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A leading human rights lawyer, Rajiv Menon KC, is facing trial for contempt of court over his closing speech in a case involving Palestine Action activists. Legal professionals have expressed concern that this prosecution could make lawyers afraid to speak freely while defending their clients.
Key Facts
Rajiv Menon KC is accused of breaking court rules during the trial of activists who protested at an Israeli arms factory in the UK.
The trial judge referred his case for contempt of court proceedings, which was approved by another judge after a legal review.
The prosecution claims Menon’s speech risked damaging the fairness of the trial by suggesting the court was biased.
Senior lawyers and human rights figures have criticized the decision, saying it could intimidate lawyers and harm the justice system.
Families of victims from the Hillsborough disaster, who Menon represented, have also shown support for him.
The controversy centers on Menon’s comments about how the court handled evidence related to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company.
Critics argue the case may be more about the political nature of the trial than the proper role of a barrister.
Legal leaders warn that barristers are becoming uncertain and fearful about what they can say in court without risking punishment.
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A Northern Territory minister claimed that using underground water could prevent the Earth’s magnetic poles from flipping. Experts rejected this, saying the poles flip due to processes deep in the Earth’s core, not from groundwater changes. The government is promoting new data center projects in the NT that use significant water and energy resources, raising concerns about environmental impacts.
Key Facts
NT Minister Robyn Cahill said using groundwater might stop the Earth’s magnetic poles from flipping.
Experts, including scientists and environmental groups, said this claim has no scientific basis.
Earth’s magnetic poles flip roughly every hundreds of thousands of years due to deep Earth processes, not surface water.
The last major magnetic pole flip happened about 780,000 years ago and takes thousands of years to occur.
The NT government wants to make the region a hub for large data centers (called hyperscalers).
These data centers need a lot of water and power to operate and cool their equipment.
One new project announced will use gas power to generate up to 2 gigawatts, enough to power about 2 million homes.
Environmental groups worry that using groundwater for data centers could harm local water supplies and ecosystems.
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At a rally in Georgia, a man sitting behind President Donald Trump mimicked the president's hand movements and mouthed his words. The man wore a black suit, white shirt, and pink tie, but his identity and whether he supports President Trump are unknown.
Key Facts
The event took place at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia.
The man copied President Trump's gestures and speech during the rally.
President Trump spoke about investment and American workers during the event.
The man’s identity has not been revealed.
It is not known if the man is a supporter of President Trump or not.
The footage showing the imitation was shared online.
The story is still developing with more updates expected.
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Major carmakers including BMW, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota asked the UK government to reverse its 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars and allow these vehicles to continue being sold after that year. The government said the ban is not negotiable, but carmakers are pushing for more flexible rules to include petrol, diesel, hybrids, and alternative fuel options.
Key Facts
The UK plans to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars after 2035 to reduce carbon emissions.
BMW, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, and Bosch sent a letter in April asking the government to allow petrol and diesel cars after 2035.
The carmakers want to keep using internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and "green" fuels beyond 2035.
The government says the 2035 ban remains official policy and is not open for change.
The carmakers’ letter was revealed through a freedom of information request.
These companies employ 30,000 people in the UK and operate several key factories.
The letter suggests matching the EU’s weakened electric vehicle targets of 90% electric sales after 2035.
Critics say relying on petrol and diesel cars risks UK industry jobs and delays the transition to cleaner electric vehicles.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cut business taxes by 20% for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England. The plan will cost around £100 million a year and will be partly paid for by increasing taxes on vape shops and some online businesses that do not pay their fair share.
Key Facts
Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues will be reduced by 20%.
The tax cut will save a typical pub about £1,100 next year.
Around 32,000 businesses will benefit from the tax cut.
Large music venues are excluded from the tax cut, and details will be announced at the autumn Budget.
The government will review taxes on “anti-social businesses,” targeting vape shops in particular.
There will be efforts to tax online marketplace sellers who do not properly pay taxes.
Andy Burnham aims to support local businesses and save venues important to community life.
Hospitality groups have welcomed the cuts but want more details and broader support in the future.
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Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 26 days to support the Cockroach Janta Party's call for education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. After losing 11 kilograms and being hospitalized, Wangchuk refuses to end his fast until the government promises no force will be used against protesting students.
Key Facts
Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian education activist on hunger strike for 26 days.
He supports the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demands education reforms and the resignation of Minister Pradhan.
Wangchuk has lost 11 kg and has been hospitalized in the ICU but remains stable.
Thousands continue to protest in Delhi despite a police crackdown that injured many.
Government officials, including Health Minister JP Nadda, have visited Wangchuk and asked him to end his fast.
Wangchuk says he will end the strike only if the government assures no violence against students.
The protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar will continue until Minister Pradhan resigns.
Students blame Pradhan for exam paper leaks and want him to take responsibility.
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Sri Lanka is facing its worst dengue outbreak in nearly ten years, with over 77,000 infections and 56 deaths this year. The government is using military drones to find and remove mosquito breeding sites to control the spread of the disease.
