The European Union fined Google 890 million euros ($1 billion) for breaking digital rules by favoring its own apps and services in Google Play and its search engine. The EU said this hurt competition and consumers, while Google criticized the fine and said it would reduce useful features for Europeans.
Key Facts
The EU fined Google 890 million euros ($1 billion) for violating antitrust laws.
Google was accused of pushing users toward its own apps and services, harming competitors.
This is part of the EU's broader effort to regulate large tech companies.
Google lost an earlier appeal of a $4.5 billion fine related to its Android system.
The European Commission aims to protect consumers and ensure fair competition.
Google said the new rules would remove helpful features like real-time pricing and availability.
EU officials stated businesses should compete fairly and consumers should have more choices.
The fine is linked to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which targets large tech platforms acting as "gatekeepers."
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A French criminal group called DZ Mafia is involved in drug trafficking and has openly threatened a local mayor in Arles. Experts say this shows the failure of current drug laws rather than just a problem with police enforcement.
Key Facts
DZ Mafia is linked to illegal drug trade in France.
The group threatened the mayor of Arles, a city in southern France.
The threats highlight growing boldness by criminal networks.
Yann Bisiou, a French law expert, said this incident reveals institutional failures.
Bisiou argues that the issue comes from drug prohibition laws not working.
The problem is seen as a consequence of drug policy, not just policing.
The name DZ Mafia may represent an illicit brand or franchise rather than a traditional cartel.
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Mohammad Bashir was sentenced to life in prison for helping plan a terrorist attack on a UK military base with Jihad Al-Shamie, who later carried out a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue. Police discovered their extremist plans and conversations after the synagogue attack, which resulted in two deaths.
Key Facts
Mohammad Bashir drove Jihad Al-Shamie on a 10-hour trip to the Defence Academy in Shrivenham to spy on military base security.
The trip took place on August 14, 2025, and lasted about 13 minutes at the site.
After the visit, Al-Shamie conducted searches on his phone about weapons and potential targets related to the Israeli military.
Weeks later, Al-Shamie killed two men in an attack on Heaton Park Synagogue and was then shot dead by police.
Bashir pleaded guilty to preparing an act of terrorism and was given a life sentence with at least 17 years in prison.
Police found extremist and antisemitic messages between the two on WhatsApp.
Both men deleted their phones after the reconnaissance trip, but police accessed cloud data linked to them.
CCTV footage captured the pair discussing their plans for an attack.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is asking the United States to make a deal to end the conflict but is not yet ready to agree to one. He accused Iran’s leaders of supporting armed groups in the Middle East and said the U.S. wants to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
Rubio stated Iran is indirectly and directly seeking talks with the U.S. but not ready to finalize a deal.
He described Iran as controlled by radical religious leaders who ignore economic issues.
Rubio claimed Iran funds groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other militias.
The U.S. has conducted strikes aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to attack ships in the region.
Iran says U.S. strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure, including a border terminal where two people died.
Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. military sites across the Middle East.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry called U.S. strikes illegal and a violation of international law.
Rubio confirmed the U.S. wants Iran to be free of nuclear weapons.
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The mother of police officer Andrew Harper said early prison release laws prevent proper justice for those who hurt victims. Two teenagers involved in Harper’s death may be freed early due to a new law addressing prison overcrowding, which has caused public concern and political debate.
Key Facts
PC Andrew Harper was killed in 2019 when he was dragged by a car during a crime.
Two teenagers who were passengers in the getaway car were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter.
Under a new Sentencing Act starting in September, they could be released after 6 years.
The act was created to reduce prison overcrowding after an emergency early release scheme began in 2024.
The act applies to many prisoners, with no exceptions for serious crimes like domestic abuse or terrorism.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will review the law but recognizes pressure on prison space.
The government inherited a prison system near collapse with very limited space in 2024.
Victims' groups say promised support and communication under the new law have not been delivered.
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Pink Lake in Senegal is starting to regain its pink color after floods four years ago damaged its ecosystem. This recovery is helping the local salt industry, which is important to the area's economy.
Key Facts
Pink Lake in Senegal is known for its pink color caused by salty water and microorganisms.
Flooding four years ago nearly destroyed the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
The lake’s pink color is now slowly returning.
The return of color signals the ecosystem is healing.
Salt harvesters depend on the lake for their trade and income.
The salt trade is important to the local economy in Senegal.
Recovery of the lake helps revive the salt business for local workers.
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A South Korean appeals court acquitted a woman named Kwon who was convicted of murdering her newborn baby after a late-term abortion in a hospital. The court reduced the jail sentences for two doctors involved, and the case highlighted unclear abortion laws in South Korea after the previous ban was lifted in 2019 but no clear rules were made.
Key Facts
Kwon wanted to end her pregnancy at 36 weeks (about eight months).
Prosecutors said the baby was born alive via Caesarean section and later killed.
Kwon was initially convicted of murder and given a suspended three-year jail sentence.
