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  • Israeli strikes kill 22 in Gaza, two die in church late pope often spoke to

    Israeli strikes kill 22 in Gaza, two die in church late pope often spoke to




    JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli forces killed at least 22 people in attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including two people who died in a strike on a church that late Pope Francis used to speak to regularly, medics and church officials said.

    Eight men tasked with protecting aid trucks were reported among the dead in airstrikes that were carried out while mediators continued ceasefire talks in Doha.

    A US official said this week the talks were going well but two officials from the Palestinian militant group Hamas told Reuters there had been no breakthrough as the Israeli military continued to pummel Gaza.

    A man and a woman died, and several people were wounded in “an apparent strike by the Israeli army” on Gaza’s Holy Family Church, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement.

    “We pray that their souls rest (in peace) and for an end to this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians,” said the Patriarchate, which oversees the church.

    Photos released by the church showed its roof had been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade, and that windows had been broken.

    Father Gabriele Romanelli, an Argentine who used to regularly update the late Pope Francis about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was lightly injured in the attack. TV footage showed him sitting receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza, with a bandage around his lower right leg.

    “The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.

    Pope Leo was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire, the Vatican said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was aware of reports of casualties and was reviewing the incident.

    “The IDF makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them,” it said.

    Israel has been trying to eradicate Hamas in Gaza in a military campaign that began after the group’s deadly attack on Israel in October 2023 and has caused widespread hunger and privation in the tiny enclave.

    Palestinian medics said one airstrike on Thursday had killed a man, his wife and their five children in Jabalia in northern Gaza, and that another in the north had killed eight men who had been handed responsibility for protecting aid trucks.

    Three people were killed in an airstrike in central Gaza and four in Zeitoun in eastern Gaza, medics said.

    CEASEFIRE TALKS

    Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have hosted more than 10 days of talks on a proposed US 60-day truce.

    As part of the potential deal, 10 hostages held in Gaza would be returned along with the bodies of 18 others, spread out over 60 days. In exchange, Israel would release detained Palestinians. The exact number is not clear.

    A Hamas source with knowledge of the matter said Israel had presented new maps to the mediators, pledging to pull the army further back than had previously been offered. The source said this partially met Hamas’ demands, but was still insufficient.

     


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  • Pakistan monsoon rains kill 63 in 24 hours

    Pakistan monsoon rains kill 63 in 24 hours

    Torrential rains in Pakistan’s Punjab province have killed at least 63 people and injured 290 in the 24 hours since downpours started on Wednesday morning.

    Most of the victims were crushed by collapsing buildings, while the rest either drowned or were electrocuted, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.

    Authorities in the city of Rawalpindi, next to the capital Islamabad, declared Thursday a public holiday to keep people at home, while those living near a swelling river which runs through the city have been asked to evacuate.

    The latest deaths take the nationwide toll to nearly 180 since the monsoon started in late June. More than half of them were children.

    The floods have closed several expressways throughout Punjab and either cancelled or delayed dozens of flights.

    On Thursday, the province’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said an emergency had been declared in a number of areas. “Government institutions are working with utmost effort,” she wrote in a post on X, urging residents to abide by safety guidelines.

    In Chakwal, a city deluged by 400mm of rainfall in the past day, photographs and video showed rescue boats trying to locate people stranded in floodwaters.

    Military helicopters can also be seen circling heavily flooded areas.

    Punjab authorities have warned that more rains and flash floods are expected throughout the weekend. Thousands of rescuers across the province have been put on standby.

    Pakistan, which has a population of nearly 250 million, is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

    It bears the brunt of two major weather systems – one can cause high temperatures and drought, while the other brings monsoon rains.

    Pakistan is also home to more than 13,000 glaciers which have been melting at an accelerated pace.

    In 2022, monsoon floods submerged a third of the country and killed 1,700 people. They also left the country with economic damages exceeding $30bn.

    In 2023, the United Nations Secretary-General had called for the international community to help the country recover from the catastrophic floods, saying it was “doubly victimised” by climate change and a “morally bankrupt” global financial system.

