NDLEA Seizes 6,778 kg of Canadian Cannabis at Lagos Port

The Federal Road Safety Corps has officially assumed control of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, an extremely strong type of marijuana, which was seized at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.

An illegal shipment was formally transferred to the NDLEA in a ceremony held at Apapa Port on Wednesday, after being discovered during a combined inspection of two containers conducted by agents from the NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and additional security organizations.

On Wednesday, a statement from the agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, indicated that the Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (ret.), was represented by the head of seaport operations at the agency, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, who referred to the confiscation as a significant success resulting from cooperation among different agencies.

"Following two significant operations conducted on June 15 and June 24, 2026, we convey a strong and unambiguous statement that our resolve to break down organized crime groups and drug smuggling rings inside and outside our territory has never been stronger," Marwa stated.

He revealed that the arrests came after several months of intelligence-driven operations conducted jointly by the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit and the Marine Intelligence Unit, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.

As he stated, global drug cartels utilized intricate sea routes to avoid detection by authorities, yet continuous monitoring allowed agents to follow the shipments through various countries prior to their seizure in Nigeria.

It’s important to clarify the movement of these shipments. The initial container, CAAU 7569127, left Toronto on April 16, 2026. To avoid scrutiny, it was transported via train to Montreal prior to being placed aboard the ship Ghallow Express*. It reached Tangier Med, Morocco, on May 6, 2026, then transferred to the Spartel Trader, which docked at Tin Can Island Port on May 27, 2026.

"It was then relocated to the Global Bonded Terminal and later transported by water to Apapa Port on June 10, 2026, where it was discovered during a collaborative inspection of the cargo involving our team, our counterparts from the Customs Service, and other law enforcement bodies," he stated.

Marwa mentioned that the second container, labeled HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on May 1 via the ship Africa Express and was later transferred to the Algeciras Express on May 15.

"It reached Tin Can Island Port and, after being unloaded on June 4, 2026, was transferred to Apapa Port on June 22, 2026, where it came under the control of our awaiting officials," he said.

The head of NDLEA emphasized that the organization will extend its efforts past seizing illegal drugs, focusing instead on disrupting the financial systems supporting drug trafficking activities.

We acknowledge that the enormous earnings from illegal drug trade still support atrocities against humanity and our country, even though these activities cause severe damage to people, their families, and society.

"Therefore, we stay determined. Our efforts do not conclude at seizing property. We are dedicated to locating, apprehending, and bringing to trial those involved, to taking away their illicit assets, and to making sure they gain absolutely nothing from their unlawful activities," he stated.

Marwa also commended the personnel from the NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other security organizations for their expertise and dedication.

I strongly praise the commitment, expertise, and bravery of the personnel from the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service, and all related security organizations who did not turn their heads but instead worked diligently to prevent these harmful materials from overwhelming our neighborhoods.

Your loyalty and steadfast dedication have once more demonstrated that you serve as capable protectors of our seaports.

"This achievement was enabled by the information exchange and coordinated efforts shown by all involved agencies. It serves as a strong example of what joint agency work, global partnership, and data-focused operations can accomplish in combating cross-border organized crime and illegal drug trade," he stated.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Nigerian Man Faces Deportation After Shooting in Ex-Girlfriend Dispute

A 23-year-old Nigerian student studying in the U.S., Godson Oghenebrume, received a sentence of 27 months in prison and will be deported following his admission to unlawfully owning a gun and discharging several rounds during an argument with his former girlfriend, who came to his residence with their newborn baby.

The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, Kurt Wall, revealed this information in a statement released on Wednesday.

Wall mentioned that Oghenebrume received a sentence from U.S. Chief Judge Shelly Dick after being found guilty of possessing a weapon as "an alien who entered the United States on a non-immigrant visa."

He stated that the prisoner "may be removed or deported from the United States after serving their sentence."

As per the declaration, Oghenebrume acknowledged that "On February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume had a Glock model 43X, 9mm handgun with him when he entered the U.S. on an F-1 non-immigrant student visa."

Providing information about the event, the U.S. Attorney's Office stated that Oghenebrume was in his apartment with another woman when his ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his newborn child, came to the house carrying the baby.

It was mentioned, "Oghenebrume, who was in the apartment along with another young woman, stepped outside, leading to a confrontation between him and the mother of his child."

Throughout the disagreement, with the infant nearby, Oghenebrume fired the gun.

Wall mentioned that the suspect eventually went back to his apartment, yet the dispute persisted when his former girlfriend arrived and discovered him with another woman.

He stated, "This dispute originated from inside the apartment, and Oghenebrume fired the gun several times as the woman who was pregnant with his child ran away. Several bullet marks were seen on the walls of the building."

He also claimed that Oghenebrume broke his former girlfriend's phone and took the infant, who was present during the entire event.

Prosecutors further stated that Oghenebrume tried to avoid being taken into custody when officers from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department showed up.

Oghenebrume's former girlfriend then went to the other woman, who was trying to depart, and requested her assistance in retrieving the infant. She consented to help and managed to take the child away from Oghenebrume.

When officers from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office reached the apartment complex, Oghenebrume moved away from them, disregarding their instructions, and threw the Glock model 43X, 9mm handgun into nearby bushes. Oghenebrume was shortly afterwards taken into custody.

As per the declaration, a neighbor reported having heard gunfire, informing authorities that "his ears were still buzzing."

He mentioned that following a Miranda warning, police questioned the Nigerian student about why he discharged the firearm.

The declaration stated, "He asserted that he wished for his former girlfriend to return home and that he fired the weapon to frighten her off."

Just over a week ago, PUNCH Metro stated that the United States expelled a Nigerian citizen named Ayodeji Ajayi, after he had several legal offenses, such as assault within the home, as part of their continuous actions related to immigration control.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has indicated that Ajayi has been residing in the country unlawfully since arriving on a student visa almost twenty years ago.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

WACT-APM Names First Nigerian MD in International Expansion

The WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has revealed the selection of Courage Obadagbonyi as Chief Executive Officer, starting from 1 July, replacing Jeethu Jose and marking him as the inaugural native Nigerian to hold this role.

In a message released on Monday, the company revealed that the selection highlights the organization's ongoing commitment to cultivating robust leadership from across its international workforce, while maintaining consistent expansion and high standards of performance.

The declaration stated that, having worked as an experienced leader with more than 20 years of global expertise, Obadagbonyi has occupied managerial positions in areas such as finance, operations, and overall administration within prominent multinational companies like APM Terminals, General Electric, and Lafarge. Prior to his current role, he was the Chief Financial Officer for the APM Terminals Nigeria group, overseeing financial planning throughout Nigeria and San Pedro, Ivory Coast.

