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Brazil is using forensic science to trace the origin of gold and fight illegal mining in the Amazon rainforest. The country’s federal police analyze gold samples to check if they come from protected areas, helping to stop deforestation and mercury pollution caused by illegal mining.
Key Facts
Brazil’s National Institute of Criminalistics in Brasilia runs a “gold lab” to analyze gold samples.
The lab uses a method called "gold fingerprinting" to identify where the gold was mined by studying its unique chemical makeup.
Each gold sample contains trace elements like silver and copper that act like a fingerprint.
This forensic method helps confirm if gold was taken illegally from protected forests or Indigenous lands.
The technique has been developed since 2019 with Brazilian universities and uses advanced tools such as X-ray fluorescence and mass spectrometry.
Illegal mining in the Amazon drives deforestation and dangerous mercury contamination.
Criminals often try to sell illegally mined gold through legal markets by using fraud.
Since 2023, about 1.2 million acres of rainforest have been cleared for mining in the Amazon, with nearly half in Brazil.
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Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned halfway through his term, citing medical reasons. His resignation follows political changes, including the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the rise of a new government led by Tarique Rahman.
Key Facts
Mohammed Shahabuddin became Bangladesh’s 22nd president in April 2023.
He was appointed during Sheikh Hasina’s rule and was considered her close ally.
Sheikh Hasina’s government ended in August 2024 after an anti-government movement; she fled to India.
A new government led by Tarique Rahman took power with a landslide victory in February 2024.
Shahabuddin resigned on medical grounds, but reports suggest he may have been pressured due to contacts with Hasina.
After resignation, Parliament’s speaker will serve as acting president until a new one is elected.
Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a Bangladeshi tribunal for a crackdown linked to the uprising.
India has refused to extradite Hasina despite requests from Bangladeshi governments.
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A seaplane carrying 11 people crashed and caught fire near Sucia Island, north of Seattle. All passengers and the pilot were rescued quickly and taken to hospitals, while authorities began an investigation into the crash.
Key Facts
The crash happened around 5:20 p.m. near Shallow Bay by Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands, Washington.
The seaplane had 1 pilot and 10 passengers on board.
The plane caught fire after crash landing on a rocky coast and partially sank against a large rock.
Multiple rescuers, including Good Samaritans and the U.S. Coast Guard, helped rescue all aboard.
The plane took off from Lake Union in Seattle heading to Roche Harbor on San Juan Island.
The aircraft was a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, a single-engine plane used for short take-offs and landings.
Kenmore Air, the operator, suspended flights for the next day and is cooperating with investigators.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate the cause of the crash.
Following a 2022 fatal seaplane crash in Puget Sound, FAA required inspections of certain parts on these planes, but the aircraft involved was reported to have passed inspections.
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Andy Burnham became the new prime minister of the United Kingdom and has started his term by traveling across the country, meeting with world leaders, and announcing economic measures like a tax cut on household electricity bills and a bus fare cap. He opened a part-time office in Manchester to help spread economic growth beyond London and to give more power to local areas.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham took office as the UK prime minister after Keir Starmer resigned.
Burnham has traveled around England and Scotland during his first week in office.
He announced a tax cut on household electricity bills and set a cap of 2 pounds ($2.70) on bus fares.
Burnham plans to work at least one day a week from a new Northern office in Manchester called “No 10 North.”
The Manchester office aims to decentralize power and support economic growth outside of London.
Opposition politicians have criticized the new Manchester office, calling it a gimmick.
Burnham promises to give more power to local areas to improve struggling regions.
On foreign policy, Burnham supports continued UK aid to Ukraine and respects Greenland’s right to self-determination alongside Denmark.
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The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is the fastest growing ever and has caused over 1,000 deaths. Health officials reported more than 2,500 confirmed cases and are working hard to control the virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is happening in eastern Congo.
Over 2,500 people have tested positive for Ebola.
More than 1,000 people have died from the outbreak.
At least 738 patients are isolated or in the hospital.
There is no approved vaccine or treatment for this version of the virus yet.
Health officials are working to contain the spread of Ebola.
The outbreak is considered the fastest-growing in history.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised quick legal action against those involved in exam paper leaks, addressing student protests that are spreading across the country. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after talks with government officials, but student protests continue, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Key Facts
Exam paper leaks have led to widespread student protests in multiple Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Patna.
The student group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is organizing protests demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Pradhan.
Violence occurred near protests when police used tear gas and batons on demonstrators trying to march to the Indian Parliament.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticized the Indian government for excessive police force and internet shutdowns during protests.
Sonam Wangchuk, an activist supporting the students, ended a 26-day hunger strike after negotiations with government leaders.
The government promised not to press charges against peaceful protesters from recent demonstrations.
