World News Live Updates: Caribbean Court Overturns Colonial-Era Anti-Gay Law In St. Lucia

German biathlon champion and Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier has died following a climbing accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range, AP says in a report. A spokesman for the Gilgit-Baltistan government confirmed on Wednesday that Dahlmeier was struck during a climb on Monday. Efforts are currently underway by rescuers to retrieve her body from the mountain.

Myanmar’s military government has introduced a new law that criminalizes any speech or organization deemed to be undermining the electoral process, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The legislation carries severe penalties, including long prison terms of up to 20 years, for actions interpreted as trying to “destroy a part of the electoral process.” This broadly worded law is seen as a measure to suppress dissent and eliminate any opposition ahead of future elections planned by the junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup. The move further criminalizes criticism and activism related to the junta’s political roadmap, which is already widely viewed as illegitimate by international observers and domestic opposition groups.

A series of major rockfalls in Italy’s Brenta Dolomites has prompted the evacuation of hundreds of hikers and tourists and the closure of dozens of trails, according to a report in The Guardian. The incidents, which occurred on the slopes of Cima Falkner and Monte Pelmo, are being attributed by experts to the thawing of high-altitude permafrost, a direct consequence of climate change that is increasing mountain instability across the Alps. These events carry significant economic implications, posing a direct threat to the region’s vital tourism sector by jeopardizing visitor safety and potentially reducing access to popular areas. Furthermore, the growing risk of landslides endangers infrastructure in mountain communities, increasing pressure for investment in advanced monitoring systems and climate adaptation measures.

A deadly explosion at a factory in Thailand has resulted in nine deaths and four injuries, with the blast reducing the building to rubble, according to a report in The Times of India. The incident has prompted immediate recovery and cleanup operations by emergency services. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion, and the event is expected to trigger a review of industrial safety regulations in the country. The company involved faces significant legal and financial consequences, while the local community deals with the immediate aftermath and potential environmental impact.

Tibet was struck by two earthquakes on Wednesday, a 4.3 magnitude quake followed by a 4.0 magnitude tremor within five hours, as per a report in The Times of India. The shallow depth of the seismic events has increased the risk of aftershocks and potential damage in the region. Concurrently, heavy rainfall in Tibet has caused rivers that flow into neighboring Nepal to swell, leading to surging water levels and the issuance of flood warnings in several downstream areas.

A clothing factory in Lesotho has ceased operations, contributing to a national state of emergency over unemployment, amid threats of tariffs from the United States under President Donald Trump, according to a report in AP. The manufacturer, Tzicc, has seen its business dry up, highlighting the severe economic impact of global trade policy uncertainty on the small African nation. The future of Lesotho’s textile industry, a critical component of its economy, remains in limbo as the factory shutdown underscores the vulnerability of export-dependent countries to shifts in international trade relations.

At least seven people were killed and 13 were wounded in an armed attack at a funeral in Guatemala City on Tuesday, according to a report in The Times of India. Government officials stated the incident was linked to gang-related disputes. Armed men reportedly stormed the funeral home during the wake for a member of the Barrio 18 gang, who had been killed on Monday.

To protect the integrity of women’s sport, World Athletics announced on Wednesday that athletes must clear a one-time gene test to be eligible to compete in the female category for world ranking events like the World Championships, according to a report in Reuters. The policy requires a test for the SRY gene, which is a key determinant of biological sex. This once-in-a-lifetime test can be conducted through a simple cheek swab or a blood test.

The trial of a US citizen, Taylor Kirby Whitemore, began in Indonesia on Wednesday for allegedly misusing his tourist visa to produce and sell pornographic videos online, as per a report in AP. The proceedings are being held behind closed doors at the South Jakarta District Court, a measure permitted under Indonesian law for cases involving pornography. Whitemore was arrested by immigration officers on March 25 as he was attempting to leave Bali.

US investment bank Evercore is acquiring London-based M&A advisory firm Robey Warshaw, which includes former UK chancellor George Osborne as a partner, for $196 million, according to a report in Financial Times. The deal significantly strengthens Evercore’s European M&A advisory capabilities and is part of a broader global trend of larger US-based banks acquiring smaller, specialized boutiques to gain market share and expertise. This acquisition underscores continued international investor confidence in London’s role as a critical hub for global finance, highlighting the high value placed on the deep political and corporate networks held by elite advisory firms.

