UN pushes for global plastics treaty amid health and pollution crisis
Delegates from 180 countries have begun talks in Geneva to negotiate a global treaty on plastic pollution, following a breakdown in talks last year, according to Firstpost.
UN officials warned plastic waste is causing severe harm to the environment and human health, with microplastics now found across the planet and inside human bodies.
Disagreements remain, especially between oil-producing nations resisting production limits and others pushing for stronger action, Firstpost reported.
Over 400m tonnes of plastic are produced annually, yet less than 10 percent is recycled. A Lancet report warns plastic pollution could cost the world $1.5trn a year in health-related losses.
Russian attacks on Ukraine increase sharply amid Trump’s ceasefire push
After President Donald Trump took office in January, Russia more than doubled its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, according to BBC Verify. Between January and July, over 27,000 munitions were launched—more than twice the number fired in the last six months of Joe Biden’s presidency.
Trump pledged to end the conflict quickly and called for a ceasefire, but his administration paused military aid to Ukraine twice, drawing criticism. Although early diplomatic talks in February briefly slowed attacks, Russian strikes soon surged again, including a record 748 missiles and drones fired on 9 July.
Ukraine now faces near-daily bombardments, forcing residents to live under constant fear. Despite Trump’s efforts, the attacks continue to escalate, BBC reported.
Zara ads banned for 'unhealthily thin' models
Two Zara adverts have been banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for featuring models who appeared unhealthily thin. The ASA, which regulates advertising to ensure it is responsible and not misleading, said the models’ poses and styling exaggerated thinness, making the ads irresponsible, BBC reported.
Zara removed the images, stating both models had medical certificates confirming they were healthy and that the photos were only minimally edited. Two other ads were investigated but not banned. Similar actions have been taken against retailers like Marks & Spencer and Next over concerns about promoting unrealistic body standards.
Bangladesh announces election as country marks year since ex-PM fled
Bangladesh will hold elections in February 2026, interim leader Muhammad Yunus announced on the anniversary of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure, according to BBC.
Hasina fled in August 2024 following mass protests, ending her 15-year rule. Yunus, appointed as caretaker leader, pledged reforms and said the vote would take place before Ramadan.
He also introduced the “July Declaration,” promising justice and democratic renewal. Hasina, now on trial in absentia, denies wrongdoing and claims her removal was a “coup.”
The Awami League has been banned, with many of its members still detained, BBC reported.