"He additionally held an interim role as Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa from 2025 until March 2026, enhancing his background in operational leadership. Having worked across industries including oil and gas, power production, transportation, and health care, Obadagbonyi offers significant knowledge in fiscal management, risk improvement, and corporate efficiency," the statement noted.

Commenting on his new position, Obadagbonyi stated, "I am eager to build upon the solid base currently established at WACT. The terminal serves an essential function in linking companies in Eastern Nigeria with international markets, and we remain committed to maintaining secure, dependable, and effective operations."

The CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, stated that this appointment highlights the company's dedication to nurturing leadership and ensuring sustained expansion.

"Throughout APM Terminals worldwide, we observe robust cooperation and employee advancement among our teams. This new role highlights the level of experience present within our company and the ongoing commitment to developing skills that drive long-term growth. Nigerians have consistently showcased outstanding work and leadership abilities. Team members from our Apapa and Onne ports have shared their knowledge on an international scale while also introducing effective methods to enhance activities in Nigeria," Klinke stated.

He mentioned that Obadagbonyi's background will aid the upcoming stage of operational efficiency and value provision at WACT.

In the meantime, the departing Managing Director, Jeethu Jose, stated, "It was an honor to head WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria through a time of significant development. The group has created a solid foundation for what lies ahead, and I have faith in the ongoing achievements of the company."

The West Africa Container Terminal operated by APM Terminals located in Onne, Rivers State, stands among Nigeria's top container facilities since starting full-scale operations in 2006. The firm keeps investing in increasing capacity and updating infrastructure, such as a $115 million terminal enhancement initiative introduced in 2020. This improvement involves installing refrigerated units capable of handling 600 plugs, expanding the existing storage area, building a new maintenance facility, implementing an advanced automated entry system, upgrading office spaces, and integrating cutting-edge technological solutions. Such efforts have improved operational effectiveness, boosted customer support quality, and solidified WACT's position as a key hub for commerce outside of Lagos.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

APC Hails Bayelsa Governor for New Secretariat Launch

The governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, has launched a highly advanced headquarters for the state branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yenagoa.

Diri referred to the building as the "unitary headquarters," noting that it gathered essential party members under one roof for the first time in several years.

He thanked individuals who, despite losing in the latest party primary elections, continued to support the group, referring to them as the champions of the APC in Bayelsa.

Diri emphasized the significance of faithfulness in political affairs, pointing out that without supporters firmly backing him, he could not effectively guide the party.

He stated, "I believe it's important for everyone to know that no one should feel excluded since no one attempted to take over the party. Those who didn’t win in the previous primary elections are the true heroes of this party because there were neither winners nor losers. The sole victor is the APC."

We aim to maintain this gathering as robust as possible to achieve the unity essential for success. Roles represent chances and benefits meant to uplift individuals. Leading differs from being followed.

Keep asking for blessings, and you shall receive them soon. The APC in Bayelsa is more inclusive compared to other parties, as demonstrated during the recent primary elections.

This newly established secretariat is our home, and all matters we face will be addressed here. We are pleased that the party now has an environment suitable for working efficiently to boost output.

Following the inauguration, during a stakeholders' meeting, prominent figures from the party, such as the state APC chairperson, Warman Ogoriba, expressed gratitude to Diri for providing an appropriate facility on behalf of the stakeholders and members of the state working committee.

Ogoriba stated, "This is the top political party headquarters in the nation; it will enhance our party's solidarity and encourage supporters to strive for APC's success in the 2027 national elections."

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, praised Diri's outstanding leadership skills, noting that they brought together the party within the state.

He pledged to candidates from his party, especially within his Bayelsa West senatorial area, that they would win the 2027 elections, stating that certain lawmakers from other parties will step down following the vote.

Additionally, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the newly united APC group in the state is progressing rapidly, urging "those on the opposite side" to come together with the party to advance the state and nation.

Several other interested parties, such as Senator Konbowei Benson from Bayelsa Central, the representative of Sagbama Constituency 3 in the House of Assembly, Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, individually thanked the governor for the secretariat and the cohesion within the party, showing confidence that the APC will win in 2027 throughout the state.

During his speech, the Bayelsa state leader praised the solidarity between members, highlighting that the party's power came from collaboration.

Conveying a positive message, former NDDC Managing Director Chief Ndutimi Aliabe stated that he has returned to the APC and expressed gratitude to Diri for his leadership and progress within the state.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Venezuela Earthquake Deaths Surpass 2,000 Amid Ongoing Crisis

July 2 - Pakistan: The number of fatalities caused by the severe earthquake in Venezuela, which occurred last week, has increased to 2,295, with search and rescue operations still ongoing to find those who may be alive. Thousands more individuals have either been hurt or are unaccounted for, and aid activities are continuing throughout the impacted areas.

As stated by Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, the count of those hurt or unaccounted for remains in the tens of thousands. The United Nations suggests that up to 6.8 million individuals could have been impacted by the catastrophe.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that the city of La Guaira, situated north of the capital Caracas, was one of the most affected regions. The city is experiencing significant food scarcity, extensive destruction of critical infrastructure, and broad disruptions in communications.

Emergency crews are striving to provide food, potable water, medicinal materials, and additional aid. Nevertheless, impaired highways and facilities have complicated recovery and support efforts.

At the same time, the skies above Caracas took on a rich crimson hue at dusk, forming an intense image that captured global interest. Officials mentioned that search and recovery operations after the Venezuelan earthquake will persist as the nation strives to assist impacted areas.

Pakistan Demands Release of 97 Prisoners in Exchange List Update

July 2, Pakistan – As per the bilateral agreement regarding consular access, Pakistan and India exchanged prisoner lists via diplomatic means on Wednesday. According to the agreement signed on May 21, 2008, both nations must share such lists annually on January 1st and July 1st. "The Government of Pakistan submitted a list containing 250 Indian detainees held in Pakistan (comprising 52 civilians and 198 fishermen) to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. At the same time, the Government of India shared a list of 439 Pakistani individuals or those presumed to be Pakistani detained in Indian prisons, which included 386 civilian prisoners and 53 fishermen," stated the Foreign Office spokesperson in an official news release. Furthermore, the government of India was encouraged to free and send back 97 Pakistani prisoners (including 64 civilians and 33 fishermen) who have finished their terms and whose citizenship has been verified. It was also mentioned that India should guarantee the protection, safety, and welfare of all Pakistani nationals or suspected Pakistani citizens waiting for release and repatriation. The Government of Pakistan requested prompt consular visits for all suspects identified as Pakistani to help confirm their nationalities quickly. The spokesperson emphasized that the Government of Pakistan will keep working towards the swift return of all imprisoned Pakistanis.

