US News
Trump Briefed on Alleged Assassination Threats from Iran: ‘Big Threats’
China News
China Conducts First Public Test Launch of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
China Conducts First Public Test Launch of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
For the first time, China has publicly confirmed the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, a move that could spark international concern over the country’s expanding nuclear capabilities. The ICBM, equipped with a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket…
‘Leave Immediately,’ Starmer Urges Britons in Lebanon as UK Troops Deploy to Cyprus
Two British warships are stationed in the region, ready for deployment if an evacuation is necessary. Royal Air Force planes and helicopters are also on standby. The UK prime minister has urged Britons in Lebanon to “leave immediately” as around 700 UK troops are being sent to Cyprus in case…
TikTok Bans Russian State Media Accounts for “Covert Influence Operations” Ahead of US Election
The popular video-sharing app TikTok has taken action against accounts linked to Russian state media, citing their involvement in “covert influence operations.” This move is part of the platform’s broader efforts to curb disinformation ahead of the upcoming US presidential election in November. The accounts impacted belong to Rossiya Segodnya,…
BUSINESS
- Bumper US interest rate cuts try to revive sagging economy
Central banks worldwide are examining the cost of borrowing, with the majority planning to lower interest rates. On Thursday, the Bank of England will review whether the UK economy is prepared for another rate decrease. US interest rates have been cut for the first time in more than four years, and by more than many predicted, on fears that the world’s most excellent economy is slowing. - The UK economy has failed to grow for the second month in a rowAccording to official figures, the UK unexpectedly failed to grow in July after flatlining in June. Analysts expected 0.2% growth in July. A summer of sporting events, including the Euros and the Olympics, boosted the services sector, but production and construction output decreased.
- Ofgem approves Britain’s largest grid investment for ‘electricity super highway’Billions must be invested in the electricity infrastructure to enable it to transport renewable energy from one part of the country to another. The energy regulator announced the approval of the largest electrical grid investment in British history, clearing the path for an electricity superhighway. According to Ofgem, the £3.4 billion project will transfer electricity from Scotland to Yorkshire, promoting offshore wind growth and powering two million households and businesses for one hour.
- China struggles with ‘number over quality’ in generative AI patentsChina has emerged as the world’s leading creator of generative AI patents, but it is unable to implement many of its ideas due to US export prohibitions and long-standing issues with its domestic innovation culture. In July, the UN’s intellectual property organization said that China had submitted more than 38,000 generative AI patents over the previous decade, more than any other country combined. According to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) data, Chinese corporations and institutions, including Tencent, Ping An Insurance, Baidu, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, are among the top ten patent holders worldwide.
- Half a million taxpayers to get HMRC ‘tax demand’ letter: What to do if you acquire oneAccording to a renowned tax firm, ignoring a ‘tax demand’ notice from HMRC could result in significant penalties for over half a million taxpayers. According to HMRC’s calculations, 560,000 people will receive straightforward tax assessments for the fiscal year 2023/24 in the coming weeks. Simple assessment letters will be sent to those who owe income tax that cannot be automatically deducted from their earnings, owe HMRC £3,000 or more, or must pay tax on their state pension.
- Starbucks’ app crashes, causing millions of Americans’ morning commute coffee woesStarbucks is closed for Americans countrywide, preventing people from getting a coffee before heading to work. DownDetector, a website that tracks digital difficulties, reports that the app went down about 8:30 a.m. ET. Other followers have noticed difficulties with the coffee giant’s website, implying that mobile orders are not accepted.
