Daniel Martindale, a US citizen, has been granted Russian citizenship after providing intelligence on Ukrainian troops to Russia's military. He spent two years in Ukraine, relaying coordinates of military sites to Russian intelligence. Martindale, who expressed his gratitude and loyalty to Russia, was extracted in a complex operation due to safety concerns and later applied for citizenship.
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Elon Musk is venturing into the political arena with the "America Party," aiming to disrupt the existing two-party system. He has consulted with Andrew Yang, who has experience with third-party initiatives. Yang expressed his support for moving beyond the Democratic and Republican duopoly, offering his insights to Musk on navigating the challenges of establishing a successful third party.
China's expanded visa-free policy, now encompassing 74 countries, has spurred a significant surge in foreign arrivals, more than doubling to over 20 million in 2024. This initiative, aimed at boosting tourism and the economy, has led to increased bookings for air travel and hotels, with tour companies experiencing substantial growth.
Extreme weather batters Europe as Spain grapples with severe floods and thunderstorms, leaving two missing in Catalonia after torrential rain. Prime Minister Sanchez urges caution and restricted travel. Simultaneously, Britain faces another heatwave. Spain's rail company, Renfe, temporarily suspended operations in Catalonia due to the intense downpour, reminiscent of a past deadly flood caused by the 'cold drop' phenomenon.
David Gergen, a prominent American political commentator and former advisor to four U.S. presidents, has passed away at 83 after a prolonged illness. Gergen served Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton in various roles, including speechwriter and communications director. Remembered for his bipartisanship and dedication to public service, Gergen also founded the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School.
US President Donald Trump attended a soccer match with his family. The match coincided with the anniversary of the assassination attempt on him. The incident happened in Butler, Pennsylvania. A Senate committee report revealed “preventable failures” by the Secret Service. The report highlighted communication mishandling and security lapses. Six agents have been suspended.
Over 2.5 million Indians significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia's economy, with women's workforce participation rising to 35-36%. Reforms and advocates like Manju ensure expat rights, while opportunities expand in STEM, healthcare, and hospitality. Despite Saudization and biases, women are finding success in diverse sectors, supported by evolving legal protections and bilateral agreements.
Newly unsealed documents reveal a controversial practice. The Trump administration used a pro-Israel website, Canary Mission. This website helped identify pro-Palestinian academics. The goal was potential deportation. Homeland Security formed a team. They compiled data on foreign students and scholars. Canary Mission flagged over 75 individuals. A Trump aide, Stephen Miller, was heavily involved.
Wizz Air will suspend all Abu Dhabi operations by September 1, ending its five-year joint venture with ADQ. Citing engine issues, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical instability, the airline will refocus on European markets. All flights from Zayed International Airport will cease after August 31, with refunds or alternatives offered to affected passengers. Other Wizz Air operations remain unaffected.
Linda Yaccarino has stepped down as CEO of X, formerly Twitter, after two years. She reaffirmed her commitment to free speech, resharing a supportive post. Hired by Elon Musk in May 2023, Yaccarino was tasked with business operations amid Musk's continued influence. Her tenure faced challenges, including advertising revenue decline and concerns over content moderation, particularly hate speech.
Donald Trump plans tariffs on goods from smaller nations. These include countries in Africa and the Caribbean. The tariff could be a little over 10 percent. New tariff rates will take effect on August 1. Trump will announce tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs by month's end. He had announced a trade agreement with Indonesia. This agreement reduces tariffs on Indonesian exports.