    Additional reporting by Azadeh Moshiri in Islamabad

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  • Astronomers Catch a Giant Planet Forming in a Swirl of Dust – SciTechDaily

    1. Astronomers Catch a Giant Planet Forming in a Swirl of Dust  SciTechDaily
    2. A young gas giant and hidden substructures in a protoplanetary disk  Nature
    3. You can’t judge a star by its protoplanetary disc  European Space Agency
    4. It looked like nothing—then scientists found a world 10x the size of Jupiter  ScienceDaily
    5. Astronomers discover monster exoplanet hiding in ‘stellar fog’ around young star  Yahoo

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  • US children routinely exposed to harmful chemicals from packaging, researchers warn

    US children routinely exposed to harmful chemicals from packaging, researchers warn

    A national study reveals that young children in the US are exposed to various potentially harmful environmental chemicals, commonly found in plastic packaging. Many of the chemicals are not routinely monitored and can pose health risks.

    The study published in Environmental Science & Technology was conducted by multiple institutions across the US in coordination with the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes, a program supported by the National Institutes of Health.

    Deborah Bennett, lead author and professor at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Department of Public Health Sciences, tells Packaging Insights: “Children often have higher exposures due to their increased contact with the environment. They eat and drink more per unit body weight since they are growing and they tend to explore their environment by touching things and putting things in their mouths.”

    “It is difficult for people to act on their own. Ideally, there should be more regulation of compounds allowed in food packaging and processing equipment. One thing parents can do is to not microwave foods in plastic containers and feed their children with less processed foods.”

    More regulation needed

    The researchers analyzed urine samples from 201 children, aged from two to four years, and their mothers. They tested 111 chemical analytes, including phthalates, bisphenols, benzophenones, and organophosphate esters. 

    Of the 111 analytes, 96 were found in at least 2% of children, 48 in over half, and 34 in more than 90%. The study also finds that children had higher levels of several chemicals than their mothers did during pregnancy. 

    “Many of these chemicals are known or suspected to interfere with hormones, brain development, and immune function,” says Bennett. “Agencies should further regulate chemicals allowed in food packaging and processing equipment.”

    Researchers share that frequent hand-to-mouth contact, playing close to the ground, and higher intake rates relative to their smaller body weight make kids vulnerable to chemical exposure.

    According to scientists, parents could choose safer products by looking for labels such as “phthalate-free,” “paraben-free,” and “fragrance-free.” They also recommend avoiding plastics labeled #3, #6, and #7, which may contain BPA or similar harmful chemicals, to help protect children.

    Jiwon Oh, first author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences, says: “Exposure to certain chemicals in early childhood, like plasticizers, has been linked to developmental delays, hormone disruption, and other long-term health issues. This new study highlights the urgent need for expanded biomonitoring and stronger regulations to protect children from harmful exposures.”

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  • Reform’s anti-renewables stance ‘putting jobs and energy bills at risk’ | Energy industry

    Reform’s anti-renewables stance ‘putting jobs and energy bills at risk’ | Energy industry

    Britain’s green energy industry has accused the Reform UK party of undermining the national interest by threatening to strip public subsidies for wind and solar projects if it comes to power.

    Groups representing Britain’s biggest clean energy investors said the populist party was “putting politics before prosperity” after Reform’s deputy leader gave “formal notice” to major developers that it would axe any deals struck in an upcoming renewables subsidy auction this summer.

    The government auction allows developers to bid for contracts-for-difference, guaranteeing them a minimum price for electricity for up to 20 years.

    In a letter sent to energy companies including SSE and Octopus Energy, Reform claimed there was “no public mandate for the real-world consequences” of the clean power agenda and said all subsidies would be scrapped.

    Richard Tice, the deputy leader of the party founded by Nigel Farage, added that developers seeking a subsidy contract in the upcoming auction would “do so at your own risk” because the party would “seek to strike down all contracts” if it gained power.

    “The political consensus that has sheltered your industry for nearly two decades is fracturing,” Tice said.

    Industry leaders disputed the claims, saying Reform’s threat risked thousands of green jobs and could push up energy bills for homes and businesses by making the UK more reliant on volatile global gas markets.

    James Alexander, the head of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association, said: “This letter risks putting politics before prosperity by issuing threats to developers in one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.

    “Investors wholeheartedly recognise these long-term investment opportunities. It is a great shame that some politicians would rather attack the sector instead of seizing the huge potential that it offers.”

    The Renewable UK trade association said this month that the number of people working in the offshore wind industry had climbed by a quarter in the last two years, from just over 32,000 to nearly 40,000. It estimated that 74,000 to 95,000 people will be needed to meet the government’s goal of quadrupling offshore wind power production by the end of the decade, with the highest numbers of new jobs expected to be created in Scotland, the east of England, and in Yorkshire and the Humber.

    Ana Musat, the association’s policy director, said: “Every recent opinion poll shows that the vast majority of people support the development of renewable energy.