President Meets Sindh and Balochistan Chief Ministers on Inter-Provincial Issues

July 2 - In Karachi, Sindh's Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Balochistan's Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti met with President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday.

At the gathering, topics concerning cross-province matters with involvement from the national administration, along with areas of shared concern, were addressed. The President highlighted that enhanced collaboration between provinces would better support initiatives aimed at tackling community problems and maintaining national stability.

On Wednesday, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Faryal Talpur, who oversees political affairs for the PPP in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), met with top leaders of the party at Zardari House in Islamabad. This was done to assess the current political scenario in the area and wrap up arrangements for the forthcoming AJK general election campaign, as stated by the party. During this session, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Faryal Talpur listened to comprehensive opinions and suggestions provided by the AJK leadership regarding reinforcing the party’s organization and broadening its political reach throughout the region. Additionally, discussions focused on ideas meant to boost the PPP's local involvement and gather backing prior to the electoral process.

Participants further discussed the party’s upcoming political plan and ways to better tackle public issues. The session ended with an agreement to implement a unified approach aimed at increasing community involvement, boosting the party's electoral efforts, and promoting its political goals within Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Previously, President Asif Ali Zardari sent greetings to Canada's Governor General, Louise Arbour, along with the nation's citizens, on their National Day, which takes place every year on July 1.

First Public University to Launch Islamic Theology Faculty

The University of Münster has become the initial public institution in Europe to create a department dedicated to Islamic theological studies, drawing global interest.

Work on the new "Campus of Religions" in the western German city of Münster has been ongoing since 2021. A significant portion of the area remains under development. Set to open in 2027, this facility will house the departments of Catholic, Protestant, and Islamic Theology along with the Religious Studies division within one building.

The academic community celebrates a significant achievement: for the very first time in Germany—and throughout all of Europe—a state-funded university houses a separate School of Islamic Theology.

"It’s an honor for me to be involved in a special period of history," scholar Mouhanad Khorchide shared with Ants. Reflecting on 15 years of efforts at the University of Münster, he mentioned that this accomplishment brings him immense appreciation. However, the 54-year-old also highlighted the duty associated with such recognition.

"Our aim is to fully utilize this distinctive chance and promote a flexible, progressive interpretation of Islam," said Khorchide, adding that the department's efforts will influence not just Europe but also the broader Islamic community.

A new chapter

Starting July 1, a fresh phase commences for Khorchide. For now, though, he will keep operating out of the interim university facilities close to Münster's Paulus Cathedral. Up until this point, the sociologist and religious instructor headed the Center for Islamic Theology (ZIT) at the University of Münster. He is currently serving as the inaugural dean—the first head of the recently created Faculty of Islamic Theology.

Promoting Islamic Theology to full faculty membership elevates its position inside the university and marks an important development in academic policies. Previously, the ZIT did not have independent faculty status and thus relied on another department for key academic activities.

A rise in Islamic religious instruction

Being an autonomous department, Islamic Theology is now able to award doctoral degrees and postdoctoral qualifications independently, aiding in developing a fresh wave of academics and building a long-term scholarly tradition. This updated position is anticipated to simplify obtaining external research financing.

Khorchide remembers the initial phase of the ZIT in 2012, which started with only 15 students and three employees. Now, the center has eight faculty members and over 50 staff personnel, with Khorchide anticipating that the number of students will surpass 500 in the near future.

He anticipates significant interest. Throughout Germany, The teaching of Islamic religion is now being incorporated into public school curricula. , leading to an increasing demand for skilled educators.

For instance, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's largest state which includes Münster, as many as 3,000 teachers are needed, yet approximately 330 are currently employed. This presents a straightforward professional opportunity for graduates.

Islam and Social Work

Beginning in 2027, Khorchide intends to introduce a master’s degree called "Islam and Social Work." He mentions that there is significant interest in this area, especially within sectors like youth support, hospital religious counseling, and senior care.

The faculty outlines its core values by stating that belief and democratic ideals can coexist, encourages an academic and modern interpretation of the Quran, and highlights the importance of communication between different religions. Additionally, it clearly denounces radicalism, anti-Semitism, and Islamic fundamentalism. The statement reads: "We stand against all types of violence driven by religion and intellectual exploitation."

Connections with Asia and Africa

Khorchide mentions that he has been profoundly struck by the extent of attention sparked after the announcement of the new faculty was made public. News organizations located as distant as Africa and Asia have covered this advancement. He particularly highlights Indonesia, which houses the world's biggest Muslim community.

"Individuals desire a more open interpretation of Islam," states Khorchide. He thinks that over time, Münster may contribute to the larger discussion about the evolving direction of Islam, extending well beyond Germany.

Traditionally, Münster has had a strong presence in theology," said Norbert Robers, the university's representative, during an interview with Ants. For the first time ever, the two Christian theological departments and the Department of Islamic Theology will now be housed together, utilizing shared facilities such as a library and a dining area. "This holds significant symbolic value.

The first Department of Islamic Theology in Europe at a state-funded university

An academic department dedicated to Islamic theology has been present in Sarajevo for a long time, yet it does not belong to a state-run university system. Therefore, Münster now hosts the initial Faculty of Islamic Theology within a public university in Europe.

Robers, t The university representative states that the promotion to faculty status might seem like a "simple administrative action," yet it holds considerable legal and organizational importance. A symbolic inauguration is planned for September 24 in the university’s central hall.

Annette Schavan, a member of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was Germany's federal minister of education between 2005 and 2013. She was instrumental in introducing Islamic theology programs at German universities and refers to this recent development as a "major milestone." Writing from Cologne-based Catholic sources Domradio In her portal during mid-June, she stated that the establishment of the Faculty of Islamic Theology marked "an enhancement of academic theology overall" and anticipated that the new department would gain recognition throughout Europe.

This article has been translated from German.

Author: Christoph Strack

China Shows Willingness to Address Huge EU Trade Surplus Amid Bracing European Stance

Beijing proposed purchasing additional European products as the EU considers new trading mechanisms and demands concrete advancements by October.

China has expressed willingness to examine methods for reducing its significant trade surplus with the European Union during meetings held in Brussels on Monday, as reported by several individuals who were informed about the conversation.

Chinese Trade Minister Wang Wentao indicated to EU trade representative Maros Sefcovic that China might be open to signing deals for purchasing European products. The conversation included topics about reducing taxes on goods from the EU, marking an unusual acknowledgment from China that its daily trade surplus of billions of euros has turned into a political issue.

In connection with this, Beijing is also, possibly unexpectedly, willing to moderate its rapid growth in exports to the 27-nation bloc, raising concerns that European producers could be overwhelmed by low-cost and continuously improving Chinese products. However, according to some individuals, Wang showed greater interest in boosting imports from Europe.

