World News Live Updates: China Intensifies Crackdown On Counterfeit Labubu Dolls

The family of Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman allegedly murdered by a British soldier in 2012, has publicly criticised UK Defence Secretary John Healey, The Guardian says in a report. Wanjiru’s niece stated the family believes Healey is “taking us for a ride” and that his promise in April to support the investigation was for “political gain.” This follows a meeting where Healey expressed his “determination to see a resolution” in the long-unsolved case, which gained renewed attention after reports in 2021 that a soldier had allegedly confessed to the crime.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to what he termed ‘appropriate regions’ in a direct response to recent comments from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, BBC says in a report. Medvedev currently serves as the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council and has frequently issued nuclear warnings related to Western support for Ukraine.

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano erupted twice between August 1 and 2, renewing concerns over regional economic and logistical stability. These recent events are part of a prolonged eruptive phase that began in late 2023, which prompted authorities to issue the highest-level alert (Level IV) in January 2024. The ongoing activity has historically led to mass evacuations and significant disruptions to regional supply chains and travel, including repeated temporary closures of Frans Seda Airport. The volcano’s location on the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ poses a persistent risk, impacting local communities, agriculture, and the broader aviation and logistics sectors in East Nusa Tenggara.

A Jordanian air force crew conducted a humanitarian aid airdrop over Gaza to address the rising risk of starvation among the population, according to a report in The New York Times. This action is part of a broader international effort involving countries like the US, UK, and France, who are using airdrops as a last-resort measure due to severe restrictions on aid delivery through land crossings. Humanitarian organizations consider these airdrops inefficient and insufficient to meet the scale of the need, which was highlighted by a March 2024 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report warning of imminent famine, particularly in northern Gaza.

Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies have arrested four suspects linked to a corruption scheme in the country’s defense sector, Al Jazeera said in a report. The arrests follow a period where the government had to backtrack on attempts to undermine the autonomy of these agencies due to significant domestic and international pressure. This action highlights the critical importance of combating corruption for Ukraine, as it directly impacts the country’s war effort, national security, and its ability to maintain crucial financial and military support from Western partners, which is essential for its European Union accession bid.

A Ukrainian long-range drone strike has caused a major fire at an oil depot in the Russian Black Sea port city of Sochi, a key logistical hub for Moscow’s military operations, according to a report in the Financial Times. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly welcomed the attack, which is part of a wider strategy to target Russian energy and military infrastructure deep within its territory. The strike highlights Ukraine’s advancing domestic drone capabilities and the vulnerability of Russian assets far from the front lines. This disruption to fuel supply chains could create logistical challenges for Russian forces in southern Ukraine and Crimea, while also impacting regional security and commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

One miner has been found dead and four others remain trapped following a partial collapse at the El Teniente copper mine in Chile, the world’s largest underground copper operation, according to a report in The Guardian. The state-owned company Codelco confirmed the fatality on Saturday, two days after a ‘seismic event’ caused the collapse at the mine located 100km south of Santiago. A rescue operation involving at least 100 people is ongoing for the remaining miners. The incident places significant scrutiny on safety protocols at the critical state-owned asset and could have wider implications for Chile’s vital copper industry.

Hospitals in Gaza reported that Israeli fire killed 18 people on Saturday, with eight of them killed while attempting to access food supplies, The Guardian says in a report. The violence comes as malnutrition-related deaths are reportedly on the rise throughout the territory. The United Nations has also stated that 859 people have died in the vicinity of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution sites since May. These events occurred a day after Steve Witkoff, a business associate of US President Donald Trump, visited an aid site operated by the GHF, which is described as being backed by Israel and the US.

Chess world number one Magnus Carlsen has won the FIDE Rapid Chess online competition at the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC) held in Riyadh, securing a $250,000 prize. The EWC is a new, large-scale annual event backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) as part of its Vision 2030 goals. Carlsen’s victory signifies the growing integration of ‘mind sports’ like chess into the mainstream esports industry, a move that could broaden the sector’s appeal and attract new investment.

France is initiating deportation proceedings against a Palestinian student following the publication of an antisemitic social media post that reportedly featured Hitler, Fox News says in a report. The country’s foreign minister commented that the student “has no place” in France. In conjunction with this action, the French government has also announced it is halting its program for evacuating people from the Gaza Strip.

