World News Live Updates: UN adopts resolution on Taliban rule in Afghanistan despite U.S. objections

Palestinian residents in the Masafer Yatta villages of the occupied West Bank report living in constant fear of home demolitions and attacks from Israeli settlers, according to a report in The Guardian. The situation follows a 2022 Israeli Supreme Court ruling that effectively approved the demolition of homes in the area, which Israel designated a military firing zone. Residents describe keeping watch at night for attackers, with one recent incident involving a masked settler on horseback circling a family home in the village of Tuba.

On the tenth anniversary of a 2015 nationwide crackdown on human rights lawyers in China, legal professionals and activists state that the environment for their work has significantly deteriorated, according to a report in The Guardian. They assert that the Chinese Communist Party's control over the legal profession has become more systematic and less visible, making rights defense work next to impossible. Disbarred lawyer Ren Quanniu described the situation as having "steadily regressed," comparing the current state of human rights protection to China's Cultural Revolution, a historical period of political turmoil that began in 1966 when the judicial system was largely dismantled.

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on Afghanistan's Taliban rulers to reverse their worsening oppression of women and girls and to eliminate all terrorist organizations, as per a report in AP. The resolution, which passed despite U.S. objections, is not legally binding but emphasizes the need for economic recovery and urges donors to address the country's severe humanitarian and economic crisis. Since their takeover in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically restricted women's rights, and the international community has not officially recognized their government.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a non-legally binding resolution on Monday calling on Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to reverse their worsening oppression of women and girls and to eliminate all terrorist organizations, according to a report in AP. The 11-page resolution, which was passed over U.S. objections, also emphasizes the need for economic recovery and development in Afghanistan and urges international donors to continue addressing the country's severe humanitarian and economic crisis.

The US Department of Justice has begun to hand over audio recordings of the 1985 torture and killing of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena to the legal defense team of Rafael Caro Quintero, as per a report in The Guardian. According to a court document filed on Friday, this is a major development in the federal prosecution of Caro Quintero, a founder of the former Guadalajara cartel. He is facing charges in New York for his alleged participation in Camarena's murder, which occurred in Mexico.

Israeli forces have demolished a Palestinian woman's home near the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, Al Jazeera says in a report. Such demolitions are frequently justified by Israeli authorities due to a lack of official building permits. However, human rights organizations and Palestinian officials argue that Israel's planning policies make it nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain these permits in Area C of the West Bank, which remains under full Israeli civil and military control. The destruction of private property by an occupying power is widely considered a violation of international humanitarian law.

The United States has officially revoked the foreign terrorist organization designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant opposition group in Syria, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This policy change follows the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government in late 2024, which positioned HTS as a de-facto authority in parts of the country. The move signals a significant shift in U.S. strategy toward post-Assad Syria as Washington re-evaluates its engagement with the new political landscape.

The historic Grand Hôtel Oloffson in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a landmark Gothic building known for its cultural significance, has been destroyed by fire, as per a report in AP. The hotel manager confirmed the fire on Monday, attributing the destruction to gangs who have increasingly taken control of the capital. The hotel, which had previously been forced to close due to the ongoing violence, was a celebrated part of Haiti's heritage, inspiring literature and attracting international visitors for decades.

The government of El Salvador has acknowledged to United Nations investigators that the US Trump administration maintains control over Venezuelan men deported from the United States to a high-security Salvadoran prison, AP says in a report. This admission, which contradicts previous public statements from both governments, was revealed in court filings from lawyers representing over 100 migrants challenging their deportation. The migrants were sent to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, and the acknowledgment suggests US authority over them continues post-deportation.

President Donald Trump is set to impose a 25% tariff on all products from South Korea and Japan beginning August 1 to address trade deficits, The Verge said in a report. Trump announced the move in letters posted to Truth Social addressed to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, August 1 is a firm date, and tariffs will be waived only if the countries or their companies build or manufacture products within the United States. This development follows recent trade agreements with the UK and Vietnam, and a resolution with Canada over its digital tax.

A fire engulfed a main Telecom Egypt building in downtown Cairo on Monday, injuring at least 14 people and temporarily disrupting internet and mobile phone services, AP said in a report. Egypt's Health Ministry confirmed the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The fire reportedly started on the seventh floor of the landmark 10-story building in the city's Ramses area.