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    “New wind and solar farms are not only driving new jobs and investment into places like the Humber, Teesside and Scotland, but generating more power in our own country will ultimately reduce our reliance on gas imports, the price of which is determined by international markets and events.”

    Jess Ralston, an analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “Arguing against British renewables is arguing for more foreign gas, which will increasingly come from abroad as the North Sea continues its inevitable decline – a geological fact.”

    She added that “ripping up long-term policies and changing agreed contracts is likely to destroy the UK’s credibility as a solid place to invest” in clean energy, which would make the UK more exposed to spikes in imported gas prices.

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  • New TV Commercial for Samsung SOS+ Service Goes Live – Samsung Newsroom South Africa

    New TV Commercial for Samsung SOS+ Service Goes Live – Samsung Newsroom South Africa

    Samsung South Africa is proud to announce the release of its brand-new television commercial showcasing the recently launched Samsung SOS+ service, powered by AURA.

     

    The commercial brings to life the vital role that Samsung SOS+ plays in providing fast, reliable emergency assistance when it matters most. With a light-hearted and yet compelling story that shows exactly what the service does, the ad highlights how Samsung continues to use innovation to protect and empower its users.

     

    Viewers across South Africa can expect to see the commercial airing on major broadcast channels and across digital platforms. It’s a powerful reminder that help is now closer than ever – all at the touch of a button of the latest Galaxy A Series (A56, A36 and A26) smartphones, which exclusively offer the 12-month emergency assist subscription service for free.

     

    “We’re excited to share this campaign with the public,” said Kgomotso Mannya, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Africa. “The commercial reflects the real-world value of Samsung SOS+, and we hope it encourages more people to activate and use this life-enhancing service.”

     

    Keep an eye out, and experience how Samsung is empowering consumers with security, and peace of mind through Samsung SOS+.

     

    For more information, visit Samsung.com.

     

     

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  • An Seyoung sees off compatriot Kim Ga-eun to reach quarter-finals

    An Seyoung sees off compatriot Kim Ga-eun to reach quarter-finals

    Badminton world number one An Seyoung appears unstoppable right now.

    The Republic of Korea shuttler has lost just once on the BWF World Tour all season, and continued her winning ways at the BWF Japan Open 2025 on Thursday (17 July) by seeing off compatriot Kim Ga-eun in Tokyo.

    She didn’t have it all her own way as Kim pushed her hard in the opening game of their women’s round of 16 encounter, leading at five different points, including at 20-19 with a game point. However, An saved it — one of three straight points as she converted her own game point to take the first game.

    Kim also started brightly in the second, leading early on at 8-5. But An was relentless and took 16 of the last 20 points they played, dominating the exchanges to close out a 22-20, 21-12 victory in 41 minutes.

    That sets up an exciting last eight clash against her predecessor as Olympic champion, Chen Yufei of People’s Republic of China, on Friday.

    Chen is the only woman to have beaten An on the circuit this year, winning at the same quarter-final stage at the All England Open.

    The Japan Open is available to stream on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the Olympics app from the quarter-finals onwards (geographical restrictions apply).

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  • Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan kill 54 people in 24 hours – The Washington Post

    1. Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan kill 54 people in 24 hours  The Washington Post
    2. Continuous rain in Islamabad raises Rawal Dam water level, spillways may be opened  Ptv.com.pk
    3. Torrential monsoon rains wreak havoc in Punjab: Widespread damage, casualties reported  Ptv.com.pk
    4. Emergency declared in Punjab as torrential rains kill 33, injure over 170  The Express Tribune
    5. 3 children killed, 5 people injured as two roofs collapse in KP’s Malakand after heavy rains  Dawn

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  • Data Centres: An International Legal and Regulatory Perspective Spotlight on Vietnam

    Data Centres: An International Legal and Regulatory Perspective Spotlight on Vietnam

    “Though Vietnam’s data centre sector is still in its infancy it has experienced impressive initial growth, solidifying its position as a rising powerhouse in the digital infrastructure landscape.”

    VIETNAM DATA CENTRE: MARKET INSIGHTS and OPPORTUNITIES

    Though Vietnam’s data centre sector is still in its infancy it has experienced impressive initial growth, solidifying its position as a rising powerhouse in the digital infrastructure landscape. According to Research and Markets, it surged to an impressive US$654m in 2024 and is projected to soar to US$1.75tn by 2030, rising at a compound annual growth rate of 17.93%.¹ This expansion is driven by evolving regulations supported by local authorities.