Chilean authorities have issued the highest-level tsunami warning for the majority of the country’s Pacific coast after a powerful earthquake struck the region, AP says in a report. This top-tier alert, indicating an imminent and dangerous tsunami, triggers immediate and widespread evacuation orders for all coastal populations to move to higher ground. The national emergency response system, SENAPRED, has been fully activated to manage the large-scale evacuation and prepare for potential disaster response, a standard procedure given Chile’s location on the seismically active ‘Ring of Fire’ and its history of major earthquakes.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly expressed his refusal to take orders from US President Donald Trump amid a dispute involving potential 50 percent tariffs and demands to end an unspecified criminal case, The New York Times says in a report. This development signals a significant escalation in trade and diplomatic tensions between the two largest economies in the Americas. The confrontation underscores Brazil’s commitment to an independent foreign policy and the protection of its judicial sovereignty, potentially creating instability in bilateral trade relations and impacting global supply chains dependent on Brazilian goods.

French President Emmanuel Macron is actively diverging from the foreign policy positions of US President Donald Trump concerning key global flashpoints, according to a report in Fox News. The report highlights disagreements on issues ranging from the Middle East, specifically Gaza, to strategic interests in the Arctic, including Greenland. Macron’s actions are described as part of a broader strategy to reassert France’s influence on the world stage and champion an independent European approach to international affairs, contrasting with the current US administration’s policies.

Google has confirmed it will sign the European Union’s voluntary general purpose AI code of practice, a move that contrasts with Meta’s decision not to sign the framework, TechCrunch says in a report. The code is a non-binding set of rules intended to guide responsible AI development ahead of the comprehensive and legally binding EU AI Act. Google’s participation is seen as a strategic effort to align with EU regulators and influence future rules, while Meta’s refusal could lead to increased scrutiny. The differing approaches from the tech giants highlight a potential fragmentation in how companies are navigating the EU’s strengthening position as a global leader in AI governance.

Nearly 2,700 firefighters in Portugal are working to contain 17 major forest blazes, primarily in the central and northern regions, prompting a high alert for almost the entire country, France 24 says in a report. These fires, occurring amidst a wider European heatwave, place a significant strain on Portugal’s national resources and economy due to the high costs of firefighting and potential impacts on key sectors like tourism and agriculture. The incidents also pose public health risks from smoke and threaten long-term environmental damage, contributing to biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions.

Protests in Yemen’s eastern Hadramout province intensified for a third consecutive day on Tuesday, with hundreds of residents in the capital city of Mukalla demonstrating against prolonged power outages during extreme heat, AP says in a report. Demonstrators have blocked roads and chanted slogans against the internationally recognized government, the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), for its failure to provide essential services. The unrest highlights the severe economic implications of Yemen’s ongoing civil war, where a catastrophic economic collapse and fuel shortages have crippled public infrastructure, including power generation. These protests challenge the PLC’s governance and could destabilize the historically more stable Hadramout province, a key economic hub, further exacerbating the nation’s dire humanitarian situation.

Stockpicking hedge funds, specifically equity long-short strategies, are experiencing a significant resurgence, attracting net investor inflows for the first time in a decade following strong returns in the first half of 2025, according to a report in the Financial Times. This marks a notable reversal of a long-term trend that saw capital shift towards passive index funds and ETFs. The comeback is attributed to a market environment of increased volatility and greater dispersion in individual stock performance, which creates more opportunities for active managers who use fundamental analysis to identify mispriced securities. This shift suggests a renewed investor confidence in active management’s ability to generate returns in a more selective market shaped by a changing interest rate and inflation landscape.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has warned that the ongoing trade conflict between the US and China could significantly lower inflation in the Eurozone, according to a report in the Financial Times. Economists at the central bank project that Chinese goods facing US tariffs could be rerouted to Europe, potentially causing up to a 10% increase in cheap Chinese imports by 2026. This influx of lower-cost products would increase competitive pressure on domestic goods and exert downward pressure on the overall price level, complicating the ECB’s efforts to maintain its 2% inflation target. The warning is based on recent escalations, including new US tariffs on Chinese goods announced in May 2024.

US President Donald Trump has urged the United Kingdom to increase its oil drilling operations, calling the North Sea a “treasure chest” and criticizing the country’s high taxes for driving away producers, according to a report in The New York Times. Trump’s comments come as the UK’s new Labour government has pledged to halt all new oil and gas licenses, a reversal of the previous administration’s policy. The criticism of “high taxes” aligns with industry concerns over the UK’s Energy Profits Levy, a windfall tax that significantly increased the tax rate on North Sea profits and has been cited as a deterrent to investment in the region’s declining production basin.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has initiated a significant licensing round for 52 oil and gas blocks, covering 124 million hectares of land and inland waters, a move that could impact critical ecosystems and about 39 million people, according to a report in The Guardian. The auction includes areas that are vital habitats for endangered species like lowland gorillas and bonobos, as well as the Cuvette Centrale peatlands, which store an estimated 30 billion tonnes of carbon. Experts have described the move as environmentally risky, highlighting the potential for severe biodiversity loss and the release of massive amounts of greenhouse gases, which would undermine global climate goals. The DRC government has previously defended the decision by citing the need for economic development and state revenue.

