World News - The Actual News

South Korea mulls allowing individual tours to North Korea as tensions ease

July 21, 2025

South Korea is considering allowing its citizens to visit North Korea to improve relations between the two countries. The idea is part of several efforts to decrease tensions on the Korean Peninsula, which include stopping loudspeaker broadcasts and leaflet campaigns against North Korea.

Key Facts:

South Korea is thinking about allowing individual visits to North Korea.
This move is part of plans to improve relations with North Korea.
The idea comes after President Lee Jae-myung's election, who wants to ease tensions.
South Korea stopped anti-North Korea broadcasts and leaflet campaigns.
Individual tours might not break international sanctions.
Tourism is one way North Korea earns money that isn't blocked by sanctions.
The South Korean government is reviewing plans mentioned in a July 10 meeting.
North Korea opened a new beach resort, but it's not yet accepting foreign tourists.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

High-profile Kenyan activist faces terror charges over anti-government protests

July 21, 2025

Boniface Mwangi, a well-known Kenyan activist, is facing charges related to terrorism after anti-government protests where 19 people died. Authorities claim they found suspicious items at his home and office, while human rights groups criticize his arrest as a move to silence dissent.

Key Facts:

Boniface Mwangi, a prominent activist in Kenya, is accused of being involved in terrorism during protests.
Protests occurred last month, leading to the deaths of at least 19 people.
Police claim to have found items such as phones, notebooks, hard drives, and tear gas canisters at his premises.
Mwangi denies all charges, stating he is not a terrorist.
Kenyan authorities accuse him of helping terrorists and having illegal ammunition.
Protests on June 25 led to significant violence, with injuries and property damage.
Human rights groups condemned Mwangi's arrest, saying it is an attempt to suppress opposition.
Mwangi has a history of being detained previously for his activism.

Source Information

BBC World

Watch: Camel learns to walk again with prosthetic leg

July 21, 2025

A camel in Pakistan named Cammie got a prosthetic leg from an animal shelter, making it the first large animal in the country to receive such a device. The camel's leg was believed to be severed when it wandered onto a landowner's property.

Key Facts:

Cammie is a camel in Pakistan.
Cammie received a prosthetic leg from an animal shelter, which is an artificial limb.
This event marks the first time a large animal has received an artificial leg in Pakistan.
Dr. Babar Hussain, a veterinarian, mentioned this achievement.
Cammie's leg is thought to have been cut off by a landowner when the camel wandered onto private land looking for food.

Source Information

BBC World

UK fighter jet stuck in India for five weeks is finally ready to fly

July 21, 2025

A British fighter jet, the F-35B, which was stuck at an airport in Kerala, India, for over five weeks due to bad weather and technical issues, is now ready to fly back. A team of UK engineers repaired it, and it is expected to depart soon.

Key Facts:

The F-35B jet landed at Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14 due to bad weather while on a mission in the Indian Ocean.
After landing, the jet faced technical problems, which delayed its return.
Engineers from the HMS Prince of Wales and a team of 14 specialists from the UK worked to fix the jet.
The repair team brought special tools needed for fixing and moving the aircraft.
There was a possibility that if the jet could not be repaired, it might have needed to be dismantled and transported by another aircraft.
The UK’s defense authorities did not share specific repair details but confirmed the jet is now airworthy.
The advanced F-35B features short take-off and vertical landing abilities and is built by Lockheed Martin.

Source Information

BBC World

In South Korea, Trump’s tariff threats place US love affair under strain

July 21, 2025

South Korea is facing potential economic challenges due to proposed 25 percent tariffs by the US. The proposal has led to strained relations between the two countries, with some South Koreans feeling betrayed by the US. South Korea relies heavily on exports, which makes a trade agreement with the US crucial.

Key Facts:

The US plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on South Korea starting August 1.
South Korea is a key ally of the US, with about 28,000 US troops stationed there.
South Korea contributes over 40 percent of its GDP from exports, including electronics, ships, and cars.
A Pew Research Center survey shows that 61 percent of South Koreans have a favorable view of the US, down from 77 percent in 2024.
The Trump administration is pushing for changes in defense contributions from South Korea.
Trade tensions have affected public perception in South Korea, with some citizens expressing frustration over US policies.
Economic talks are ongoing, with South Korea seeking an agreement by the planned deadline.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Climate crisis causing food price spikes around the world, scientists say

July 21, 2025

Since 2022, extreme weather events have caused food prices to rise for items like cabbage, lettuce, rice, coffee, and cocoa. Researchers found that these price hikes followed specific events like heatwaves and droughts. The findings were published before a UN summit in Ethiopia.

