Apple uses a 3D facial recognition system known as Face ID for secure authentication in its iPhone models. This Face ID embedded within a display cutout has long set the benchmark for smartphone facial recognition. So far, most Android manufacturers have yet to match it with a comparable and widely adopted alternative. Now, a new leak coming out of China suggests that some Android smartphone companies are exploring similar 3D solutions for their upcoming devices. Honor’s latest Magic 7 Pro already offer a face unlock feature that employs a system similar to Apple’s Face ID.
Under-Display 3D Face Recognition Technology in Testing Phase
Tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo claimed that several Chinese smartphone makers are testing under-display 3D facial recognition technology in domestic labs. While the product name or brand names haven’t been disclosed, the post hints at increasing interest in integrating advanced biometric solutions directly beneath the display. This could allow smartphone makers to offer secure face unlock without visible camera cutouts with advanced biometrics.
The comment section of the post shows that some users are skeptical about the adoption of under-screen cameras and 3D face recognition. They opine that they could take up more space and increase the cost of the handsets.
Apple’s iPhone models have maintained the Face ID feature for nearly a decade. The 3D face recognition is considered secure and reliable for unlocking the phone and for authenticating payments. Currently, similar systems are available on select Android devices from brands like Honor and ZTE.
Honor’s recent flagship Magic 7 Pro offers 3D face unlock, similar to Apple’s Face ID. It boasts a central pill-shaped cutout at the top of the screen housing a 50-megapixel selfie camera and a 3D depth camera. The 3D face unlock feature is claimed to work even in the dark.
Honor’s Magic 6 Pro also features a 3D facial recognition system. Meanwhile, ZTE’s Nubia Z70S Ultra features an under-display (UD) selfie camera, but it doesn’t offer 3D face scanning.
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Realme 15 Pro 5G to Get 50-Megapixel Sony IMX896 Main Rear Camera
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (left) meets Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 15, 2025. — Radio Pakistan
“Will never forget Pakistan’s support during Israel war”, says Iran.
Tehran highlights opportunities to boost bilateral cooperation.
Mohsin Naqvi congratulates President Pezeshkian on “great victory”.
During a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran attached great importance to its relations with Islamabad and thanked the minister for support during the recent 12-day war against Israel.
Warning that Israel was trying to create a rift among Muslim countries, President Pezeshkian called for “inevitable” unity and harmony among Islamic countries.
Underscoring the importance of diplomatic exchanges and constructive dialogue to enhance cooperation between the two countries, he expressed satisfaction over the current bilateral relations between the neighbouring nations..
The Iranian president further accentuated that Pakistan and Iran had immense opportunities to enhance cooperation, saying that his country would never forget the support extended by Pakistan during their war with Israel.
Meanwhile, Naqvi congratulated President Pezeshkian on achieving a “great victory” and recalled Pakistan’s support to Iran, saying that Islamabad strongly condemned the attack against Tehran at every forum.
He noted that Pakistan’s parliament was the first to pass a resolution condemning the war imposed on Iran and supported Iran’s legitimate right to self-defence.
The two leaders’ remarks come weeks after a 12-day armed conflict between Israel and Iran broke out on June 13 following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian targets, resulting in at least 606 deaths and 5,332 injuries, according to Iran’s Health Ministry.
In response, Tehran carried out missile and drone attacks on Israel, killing at least 29 people and injuring over 3,400, based on data from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The conflict also saw the US bombing Iran’s multiple nuclear facilities and claimed that the strikes destroyed Iran’s nuclear programme.
The fighting eventually ended with a US-brokered ceasefire that began on June 24.
Meanwhile, on the nuclear issue, Tehran has said that its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “will take on a new form” and has expressed desire for a diplomatic solution to resolve concerns over its nuclear programme.
Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA “has not stopped, but will take on a new form”, after the Islamic republic formally ended cooperation with the UN watchdog in early July.
Iran has blamed the IAEA in part for the June attacks on its nuclear facilities, which Israel says it launched to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon — an ambition Tehran has repeatedly denied.
And over at the Stade Municipal de Berkan, Ghana finally threw off their frustration with three points from a 4-1 win over Tanzania, a result that ensured they finish second in Group C.
