Category: World

South Korean schools are facing a crisis of AI-generated deepfake porn, with thousands of victims reporting abuse. Perpetrators, often teenage boys, use stolen selfies to create explicit images of classmates and teachers, sharing them in Telegram chatrooms. Despite a police crackdown, prosecution rates remain low. Victims struggle to get justice due to lax laws and victim-blaming attitudes. Activists say the issue is exacerbated by the country’s fast internet speeds and inadequate legal protections for women targeted by cyber violence.READ FULL

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander denied reports of Iran transferring missiles to Russia, calling it “psychological warfare.” However, the EU described the reports as credible and is investigating further. The US and NATO expressed concern, stating such transfers would significantly escalate the Ukraine conflict. Ukraine has called for increased pressure on Iran and Russia due to their deepening military cooperation. The Kremlin confirmed developing dialogues with Iran in all areas. Iran has previously supplied drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.READ FULL

Bolivia has declared a national emergency due to severe forest fires, with over 3 million hectares burned this year – the worst since 2010. Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo announced the measure to facilitate international support. The country is facing its peak fire season, exacerbated by drought conditions. Indigenous volunteers are struggling to protect their lands, while firefighting resources are stretched thin. The crisis is part of a larger pattern of wildfires affecting South America, including Brazil’s Amazon rainforest.READ FULL

Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia has left for Spain seeking asylum, following a disputed presidential election on July 28. Urrutia claims to have won the election, but official results declared incumbent Nicolas Maduro the victor. The opposition’s claims of victory have led to post-election violence and an arrest warrant for Urrutia. Many countries, including the US and EU, have refused to recognize Maduro’s win. The situation highlights ongoing political tensions in Venezuela amid economic struggles and international sanctions.READ FULL

Pakistan’s economic crisis is driving more urban women into the workforce, challenging traditional norms. In Karachi, women like Amina Sohail are becoming motorcycle taxi drivers, while others are entering factories and offices. This shift is helping families cope with rising inflation and living costs. Despite facing social pressure, these women are breaking barriers and gaining financial independence. The trend reflects changing attitudes in urban middle-class households, where economic necessity is overcoming traditional restrictions on women’s employment.READ FULL

A shooting incident on Interstate 75 in Kentucky left five people wounded and caused a car accident. The suspect, 32-year-old Joseph Couch, fired from a wooded area onto the highway and is considered armed and dangerous. Police are conducting a manhunt and urging residents to stay inside. The incident temporarily closed I-75 in both directions. This shooting comes amid ongoing debates about gun violence in the United States, following recent incidents and discussions about gun control legislation.READ FULL

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth empty after NASA deemed it too risky to bring back astronauts from the International Space Station. The capsule landed safely in New Mexico after departing the ISS. This decision followed unexpected thruster malfunctions and helium leaks during its June launch. NASA will review the mission’s performance before deciding on future steps. The Starliner program has faced numerous setbacks, contrasting with SpaceX’s successful astronaut transport missions. Originally planned as a weeklong test mission, the astronauts will now return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon in February 2025.READ FULL

The Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) has reached an “understanding” with Myanmar’s military to avoid attacking each other as they both battle the Arakan Army in Rakhine state. This unexpected development comes as the Arakan Army makes significant gains against the junta. The RSO, a Rohingya armed group, has expanded its forces and briefly operated in Maungdaw town earlier this year. However, they withdrew following a deadly attack on civilians near the Naf River. The RSO denies collaborating with the military but acknowledges a common enemy in the Arakan Army.READ FULL

A Missouri resident has become the first person in the US to test positive for bird flu without known exposure to infected animals. The patient, who has underlying conditions, was hospitalized, treated with antivirals, and has since recovered. This marks the 14th bird flu case in the US this year, but the first without animal contact. While the CDC maintains the public risk remains low, they are closely monitoring the situation. No H5 infections in dairy cattle have been reported in Missouri, though cases in poultry and wild birds have occurred.READ FULL

The summer of 2024 was the hottest ever recorded globally, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. June and August temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This increases the likelihood of 2024 being the hottest year on record. The average global surface temperature in August was 16.82°C. Scientists attribute the extreme heat to human-driven climate change, exacerbated by El Niño. They stress the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate further climate disasters.READ FULL

Salman Rushdie’s memoir “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder,” detailing his 2022 stabbing attack, is among 12 contenders for the prestigious £50,000 Baillie Gifford Prize for nonfiction. The longlist includes works on Asian history and personal memoirs. Rushdie’s book, described as “brutally clear, honest, and funny” by judges, recounts the attack that left him blind in one eye. The prize, recognizing English-language nonfiction books, will announce finalists on October 10, with the winner revealed on November 19 in London.READ FULL

