The historic aquarium at Berlin Zoo has officially reopened after three years of renovations, housing around 20,000 aquatic creatures representing 1,000 species in 1 million liters of water, with the largest collection of 25 jellyfish species in the world. The aquarium's origins date back 113 years to 1913, with significant renovations following destruction during World War II, and today includes a unique on-site food production system for its inhabitants. Additionally, a new drone research center has opened in Saxony-Anhalt, aimed at developing security technologies in response to recent threats, including an incident involving an explosive-laden drone near an airport.
An activist in Jharkhand, Devendra Nath Mahto, ended his 16-day hunger strike after the government agreed to cancel the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. The protests, initiated on July 25, focused on demands for an investigation into recruitment exam malpractices, supported by millions of candidates who compete for government jobs each year. In response, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam and initiated an investigation into all exams conducted by the controversial private agency TSR Data Processing Private Limited, while protesters pledged to continue demonstrations until their demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe is met.
The Victorian government plans to expand the definition of "corruption" and enhance the powers of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (Ibac) before the state election, with legislation expected to be introduced before November. This move, welcomed by former Ibac head Robert Redlich, aims to address gaps in current legislation that restrict Ibac's ability to investigate non-criminal corrupt conduct and capture instances of "grey corruption." A parliamentary inquiry recommended changes to allow Ibac to make formal findings of corrupt conduct and investigate the spending of public money, with the government accepting these recommendations in principle.
Flags at government sites across China are at half-mast as the country mourns former Premier Zhu Rongji, who died at the age of 97; his funeral was attended by senior leaders, including President Xi Jinping. Zhu, who served as premier from 1998 to 2003, is celebrated as a significant economic reformer, and his death has sparked nostalgia for an era of rapid growth and perceived openness in China. Following his passing, online discussions that could lead to public dissent have been heavily censored, highlighting the government's sensitivity regarding public sentiment linked to former leaders.
David Pocock criticized the deal between Labor and the Coalition on new gambling advertising restrictions, labeling it a "betrayal of all Australians" as the amendments do not align with the recommended total ban on inducements and wagering ads. The reforms, which will take effect 1,149 days after a landmark report on gambling harms, include the establishment of a complex "opt-out register" for gambling ads, expected to take up to 12 months to implement, and bans on inducement ads for customers at risk of gambling harm. Key changes also include extending the ad blackout period before live sports from five minutes to 15 minutes, and the start time for TV ad restrictions moved to 5am from 6am.
Wetherspoons has implemented a ban on playing music or using phone speakers in its 792 pubs due to increasing noise complaints from customers. The chain encourages patrons to keep their phones on silent or use earphones instead, aiming to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. A YouGov poll indicated that 62% of people supported imposing fines on those who played music out loud in public spaces, with the majority of pensioners in favor and younger adults divided on the issue.
India's National Testing Agency (NTA) has dismissed more than 50 staff members in response to criticism over major errors in recent entrance exams, including canceled tests due to problems such as factual inaccuracies and repeated questions. The NTA is set to conduct an audit and has been directed by the education minister to implement a complete overhaul of its operations. This controversy follows a previous incident in May when a medical entrance exam was leaked, prompting nationwide protests that led to the resignation of the former Education Minister.
Oil prices surged above $90 a barrel for the first time since July 30, reaching $91.63 on Tuesday morning, following the expiration of a two-month ceasefire negotiation period in the US-Iran conflict. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with efforts to end the war, while an Iranian military spokesperson warned of an aggressive military stance and said vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz would face significant danger. The situation has resulted in minimal shipping traffic, with only six ships navigating the strait on Monday, which analysts attribute to escalating tensions and potential prolonged disruptions in oil supply.
The murder trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, accused of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, began with prosecutors alleging that Davis planned the shooting in retaliation for a gang-related attack on his nephew, Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson. While Davis, a 63-year-old former leader of the South Side Compton Crips, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder using a deadly weapon, he faces a potential life sentence if convicted, as Nevada law allows charges for those who contribute to a crime even if they did not pull the trigger. The trial, expected to last up to six weeks, has raised questions about the integrity of the investigation, with Davis' defense labeling the prosecution's claims as "fiction" and challenging the reliability of Davis' own prior statements.
Doctors in Sri Lanka have removed a 3.1kg (6.8lb) bladder stone from a 55-year-old man, believed to be the largest on record. The stone, measuring around 17cm long, was found during treatment for a stroke and had likely been in the patient's bladder for about five to 10 years. Previously, the largest bladder stone on record weighed 1.9kg (4.2lb) and was removed in Brazil in 2003.
