dupes of the popular dolls, an original intellectual property from the Chinese company Pop Mart. This move is part of a larger strategic initiative by China to strengthen its IP rights enforcement, driven by the need to protect its own successful domestic creative industries and address international pressure to combat counterfeiting.

A trial for 19 defendants has commenced in Moscow in connection with the deadly March 22, 2024, attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue that resulted in 149 deaths and over 600 injuries, as per a report in AP. The massacre, one of the deadliest in the capital’s recent history, was carried out by four gunmen who opened fire on concert-goers and set the building ablaze. While ISIS-K, an affiliate of the Islamic State, claimed responsibility, Russian officials have persistently attempted to link Ukraine to the incident. The proceedings are under international scrutiny, particularly after the US provided specific intelligence warnings to Russia before the attack and following credible allegations that the initial suspects were tortured after their arrest, raising concerns about due process.

Researchers in Ireland are testing a giant kite system to generate electricity, part of a growing global sector in Airborne Wind Energy (AWE), France 24 says in a report. The mobile, low-impact system aims to capture wind at higher altitudes and could provide power to remote areas where traditional turbines are logistically or economically unfeasible. This technology has the potential business implication of reducing material usage, such as steel and concrete, potentially lowering the cost of energy. However, while AWE systems can mitigate barriers like land use and transport, their large-scale commercialization faces significant hurdles, primarily the development of new regulatory frameworks for airspace management and safety.

A rare and powerful summer storm, named Floris, is battering Scotland with wind gusts expected to reach 85 mph (137 kph), leading to significant disruptions across the region, according to a report in AP. The UK’s Meteorological Office has issued an ‘amber’ wind warning, its second-highest alert level, signifying a potential risk to life and property. The severe weather has placed considerable strain on Scotland’s transport infrastructure, forcing widespread train cancellations and the closure of public parks. These disruptions are anticipated to have a direct economic impact, causing immediate losses for local businesses in the tourism, hospitality, and event sectors.

A Chinese citizen, an Australian permanent resident, was charged in Canberra on Monday under the country’s foreign interference laws for covertly collecting information about an Australian Buddhist association, AP said in a report. This marks the third time an individual has been charged since the laws were passed in 2018. Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt stated this is the first case alleging interference with the general population.

Five years after the devastating Beirut Port explosion that killed over 220 people, victims’ families are expressing renewed hope that justice may be attainable, Al Jazeera says in a report. The official investigation has been effectively paralyzed for years due to what is widely seen as political interference, with implicated officials filing numerous legal challenges to stall the probe. This fragile optimism stems not from a major legal breakthrough but from the sustained advocacy of victims’ groups and continued international pressure for accountability. The struggle for justice is seen as a critical test of the Lebanese judiciary’s independence and has significant implications for the country’s international standing, as potential foreign aid is often linked to governance reform and holding those responsible for the blast accountable.

The stepmother of a young boy killed at a humanitarian aid site in Gaza is still searching for his body, Al Jazeera says in a report. The incident is linked to the deadly event on February 29, 2024, where Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians seeking aid, which underscores the profound psychological trauma faced by families unable to conduct proper burials. This specific case amplifies the severe humanitarian crisis and the challenges in aid distribution. It also intensifies international calls for accountability regarding civilian harm in conflict zones and further complicates the extreme risks for both civilians and humanitarian organizations operating in the region.

Nine people, including an Irish missionary and a three-year-old child, were kidnapped from an orphanage near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, early on Sunday, France 24 says in a report. The abduction occurs amid a severe escalation of gang violence that has gripped the Caribbean nation, particularly since coordinated attacks on state infrastructure began in early 2024. Authorities have stated that no ransom demands have been made yet for the nine individuals. This incident further underscores the profound security crisis and the breakdown of state authority in Haiti, increasing risks for humanitarian workers and foreign nationals operating in the country.

BP has made its most significant oil and gas discovery in a quarter-century at the 300-square-kilometer Bumerangue field off the coast of Brazil, the Financial Times said in a report. This development aligns with a broader strategic re-evaluation among major energy firms to increase investment in hydrocarbon production amid global energy security concerns. For BP, the find reinforces its pivot to maximize value from fossil fuel assets, though developing the field will require substantial long-term capital investment. The discovery is also poised to provide a major economic boost to Brazil through future royalties and taxes, solidifying its position as a key global oil producer. However, the addition of a major new fossil fuel reserve presents challenges to global efforts to meet climate targets.

Germany’s largest sports retailer, Intersport, is considering moving its production into China to take advantage of spare manufacturing capacity as competitors like Nike and Adidas diversify their supply chains away from the country, according to a report in the Financial Times. The potential shift goes against a wider trend of Western firms ‘de-risking’ from China due to geopolitical tensions and a desire for more resilient supply chains. Intersport’s consideration is reportedly driven by the opportunity to leverage lower costs from China’s industrial overcapacity, a consequence of the nation’s economic slowdown and reduced orders from other major international brands.