Key Facts
Dengue fever is caused by a virus spread through Aedes mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water like buckets and flowerpot trays.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and rash; severe cases can cause internal bleeding or death.
There are four strains of dengue virus, and infection by one does not protect against the others.
Sri Lanka’s dengue surge is linked to a cyclone that left debris, creating more mosquito breeding grounds.
Military drones scan rooftops for breeding sites, and police inspect homes to reduce mosquito populations.
Over 11,000 mosquito breeding sites have been cleared recently, with fines issued to over 4,000 locations.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, and mild cases are advised to recover at home; a universal vaccine is not yet available.
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The Houthi group in Yemen announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and claimed to have attacked two Saudi ships. This move has raised fears among many Yemenis of a return to intense fighting and worsening shortages, while supporters see it as resistance against Saudi control.
Key Facts
The Houthi military announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis said they attacked two Saudi ships to enforce this blockade.
Houthis justify their actions as a response to a Saudi blockade on rebel-held areas in Yemen.
Many Yemenis worry this could lead to more fighting and worsen the humanitarian crisis.
About 20 million people in Yemen currently need humanitarian aid according to the United Nations.
Houthi supporters see the blockade as a way to push back against Saudi influence.
Supporters of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government accuse the Houthis of following Iran’s orders.
Ordinary civilians fear the conflict will increase prices, reduce fuel, and hurt daily life.
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A couple’s wedding celebration was saved when their caterer did not show up at the last minute. Three local restaurants quickly stepped in to provide food, turning a stressful situation into a memorable event.
Key Facts
Kate and Matt Dean planned a wedding celebration in Ormskirk, Lancashire.
Their booked caterer failed to arrive and could not be contacted on the wedding day.
The couple asked staff at Piri Piri Grill and Scoozi Pizza and Pasta for help feeding about 100 guests.
Both restaurants closed to the public and cooked food especially for the wedding during a busy World Cup final day.
The venue staff at Lost and Found Ormskirk helped make the last-minute changes run smoothly.
The couple’s family and friends supported them, including a friend who helped pay the deposit for the new catering.
The original caterer later apologized, refunded the money, and said the problem was due to an issue they could not control.
Despite initial stress and tears, the couple looked back on the event with humor and gratitude.
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A 15-year-old girl named Tilly Phillips had a special type of brain surgery called a conscious craniotomy to treat a dangerous tangle of blood vessels that caused her seizures. Surgeons woke her briefly during the 12-hour operation to map important brain areas and safely remove the problem, helping reduce her seizures and improve her quality of life.
Key Facts
Tilly Phillips was 15 when she had the surgery and is now 16.
The surgery treated an arteriovenous malformation, a harmful tangle of blood vessels in her brain.
The operation lasted 12 hours and was done at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
Surgeons woke Tilly for about 30 minutes to check brain functions like speech and movement during the surgery.
After surgery, Tilly experienced memory and speech difficulties but has improved with therapy.
Before surgery, Tilly had about three seizures a day; these have since reduced a lot.
She stayed about a week in the hospital and took her GCSE exams at home during recovery.
The hospital says Tilly is the youngest known patient to have this kind of brain surgery.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised strict punishment for those involved in a leaked exam paper scandal that sparked large student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party. The protests have led to clashes with police in New Delhi and are among the biggest challenges Modi has faced since his 2024 re-election.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Modi vowed "stringent punishment" and fast-track courts for those responsible for the exam fraud.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement, organized large protests in New Delhi.
The protests were triggered by leaked exam papers affecting millions of students, including a medical entrance test retaken by over two million candidates.
Police used tear gas and batons to control protesters attempting to march to parliament, leading to violent clashes and injuries to at least 178 people.
The CJP began as a response to a court remark comparing young people to "cockroaches" but now addresses broader youth issues and criticizes Modi's governing style.
The protests represent a significant challenge to Modi's Hindu-nationalist government following his third term election in 2024.
The education minister is being blamed by protesters and demands for his resignation are ongoing.
Additional concerns include online marking disputes affecting nearly two million high school students.
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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to create special fast track courts to quickly punish officials involved in leaking exam papers. This comes as thousands of young people protest a government they say harms their education and future, demanding the resignation of the education minister and education reforms.
Key Facts
Modi announced fast track courts to handle corruption cases related to exam paper leaks more quickly.
The youth-led protest movement is called the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), named after a judge’s insult to unemployed youth.
Protesters want the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and education system reforms.
About 50,000 people protested in Delhi despite police trying to stop the march and using baton charges and teargas.
Over 1,000 protesters remain camped in central Delhi despite hot, humid weather conditions.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said there have been 152 exam paper leaks in 10 years with no convictions and called on Modi to apologize.
CJP leaders refuse to meet government officials unless the ministers come to the protest site and speak publicly.
Support for the protest is growing in other Indian cities with similar demonstrations.
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Senator Pauline Hanson criticized paid domestic violence leave and said family violence cases take police away from other crimes. She described the family law system as unfair to men and suggested it needs to be changed.
Key Facts
Pauline Hanson called 10 days of paid domestic violence leave "ridiculous" and likened it to a "holiday."