Officials also said they are discussing reforms to prevent exam paper leaks and considering compensation for families of students who died by suicide linked to exam issues.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical school admissions has had multiple paper leak scandals in recent years.
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Four Palestinians and one Israeli person died in a shooting in the West Bank village of Till. The shooting happened after Israeli settlers attacked the village, according to Palestinian authorities.
Key Facts
The incident took place in Till, a village in the occupied West Bank.
Four Palestinians were killed during the shooting.
One Israeli was also killed in the event.
Israeli settlers reportedly attacked the village before the shooting.
Palestinian authorities provided information about the attack and casualties.
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Some officials who served under President Donald Trump are worried about the fast use of interceptors and precision-guided weapons in the Middle East. These weapons can be used to hit targets accurately from a distance.
Key Facts
Officials from the Trump administration have expressed concern about weapon use in the Middle East.
The weapons involved are interceptors and precision-guided types.
Interceptors are used to stop or destroy incoming missiles or threats.
Precision-guided weapons can accurately target specific locations or objects.
The concern is about how quickly these weapons are being deployed in the region.
The information comes from sources talking to CBS News.
CBS News correspondent Kathryn Watson reported on this issue.
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The United States and Iran are continuing to exchange military strikes in the Middle East. Some U.S. officials are worried that American weapons might be running low as the conflict goes on and forces increase in the region.
Key Facts
The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
The U.S. and Iran are conducting strikes against each other.
Some officials in the U.S. are concerned about running low on weapons.
President Donald Trump has warned of possible further military actions.
The situation is ongoing and causing worry about resources for U.S. forces.
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At least 16 people were killed in Russian missile strikes near Kyiv and in the eastern city of Sloviansk. Ukraine also launched attacks on Russian military targets and warehouses of a major Russian online retailer, Wildberries, causing fires and casualties.
Key Facts
Ten people died in ballistic missile strikes near Kyiv.
Five people were killed in Sloviansk, an eastern Ukrainian city.
Ukrainian forces killed six and wounded 26 near Kirov, a city deep inside Russia.
Ukraine attacked Wildberries warehouses in Saint Petersburg and nearby areas, causing large fires.
Wildberries warehouses have been hit three times in six days, with previous strikes killing workers and destroying goods worth about $1 billion.
The missile attack near Kyiv targeted a military training ground and an ongoing defense exhibition.
Ukrainian officials say they are investigating why a public event was held despite the risk of attack.
Romania shot down a Russian drone that entered its airspace, alerting local authorities.
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A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Manhattan's Upper East Side has sickened 82 people and caused five deaths. The disease comes from bacteria that grow in warm water systems and spread through tiny water droplets people breathe in, not from person to person.
Key Facts
The outbreak in Manhattan is linked to contaminated cooling towers.
82 people have become ill, with eight still in the hospital and 56 discharged.
No new cases were reported for six days as of July 21, but the situation is still being monitored.
Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria called Legionella, which grow in warm water.
People get sick by breathing in small water droplets containing the bacteria.
The disease can cause mild fever or serious lung infections such as pneumonia.
Legionella bacteria can grow in cooling towers, showers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and plumbing systems.
Household risk exists if water heaters are set too low or water sits unused for a long time, but regular use and proper maintenance reduce risk.
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Explosive drones attacked a U.S. military base in northern Iraq near Erbil, where American troops are stationed. This happened shortly after the U.S. military carried out a series of air strikes against Iran for the 13th night in a row.
Key Facts
Five explosive drones targeted the U.S. base near Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq.
Kurdish security forces said coalition troops shot down all five drones.
The attack came just hours after the U.S. completed its 13th straight night of strikes against Iranian targets.
The base in Erbil hosts American forces as part of international coalition operations.
The strikes against Iran are part of ongoing military actions by the U.S. in the region.
No information about casualties or damage from the drone attack was provided in the report.
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Satellite images confirm that a Ukrainian drone destroyed a Russian Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber at a military base in Russia. The attack shows Ukraine can strike deep inside Russia, hitting important military targets.
Key Facts
Ukraine used long-range drones to attack the Engels-2 airbase in Russia’s Saratov region.
The drone strike destroyed the tail section of a Russian Tu-95MS bomber.
The Tu-95 is a key Russian bomber that carries cruise missiles for long-range attacks.
Russia has about 45 Tu-95MS bombers and 18 modernized versions in service.
Losing one bomber reduces Russia’s ability to launch missile strikes on Ukraine.
The Engels-2 base supports heavy bomber aviation regiments important to Russia’s military.
Ukraine has also targeted logistics centers for Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, in St. Petersburg and Crimea.
This attack follows a recent report that a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet shot down a Russian plane in air combat for the first time.