Businesses in the United Arab Emirates are facing increased financial pressure from a rise in bad debts and tightening liquidity, according to a report in AP. A new survey from Atradius, conducted in the second half of Q2 2025, reveals a challenging B2B payment environment where bad debts now average 8% of overdue invoices. This trend points to growing difficulties in debt collection across the market, even as the survey also indicates a degree of cautious optimism among some companies.

India and the Philippines have commenced their first-ever joint naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea, a move likely to antagonize Beijing, AP says in a report. The two-day joint sail, which began on Sunday, was described as successful by the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner. The deployment is significant as both Asian democracies have separate and long-running territorial disputes with China.

A global consortium featuring major steelmakers from Australia, Japan, India, and South Korea is considering a takeover of Australia’s embattled Whyalla steelworks, according to a report in The Guardian. Australia’s BlueScope confirmed to shareholders that it, along with Japan’s Nippon Steel, India’s JSW Steel, and South Korea’s POSCO, submitted a non-binding expression of interest for the South Australian facility. The steelworks was previously controlled by British industrialist Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance, which lost effective control following the 2021 collapse of its primary financier. The bid is part of a competitive sale process, with the South Australian premier noting over 15 national and international parties have shown interest, signaling a potential path to stability for the major regional employer.

An undercover investigation using secret filming has revealed the central role of women, referred to as ‘madams’, in orchestrating a child sex trade in Kenya, BBC says in a report. The exposé shows these women are responsible for involving children as young as 13 in sex work, bringing to light the hidden nature of these criminal networks.

The UK’s recently enacted Online Safety Act is facing significant political backlash from right-wing figures in both Britain and the US, who allege it amounts to censorship, The Guardian says in a report. The legislation, designed to compel social media platforms to protect children from harmful content related to self-harm, eating disorders, and hate, has become a transatlantic rallying point for critics. The Act requires platforms to remove illegal material and manage access to content that is legal but harmful to minors, with potential fines of up to 10% of global turnover for non-compliance.

Hong Kong authorities on Monday intensified their crackdown on 16 overseas-based activists, canceling the passports for most of them and banning any form of financial support, AP says in a report. The measures were enacted under the city’s National Security Law and target individuals who were previously sought with police bounties in July 2023 for alleged national security offenses.

Authorities in China’s Guangdong province have pledged ‘decisive and forceful measures’ to stop the spread of chikungunya fever after nearly 3,000 new cases were reported in one week, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. State broadcaster CCTV reported 2,892 new cases in the week ending August 2, with no severe or fatal infections. The vast majority of the cases, 2,770, were concentrated in the city of Foshan.

Tropical Storm Dexter has formed in the Atlantic Ocean and is not projected to hit land, AP says in a report. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed the formation, which is consistent with expected meteorological activity during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. While the storm poses no immediate threat to coastal communities, tourism, or infrastructure, maritime and shipping industries operating in the open Atlantic may need to alter their routes to avoid the storm’s path and associated adverse weather conditions.

New Zealand’s government has proposed charging international tourists between NZ$20 and NZ$40 to access some of its most renowned natural attractions, as per a report in The Guardian. The new site-specific fees, which could be implemented from 2027, would initially apply to locations such as Cathedral Cove, the Tongariro Crossing, the Milford Track, and Aoraki Mount Cook. This initiative is part of a broader proposal to overhaul conservation laws, which also aims to make it easier for commercial businesses to operate on protected conservation land.

Vietnamese automaker VinFast inaugurated its new $500 million electric vehicle factory in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu on Monday, marking a significant step in its planned $2 billion investment in the country and broader Asian expansion, AP says in a report. The plant, located in Thoothukudi, will have an initial annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, with plans to expand to 150,000. This move represents a strategic pivot for VinFast as it seeks growth in new markets and aims to compete in India’s rapidly growing but highly competitive EV sector, which is currently dominated by domestic players.

Approximately 3,200 Boeing defense workers in St. Louis have voted to strike after rejecting the company’s latest contract offer, a move that will halt production of key military aircraft, as per a report in BBC. The workers, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, turned down a proposal that included an 8.2% wage increase over three years. The strike directly impacts the manufacturing of new, advanced fighter jets, including the F-15EX Eagle II for the US Air Force and export variants for international allies. This labor dispute adds to Boeing’s existing production and quality control challenges and occurs amid heightened global demand for military hardware due to geopolitical tensions, potentially delaying critical defense deliveries.

US President Donald Trump announced that real estate developer Stanley Witkoff will travel to Russia as a private envoy next week to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a report in Al Jazeera. President Trump stated his objective is to negotiate a “deal where people stop getting killed.” The visit represents a direct, though unofficial, diplomatic initiative by the President to engage with Moscow on the conflict.

Chinese scientists have reported the development of an advanced electronic warfare technique capable of creating a zone of electromagnetic calm, or a ‘storm eye’, amid intense signal jamming, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The concept aims to disable enemy communications and navigation systems while simultaneously protecting the Chinese military’s own troops and allied networks from collateral disruption. This development addresses a significant challenge in traditional electronic warfare, where broad-spectrum jamming often interferes with friendly forces. The technology is currently at an early, theoretical stage, with its feasibility having been verified only in computer simulations.