Former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe delivered his closing statements on Monday in a high-profile trial where he faces charges of bribery and witness tampering, which could result in a 12-year prison sentence, as per a report in AP. Uribe, who was president of Colombia from 2002 to 2010 and remains an influential politician, is accused of working with a lawyer to bribe and intimidate former members of paramilitary groups. The alleged aim was to persuade them to alter statements they had provided to left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who had initially made accusations against Uribe.

The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from Honduras and Nicaragua, according to a report in The New York Times. This decision, which ends longstanding deportation protections and work authorizations for eligible individuals from these two Central American countries, is scheduled to go into effect in approximately two months. The policy change affects thousands of Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals currently residing in the U.S. under the humanitarian program.

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday a 25% tariff on goods imported from Japan and South Korea, citing persistent trade imbalances with the two allies, according to a report in AP. The tariffs are set to begin on August 1, and the announcement was made via letters posted on Truth Social addressed to the leaders of both nations. The letters also warned Japan and South Korea not to retaliate with their own import taxes, threatening further tariff increases if they do.

President Donald Trump on Monday criticized Brazilian authorities, calling their investigation into former President Jair Bolsonaro a "witch hunt," according to a report in AP. Trump stated he will be "closely monitoring" the case, which involves an investigation by Brazil's Supreme Court into Bolsonaro's alleged role in a coup attempt in January 2023. The former Brazilian leader, who governed from 2019 to 2022, is already ineligible for the next election and has denied the allegations, claiming political persecution.

Wall Street firm Jane Street is set to contest charges of market manipulation from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as per a report in Financial Times. The challenge comes after India's primary market regulator banned the high-frequency trading firm from its markets and issued an order for it to return more than $550 million, which SEBI identified as 'illegal gains'. Jane Street's move is a formal appeal against the regulator's prior decision, which is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny by SEBI into algorithmic and high-frequency trading activities within the Indian capital markets.

Denmark has officially begun including women in its military draft lottery, making women turning 18 eligible for conscription for the first time, as per a report in The Washington Post. The policy change, which was previously mandatory only for men, is a response to heightened security concerns across Europe following Russia's actions in Ukraine. This move expands Denmark's potential recruitment pool and reflects a broader trend among European nations to strengthen their defense capabilities, with countries like Norway and Sweden having already implemented gender-neutral conscription.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced it will issue a nonbinding advisory opinion on July 23 regarding countries' legal obligations to fight climate change, according to a report in Reuters. The opinion, requested by the UN General Assembly in March 2023 following a push by the nation of Vanuatu, is expected to be widely cited in climate-related litigation globally. While not legally binding, such advisory opinions from the World Court carry significant legal authority and are intended to clarify international law on the obligations of states to protect the climate system. The ruling is also anticipated to address the legal consequences for states that cause significant harm to the environment.

The historic Grand Hôtel Oloffson in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has been destroyed in a fire attributed to gangs, according to a report in AP. The hotel manager confirmed the fire on Monday, prompting widespread mourning for the loss of the culturally significant landmark, known for its unique Gothic gingerbread architecture and for hosting famous guests and inspiring literature. The hotel had already been forced to cease operations prior to the fire due to the severe and escalating gang violence that has gripped Haiti's capital.

China has lodged a formal protest with India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that India should fully appreciate the sensitivity of Tibet-related issues and recognize what Beijing calls the Dalai Lama's "separatist nature." Ning added that India should honor its commitments to China on these matters, act prudently, and cease using such issues to interfere in China's internal affairs.

Taiwan is set to attend Japan's memorial ceremonies for the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings for the first time next month, South China Morning Post reports. Nagasaki mayor Shiro Suzuki confirmed on Saturday that the city has accepted Taiwan's request to attend its August 9 ceremony, marking a notable development in the unofficial relations between Japan and Taiwan.

Greek authorities have detained more than 1,200 migrants on the island of Crete and the nearby islet of Gavdos over the past three days following a surge in arrivals from Libya, according to a report in AP. The coast guard intercepted multiple boats off Crete’s southern coast between Saturday and Monday, prompting regional officials to request additional government assistance. The increase in arrivals coincided with a visit by Greece’s Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, to Libya.

