India's NBCC to develop 1,008 affordable housing units in Seychelles by 2029, part of a $75 million aid package, addressing housing shortage and strengthening bilateral ties.
The Trump administration's forced relocation of federal employees from agencies like NASA, Forest Service, and CFPB has resulted in millions of dollars in rent paid for empty offices, poorly coordinated moves, and significant work disruptions, with some actions facing legal challenges.
Fast-moving wildfires in Spokane, Washington state, have forced around 60,000 evacuations and destroyed 600 buildings, including homes and businesses. Officials describe it as the region's worst natural disaster, with strong winds and dryness fueling the blazes.
Wildfires near Spokane, eastern Washington, have destroyed approximately 600 homes and forced 5,000 evacuations. Burning over 8.2 square miles, the uncontained fires are exacerbated by strong winds and challenging terrain, prompting a state of emergency.
Inmates at Mahara Prison near Colombo destroyed multiple buildings, but Deputy Police Inspector-General Sanjeewa Medawatte stated the situation is now under control with armed forces and Special Task Force reinforcements. This follows previous riots in 2020 and a month prior.
Kyiv suffered ballistic missile attacks, killing 10 and injuring 22, while Donald Trump expressed reluctance on licensing Patriot missile production to Ukraine. President Zelenskyy also urged Trump to facilitate Starlink use for strikes inside Russia. Separately, Ukrainians protested the ouster of the defense minister, and Black Sea grain exports faced threats from drone attacks.
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake hit Italy's Campi Flegrei volcanic region near Naples, injuring at least 26 people, damaging dozens of buildings, and causing evacuations. It was the strongest recorded quake in the area since instrumental monitoring began, with officials warning of continued seismic activity.
The body of 38-year-old Elisabeth-Jane Ross, who had connections to Greece, was found in a suitcase in Kypseli, Athens, last month. Greek and Scottish police are investigating her death, which remains a mystery as initial examinations were inconclusive and her phone was used days after her presumed death.
Property guardianship allows individuals to live in vacant commercial or residential buildings for 30-50% less rent in exchange for protection. While offering affordable housing, guardians have fewer rights and can face 28-day eviction notices, as experienced by residents like Katrina in London.
The number of megacities (urban areas with over 10 million people) is projected to increase from 33 in 2025 to 37 by 2050, with Africa and South Asia driving growth, and potentially seeing the emergence of 'gigacities' like Lagos with over 100 million residents.
Typhoon Noul, issuing a No 9 signal, made its closest approach to Hong Kong within 80km, causing minor damage despite strong winds, and was the third closest major storm to the city this century.
Iran’s missile campaign against US and Gulf targets is becoming more accurate, according to analysts cited in the article. The piece links the improvement to Chinese satellite imagery, Russian tactics and advances in Iran’s ballistic missile programme.
UK homes are ill-equipped for rising temperatures, with past policy failures like the Green Homes Grant exacerbating the issue. London's mayor proposes a heat-ready plan, but its implementation faces significant public investment challenges amidst political quietness on the climate crisis.
The World Bank estimates that powerful earthquakes in Venezuela in late June caused $19.6 billion in physical damage, with residential buildings, infrastructure, and non-residential buildings most affected. The disaster killed 5,000, injured 17,000, and left 18,000 homeless, exacerbating pre-existing economic hardship and poverty.
India lacks a single, comprehensive law for abandoned buildings, with regulations spread across various state and municipal laws. Government acquisition or demolition is not automatic; specific procedures involve inspections, owner notices, and demolition only in cases of imminent danger, as seen in Maharashtra and Delhi.
The £500m Elephant and Castle redevelopment in south London is opening, replacing a historic shopping centre with modern towers. However, many displaced Latin American businesses, like Diana Sach's restaurant, feel promises of affordable new premises have been broken, leading to closures and struggles amidst rising rents and corporate tenants.
Russia launched one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv overnight, killing at least one person and wounding 16. The barrage involved 41 missiles of various types, damaging residential buildings, warehouses, a supermarket, and a dormitory across several districts.
At least six people died and 21 were injured after two earthquakes (magnitudes 5.1 and 3.7) hit Peru's Chupaca province, Junín region, destroying 48 homes and affecting 300 residents. Emergency teams are clearing rubble amid fears of more trapped victims.
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake in Peru's Andes region killed at least six people, injured over 30, and displaced 300. The quake, centered near Sicaya in Huancayo province, caused significant structural damage, exacerbated by traditional adobe construction.
Reports cover a range of international incidents including potential heat-related deaths in Europe, US military actions against Iran, political statements from Russia and Ukraine, and foiled attacks. Tensions remain high with ongoing military operations and diplomatic exchanges.
Budapest's iconic ruin bars, once bohemian art spaces in abandoned buildings, are increasingly seen as tourist traps. While some, like Szimpla Kert and Csendes Létterem, retain their charm and community focus, others have lost their essence to commercialization and loud crowds. Authentic spots like Fekete Kutya and Zsír still offer a glimpse into the original spirit.
Master carpenters in Japan use a 1,000-year-old woodworking technique called kigumi to repair centuries-old temples without modern nails. This method involves precisely carved wooden joints that fit together like puzzle pieces, offering structural advantages against earthquakes and humidity.
Japanese master carpenters use the ancient kigumi woodworking technique, involving precisely carved wooden joints, to repair centuries-old temples without modern nails. This method offers practical advantages, enhancing structural integrity against earthquakes and weather, and promoting sustainability.
A major office-to-residential conversion in NYC was temporarily halted after steel columns buckled, highlighting engineering challenges in repurposing old buildings for housing. Experts say the incident, while concerning, underscores the need for meticulous planning rather than undermining adaptive reuse.
