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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
China is offering parents $500 a year for each child under three to encourage families to have more children. This national subsidy aims to address the country's declining birth rate and is expected to help about 20 million families with child-raising costs.
Key Facts
China will pay parents 3,600 yuan (or $500) annually for each child under three.
The subsidy targets the declining birth rate in China.
About 20 million families are expected to benefit from the program.
The policy takes effect retroactively from the beginning of the year.
Parents of children born from 2022 to 2024 can also apply for partial subsidies.
Local initiatives, like in Hohhot, offer different incentives for larger families.
It costs about $75,700 to raise a child to 17 in China.
China's population decreased for three straight years up to 2024.
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BRICS is a group of countries that work together on economic issues and includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Recently, they held a meeting to discuss topics like international law and global health. The group does not include the United States and has caused friction with President Trump, who has suggested increasing tariffs on BRICS countries.
Key Facts
BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The group aims to work together on economic matters.
BRICS countries recently held a meeting to discuss international law and global health.
The United States is not part of BRICS.
President Trump has criticized BRICS and threatened higher tariffs against its members.
The term "BRICs" was coined by an economist to describe these emerging economies.
Historically, international economic organizations have been led by Western countries.
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Rescuers helped residents of a Beijing nursing home trapped in deep floodwaters. Heavy rains around Beijing led to deadly floods, killing at least 30 people and forcing over 80,000 people to leave their homes. Chinese leader Xi Jinping directed extensive search and rescue operations to reduce casualties.
Key Facts
Rescue workers saved people from a Beijing nursing home in chest-deep water.
The floods in northeastern China resulted in at least 30 deaths.
Over 80,000 residents in affected areas have been evacuated.
More than 543.4mm (21.4 inches) of rain hit regions around Beijing in recent days.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a comprehensive rescue effort.
Floods have severely impacted large parts of northeastern China.
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An Israeli settler shot and killed Palestinian activist Odeh Muhammad Hadalin in the village of Umm al-Khair in the West Bank. Local officials and journalists confirmed the incident, and the Israeli police are investigating the case, having arrested one Israeli and several Palestinians.
Key Facts
Odeh Muhammad Hadalin was a Palestinian activist and teacher.
The shooting happened in Umm al-Khair, a village in the West Bank.
Hadalin helped with the documentary "No Other Land," which shows attacks on Palestinians in Masafer Yatta.
The Israeli settler involved in the shooting has been detained by the police.
Four Palestinians and two foreign tourists were also arrested in connection with the incident.
Hadalin lived in Masafer Yatta, an area where residents face the threat of eviction.
The Palestinian news agency reported another Palestinian was injured in the same attack.
The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions and reports of violence in the region.
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Former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe was found guilty of witness-tampering and fraud by a court in Bogotá. He was convicted of trying to bribe witnesses in an investigation into his alleged ties to right-wing paramilitaries. Uribe plans to appeal the verdict, saying he is innocent.
Key Facts
Álvaro Uribe was president of Colombia from 2002 to 2010.
He is the first former Colombian president to be convicted of a crime.
The charges against Uribe include witness-tampering and fraud.
Each crime could lead to a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
Uribe was accused of bribing witnesses to deny his alleged ties to paramilitary groups.
More than 90 witnesses testified during his trial.
He has always denied any connections to right-wing paramilitaries.
The case began in 2012 when Uribe accused a senator of plotting against him.
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Heavy rain and flooding in and around Beijing have resulted in at least 34 deaths. Authorities evacuated over 80,000 people in the capital as warnings and rescue efforts continue.
Key Facts
At least 34 people have died due to heavy rains and flooding in the Beijing area.
30 fatalities were reported in Beijing, with 28 occurring in Miyun district and 2 in Yanqing district.
Over 80,000 residents were evacuated from Beijing, including around 17,000 from Miyun.
A landslide in Luanping county, Hebei, killed four people and left eight missing.
By Tuesday midnight, Beijing received an average of 16 centimeters (6 inches) of rain, with some towns getting up to 54 centimeters (21 inches).
Authorities released water from a reservoir in Miyun due to high levels.
The storm affected power and communication, damaging over 30 road sections and causing power outages in more than 130 villages.
Emergency protocols ordered residents to stay indoors, with schools and outdoor activities suspended.
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Heavy rains and flooding in Beijing have led to the deaths of at least 30 people. Over 80,000 people have been moved from flooded areas, and many roads have been damaged. Rescue and safety efforts are ongoing as more rain is expected.