British steelmakers are facing uncertainty as the UK government continues negotiations to shield the industry from US tariffs initiated as part of a trade war by President Donald Trump, according to a report in The Guardian. The US has set a 50% tariff on foreign steel and aluminium imports, though the UK has managed to broker a reduced rate of 25%. A final deal to lower the tariff further, potentially to zero, has not yet been completed as a deadline for the talks approaches.

Armed groups in Colombia have significantly escalated their use of weaponized drones since 2024, employing them to launch projectiles at security forces and rival groups, according to a report in France 24. While the use of drones for surveillance by these groups is not new, the recent surge in offensive attacks, which also impacts civilians, represents a significant tactical shift. Experts cited in the report suggest that Colombian authorities could have acted sooner to manage the threat, given the precedent of similar drone use in other global conflicts.

Zambia's government is defending its cybersecurity legislation as a necessary tool to protect citizens from online scams and identity theft, Deutsche Welle says in a report. However, critics and human rights organizations contend that the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, which was enacted by the previous administration in March 2021, is an attack on freedom of expression. Concerns are focused on vaguely defined offenses like "misinformation" and "cyberbullying," which critics argue could be used to silence dissent, target activists, and create a chilling effect on online speech. This debate is part of a broader trend in Africa where similar laws are criticized for potentially enabling state surveillance and restricting civil liberties.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has claimed Israel attempted to assassinate him by bombarding an area where he was holding a meeting, The Guardian says in a report. In an interview with US media personality Tucker Carlson released on Monday, Pezeshkian stated that the attempt failed. The Iranian president did not specify if the alleged airstrike occurred during the 12-day war fought between Israel and Iran last month, noting this was one of his first interviews with Western media since the conflict.

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to announce a new plan on Wednesday to address small boat crossings in the Channel, as per a report in The Guardian. The announcement, anticipated during a summit in London, is expected to include increased efforts by French police to block the boats. However, a wider deal on returning asylum seekers remains uncertain, and French officials are reportedly still finalizing the specific actions that can be taken once boats are in shallow waters.

Greek authorities have detained more than 1,200 migrants on the island of Crete and the nearby islet of Gavdos over the past three days following a significant increase in arrivals from Libya, AP said in a report. The country's coast guard intercepted multiple boats off Crete's southern coast between Saturday and Monday. This surge has prompted regional officials to request additional assistance from the central government. The increase in arrivals coincided with a visit to Libya by Greece’s Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis.

Influential Washington lobby groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce and the National Taxpayers Union, are pushing the US government to retaliate against Australia's trade practices, according to a report in The Guardian. The groups argue that Australia's pharmaceutical approval process and domestic manufacturing incentives amount to "freeloading" and "undervalue American innovation." This pressure comes as the US Trade Representative collects evidence on such practices as part of President Donald Trump's tariff campaign, raising concerns about potential US tariffs against Australia over its drug pricing policies.

French Olympic fencer Ysaora Thibus was cleared of a doping allegation on Monday after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted her defense that she was contaminated by kissing her American partner over a nine-day period, AP said in a report. The ruling dismissed an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which had sought a sanction against Thibus. This case echoes a similar verdict from 2009 that cleared French tennis player Richard Gasquet, who had also successfully argued a 'kissing defense' in a separate doping case.

King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer led commemorations in London on Monday to mark the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 bombings, according to a report in AP. The attacks on July 7, 2005, were the deadliest on the British capital since World War II, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770. The incident involved four suicide bombers who detonated explosives on three subway trains and a bus during the morning rush hour, marking the first mass-casualty suicide bombings of their kind in Western Europe.

Apple has officially appealed a €500 million fine from the European Union, which was imposed for preventing music streaming apps from informing users about cheaper payment options outside of its App Store, according to a report in TechCrunch. The fine, originally announced by the European Commission in March 2024, resulted from an investigation that found Apple's "anti-steering" provisions abused its dominant market position. The EU's multi-year probe was initiated following a 2019 complaint by the music streaming service Spotify, which alleged anti-competitive practices by Apple.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will face a no-confidence vote this week, partly due to text messages she exchanged with a pharmaceutical CEO during the COVID-19 pandemic, AP says in a report. Lawmakers at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, are scheduled to debate her future on Monday in her presence, with a formal vote on the censure motion to be held on Thursday. The European Commission, which von der Leyen leads, is responsible for proposing EU legislation and supervising its enforcement.