Thousands of elderly Hindu devotees travel to Varanasi, India’s holy city, to spend their final days and be cremated by the Ganges river. They believe dying there ensures liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Many stay in “salvation homes” like the Mumukshu Bhawan hospice, waiting peacefully for death. Devotees view cremation in Varanasi as a blessing, believing their souls will attain freedom. The practice has been ongoing for centuries, with people coming from across India to die in this sacred place.READ FULL

A study by the World Weather Attribution group reveals that climate change is intensifying droughts in Sicily and Sardinia, making them 1.5 times more likely to occur. Both Italian islands have experienced exceptionally low rainfall and persistent high temperatures over the past year, leading to severe water shortages and agricultural losses. The study concludes that human-induced climate change is primarily driving this increase in drought severity through rising temperatures. Researchers call for improved water management to mitigate future drought impacts.READ FULL

Elite defections from North Korea have more than doubled under Kim Jong-un compared to his father’s era. Since 1997, 188 high-ranking officials have been classified as “exclusively protected” defectors, with 134 leaving since Kim Jong-un took power. The proportion of elite defectors has increased 5.3-fold. Interviews with former officials reveal growing discontent within the regime’s core, suggesting potential for more high-level defections in the future.READ FULL

Former North Korean diplomat Ri Il-gyu, who defected last year, suggests in an interview that North Korea should follow Cuba’s path of openness while maintaining socialism. He believes the establishment of South Korea-Cuba relations shocked Kim Jong-un. Ri discusses the challenges of defection, including persuading his family, and shares insights on life as a North Korean diplomat abroad. He chose to defect to South Korea due to shared language and culture, and urges his former colleagues to leave North Korea, stating it has no future.READ FULL

The WHO expects the first delivery of mpox vaccines to arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo within days, addressing the Clade 1b outbreak. Over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths have been reported in DRC this year. The WHO aims to stop the outbreaks within six months. Vaccine procurement is underway, with about 230,000 doses immediately available for affected regions. READ FULL

A new study reveals that 4.4 billion people, more than half the world’s population, lack access to safely managed drinking water. This figure is double previous WHO estimates. The research, focusing on low and middle-income countries, used advanced data collection methods. South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are most affected, with over 80% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population lacking safe water access. The study highlights the risk of water-borne diseases and emphasizes the need for improved water management globally. READ FULL

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has ordered the government to develop concrete climate action plans through 2049, responding to cases filed by 254 plaintiffs, including many young people. While the court didn’t mandate a more ambitious 2030 emissions reduction target, it ruled that the government must modify its carbon neutrality law by February 2026 to include plans for cutting emissions from 2031 to 2049. The decision represents a partial victory for climate activists who argue current policies violate their rights.READ FULL

Switzerland is reconsidering its ban on new nuclear power plants, citing changing geopolitical conditions, climate goals, and increased electricity demand. Energy Minister Albert Rosti announced plans to submit an amendment to the nuclear energy law by year-end, potentially allowing new nuclear plants in the long term. The move aims to ensure energy security as Switzerland targets carbon neutrality by 2050. However, the proposal faces criticism from environmental groups and opposition parties, who argue it’s too late for effective emissions reduction.READ FULL

Seoul’s subsidy-based efforts to reverse its declining birth rate struggle as young generations prioritize luxury and experiences over parenthood. Financial hardship is the main reason cited for not having children. The government plans a new ministry to address demographic issues. Park Yeon, a fashion Instagrammer, exemplifies this trend, focusing her budget on clothing and travel rather than marriage and babies, driven by a “YOLO” (you only live once) mindset. READ FULL

China’s Ministry of Commerce strongly opposes the US decision to add 105 Russian and Chinese entities to its export control list, including 42 Chinese firms. The US claims these companies support Russia’s military, particularly in the Ukraine conflict. China argues this action disrupts international trade and normal economic exchanges. The ministry states it will take measures to protect Chinese companies’ legitimate rights. Reuters

Hezbollah launched a major missile barrage against Israel on Sunday, retaliating for a senior commander’s assassination in Beirut. Israel struck targets in Lebanon beforehand and suspended flights at Ben Gurion airport. The Israeli cabinet met to prepare a response, declaring an emergency. This escalation follows recent attacks and assassinations involving Hezbollah, Hamas, and Israel, amid ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Cairo. Reuters

Gautam Adani’s joint venture to redevelop Mumbai’s Dharavi slum faces land acquisition challenges. The project aims to convert the 240-hectare area into a modern hub, but struggles to secure land for rehabilitating ineligible residents. Only those living in Dharavi before 2000 qualify for free homes. The $619 million project, targeting completion in seven years, is critical for Adani following recent controversies. Reuters