Princella Adubea gave Ghana the lead in the 12th minute before Tanzania netted the equaliser through Stumai Athumani. Ghana charged back in the second half with Alice Kusi restoring their lead in the 63rd minute.
The match seemed set to end 2-1 but two late goals from Evelyn Badu and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah in the last three minutes of regular time, sealed a dominant send off to the quarterfinals.
In the knockout stage, Ghana take on Algeria on Saturday, July 19, while South Africa play Senegal.
Mali, who qualified as one of the two best third- placed nations alongside fellow West Africans Senegal, face hosts Morocco on Friday, July 18, a match that will be preceded by the Nigeria vs Zambia tie.
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The Science Behind Nixol UK: The Fat-Burning Formula
At the core of Nixol’s approach is a carefully crafted blend of natural ingredients, each selected for its potential role in supporting metabolism, fat-burning, and appetite regulation. The formulation is guided by both modern nutritional research and time-honored herbal traditions—designed to help users achieve healthy weight management without relying on harsh stimulants or extreme diet plans.
Visit Official Website To get More Information
By targeting multiple factors linked to weight gain—such as cravings, sluggish metabolism, and digestive imbalance—Nixol aims to create a supportive environment where natural fat-burning processes can thrive. The once-daily vegan capsules make it simple to incorporate this balanced support into everyday routines, empowering individuals to stay consistent on their wellness journey.
Why is Nixol the Choice for Weight Loss?
Nixol distinguishes itself in the weight management market by combining clean, vegan-friendly ingredients with a science-informed approach designed for real-world lifestyles. Rather than relying on harsh stimulants or restrictive measures, Nixol supports the body’s natural processes—helping individuals manage cravings, promote healthy metabolism, and sustain balanced energy throughout the day.
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Plant-Powered and Vegan-Friendly Crafted with thoughtfully selected natural extracts and nutrients, Nixol offers a gentle yet effective alternative to synthetic or heavily processed supplements.
Supports Natural Balance Instead of forcing rapid changes, Nixol works harmoniously with the body to help curb cravings, maintain steady energy, and encourage healthier eating habits.
Convenience in One Capsule Designed for daily use, Nixol fits easily into busy schedules—making it simpler for users to stay consistent on their wellness journey.
Science-Informed Ingredients Each component is chosen based on research related to metabolism, digestion, and appetite control, offering a balanced path to weight management.
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Nixol is thoughtfully designed for individuals seeking a natural, science-informed solution to support their weight management journey—without resorting to extreme diets or synthetic additives.
It may be especially helpful for:
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Those looking for a gentle, plant-powered supplement to complement their balanced lifestyle
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Where to Buy Nixol in the UK in 2025: Source and Access Tips
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Disclaimer – The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, dietary change, or health program—especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have existing health conditions, or are taking medications. Results may vary among individuals.
The statements made regarding Nixol have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Nixol is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any claims made within this article about symptom relief, hearing improvement, or related health benefits are based on the product’s formulation and individual testimonials and not on conclusive clinical evidence.
This content does not constitute professional health or medical advice and should not be interpreted as such. Readers should always perform their own due diligence and consult medical professionals before making decisions related to health products.
Two sniffer dogs of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Police, credited with thwarting dozens of terrorist plots, have been officially retired after serving for a decade.
The dogs were part of the special bomb disposal and security unit operating across Peshawar and the tribal districts.
These British-bred sniffer dogs played a critical role in bomb disposal operations and provided security clearances for high-profile officials, including the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and Governor.
They were also instrumental in clearing routes and detecting dozens of suspicious items during various security operations.
According to Adil Abdal, director of K-P’s K9 unit, the dogs worked closely with the police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and other law enforcement agencies during numerous search and strike missions.
Their efforts neutralised two major improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and helped keep key routes safe from potential threats.
Due to age, the dogs were retired but remain valued assets of the K-P Police. Following retirement, they have attracted significant interest from individuals willing to adopt them.
A senior Peshawar police official highlighted the dogs’ key role during sensitive periods such as Muharram and VIP visits, noting their ability to detect threats well in advance, thereby enhancing security measures.