A Russian missile hit a Ukrainian army training ground near Honcharivske, with Ukrainian authorities reporting three soldiers killed and 18 wounded, as per a report in AP. The Russian Defense Ministry presented a conflicting account, claiming the strike killed or wounded approximately 200 Ukrainian troops. This attack on Ukraine’s 169th training center underscores Russia’s strategy of targeting military infrastructure to degrade combat readiness and disrupt troop mobilization, which remains a critical challenge for Ukraine. The incident also highlights the significant discrepancies in casualty reporting that characterize the information warfare aspect of the conflict.

China and Russia will conduct their annual ‘Joint Sea 2025’ naval exercise and a joint maritime patrol next month in the air and seas near Vladivostok, according to a report in AP. The announcement was made by Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang. The location of the drill, across the sea from Japan’s west coast, marks a shift from last year’s exercise, which was held in the South China Sea, and occurs amid a deepening strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow.

Police in Melbourne, Australia, have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with a December arson attack that destroyed the Adass Israel Synagogue, AP says in a report. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam stated the arrest occurred on Wednesday and that authorities are searching for two other suspects believed to be involved. The investigation is also exploring potential international criminal links to the attack, which has been described as a significant escalation in antisemitic violence in the country.

The economy of the 20-nation Eurozone experienced minimal growth of only 0.1% in the April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter. This slowdown is attributed to the reversal of earlier efforts by companies to accelerate shipments of goods to preempt potential new US tariffs, which had artificially boosted previous figures. Germany, the continent’s largest economy, saw its economic output fall during this period. The EU statistics agency, Eurostat, also reported that year-over-year growth for the quarter was 1.4% and that future prospects for the European economy are mediocre.

Scientists are investigating a series of unusual beaked whale strandings that occurred across western Ireland, Scotland’s Orkney Islands, and the Netherlands on July 26 and 27, according to a report in The Guardian. These incidents are particularly concerning as beaked whales are deep-diving, rarely seen animals, and their appearance in shallow waters often points to significant distress. While the exact cause remains unknown, experts are concerned that human activities, such as the use of naval sonar or seismic surveys known to affect these acoustically sensitive species, may be implicated in the events, prompting scrutiny of maritime industrial and military operations in the region.

Pope Francis called for a renewed commitment to diplomacy to resolve global conflicts during his general audience on Wednesday, as per a report in AP. The call came as he marked the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords, a landmark Cold War-era agreement signed on August 1, 1975. The Pope highlighted the significance of the Helsinki Final Act, which was a result of a 35-nation conference and later helped establish the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), emphasizing its foundational role in fostering security and human rights.

The French government is investigating an incident where a group of Jewish youths was removed from a flight from Spain to Paris, with ministers condemning the alleged ‘excessive use of force’ by Spanish police, AP said in a report. French ministers Aurore Bergé and Benjamin Haddad met with a summer camp counselor who accused the police of using brute force during the removal from the Vueling airline flight. Following the incident, French authorities have contacted both the CEO of the Spanish low-cost airline and the Spanish ambassador to France to determine if the youths were subjected to discrimination based on their faith.

Japan has recorded its highest-ever temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius (106.16 degrees Fahrenheit) in Hamamatsu, surpassing the previous 2018 record, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This extreme weather event, which follows the nation’s hottest June on record, has significant economic implications. The record heat is placing immense strain on the country’s energy infrastructure due to surging demand for air conditioning, increasing the risk of power outages. It also poses a severe threat to public health systems and the agricultural sector, potentially impacting crop yields, food security, and driving up prices. This event is part of a broader pattern of extreme heat across the Northern Hemisphere, intensifying the global discourse on climate change and the need for robust adaptation strategies.

UK-based fintech Revolut is exploring the acquisition of a US-chartered bank to accelerate its entry into the American lending market, the Financial Times said in a report. This strategy is viewed as a more efficient alternative to the complex and lengthy process of applying for a new banking charter from scratch. Obtaining a full US banking license would allow Revolut to move beyond its current partnership-dependent model, enabling it to directly offer lending products like loans and credit cards and fund them with its own deposits. The potential move aligns with a broader industry trend set by other fintechs like SoFi and LendingClub, where companies acquire existing banks to gain regulatory approval and full-service capabilities, a development that is increasing competitive pressure on traditional US financial institutions and prompting greater regulatory oversight of these hybrid entities.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly rejected recent demands made by US President Donald Trump concerning Brazil’s tariff strategy, The New York Times says in a report. Despite this firm stance, President Lula also stated that he remains ready for dialogue with the US administration to resolve the disagreements. The core of the dispute relates to Brazil’s trade policies, which the Lula government has oriented towards strengthening domestic industry and diversifying international partnerships.

