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News18
Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST
Scientists warn of enduring toxic legacy from 2021 Sri Lanka ship disaster
The environmental fallout from the 2021 X-Press Pearl cargo ship disaster off Sri Lanka has a far more enduring and toxic legacy than initially assessed, with scientists now confirming persistent and widespread contamination, BBC says in a report. The primary pollutants are billions of pre-production plastic pellets, known as nurdles, and hazardous chemicals which continue to degrade into microplastics. This ongoing contamination poses a significant long-term threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity, severely impacting the livelihoods of local fishing communities through reduced and contaminated fish stocks. The disaster has also created a substantial economic burden for Sri Lanka, which is still pursuing full compensation for cleanup and damages through complex legal proceedings, while the incident prompts calls for stricter international maritime regulations on transporting hazardous materials.
Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST
Israeli strikes in Gaza reportedly kill 63 amid deepening hunger crisis
Israeli military strikes in Gaza have reportedly killed 63 people, with attacks occurring even in designated 'safe zones' despite declared tactical 'pauses' in fighting, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen, as health officials in Gaza reported that six more Palestinians, including two children, have died from malnutrition and dehydration. These events compound a severe and deepening hunger crisis that humanitarian agencies have warned is pushing the population toward famine.
Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST
Green algae proliferation threatens French oyster industry
A significant proliferation of green algae in Brittany's Morlaix Bay is posing a direct threat to the local oyster industry, according to a report in France 24. The algal blooms, primarily fed by farm waste and nitrogen fertilizers from the region's intensive agriculture, are creating adverse conditions for oyster farming. This long-standing environmental issue, which also impacts local tourism and public health, is reportedly being exacerbated by the effects of global warming, threatening the economic livelihoods of France's oyster farmers.
Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST
Google acknowledges its earthquake alert system failed to warn millions in Turkey
Google's Android Earthquake Alerts System (AEAS) sent only 469 serious warnings ahead of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey, failing to alert millions of people, BBC says in a report. While the system detected the quake, Google acknowledged its performance was limited by the event's depth and complex rupture, which hindered its ability to assess the magnitude in real-time and issue critical 'take action' alerts on a mass scale. The incident has prompted Google to review its system's algorithms and has raised significant questions about the reliability of AI-driven public safety systems. This failure underscores the need for multi-layered disaster preparedness strategies that combine supplementary tech solutions with traditional government-operated seismic networks and may impact public trust in smartphone-based warning systems.
Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST
US and EU announce new trade framework
The United States and the European Union have announced a new trade framework from Edinburgh, Scotland, as per a report in AP. The report did not include specific provisions or details of the agreement.
Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST
Deadline passes on CK Hutchison's US$23 billion global ports sale
The deadline for exclusive negotiations regarding CK Hutchison Holdings' US$23 billion sale of stakes in 43 global ports to a consortium led by Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) passed without an agreement on Sunday, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The complex transaction, which includes strategically vital ports at both ends of the Panama Canal, is reportedly being complicated by intense US-China geopolitical rivalry. Analysts expect that the talks will be extended, as the deal faces scrutiny due to US national security concerns over foreign influence in critical infrastructure, despite the buyer, TIL, being an affiliate of the Swiss-Italian Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST
China designates 'drone flight planner' as official profession amid economic push
China has officially recognized 'drone flight planner' as a new profession to address a talent shortage in its rapidly growing low-altitude economy, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and is part of a larger government strategy to develop the low-altitude sector as a new engine for economic growth. This new designation is one of 17 new occupations announced, which also include roles like cross-border e-commerce operation manager, signaling a shift in labor market demands toward high-tech and specialized skills.
Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST
US and China reportedly planning autumn visit for President Trump
US President Donald Trump is reportedly keen to visit China in the autumn of 2025, with officials working to arrange a trip for October or November, the South China Morning Post said in a report. While hurdles remain in the bilateral relationship, high-level officials from both Washington and Beijing are said to share a consensus on the need for the visit. The report clarifies that a potential trip in September to attend a parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II will not be happening.