Are you curious about the major issues and developments happening globally? Find your answers here with SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform featuring carefully selected content, including explanations, frequently asked questions, analysis, and visual graphics, presented by our acclaimed team.

In public, Beijing has minimized the importance of the trade deficit, stating that it is merely due to European demand for Chinese products. During earlier discussions, Chinese representatives mentioned that Dutch restrictions on high-end equipment used in chip manufacturing hinder their ability to adjust trade balances.

The noticeable change observed on Monday might stem from a growing European Union interest in enhancing its approach toward China by introducing fresh strategies after discussions among member nations took place last month.

The European Union aims to employ tariff-rate quotas to curb the influx of Chinese goods entering EU ports within critical industries. This dual-level approach—referred to as safeguard measures—would permit a set amount of a particular item to be imported into a nation at a lower duty rate. After this cap has been exceeded, further imports would face considerably increased tariffs.

Only in May, the EU's trade gap with China increased by 15 percent In comparison to the previous year, Germany's deficit increased by 31.6 percent. Last year, the deficit rose above $410 billion, a figure labeled by European Union officials as "unmanageable."

Sefcovic updated EU envoys about the discussions held on Wednesday, where he outlined intentions to create two new mechanisms to be finalized later this year as the Commission seeks fresh approaches to address its disparities with China in case talks do not succeed.

First, as a strategy for diversification, it would require businesses to broaden their list of suppliers to prevent risky reliance within essential industries.

The second one, a support system, would provide compensation to businesses facing retaliatory measures during a trade conflict, potentially allowing the EU more room to increase tensions when required, as it might ease worries about being singled out.

Sefcovic stated on Monday that discussions were "intense, concentrated, and productive," adding that there was "far greater comprehension of the shared difficulties facing Europe from our Chinese partners compared to what we previously experienced."

He established an October deadline for discussions with Beijing to demonstrate "concrete outcomes," a schedule aligning with the directive provided to the European Commission by EU leaders earlier this month to develop new measures for addressing the uneven dynamic during the fall.

On Thursday, Brussels received significant support as Germany announced its agreement with a more stringent EU approach toward China, with fresh governmental reform proposals calling for broad-based actions to address "unfair competition."

A message was included in a set of reforms aimed at revitalizing the struggling German economy and indicated backing for expanding the EU's trading tools to address what is often referred to as the " China shock " to European industry.

"Strong safeguards against unjust competition are necessary, especially with quicker and industry-wide implementation of antidumping and antisubsidy measures across Europe," stated the German policy paper.

At present, the European Union mainly relies on narrowly focused product-specific tariffs to address unjust trading practices, although it has considered employing safeguard measures more regularly, or possibly creating a new trade tool to enable targeting whole industries within a single nation.

The German report added, 'Efforts to bypass these security measures should be strongly countered, and global economic inequalities and discrepancies need to be tackled.'

Delivering the proposals in Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated: "We do not wish for trade disparities of the present scale to occur or increase further."

Sefcovic is set to visit Beijing in October. However, European Union representatives anticipate a busy summer filled with low-level negotiations with their Chinese counterparts as both parties strive to identify a way out of a worsening trade conflict.

However, indications suggest that the block's efforts to reduce its economic ties with Beijing will proceed swiftly, accompanied by a series of sharp criticisms following Monday's discussions.

On Thursday, the committee initiated an investigation into certain Chinese-manufactured batteries—those commonly found in TV remote controls and other home devices—following concerns raised by European businesses.

On Wednesday, it implemented a Euro3 (US$3.43) processing fee for packages worth less than Euro150 (US$171) entering the European Union market, as postal companies cautioned that they have been inundated with inexpensive items purchased from Chinese online shopping sites such as Temu and Shein.

Additionally, on Wednesday, the tariff rate for steel imports exceeding quotas was increased to 50 percent, following the expiration of an earlier temporary measure. These duties affect steel coming from all over the globe, although the decision was primarily driven by an oversupply resulting mainly from Chinese production.

Manfred Weber, head of the European Parliament's biggest faction, the European People's Party, cautioned on Wednesday that the EU risks entering a "period of confrontation" with China unless an agreement is reached by fall.

We must significantly alter our strategy toward China," Weber said to Euronews. "We require a fresh framework where it is made clear that subsidies do not belong within a free-market system.

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Sindh Misses Out on Rs 85bn in Federal Funds, Says Chief Minister Murad

July 2 - In Sindh, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated on Wednesday that according to the updated budget projections, Sindh anticipated receiving Rs175 billion from the central government by the conclusion of June; yet, just Rs91 billion had been disbursed up until then, leading to an insufficient amount of Rs84 billion.

He made these remarks while speaking with the media at NED University immediately following the inauguration of Sindh's first Google Gemini for Education Corner at the NED University of Engineering & Technology. In response to a query about financial issues, the Chief Minister stated that according to the updated budget projections, Sindh anticipated receiving Rs175 billion from the federal government by the end of June. Nevertheless, only Rs91 billion had been disbursed so far, leading to an estimated deficit of around Rs85 billion. He noted that the lower allocations add more strain on the province’s financial resources and developmental plans.

Regarding local governance changes, Murad Shah mentioned that the Pakistan People's Party has always focused on enhancing local administrative bodies in Sindh.

The CM stressed the significance of intelligence-driven security strategies and pointed out the Sindh administration's dedication to technology progress and digital creativity. In reply to inquiries about suggestions for a national organization to oversee urban growth, the Chief Minister stated that Sindh has no issue with setting up such an administrative federal entity.

In response to an inquiry, Murad Shah stated that there were no particular terrorist threats. Nevertheless, the Sindh administration has greatly enhanced its intelligence and security system by setting up new organizations and improving cooperation between pertinent departments. He emphasized that intelligence-driven actions play a crucial role in stopping terrorist events, especially suicide bombings, which are very hard to prevent without prompt information collection and evaluation.

Voicing worry about the extended power cuts affecting different areas of the province, including Karachi, Murad Shah stated that the current scenario is leading to significant difficulties for residents and urged prompt corrective actions. He mentioned that Sindh has great potential for renewable energy and should be supported in adopting eco-friendly and long-term energy options. The Chief Minister ended his statement by emphasizing the importance of the recently opened Google AI Room at NED University, calling it a crucial move towards providing students with advanced technical abilities and promoting Sindh’s objective of innovative growth.

Drones Over RAF Bases Linked to Russian Tanker Near UK, Report Says

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Russian unmanned aerial vehicles have entered British skies and remained hovering above RAF and U.S. military installations, a report has found.