Russian officials reported over 620 drones targeting Moscow in what is described as one of the largest Ukrainian attacks on the capital in recent years, with 180 drones shot down in the early hours and 17 more intercepted later. The attack resulted in three injuries, including a 10-year-old girl, and caused damage to buildings in multiple districts, including a warehouse belonging to e-commerce firm Wildberries. In July, the civilian death toll in Ukraine reached its highest monthly count since May 2022, with 437 civilians killed, while Russian authorities reported 79 civilian deaths due to Ukrainian strikes.
A vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an "unknown projectile," causing damage to its engine room and resulting in a crew casualty, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The situation is exacerbated as daily vessel crossings through the strait have plummeted to single digits, down from over 130 prior to the US and Israel's war on Iran, which began on February 28. With ongoing tensions and an expired memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, authorities are investigating the incident while advising vessels to remain cautious.
Wage growth in the UK slowed to 4.1% in the three months to June, down from 4.3% in May, amid a cost of living squeeze exacerbated by the Iran war, with private sector pay growth dropping to 2.8%, the weakest since October 2020. The unemployment rate remained at 4.9%, and the number of workers on company payrolls fell by 13,000 in July, indicating a potential softening in the jobs market. Despite these challenges, public sector pay growth rose to 6.1%, partially due to NHS pay awards, while inflation is expected to rise close to 3% in July, further pressing on household living standards.
China has launched a new shipping route called the "Ice Silk Road," which begins at Ningbo, traverses Russia's Northern Sea Route, and ends in Felixstowe, England, significantly reducing transit time compared to traditional routes like the Suez Canal, which takes about 40 days. During a test voyage last October, the Ice Silk Road demonstrated a travel time of 20 days, making it particularly advantageous for transporting heat-sensitive cargo. However, this route is only viable during the warmer months due to ice conditions, and analysts note that geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns may hinder its long-term sustainability.
The Isles of Scilly have been ranked as the friendliest place in England, followed by South Hams, West Devon, Derbyshire Dales, and Richmond upon Thames, while Barking and Dagenham was named the least friendly area. The index used government data from a community life survey that assessed various social factors across 296 local authority areas, with the bottom five also including Stoke-on-Trent, Ashfield, Mansfield, and Ipswich. This initiative aims to foster discussions about social disconnection and division in the UK, as stated by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, which highlights concerns about declining communal life and other societal issues.
HMP Millsike is seeking to recruit custody officers on zero-hours contracts for £25-an-hour roles, which has raised concerns from the prison officers' union, the POA, that such contracts undermine workers' rights and safety. This move comes as the prison, which has a capacity for 1,500 prisoners and approximately 350 empty cells due to staff shortages, struggles to meet staffing requirements amidst a government initiative to address overcrowding. The POA has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to intervene against what they see as a push towards casualized labor in the prison system, amidst rising violence and safety concerns expressed by monitoring bodies.
Duane "Keffe D" Davis is on trial for the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur, with prosecutors alleging that he orchestrated the shooting in retaliation for a beating of his nephew, Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson, shortly before Shakur was killed on September 7, 1996. Davis, 63, faces a potential life sentence if convicted of murder with a deadly weapon linked to gang activity, but he has pleaded not guilty, and his defense claims the prosecution's narrative is fictional. The trial highlights Davis's prior admissions and interviews regarding his involvement, including a 2009 statement to Las Vegas police, where he acknowledged handing over a gun to the assailants.
Loui Ridi, a Palestinian-American landlord, returned to his family's besieged home in the West Bank village of Qusra, which has been surrounded by Israeli settlers for over a week, while U.S. officials condemned the situation. This surge in violence has resulted in the deaths of 87 Palestinians and three Israelis so far this year, amid increased attacks on Palestinian communities by settlers. Ridi expressed his frustration over the ongoing siege and the apparent complicity of Israeli soldiers, who are meant to maintain order in the area.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for the country to regain independent wartime operational control (Opcon) from the US military, particularly in light of President Trump's recent decision to cut joint military exercises, specifically the 10-day Ulchi Freedom Shield drills involving approximately 18,000 South Korean troops. This push aligns with South Korea's longstanding goal to reclaim military authority, which has been a focal point of national sovereignty since the armistice of 1953. Lee's administration is also advocating for accelerated development of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program and integrated military operations in response to regional security concerns.
President Donald Trump stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has positively responded to his outreach, following his order to the Pentagon to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, which involve around 39,000 U.S. soldiers. Trump criticized South Korea for not supporting U.S. efforts in Iran while simultaneously hosting American troops, and emphasized that the military drills were costly and sent inappropriate signals to North Korea. Despite the lack of immediate comments from North Korea, analysts suggest that another meeting between Trump and Kim could still be possible, though the dynamics have changed since their last summit in 2019.