Police in Kenya clashed with anti-government demonstrators on Monday, leading to a lockdown of the capital, Nairobi, where most businesses closed, AP said in a report. Authorities blocked major roads into the city to quell the protests. Demonstrators lit bonfires and hurled stones at police, who responded by firing tear gas, which resulted in the injury of at least one person.

A North Korean man defected to South Korea by crossing the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on foot late Thursday, according to a report in Fox News. The man was discovered by South Korean troops after he crossed the border and reportedly asked for assistance. Such defections directly across the DMZ are considered extremely rare due to extensive minefields and heavy military surveillance from both sides.

Cybersecurity experts are warning that a turf war among competing criminal ransomware groups could result in corporate victims facing multiple extortion demands for a single data breach, the Financial Times says in a report. This development, described as having 'no honour among thieves', signifies a shift where stolen data from one attack could be used by a rival group to issue a second ransom demand. The trend complicates incident response for companies, who now face the risk of dealing with and potentially paying multiple criminal entities for the same compromised information, escalating both the financial and reputational damage from a cyberattack.

An Australian coronial inquest has determined that racism was a contributing factor in the fatal police shooting of 19-year-old Indigenous man Kumanjayi Walker, Al Jazeera said in a report. The finding comes five years after the incident, for which police officer Zachary Rolfe was acquitted of murder in a separate criminal trial in 2022. The inquest, which is a judicial inquiry to establish facts rather than determine criminal guilt, has intensified calls from advocacy groups for systemic police reform and greater accountability regarding Indigenous justice in Australia.

In an interview, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended his contact with Hamas's leadership, stating he urged the group towards ceasefire talks with Qatari, Egyptian, and American mediators, France 24 says in a report. Ibrahim asserted he was "not a lackey of some other countries to condemn them and then silent on Israel and allowing Israel to continue with impunity." He also broadly criticized what he described as Western double standards over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and rejected the claim that the crisis in Gaza began on October 7, 2023.

A top South African security official has publicly accused the police minister and a deputy national commissioner of colluding with crime syndicates, sparking public uproar, AP says in a report. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the head of police in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, alleged at a press conference on Sunday that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya had interfered with sensitive police investigations. Mkhwanazi also claimed the two officials were responsible for disbanding a key crime-fighting unit.

Low water levels resulting from recent heatwaves and drought are limiting shipping and driving up transport costs on some of Europe's key waterways, according to a report in The Guardian. Vessels on the Rhine in Germany, particularly south of Duisburg and Cologne at choke points like Kaub, and on the Danube in Hungary are being forced to sail only about half full to avoid grounding. This reduction in cargo capacity is directly impacting the cost of river transport.

Swiss federal prosecutors on Monday announced the indictment of a Kosovar and a Swiss-Macedonian dual national on terrorism-related charges, AP says in a report. The two men are suspected of carrying out indoctrination, financing, and recruitment for the Swiss chapter of a “Kosovar terrorist organization” over the last decade, primarily in the Geneva area. The charges also include spreading the ideology of the banned extremist group Islamic State.

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, received a seven-page response from the Lebanese government on Monday regarding international calls for the disarmament of the militant group Hezbollah, AP said in a report. Following meetings with Lebanese officials, including the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Joseph Aoun, the U.S. envoy stated that Washington is prepared to assist the crisis-affected nation with its long-running political and economic challenges. The American and Lebanese sides are reportedly committed to finding a resolution to the issue.

Ukrainian forces are engaged in defending the strategic city of Kostiantynivka from Russian drone attacks as they struggle to hold the line on the Eastern Front, according to a report in The New York Times. The city is described as a critical gateway to the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk urban area, which serves as Ukraine's primary defensive stronghold in the Donetsk region. The defense is under pressure following earlier Russian advances west of Avdiivka and has been impacted by previous shortages in Western military aid, with drone warfare playing a decisive role in the ongoing conflict.

Qantas has confirmed it was contacted by a suspected cyber criminal after a major cyberattack exposed the personal records of up to 6 million customers, according to a report in The Guardian. In a statement, the airline acknowledged the contact and stated that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have been engaged in the matter. However, Qantas declined to confirm whether a ransom demand was made for the compromised data, stating it would not comment further on the details of the contact.

