World News Live Updates: Search For Missing Hiroshima Bombing Victims Continues On Ninoshima Island 80 Years Later

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer Vinfast is breaking ground on a $500 million factory in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state, marking a significant step in its planned $2 billion investment in the country and its broader expansion across Asia, according to a report in AP. The plant, located in Thoothukudi, will have an initial annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, with plans to potentially triple output to 150,000 cars. This move represents a strategic pivot for Vinfast towards high-growth emerging markets, following a challenging entry into the competitive US market. The investment aims to tap into India’s rapidly expanding EV sector, though Vinfast will face strong competition from established domestic players.

Luxury brands in Europe and Japan are experiencing a significant drop in sales from tourists, particularly from the US and China, according to a report in the Financial Times. The decline is attributed to several economic factors, including a weaker Chinese Yuan which has reduced the purchasing power of Chinese travelers. Concurrently, while the US dollar is strong, persistent domestic inflation is causing American tourists to spend more cautiously on high-value goods. The trend also reflects a broader normalization of post-pandemic ‘revenge spending,’ with consumers now shifting discretionary funds from goods back towards experiences.

Eighty years after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the search for thousands of missing victims continues on the nearby island of Ninoshima, where new evidence is still being unearthed, according to a report in AP. In the chaotic aftermath of the August 6, 1945, bombing, thousands of the dead and dying were brought to the island, which experienced three weeks of rushed burials. While thousands of remains have been found on Ninoshima over the decades, many are still missing, and the ongoing search underscores the long-term human cost as the 80th anniversary of the event approaches.

Somalia is undertaking a significant modernization of its camel milk industry, a cornerstone of its pastoral culture, in a push to boost its economy, AP says in a report. The initiative involves introducing processed products such as camel milk yogurt to improve nutrition and open new markets. As part of a broader strategy for economic recovery, the Somali government is encouraging investment in the sector to diversify the economy, create jobs for its large youth population, and enhance food security in the climate-vulnerable region. This development marks a strategic shift from traditional herding to more market-oriented agricultural production.

A woman was arrested in New Zealand on a child neglect charge after a bus driver discovered a 2-year-old girl alive inside a suitcase stowed in the vehicle’s luggage compartment, AP says in a report. The discovery was made during a planned stop in Kaiwaka, north of Auckland, when the driver noticed movement in the bag after a passenger requested access to the luggage area. The incident has drawn attention to child welfare protocols and may prompt public transport operators to review luggage policies. According to Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, the child is now in the care of child protective services while the police investigation continues.

Meta Platforms, known for its open-source Llama AI models, has indicated it will be more ‘careful’ with its open-source strategy, a move that contrasts with China’s increasing embrace of open-source AI development, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. This shift by the US tech giant occurs as China actively fosters its own open-source AI ecosystem, which computer scientist Andrew Ng suggests could be a path for the country to ‘surpass the US in AI’. The differing strategies could lead to a fragmentation of the global AI landscape, with US firms potentially focusing on safety and control while China uses open-source for rapid innovation and to reduce reliance on foreign technology.

Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro held rallies across the country as he faces multiple legal investigations, including for allegedly trying to overturn the 2022 election, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Bolsonaro, who was declared ineligible for public office until 2030 by a court in June 2023, is also a key target in probes related to the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings in Brasília. The demonstrations for the former president have received rhetorical backing from his ally, current US President Donald Trump, and occur amid deep political polarization in Brazil.

Scientists have issued a stark warning that plastics pose a ‘grave’ danger to human health at every stage of their lifecycle, from production to disposal, as diplomats prepare for UN talks on a global treaty, according to a report in Financial Times. The warnings, supported by recent major scientific reports, emphasize that exposure to plastic-related chemicals can cause significant health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems. This development is expected to increase pressure on negotiators to create a comprehensive and legally binding treaty that addresses not just plastic waste, but also limits on production and the use of harmful chemicals, posing significant regulatory and strategic challenges for the global plastics and petrochemical industries.

Britain is on high alert for the arrival of Storm Floris, which is forecast to bring hurricane-force wind gusts over 80 mph and significant rainfall, with Scotland expected to be the most affected region on Monday, The New York Times says in a report. In response, the UK Met Office has issued severe weather warnings, and officials have advised residents to remain indoors. Widespread disruption is anticipated across transportation networks, with rail, air, and ferry services likely to face cancellations and delays. Emergency services and utility companies are preparing for potential incidents, including power outages, flooding, and damage to infrastructure from the powerful winds.

A joint research mission between Cuban and UK scientists is underway to understand the biological secrets of the endangered Polymita snail, aiming to prevent its extinction, according to a report in BBC. The snail is critically threatened by an extensive illegal international trade, driven by high demand for its uniquely beautiful shells by collectors and for jewelry. Despite being listed on CITES Appendix II since 2017 to regulate trade, a persistent black market continues to thrive on online e-commerce platforms, prompting ongoing seizures by global customs agencies. The scientific collaboration focuses on advanced genetic sequencing to guide habitat preservation in eastern Cuba. The project’s success carries significant implications, not only for Cuban biodiversity but also for international wildlife law enforcement. Furthermore, conservation efforts aim to create alternative economic opportunities, such as eco-tourism, for local Cuban communities to counteract the economic drivers of poaching.

The United States and China are facing a significant obstacle in their ongoing trade negotiations over the US demand that Beijing stop buying oil from Iran and Russia, according to a report in AP. Despite potential progress on other trade issues, this point of contention remains unresolved. In response to US pressure, China’s Foreign Ministry stated that the country will always ensure its energy supply in a manner that serves its national interests, signaling a firm refusal to comply with the American request.