Unmanned air vehicles struck the Lakenheath and Mildenhall facilities in Suffolk, RAF Fairford located in Gloucestershire, and RAF Feltwell situated in Norfolk across four days in 2024.

The small platforms were deployed from a Russian intelligence vessel known as the HAV Dolphin, which was observed near the shores of Humberside during the mission.

A security emergency led to the deployment of specialized British forces, equipped with skills and tools for countering Russian drones, at these facilities.

New information about a classified Russian mission has come to light today. In November 2024, the UK government refused to recognize the source of the drones.

Currently, the International Institute for Strategic Studies stated that the action formed part of a widespread Russian government initiative across the continent.

According to the IISS, Russia has employed hidden fleet ships operating in international waters to deploy drones above the UK and mainland Europe, revealing significant weaknesses in NATO's aerial defense systems.

The startling revelations emerged just days following the Labour Party's release of its significantly delayed Defence Investment Plan (DIP), sparking intense controversy due to their decision not to fulfill the demands of military leaders for increased funding toward British national security.

Even though high-ranking officials urged otherwise and Defence Secretary John Healey along with Armed Forces Minister Al Carns stepped down, former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declined to challenge the Treasury regarding funding for the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.

Only a few weeks ago, the highest-ranking military official in the UK, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, informed Parliament that critical missions aimed at countering Russia would need to be scaled down because of financial constraints.

Even with that caution, the Prime Minister's office revealed early this week a military funding agreement which includes an extra £15 billion added to planned investments within four years.

In order to reach NATO financial goals, the UK administration must secure an extra £25 billion annually through 2035. Specialists suggest this would necessitate raising the standard income tax rate by 3 pence.

According to the IISS, from August 2024 until February 2026, Russia focused its attention on 12 NATO countries as well as Ireland, which is not part of NATO.

Infiltrations of the airspaces of these nations led to significant commercial airports shutting down and interruptions in military operations.

According to the IISS, Russian forces entered the boundaries of several highly secure defense facilities across Europe — including nuclear-related locations where U.S. B61-12 free-fall bombs are stationed and France’s naval base at Ile Longue, which houses ballistic missile submarines.

It is very probable that the Kremlin carried out a drone (UAV) operation across Europe. Our evaluation suggests that Russian-affiliated ships and the "shadow fleet" may have served as launching and recovery points for drones as part of the broader irregular warfare strategy against Europe.

The initiative probably involved several objectives, such as testing reaction speeds and determining decision points, identifying weaknesses in crucial national infrastructure, causing financial and mental burdens on European communities, and interfering with civil air travel.

As soon as Russian drones were spotted, 60 Royal Air Force electronic warfare experts were deployed to safeguard the facilities, which are used jointly by British and American staff.

Highly specialized forces were instructed to stop any unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that could endanger planes or military staff and to maintain mission secrecy.

Russian helicopter missions could have been initiated as a reaction to Ukraine launching American and British ballistic missiles into central Russia for the initial instance.

Specialists from the Royal Air Force's 34 Squadron, stationed at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, arrived.

They had thermal imaging cameras, radio frequency and sound detectors, GPS blockers, and extended range drone-defeating weapons.

At approximately the same time, an unknown drone was also seen following the UK's £3.5 billion aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. Russian drones were spotted in Latvia and Romania.

During that period, the Royal Navy's main ship was arriving at the harbor in Hamburg, located in northern Germany. A 1.5-meter-by-1.5-meter unmanned aerial vehicle, which remained unidentifiable, was subjected to HP-47 jamming devices by security personnel prior to its departure.

The three locations hold significant importance and represent symbolism for the Kremlin. Currently, RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk serves as the base for the U.S. Air Force's 48th Fighter Wing, which operates F-15 and F-35A supersonic aircraft.

Throughout the Cold War, it was one of the U.S. Air Force installations designated for holding nuclear arms within this nation. Earlier this year, reports surfaced indicating that atomic weaponry might make a comeback at the facility.

Reports indicated that RAF Lakenheath was getting ready to accommodate and secure weapons possessing destructive potential far exceeding that of the atomic bombs used during World War II on Hiroshima.

Aircraft stationed there have been modified to deploy what are known as "tactical gravity nuclear weapons."

Articles were also released, later quickly taken down by U.S. defense authorities, indicating further protective bunkers might be built at RAF Lakenheath for an "imminent nuclear operation."

As per open-source information, over 4,000 American soldiers are stationed there.

Close by, RAF Mildenhall aids US Air Force activities and hosts its 100th Air Refueling Wing, which operates Boeing KC "Stratotankers."

RAF Feltwell, located in Norfolk, holds equal importance because it contains the U.S.'s enigmatic radomes—weather-resistant domes designed to safeguard advanced radar and electromagnetic equipment.

The U.S. Space Force along with the 73rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing are also located there.

In 2024, former MI5 head Ken McCallum stated that Russian intelligence services were instructed to create ongoing chaos on UK and European streets.

Several mysterious fires and acts of destruction were believed to have occurred.

Bases are secured using radio transmitters that, upon activation, send out signals meant to interfere with a drone's communication systems.

This severs the connection between the drone and its remote control. Additional systems function as what are known as "electronic barriers," preventing drones from passing through.

Scholars determined that the Kremlin probably utilized Orlan-10 drones, which have been part of the Russian armed forces and intelligence services since 2010.

A two-member land-based team controls the UAV, which readily accommodates the deck area of an average-sized merchant vessel. The Orlan-10 boasts a range exceeding 300 miles and can remain airborne for 12 hours at top speeds reaching 80 mph.

Importantly, these operational metrics align with the Orlan-10 being deployed from a Russian covert naval ship in the North Sea and operating to and from classified military locations in Suffolk and Norfolk.

Residents also remembered hearing a sound resembling the operation of the Orlan-10’s internal combustion engine — unlike the high-pitched hum typical of electric motors found in more sophisticated first-person view (FPV) drones.

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Beijing: China-EU Trade Talks Set for Fall, Held Annually

China and the European Union will conduct high-level trade discussions one or two times annually, according to China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday, as both parties aim to boost and adjust their commercial relations.

The European Union is experiencing increasing demands to cut down its trade imbalance with China, which expanded to approximately 360 billion euros ($410 billion) in the previous year, equivalent to almost one billion euros daily. Chinese automobiles and battery products are some of the goods being more frequently shipped to Europe.

According to a new China-EU trade and investment dialogue framework, Beijing has also extended an invitation for European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to travel to China during the fall, stated Ministry spokesman He Yadong to journalists.

He mentioned that both parties plan to enhance their cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence and the shift toward sustainable energy sources.

Beijing's comments came after a discussion held between Šefčovič and Wang Wentao, China's trade minister, on Monday in Brussels. Following the meeting, Šefčovič stated he plans to visit Beijing this autumn.