Science News
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown of What Could Happen When California’s ‘Big One’ Earthquake Strikes
Recent increased earthquake activity in California has rekindled fears of the long-anticipated “Big One.” This major quake, expected to hit…
US News
Trump Briefed on Alleged Assassination Threats from Iran: ‘Big Threats’
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has claimed there are “big threats” against his life, following a US intelligence briefing on…
China News
China Conducts First Public Test Launch of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
For the first time, China has publicly confirmed the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific…
World News
‘Leave Immediately,’ Starmer Urges Britons in Lebanon as UK Troops Deploy to Cyprus
Two British warships are stationed in the region, ready for deployment if an evacuation is necessary. Royal Air Force planes…
World News
TikTok Bans Russian State Media Accounts for “Covert Influence Operations” Ahead of US Election
The popular video-sharing app TikTok has taken action against accounts linked to Russian state media, citing their involvement in “covert…
World News
What’s the UN’s new ‘Pact for the Future’, and why did Russia oppose it?
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted an ambitious pact aiming to make the organization more relevant and effective…
Two LA residents catch brain-eating raccoon parasite in ‘concerning’ incidence
Top food safety expert advises Brits to throw out bacteria-laden kitchenware
‘Don’t sit’ on mpox vaccines and maintain surveillance, urges WHO’s Europe chief
Fears of incurable mosquito-borne virus prompt Massachusetts town’s voluntary lockdown after dark
IVF colonies survive record hot event, giving coral reefs hope
Young corals grown using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and placed in reefs across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean have stunned scientists, with the majority surviving last year’s record marine heatwave as older corals suffer. A study discovered that 90% of the young IVF-created corals assessed stayed healthy and colorful, retaining the algae within them and providing nutrients. In contrast, just around 25% of older non-IVF corals remained healthy.
The ‘monster’ fires may have devastated half of a historic Canadian town
Huge, fast-moving wildfires have destroyed up to half of the ancient Canadian town of Jasper, according to officials, as firefighters work to rescue as many structures as possible. The blazes have destroyed entire streets, with video footage showing smoking ruins where homes once stood and charred remains of cars. On Thursday, cooling temperatures brought some relief, but park officials cautioned that the fires remained out of control and predicted more warm weather.
Frankfurt airport runways are blocked by climate activists
Frankfurt, Germany’s largest airport, was forced to postpone arrivals and departures following a protest by climate activists who glued themselves to the runways. Frankfurt Airport, one of the country’s busiest airports and a primary international gateway, advised passengers on Thursday to check the status of their flights due to the “ongoing demonstration.” While operations resumed and all four runways were operational a few hours later, an airport official reported that approximately 140 of the 1,400 scheduled flights had been canceled.
Shaping Tomorrow The Future of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for a sustainable future. With the world grappling with climate change and depleting fossil fuel reserves, renewable energy sources offer a viable solution to meet our energy needs sustainably.
Clean electricity can triple by 2030: International Energy Agency
The world’s foremost independent energy analyst has declared that the global objective to treble electricity production from clean sources, such as solar and wind power, by 2030 is “ambitious but achievable.” In Dubai last December, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change convened nearly 200 countries, including the world’s largest emitters, to commit to that objective.
Classic Ploughman’s Lunch Recipe: A Taste of British Tradition
The Ploughman’s Lunch is a quintessential British meal that embodies simplicity, tradition, and robust flavors. Originating as a hearty meal for agricultural workers in rural England, this dish has evolved into a beloved staple found in pubs and homes across the country. At its heart, the Ploughman’s Lunch is a rustic ensemble of wholesome ingredients: hearty cheeses like Cheddar or Stilton, tangy pickles or chutney, crusty bread, and often accompanied by cold meats like ham or pork pie. Its appeal lies in its straightforward preparation and the quality of its ingredients, making it a favorite choice for a satisfying meal that celebrates the essence of British culinary heritage.
Authentic Full English Breakfast Recipe: A Hearty British Classic
The Full English Breakfast stands as an iconic representation of hearty British cuisine, renowned for its generous portions and savory flavors. This traditional breakfast spread has long been cherished across the UK and beyond, offering a satisfying start to the day or a leisurely brunch option. Comprising a delicious ensemble of bacon, sausages, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, and often black pudding, the Full English Breakfast embodies a blend of savory delights that appeal to both locals and visitors alike. Each component is prepared with care, ensuring a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that epitomize comfort and indulgence.