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  3. WorldMiddle East

    Philippines' Sovereign Debt Hits Record High at P19.07 Trillion

    The Philippines closed the first half of 2026 with a record-high sovereign debt of P19.07 trillion, up 2.80% from the P18.55 trillion debt level as of end-May 2026. The increase was driven by net availment of both domestic and external borrowings to fund national development. The debt stock was already slightly above the P19.06-trillion level projected for end-2026 under the 2026 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing.
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  5. BusinessTradeCryptoCorp Gov

    Block Urges Senate to Pass Digital Asset Market Clarity Act

    Block Inc., founded by Jack Dorsey, sent a letter to the U.S. Senate urging the immediate passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) before the August 10, 2026 recess. The letter emphasizes the urgency of action, highlighting the need for regulatory certainty, protections for developers, and U.S. competitiveness in crypto innovation. The CLARITY Act aims to provide jurisdictional clarity between the SEC and CFTC, establish a stablecoin framework, and includes an ethics title restricting public officials from issuing digital assets.
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  7. WorldBillMiddle EastBudget

    Airlines Subsidy: Up to R$ 1.2 Billion in Present Value Credit Subsidy

    The emergency line of R$ 8 billion prepared by the Brazilian government for airlines may carry up to R$ 1.22 billion in present value credit subsidy. The estimate is contained in documents from the National Monetary Council analyzed by Radar Econômico. Azul, Gol, and Latam could absorb up to R$ 7.992 billion together, equivalent to 99.9% of the resources. The financing also does not require the opening of new routes.
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  8. WorldMiddle EastWeather

    Air Pollution Exceeds Norms in Chișinău and Bălți

    Air pollution concentrations in Chișinău and Bălți have exceeded sanitary norms for nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde during the period of 28-29 July. The maximum instantaneous concentration of nitrogen dioxide was 1.1 times higher than the norm in Chișinău, while the daily average for formaldehyde was 2.8 times higher. Meteorological conditions generally favored the dispersion of pollutants, but high temperatures and weak wind could lead to further accumulation starting from July 30.
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  9. SocietyRegulatorsNorth AmericaBudgetLogistics

    BMW to Cut Around 8,000 Jobs Worldwide

    BMW plans to cut around 8,000 jobs worldwide by the end of 2027, mainly affecting office jobs and not production. The German automaker aims to reduce costs and improve competitiveness amid a crisis in the automotive industry, including weak demand in China and increased global competition. The job cuts will be made through natural attrition and a voluntary severance program in Germany, with the first departures expected this year. The program is expected to cost the company a three-digit million amount.
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  10. WorldRegulatorsGovernanceMiddle EastBudget

    Marcos Jr. Launches EV Incentive Program to Boost Local Manufacturing

    President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 121, establishing the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) Program. The program aims to encourage major companies to invest in and manufacture electric vehicles and their components in the Philippines. The government will provide tax payment certificates as incentives to attract investments and generate jobs for Filipinos. The EVIS program seeks to create more jobs, attract new investments, strengthen local manufacturing, reduce dependence on imported oil, and position the Philippines as a key player in the global electric vehicle supply chain.
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  11. PoliticsPolicyBillMiddle EastNorth America

    CHP Officials Facing Corruption Charges

    Several officials from the Republican People's Party (CHP) are under investigation for corruption. In Ankara, CHP's Etimesgut Mayor Erdal Beşikçioğlu was detained following an operation targeting corruption in the municipality. Meanwhile, Üsküdar Mayor Sinem Dedetaş was accused of bribery, embezzlement, and forming a criminal organization. CHP sources dismissed rumors of party members switching to AKP, stating that any changes would be limited.
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  12. WorldEuropeChinaEarth

    Indian Army's Operation Jal Rahat in Assam: Over 1000 Civilians Rescued, Relief Supplies Distributed

    The Indian Army is conducting Operation Jal Rahat in flood-hit Assam, rescuing over 1000 civilians and providing essential relief supplies. The operation, which began in response to devastating floods, involves distributing grains, food packets, water, and other supplies to affected communities. The Army is working alongside civil administration, NDRF, SDRF, and local agencies to restore connectivity and reach stranded families in remote areas.
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  13. PoliticsRegulators

    Government Denies Censorship Allegations in New Broadcasting Law

    President Claudia Sheinbaum and the federal government have denied allegations of censorship in the new Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law, which includes guidelines to protect audience rights. The National Chamber of the Radio and Television Industry (CIRT) has criticized the law, stating that it gives the government too much discretion. The government has put the guidelines up for public consultation until August 21. Sheinbaum assured that the government's objective is not to censor but to guarantee the rights of audiences. She also clarified that fines are one of the most polemic aspects and that the public consultation is open to discuss this topic.
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  14. PoliticsAppointments

    Oleksiy Biloshytskyi Appointed as New Head of Ukraine's Patrol Police

    Oleksiy Biloshytskyi has been appointed as the new head of Ukraine's patrol police. Previously, he served as the first deputy chief of the Department of Patrol Police. Biloshytskyi has dedicated a significant portion of his career to serving in the patrol police, contributing to its development and modern approaches. He also played a role in creating the 'Hajak' brigade during the full-scale war and expanding its capabilities.
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  17. ScienceSoftwareRoboticsWeather

    AI Robot Detects Diver Stress via Bubble Analysis

    Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed an AI system enabling underwater robots to measure divers' stress levels in real-time by analyzing bubbles exhaled through their regulators. The system, published in The International Journal of Robotics Research, estimates breathing frequency, identifying situations of physical tension. Field tests showed successful classification into 'below normal', 'normal', and 'above normal' ranges. The AI model was trained using a 'fuzzy labeling' system, teaching the robot to recognize breathing patterns from blurry underwater images and synchronized audio signals.
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  19. PoliticsMiddle EastNorth AmericaIsrael

    Russia Calls on US to 'Rein in' Zelensky Over Energy Infrastructure Attacks

    The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over Ukraine's attacks on energy infrastructure, stating that these actions are causing damage to the economic interests of the US and Kazakhstan. The ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, described Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as 'absolutely undiplomatic' and 'trying to involve as many countries as possible in his terrorist adventures'. Russia hopes that the American authorities will give an adequate assessment of Zelensky's actions and rein him in.
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