Two doctors involved were also convicted; their jail terms were later reduced on appeal.
The case began after Kwon posted a YouTube video describing her late abortion.
South Korea legalized abortion in 2019 but has no clear rules on how late abortions can be done.
The court's appeal decision said Kwon may not have known the baby would be born alive.
Amnesty International called for clearer regulations to protect pregnant people and improve abortion access.
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Human rights groups in Kenya warn about the growing use of "goons," hired thugs who disrupt political rallies and scare opponents. This practice has increased after large protests against President William Ruto’s government and is raising concerns ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Key Facts
"Goons" are hired by political leaders to cause trouble at rallies and intimidate people.
Their use in Kenya is a long-standing problem that is now getting worse.
The rise in "goonism" follows large protests against President William Ruto’s administration.
Human rights organizations have raised alarms about these violent tactics.
The issue is becoming more serious with one year left before Kenya’s next presidential vote.
Political repression is increasing through these actions.
The phenomenon harms peaceful political expression and public safety.
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Former actor Iain Robertson was sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a woman and assaulting two others. The court found him guilty of five crimes, including domestic abuse, that happened between 2004 and 2019.
Key Facts
Iain Robertson is 45 years old and acted in the BBC show River City.
He was convicted of five offences, including rape and domestic abuse.
The crimes took place between 2004 and 2019.
Robertson was described by witnesses as violent and controlling.
Victims experienced long-term effects such as anxiety, fear, and trust issues.
He appeared in court via video link from Barlinnie prison.
Robertson was added to the sex offenders’ register.
After release, he will be supervised for three more years.
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Thai sailors on a cargo ship attacked in the Strait of Hormuz are suing the ship’s owners. The sailors claim the owners did not take warnings from Iran seriously, which led to the attack.
Key Facts
Thai sailors were on a cargo ship that was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.
The attack was deadly, causing casualties or severe harm.
The sailors have filed a lawsuit against the ship’s owners.
The lawsuit says the owners ignored warnings from Iran before the attack.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global shipping.
The incident involves international maritime safety concerns.
Al Jazeera reported the story through journalist Tony Cheng.
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Many Americans use weight loss drugs called GLP-1s to help with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Experts warn these drugs reduce appetite, which can cause people to eat too little and miss important nutrients. They advise patients to eat protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods and follow a balanced diet along with exercise and other health supports.
Key Facts
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are used by about 1 in 8 Americans as of March 2026.
These drugs reduce appetite, which can lead to "undernutrition" if people do not eat carefully.
Undernutrition risks include loss of muscle mass, low levels of vitamin D, calcium, iron, and B vitamins.
Skipping meals while on these drugs can cause fatigue, dizziness, and loss of bone density.
The drugs do not differentiate between fat and muscle, so muscle loss can occur without enough protein and exercise.
Side effects of the drugs may limit food choices, increasing chances of nutritional gaps.
Experts recommend eating small, frequent meals rich in protein, staying hydrated, and avoiding highly processed foods.
GLP-1 medication should be combined with proper nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral support for best results.
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A teenage girl and a woman in her 40s died after getting into trouble in the sea at a beach in Essex, England. Several other people were injured and taken to the hospital. Police are investigating the incident and asking witnesses to come forward.
Key Facts
The incident happened near Seaview Avenue on West Mersea beach.
Police were called by ambulance services at 5:35 pm on Wednesday.
Two people died, one person is in serious condition, and three others have less serious injuries.
Those involved in the incident are believed to have known each other.
Emergency services asked people to avoid part of the beach on Wednesday night but it reopened Thursday morning.
The area has strong currents but is not usually considered dangerous by locals.
Police are asking anyone with information or videos to contact them with the incident number 1090.
Since mid-May 2026, there have been at least 29 accidental deaths in open water across the UK.
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The US is not willing to pressure Russia despite wanting progress in the Ukraine conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 23 during the ASEAN Summit, marking their first meeting since September 2025 as the US focuses more on the Middle East war.
Key Facts
The meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio happened on July 23, 2026.
This meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Manila.
It was their first meeting since September 2025.
The US has shifted attention from the Ukraine conflict to the war in the Middle East.
The US wants progress in Ukraine but is not willing to put pressure on Russia to achieve it.
ASEAN Summit is a conference for countries in Southeast Asia to discuss political and economic issues.
Russia and the US continue to hold diplomatic talks despite their tensions.
The article was reported by FRANCE 24 journalist Kethevane Gorjestani.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to punish those who caused a leak of exam answers, which led to the cancellation of a major undergraduate medical exam for 2.2 million students. This scandal triggered protests by young people called the Cockroach Janta Party, spreading from New Delhi to cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Key Facts
A leak of answers caused the cancellation of a large medical exam in India.
About 2.2 million students were affected by the exam cancellation.
Prime Minister Modi said those responsible would be punished quickly.