Reports claiming former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe was convicted and sentenced to 12 years are inaccurate, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The legal case against Uribe for alleged witness tampering and procedural fraud is still ongoing, and no verdict has been reached. The charges stem from accusations that he attempted to bribe or pressure witnesses to retract testimony linking him to paramilitary groups. While Uribe was placed under preventive house arrest in 2020, the case was later transferred to the ordinary justice system, where Colombian judges have repeatedly rejected requests from the Attorney General’s Office to dismiss the charges, signaling that the process is moving forward towards a potential trial.

Iran is holding at least four US citizens, with the information coming from rights groups and the detainees’ families, The New York Times says in a report. Two of the individuals were reportedly seized in June following military strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets, while two other Americans have been held since earlier in 2024. These detentions occur amid heightened diplomatic tensions and highlight the significant risks for US nationals in Iran, particularly within the context of the broader regional conflict that has intensified since late 2023.

Hamas has reiterated its long-held position that it will not disarm its military wing until a sovereign Palestinian state is established, BBC says in a report. This declaration comes as ceasefire and hostage release negotiations with Israel have stalled, with mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt attempting to bridge the significant gap between the two sides. The core disagreement centers on Hamas’s demand for a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, which Israel rejects. Hamas’s stance complicates any post-war governance plans for Gaza and signals its intention to remain a significant military and political force, posing long-term challenges for regional stability and international mediation efforts.

A new video from Hamas depicting an emaciated captive has ignited public outrage, coinciding with a visit to Israel by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, as per a report in Al Jazeera. Witkoff met with the families of Israeli hostages as the video intensified pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of those held in Gaza. The release comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations and growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region, with the captive’s condition highlighting fears about the welfare of all hostages. This release is consistent with Hamas’s past use of such videos as a form of psychological pressure during negotiations.

Israel is enforcing its ‘red line’ policy demanding that Syrian military forces not be deployed south of Damascus, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This policy is part of Israel’s ‘Campaign Between Wars’ (CBW), a strategy of preemptive strikes to prevent Iran from establishing a military presence or transferring advanced weapons to proxies like Hezbollah in Syria. The demand is primarily aimed at Iranian-backed militias that operate within Syrian army units, rather than all Syrian soldiers. The enforcement of this policy in southern Syria creates a volatile situation with a high potential for regional military escalation.

The death toll from a partial collapse at the El Teniente mine in Chile, the world’s largest underground copper operation, has reached two, Al Jazeera said in a report. Rescue teams are continuing their search for an unspecified number of remaining trapped workers amid dangerous conditions. The incident at the mine, operated by state-owned Codelco, is expected to prompt significant scrutiny of safety protocols within Chile’s crucial mining sector and poses operational and reputational challenges for the company.

The family of Israeli hostage Evyatar David has accused Hamas of starving him after the group released a video showing him looking emaciated, as per a report in The Guardian. The footage, released on Saturday from what appears to be a tunnel in Gaza, shows David digging what he says could be his own grave and, under duress, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire. The video has caused significant outrage in Israel, intensifying domestic pressure on Netanyahu’s government to secure the release of all hostages and fueling public protests demanding immediate action.

A pro-Palestinian march involving tens of thousands of people took place in Sydney, resulting in the closure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, according to a report in BBC. The demonstration proceeded after receiving authorization from the Supreme Court just hours before it was scheduled to begin.

Hundreds of thousands of young people from more than 146 countries gathered in a large field on the outskirts of Rome on Saturday for a major event with Pope Francis, as per a report in Reuters. The event, aimed at energizing Catholic youth, was one of the largest gatherings of the pontiff’s tenure. Participants gathered to hear the Pope’s message, which called on them to be agents of change and build a better world.

At least 62 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza since dawn, with 38 of the deaths occurring at aid distribution sites, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Medics reported the casualties, which occurred at locations described by sources as ‘controversial distribution sites’ amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

A volcano on Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula has erupted for the first time in more than 500 years, with experts suggesting a possible link to a massive earthquake that occurred in the region last week, as per a report in BBC. The eruption of the long-dormant volcano presents a significant event for scientific study. It also poses immediate risks, particularly to the aviation industry, as ash plumes could disrupt major trans-Pacific flight routes. Local communities in the sparsely populated area are also at risk from ashfall, which can contaminate water and cause respiratory issues.