Key Facts
At least 30 people have died due to heavy rains and flooding in Beijing.
The deaths mostly occurred in the mountain areas of Miyun and Yanqing districts.
Beijing experienced rainfall up to 543mm (21.3 inches) in its northern regions.
More than 80,000 residents have been evacuated from flood-affected areas.
The flooding has damaged many roads and cut power to at least 136 villages.
Authorities released water from a full reservoir in Miyun to manage rising river levels.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered search and rescue operations to reduce casualties.
Local residents reported sudden flooding, with streets and businesses quickly submerged.
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Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe was found guilty of bribery and witness tampering. The court ruled he tried to influence witnesses against him in an investigation of his ties to paramilitary groups. Uribe, who may face up to 12 years in prison, plans to appeal the decision.
Key Facts
Álvaro Uribe, former Colombian President, was convicted of bribery and witness tampering.
The trial lasted nearly six months and was closely followed in Colombia.
Uribe was convicted of trying to influence witnesses connected to allegations of his ties with paramilitary groups.
The ruling does not immediately result in Uribe's arrest; he is not required to be in jail yet.
Uribe could face up to 12 years in prison at a later sentencing hearing.
Protests occurred outside the courthouse during the ruling, with supporters and opponents of Uribe clashing.
Uribe previously led Colombia from 2002 to 2010 and is a significant political figure with strong opinions for and against him.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the ruling, while Colombian President Gustavo Petro supported the court’s decision.
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On July 29, a Russian drone attack on a residential building in Kyiv injured eight people. Ukraine's Air Force reported a large-scale attack involving drones and missiles across the country, most of which were intercepted. In other events, Russia claimed control over areas in eastern Ukraine, and the U.S. set a deadline for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
A Russian drone attack in Kyiv injured eight people, including a four-year-old girl.
The Ukrainian Air Force said 324 drones and several missiles were launched in the attack.
Ukraine's Air Force successfully intercepted 309 drones and two missiles.
A fire started in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, but no injuries were reported.
Russia claimed to have targeted a Ukrainian air base and ammunition depot.
Polish and allied aircraft were activated as Russian missiles approached Poland's border.
Russian troops took control of two settlements in eastern Ukraine.
Russia's airline Aeroflot canceled over 50 flights due to a cyberattack by pro-Ukraine groups.
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The United States and the European Union have reached a trade agreement. The deal includes a 15 percent tariff for the EU, but not for the US, and plans for large US energy and weapons contracts.
Key Facts
The US and EU reached a trade deal.
The agreement includes a 15 percent tariff for the EU.
The US is not subject to this new tariff.
The deal involves large contracts for US energy and weapons.
EU supporters claim the deal prevents a trade war.
Some critics believe the agreement favors the US more.
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A humanitarian aid convoy has reached Suwayda province in Syria, bringing relief supplies after recent clashes there displaced thousands and damaged essential services. The United Nations has warned that the humanitarian situation remains serious, with ongoing challenges like roadblocks that hinder aid delivery.
Key Facts
A convoy carrying aid has arrived in Suwayda province, which largely consists of Druze communities.
The convoy included 200 tonnes of flour, 2,000 shelter kits, 1,000 food baskets, and medical supplies.
The UN describes the situation in Suwayda as critical despite a largely held ceasefire.
Clashes, which began on July 13, involved Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and later the involvement of government forces.
The violence displaced over 128,000 people and led to shortages of critical supplies like food and medicine.
Local reports indicate ongoing blockades and road closures that prevent aid from reaching many people in need.
Israel conducted air strikes in Syria, affecting government forces and key buildings in Damascus.
Russia has emphasized the need for respecting Syria’s territorial boundaries amid the conflict.
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Dozens of ministers met at a United Nations conference to promote a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. The United States and Israel did not attend the meeting, which was hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. The conference aimed to discuss steps towards ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but tensions remain high as the conflict continues in Gaza.
Key Facts
The United Nations conference focused on a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.
The United States and Israel chose not to participate in the meeting.
The meeting was organized by France and Saudi Arabia, following a decision made by the UN General Assembly in September of the previous year.
Saudi Foreign Minister urged countries to support a roadmap for a Palestinian state while ensuring Israel's security.
The UN Secretary-General asked for decisive action rather than just talk.
France plans to recognize a Palestinian state in an upcoming UN assembly.
The meeting occurs during continuing conflict in Gaza, sparked by a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.
Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza have led to significant Palestinian casualties.