ISLAMABAD – The National Skills University Islamabad will join the rest of the world in celebrating World Youth Skills Day 2025, with a special focus on “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills.”
According to the NSU, Ms. Wajia Qamar, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, will be the Chief Guest for this high-profile national event.
She will give the keynote address and participate in a symbolic walk highlighting the power of Artificial Intelligence and digital skills to transform lives. This event signifies an important milestone for the university and Pakistan’s broader goal of preparing its youth for a digitally driven future.
Wajia Qamar’s participation demonstrates the federal government’s strong commitment to integrating advanced technologies into skills education. Her interactions with students and faculty will provide insights into national efforts to develop inclusive, forward-thinking educational policies focused on youth development through innovation.
At the heart of this celebration lies the dynamic transformation of the National Skills University Islamabad an institution that has rapidly risen to prominence as Pakistan’s only federally chartered skills-focused university.
With its main campus in the capital and the fast-developing Sarmad Tanveer Campus in Muridke, Sheikhupura, NSU is spearheading change through robust training programs in artificial intelligence, data science, cloud computing, digital fabrication, and emerging technologies. These programs are designed not only to meet international standards but also to equip Pakistani youth with the tools they need to thrive in the global knowledge economy.
Much of this transformation can be credited to the vision and unwavering dedication of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, the university’s Founding Vice Chancellor. Under his leadership, NSU has evolved from a neglected site into a vibrant, world-class institution that blends technical training with academic excellence. His efforts have created an ecosystem where innovation, industry collaboration, and student empowerment come together to redefine what skills education means in the 21st century.
Tomorrow’s event will highlight not just achievements, but ambitions—of students empowered by AI, of communities uplifted through access to digital tools, and of a nation determined to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The university community is eagerly looking forward to welcoming Ms. Wajia Qamar and showcasing how far the institution has come, thanks to the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, and the collective spirit of all those committed to building a skilled, future-ready Pakistan.
Researchers at Integrated Biosciences have developed a novel platform that enables millisecond- and micron-level control over previously intractable biological systems, unlocking new therapeutic opportunities in age-related diseases.
The platform combines optogenetics, chemistry, and AI to discover small-molecule therapeutics for age-related diseases.
A new peer-reviewed publication demonstrates the platform’s capabilities by applying it to the integrated stress response (ISR), a key aging and disease-associated signalling pathway implicated in neurodegeneration, cancer, and viral infections.
Benefits of ISR for reducing pathology of age-related diseases
The scientists used optogenetic control to selectively activate the ISR, leading to the discovery of several ISR-potentiating compounds that sensitise stressed cells to apoptosis without inducing cytotoxicity across diverse cell types and stressors — an elusive therapeutic profile not achievable with traditional ISR drugs in development.
The lead compounds identified in the study showed broad-spectrum antiviral activity in vitro, and one compound significantly reduced disease pathology and viral titres in a mouse model of ocular herpesvirus age-related infection.
A powerful new approach to drug discovery
The new platform allows for precise and dynamic control of biological targets and processes, unlocking a powerful new approach to drug discovery.
By integrating programmable, light-responsive domains with automated high-throughput screens, the platform interrogates biological systems with millisecond temporal precision and micron-scale spatial resolution.
This uniquely modular system allows researchers to resolve compound effects in real time, across diverse targets, cell types, and age-related diseases, providing a level of precision and control not achievable with conventional screening technologies.
“Synthetic biology tools like optogenetics allow us to precisely tune complex cellular processes, something traditional drug screening can’t do,” said Maxwell Wilson, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Integrated Biosciences.
“Our platform lets us activate specific targets and pathways with light, generating clean, interpretable readouts and the discovery of high-precision compounds, often with unprecedented mechanisms of action, that were previously inaccessible.”
A major advantage over traditional screening tools
Unlike traditional perturbation agents and pharmacological tools, the platform enables selective, pathway-specific activation without the off-target or systemic confounding effects, generating clean, high-fidelity, on-pathway datasets.
This is especially critical in phenotypic screening and AI-driven discovery, where data quality remains a major bottleneck to extracting meaningful insights.
It also offers a generalisable strategy for discovering small molecules that modulate complex, traditionally hard-to-drug targets and pathways, including age-related diseases.
