The number of hungry people worldwide has decreased for the third year in a row but is still higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Africa remains the region with the most hungry people, and many still cannot afford healthy food, especially in Africa and Asia.
Key Facts
About 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, which is 14 million fewer than in 2024.
Around 7.8% of the world's population experienced hunger in 2025, down from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.6% in 2022.
Africa has about 309 million undernourished people, nearly half of the global total.
Asia and Latin America have made steady progress in reducing hunger levels.
Population growth in Africa means the total number of hungry people there is still rising despite a slight drop in hunger rate.
By 2030, the global number of hungry people is expected to drop by about 20%, but over 500 million will still face hunger.
The number of people unable to afford a healthy diet fell from 2.97 billion in 2021 to 2.69 billion in 2025.
The cost of a healthy diet rose to $4.28 per day in 2025, making it harder for many people, especially in Africa and Asia, to eat well.
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Andy Burnham, the new British prime minister, will soon attend an EU-UK summit to discuss ongoing issues between Britain and Europe. His government aims to continue working on security, trade, and cooperation while balancing the legacy of Brexit.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the seventh British prime minister since the 2016 Brexit vote.
EU leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have greeted Burnham positively.
Burnham has expressed a wish to see Britain rejoin the EU someday but does not prioritize reversing Brexit now.
He has appointed Hamish Falconer as Europe minister, replacing Nick Thomas-Symonds to bring new energy to talks.
Johnny Reynolds returned as business secretary to help protect trade and negotiate tariff changes with the EU.
Under previous leadership, the UK and EU signed agreements on security, defence, and financial loans for Ukraine.
The upcoming summit will focus on easing trade barriers for fresh food, linking emissions trading, and youth exchange programs.
Ireland’s Europe minister expects positive continuity in EU-UK relations after the summit.
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President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has agreed to start national talks with political opposition groups. This decision follows growing political pressure over his government's plan to change the constitution.
Key Facts
President Felix Tshisekedi leads the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He will open national dialogue with opposition politicians.
The talks come after increased political pressure on Tshisekedi’s government.
The pressure is related to a proposed change in the country’s constitution.
Civil society groups in the DRC have called for national dialogue for over a year.
The dialogue aims to address political disagreements in the country.
The move is considered an important step for political stability in the DRC.
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Khalil al-Hayya was narrowly elected as the new leader of Hamas after nearly two years of shared leadership. His election highlights divisions within Hamas, especially about its relationship with Iran and the balance of power among its Gaza, West Bank, and diaspora branches.
Key Facts
Hamas was founded in 1987 as part of the Muslim Brotherhood network in Gaza and surrounding regions.
Its original leadership was based in Gaza but shifted toward the diaspora due to Israeli crackdowns.
Khalil al-Hayya won the Hamas leadership vote by just one vote, 35 to 34.
The election reflects ongoing tensions between factions aligned differently, with some closer to Iran.
Hamas leadership is organized into three main groups: Gaza, West Bank, and the diaspora, each with its own council.
This structure has led to internal conflicts and overlapping responsibilities.
Hamas’s leadership was based in Damascus for 11 years, during which its international ties, including with Iran and allies like Hezbollah, grew stronger.
The current situation tests whether Hamas can reunite its different factions under al-Hayya’s leadership.
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Officials in Chile declared a state of catastrophe in the Coquimbo region and Huasco province after heavy rains caused floods and mudslides. At least five people died, thousands were affected, and many are isolated or missing.
Key Facts
Heavy rains caused floods and mudslides in Chile’s Coquimbo region and Huasco province.
A state of catastrophe was declared by the Chilean government.
At least five people have died due to the extreme weather.
More than 99,000 people are isolated by floodwaters or damaged roads.
Several people are reported missing across the country.
Cerro Tololo in Coquimbo recorded over 200 millimeters of rain, a historic amount.
Chile’s disaster agency Senapred is coordinating the emergency response.
President José Antonio Kast activated the constitutional state of catastrophe to manage the crisis.