With the growing trade deficit between China and the European Union, Europe must "protect our manufacturing sector and continue striving for fair competition worldwide," Šefčovič stated. He has established an October deadline for substantial progress on balancing trade relations.

On Wednesday, fresh EU regulations aimed at safeguarding the European steel sector and restricting small online shipments came into force, primarily directed at Chinese companies and imported goods.

A social media account affiliated with Chinese state media, Yuyuantantian, stated in a recent posting that China is open to boosting its purchases from the European Union; however, the EU must ease restrictions on exporting advanced technology goods to China and avoid turning trade and economic matters into tools for confrontation.

In June, heads of state from the G7 countries released a shared statement emphasizing the importance of strengthening their supply networks for essential minerals, which are vital for numerous advanced technology and military industries, as part of efforts to decrease dependence on China.

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**"Ennova: Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs – AFA's Spotlight on SMEs Day"** Let me know if you'd like a version with more emphasis on the award nomination!

The ENNOVA platform, which focuses on supporting entrepreneurs within the African Development Bank Group, has received a nomination for a "Salute to Excellence Award" from The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).

The Bank designed ENNOVA To encourage an entrepreneurial mindset among young people in Africa. The AI-driven online platform provides resources, training programs, and connections to enhance youth business ventures, improve digital competencies, and link African entrepreneurs with employment and financial support possibilities.

The leading organization for journalists and media professionals from ethnic backgrounds in America presents these awards to honor outstanding reporting and communication efforts that effectively highlight the experiences and topics related to the African and African American diaspora.

The Bank’s ENNOVA initiative and promotional campaign has been shortlisted for the Salute to Excellence Awards in the "PR and Marketing Campaigns: Cause-Related Business" category. The Bank collaborated with five organizations focused on development to introduce ENNOVA, and the communication efforts led to a 58.8% rise in service platform users within less than ten months.

Managed by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab within the Bank’s Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department, ENNOVA launched its initiative in February 2025 during a keynote gathering at the Sankalp Africa Summit, which is considered one of Africa's most significant events focused on entrepreneurship and sustainability. The discussion along with the Bank-sponsored exhibition stand highlighted how ENNOVA links entrepreneurs, universities, financiers, and business assistance organizations—groups committed to supporting new ventures, small businesses, and expanding enterprises to grow effectively.

The Bank's Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Awards mention a collection of Bank communications launched during the ENNOVA event and shared until the end of December 2025, including an ENNOVA explanation. videos and launch event summary video , press release exhibition stand promotion, media interaction, social media content highlighting ENNOVA offerings, a youth beneficiary blog and the ENNOVA platform itself .

View here to watch and discover additional information regarding the ENNOVA initiative aimed at young business owners.

"Being nominated for this Salute to Excellence Awards recognizes ENNOVA's role in supporting the African Development Bank Group's mission of improving skill development and employment prospects for young people and women across Africa, and turning these groups into an economic advantage," stated Dr. Martha Phiri, the Bank’s Director for Human Capital, Youth, and Skills Development.

After the event at the Sankalp Africa Summit, over a third of the approximately 1,500 participants signed up for ENNOVA.

"I learned about ENNOVA and believe it's an excellent platform since it facilitates knowledge exchange, allowing investors and entrepreneurs like me to access information all in one place," stated Nelly Ngongoro, a young entrepreneur signing up for ENNOVA.

The advancement of ENNOVA has been facilitated by supportive development partners who align with its mission to promote young entrepreneurial ventures, creativity, and employment opportunities throughout Africa. These include: the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance; the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States; Korea-Africa Economic Partnership; the European Commission; and the Swiss government.

The recipients of the Salute to Excellence Awards will be revealed at the National Association of Black Journalists Conference & Career Fair taking place in August in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

For further information regarding ENNOVA's capabilities, click here to view the program's information leaflet.

© 2026 African Development Bank. All rights reserved. Published by AllAfrica Global Media (Ants).

Tagged: Economy, Business and Finance, Africa, International Organizations and Africa, Children and Youth, External Relations

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U.S. Finalizes Jerusalem Embassy Deal Published: July 1, 2026 | 11:34 PM

July 2 - Pakistan: On Wednesday, the United States finalized a deal to build a long-term embassy complex in Jerusalem, representing a major development in its official representation within Israel. This action comes after previous choices to shift U.S. consular operations from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel referred to the pact as proof of an "unshakable partnership" between both nations.

U.S. Envoy to Israel, Mike Huckabee, revealed the agreement at a formal event held at Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He stated that the U.S. has pledged to establish a lasting diplomatic "base" in Jerusalem. Huckabee added that this choice highlights longstanding acknowledgment of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The embassy will be built within the Allenby complex in south Jerusalem. U.S. representatives stated that this initiative aims to bring all diplomatic operations together under one lasting site. This action follows President Donald Trump's 2017 announcement of officially recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

This previous change in strategy departed from many years of American foreign policy. Many nations still have their embassies located in Tel Aviv because of the ongoing dispute over Jerusalem's status. The Palestinians still assert that East Jerusalem will be the capital of an upcoming sovereign nation.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed approval of the deal and stated that it enhanced relations between the two countries. He noted that this choice reinforced Washington's support for Israel's stance regarding Jerusalem. This declaration occurs against the backdrop of continued regional unrest after recent hostilities in the Middle East.

Five Families Lost in Tragic Boat Disaster at Saifullah Lake

July 2 - Pakistan: A tragic incident occurred in Swat when a tourist boat overturned at Saifullah Lake, resulting in the death of five individuals from the same family. Emergency response units have retrieved five deceased persons, with ongoing efforts continuing to find four others who are still unaccounted for.

As per the local administrative body, a vessel transporting visitors capsized at Saifullah Lake, leading to an urgent recovery effort. Officials verified that those who lost their lives belonged to the same household.

Authorities stated that nine relatives were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. Five individuals died, whereas four more are still unaccounted for.

Local authorities, together with emergency crews and community members, are still conducting searches to find those who have gone missing. Emergency activities are taking place near and around the lake.

Officials stated that all possible measures are being taken to locate the missing travelers at the earliest opportunity. The Swat boat disaster has triggered worries regarding visitor security, with authorities set to examine the reason behind the event after the search and rescue mission concludes.

CSO Praises Amupitan's Stand Against Ballot Theft and Vote Manipulation

The Institute for Reliable Elections and the Program for Transparent Leadership have praised the Head of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, for his clear statement indicating that the time of stealing ballots and altering outcomes has ended.