Jul 28, 2025 09:03 IST
Alibaba enters AI smart glasses race with Quark preview
Alibaba Group Holding has entered the competitive smart glasses market by previewing its first AI-powered device, the Quark AI glasses, at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, South China Morning Post said in a report. Named after the company's AI assistant, the glasses' development is complete, with an official launch planned for later this year. The move places Alibaba in direct competition with global tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Google, as well as domestic rivals such as Huawei and Xiaomi, in the growing market for smart wearables and edge AI devices. The unveiling at China's largest annual AI event highlights the country's strategic push for leadership in artificial intelligence and its application in consumer technology.
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News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Israel euthanises crocodiles after repeated escapes, inhumane treatment
Petzael (West Bank), Aug 4 (AP) A bask of crocodiles brought to an Israeli settlement in the West Bank decades ago is meeting its end, as authorities euthanise the aging reptiles after years of their repeated escapes from a long-neglected farm. Israeli authorities said Monday that government veterinarians had culled the crocodiles because they threatened the area's residents and were themselves suffering from inhumane treatment. The exact number of crocodiles euthanised and the method of culling were not immediately clear. 'The Nile crocodiles at the farm were being kept in an abandoned compound under poor conditions that constitute animal abuse, with insufficient access to food, which had driven them to cannibalistic behaviour," COGAT, the Israeli defence body that administers civilian affairs in the West Bank, said. The crocodiles were initially brought to the town of Petzael as a tourist attraction — a business adventure derailed by violence between Israel and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. They were later purchased by an entrepreneur who hoped to sell their skin. Their fate has been an open question since Israel in 2012 passed a law classifying the reptiles as protected animals and banned raising them for sale as meat or merchandise. 'I don't want to think of what will happen if a crocodile manages to escape and reaches the Jordan River, and then we'll have an international incident," the head of the local community told The Associated Press in 2018, referencing the border with Jordan 6.8 kilometres away. COGAT said that authorities had spent hundreds of thousands of Israeli shekels (more than USD 29,000) to re-fence the dilapidated farm, which has been in a state of disrepair since it was shut down in 2013. It said that veterinarians were consulted on how to humanely exterminate the animals. (AP) GRS GRS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
7 hours ago
- NDTV
Viral Video Shows Rat Eating Ice Cream Cone At 7-Eleven Outlet In Mumbai
A video widely shared on social media has sparked concern among food lovers, especially in Mumbai. Posted on Reddit by user @Parking-Version9167, the clip reportedly shows two large rats inside the 7-Eleven outlet at Seawoods station in Navi Mumbai. "This is the 7/11 branch at Seawoods, Nexus Mall (sic)," the user wrote. The video, shot through the glass window of the store's kitchen, shows a rat climbing out of a mug and another chewing on an ice cream cone. "Just saw a bunch of rats eating at 7/11 store in Seawoods," the user captioned the video, adding, "I am absolutely disgusted. My friend and I were about to get ice cream when I saw this. International franchise hai ye seriously? I don't know what to do. So just posting this on Reddit for now. Isko viral kardo. Our health cannot be taken lightly. And stop eating any fast food from 7/11 outlets. Their quality control is going down the drain." The user added, "Imagine the number of people who had coffee and ice cream here, including me. Avoid buying anything from here!" Just saw a bunch of rats eating at 7/11 store in seawoods by u/Parking-Version9167 in navimumbai Disclaimer: NDTV does not vouch for the claims in the post by the Reddit user. The video has shocked viewers online. Some reactions from the comments section: One user wrote, "Report to FSSAI, bro, this is insane!" Another said, "I'm skipping this whole mall now." A third user commented, "Omg. Thank you for sharing this. I'll never visit that outlet again. You should also upload that video to Google Maps so more people can see it. Add a scathing bad review, and it'll make a big difference. I hear corporate is pretty quick to respond to reviews, so hopefully some action is taken." A concerned Redditor added, "You can't trust anything that is not cooked in your home." NDTV has reached out to 7-Eleven for a response. The company is yet to issue a statement.