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The U.S. State Department criticized China’s coast guard for aggressive actions during a clash with Philippine sailors near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The U.S. supports the Philippines and refers to an international ruling that rejects China’s broad claims in the area, while China denies wrongdoing and defends its actions.
Key Facts
A fight occurred between Chinese coast guard and Philippine navy personnel near Second Thomas Shoal, about 120 miles off Palawan, Philippines.
One Philippine sailor was injured in the incident involving rods and oars.
Both China and the Philippines accuse each other of starting the clash.
The U.S. has a Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines covering attacks in the South China Sea.
The U.S. condemned China’s actions and supported the Philippines’ restraint.
A 2016 international ruling declared China’s large maritime claims in the South China Sea invalid.
China refuses to accept the 2016 ruling and says its coast guard was lawfully protecting its rights.
China criticized the U.S. for interfering and escalating tensions in the region.
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A woman gave birth to rare identical quadruplet girls, all from one fertilized egg and sharing a single placenta. Such natural identical quadruplets are extremely uncommon worldwide.
Key Facts
The quadruplet daughters are identical, meaning they come from the same egg and share the same genetic makeup.
They were naturally conceived, not through fertility treatments.
All four babies share one placenta, which is rare for multiples.
Identical quadruplets occur in only a few cases globally.
The birth took place recently and has attracted attention due to its rarity.
Identical multiples happen when a fertilized egg splits into multiple embryos.
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Joel Mawhinney, a former presenter of the children's show Blue Peter, performed a magic trick on America's Got Talent where he took and appeared to break judges' personal items but then revealed they were unharmed. He received three "yes" votes from the judges and moved on to the next round.
Key Facts
Joel Mawhinney, from Northern Ireland, was a Blue Peter presenter for over three years before leaving to focus on magic.
He performed a risky magic trick on America's Got Talent involving judges’ prized possessions, including a phone, a picture of a dog, and a bracelet.
Mawhinney appeared to smash the items with a hammer, but they later reappeared undamaged in surprising places.
Judges Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell voted "yes," while Howie Mandel voted "no" due to the performance's slow pace.
Mawhinney said the audition was nerve-wracking but was helped by his live TV experience on Blue Peter.
Producers invited him to audition since 2020, but he only decided to go for it after leaving Blue Peter earlier in 2024.
The trick involved finding and borrowing the judges' possessions without actually taking or damaging them.
Mawhinney is now competing for a cash prize on the show.
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Thousands of Indian students protested in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after exam scandals. The police used tear gas and force to disperse the crowd, injuring over 100 students, but the protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations.
Key Facts
The protests took place in the center of New Delhi near Parliament Street and Connaught Place.
Police cracked down on thousands of mainly student protesters with tear gas and force.
More than 100 students were injured during the police action.
The protests began after exam papers were leaked and students faced unfair grading in entrance exams.
Over 20 students have died by suicide, many linked to the exam problems.
The prime minister, Narendra Modi, has not addressed the protests directly.
Student leaders said they will keep protesting until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed by police and detained in a hospital, which his supporters call illegal.
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Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun is visiting Washington, DC, to seek support from President Donald Trump for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and for strengthening the Lebanese army. This follows recent talks between Lebanon and Israel to implement a ceasefire agreement and efforts to reduce Hezbollah’s influence in the region.
Key Facts
President Joseph Aoun arrived in Washington, DC, for an official visit, the first by a Lebanese head of state since 2009.
Aoun is meeting with President Trump to discuss support for Israeli withdrawal and backing for the Lebanese army.
Recent US-mediated talks in Rome involved Lebanon and Israel discussing the implementation of a ceasefire deal signed on June 26.
The Israeli military has started a gradual withdrawal from some parts of southern Lebanon under a plan called the “pilot zone programme.”
Lebanese troops have begun deploying in areas where Israel withdrew, aiming to take control and confiscate Hezbollah’s weapons.
Hezbollah opposes Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel and wants to keep its weapons, while Israel demands Hezbollah’s disarmament before full withdrawal.