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The Tasis Alliance, a group of Sudanese armed organizations, has set up its own "transitional peace" government to compete with the official government in Port Sudan. Formed by the RSF and SPLM-N, Tasis aims to gain international recognition and strengthen its position before upcoming peace talks in the US.
Key Facts
The Tasis Alliance, formed in February, consists of Sudanese armed groups like the RSF and SPLM-N.
Tasis has created a separate government to compete with Sudan's official government in Port Sudan.
SPLM-N has fought against Sudan's central government for 40 years due to land disputes.
RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) were allies but began fighting in April 2023.
Tasis wants to gain legitimacy and improve its standing in future peace negotiations.
New peace talks involving international parties are set to start on July 29 in the US.
The RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, leads Tasis's new government, with SPLM-N leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu as deputy.
Tasis's new administration includes members from smaller armed groups and political parties.
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President Trump called for efforts to send more food to Gaza, highlighting the risk of starvation for many Palestinians. He stressed that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu should ensure the delivery of food.
Key Facts
President Trump urged for more food to be sent to Gaza.
He mentioned the threat of starvation affecting many Palestinians.
Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to ensure food reaches Gaza.
The comments were reported by Deema Zein.
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President Trump announced he is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 10 to 12 days to work out a deal to stop the Ukraine war. A judge stopped the Trump administration's attempt to cut funding to Planned Parenthood. A suspect was arrested after two people died outside a casino in Reno, and officials are looking into a plane fire in Denver where passengers had to evacuate.
Key Facts
President Trump set a 10 to 12-day deadline for a Ukraine peace deal with Vladimir Putin.
A judge blocked an attempt by the Trump administration to remove funds from Planned Parenthood.
A suspect is in custody following the killing of two people near a Reno casino.
Passengers evacuated a plane in Denver that caught on fire.
Authorities are investigating why the plane in Denver began burning.
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The United States and Europe have agreed on a new trade deal. This deal is part of President Trump's efforts on tariffs and trade, and reactions vary in both regions.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Europe have made a new trade deal.
This deal is part of ongoing trade discussions led by President Trump.
Mixed reactions to the deal are seen in both the U.S. and Europe.
Jovita Neliupšienė is the European Union’s ambassador to the United States.
Amna Nawaz interviewed the ambassador about the trade agreement.
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People are now using food waste to create electricity instead of sending it to landfills. A reporter visited the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory in Vermont to learn more about this process.
Key Facts
Food waste can be turned into electricity.
This helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
The Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory in Vermont is involved in this process.
A reporter visited the site to understand how the process works.
Converting waste to energy can be environmentally friendly.
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President Donald Trump has negotiated new trade agreements with several countries, including the European Union and Japan. These deals involve the countries agreeing to U.S. tariffs and making significant investments in the U.S. economy. However, these agreements lack many details and face criticism for potentially increasing costs for American consumers.
Key Facts
The European Union agreed to 15% tariffs on most goods sold to the U.S.
The EU committed to buying $750 billion in U.S. energy products and investing $600 billion by 2028.
Japan also agreed to 15% U.S. tariffs and plans to invest in the United States.
Other countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines have seen increased tariffs on their exports to the U.S.
Trump's use of tariffs has resulted in billions of dollars in revenue for the U.S. Treasury.
Economists warn that these tariffs might lead to higher prices for Americans and could affect economic growth.
The details of these trade agreements are not fully documented and are still somewhat unclear.
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A BBC journalist accompanied a Jordanian military plane dropping aid into Gaza. Despite restrictions on filming outside the plane, he noted extensive damage in northern Gaza. Humanitarian groups argue that airdrops are insufficient and more trucks should deliver supplies.
Key Facts
Jeremy Bowen of the BBC flew on a Jordanian military plane delivering aid to Gaza.
The Jordanians instructed the BBC not to film outside plane windows.
Bowen observed severe destruction in northern Gaza.
Israel controls all supplies entering Gaza.
Israel denies causing food shortages and starvation in Gaza.
Humanitarian groups insist airdrops aren't enough and more truck deliveries are needed.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to replace all 16 members of a national health panel. This panel helps decide which treatments insurance companies should pay for and guides doctors on patient care.
Key Facts
Health Secretary is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy plans to remove all 16 members of a health panel.
The panel's full name is the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
This group influences which treatments insurance companies cover.
Doctors across the country follow the panel's care recommendations.
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala discussed this plan with Stephanie Sy.
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