Russia is intensifying its efforts to control its domestic internet infrastructure through the introduction of a state-approved messaging app, according to a report in The New York Times. This development has fueled fears that the government is laying the groundwork to block widely used foreign communication platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. The move is consistent with Russia’s long-standing strategy to achieve ‘digital sovereignty,’ which is supported by legislation like the 2019 ‘Sovereign Internet Law.’ Authorities have already established a precedent by blocking other Western social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), as part of a broader push to promote domestic alternatives and increase state control over the flow of information.

An underwater robot exploring the South Atlantic seabed is captivating audiences in Argentina with a live YouTube stream featuring scientific commentary, France 24 said in a report. The mission provides the first real-time view of a unique ecosystem at the convergence of the Malvinas and Brazil currents, revealing dazzling coral and previously unseen fish. This high-profile scientific initiative is significant for marine biology research, bolsters arguments for marine conservation in the region, and enhances Argentina’s scientific standing in the South Atlantic.

Australia’s New South Wales has been blanketed by its most significant snowfall in 20 years, an event driven by a powerful cold front from the Southern Ocean, as per a report in BBC. This rare weather phenomenon is expected to provide a substantial, albeit temporary, boost to regional economies by attracting tourists to areas like the Blue Mountains and Central Tablelands. However, the heavy snow also presents considerable challenges for the agricultural sector, with farmers facing potential livestock losses and damage to winter crops due to the extreme cold and limited access to pastures. The event occurs within a broader context of Australia facing more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has accused the Israeli military of killing one of its workers in a ‘deliberate’ strike on its headquarters in Gaza, BBC says in a report. The humanitarian group, whose facilities are protected under international law, reported the fatality following the attack. In response to the accusation, the Israeli military has stated that it has ‘no information’ regarding the incident.

Mexico’s automotive sector chief has declared that US tariffs, which can reach 25% on certain vehicles and components, are “unsustainable” for the industry, as per a report in Financial Times. The statement comes as Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, seeks concessions from the administration of US President Donald Trump. While the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) allows for most tariff-free trade, levies on specific components or those stemming from legacy Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum continue to impact the highly integrated North American supply chain. This trade friction is a significant point of contention that could affect the competitiveness of the Mexican auto industry and the upcoming USMCA review scheduled for 2026.

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee is widely expected to cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 4.0% on Thursday, according to a report in The Guardian. The move is anticipated by City traders as a measure to prevent an economic downturn amid rising unemployment and the global trade impact of new import tariffs from US President Donald Trump’s administration. If implemented, this would mark the fifth rate reduction since August of the previous year, returning interest rates to a level last seen in March 2023.

Dubai has introduced the world’s first AI-generated “Emirati Family” to deliver government communications and promote digital services to the public, according to a report in The Times of India. The initiative aims to enhance public interaction with smart government services by combining traditional Emirati culture with advanced AI technology. This project is a key part of Dubai’s broader strategy to solidify its position as one of the top-five global cities for artificial intelligence and aligns with its ongoing digital transformation efforts, including the UAE National AI Strategy 2031. The goal is to make government information more accessible and relatable to all communities within the city.

China and Russia have launched their ‘Joint Sea-2025’ military exercises in the Sea of Japan near the Russian port of Vladivostok, Al Jazeera said in a report. According to China, the drills are scheduled to last for three days. The event continues a long-standing pattern of military cooperation, with the two nations having conducted ‘Joint Sea’ drills regularly since 2012.

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a drone strike on a Russian oil refinery in Novokuybyshevsk, approximately 1,000km from the border, causing a significant explosion, Al Jazeera says in a report. This incident is part of a wider Ukrainian strategy to target Russia’s energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt its war economy and logistics. The strike’s long range demonstrates Ukraine’s growing drone capabilities, posing a challenge to Russian air defenses far from the front lines. Attacks on refineries are strategically significant as they impact Russia’s capacity to produce refined fuels, potentially affecting both domestic supply and critical export revenues.

Russia significantly escalated its aerial assault on Ukraine in July, launching a record number of drones that was reportedly over 14 times higher than in July 2024, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This intensification is seen as part of a broader Russian strategy to overwhelm and exhaust Ukraine’s Western-supplied air defense systems, such as the Patriot and NASAMS. The attacks primarily target critical infrastructure, including energy and port facilities, aiming to cripple Ukraine’s economy and civilian morale. This shift towards high-volume, relatively low-cost drone warfare underscores Russia’s reliance on asymmetric tactics and its increasing domestic production of drone models.

