Are parts of India becoming too hot for humans?
Updated 0326 GMT (1126 HKT) July 4, 2019
Intense heat waves have killed more than 100 people in India this summer and are predicted to worsen in coming years, creating a possible humanitarian crisis as large parts of the country potentially become too hot to be inhabitable.
Trump downplays, defends cost of his Fourth of July event
One day before the celebration, the president claimed that the cost would be “very little compared to what it is worth,” as the total amount remained unclear.
By Lauren Egan
President Donald Trump downplayed the cost of his Fourth of July celebration Wednesday morning, amid criticism that the event was racking up an unusually high price tag and turning the traditionally nonpolitical Independence Day tradition into a partisan event.
“The cost of our great Salute to America tomorrow will be very little compared to what it is worth,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “We own the planes, we have the pilots, the airport is right next door (Andrews), all we need is the fuel. We own the tanks and all. Fireworks are donated by two of the greats. Nice!”
However, The Washington Post reported that the National Park Service is diverting roughly $2.5 million in entrance and recreation fees from parks across the country in order to pay for Trump’s celebration on the National Mall on Thursday.
Hong Kong protests: police make first arrests after storming of parliament
At least 11 men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of trying to disrupt celebrations marking the 22nd anniversary of the former British colony’s return to Chinese rule on Monday.
Divided UN Security Council fails to condemn deadly attack on Libya migrant centre
The divided UN Security Council on Wednesday failed to condemn an attack on a detention centre for migrants in Libya after the United States did not endorse a proposed statement, diplomats said.
During a two-hour closed-door meeting, Britain circulated a statement that would have condemned the deadly air strike blamed on commander Khalifa Haftar‘s forces, called for a ceasefire and a return to political talks.
But US diplomats told the meeting that they required a green light from Washington to approve the text and the talks ended without US approval, sources told AFP.
Australian student released from detention in North Korea
Australia’s prime minister said Alek Sigley was “safe and well” after being released from North Korea. It was the first time an official confirmed the 29-year-old had been detained since he went missing last week.
Alek Sigley, an Australian student who went missing in North Korea last week has been freed from detention, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday.
“Alek is safe and well … we were advised that the DPRK have released him from detention and he has safely left the country and I can confirm that he has arrived safely,” Morrison told Parliament, referring to North Korea by its official name.
It was the first time that an official confirmed that the 29-year-old had been detained, although Morrison did not provide an explanation about why he had been taken into custody.
Heavy rain in south Japan causes flood, mudslides; 4 injured
Heavy rain has triggered flooding and mudslides in southern Japan, injuring four people and damaging dozens of homes.
More than 1 million residents have been advised to evacuate to shelters in the region.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters Thursday that four people were injured in the hardest-hit southern prefecture of Kagoshima, but none seriously.
Nishimura says a fifth person is missing in the prefecture, possibly buried underneath a mudslide that already left one dead.