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India has introduced its first hydrogen-powered train, called the NaMo Green Rail, to help reduce pollution and promote clean energy. The train, designed and built in India, will run daily on a 90 km route between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, producing only water vapor and heat as emissions.
Key Facts
The NaMo Green Rail is India's first domestically built hydrogen-powered train.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the train before its first trip.
The train runs two return trips daily on a 90 km route in Haryana state.
It has 10 coaches and seats about 2,600 passengers, with a top speed of 75 km/h.
The hydrogen train emits only heat and water vapor, unlike diesel trains which produce pollution.
Hydrogen trains are used in countries like Japan, China, the U.S., and Germany.
India aims to make its railways net-zero in carbon emissions by 2030.
The train supports India’s broader efforts to expand clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.
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Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed attacks on several U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including sites in Syria, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan. The U.S. has responded with strikes on Iranian targets, and tensions have caused ship crews to avoid passing through the Strait of Hormuz due to safety fears.
Key Facts
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it attacked multiple U.S. military bases in the Middle East on Friday.
Targets included bases in Syria, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan.
The U.S. military has conducted six nights of strikes on Iranian military targets in response.
There are no independent confirmations from U.S. officials about the damage claimed by Iran.
Ship crews are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz because of safety concerns after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire ended.
A maritime risk expert said the situation has returned to a "worst case scenario" with many vessels unwilling to travel through the strait.
Attacks have disrupted power and water stations in Kuwait and caused injuries in Qatar.
Tensions have contributed to higher oil prices worldwide.
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A leaked set of secret documents revealed that Russia ran a propaganda campaign called "Project Afrika" targeting West and Central African media. This operation placed hundreds of articles spreading Russian views, including anti-France and anti-Ukraine messages, in African news outlets from June to November 2024.
Key Facts
"Project Afrika" is a Russian campaign to influence African public opinion through media.
The campaign published 644 articles in at least 35 media outlets in West and Central Africa.
Russia spent over $300,000 on planting these articles.
The operation was first started by the Wagner Group mercenaries, then taken over by Russian secret services in 2023.
Senegalese media outlets, like PressAfrik, unknowingly published Russian propaganda articles.
Some articles were prepared and delivered ready to publish by local intermediaries for a payment between $250 and $700 each.
A Cameroonian journalist named in the documents denied involvement and called the papers fake.
This operation is part of Russia’s broader strategy to expand influence in Africa and push specific political messages.
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A big cat called a Savannah cat was found in a plant pot in a garden after being missing for about two months near Norwich, England. The cat was injured and taken to a vet, and it was confirmed to belong to a local owner.
Key Facts
The escaped Savannah cat had been missing since May and was found in mid-July.
It was discovered injured in a plant pot in a backyard in Bramerton, near Norwich.
The cat is a mix between a serval (a wild African cat) and a domestic cat.
The cat’s name is Blaze, and it was microchipped, which helped identify the owner.
Blaze had a broken paw and a chest wound when caught.
The cat had been spotted roaming in the countryside, about four miles from its home.
Owners of some wild cats need a special licence, but it was believed the owner of this F2 generation Savannah cat did not require one.
There are a few exotic cats like Savannahs and servals registered in private homes in South Norfolk.
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Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler died at age 75 in a hospital in Portugal due to an illness she was being treated for. Her family announced a celebration of life service in Swansea, where fans can pay their respects as her coffin travels through her hometown.
Key Facts
Bonnie Tyler died unexpectedly on 8 July at a hospital in Portugal.
She was 75 years old and known for songs like "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding Out For A Hero."
Her coffin will be brought to her home in Mumbles on 15 August, with fans invited to line the streets.
A celebration of life will take place at St Mary’s Church in Swansea on 17 August.
After the service, her coffin will travel through her hometown of Skewen before a private family funeral.
Tyler was married to Robert Sullivan for more than 50 years.
The family asked for donations to two charities important to her instead of flowers: Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales and Cerebral Palsy Cymru.
Bonnie Tyler is remembered for her warm personality and lasting impact on music worldwide.