As the system is modular and tuneable, it can be rapidly adapted to explore a wide range of biological processes with on-pathway, on-phenotype precision – a major advantage over traditional screening tools.
Wilson concluded: “This is only the first demonstration of what our optogenetic platform can do.
“Synthetic biology gives us the control we need to build more accurate, disease-relevant discovery systems. Our goal is to bring this level of precision to other pathways where conventional tools have failed.”
‘Disappointed in him, but not done with him’, Trump says of Putin as he offers his backing to Nato
On Putin, Trump said he thought he had a deal with him on Ukraine “four times.”
“I’m disappointed in him, but I’m not done with him, but I’m disappointed in him.
We had a deal done four times and then you go home and you see just attacked a nursing home in Kyiv. And so what the hell was that all about?”
Asked if he trusted him, he said:
I trust almost nobody, to be honest with you.
Trump also said he strongly supported Nato, saying that “Nato is now becoming the opposite of” being obsolete, as he once said.
He added it was “very unfair because the United States paid for almost 100% of it, but now they are paying their own bills.”
Asked if he believes in Nato’s fundamental Article 5 on collective defence, he said:
Yeah, I think collective defence is fine.
Trump also spoke on how his relationship with European leaders changed over the years, saying “it’s maybe not all luck; it’s like when you do it twice, it’s a big difference.”
“Over the years, they’ve gotten to know me.
This is not an easy crowd to break into. You understand, these are smart people heading up very, very successful generally, countries, you know, they’re all Germany and France, Spain and, you know, big countries.
And you know, I’ve gotten to know them, and I think they’ve come to respect my, respect me and my decision making.”
Key events
Irish tourist jailed by Ice for months after overstaying US visit by three days
Sweden to contribute to new Ukraine arms deal with US, defence minister says
Ukrainian PM Shmyhal resigns as part of Zelenskyy’s government reshuffle
Thousands offered UK asylum in secret scheme after personal data of Afghans who helped British forces leaked by mistake
EU offers Slovakia reassurances on Russian gas exit to unblock sanctions talks
Thousands of vehicles sit idle at EU port as Trump’s tariffs leave their mark
EU continues talking to US on trade, technical teams on way to Washington
Ukrainians hail ‘Agent Melania Trumpenko’ for challenging husband’s faith in Putin
Trump’s statements on deal with Nato, Ukraine ‘serious, require analysis,’ Kremlin says
Polish, Hungarian astronauts return to Earth as part of Axiom mission
Trump asked Zelenskyy if Ukraine could strike Moscow, St Petersburg, FT reports
Embattled French PM set to present outline of 2026 budget
EU, US alignment on Russia means Putin has to face reality, French foreign minister says
‘Put this agreement into action, stop killing people,’ EU crisis commissioner says on Gaza and Israel
Crew rescued from Frontex’s boat after incident near Lesbos
Good to see Europe, US convergence on approach to Russia, Dutch foreign minister says
EU sanctions needed to ‘take momentum’ from Trump’s decision forward, push Russia more, Danish minister says
EU’s Kallas welcomes US military deal with Nato, hopes new Russia sanctions will be adopted ‘today or tomorrow’
Brexit ‘sloppy’ but getting ‘straightened out’ by Starmer, Trump says
‘Disappointed in him, but not done with him’, Trump says of Putin as he offers his backing to Nato
‘Like to think about it as little as possible,’ Trump tells BBC of assassination attempt last year
Morning opening: ‘Disappointed, but not done’
Irish tourist jailed by Ice for months after overstaying US visit by three days
Sam Levin
In other news, we reported earlier today on a disturbing story of an Irish tourist jailed by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for months after overstaying US visit by three days.
People protesting immigration enforcement policies gathered near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, USA. Photograph: Caroline Brehman/EPA
From there, what should have been a minor incident became a nightmarish ordeal: he was detained by Ice in three different facilities, ultimately spending roughly 100 days behind bars with little understanding of why he was being held – or when he’d get out.
“Nobody is safe from the system if they get pulled into it,” said Thomas, in a recent interview from his home in Ireland, a few months after his release. Thomas asked to be identified by a nickname out of fear of facing further consequences with US immigration authorities.