At least 72 people have been killed and more than 130 injured in Pakistan since June 26 due to ten days of monsoon rains and flash floods, AP says in a report. The fatalities were reported across several provinces, including the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, eastern Punjab, southern Sindh, and southwestern Balochistan. Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority has urged local officials to maintain a high alert and advised tourists to avoid visiting the affected regions as more rain is expected.

July 7, known as 'Saba Saba' in Kenya, is being observed with the potential for new demonstrations, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The date commemorates the historic 1990 protests that were pivotal in the push for multi-party democracy in the country. This year's anniversary follows a recent wave of youth-led nationwide protests against the Finance Bill 2024, which compelled President William Ruto to withdraw the legislation in late June. The legacy of Saba Saba as a day for civic action is being invoked by activists, building on the momentum from the recent successful demonstrations to continue demanding government accountability.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Indian broadcaster Sanjog Gupta as its new chief executive officer, according to a report in AP. Gupta, who the ICC described as a highly respected figure in global media with over two decades of experience, will replace Geoff Allardice, who resigned in January after serving for four years. Gupta joined Star India, now known as JioStar, in 2010.

Media professionals from around the world are gathering in Bonn, Germany, for the Global Media Forum 2025 to discuss strategies for solidarity and to counter populism, Deutsche Welle says in a report. The event, hosted by the German international broadcaster, aims to address the challenges of societal polarization by bringing together global experts to develop collaborative approaches for the media to build bridges in an increasingly divided world.

Authorities in Greece have imposed mandatory work breaks on Monday for parts of the country where temperatures are expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), as per a report in AP. The labor ministry ordered the work stoppage to be in effect from midday to 5:00 p.m. for individuals engaged in outdoor manual labor and for food delivery services. The measure is primarily focused on central Greece and several islands, and employers have also been encouraged to provide remote work options where possible. The heatwave is anticipated to continue through Thursday.

Hundreds of supporters of Nepal's former king, Gyanendra Shah, gathered at his Kathmandu residence to greet him on his 74th birthday, according to a report in AP. Shah, who rarely makes public appearances, allowed supporters inside his home for three hours, where they presented him with traditional gifts such as flower garlands and food. The event is noted as a sign of growing support for the monarchy, which was abolished in Nepal in 2008, making Shah a private citizen.

A trial for 32 defendants began in Istanbul on Monday following a deadly fire that killed 78 people and injured 133 at a popular ski resort hotel, according to a report in AP. The blaze occurred on January 21 at the 12-story Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort, located in Bolu province. The incident, which happened during a winter school break, resulted in the deaths of many children who were on vacation with their families.

At least 21 people were killed in a road collision in Nigeria's northwestern Kano state on Sunday, according to a report in AP. The country's Federal Road Safety Corps stated that a heavy-duty truck and a commercial vehicle carrying passengers collided along the Zaria-Kano expressway. A preliminary investigation from the agency indicated that the driver of the commercial vehicle had violated traffic regulations by driving against traffic.

Fifteen police officers in the Philippines have been taken into custody and are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the abduction and feared killings of at least 34 cockfighters, AP said in a report. The Philippine police chief confirmed the development on Monday, stating the victims went missing around 2021 and 2022. The missing individuals were accused of cheating in the popular sport, with reports suggesting their bodies were dumped in a lake after they were taken from areas near cockfighting arenas.

Saudi Arabia executed a record 345 people last year, the highest number documented by Amnesty International in over three decades, AP said in a report. The surge is primarily driven by an increase in executions for nonviolent drug offenses, which follows the end of an informal moratorium on such cases that was in place from 2020 to 2022. In the first six months of this year, 180 people have been executed. Activists note that the high number of executions contradicts the kingdom's 'Vision 2030' plan, which aims to modernize the country and improve its international image.

Authorities in Greece imposed mandatory work breaks on Monday due to a heatwave expected to last through Thursday, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), according to a report in AP. The labor ministry ordered a work stoppage from midday until 5:00 p.m. for those engaged in outdoor manual labor and for food delivery services. These measures are primarily in effect in central Greece and on several islands, and employers have also been encouraged to provide remote work options.

Poland reinstated border controls with its neighbors Germany and Lithuania on Monday to discourage asylum-seekers, a move that follows similar German restrictions imposed earlier this year, according to a report in AP. The Polish government, which recently survived a parliamentary confidence vote, announced the decision last week. The action comes amid pressure from far-right groups in Poland, which have alleged that Germany has been transporting migrants into Polish territory.