In a press release published on Wednesday from its spokesperson, Dr. Augustus Maduka Obum, the organization referred to the Chairman's declaration, delivered during a meeting between the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and INEC offices in Abuja, as a courageous, appropriate, and comforting confirmation of his commitment to ensure fair elections in 2027.

The statement said, 'Professor Amupitan has told Nigerians that the technology currently used by the Commission is robust enough to safeguard each vote in the 2027 general election.'

This is more than just empty talk; it serves as an unmistakable indication that the troubling era of election-related violence has come to an end.

The team, which has been carefully observing the INEC Chairperson's activities since taking up position, showed approval for his intentional measures to shield opposing political groups from the arbitrary decisions, mood swings, and intimidation tactics of the dominant party.

The team highlighted that Amupitan has shown extraordinary bravery and autonomy within institutions in protecting the election procedure from excessive political influence.

As a result, it urged opposing political parties, non-governmental organizations, the press, and every relevant party to stand united with the INEC Chairperson and provide him with the required backing to achieve success.

The group emphasized that many preventable challenges INEC has faced over the years were engineered by political figures who intentionally cause disorder and later accuse the Commission.

The statement further noted, 'If political actors strictly followed the regulations and ceased employing the courts to manipulate elections for personal gain, many of the issues faced by INEC would never occur in the first place.'

The Foundation particularly commended Amupitan for making sure that opposition parties encountering legal issues were still provided with the required codes and the chance to submit their candidates via the INEC website.

"This one act of justice and managerial bravery highlights an individual committed to doing what is correct, despite the political challenges," the organization noted.

Additionally, it was highlighted that Amupitan, an esteemed attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the inaugural chairman of INEC who has contributed to the commission a remarkable blend of extensive organizational understanding and strong legal background.

"This marks a turning point. We believe that with his guidance, INEC will always act appropriately in every situation," the statement mentioned.

The team called on Nigerians to back the INEC head for success instead of criticizing him or making accusations that might erode trust in the voting system.

It urged political figures from every faction to promptly stop behaviors that create unnecessary challenges for INEC staff, or that aim to compromise the fairness and trustworthiness of the voting procedure.

"Nigeria's democracy can't withstand another round of rigged or contested elections. It's now time for all political players to adhere to the regulations, honor the autonomy of INEC, and let the voice of the citizens be heard freely," the declaration ended.

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IMO: 12 Suspects Arrested, 3 Victims Rescued in Kidnapping Operation

The Imo State Police Command has detained 12 individuals accused of multiple violations such as abduction, gang activities, homicide, and other serious criminal acts within the state.

A press release published in Owerri on Wednesday from the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, Okoye Henry, stated that the command's officers, under the leadership of ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, managed to save three individuals.

This initiative forms part of the commander's continuous initiatives aimed at addressing violent criminal activities via intelligence-driven law enforcement and successful cooperation with additional security organizations, community watch groups, and key partners.

Furthermore, the operation led to the retrieval of these objects: one AK-47 assault rifle, two homemade double-barreled firearms, four handmade handguns, two active ammunition rounds, a blue Toyota Highlander vehicle lacking a license plate, a grayish Mercedes-Benz GLK jeep bearing the registration number YAB 831 DQ, three Q-Link motorbikes, a Sumec power generation unit, and eight named brand beer bottles.

In addition, the Imo State Police Command has recovered another hostage and apprehended those responsible through a collaborative, intelligence-driven mission.

The PPRO stated that their operation for rescue and apprehension took place following the kidnap of five travelers from a local bus on Obokofia Road in Egbema and the later abducting of a youth in New Owerri on June 27th, 2026.

Okoye stated that based on reliable information, officers from the Command worked together with personnel from the Egbema Police Division to conduct an operation at a presumed kidnapping den located in Obokofia within the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. During this action, three abducted individuals were successfully freed without harm, and seven people believed to be part of the group were taken into custody. Additional members of the criminal network escaped the area and are now under investigation.

The individuals under suspicion are Eric John, known as "Yahoo Welder," from Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State, who resides in Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema LGA; Light Chukwuma (age 18); Obinna Osuamma (age 18); Sylvester Nnadike (age 60); Tochukwu Precious (age 22); Destiny Albert (age 22); and Caroline Oziomele (age 25), all hailing from Obokofia, within the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

PPRO revealed that among the items seized during the operation were an AK-47 assault rifle, two homemade double-barreled firearms, two locally manufactured handguns, a blue Toyota Highlander SUV lacking a license plate, a gray-colored Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle owned by one of the freed individuals, three Q-Link motorbikes, a Sumec power unit, and eight named brand cult hats.

He stated that the inquiry found that one of the recovered victims recognized one of the detained accused, Eric John, known as "Yahoo Welder," as part of the group involved in his kidnapping.

Okoye added that the inquiry showed the group had obtained N5 million from the victim's family and then requested another N50 million as a ransom prior to the individual being freed in a police operation.

A spokesperson for the command stated that during an intelligence-driven operation held on June 21st, 2026, officers from the Imo State Police Command detained five individuals believed to be part of the Senior Vikings Confraternity, referred to as SVC, who were engaged in cult-related actions in Okuku within the Owerri West Local Government Area.

The individuals under suspicion are Iwuagwu Innocent Chigozie (26), from Owu Amakohia in the Ikeduru Local Government Area; Okparaugo Kingsley (32), hailing from Ogbusisi, Umuguma, within the Owerri West Local Government Area; Uchenna Daniel Akagha (23), residing in Uborji, Okuku, part of the Owerri West Local Government Area; Nsubechi Ekezie (25), originating from Umuchiezie, Ahaizu Mbaise Local Government Area; and Nwaneri Chigemezue (28).

He stated that, during questioning, the accused individuals admitted to taking part in a cult ritual conducted on May 24th, 2026, in Umuome, Umuguma, within the Owerri West Local Government Area, where an unidentified individual was reportedly assaulted and killed.

He mentioned that following the information, agents went to the location and retrieved the decomposing corpse.

Okoye mentioned that additional operations conducted at the suspects' hiding places resulted in the retrieval of two homemade guns and two active bullets. A probe is currently underway to determine the dead person's identity and capture remaining members of the organization.

Police Commissioner, CP Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents of Imo State that the command continues to be dedicated to fighting criminal activities, enhancing cooperation with other security organizations, community-based watch groups, and citizens, as well as making sure that every perpetrator faces legal consequences.

He calls on locals to stay alert and notify the closest Police Station or use the Command’s urgent hotline number 0803 477 3600 about any unusual people or actions, since prompt and reliable details continue to be essential for safeguarding lives and assets throughout Imo State.

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China Tops Nature Index Again, South Korea Ranks 7th

For the third straight year, China has topped the "Nature Index," which measures worldwide scientific research performance. South Korea stayed at 7th position, consistent with the previous year's placement.