Despite immediately agreeing to deportation when he was first arrested, Thomas remained in Ice detention after Donald Trump took office and dramatically ramped up immigration arrests.
Amid increased overcrowding in detention, Thomas was forced to spend part of his time in custody in a federal prison for criminal defendants, even though he was being held on an immigration violation.
Thomas was sent back to Ireland in March and was told he was banned from entering the US for 10 years.
Thomas’s ordeal follows a rise in reports of tourists and visitors with valid visas being detained by Ice, including from Australia, Germany, Canada and the UK. In April, an Irish woman who is a US green card holder was also detained by Ice for 17 days due to a nearly two-decade-old criminal record.
The arrests appear to be part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration, which has pushed to deport students with alleged ties to pro-Palestinian protests; sent detainees to Guantánamo Bay and an El Salvador prison without presenting evidence of criminality; deported people to South Sudan, a war-torn country where the deportees had no ties; and escalated large-scale, militarized raids across the US.
Read Thomas’s story here:
Sweden to contribute to new Ukraine arms deal with US, defence minister says
Meanwhile, Swedish defence minister Pal Jonson confirmed to Reuters that the country will contribute to efforts to boost arms supplies to Ukraine following US president Donald Trump’s decision to supply billions of dollars of weapons.
“We welcome the American decision to make possible increased sanctions against Russia and to pave the way for the delivery of Patriots and other weapon systems to Ukraine,” Jonson said in an emailed comment to Reuters.
“Sweden will contribute,” he added, without offering further details.
Ukrainian PM Shmyhal resigns as part of Zelenskyy’s government reshuffle
Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal has just confirmed he filed his resignation from the post, a day after president Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked his deputy, Yulia Svyrydenko, to lead the government after a reshuffle.
In a Telegram message posted alongside a picture of his hand-written resignation note, he said:
“Thank you to our defenders who are holding the front and protecting Ukraine!
Thank you to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the trust!
Thank you to the entire team for their tireless work for our country!
Glory to Ukraine!”
Thousands offered UK asylum in secret scheme after personal data of Afghans who helped British forces leaked by mistake
There is a major news story breaking in the UK about thousands of people being relocated to the UK as part of a secret £850m scheme set up after a personal data leak of Afghans who supported British forces.
PA news agency reported that a dataset containing the personal information of nearly 19,000 people who applied for the Afghan relocations and assistance policy (Arap) was released “in error” by a defence official in February 2022.
The breach resulted in the creation of a secret Afghan relocation scheme – the Afghanistan Response Route – in April 2024.
The scheme is understood to have cost about £400m so far, with a projected cost once completed of about £850m. Millions more is expected to be paid in legal costs and compensation.
You can follow live updates here:
EU offers Slovakia reassurances on Russian gas exit to unblock sanctions talks
Back to Brussels and the 18th package of EU sanctions on Russia, Reuters reported that the European Commission has told Slovak prime minister Robert Fico the EU will work to address his concerns over the bloc’s proposal to end Russian gas imports by 2028.
The commission will take steps including to clarify how an ’emergency break’ can be triggered if gas prices spike because of scarce supply during the Russian gas phase-out, said the letter, seen by Reuters, addressed to Fico and signed by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
Slovakia has been blocking the EU’s new sanctions package against Russia, until its concerns are addressed over the separate EU proposal to phase out imports of Russian gas.
Thousands of vehicles sit idle at EU port as Trump’s tariffs leave their mark
Lisa O’Carroll
in Brussels
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has been turned into a giant car park with thousands of cars, vans, trucks and tractors bound for the US sitting idle as manufacturers try to avert the worst of Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of the world’s largest car transport hubs, shipping more than 3m vehicles around the world in 2024. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/EPA
Figures released by the port show a 15.9% drop in the transport of new passenger cars and vans to the US in the first six months of 2025 compared with the same period last year, with a sharp decline emerging in May – one month after the US president announced his “liberation day” tariffs.
Exports of trucks and what they call “high and heavy equipment” is down by almost a third at 31.5%.