NDTV
10 hours ago
- NDTV
'Thirst Is Stealing My Energy': Gaza Struggles With Severe Water Shortage
Atop air strikes, displacement and hunger, an unprecedented water crisis is unfolding across Gaza, heaping further misery on the Palestinian territory's residents. Gaza was already suffering a water crisis before nearly 22 months of war between Israel and Hamas damaged more than 80 percent of the territory's water infrastructure. "Sometimes, I feel like my body is drying from the inside, thirst is stealing all my energy and that of my children," Um Nidal Abu Nahl, a mother of four living in Gaza City, told AFP. Water trucks sometimes reach residents and NGOs install taps in camps for a lucky few, but it is far from sufficient. Israel connected some water mains in north Gaza to the Israeli water company Mekorot, after cutting off supplies early in the war, but residents told AFP water still wasn't flowing. Local authorities said this was due to war damage to Gaza's water distribution network, with many mains pipes destroyed. Gaza City spokesman Assem al-Nabih told AFP that the municipality's part of the network supplied by Mekorot had not functioned in nearly two weeks. Wells that supplied some needs before the war have also been damaged, with some contaminated by sewage which goes untreated because of the conflict. Many wells in Gaza are simply not accessible, because they are inside active combat zones, too close to Israeli military installations or in areas subject to evacuation orders. At any rate, wells usually run on electric pumps and energy has been scarce since Israel turned off Gaza's power as part of its war effort. Generators could power the pumps, but hospitals are prioritised for the limited fuel deliveries. Lastly, Gaza's desalination plants are down, save for a single site reopened last week after Israel restored its electricity supply. Sewage floods Nabih, from the Gaza City municipality, told AFP the infrastructure situation was bleak. More than 75 percent of wells are out of service, 85 percent of public works equipment destroyed, 100,000 metres of water mains damaged and 200,000 metres of sewers unusable. Pumping stations are down and 250,000 tons of rubbish is clogging the streets. "Sewage floods the areas where people live due to the destruction of infrastructure," says Mohammed Abu Sukhayla from the northern city of Jabalia. In order to find water, hundreds of thousands of people are still trying to extract groundwater directly from wells. But coastal Gaza's aquifer is naturally brackish and far exceeds salinity standards for fresh water. In 2021, the UN children's agency UNICEF warned that nearly 100 percent of Gaza's groundwater was unfit for consumption. With clean water nearly impossible to find, some Gazans falsely believe brackish water to be free of bacteria. Aid workers in Gaza have had to warn repeatedly that even if residents can get used to the taste, their kidneys will inevitably suffer. Spreading diseases Though Gaza's water crisis has received less media attention than the ongoing hunger one, its effects are just as deadly. "Just like food, water should never be used for political ends," UNICEF spokeswoman Rosalia Bollen said. She told AFP that, while it's very difficult to quantify the water shortage, "there is a severe lack of drinking water". "It's extremely hot, diseases are spreading and water is truly the issue we're not talking about enough," she added. Opportunities to get clean water are as dangerous as they are rare. On July 13, as a crowd had gathered around a water distribution point in Nuseirat refugee camp, at least eight people were killed by an Israeli strike, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. A United Arab Emirates-led project authorised by Israel is expected to bring a 6.7-kilometre pipeline from an Egyptian desalination plant to the coastal area of Al-Mawasi, in Gaza's south. The project is controversial within the humanitarian community, because some see it as a way of justifying the concentration of displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza. 'Fear and helplessness' On July 24, a committee representing Gaza's prominent families issued a cry for help, calling for "the immediate provision of water and humanitarian aid, the rapid repair of infrastructure, and a guarantee for the entry of fuel". Gaza aid workers that AFP spoke to stressed that there was no survival without drinking water, and no disease prevention without sanitation. "The lack of access, the general deterioration of the situation in an already fragile environment -- at the very least, the challenges are multiplying," a diplomatic source working on these issues told AFP. Mahmoud Deeb, 35, acknowledged that the water he finds in Gaza City is often undrinkable, but his family has no alternative. "We know it's polluted, but what can we do? I used to go to water distribution points carrying heavy jugs on my back, but even those places were bombed," he added. At home, everyone is thirsty -- a sensation he associated with "fear and helplessness." "You become unable to think or cope with anything."