Key Facts:

Extreme weather events since 2022 have raised food prices worldwide.
A 280% cocoa price increase happened after a heatwave in Ghana and the Ivory Coast in 2024.
Australian lettuce prices went up by 300% following floods in 2022.
South Korean cabbage saw a 70% price hike after a heatwave in September 2024.
Brazilian coffee prices increased by 55% after a drought in 2023.
The research was released by European organizations before a UN Food Systems Summit.
The study highlights the link between climate change and rising food costs.
The UN aims to cut global emissions to prevent further climate-related issues.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

A look at President Trump's foreign policy 6 months into his second administration

July 21, 2025

President Trump promised changes to America's foreign policy during his campaign. NPR explores what has happened in foreign policy six months into his second term as president.

Key Facts:

President Trump is in his second term as president.
Six months have passed since he began this term.
Trump proposed changes to U.S. foreign policy during his campaign.
NPR is reviewing his foreign policy actions after six months in office.
The article comes from NPR's Morning Edition program.
This review aims to see if Trump has kept his foreign policy promises.

Source Information

NPR World

The latest on Israeli military attacks on Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza

July 21, 2025

On Sunday, Israeli military actions resulted in the deaths of over 100 Palestinians in Gaza as they tried to obtain food. This was the highest number of fatalities in a single day under the current aid distribution system.

Key Facts:

Over 100 Palestinians died due to Israeli military actions on Sunday.
The incident occurred while people were trying to get food in Gaza.
This was the deadliest day for Palestinians since the start of the new aid system.
The information came from health officials in Gaza.
The situation is part of ongoing tensions in the region.

Source Information

NPR Middle East

British surgeon gives first-hand account of treating wounded in Gaza

July 21, 2025

Dr. Nick Maynard, a British surgeon, is volunteering at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. He treats people injured while getting food from distribution sites.

Key Facts:

Dr. Nick Maynard is a British surgeon.
He is helping patients at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza.
People get hurt while trying to collect food at distribution sites.
Dr. Maynard is there in a volunteer capacity.
NPR conducted an interview with Dr. Maynard about his experiences.

Source Information

NPR Middle East

Death toll from S Korea rains rises to 18 as met agency warns of heatwaves

July 21, 2025

Torrential rains in South Korea have resulted in at least 18 deaths and nine missing individuals. The heavy rains, which began on July 16, caused flooding, landslides, and significant property damage, prompting the military to assist with recovery efforts. As the rain advisories lift, parts of the country are now facing potential heatwaves.

Key Facts:

At least 18 people have died due to the heavy rains in South Korea.
Nine people are currently missing due to the severe weather.
The rains began on July 16, impacting central and southern provinces.
Flooding and landslides have destroyed homes and swept away vehicles.
Over 14,000 people had to leave their homes in 15 cities and provinces.
The military deployed 2,500 troops to help with recovery in affected areas.
The South Korean Meteorological Administration predicts upcoming heatwaves.
In 2022, South Korea also experienced extreme rains, resulting in 11 deaths.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Powerful Ecuador drug lord 'Fito' extradited to US

July 21, 2025

Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as "Fito," a leader of the Ecuadorean gang Los Choneros, was extradited to the United States. He faces charges of drug and arms trafficking and is linked to major criminal organizations. Macías was recaptured by authorities in June after escaping from prison.

Key Facts:

Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as "Fito," was extradited from Ecuador to the US.
He faces charges related to drug and arms trafficking in a US federal court.
Fito was previously serving a 34-year sentence in Ecuador but escaped from prison.
He led the Los Choneros gang, connected to criminal groups in Mexico and the Balkans.
Macías is suspected of ordering the killing of a presidential candidate in 2023.
Over 70% of the world's cocaine passes through Ecuador due to its location between Colombia and Peru.
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa supported the extradition as part of efforts to fight crime.
Ecuadoreans approved citizen extraditions in a referendum to tackle rising crime levels.