In the opening day of Tupac Shakur's murder trial, prosecutors described Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, as the orchestrator behind the drive-by shooting that killed Shakur at age 25, arguing that the attack was carried out in retaliation for a fight involving Davis's nephew earlier that night. Davis denied the allegations, pleaded not guilty, and claimed that the prosecution's narrative was fictionalized, while his lawyer questioned the lack of arrests over the past 30 years. The prosecution highlighted that gang culture and a lack of cooperation with police contributed to the case going cold, yet noted that Davis had made several statements about the incident between 1998 and 2003, leading to new scrutiny on the case.
Alan Jones has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving six men, with one alleged victim accusing him of grooming for 10 years. The complainant, who was 18 when he began working for Jones at 2GB, testified that this grooming led him to send multiple explicit texts to Jones, although he claimed the messages were a result of manipulation rather than consent. During cross-examination, the complainant expressed frustration over the defense's line of questioning, insisting that his text messages were consistent with his experiences of assault and reflecting his reluctance to confront Jones due to his significant power in the industry.
US Navy veteran Jonny Burnell spent 111 days aboard the USS Vinson during the 2001 war in Afghanistan and witnessed a decline in crew morale, describing a "sadness" among sailors. Concerns have emerged about the USS Abraham Lincoln, deployed since December 11, facing issues like food shortages and deteriorating mental health amongst crew members, with one sailor reportedly losing 65 pounds and suffering from exhaustion. While military officials downplay these reports, retired Navy Lt Commander Steve Rogers claims media accounts are largely exaggerated, insisting the troops are well-prepared for their circumstances.
Germany has conducted its first raids under a new law aimed at combating smugglers facilitating illegal boat crossings to the UK, seizing over 9,000 life jackets, dozens of dinghies, and 360 pumps during a spring operation involving UK and France. With the confiscated equipment capable of transporting more than 2,000 migrants across the Channel, this crackdown follows a December law that specifically criminalizes aiding migrant smuggling to the UK, which was previously not covered given the country's EU status. While these raids mark a significant enforcement step, local prosecutors indicate that Germany's amended legal framework remains largely untested, as the operational dynamics of smuggling may evolve in response to increased enforcement efforts.
Half of homes in Great Britain are taking longer to sell than last year, with properties in 180 out of 363 local authorities experiencing delays due to mortgage market volatility amidst the Iran war. The average time to sell remains at 42 days nationally, but regional disparities exist, with Scotland's fastest-selling market in Falkirk averaging just 11 days, while Melton, Westminster, and Teignbridge exceed two months at 76 days and more. The average two-year fixed residential mortgage rate increased to 5.61%, up from 4.83% before the conflict, with expectations of further rate hikes as inflation pressures rise.
Experts in a Channel 4 documentary argue that an increasing number of people seek ADHD diagnoses primarily as a social identity rather than for medical treatment, with Dr. Marios Adamou noting that 50% of child patients and a similar portion of adult patients do not pursue treatment after diagnosis. The documentary suggests that the rise in ADHD diagnoses is being fueled by poor-quality assessments from private providers and highlights that most assessments in the UK are now conducted privately, leading to concerns about the commodification of the diagnosis. This trend may create a "double stigma" for those with ADHD, where they face both the stigma of having ADHD and uncertainty about the validity of their diagnosis.
At least 109 BHP workers were terminated or resigned due to sexual harassment allegations during the 2025-26 financial year, following 113 confirmed reports, marking the highest number of confirmed cases since 2023. Additionally, 104 allegations were not investigated due to insufficient information or the wishes of the impacted person, with the majority of confirmed cases involving indecent touching, stalking, and sexually aggressive comments. BHP also reported that 22 individuals responsible for racial harassment had their employment ended or resigned, amidst ongoing scrutiny and class actions related to systemic harassment within the mining industry.
A high school student opened fire at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in the Philippines, killing one fellow student and wounding two others before taking his own life; the incident occurred around 7:50 a.m. local time, and the shooter reportedly livestreamed the attack. The ninth-grade shooter, aged 14-16, brought both a pistol and a rifle to the school, which prompted the evacuation of hundreds of students amid ongoing investigations into how he obtained the firearms and his motive. While school shootings are rare in the Philippines due to strict gun regulations, a similar incident recently occurred in Tacloban, where three students were killed and 20 injured.
India's Chief Justice Surya Kant has sparked controversy after students from Nalsar University of Law requested that he not be invited to their convocation, with support from about 450 of the university's 1,400 students. This backlash arose after Kant reportedly dismissed a request for urgent hearings on police brutality against protesters and made remarks perceived as derogatory about youth, which he later claimed were misquoted. In reaction to the students' petition, the Bar Council of India threatened to bar their enrollment until they retracted their demands, but this threat was quickly rescinded following widespread condemnation, including from Kant himself.
Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, is on trial in Las Vegas for the murder of Tupac Shakur, who was killed in a drive-by shooting on September 7, 1996. Davis faces one count of murder with a deadly weapon and has pleaded not guilty. The trial has commenced with opening statements from the prosecution and defense outlining their key arguments.