This category includes tractors and construction vehicles, with the fall off in transatlantic movements perhaps reflecting the impact a 25% tariff would have on vehicles that can cost more than $100,000 (£74,430).
The port is one of the world’s largest car transport hubs, shipping more than 3m vehicles around the world in 2024.
“The outlook for the second half of the year remains uncertain. Much will depend on whether a trade agreement between the EU and the US can be reached by 1 August,” the port said in a statement.
European carmakers from Volkswagen to Volvo had been hoping that a deal would have been sealed last week after Trump’s original deadline for a tariff deal with the EU was due to expire.
Before Trump arrived in the White House they paid a 2.5% tariff on exports but since April they are being charged an extra 25%, adding tens of thousands of dollars to the price of a family-size car in the US.
Ports across Europe have been tested by Brexit, the coronavirus pandemic, the port congestion caused by container shortages in 2024, with congestion a widespread issue across all northern ports, said Justin Atkin, the UK and Ireland port representative of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Compared with Brexit, the tariff impact has been “more of an instant shock,” he said.
“With the pandemic, we had lockdown, then we were out of lockdown, then back into lockdown, and people got used to managing it after being unprepared. Whereas here … people have talked about tariffs in the build up [to Trump] but I don’t think anyone expected the level and the severity of the instantaneous action.”
The port couldn’t put a figure on the number of cars waiting to be transported but said it was in the thousands.
Jakub Krupa
Speaking about the EU-US trade, let’s cross over to Lisa O’Carroll for her story on the real-life consequences of the continuing concerns about Trump’s tariffs.
EU continues talking to US on trade, technical teams on way to Washington
EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič spoke with US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick last night, and will speak with US trade representative Jamieson Greer later tonight, an EU spokesperson said.
EU trade spokesperson Olof Gill also confirmed that EU technical teams “are on their way to Washington DC as we speak” for further talks, but he refused to speculate about the outcome of the process.
He said:
“I will not going to go into any greater level of detail concerning the negotiations with the US, because, as we all are very well aware, we are in the most sensitive stage of those negotiations right now, working towards getting an agreement in principle over the line before the deadline set by the US of 1 August.”
Ukrainians hail ‘Agent Melania Trumpenko’ for challenging husband’s faith in Putin
Luke Harding
in Kyiv andArtem Mazhulin
Ukrainians are celebrating Melania Trump on social media in a series of memes, after Donald Trump suggested the first lady played a part in his apparent change of heart over Russia.
Speaking at a meeting in the White House on Monday with the Nato secretary general, Mark Rutte, Trump said his wife had played a key role in pointing out Vladimir Putin’s duplicity.
“My conversations with him [Putin] are always very pleasant. I say, isn’t that a very lovely conversation? And then the missiles go off that night,” Trump said.
“I go home, I tell the first lady: I spoke with Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation. She said: Really? Another city was just hit.”
Slovenian-born Melania Trump, who grew up in the former Yugoslavia, has previously appeared to be a bigger supporter of Ukraine than the sceptical US president, who in February this year called Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator.
Shortly after the 2022 full-scale Russian invasion, she appealed to her social media followers to donate to the Red Cross, saying it was “heartbreaking and horrific to see innocent people suffering”.
After Trump’s Oval Office comments on Monday, one social media user posted a photo of “Agent Melania Trumpenko” wearing a blazer with a Ukrainian trident insignia. Her face is half-shaded with a big hat, giving the impression she is working undercover inside the White House, to Kyiv’s benefit.
Trump’s statements on deal with Nato, Ukraine ‘serious, require analysis,’ Kremlin says
Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow was ready to negotiate with the US after Trump’s comments last night, but added it didn’t want to bow to any ultimatums, Reuters reported.
Separately, the Kremlin said that Trump’s statements were “serious and required analysis.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said president Vladimir Putin will comment on Trump’s proposals if he deems it necessary to do so.
Polish, Hungarian astronauts return to Earth as part of Axiom mission
Elsewhere, Polish and Hungarian astronauts returned from the International Space Station on Tuesday, after a Crew Dragon capsule carrying them alongside two crewmates landed safely back on Earth off the coast of California.