Lebanon’s government wants to disarm non-state armed groups like Hezbollah to improve security and stability.
The Lebanese government seeks increased US and international investment to support the army and rebuild the country’s damaged infrastructure.
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The United Kingdom has a new prime minister and government focused on changing the country's direction. Before the first cabinet meeting, they announced a cut in the VAT tax on energy bills to address the cost of living, but the decision has already received some criticism.
Key Facts
The UK has a new prime minister and government as of July 2026.
The new government aims to change the current direction of the country.
A reduction in VAT (value-added tax) on energy bills was announced before the first cabinet meeting.
Reducing VAT on energy bills is meant to help with the rising cost of living.
Some people have criticized this VAT cut announcement.
The new prime minister is Andy Burnham.
The government’s priorities include addressing economic challenges faced by citizens.
The news source providing this information is Reuters, reported on July 21, 2026.
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A dental hygienist explains that changes in the tongue can sometimes show signs of health issues elsewhere in the body. While not all changes require worry, persistent sores, lumps, or color changes should be checked by a doctor or dentist.
Key Facts
Almost all dental students (94.2%) clean their tongue regularly as part of oral hygiene.
A smooth, pale, or sore tongue can suggest deficiencies in iron or vitamin B12.
Nutritional deficiencies often develop slowly, so early signs can be subtle.
Tongue ulcers or patches that do not heal within 2-3 weeks may need medical evaluation.
Persistent pain, bleeding, or swelling in the mouth without a clear reason should be checked.
Tongue appearance can change due to dehydration, illness, medication, or normal variation.
Many tongue variations, like grooves or light coatings, are harmless.
The main concern is new or lasting changes rather than normal fluctuations.
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In Bologna, Italy, protests took place after a man died while being arrested by the police. Demonstrators demanded answers and justice, comparing the case to similar incidents of police violence elsewhere, such as the George Floyd case in the United States.
Key Facts
The protests happened in Bologna, Italy.
The demonstrations followed the death of a man during a police arrest.
Protesters called for accountability from the police.
The incident has been compared to the death of George Floyd in the U.S.
The man who died was Moroccan.
Clashes occurred between security forces and protesters during the demonstrations.
The protests aim to bring attention to concerns about police use of force.
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Ukrainian drones and missiles have attacked Crimea’s energy and transport systems since early 2024, causing power outages, water shortages, and fuel scarcity for many people living there. These disruptions have severely affected daily life, tourism, and local businesses in the Russian-controlled peninsula.
Key Facts
Crimea has faced its worst shortages since Russia took control in 2014, with over 70% of residents experiencing power outages.
Ukrainian forces have targeted energy infrastructure and transport links connecting Crimea to Russia.
Russian-installed authorities declared a state of emergency due to fuel shortages and limited fuel sales to private cars.
Many residents report losing access to electricity, running water, and fuel for several days at a time.
Tourism in coastal towns like Yevpatoria has dropped sharply due to security concerns and shortages.
People are relying on informal networks to find fuel and cope with power cuts.
There is growing frustration among locals toward Russian authorities for failing to prepare for these crises.
Public criticism is rare due to strict security controls, but online comments show widespread pleas for help.
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France is planning a new law to stop children under 15 from using social media. If both parts of its parliament agree, it will be the first European Union country to make such a ban. This follows similar rules already in place in Australia and Indonesia.
Key Facts
The proposed law aims to ban social media use for people under 15 years old.
The bill must be approved by both the lower house and the senate in France.
France would be the first country in the EU to enforce this ban if it passes.
President Emmanuel Macron supports this social media ban.
Similar bans are already in effect in Australia and Indonesia.
The ban comes before a planned ban on smartphones in French high schools.
The goal is to protect young children from potential harms related to social media use.
This is part of broader efforts to regulate digital life for young people in France.
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The 69th ECOWAS summit took place on July 19 in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The meeting focused on the need for major changes within the West African economic group and included a handover of leadership to Senegal’s president. Guinea criticized the sanctions ECOWAS has placed on some countries in recent years.