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Green Party leader Zack Polanski has asked the government for extra security after the death of Ann Widdecombe, who was found murdered at her home. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism charges, and there is growing concern about the safety of politicians in the UK.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home last Thursday; a 28-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of her murder and terrorism offences.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski says he has not been offered government security but now falls under a police safety program called Operation Ford.
Polanski reports facing threats including antisemitic and homophobic abuse since becoming party leader.
There are two police programs for safety: Operation Ford (for local officials) and Operation Bridger (for Members of Parliament).
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's security has been debated, with claims that the government failed to provide him enough protection; the government denies responsibility for deciding MPs’ security.
Security concerns for UK politicians grew after the murders of MPs Sir David Amess in 2021 and Jo Cox in 2016.
In May 2024, the Conservative government announced a £31 million fund to improve politicians’ security.
Former counter-terrorism chief Neil Basu said protecting all MPs at a high level would require thousands of new police officers.
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Home insurance costs are rising fast in many U.S. states, especially those prone to natural disasters. In some states like Nebraska and Oklahoma, insurance takes up a bigger part of monthly housing costs than mortgage payments or property taxes.
Key Facts
Home insurance now makes up at least 10% of monthly housing costs in 20 states.
In Nebraska, insurance accounts for 19.4% of monthly housing costs, the highest in the U.S.
From 2019 to 2025, average home insurance premiums in the U.S. rose by 72% to about $201 per month.
Home prices have increased 54% nationwide since 2020, while mortgage rates rose from about 2-3% to around 6.5%.
Property taxes increased over 30% between 2019 and 2025.
States like Florida and California face extra challenges due to high fraud, litigation, and strict regulations affecting insurance costs.
Insurance companies are leaving some markets due to high risks and costs.
Homeowners’ association fees in some places have also risen due to new building safety laws.
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A report says that by 2033, couples who recently retire could lose nearly $17,000 a year in Social Security benefits if Congress does not fix the program’s money problems. Social Security’s retirement fund is expected to run out in 2032, leading to automatic benefit cuts to keep costs from exceeding income.
Key Facts
The Social Security retirement trust fund is projected to be empty by late 2032.
When the fund runs out, benefit payments will automatically be cut by about 22%.
A typical retired couple earning moderate income could lose around $16,900 per year.
Benefit cuts would be smaller in dollars for low-income couples but harder on their finances.
Cuts to Social Security benefits could grow larger over time, reaching up to 35% by the end of the century.
More than 70 million Americans currently rely on Social Security benefits.
The fund is mainly supported by payroll taxes paid by current workers and employers.
Senators recently proposed the PROMISE Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting retirement benefits.
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Israel’s parliament, called the Knesset, will dissolve before the national elections on October 27, 2026. The election will decide the next government amid ongoing wars and political tensions, with no party likely to win a clear majority, meaning coalitions will be needed to govern.
Key Facts
The Knesset is Israel’s one-house parliament and will dissolve before October 27, 2026 elections.
This is the first time since 1988 that the Knesset has completed a full term before dissolving.
Israel uses a nationwide voting system where people vote for party lists, not individual candidates.
Parties must win at least 3.25% of the vote to get seats in the 120-member Knesset.
No single party has ever won a majority, so coalitions between parties are necessary.
Main candidates include Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and former military leader Gadi Eizenkot’s Yashar party.
The opposition parties have not clearly opposed Israel’s ongoing wars or the conflict in Gaza.
Public opinion currently favors right-leaning parties, with no major shifts toward ending conflicts.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed Mykhailo Fedorov from his role as defence minister after seven months. Fedorov had pushed for military reforms, including using new technology and fighting corruption, which upset some military leaders but gained public support.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov, without military experience, was Ukraine’s defence minister for seven months starting in January.
Fedorov focused on reforms like better logistics, reducing corruption, and managing Western aid money transparently.
He increased the use of drones and robots in Ukraine’s military operations to disrupt Russian supply lines.
Fedorov faced resistance from military leadership, especially General Oleksandr Syrskii, who led combat operations.
Syrskii criticized Fedorov’s reforms and was unpopular among many Ukrainians.
Zelenskyy’s decision to remove Fedorov led to public protests in Kyiv and other cities.
