Since December, Australian law has banned children under 16 from having accounts on social media sites like Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube. Despite the ban, many children still manage to access and create accounts, leading the government to increase fines for tech companies and warn of possible legal action.
Key Facts
The law started in December and targets kids under 16 on social media platforms.
Platforms affected include Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube.
Most children continue to access or create accounts despite the ban.
The Australian government doubled fines for tech companies that do not comply.
Officials have warned companies about the possibility of court action if rules are broken.
The move aims to protect young people from potential harm on social media.
The law puts responsibility on technology companies to enforce age restrictions.
This issue is part of broader efforts to regulate online safety for children.
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An Australian couple expecting their first child learned from genetic screening that both were carriers of a rare condition called oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1). Their unborn daughter had a 25% chance of inheriting the condition, which affects skin, hair, and eye pigmentation and vision. After confirming the diagnosis through further testing, the couple connected with support groups and prepared to care for their daughter.
Key Facts
Georgina Trousas (40) and Adam Lagus (39) from Sydney took an expanded genetic carrier screening during pregnancy.
The screening tested for 800 genetic conditions and showed both parents carried genes for OCA1.
OCA1 affects melanin production, influencing skin, hair, and eyes, and can cause vision problems.
Their unborn daughter had a 1 in 4 (25%) chance of inheriting both genes and having the condition.
The couple used amniocentesis, a prenatal test that checks fetal DNA from amniotic fluid, to confirm the diagnosis.
OCA1 severity varies, and managing it includes lifelong eye care and sun protection.
The couple reached out to people and organizations experienced with albinism for support and information.
Genetic carrier screening can reveal risks even without family history; about 80% of children with genetic conditions come from families with no known history.
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More young men in Germany are applying to avoid military service this year by claiming conscientious objector status. This increase challenges the government’s goal to strengthen the German army amid concerns about security threats from Russia and other regions.
Key Facts
In the first half of 2026, 5,862 people applied to be conscientious objectors in Germany, more than all of 2025 (3,879 applications).
Conscientious objection allows people to refuse military service for moral or religious reasons and is protected by Germany’s constitution.
Germany currently has no active draft but asks all men at 18 to declare their willingness to serve and take a medical exam.
Women are encouraged to volunteer but are not required to go through the selection process.
The German government aims to increase its active military to 260,000 soldiers by 2035.
The rise in objector applications is linked to concerns about possible military missions abroad, including in Ukraine and the Gulf region.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to make the Bundeswehr Europe’s strongest conventional army.
The conservative parties warn that if volunteering goals fail, mandatory military service could return, but this would require new laws.
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Kash Patel, the FBI director, gave Australian police a 3D-printed fake gun as a gift during his visit last year. When a new Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner took office, she ordered the imitation pistol destroyed because of legal and safety concerns. Similar replica guns gifted by Patel to New Zealand officials were also destroyed due to local gun laws.
Key Facts
FBI director Kash Patel gave a 3D-printed imitation pistol to the Australian Federal Police last July.
The fake gun was displayed in the office of then AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw.
New commissioner Krissy Barrett ordered the gun’s destruction in October 2025.
The AFP’s forensic firearms team confirmed the pistol could not fire but was still destroyed on advice from firearms authorities.
Similar replica guns given to New Zealand officials were also destroyed because they violated local gun laws.
Patel also gifted custom engraved bottles of Woodford Reserve bourbon, which officials say is a common FBI practice.
The gifts followed official visits by Patel to Australia and New Zealand.
Photos of the gun in official documents were redacted to protect international relations.
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President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would charge a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz to cover security costs. Industry experts and shipping companies say such a fee would be very expensive for shippers and is likely illegal under international law.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route for about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments.
President Trump said the U.S. would act as the "guardian" of the strait and charge a 20% fee on cargo for security costs.
A 20% fee could cost large vessels over $30 million per shipment, according to shipping experts.
Shipping companies and industry groups say charging fees on an international waterway is illegal and violates maritime law.
The U.S. plans to reinstate a naval blockade on Iranian ports and their vessels.
Iran had previously charged tolls of around $2 million per shipment, much lower than the proposed U.S. fee.
International law currently does not allow countries to charge tolls on international straits like the Strait of Hormuz.
The idea of charging fees in this strait raises concerns about other countries imposing similar tolls, which could disrupt global shipping.
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A man in the UK pleaded guilty to 32 sexual offences against his girlfriend, some of which he recorded, occurring over more than 10 years. He faces a possible life sentence and will be sentenced in September after admitting to crimes including rape and sexual assault.
Key Facts
The defendant is a man in his 40s who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The offences happened between January 2014 and September 2023.
He admitted to 12 counts of rape, 14 counts of assault by penetration, and 6 counts of sexual assault.
Some offences involved another unknown person.