Key Facts
The 69th ECOWAS summit was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on July 19, 2026.
Julius Maada Bio, the outgoing Chair of ECOWAS, called for major reforms in the organization.
Senegal’s president took over the rotating ECOWAS presidency during the summit.
Guinea sharply criticized ECOWAS sanctions imposed over the past few years.
ECOWAS is a regional group focused on economic cooperation among West African countries.
The summit discussed regional economic and political challenges.
The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation and reform efforts in West Africa.
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Hungary’s government is investigating a large deal with Chinese electric carmaker BYD after former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó left Parliament to work for the company. The investigation will look into whether Szijjártó used his government position to help BYD receive major public subsidies and other benefits.
Key Facts
Péter Szijjártó resigned from Parliament to take an executive job at BYD, a leading Chinese electric carmaker.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced a probe into decisions made by Szijjártó related to BYD’s investments.
BYD received hundreds of billions of forints in public money, tax breaks, permits, and other state support while Szijjártó was in office.
The investigation will review subsidies, tax incentives, environmental exemptions, and infrastructure projects tied to BYD and other multinational firms.
BYD planned to open its first European factory and research center in Hungary, benefiting from Hungary’s efforts to become a lithium-ion battery manufacturing hub.
Szijjártó was involved in attracting Chinese companies to invest in Hungary during the administration of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The company’s European operations in Hungary helped BYD avoid EU import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Neither Szijjártó nor BYD have responded publicly to the conflict of interest allegations so far.
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The Philippine military accused China's coast guard of injuring a Filipino sailor during an incident at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. China claimed Filipino boats attacked its patrol boat first. The conflict highlights ongoing tension over territorial claims in these waters.
Key Facts
The incident happened at the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea.
Chinese coast guard personnel allegedly hit a Filipino sailor on the head with a wooden baton.
The Filipino sailor was injured, and his small boat was damaged.
Filipino sailors recorded the incident on video.
China accused Filipino boats of ramming its patrol boat and attacking Chinese personnel with sticks and oars.
The Filipino navy vessel BRP Sierra Madre, stationed on the shoal, is a key point of the territorial dispute.
The Philippine military said Filipino personnel acted peacefully and only asked the Chinese to back away.
Both countries claim the area, with China demanding the removal of the Philippine vessel.
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The European Union fined the Chinese online marketplace AliExpress 550 million euros for not stopping the sale of unsafe and fake products on its website. This is the largest penalty under the EU’s Digital Services Act, which aims to keep online users safe and protect their rights.
Key Facts
AliExpress was fined 550 million euros (about $629 million) by the European Commission.
The fine is for failing to prevent the sale of dangerous and counterfeit goods on its platform.
This is the biggest fine ever given under the EU’s Digital Services Act.
The Digital Services Act is a law to protect people from harmful or illegal online content and products.
AliExpress’s parent company is the Chinese tech giant Alibaba.
Alibaba also agreed to pay $600 million to the U.S. government over illegal import claims.
AliExpress must submit a plan by October 20 to fix its risk management problems.
The EU previously fined other companies like Temu and Elon Musk’s social media site X for similar issues.
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A ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana, leading to a search for survivors and a criminal investigation. Authorities found many passengers were not on the official list, and the ferry captain tested positive for marijuana.
Key Facts
The ferry MV Barima capsized on Saturday near Guyana’s Essequibo coast.
At least 67 people were rescued, but many more passengers were believed to be on board than listed.
Officials said 32 of the rescued were not on the passenger manifest, which is the official passenger list.
Passengers have reported that seats are often sold unofficially without recording names.
The ferry’s captain and another crew member tested positive for marijuana and are in police custody.
Only 10 bodies were recovered by Monday, and the search for survivors continued.
The ferry was built over 80 years ago and had recent repairs in 2024, with more planned for October.
Guyana’s Prime Minister and President promised a full investigation focusing on safety, the accurate number of passengers, and crew actions.
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