Axiom-4 astronauts, commander Peggy Whitson of U.S., pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of India, mission specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and mission specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary, are pictured on the countdown video clock, as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stands at Launch Complex 39-A in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US. Photograph: Steve Nesius/Reuters
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary spent 18 days aboard the ISS running research experiments in microgravity.
They were part of a private space mission organised by Texas-based startup Axiom Space in partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, led by former Nasa astronaut Peggy Whitson and with India’s Shubhanshu Shukla as the third crewmate.
“SpaceX copy, splashdown, and stable one. On behalf of SpaceX, welcome home,” they were told by mission control.
“Happy to be back,” replied Whitson.
Reuters noted that for India, Poland and Hungary, the launch marked the first human spaceflight in more than 40 years and the first mission ever to send astronauts from their government’s respective space programs to the ISS.
Trump asked Zelenskyy if Ukraine could strike Moscow, St Petersburg, FT reports
In the meantime, there’s a strong news line emerging from the Financial Times (£) reporting that US president Donald Trump has allegedly encouraged Ukraine to consider strikes deeper into Russia, and asked Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy if he could target Moscow if given long-range weapons by the US.
Quoting “people briefed on the discussions” and the leaders’ call on 4 July, the paper reported that Trump wanted Russians to “feel the pain” and asked Zelenskyy “can you hit Moscow? … can you hit St Petersburg too?”
The paper reported that Zelenskyy replied:
Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons.
The FT said the reported exchange “marks a sharp departure from Trump’s previous stance on Russia’s war and his campaign promise to end US involvement in foreign conflicts.”
During last week’s interview with NBC, Trump pointedly spoke about “defensive weapons” for Ukraine to stop the attacks on Ukrainian cities.
(Usual caveats apply for such stories as we could not independently verify the FT’s report.)
Embattled French PM set to present outline of 2026 budget
Jon Henley
France’s prime minister, François Bayrou, is due to present the main outlines of his proposed 2026 budget this afternoon, laying out just how he plans to cut a massive €40bn of government and social security spending next year.
French prime minister François Bayrou arrives to the annual Bastille Day military parade during the Bastille day celebrations in Paris, France. Photograph: Mohammed Badra/Reuters
The timing is far from accidental: MPs are on holiday and there will be no debate on the plans – which is probably just as well because when it comes in October, it will be heated and, in the view of many, could well topple Bayrou’s minority government.
“It’s very simple: we drop a few bombshells, MPs jump up and down for 24 hours, and then everyone leaves Paris,” an MP from president Emmanuel Macron’s camp told BFMTV. The government is giving itself, in effect, three month’s breathing space.
The objective, under heavy pressure from the European Commission and financial markets, is to reduce France’s ballooning deficit to 4.6% of GDP next year, which the centrist prime minister reportedly hopes to achieve by freezing or cutting specific budgets, taxing better-off retirees more, and reducing some public services.
Macron, however, added to the difficulty of an already unenviable task, calling on Sunday for a significant €3.5bn increase in defence spending to be found – without any additional borrowing.
Bayrou’s government does not have a majority in parliament and will need the support of both the far-right National Rally (RN) and the centre-left Socialist Party (PS) if it is to stand any chance of passing a budget bill in the autumn. Both have already promised not to lend it their support without significant concessions.
“Our red line will be anything that demands that the French people contribute more than the efforts they are already making morning, noon and night,” said Sébastien Chenu, a RN MP, on Tuesday. “Regardless of their category – workers, retirees, young people, civil servants – if he asks for more, we will say no.”
After setting out his stall this afternoon, Bayrou will make intensive use of the summer months to try to win over as many opposition MPs as possible with potential concessions – his only chance, many experts believe, of avoiding the fate of his predecessor Michel Barnier, who lost a no confidence vote on his proposed austerity budget after just three months in office.
Jakub Krupa
And since we are on France, let’s go to Jon Henley in Paris to explain what’s going to happen in domestic French politics later today…
New scans of two small predatory dinosaurs reveal a pea-sized wrist bone once thought unique to birds. The research suggests that the engines of flight were revving inside dinosaur arms long before any creature flapped skyward.
