World News Live Updates: North Korea rejects diplomatic overtures from South Korea

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has rebuffed overtures from South Korea’s conservative government, stating on Monday that Pyongyang has no interest in diplomatic talks regardless of the proposal, according to a report in AP. Her comments signal that North Korea intends to continue focusing on its expanding nuclear weapons program and has no immediate plans to re-engage in diplomacy with either Seoul or Washington. The rejection is a direct response to proposals like South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s “audacious initiative,” which offered economic aid for denuclearization steps.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.