Domestic violence leave was introduced in 2024, allowing victim-survivors up to $5,000 in financial support.
Hanson claimed family law favors women and disadvantages men, calling the system "broken."
She said domestic violence cases take up about 75% of police time, which affects their ability to handle other crimes.
Hanson described domestic violence as a "two-way street," saying women can also lose control.
She faced backlash for her comments, which she said were taken out of context by media and political opponents.
Hanson’s statements appeared in a 2025 podcast focused on fathers' views in family court matters.
She suggested the current focus on women’s rights in law comes without enough emphasis on responsibilities.
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Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, died earlier this month from head injuries. Her family announced a private funeral for close friends and relatives will happen soon, followed by a public memorial later this year.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe was 78 years old and found dead at her home in Dartmoor.
She died from serious head injuries, reportedly caused by being hit with a hammer.
A private funeral service will be held soon for family and close friends only.
A public memorial event will be arranged later in the year with details to be announced.
Widdecombe was a Conservative MP for 23 years and held ministerial roles in the 1990s.
She participated in the TV show Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
Later in life, she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party.
Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with her murder; a trial date is set for June 2027.
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Southeast Asian foreign ministers are meeting in the Philippines to discuss regional security problems like the Myanmar civil war and South China Sea disputes. However, renewed fighting between the US and Iran is distracting from these talks, and ministers want the conflict to stop because it is disrupting energy, food supplies, trade, and raising worries about the global economy.
Key Facts
The Philippines is hosting a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers.
They are focusing on regional security, including Myanmar’s civil war and South China Sea territorial disputes.
Fighting between the US and Iran has increased recently, overshadowing the meeting.
ASEAN ministers have called for an end to the conflict between the US and Iran.
The war between the US and Iran is disrupting Asia’s energy and food supplies.
It is also affecting international trade and raising fears of a global economic slowdown.
Experts from universities and think tanks discussed how this situation might impact ASEAN’s work.
The article highlights the challenge ASEAN faces balancing regional issues with global conflicts.
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The UK government will cut business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England starting April next year. This will help about 32,000 hospitality businesses save money, funded by reviewing tax reliefs for other businesses and stricter rules on online marketplaces.
Key Facts
Business rates will be reduced by 20% for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England from April next year.
Around 32,000 hospitality businesses will benefit from this discount.
A typical pub is expected to save about £1,100 each year.
Very large live music venues will not get the discount.
The government will fund these cuts by reviewing tax reliefs for businesses that don’t contribute positively to communities, like vape shops.
There will be a crackdown on online marketplaces that don’t follow tax rules.
The government plans more changes to business rates, including help for small businesses, to be announced at the budget.
Andy Burnham supports protecting pubs and local high streets, seeing them as important community centers.
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Thousands of people are leaving their homes in southern France because of large wildfires. Firefighters are working to control the fires, which experts say are getting worse due to climate change causing hotter and drier weather.
Key Facts
Large wildfires are spreading in southern France.
Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate to stay safe.
Firefighters are actively fighting the fires.
Researchers link the worse wildfire seasons to climate change.
Climate change causes higher temperatures and drought.
Hotter and drier conditions help wildfires grow bigger and more harmful.
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The United States has conducted air strikes against Iran for the 12th consecutive night. Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives approved $95 billion in defense spending, and President Donald Trump is reportedly thinking about increasing military actions.
Key Facts
The US has carried out air strikes in Iran for 12 nights straight.
President Donald Trump is considering expanding these military strikes.
The US House of Representatives approved $95 billion for war-related funding.
The military actions are part of ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
The report was covered by Al Jazeera journalist Kimberly Halkett.
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Rescue teams, including the Coastguard, police, lifeboats, and air ambulance, responded to an emergency at West Mersea Beach in Essex on the evening of July 22, 2026. The area around Seaview Avenue and the beach was cordoned off, and police have asked the public to stay away while they investigate a serious incident.
Key Facts
The Coastguard described the event as a "tragic incident" on West Mersea Beach.
Essex Police, the RNLI lifeboat crews from West Mersea and Clacton, and the East of England Air Ambulance were all present.
Rescue teams searched both the coastline and the water during the evening.
Police cordoned off part of the beach near Seaview Avenue and focused inquiries on an area with windbreakers.
Rescue services remained at the scene into the night, continuing searches with torches and lifeboat launches.
West Mersea Parish Church was opened to support anyone affected by the incident.
Officials have not released detailed information about the nature of the emergency.
The public was advised to avoid the area while emergency work is ongoing.
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The United States and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement that lets Saudi Arabia build nuclear power plants using American technology for peaceful purposes. The deal had been delayed because the US wanted Saudi Arabia to formally improve relations with Israel, but this condition was removed in the final agreement.
Key Facts
The deal allows Saudi Arabia to construct nuclear reactors for civilian use.
The reactors will use technology provided by the United States.
The agreement had been stalled for several years.
One reason for the delay was the US demand for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel.
The US dropped the normalization requirement before finalizing the deal.
This agreement marks a significant step in US-Saudi relations.
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