Author: Lester Holt

Tesla’s Market Share Shrinks Tesla recorded a sharp fall in European sales in July, down 40% compared with the same month last year. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) reported 8,837 Tesla vehicles were registered across the EU, the UK, and the European Free Trade Association, a steep drop from 14,769 in July 2024. Despite rolling out an updated Model Y, the company continues to lose ground in the region. BYD’s Strong Momentum BYD saw registrations soar to 13,503 vehicles in July, more than tripling the 4,151 units recorded a year earlier. Its share of the European market rose to…

Delivery Timeline Adjusted The U.S. plane maker will transfer 25 jets to the Irish low-cost airline ahead of schedule. Originally due for handover next spring, the 737 MAX aircraft will now be delivered in October, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary announced on Wednesday. He praised the standard of Boeing’s work, calling it “exceptional,” and expressed confidence that American aviation authorities would issue approval quickly. Challenges Facing Boeing Boeing has been grappling with persistent safety concerns and production shortcomings. The 737 MAX was involved in multiple accidents linked to technical malfunctions, including an incident where a cabin door component detached during flight.…

Indian Exports Face Heavy Duties The United States has implemented 50% tariffs on Indian goods, affecting key sectors such as clothing, seafood, and jewelry. The measure is expected to strain export-dependent businesses and escalate trade tensions between the two nations. Emphasis on Domestic Production Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on Indians to support locally made products. During his Independence Day speech, he encouraged businesses and consumers to showcase and buy Indian-made goods, framing self-reliance as a matter of national pride. Tax Measures to Boost Spending To mitigate the economic impact, the government is moving forward with tax reforms. Building…

Plans for Another North Korea MeetingDonald Trump has announced his intention to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un again, potentially later this year. During a White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump described his prior interactions with Kim as positive and said he hopes to resume direct talks, even though previous summits failed to reach a definitive agreement on North Korea’s nuclear program. U.S. Considers Ownership of Base LandsTrump proposed that the United States assume full control of the land used for American military bases in South Korea. He pointed to the substantial U.S. investment in…

Opposition Readies Vote Against BayrouPrime Minister François Bayrou’s minority administration is facing mounting pressure as three key opposition parties have announced plans to vote against him in the confidence motion set for September 8. The Socialists have openly rejected any support, with party leader Olivier Faure calling it “out of the question.” The far-right National Rally and the Greens have also declared they will not back Bayrou, leaving his government in a vulnerable position. Fiscal Strain and Proposed AusterityBayrou is moving to frame the debate by outlining France’s economic challenges ahead of discussions on the 2026 budget, which proposes €43.8…

Rescue attempt turns fatal amid rough seas on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast Alexandria, Egypt – Seven young people lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea west of Alexandria after trying to save a classmate from drowning. Around 150 students were at the beach when one young woman entered the water on Saturday, despite a red flag warning of dangerous conditions. She soon became trapped in the heavy surf. Several of her peers rushed in to help but were overwhelmed by the strong currents. Officials confirmed that six victims, aged 15 to 21, drowned during the rescue effort. The next day, rescue…

Ottawa will lift some retaliatory duties while maintaining tariffs on automobiles, steel, and aluminium. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Friday that Canada will reduce part of its trade retaliation against the United States. While levies on vehicles, steel, and aluminium remain in place, other tariffs on American goods will be removed starting September 1. Action comes after missed trade deadline The announcement follows Carney’s first phone call with President Donald Trump since both countries failed to meet their self-imposed deadline for a new trade deal. Canada had previously imposed a 25% tariff on roughly C$30bn (£16bn; $21.7bn) of US goods,…

Initiative Targets Major Urban Areas President Donald Trump announced plans to extend his federal crime effort to Chicago and New York, describing Chicago as severely troubled and promising that New York would be addressed next. The program continues a focus on Democratic-run cities with Black mayors, drawing criticism from local officials who say the measures are politically motivated. Armed National Guard to Patrol Capital Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered that National Guard troops in Washington DC will now be equipped with firearms, overturning prior assurances that they would remain unarmed. Roughly 2,000 Guard members are stationed in the city, including…

Washington ties tariff cuts to EU legislation The United States has confirmed it will keep its 27.5% tariff on European cars in place until the European Union formally introduces legislation to lower duties on American goods. Under the new trade framework released Thursday, the US will reduce its levy on EU vehicles and parts to 15% once Brussels takes the required legislative step. Trade deal sealed in Scotland The arrangement was announced on 27 July after Donald Trump and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen met at Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland. The framework sets out reciprocal promises:…

Deadline draws near Brazil has issued a strong appeal for nations to deliver updated climate plans before a critical September cut-off date. Only 28 countries have submitted proposals so far, with major emitters such as China and the EU still missing from the list. Global progress under review The UN requires all nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by 25 September to compile a report showing whether current commitments are sufficient to keep global warming below 1.5C. Without these pledges, the assessment risks being incomplete. Diplomatic pressure intensifies Cop30 president André Corrêa do Lago reminded governments that climate pledges are not just…