The study was led by James Napoli of Stony Brook University with colleagues at the American Museum of Natural History and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
The research overturns earlier claims that theropods lacked a bird-like pisiform and raises the possibility that the path to powered flight was, as the authors put it, “all in the wrist.”
Dinosaur wrist bone on the move
Modern birds fold their wings automatically when the elbow bends. The hinge works because a tiny carpal called the pisiform migrated from the edge of the wrist to replace another bone, the ulnare.
Its new spot lets a V-shaped notch clamp the hand bones and stop them from popping loose during vigorous flapping.
For years, paleontologists assumed non-avian dinosaurs never made that switch. Napoli’s team tested the dogma by CT-scanning an exquisitely preserved troodontid, a quick, velociraptor-like hunter. They also scanned an oviraptorid, a beaked omnivore with a long neck.
Digital slices peeled away surrounding rock, isolating each pebble-sized carpal in three dimensions. The images showed a bead-like bone tucked where the pisiform sits in modern birds.
“We believe this is the first time a migrated pisiform in a non-bird meat-eating dinosaur has been identified,” Napoli said.
The discovery pushes the joint’s redesign back to Pennaraptora, a diverse branch of feathered theropods that includes velociraptors, troodontids, and oviraptorosaurs.
Flight link to wrist evolution
“While we currently do not know precisely how many times dinosaurs learned to fly, it is intriguing that experimentation with flight in these creatures appears only after the pisiform migrated into the wrist joint,” Napoli explained.
“Therefore, it is possible this established the automated mechanisms found in current living birds, though we would need to test this hypothesis with more research and analysis of dinosaur wrist bones.”
The scientists argue that the pisiform’s relocation was gradual. Early pennaraptorans still carried a small ulnare. Later species lost that bone entirely as the pisiform enlarged and took over its role.
Gradual wrist bone replacement
The replacement mirrors other avian traits – hollow bones, enlarged brains, filamentous feathers – that spread outward through theropod evolution before coalescing into true birds.
According to the authors of the study, the findings make clear that the topological and functional replacement of the ulnare by the pisiform occurred much deeper in theropod history than has been previously understood and was a stepwise process.
“Over the past few decades, our knowledge of theropod dinosaur anatomy and evolution has increased exponentially, much of it revealing that classically ‘avian’ traits such as thin-walled bones, an enlarged brain, and feathers, all characterize more inclusive groups of theropod dinosaurs,” noted the researchers.
“Our results suggest that the construction of the avian wrist is no exception and follows topological patterns laid down by the origin of Pennaraptora.”
Scans reveals hidden features
Identifying the bone took both luck and technology. The fossils – discovered in Mongolia’s Cretaceous rocks – had escaped crushing, so their wrist bones lay undisturbed.
Micro-CT resolution below 50 microns allowed the researchers to trace delicate sutures, distinguishing the pisiform’s spoon-like head and its telltale notch.
Without such scans, the structure would look like one of several nubs commonly lumped together as generic carpals.
Wrist bone shaped evolution
Flight appears to have evolved at least twice within Pennaraptora and perhaps as many as five times. If the pisiform swap predates those experiments, it may have primed the limb for aerial feats in separate lineages.
That echoes convergent “upgrades” seen in pterosaurs, bats, and birds, where wrist and shoulder tweaks unleash new kinematic possibilities.
The finding also casts fresh light on grounded relatives like Velociraptor. Though too heavy to fly, such animals wielded feathered arms for display, brooding, or balance.
A bird-style pisiform would have let them tuck and unfurl their limbs with mechanical efficiency. This hints that the crouched, wing-guarding pose seen in some fossil nests used the same automatic folding action modern roosters employ.
Future fossil finds
Future work will scan additional fossils to see exactly when the pisiform first slid into place. The researchers want to investigate whether the move coincided with feather lengthening or muscle shifts.
They also hope to model forces across the joint to test how much stability the new bone adds during flapping or mantling motions.
For now, the lesson is clear: tiny parts can steer colossal evolutionary leaps. A marble-sized bone drifting a few millimeters may have set the stage for the skies to fill with beating wings. It began inside dinosaur wrists millions of years before the first true birds appeared.
Image credit: Henry Sharpe
The study is published in the journal Nature.
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