Source Information

BBC World

Syria's armed Bedouins say they have withdrawn from Druze-majority city

July 21, 2025

Armed Bedouin groups in Syria withdrew from the Druze-majority city of Sweida after violent clashes and a ceasefire. Humanitarian aid is now reaching the city, but tensions remain high due to recent conflicts between Druze and Bedouin communities.

Key Facts:

Bedouin fighters left Sweida following a ceasefire brokered by the U.S.
The clashes involved Druze militias and Sunni Muslim Bedouin clans.
Hundreds of people died in the fighting, impacting Syria's recovery from war.
Israel launched airstrikes in Sweida, targeting government forces allied with Bedouins.
The conflict involved kidnappings and sectarian attacks between Druze and Bedouins.
Aid convoys entered Sweida, providing essential supplies like food and medicine.
The Syrian Red Crescent delivered 32 trucks of aid to the city.
Nearly 129,000 people were displaced during the clashes, according to the U.N.

Source Information

NPR Home

Kashmir's growing heat crisis hits health and harvests

July 21, 2025

An intense heatwave in Kashmir has led to record-breaking temperatures, affecting farming and local health. This has caused significant challenges for farmers who depend on crops like paddy and apples, as well as for residents unaccustomed to such heat.

Key Facts:

Kashmir experienced its hottest June in 50 years, with the highest temperature reaching 37.4°C (99.32°F).
Schools and colleges in the region closed for two weeks due to the extreme heat.
Farmers are facing difficulties as the heat and lack of rain damage crops, especially paddy fields that need a lot of water.
The heat has also affected apple orchards, which usually require less water, showing widespread agricultural challenges.
A 2021 study showed that Kashmir's maximum temperature increased by 2°C from 1980 to 2020.
Environmental experts link these changes to climate change, resulting in extreme weather and reduced water availability.
Residents have reported health issues, such as breathlessness, due to the high temperatures and humidity.
Warmer winters have delayed snowfalls and increased glacier melting, which disrupts water supplies.

Source Information

BBC World

Southeast Asia’s foreign assistance to fall more than $2bn next year

July 21, 2025

Development financing to Southeast Asia is set to drop by over $2 billion in 2026 due to funding cuts by Western countries. This reduction will impact poorer nations and essential areas like health and education. China, Japan, and South Korea are expected to play larger roles in providing development assistance in the region.

Key Facts:

Development aid to Southeast Asia will decrease from $29 billion in 2023 to $26.5 billion in 2026.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the average development aid was $33 billion.
Bilateral funding will reduce by 20%, going from $11 billion in 2023 to $9 billion in 2026.
Western countries, including Europe and the UK, are redirecting funds to increase defense spending amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The US has cut foreign aid significantly, with reductions planned by other Western countries totaling over $17 billion between 2025 and 2029.
China, Japan, and South Korea are expected to increase their development assistance efforts in Southeast Asia.
China's aid focuses on infrastructure like railways and ports, benefiting richer Southeast Asian nations.
Japan and South Korea have begun to support governance and civil society projects, such as democracy and women's protection initiatives.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,243

July 21, 2025

Russian forces have captured a village in Ukraine's Donetsk region and conducted various attacks that resulted in several casualties. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have been active with drone operations; Ukraine shot down 18 Russian drones, while Russia reported shooting down 216 Ukrainian drones. In response to ongoing conflicts, there are political discussions about achieving peace, and sanctions from different sides have been enacted.

Key Facts:

Russian forces captured the village of Bila Hora in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
A Russian attack in Ukraine's Sumy region killed a 78-year-old woman.
Six people died from Russian attacks in different parts of the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions.
Russian attacks in the Zaporizhzhia and Vasylivka districts injured three women.
Ukraine's Air Force reported shooting down 18 of 57 Russian drones.
Russia claimed to have shot down 216 Ukrainian drones in 24 hours.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness for peace talks, aiming to achieve Russia's goals.
Ukraine called for the cancellation of a Russian cultural event and imposed sanctions on individuals they accuse of spreading Russian propaganda.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Future pensioners to be worse off, government warns

July 21, 2025

The UK government has warned that those retiring in 2050 may have less money than today's pensioners if retirement savings do not increase. To address this, the government is reviving the Pensions Commission to find ways to encourage more private pension savings. The focus will be on helping groups like low earners, the self-employed, and certain ethnic backgrounds who currently save less for retirement.