Emergency healthcare workers in Ukraine report being deliberately targeted by Russian drones, with some describing the tactic as ‘chasing ambulances’, Al Jazeera says in a report. These alleged incidents are part of what international observers call a ‘record’ number of attacks on Ukraine’s healthcare system since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented hundreds of such attacks, which severely impede the delivery of critical medical aid and are being investigated as potential war crimes under international humanitarian law. Russia has consistently denied targeting civilian infrastructure, a claim contradicted by evidence from human rights groups and testimony from personnel on the ground.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has signed a law that allows men over the age of 60 to voluntarily enter into contract-based military service, according to a report in RT.

At least 23 people have been killed and 5,560 displaced by severe flooding in the Yola area of Adamawa state in northeastern Nigeria, with authorities reporting that 11 other individuals remain missing, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This event is part of a recurring annual challenge for Nigeria, often exacerbated by heavy seasonal rains and water releases from the Lagdo Dam in neighboring Cameroon. The economic implications are significant, as the destruction of agricultural land threatens local food production and could lead to food shortages and price instability. The mass displacement has also triggered a humanitarian crisis, creating urgent needs for shelter and clean water, while raising public health concerns over the potential spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid in the affected communities.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reportedly set to be held in Las Vegas this December, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This event is a critical milestone for the tournament, which will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team format and be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. While FIFA has not yet made an official announcement, the selection of Las Vegas would be for a city known for hosting large-scale international events. For the participating national teams, the draw will finalize their group stage opponents and match locations, allowing for detailed logistical, travel, and strategic planning to begin ahead of the tournament.

A new Gallup World Poll indicates that the share of people worldwide who rate their lives as ‘thriving’ has reached a new peak, Al Jazeera says in a report. The finding is based on the Cantril Ladder self-assessment, where individuals rate their current life on a scale from 0 (worst possible) to 10 (best possible). This positive trend in subjective well-being coincides with a period of post-pandemic economic recovery in many regions, although persistent inflation and geopolitical instability remain significant challenges. While the global average is up, the data suggests potential disparities across different regions and demographics, a nuance also highlighted by other metrics like the World Happiness Report, which noted a decline in happiness among younger people in some Western nations.

Recent US tariff pacts with the European Union, the UK, and Japan are pressuring Canada’s automotive sector, according to a report in The New York Times. While Canadian vehicles that meet the strict rules of origin under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can enter the US market tariff-free, the agreements with the other major economies primarily averted the threat of much higher Section 232 national security tariffs. This has created a competitive imbalance, as Canadian manufacturers face the complex challenge of meeting the USMCA’s 75% North American content requirement to secure zero-tariff access. The situation puts Canadian auto exports at a disadvantage, potentially impacting production volumes and the country’s attractiveness for future automotive investment.

A growing number of Russian servicemen returning from Ukraine are reportedly being targeted by government officials who are scamming them out of their substantial war-related salaries and compensation payments, according to a report in BBC. The incidents, described as systemic rather than isolated, involve officials in military enlistment offices and finance departments demanding bribes or manipulating records to steal the funds. This widespread corruption targets soldiers who are often promised high financial incentives to serve, potentially eroding military morale, hampering recruitment efforts, and undermining trust in state institutions.

Organizers for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia have announced plans to release over 2.5 million tickets, the largest number for any edition of the tournament, Reuters says in a report. The ticketing plan emphasizes affordability, with some pool match tickets priced as low as A$40 ($26.04). This strategy is part of World Rugby’s stated goal to make the global event accessible to as many people as possible and supports the expansion of the tournament to 24 teams.

Glaciers in southeastern Turkiye are melting rapidly due to climate change, posing a significant threat to regional water supplies and local economies, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This accelerated meltwater loss exacerbates the country’s existing water stress, which is already compounded by severe droughts. The diminishing glaciers directly endanger the agricultural sector, which relies on meltwater for irrigation, and negatively impact the nature-based tourism industry that is a key economic driver for local communities. Furthermore, the loss of these glaciers puts high-altitude ecosystems and their unique biodiversity at severe risk.

The UN’s International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) has rejected a request for early release for convicted Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Mladic, who is serving a life sentence for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity for his role in the Srebrenica massacre, had sought release on humanitarian grounds. His legal team filed the request last month, claiming his health was rapidly deteriorating and that he had only a few months to live. The court’s decision ensures he will continue to serve his life sentence, which was upheld on appeal in June 2021.