Supporters saw Fedorov as a smart reformer who improved military efficiency.
The protests reflected some political tension for President Zelenskyy during wartime.
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China’s economy grew at its slowest pace in over three years, with a 4.3% increase in GDP in the second quarter. While exports, especially in technology and electric vehicles, surged, domestic spending stayed weak, causing concern about job creation and economic balance.
Key Facts
China’s GDP growth slowed to 4.3% in the second quarter, down from 5% in the previous quarter.
Exports rose sharply, with June exports up 27% compared to a year ago, contributing to a trade surplus of $125.6 billion.
Domestic consumption remains low, partly due to losses in the real estate sector and cautious consumer spending after COVID-19.
Many Chinese citizens lost money tied up in property investments, leading to less spending and more saving.
Job creation, especially for people under 25, is not keeping up, causing underemployment and lower incomes.
Experts warn that relying mostly on exports for growth could worsen domestic economic problems.
The government is focusing on reducing debt rather than increasing spending to stimulate the economy.
Average GDP growth for the year so far is about 4.7 percent, and officials are not expected to take major emergency measures.
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A large forest fire in the Fontainebleau Forest near Paris has reignited while firefighters continue to battle the flames. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the area to support the nearly 1,000 firefighters working on the fire, and three people are now facing legal charges as part of the investigation into the cause.
Key Facts
The Fontainebleau Forest fire is considered one of the worst in France since World War II.
About 950 firefighters are actively working to put out the fire and prevent flare-ups.
President Emmanuel Macron visited the forest to show support for the firefighters.
Two workers and their company manager appeared before a judge on charges related to the fire.
Investigations suggest arson may have played a role in starting the fire.
The fire has caused significant damage to the forest area south of Paris.
The fire reignited despite ongoing firefighting efforts and wet conditions following storms.
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Smoke from large wildfires in Canada caused poor air quality in New York City and parts of 20 US states. City officials warned residents to stay indoors, gave out free masks, and advised people to limit outdoor activities due to health risks.
Key Facts
Smoke from Canadian wildfires spread south, affecting air quality in New York City and many US states.
The National Weather Service issued an air-quality alert due to high pollution levels.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged people to stay inside and avoid heavy physical activity outdoors.
The city provided free KN95 masks available at libraries, police stations, and firehouses.
The emergency office advised people to go indoors if they felt symptoms like watery eyes, scratchy throat, or trouble breathing.
Temperatures in New York City rose above 90°F, worsening conditions with trapped smoky air due to a “heat dome.”
Residents with asthma and young children took special precautions, including remote appointments and staying indoors.
Some people chose to keep children home from outdoor activities to avoid exposure to smoky air.
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Experts say climate change is causing more heavy rains in the US, leading to dangerous flash floods that will become more common and severe. Many areas are not prepared because old infrastructure and building rules do not match the new rain patterns, increasing the risk to people and property.
Key Facts
Climate change is causing heavier rainfall and more frequent flash floods in many US states.
Recent floods affected places like Texas, Alaska, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Warmer air and oceans cause more evaporation, putting more water vapor in the air, which fuels storms and heavy rain.
Flash floods happen especially in hilly areas, cities with lots of concrete, and narrow canyons.
Many US cities still use very old drainage systems that cannot manage extreme rainfall.
Building homes and businesses in flood-prone areas continues, despite risks.
Some places have successfully appealed to federal agencies to change flood risk maps, allowing development in dangerous zones.
Experts call for stronger rules to prevent building in floodplains and for better investment in infrastructure to handle heavy rains.
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The article claims that Democratic officials wrongly prosecuted President Donald Trump using what it calls “lawfare,” or politically motivated legal actions. It argues that new evidence suggests prosecutors in these cases may have committed crimes themselves, and it supports Todd Blanche, President Trump’s acting attorney general, to investigate and hold them accountable.
Key Facts
From 2022 to 2024, Democrats pursued multiple legal cases against President Trump in different places.
Special Counsel Jack Smith led federal probes related to the 2020 election and classified documents.
