
Tech, Science, and Global News Highlights
Roundup of global news: NASA observatory hit by wildfires, record El Niño predicted, contagious catfish cancer discovered, and tech reviews/advice.

Roundup of global news: NASA observatory hit by wildfires, record El Niño predicted, contagious catfish cancer discovered, and tech reviews/advice.

The U.S. Justice Department is prosecuting Samuel Tunick for allegedly using a 'duress' password to wipe his phone during a border search, a first-known case of its kind in the U.S.

The Trump administration announced new tariffs on 60 economies, including the EU, effective July 24, citing forced labor in imported goods. Critics view the move as a legal workaround for broad tariff programs previously struck down by the Supreme Court, utilizing Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Pauline Hanson's recent comments on domestic violence, suggesting it's a "two-way street" and questioning why women don't leave abusive relationships, are not gaffes but reflect a decade-long core belief influenced by anti-feminist groups and her son's past allegations.

India's Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has condemned a government order directing GitHub to remove repositories for Jack Dorsey’s BitChat app, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to free speech. The government's cybercrime agency cited BitChat's potential use for bypassing internet shutdowns and evading surveillance.
German farmer Michael Stucke's "Rainbow Wool" project rescues gay rams from slaughter, using their wool for fashion. Profits support the LSVD+ foundation, aiding LGBTQ+ refugees in Europe, and challenges the notion of sexual orientation as a choice.

Malaysia has ordered the UNHCR to temporarily halt refugee registrations while it implements a new national registration program (DPP). Rights advocates warn this move could leave newly arrived asylum seekers without proof of protection, creating a dangerous gap in a country without formal asylum law.
German farmer Michael Stucke, with Nadia Leytes and late Johan, founded "Rainbow Wool" to save "unprofitable" gay rams from slaughter, using their wool for fashion. Profits support the LSVD+ foundation, aiding nearly 2000 LGBTQ+ refugees in Europe, advocating for animal and human rights.

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party adopted a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act, making it official party line to strip the prosecution of its direct investigation rights, including supplementary investigations. The party also plans to establish a dedicated team within the serious crimes investigation agency for vulnerable victims, with the bill expected to be voted on next Thursday.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stated Prime Minister Andy Burnham is not considering rent controls for England, citing the Renters' Rights Act's impact. This contrasts with Burnham's past calls for freezes and Green Party leader Zack Polanski's advocacy for controls, while London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan also supports a cap.

Darya Morozova, DPR's human rights commissioner, reported that 256 children have been killed and 1,076 wounded in the Donetsk People’s Republic since 2014 due to Ukrainian aggression. The report comes ahead of the annual Remembrance Day of child victims of the Donbass conflict on July 27.
John F. Kennedy's 1963 civil rights speech, prompted by Alabama Governor George Wallace blocking Black students at the University of Alabama, declared civil rights a moral test for the nation. The speech, delivered spontaneously, laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, emphasizing that diminishing one person's rights weakens protections for all.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr is at the center of several controversies, including a vote to end the national broadcast ownership cap, introducing the JAWBONE Act for suing over coerced content removal, facing a court petition to repeal the News Distortion Policy, scrutinizing children's TV content on gender identity, clarifying comments on Iran war coverage, facing Senate testimony scrutiny, investigating a BBC documentary, proposing changes to broadband billing transparency, and being publicly criticized by Jimmy Kimmel.

The U.S. government withdrew subpoenas compelling three New York Times reporters to reveal sources, following sharp criticism from a federal judge who cited "sloppy legal work" and emphasized that such demands on journalists should be a last resort. The subpoenas were linked to articles about President Trump's Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.

The US has imposed tariffs on several countries, including China and EU members, with rates up to 12.5%, citing human rights abuses and distortive trade practices. This action is part of President Trump's "America-first" agenda, alongside an ongoing Section 301 investigation into excess industrial capacity.

Russia's Foreign Ministry announced it will seek an adequate response from the UN Secretariat regarding alleged crimes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine against civilian infrastructure and population, following a meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov and Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova in Moscow.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to accelerate discussions on security issues, including Seoul's nuclear-powered submarine development and uranium enrichment rights, during ASEAN-related meetings in Manila, amidst ongoing bilateral economic cooperation and regulatory tensions.

Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj were released on bail from a New Delhi jail after years in prison on "terrorism" financing charges. Their release comes amid India's appeal against the bail and tight court restrictions, highlighting New Delhi's crackdown on dissent in India-administered Kashmir.
The Oval in London is confirmed to host the 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final from June 9-13, marking its second time hosting. The ECB secured hosting rights for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 finals, with the 2027 event coinciding with Test cricket's 150th anniversary.

Russia's parliament passed a law allowing the stripping of property rights, bank accounts, and consular services for Russians abroad facing political prosecution, effectively revoking citizenship for those deemed "traitors" or "extremists" by the state.

Netflix's "Heartstopper," based on Alice Oseman's graphic novels, concludes after six books, three seasons, and a film, leaving a significant cultural impact. The series is celebrated for its positive LGBTQ+ representation, offering joy and reassurance to young queer people, despite some criticism for its sanitized depiction of adolescence.

Pauline Hanson described paid domestic violence leave as "ridiculous" and a "holiday," arguing the family law system is "broken" and favors women, suppressing men. Her comments, made on a podcast and radio, sparked condemnation from the ACTU and anti-family violence groups, with Hanson accusing media of twisting her words.

The prosecution of leading human rights barrister Rajiv Menon KC for contempt of court, stemming from his closing speech in a Palestine Action trial, has caused significant concern and fear among lawyers, according to the Criminal Bar Association chair. Senior legal figures have criticized the move, believed to be the first such prosecution.
The BCCI has significantly increased the reserve prices for its title and associate sponsorship rights, inviting new bids for cycles extending to March 2028. Title sponsorship is now ₹4.9 crore per match, up over 15%, while associate rights are ₹95 lakh per match, aiming to maximize revenue despite market concerns about bilateral cricket viability.