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Andy Burnham became the new UK prime minister recently and is working on early government changes from his base in Manchester. He has introduced some small policy steps so far, with a major long-term plan expected later this year. Burnham's start shows he is active and focused, but he faces challenges both at home and internationally.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham took office as UK prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer stepped down.
Burnham is setting up important government functions in Manchester, called No 10 North.
Early policy actions included changes to business rates, bus fares, and VAT on electricity bills in England.
Burnham plans to announce a detailed 10-year plan for Britain later in 2026.
Some opposition politicians say Burnham’s start is informal and question the depth of his plans.
Burnham called for a pause on the early release of prisoners in England and Wales due to prison crowding.
He renewed US use of British airbases for defensive strikes on Iran, leading to threats from Tehran.
The situation in the Middle East is escalating, affecting UK foreign policy and security concerns.
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A university lecturer in Tanzania, Melkisedek Kaijage, was arrested and charged with terrorism related to anti-government protests that were planned but did not take place. He will stay in custody until his trial because terrorism charges in Tanzania usually do not allow bail.
Key Facts
Melkisedek Kaijage teaches political science and public administration at the University of Dodoma.
He was arrested after planned protests on July 7 calling for democratic reforms were banned.
More than 130 people were arrested in connection with these protests.
Kaijage was first charged with inciting people to join protests but later charged with terrorism.
Prosecutors say he threatened to burn public buildings to intimidate others.
Terrorism charges in Tanzania can lead to prison sentences from 10 years to life.
The lecturer was moved from police custody to a prison in Dodoma.
The Tanzanian government has been cracking down on opposition figures and banned political rallies to maintain security.
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Police in Ireland stopped a car bomb near the Northern Ireland border this week and arrested two people. The bomb was linked to dissident republican groups who oppose the peace agreement that ended decades of conflict in the region.
Key Facts
The car bomb was found near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, in the Republic of Ireland.
A woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s were arrested and remain in custody.
Irish police called a military bomb disposal team to handle the explosive device.
The car bomb was described as "extremely significant" by police officials.
Earlier this year, two car bombs exploded or were attempted in Northern Ireland, linked to dissident republicans.
No one was hurt in the recent bombing incidents.
Dissident republicans are a small group who oppose the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.
The Troubles was a conflict that caused about 3,600 deaths before the peace deal.
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The US has called in Malaysia’s ambassador to discuss Malaysia’s long-standing policy of not recognizing Israel. Malaysia continues to bar Israeli citizens from entering the country because of its support for the Palestinian cause, despite concerns raised by some US lawmakers.
Key Facts
The US Department of State summoned Malaysia’s ambassador over Malaysia’s Israel policy.
Malaysia does not recognize the state of Israel and has no diplomatic ties with it.
Malaysia’s policy includes denying entry to Israeli citizens.
An individual holding both US and Israeli citizenship was asked to leave Malaysia after authorities found his Israeli nationality.
A community called Network School was shut down after claims it included Israeli participants.
Eight US congressmen opposed Malaysia’s ban on Israeli citizens and threatened to cut military training aid.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the country will continue to bar Israeli citizens to support Palestinians.
The US Congress requested the State Department review Malaysia’s economic and security relations.
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Four men died when a car crashed into a lamp-post in Huyton, Merseyside, early in the morning. One other passenger was taken to the hospital and is stable. Police have closed several roads while they investigate the crash.
Key Facts
The crash happened before 2:00 a.m. on Liverpool Road in Huyton, Merseyside.
Four men, aged 23, 23, 24, and 26, died at the scene.
A 27-year-old passenger survived and is in stable condition at the hospital.
The car was a black Seat Cupra traveling from Liverpool toward Knowsley.
Eleven roads near the crash site, including Liverpool Road and East Prescot Road, are closed.
The road closures will likely last through the weekend.
The police have asked witnesses to come forward with any information.
Investigations are ongoing to understand how the crash happened.
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The use of drones in conflicts like those in Iran and Ukraine has made it easier and cheaper to attack energy infrastructure such as oil refineries and ports. This has caused higher oil prices and is forcing companies and governments to rethink how they protect power grids, pipelines, and energy facilities.
Key Facts
Drones have been used to strike oil refineries and tankers in the wars in Ukraine and Iran.
These attacks have contributed to oil prices rising to around $100 per barrel.
Ukraine has launched long-range drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure.
Iran has attacked energy shipping routes and facilities in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby regions using drones.
Experts say energy infrastructure in conflict zones needs new types of defense against drone attacks.
More distributed and smaller-scale energy networks (called modular infrastructure) are suggested to reduce damage risks.
Existing anti-drone defenses include nets, lasers, electronic jamming, and missile systems, but these are costly and limited.
Greater collaboration between the military and energy companies is needed to improve energy security against drone threats.
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