The global academic publishing house Springer Nature, which publishes the journal *Nature*, revealed the list of "2026 Nature Index Research Leaders" on the 10th.

The Nature Index is a ranking system developed by Springer Nature that assesses the quantity of research articles published in prestigious scholarly journals, including those focused on natural sciences, along with their influence.

Although the Nature Index mainly focused on fundamental science and medicine disciplines, this year it broadened its coverage by adding 17 applied science journals and 15 social science journals.

China remained the leading nation for global research production this year. Its output rose by 22.4% between 2024 and 2025.

The United States came in second place, with Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, South Korea, India, Canada, and Italy following closely behind.

Among the leading countries, China was the sole nation to achieve growth surpassing 10%. Japan and South Korea also experienced research output increases within the 9% bracket, reflecting strong expansion trends across Eastern Asia.

South Korea placed third in applied sciences, achieving a 14% increase in research production within this area, reflecting significant progress. Nevertheless, it came in eighth for natural sciences, highlighting that it continues to trail somewhat in fundamental scientific disciplines.

In terms of institutions, the Chinese Academy of Sciences was ranked number one. For the first time since the rankings started in 2015, Harvard University from the United States dropped from the top position to be replaced by Zhejiang University from China.

Apart from Harvard University, all entities ranked from 1st to 12th were Chinese institutes or universities. The German Max Planck Society dropped to 13th position, exiting the top 10.

At Seoul National University in South Korea, the institution secured the 58th position, moving down six positions compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, KAIST climbed two ranks to reach 80th spot.

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Coupang Fined Record 624.6 Billion Won Over Data Leak

Coupang faced a data breach impacting 37.55 million consumers in November, leading to a penalty exceeding 600 billion South Korean won. On the 11th, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) stated that it had determined a fine of 624.681 billion won against Coupang during a session held on the 10th, due to violations of the Personal Information Protection Act. This amount exceeds the prior highest penalty of 134.791 billion won given to SK Telecom in August of the previous year. Additionally, the commission opted to charge an extra fine of 16.8 million won.

The committee said, "The inquiry verified that this event happened because of Coupang's failure in handling personal data security," and mentioned, "Additional instructions were provided to enhance protective protocols to avoid such occurrences."

In November of last year, the PIPC initiated an inquiry following a complaint from Coupang, establishing a collaborative task force alongside the Korea Internet & Security Agency.

A former employee at Coupang, who departed in late 2024, was discovered to have carried out a data leakage experiment in January of the previous year, methodically extracting personal details between April and November of that same year by gaining access to member profile editing sections, delivery address controls, and purchase history records.

A cybercriminal created fake authorization tokens to gain entry into the delivery address administration section roughly 148 million times starting from April 14 of the previous year, resulting in the exposure of names, phone numbers, and residential addresses. On June 24 of the same year, they entered the user profile editing area 34.966812 million times, causing leakage of names and electronic mail identifiers. Starting from September 26 of the prior year, they logged into the delivery address update segment 50,474 instances and reviewed the purchase record interface 85,213 times, also leading to disclosure of common access codes and transaction specifics.

Using these techniques, the hacker exposed personal details of 33.22472 million members and at least 4.338368 million individuals who were not members. This involved 33.057012 million names along with email addresses, 63.986351 million shipping address entries (including names, addresses, and common access codes) for a minimum of 22.375359 million members and 4.338368 million non-members, as well as purchase records from 58,349 members.

The committee verified that the event occurred due to Coupang's insufficient security management framework and carelessness. It stated, "Coupang was unable to effectively control access rights for authentication signature keys, and even though there were unusual surges in access during the attack timeframe, it didn’t identify these anomalies."

Coupang learned about the further exposure of 160,000 customers' private details from the delivery address section approximately on January 30 this year, yet reported it to officials just on February 5, which was six days after discovery. Moreover, despite being asked four times by the committee to inform non-member individuals affected by the breach, Coupang failed to take action.

The committee mentioned, "Individuals who were not members could not implement protective actions against additional harm because they did not know about the leakage."

In addition, Coupang had internal policies requiring the destruction of user data 90 days after an account was removed and immediate removal of addresses along with account numbers. However, it did not erase 2,465,592 delivery address details (including names, phone numbers, and addresses) belonging to deactivated accounts, resulting in these being exposed. Moreover, it was discovered that 318,499 account numbers from terminated users were not promptly erased.

Not long after the committee started its inquiry, it instructed Coupang to retain evidence like website access records connected to the event. Nevertheless, Coupang manually erased five months' worth of online activity logs spanning from July through November 2024, making it harder to establish the precise sequence of events surrounding the first data breach. Still, the committee mentioned, "There was no proof discovered indicating that the exposed personal details were shared unlawfully."

Additionally, the committee expressed disapproval towards Coupang for collecting consumers' internet browsing data without permission.

The inquiry found that Coupang gathered and kept track of online behavior data from 11.17613 million consumers between December 23, 2024, and February 4 of this year, encompassing 15.645338 million website and application accesses, which were utilized for personalized ads.

As a result, the committee chose to charge a penalty amounting to 423.575 billion won and a fine of 16.8 million won concerning the data breach, along with an extra penalty of 201.16 billion won related to the illicit gathering of internet usage information.

Penalties were assessed according to Coupang's online shopping service income. According to the Personal Information Protection Act, fines may be as high as 3% of revenue. The committee said, "The ultimate fine was decided taking into account the seriousness of the breach and the extent of the harm caused."

The committee independently chose to charge a fine of 248 million won against Coupang Fulfillment Services, which is part of Coupang.

The inquiry revealed that Coupang Fulfillment Services gathered and handled the names of 71 media representatives from the National Police Agency, despite these individuals never having worked at their distribution facilities, and added them to a confidential employee list. The committee considered this action a breach of guidelines for collecting and utilizing personal data. Furthermore, Coupang Fulfillment Services provided staff weight details to the court during a legal case involving an workplace injury, which the committee viewed as a violation of protocols concerning handling private information.

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Busan Bridge Collapse Injures Two Workers During Construction

A bridge being built in Busan fell down, causing injuries to two individuals.

As reported by the Busan Fire and Emergency Management Office on the 11th, a section of a bridge under construction at the Eco Delta City Phase 3, Block 3 development area in Gangseo District, Busan, fell down approximately at 8:42 a.m. that day.

During the incident, employee A, who is 44 years old, received severe injuries, while colleague B, aged 60, experienced less significant harm. Both individuals were taken to a local medical facility. They are currently alert, with no urgent dangers to their lives.

An incident is said to have taken place while installing a girder, which is a beam that supports the roadway, with the help of a crane.

Authorities are looking into the specific details of the incident.

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