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suspended his independent presidential campaign and endorsed Donald Trump, citing no realistic path to victory. This move adds uncertainty to the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Trump. Harris, who recently accepted the Democratic nomination, has gained momentum in fundraising and polling. Kennedy’s family criticized his endorsement of Trump as a betrayal of their values. The impact of Kennedy’s exit on the election remains uncertain. AFP

Canada’s two main freight rail companies have locked out 10,000 unionized workers, halting most railway freight movement in the country. This unprecedented stoppage is expected to severely impact North American supply chains, especially affecting US-Canada trade. The disruption could cost over C$341 million per day and hit various sectors, including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. While trucking companies are seeing increased demand, they cannot fully replace rail distribution capacity. Reuters

A Freedom House report reveals that at least 55 governments worldwide use travel restrictions to repress political opponents. Methods include revoking citizenship, imposing travel bans, confiscating passports, and denying consular services. The Middle East frequently revokes citizenship, while about 40 countries restrict movement in or out. The report, based on interviews with affected individuals, calls for increased international awareness and efforts to address these tactics. AFP

Australia has approved plans for a massive $24 billion solar and battery project called SunCable, set to be the world’s largest solar precinct. The project aims to power three million homes, with energy production starting in 2030. It will provide 4GW for domestic use and 2GW to Singapore via undersea cable. Backed by tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, the project marks a significant step in Australia’s transition to renewable energy. AFP

Boeing has suspended flight testing of its new 777X wide-body jet due to a component failure connecting the engine to the aircraft body. This setback adds to Boeing’s ongoing quality control issues. The 777X program, already delayed to 2025, is undergoing inspections. Despite recent troubles, including leadership changes and financial losses, Boeing has seen a rebound in orders, particularly for its 737 MAX aircraft. Reuters

India’s antitrust regulator has raised concerns about the $8.5 billion merger between Reliance and Walt Disney’s media assets, citing potential harm to competition due to their control over cricket broadcast rights. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has privately informed the companies and requested explanations. The merged entity would dominate India’s entertainment market, competing with major players like Sony and Netflix. The companies have offered to sell some TV channels, but the CCI’s initial assessment suggests more concessions may be needed. Reuters

WHO official Hans Kluge emphasizes that mpox, including new strains, is not comparable to COVID-19. He urges global cooperation to control its spread. A new clade 1b variant, detected in Sweden, is causing concern due to its easier transmission. About 100 new cases of clade 2 mpox are reported monthly in Europe. Unlike COVID-19, mpox primarily spreads through close physical contact, not airborne transmission. Reuters

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party announced it will select a new leader on September 27, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s decision to step down amid low approval ratings. Campaigning begins September 12. Kishida, in office since 2021, faced criticism over rising prices and scandals but gained international praise for his foreign policy. Potential successors include party veterans and rising stars, with the possibility of Japan’s first female premier. AFP

Palestinian journalist Ibrahim Muharab was reportedly killed by Israeli fire in southern Gaza, according to Hamas-run health ministry and Palestinian Daily News. Two other journalists were wounded. The Israeli army declined to comment without specific details but stated they never deliberately target journalists. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the incident as an “assassination.” The Committee to Protect Journalists reports at least 113 media workers have been killed since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, marking the deadliest period for journalists since 1992. AFP

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has accepted a US “bridging proposal” for a Gaza ceasefire, urging Hamas to follow suit. This comes amid ongoing violence and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Blinken’s visit to the region aims to push for a deal, but both sides signal difficulties. The war, which began in October 2023, has resulted in thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Reuters

The UN condemned the record violence against aid workers on World Humanitarian Day, with 280 killed in 2023, a 137% increase from 2022. Gaza saw the highest casualties, followed by South Sudan and Sudan. 2024 is on track to be even deadlier, with 176 aid workers killed by August 9. The UN warns that normalizing such violence threatens humanitarian operations globally. Humanitarian organizations are calling on UN member states to protect aid workers and hold perpetrators accountable. AFP

Indian junior doctors continue nationwide protests over the rape and murder of a colleague in Kolkata. The incident has sparked demands for safer workplaces and swift justice. Hospital services are disrupted as doctors refuse to see non-emergency patients. The government urges doctors to return to work while addressing their concerns. Supporters, including soccer fans, have joined the protests. The IMF’s Gita Gopinath emphasizes the importance of workplace safety in increasing female labor force participation in India. Reuters

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka coast at a depth of 51 km, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre. While the US National Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of a potential tsunami threat, Russia’s regional emergency ministry stated there was no such danger. Aftershocks ranging from 3.9 to 5.0 in magnitude were recorded, but most were described as imperceptible by local authorities. Reuters