Senator Chuck Grassley revealed some of Smith’s team may have committed similar offenses as those accused of Trump.
Smith reportedly obtained text messages from 44 Republican members of Congress despite denying it.
There is an accusation that prosecutors conspired to violate constitutional rights through their legal actions.
Previous attempts to hold Democrat officials accountable, like the indictments of James Comey and Letitia James, were dismissed.
Todd Blanche is currently acting attorney general and recently had a hearing to become the permanent attorney general.
The article praises Blanche’s qualifications and supports him taking action against what it calls “lawfare” abuses.
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The Trump administration fired Roger Rogoff, the top federal prosecutor in Seattle, who was initially appointed by a panel of judges. This dismissal highlights the Justice Department’s effort to increase the president’s control over selecting prosecutors.
Key Facts
Roger Rogoff was the lead federal prosecutor in Seattle.
He was appointed by a panel of 17 judges.
The Trump administration fired him on a Wednesday.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had warned about this action.
The firing emphasizes the president’s power over prosecutorial appointments.
The Justice Department is asserting more control over these roles.
This event tests the limits of presidential authority regarding the Justice Department.
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House Republican leaders have begun discussing a fourth budget bill using a special process called reconciliation. This comes shortly after introducing a third budget bill, which has uncertain chances in Congress.
Key Facts
House Republicans passed a third budget bill along party lines.
The third bill’s future in Congress is uncertain.
Leaders are now proposing a fourth budget bill using the reconciliation process.
Reconciliation is a special rule that allows budget bills to pass with only majority votes, avoiding the need for bipartisan support.
This would be the fourth major budget-related bill pushed by House Republicans.
The move reflects continuing efforts by Republicans to advance their budget priorities.
The bills are part of the annual federal budget and spending decisions.
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany is meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss new joint defence projects. This meeting aims to strengthen cooperation after a previous common fighter jet project between the two countries failed.
Key Facts
The meeting takes place near Cologne at a German Air Force base.
The focus is on creating new joint projects in the defence industry.
The cooperation follows the failure of a previous common fighter jet project.
Chancellor Merz is hosting President Macron on the eve of a Franco-German cabinet meeting.
The goal is to improve European defence collaboration between France and Germany.
The summit is part of broader efforts to enhance security and defence in Europe.
Both countries are key players in European defence and want to work more closely.
Defence cooperation is an important topic for both national governments.
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British Steel has been taken into public ownership by the UK government to protect jobs and keep producing virgin steel. This move follows financial troubles at the Scunthorpe plant and concerns about the UK's ability to make steel independently.
Key Facts
British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant employs 2,700 people and produces virgin steel for major UK construction projects.
The Scunthorpe plant is the last in the UK making virgin steel, which is higher quality than recycled steel.
If the plant closed, the UK would be the only G7 country without virgin steel production.
British Steel was previously owned by China’s Jingye Group before nationalisation in 2025.
Jingye reported losing about £700,000 a day and had planned to close the plant.
The UK government took control using emergency powers to keep the plant running.
High costs, tariffs, and global overproduction of steel have hurt the Scunthorpe plant’s finances.
The government will decide on compensation for Jingye and looks for a long-term solution beyond public ownership.
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President Donald Trump made claims that China interfered in the 2020 US presidential election, but US intelligence agencies found no evidence to support this. China strongly denied the accusations and called them false. At the same time, President Trump pushed for a new voting law called the Save America Act, which aims to impose stricter voter ID rules and increase federal oversight of voter rolls.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed China interfered in the 2020 US election during a televised speech.
US intelligence agencies, in a 2021 report, found no proof that China tried to influence the 2020 election outcome.
China’s foreign ministry called Trump’s claims “pure fabrication” and denied any election interference.
The Save America Act is a new voting bill that requires strict ID to vote and federal monitoring of voter registrations.
The Save America Act also includes penalties for election officials who register voters without proper proof of citizenship.
Last month, a federal court blocked Trump’s attempt to enforce the Save Act by executive order.
House Republicans linked the Save Act to a spending bill and passed them mostly along party lines.
Democrats strongly oppose the bill, calling it voter suppression and an attempt to undermine democracy.
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