🇬🇧 Oxford University has launched the world’s first clinical trial of a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The vaccine uses the same technology as the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The Serum Institute of India has already produced around 620,000 doses in case the vaccine is needed.
Context: This Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is spreading faster than previous outbreaks. Uganda, on the other hand, has been more successful in containing the virus - the last Ebola patient was discharged from hospital last week.
🇪🇺 Solar power generated a record 25% of the EU’s electricity in June 2026. It came ahead of nuclear at 21%, gas at 15%, wind at 14%, and hydro at 12%. Several countries also set national records. Solar generated 36% of electricity in Germany, 34% in Spain, and 24% in Poland.
Context: The growth has been rapid. Solar supplied just 10% of EU electricity in June 2021.
🇳🇮🇮🇹 Nicaragua has cut diplomatic ties with Italy.
Context: Former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro was killed by the Red Brigades, a far-left militant group, in 1978. One of the group’s former members, Alessio Casimirri, now lives in Nicaragua. After Italy criticised Nicaragua for allowing him to remain there, Nicaragua responded by cutting diplomatic ties.
🇨🇳 China’s economy grew by 4.3% in the second quarter of 2026, its slowest rate in more than three years. Retail sales grew by just 1% in June, and many people are cutting back because of falling incomes, job insecurity, and the property crisis. Investment also fell sharply. Exports, however, remained strong, rising by 27% as global demand for Chinese goods increased.
🏴 England will ban energy drinks for children under 16 from April 2027. The ban will cover drinks containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre, but won’t include tea or coffee. It still requires parliamentary approval before it can come into force.
Context: The government estimates that around 100,000 children in England consume high-caffeine energy drinks every day. Evidence links them to anxiety, poor sleep, reduced concentration, and other health problems.
🇺🇸 The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to fund MAGA-aligned projects in Europe and elsewhere. The proposed grants include $2 million to challenge what the administration describes as censorship in the EU, and $5 million to support freedom of expression, political competition, and national sovereignty in Europe.
A further $5 million has reportedly been allocated to Free Speech Union International, which describes itself as a group defending freedom of speech worldwide. The content on its website skews right in its coverage and language.
All plans are still under review, and the State Department said no organisation is guaranteed to receive funding.
🇮🇱🇦🇲 Israel’s parliament didn’t vote on formally recognising the Armenian genocide before its summer recess. I previously reported that the Israeli government had voted to recognise the Armenian genocide. However, it still needed to go through the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) to become law.
Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly blocked the vote after pressure from Azerbaijan, one of Israel’s closest regional partners. Other sources, however, report that Israel decided to pause the vote to ease tensions with Turkey. Israel’s foreign minister denied that Netanyahu intervened but didn’t explain why the vote was postponed.
🇨🇳 In China, AI chatbots designed for companionship are now banned from encouraging emotional reliance or forming virtual relationships with minors. Companies must also alert a user’s emergency contact if the chatbot detects a serious emotional crisis.
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