The victim was allegedly drugged or asleep during the attacks, though the defence partly disputes this.
The man recorded some of the offences on his devices.
The case was heard at Northampton crown court in the UK.
Sentencing is set for September 18, with a likely long prison term, possibly life.
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NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched with two Russian cosmonauts, Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14, 2026. The crew will live and work on the ISS for about eight months, conducting scientific research and technology tests.
Key Facts
The launch took place from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
This is Anil Menon's first space flight; Dubrov and Kikina have flown once before.
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS on the same day as launch.
They will join Expedition 74 crew members already on the station, including astronauts from NASA and the European Space Agency.
The mission will last about eight months, with return planned for April 2027.
Menon will conduct research to advance human space exploration and help improve life on Earth.
Research includes making semiconductor crystals, testing augmented reality and artificial intelligence tools for medical use, and studying blood flow and aging in microgravity.
The international crew reflects ongoing cooperation between NASA and Roscosmos in space exploration.
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France held its largest-ever military parade on July 14, 2026, to celebrate Bastille Day and show strong support for Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron invited European allies to demonstrate unity amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
Key Facts
The parade took place on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris.
It marked the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution.
This year's parade was the biggest in France’s history.
President Macron used the event to rally European countries behind Ukraine.
The demonstration was part of a larger effort to support Ukraine against Russian threats.
Several European leaders participated to show solidarity.
The event emphasized European defense cooperation and boosted military spending commitments.
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President Donald Trump suggested that the United States charge a fee to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key and often dangerous oil shipping route. He said this toll would help pay the U.S. for protecting vessels and keeping oil shipments flowing safely.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed charging a toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important but conflict-prone waterway for international oil shipping.
The U.S. acts as a protector or "guardian" for the ships passing through this area.
The proposed toll rate is 20 percent as reimbursement for U.S. protection efforts.
The goal is to help maintain safe and stable oil shipments worldwide.
This plan aims to address challenges caused by regional conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz.
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A fire in a bar in northern Bangkok killed at least 30 people early Monday morning. Authorities have identified 27 victims and are investigating the cause of the fire, with the bar agreeing to cooperate.
Key Facts
The fire happened in a bar in northern Bangkok.
At least 30 people died in the blaze.
Authorities have identified 27 of the victims so far.
The identities of 3 victims are still being confirmed.
Forensic teams are working to find out what caused the fire.
The bar has agreed to cooperate with the official investigation.
There are 24 people still in critical condition after the fire.
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French Rafale fighter jets are patrolling European airspace near Lithuania to protect the borders from Russian military threats. These jets help stop Russian drones and planes from entering Europe’s airspace.
Key Facts
French fighter jets called Rafale are flying missions near Lithuania.
Their job is to guard Europe’s borders against Russian military actions.
The jets frequently patrol the area to detect and deter Russian drones.
Sometimes the French jets intercept Russian planes that enter European skies.
The operations are part of broader European efforts to respond to Russian aggression.
This mission highlights France’s role in European defense.
Lithuania is one of the countries near Russia’s borders that is being protected.
The situation is connected to ongoing tensions involving Ukraine and Russia.
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A fire broke out at the Oxy tower, a building under construction in central Brussels, resulting in several deaths. Firefighters found multiple victims trapped in the building's lift shafts, and at least six people are still missing.
Key Facts
The fire occurred on Tuesday at the Oxy tower in central Brussels.
The building is still under construction and will include apartments, a hotel, restaurants, and bars.
Firefighters found the fire had spread to the lift shafts, trapping people inside two lifts.
They managed to open one lift and found several victims inside.
At least six people are reported missing, but the total number of victims is unclear.
Two people were taken to the hospital with serious burns.
One firefighter was treated on site for exposure to high heat.
Local officials, including Brussels' mayor and the Prime Minister, visited the site, and the King of Belgium is expected to come.
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The United States and Iran have exchanged military strikes for the third day in a row. The U.S. attacked targets in Iran, while Iran fired missiles at American bases in Jordan and Bahrain. President Donald Trump announced he will restart a blockade of Iranian ports and charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has intensified over three days.
The U.S. military launched attacks on several locations in Iran.
Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan and Bahrain.
President Trump said the U.S. will reinstate a blockade on Iranian ports.
Trump also plans to charge fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The conflict is happening amid increased tensions and a war of words between the two countries.
The situation affects international security and oil transportation through the Middle East.
Experts are watching closely as this could lead to further escalation in the region.
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The UK Covid inquiry, led by Heather Hallett, found major failures in how the government prepared for and handled PPE (personal protective equipment) during the pandemic. Families who lost loved ones spoke about the lack of protective gear for care workers, which they believe contributed to many deaths during Covid waves.
Key Facts
The inquiry reported a serious lack of preparedness for PPE, which endangered health and care workers.