UK-based cybersecurity firm Darktrace is targeting revenues of $1 billion as it accelerates its expansion in the US following its acquisition by private equity firm Thoma Bravo, according to a report in the Financial Times. The strategic push comes after the US private equity firm completed its £5.3 billion acquisition of Darktrace in July 2023, taking the company private and providing significant capital for growth. The expansion drive will focus on increasing investment in Darktrace’s US sales and marketing teams and its channel partner network to capture a larger share of the lucrative North American market. This move is expected to intensify competition within the US cybersecurity sector, which is experiencing robust growth due to escalating cyber threats.

China is enforcing new travel restrictions that now extend to a broad range of public employees, including those in non-sensitive, low-level positions such as elementary school teachers and nurses, according to a report in The New York Times. These employees have been ordered to hand in their passports as part of a measure to enforce what authorities describe as ‘discipline’. This policy represents a significant expansion of previous passport controls, which were typically limited to high-ranking officials. The move is seen as part of a wider trend to increase state control, ensure loyalty to the Communist Party, and prevent the outflow of skilled professionals.

Derk Sauer, a Dutch media entrepreneur who built a publishing empire in the post-Soviet Russia of the 1990s, has died at 72, The New York Times says in a report. He was renowned for founding influential, independent publications like The Moscow Times and the business daily Vedomosti, which thrived during a brief era of relative media openness. As the political climate shifted and the state began systematically dismantling press freedom from the early 2000s, Sauer became a staunch defender of independent journalism. His death marks a symbolic end to the freewheeling, chaotic period of the 1990s and underscores the current reality in Russia, where independent media has been largely suppressed or forced into exile.

European bank shares have surged to their highest levels since the 2008 financial crisis, driven by rising long-term interest rates and unexpected economic resilience in the Eurozone, according to a report in the Financial Times. This rebound is largely attributed to the European Central Bank’s aggressive interest rate hikes to combat inflation, which have significantly boosted banks’ net interest margins. The sector’s stronger position is also supported by improved capitalization and regulatory frameworks established after the 2008 crisis, fostering renewed investor confidence. While beneficial for bank profitability, the higher rates translate to increased borrowing costs for consumers and businesses.

The new chief of Japan’s Norinchukin Bank has vowed to implement a more cautious investment approach after the major cooperative institution reported a $12 billion loss from its bets on US Treasuries, the Financial Times said in a report. The executive stated that the bank, previously known for its substantial purchases of US debt, had taken on positions that were excessively risky. The significant losses are primarily a result of the decline in market value of its existing bond portfolio, driven by the US Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes. This strategic shift by a historically large foreign investor could have implications for overall demand in the US Treasury market.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that one in three Palestinians in Gaza are now going days without food, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis and a grave risk of famine, Al Jazeera says in a report. The situation has reportedly led to 162 starvation-related deaths, including 92 children. This development aligns with prior warnings from humanitarian bodies about persistent obstacles to aid delivery and the insufficiency of alternative methods like airdrops, exacerbating the food crisis and raising concerns over adherence to international law.

A 17-year-old Palestinian boy, Atef Abu Khater, has reportedly died from malnutrition in Gaza, with his family stating his weight had dropped to just 25kg (55lbs), Al Jazeera says in a report. The event highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in the region, which international agencies have warned is approaching famine conditions, particularly impacting children and adolescents. This death adds to concerns over compliance with international humanitarian law and intensifies calls from the global community for unimpeded aid access to the territory.

The global security landscape is becoming increasingly volatile as several nuclear-armed states advance their capabilities, according to a report in The Washington Post. Key developments include Russia’s suspension of the New START treaty, the last remaining arms control pact with the US, and China’s significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal, including the construction of new missile silos. Concurrently, North Korea continues to develop its missile programs, and Iran has increased its uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade levels, raising concerns with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These actions are straining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and increasing the risks of miscalculation and escalation, which has significant political and economic implications for international stability.

Italy will commence airdrops of humanitarian aid over Gaza, joining France and Spain in efforts to alleviate a severe humanitarian crisis where UN-backed experts have warned of famine, according to a report in France 24. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed on Friday that he has authorized a mission involving the Italian Army and Air Force to transport and deliver basic necessities to civilians. The first aid drops could begin as soon as August 9, marking an expansion of international efforts to use air deliveries as a last resort due to severe restrictions on land-based aid routes.