    Under existing regulations, domestic enterprises are required to store customers’ data within Vietnam.² Certain foreign enterprises conducting business in the country are also subject to this data localisation mandate under specific conditions.³ These regulatory requirements are expected to fuel a surge in demand for data storage and processing infrastructure in the coming years. However, despite this growing demand, Vietnam’s data centre market remains relatively sparse, with only 33 data centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (“HCMC”) with a combined capacity of 80 MW as of Q1 2024.⁴ Currently, the Vietnamese data centre market is somewhat consolidated, with domestic players at the forefront. The top five companies—Viettel IDC, VNPT, FPT Telecom, CMC Telecom and VNG Corp—collectively control 70% of the market by number of data centres.⁵ Meanwhile, global cloud giants such as AWS, Microsoft and Google have yet to establish their own data centres in Vietnam, presenting a compelling opportunity for future investment.

    LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF DATA CENTRES IN VIETNAM

    The primary legislation currently governing data centres in Vietnam is the Telecommunications Law, enacted by the National Assembly on 24 November 2023 and effective as of 1 July 2024. This legislation introduces, for the first time, formal legal definitions for “data centre” and “data centre service”:

    • data centres are defined as telecommunications infrastructure comprising buildings, stations, cable systems, computer systems, electrical systems and auxiliary equipment used for processing, storing and managing data for one or multiple organisations and individuals;⁶ and
    • data centre service is a value-added telecommunications service⁷ encompassing functions such as processing, storage and information retrieval for users via a telecommunications network by leasing part or all of a data centre.⁸

    In addition to regulations under the Telecommunications Law, investors seeking to establish and operate a data centre and provide data centre services in Vietnam must comply with various other legal frameworks, including investment and planning regulations among others. Below are the key legal considerations:

    Compliance with Provincial Master Plan

    The establishment and operation of data centre projects must align with the provincial master plan for passive telecommunications technical infrastructure.⁹ This master plan includes details of the data centres to be developed within the respective province, including name, corresponding district-level administrations, allocated land use area, anticipated land requirement and estimated total electricity consumption.¹⁰

    Currently, Vietnam has yet to implement data centre development plans for every province. However, the Telecommunications Law and its guiding decree have provided a legal basis for investors to establish data centre projects despite this gap. Particularly, Decree No. 163/2024/ND-CP dated 24 December 2024 guiding the Telecommunications Law (the “Decree 163”) stipulates that in the absence of an officially issued passive telecommunications infrastructure plan, the provincial level Department of Information and Communications shall advise the Provincial People’s Committee in issuing a formal determination regarding the project’s alignment with relevant regional, sectoral and technical plans.¹¹

    Conditions for Foreign Investors

    The Telecommunication Law paves the way for foreign investors to hold up to a 100% stake in data centre investments.¹² This is an unprecedented move and signals a significant shift in Vietnam’s approach to attracting foreign capital.

    Under this regulation, subject to relevant legal requirements, investors looking to enter Vietnam’s data centre sector can either establish wholly foreign-owned enterprises or acquire 100% of the capital contributions/shares of existing local companies.

    Investment Approval

    Under Vietnam’s Law on Investment No. 61/2020/QH14  dated 17 June 2020, for investors seeking to establish data centres in Vietnam, depending on the project’s scale, geographical location, technical characteristics, and specific attributes, investment approval by the National Assembly, Prime Minister or the provincial people’s committee may be required.¹³

    Regulatory authorities will assess investment applications, ensuring their conformity with relevant master plannings, investment conditions, land use requirements, socio-economic benefits, investment incentives and other criteria before granting approval.¹⁴

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  • Maanum knocked out of Euro 2025 with Norway | International | News

    Maanum knocked out of Euro 2025 with Norway | International | News

    Norway have been eliminated from UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 following last night’s 2-1 defeat to Italy.

    Frida Maanum played 64 minutes before being replaced by Elisabeth Terland as their nation’s journey came to an end at the quarter-final stage.

    Cristiana Girelli put Italy in front in the 50th minute, but Ada Hegerberg made amends for her missed penalty when she tucked in a 66th-minute equaliser.

    Just as it looked like extra-time beckoned, Girelli headed in her second to secure a late win and send Italy through to the semi-finals.

    At least one of our players will be making it through to the semis tonight as Sweden take on England at 8pm BST, with Stina Blackstenius going up against Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo and Michelle Agyemang.

    We also have Gunners going head-to-head tomorrow when Spain (Mariona Caldentey) tackle host nation Switzerland (Lia Walti).

    Copyright 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.

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