The pace of job cuts driven by artificial intelligence is quickening as companies globally prepare for a future with potentially less work for human employees, according to a report in Financial Times. This trend is fueled by the rapid advancement of generative AI tools, a strategic pivot towards efficiency following significant tech sector layoffs since 2022, and massive corporate investments in AI technology. The impact is prompting widespread discussions among governments about the need for workforce reskilling, new social safety nets, and regulatory frameworks to manage the economic and societal transition.

Chinese scientists have developed a novel ‘super steel’ designed to overcome a critical materials science challenge in the development of nuclear fusion energy, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The new material is reportedly capable of simultaneously enduring the extreme cryogenic temperatures and immense magnetic stresses found within a fusion reactor’s core, a combination of conditions that has long been a bottleneck for engineers. This breakthrough has significant implications for the global race to achieve commercial fusion, potentially enabling the construction of more robust and powerful magnetic confinement reactors. The development positions China as a leader in advanced materials for fusion applications, impacting both international competition and potential collaboration on projects like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).

Drawing lessons from the high attrition of Russian drones in the Ukraine conflict, a group of Chinese aerospace engineers and defense researchers has proposed technological enhancements for combat drones, the South China Morning Post says in a report. Citing estimates that up to 90% of drones have been intercepted by Ukraine’s advanced air defenses, the Chinese proposal outlines a theoretical upgrade aimed at increasing a drone’s survival rate to nearly 90%. This research comes as Ukrainian forces have reportedly improved their interception success, highlighting the escalating technological race between offensive drone capabilities and defensive countermeasures.

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer Vinfast is breaking ground on a $500 million factory in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state, marking a significant step in its planned $2 billion investment in the country and its broader expansion across Asia, according to a report in AP. The plant, located in Thoothukudi, will have an initial annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, with plans to potentially triple output to 150,000 cars. This move represents a strategic pivot for Vinfast towards high-growth emerging markets, following a challenging entry into the competitive US market. The investment aims to tap into India’s rapidly expanding EV sector, though Vinfast will face strong competition from established domestic players.

Luxury brands in Europe and Japan are experiencing a significant drop in sales from tourists, particularly from the US and China, according to a report in the Financial Times. The decline is attributed to several economic factors, including a weaker Chinese Yuan which has reduced the purchasing power of Chinese travelers. Concurrently, while the US dollar is strong, persistent domestic inflation is causing American tourists to spend more cautiously on high-value goods. The trend also reflects a broader normalization of post-pandemic ‘revenge spending,’ with consumers now shifting discretionary funds from goods back towards experiences.

A joint research mission between Cuban and UK scientists is underway to understand the biological secrets of the endangered Polymita snail, aiming to prevent its extinction, according to a report in BBC. The snail is critically threatened by an extensive illegal international trade, driven by high demand for its uniquely beautiful shells by collectors and for jewelry. Despite being listed on CITES Appendix II since 2017 to regulate trade, a persistent black market continues to thrive on online e-commerce platforms, prompting ongoing seizures by global customs agencies. The scientific collaboration focuses on advanced genetic sequencing to guide habitat preservation in eastern Cuba. The project’s success carries significant implications, not only for Cuban biodiversity but also for international wildlife law enforcement. Furthermore, conservation efforts aim to create alternative economic opportunities, such as eco-tourism, for local Cuban communities to counteract the economic drivers of poaching.

Meta Platforms, known for its open-source Llama AI models, has indicated it will be more ‘careful’ with its open-source strategy, a move that contrasts with China’s increasing embrace of open-source AI development, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. This shift by the US tech giant occurs as China actively fosters its own open-source AI ecosystem, which computer scientist Andrew Ng suggests could be a path for the country to ‘surpass the US in AI’. The differing strategies could lead to a fragmentation of the global AI landscape, with US firms potentially focusing on safety and control while China uses open-source for rapid innovation and to reduce reliance on foreign technology.

Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro held rallies across the country as he faces multiple legal investigations, including for allegedly trying to overturn the 2022 election, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Bolsonaro, who was declared ineligible for public office until 2030 by a court in June 2023, is also a key target in probes related to the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings in Brasília. The demonstrations for the former president have received rhetorical backing from his ally, current US President Donald Trump, and occur amid deep political polarization in Brazil.

Britain is on high alert for the arrival of Storm Floris, which is forecast to bring hurricane-force wind gusts over 80 mph and significant rainfall, with Scotland expected to be the most affected region on Monday, The New York Times says in a report. In response, the UK Met Office has issued severe weather warnings, and officials have advised residents to remain indoors. Widespread disruption is anticipated across transportation networks, with rail, air, and ferry services likely to face cancellations and delays. Emergency services and utility companies are preparing for potential incidents, including power outages, flooding, and damage to infrastructure from the powerful winds.