Around £15 billion was spent on PPE, with about £10 billion wasted due to poor procurement.
A special "VIP lane" prioritized PPE contracts for companies with government connections.
Families who lost relatives criticized the poor PPE, saying it put many at risk of catching Covid.
The inquiry did not find proof of corruption in the VIP lane system, though families suspected cronyism.
The Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group helped push for the public inquiry and represents about 7,000 people.
Many care workers were expected to reuse thin masks over long shifts during peak Covid waves.
The inquiry confirmed chaos and waste in the government’s PPE purchase and distribution efforts.
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India called Iran’s deputy ambassador to express serious concerns after an Indian crew member died and others were hurt when Iranian missiles hit two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. India urged for calm and safe passage through this important shipping route.
Key Facts
An Indian crew member was killed in a missile attack on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Several other crew members were wounded in the attack.
Iran’s deputy ambassador to India was summoned by India’s government.
The missiles were reportedly fired by Iran targeting the oil tankers.
India called for reducing tensions in the region.
India emphasized the importance of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipping.
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Ann Widdecombe, a British politician, gave a pre-recorded radio interview about 20 minutes before police believe she was attacked at her home. She was found dead the next day after sustaining serious injuries.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe was 78 years old.
She was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday.
Police believe she was attacked on Wednesday, 8 July.
Widdecombe gave a nine-minute video interview to British Christian radio station TWR-UK shortly before the attack.
The interview was not aired live but part of it was later shared and broadcast by Times Radio.
In the interview, she talked about her support for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Widdecombe was a former Conservative minister and then became a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
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Nine European countries have asked the European Union to stop funding sports groups like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) because these groups allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete again. The countries argue this goes against supporting Ukraine, as Ukrainian athletes face difficulties due to the war with Russia.
Key Facts
The nine countries are Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Sweden.
They sent a letter to European Commissioner Glenn Micallef asking to cut EU funding to the IOC, World Aquatics, and the International Fencing Federation.
The funding in question includes programs like Erasmus+ which support sports development in Europe.
The IOC lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee on July 7, allowing Russian athletes to return to competition.
Ukrainian athletes are struggling due to displacement, damaged facilities, and military service caused by the war.
The nine nations want these sports bodies excluded from EU financial programs and less involved in EU sports discussions.
They stated sport cannot be separated from politics when there is ongoing war and loss of life.
This move may create conflict between European governments and international sports organizations ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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A baby named Ralph was born with a rare genetic skin condition called Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB). This causes very fragile skin that can blister and is slow to heal, requiring constant care and special treatments to prevent injury and infection.
Key Facts
Ralph was born prematurely at almost 36 weeks.
At birth, it was clear Ralph had serious skin problems, including blood on his hands and fragile skin patches.
Doctors diagnosed Ralph with JEB after skin biopsies and family history checks.
JEB causes skin to blister easily, even from minor contact, leading to chronic wounds.
Ralph needed 16 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
His daily care involves careful planning of clothing, temperature, positioning, and wound dressing.
His fragile skin limits his ability to move and explore normally.
The condition also causes painful blisters inside the mouth, making feeding difficult.
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The Church of England voted against a plan to restore 30% of its land for nature by 2030. Instead, it approved a less specific plan focused on supporting nature restoration projects and sustainable farming without a clear target.
Key Facts
The Church of England owns about 425,000 hectares of land, one of the largest landowners in England.
Only 3.5% of the church’s land is currently used for nature restoration.
A motion to rewild 30% of the church’s land by 2030 was proposed but rejected by the General Synod.
The UK and over 100 countries have pledged to restore 30% of their land for nature by 2030 to help stop environmental decline.
The church passed an alternative plan listing six steps to support nature restoration without setting a strict 30% target.
Church officials said the original motion conflicted with their legal responsibilities to maintain capital growth.
Environmental campaigners criticized the church for not showing leadership and not committing to the international 30% target.
Other large landowners, like the Crown Estate, have set measurable goals to protect nature, managing 36% of land for nature by 2030.
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President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will restart its naval blockade of Iran and act as the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz. He said the U.S. will charge a 20% fee on ships passing through the strait to cover security costs, but experts say this plan may not work or be legally recognized.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to restart a U.S.-led naval blockade of Iran at the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. will charge a 20% toll on all cargo passing through the strait to pay for protection and security.
The blockade will begin at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center.
Experts say the U.S. has no legal right or physical control to impose such a toll on international shipping.
Charging a toll may weaken the U.S. position on freedom of navigation by appearing to legitimize fees for using the strait.
Shipping companies decide routes based on safety, insurance, and security, not political declarations.
Iran controls parts of the strait and can threaten ships, making navigation risky in the area.
The proposal could increase confusion and uncertainty for ships moving through the region.
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