Russia and ASEAN nations have agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security, focusing on combating piracy and protecting critical infrastructure. The 2026 Kazan Declaration also outlines plans for joint research on biodiversity and sustainable marine resource management.
US airstrikes in Iran, targeting port cities and Qeshm island, have reportedly damaged water infrastructure, leaving 20,000 residents without clean drinking water. The attacks, a response to a downed US helicopter, have intensified diplomatic tensions and drawn criticism from Tehran.
Iran faces an extreme water crisis exacerbated by a multi-year drought and recent conflict. Infrastructure damage, poor resource management, and climate change have depleted water supplies, leading to protests and potential rationing.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed skepticism about the practicality of orbital data centers, suggesting underwater infrastructure might be more feasible. His comments come amid reports of potential collaborations between Elon Musk's SpaceX and Google on space-based data center projects.
Bitcoin miner Hut 8 is investing $16 million to expand water capacity in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, for its River Bend AI data center campus. The investment includes a new well and water main, with assets to be transferred to the parish post-completion in late 2026.
United Utilities share price jumped 11% after the water company announced an £800m share placing with Future Fund and Atlas as cornerstone investors. Ofwat's regulatory settlement a year ago has proven more generous than initially thought, particularly for companies not incurring heavy pollution fines. UU now targets 10-11% return on equity and seeks to spend an additional £2.5bn on infrastructure, potentially adding £10 to household bills. Severn Trent rose 7% in sympathy, with both companies at all-time highs.