Key Facts:

The government predicts future retirees could be £800 or 8% worse off yearly than today's pensioners if savings do not increase.
Almost half of working adults do not save in private pensions, with low earners and self-employed people less likely to save.
Only one-in-four people of Pakistani or Bangladeshi backgrounds are saving in private pensions.
A previous pension commission led to automatic enrolment, increasing pension savers from 55% in 2012 to 88% now.
There is a 48% gender gap in pension wealth, with women typically receiving less than men.
The Commission will report findings in 2027 and aims to encourage more private pension savings.
The Commission will not address issues regarding the state pension.
The cost of the state pension "triple lock" policy could become significantly higher by the end of this decade.

Source Information

BBC Business

Israeli fire mows down starving Palestinians in Gaza as hunger deaths surge

July 20, 2025

At least 115 Palestinians were killed in Gaza by Israeli forces, mostly while waiting for food aid. The United Nations and other organizations have expressed concern about the dire humanitarian situation and urged for the safe passage of aid.

Key Facts:

Israeli forces killed at least 115 Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday.
Most of the deaths happened while people were waiting for food aid.
At least 67 people were killed in northern Gaza near the Zikim crossing.
Six people died at a separate food distribution site in the south.
Since May, more than 900 people have died while trying to get food aid.
The United Nations highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
A convoy of 25 trucks carrying aid to Gaza was fired at, according to the World Food Programme.
The situation has been described as "catastrophic" by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

China bets on Western theme parks to help boost spending

July 20, 2025

China has opened its first Legoland theme park in Shanghai. This is part of China's effort to attract more tourists and boost spending by partnering with well-known Western brands. The park aims to draw both domestic and international visitors and is supported by local government investments.

Key Facts:

Legoland Shanghai is China's first Legoland theme park, opening earlier this month.
The park has 75 rides spread across eight areas and includes a miniature version of Shanghai's skyline.
The park's hotel can accommodate hundreds of guests with themed rooms.
Merlin Entertainments, a UK-based operator, collaborated with local government and Lego's parent company to launch the park.
The park is part of China's strategy to boost its economy by increasing tourism and consumer spending.
China's government offers incentives like tax breaks and new infrastructure to attract theme park developers.
China's large population and parents willing to spend on children's entertainment present significant market potential.
Theme parks also provide jobs and encourage local economic growth.

Source Information

BBC Business

Iran to hold nuclear talks with 3 European powers on Friday

July 20, 2025

Iran, France, Germany, and the UK are set to hold nuclear talks in Istanbul. These talks come after the European countries warned of reimposing international sanctions on Iran if negotiations don't resume.

Key Facts:

Iran, France, Germany, and the UK are holding nuclear talks in Istanbul.
These talks follow a warning from France, Germany, and the UK about resuming sanctions on Iran.
Sanctions had been lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal that the US left in 2018.
Iran accused the US of being involved in an Israeli attack on its nuclear sites.
A ceasefire between Iran and external military attackers began on June 24.
Russia continues to support Iran and discussed the situation with Iranian officials.
The European countries involved are known as the E3.
If talks fail, the E3 might restore UN sanctions by the end of August.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Why are so many Palestinian religious sites under attack by Israel?

July 20, 2025

Israel has bombed Gaza’s only Catholic church amidst ongoing violence. Many mosques and cemeteries in the area have also been damaged or destroyed, and attacks on Christians and Muslims in the West Bank are increasing.

Key Facts:

Israel bombed the only Catholic church in Gaza.
Hundreds of mosques have been damaged or destroyed in the conflict.
Several cemeteries have been obliterated.
Attacks on Christians and Muslims are on the rise in the West Bank.
James Bays is the presenter discussing these events.
Guest speakers include Reverend Mitri Raheb, Moataz El Fegiery, and Michael Lynk.

Source Information

Al Jazeera