Hong Kong maintained its 17th spot in QS's Best Student Cities list for 2027, but high living costs, East Asia's steepest tuition fees, and limited accommodation continue to deter international applicants. The city ranked sixth for university strength.
Flash floods in eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province killed at least 20 people, injured 80, and left over 100 missing. Authorities confirmed a rescue mission is underway, with severe damage to homes and farmland, and more extreme weather is predicted.
UK job vacancies dropped to 712,000 in June, nearly half of 2022 levels, as employers delay hiring. Unemployment held at 4.9%. Economists warn of a fragile labor market, while the new PM Andy Burnham faces pressure to boost the economy amid rising costs and global conflict.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the ASEAN summit in Southeast Asia, reaffirming U.S. support for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China and global threats from Middle East conflicts and Myanmar's civil war, impacting energy supplies and regional stability.
The Hellenic Club of Canberra was cleared of failing to record a couple's problem gambling, despite their $345,000 poker machine losses and one spouse's suicide. ACAT found the club breached rules on EFTPOS cash withdrawals, with new fines to be determined.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions after Saudi-backed forces bombed Sana'a International Airport. The Houthis cited an "eye for an eye" policy, warning of decisive escalation, while Saudi Arabia vowed to protect its ships.
Ukraine launched over 400 drones at Moscow, hitting industrial sites and an oil depot, while Russia continued ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing multiple casualties. Cross-border strikes also led to deaths in Belgorod and on a cargo vessel near Odesa, as Ukraine's military commander Syrskyi faces potential dismissal.
The U.S. condemned China's "dangerous and aggressive" actions against Philippine navy personnel in the South China Sea, after a Chinese coast guard officer reportedly injured a Filipino sailor. The incident occurred at Second Thomas Shoal ahead of U.S. and Chinese foreign ministers' meetings in Manila.
Myfanwy Webb regrets a missed opportunity to diagnose her son Jeremy's tick-induced mammalian meat allergy (MMA) after his 2022 death, the first known globally. An inquest ruled his fatal anaphylaxis was triggered by MMA, prompting warnings from scientists about the condition's unexpected and deadly threat.
South Korea's industry ministry confirms stable crude oil supply for July-September despite renewed Middle East tensions, including Houthi rebel threats in the Red Sea. The ministry is closely monitoring major shipping routes and has secured sufficient oil.
An 18-year-old Shanghai student, Wu Yulun, secretly traveled with a friend to Guangxi, a flood-stricken region in southwestern China, to join volunteer relief efforts after completing his gaokao, telling his parents he was on holiday.
A small dog, missing since the Fourth of July weekend, was rescued from the San Francisco Bay near the Dumbarton Bridge by the Menlo Park fire protection district and East Palo Alto police. The dog was later reunited with its family through the SPCA.
A new UNODC report reveals online scams, primarily investment fraud, cost victims an estimated US$88.3 billion to US$114.1 billion last year, a significant increase from 2023. Authorities in an unspecified region are reportedly cracking down on this illicit industry under pressure from the United States, Britain, and China.
The NSW government unveiled plans for 800 high-density units at the former Tweed Hospital site and increased density at East Lismore. Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry welcomed the move but urged more than 10% affordable housing, while an outreach director expressed disappointment over the lack of social housing.
Analysts warn of renewed inflation fears driven by escalating US-Iran tensions in the Middle East, which keep oil prices high. BlackRock estimates a 0.8 percentage point increase to global inflation, particularly affecting energy-reliant regions like Europe and Asia. This environment reinforces the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance, prompting calls for diversified portfolios.
At least 10 people, nine women and one man, sustained minor injuries when a Citybus 952P crashed into a barrier on the Kowloon-bound carriageway of Tuen Mun Road near Sham Tseng, shattering its windscreen and windows.
At least 27 people died and 83 are missing after the MV Barima ferry capsized off Guyana's coast. 69 were rescued from the vessel, which carried around 180 people. An investigation is underway, with two crew members testing positive for cannabis.
Hong Kong triathlete sisters Cade and Tallulah Wright, 23, are poised for Asian Games debuts in September. Their coach believes they can achieve Olympic qualification and major medals if they focus on the sport until at least the 2032 Olympics.
Hong Kong expects thundery showers moving east from western Guangdong, with heavier downpours and squally thunderstorms affecting parts of the territory in the next couple of hours, followed by sunny intervals and very hot conditions later in the week.
A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured after being stabbed in Cranbourne North, Melbourne, following an altercation between teenagers. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred outside Alkira Secondary College after school hours, and are seeking public assistance.
A passenger ferry, MV Barima, capsized off Guyana's coast, drowning at least 27 people with 83 missing. An investigation is underway, and the captain and a crew member tested positive for cannabis, leading to their arrest.
Indian sailors are being killed and injured in Middle East shipping attacks amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. India's government has implemented new monitoring and hiring advisories, but families of victims demand stronger action and compensation.
Iran targeted US radar and air defense installations in Kuwait and Bahrain, warning of further attacks after US strikes on Iran. This follows Iran's Revolutionary Guards attacking oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi rebels blockading Saudi ports, escalating regional tensions.
Ryanair reported a 34% Q1 profit drop to 538 million euros, attributing it to consumer booking delays due to the Middle East crisis and rising unhedged fuel costs. The budget carrier warns of a "difficult winter" for struggling European airlines, with potential failures.