The scandal led to protests organized by a youth group called the Cockroach Janta Party.
Protests started in the capital, New Delhi, and spread to other big cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The protesters want changes in the education system and want the education minister removed.
The movement is youth-led and has gained wide attention in India.
There have been crackdowns by the police, but protests continue.
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The United States carried out air strikes on Iranian military targets for the 12th night in a row, hitting sites in several Iranian provinces. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked US military assets in Kuwait and Jordan and claimed responsibility for an explosion on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The US struck Iranian military sites including missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance, and air defense installations.
Attacks affected Iranian cities near the Iraqi border and along the Strait of Hormuz, causing casualties and power outages.
Two people were killed and 11 injured in the US attacks, according to Iranian officials.
Iran’s IRGC claimed attacks on US bases in Kuwait, damaging a warehouse, missile defense systems, and drones.
The IRGC also hit US military assets in Jordan, including missile radar systems and helicopter maintenance facilities.
Iran said the tanker explosion in the Strait of Hormuz was caused by an attempt to navigate a mined route under US orders.
The IRGC stated that the Strait of Hormuz is under its control and emphasized they were responding to US violations.
The US Central Command confirmed a recent round of strikes but did not specify exact locations within Iran.
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Tens of thousands of students in New Delhi protest against repeated exam paper leaks, demanding the education minister’s resignation. The demonstrations have been met with police violence, which protesters have recorded and shared widely on social media, turning the internet into a platform for exposing police actions and criticizing the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key Facts
On July 20, thousands of students marched to the Indian parliament to protest exam paper leaks.
Police used tear gas, batons, and potentially pellet guns against peaceful students.
More than 100 students were injured during the crackdown.
Protesters captured videos of police violence and shared them on social media.
The main demands are the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a government promise not to file cases against protesters, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide due to exam issues.
The protests have spread to major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Lucknow.
Young Protesters from Gen Z are using social media creatively to expose government actions and challenge Prime Minister Modi’s party online.
The Cockroach Janta Party is a political group leading the student protests and calls for continuing peaceful demonstrations.
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More than 2,300 Israeli settlers and far-right members entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem during a Jewish holiday, with numbers possibly rising to 5,000. Israeli police restricted Palestinian worshippers' access and protected National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose visit was criticized by Palestinian officials and Jordan.
Key Facts
Over 2,300 Israelis, including settlers and far-right groups, entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on a Jewish holiday called Tisha B’Av.
The number of visitors may increase to around 5,000 by sundown, exceeding past holiday visits.
Israeli police limited Palestinian access to the mosque and reportedly assaulted some worshippers.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the site with heavy police protection.
Israeli settlers performed Jewish rituals inside the compound, which is a Muslim holy site.
Non-Muslims can visit but are not allowed to pray there, according to a 1967 agreement.
Palestinian and Jordanian officials condemned the visit as a provocative act violating the site's status.
The event is seen as a political shift with some Israeli leaders supporting calls to rebuild a Jewish temple at the site.
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The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. The deal was signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman after years of talks.
Key Facts
The deal focuses on civilian nuclear energy cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement includes a separate bilateral safeguards arrangement to ensure safety.
Discussions started before the Biden administration and continued for several years.
The nuclear deal was part of a broader plan involving Saudi normalizing relations with Israel, which did not happen.
Some allies and safety advocates may oppose the agreement.
President Donald Trump is expected to publicly announce the deal.
The deal was confirmed on July 23, 2026.
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Jacqueline Davies, a 75-year-old woman from Wales, was killed when her own car rolled forward and hit her after she got out to move a cat on a hill. She was taken to hospital but died the next day from serious injuries caused by the accident.
Key Facts
Jacqueline Davies got out of her car, a red Ford Fiesta, to save a cat on a hill.
The car’s handbrake failed, causing it to roll forward and strike her fatally.
She managed to call emergency services (999) after the accident.
Davies was taken to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with serious injuries.
She died the day after the incident from a major bleeding caused by injury to a large vein.
The inquest into her death is ongoing and will continue in April 2027.
Gwent Police are asking for witnesses who were near Bryn Millwr, Hollybush on 6 July to contact them.
Her family described her as strong, independent, and full of character.
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President Donald Trump has made a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that allows them to develop nuclear technology with fewer restrictions than those imposed on Iran. This deal could help rebuild ties with Saudi Arabia but risks increasing nuclear tensions in the Middle East, especially with Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump’s deal lets Saudi Arabia enrich uranium and limit inspections, which could hide nuclear weapons development.
This deal contrasts with Trump’s strict demands on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran increased uranium enrichment after Trump ended a prior nuclear agreement.
The deal may give the US nuclear industry a financial boost by selling technology to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has said it will build nuclear weapons if Iran does.
Saudi Arabia will not normalize relations with Israel without a clear path to a Palestinian state.
Trump aims to repair the US-Saudi alliance, which has been strained by conflict with Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, amid rising tensions.
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