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano erupted on Monday, sending a column of volcanic material as high as 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the air, AP said in a report. The eruption also caused an avalanche of searing gas clouds to flow down the volcano's slopes and deposited ash on surrounding villages. Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano's alert status to its highest level. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Syrians are turning to individual solar panels to cope with a severe and ongoing energy crisis that leaves cities like Damascus in near-total darkness, according to a report in AP. The country's power grid remains crippled from years of conflict and the impact of broad international sanctions, which have not been lifted. For many citizens, acquiring solar panels is an expensive measure that often requires taking on significant debt, creating a patchwork system where only those who can afford private solutions have reliable access to electricity. This trend highlights the deep challenges to a comprehensive economic recovery, which is hampered by the lack of a stable, national energy infrastructure.

Typhoon Danas brought heavy winds and torrential rains to Taiwan's west coast on Monday, killing two people and injuring more than 300, according to a report in AP. The storm knocked out power for over 580,000 households, prompting the closure of schools and offices across southern and central parts of the island. After making landfall late Sunday, the typhoon has since lost intensity and moved into the Taiwan Strait, with a forecast path toward mainland China.

The Australian government is pushing forward with a proposal to legislate a ban on social media use for anyone under the age of 16, with a planned implementation for December, according to a report in The New York Times. While the government has stated its intent, the law has not yet been passed by Parliament, and significant aspects remain unresolved. These undecided elements include the specific technical methods for age verification, the legal and privacy frameworks surrounding these methods, and the precise scope of platforms that would be affected. The proposed Australian law follows broader international trends in youth online safety, such as the UK's Online Safety Act and the EU's Digital Services Act, which have also imposed stricter regulations on tech platforms to protect minors.

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano on Flores island has erupted, launching an ash cloud to an altitude of 11 miles (approximately 17.7 km), according to a report in AP. The volcano has been on the highest alert level since January 2024 due to continuous activity, which had already led to the evacuation of thousands of residents from surrounding villages prior to this latest event. The significant height of the ash plume has prompted aviation warnings for the region, disrupting air travel due to the danger volcanic ash poses to jet engines.

Two journalists from Germany's international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle (DW), were attacked by Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Sinjil, Deutsche Welle said in a report. The incident has drawn condemnation from both the German ambassador to Israel and the German Journalists' Association (DJV). Both parties have called for the protection of journalists and emphasized the importance of press freedom in the region.

The main Reuters news account, along with the Reuters World account, have been inaccessible to X users in India since Saturday, July 5, TechCrunch says in a report. The reason for the apparent block is currently unknown, as neither X nor the news agency has issued an official statement explaining the situation. The development restricts a major international news wire's ability to directly disseminate information to its audience in the country.

Norway secured a 2-1 victory against Finland in a Women's European Championship qualifier on Sunday, despite being outplayed for much of the match, as per a report in AP. Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen was central to the win, first forcing an own-goal from Finland's Eva Nyström in the third minute. After an impressive performance from Finland, Graham Hansen scored the winning goal in the 84th minute when her cross went into the net off a post.

Islamic extremists killed nine people and injured four in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, according to a report in AP. Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum said the attack was carried out by Boko Haram on the Malam Fatori community, located near the border with Chad. Authorities reported the incident on Sunday, but the governor did not specify when the attack occurred.

Turkey is actively working to expand its political influence across the Western Balkans through significant investments in infrastructure and the construction of religious landmarks, Deutsche Welle says in a report. According to observers, the building of mosques is a key component of Ankara's geopolitical agenda, which aims to re-establish Turkey as a major regional power, particularly in areas with shared Ottoman heritage. This strategy is part of a wider assertive foreign policy that also includes substantial economic investments, placing Turkey in geopolitical competition with other powers like the EU, US, and Russia for influence in the region.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged hundreds of drone strikes on Sunday, causing significant disruptions to Russian air travel, according to a report in AP. The attacks led to flight delays and cancellations at major Russian airports, including international hubs in Moscow and St. Petersburg. This escalation occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new agreements with Western partners aimed at scaling up Ukraine's domestic drone production, following a week where Russia had conducted its own strikes on Kyiv.