Latest news for 5 August 2025

RUSSIA

Not like that.

Two young Russian influencers are now facing criminal charges after posting a viral TikTok dancing in front of a burning, Ukraine-hit oil facility in Russia’s Sochi tourist resort. (Yahoo)

Comment: It’s hard to think of a better example not just of the Streisand Effect (the video only went viral after the duo got arrested), but our world’s distinct 2025 vibes.

ISRAEL

You’re fired.

The cabinet has voted to oust Israel’s attorney-general, a recurring critic of Netanyahu’s government and the chief prosecutor in his ongoing corruption case. It sets up another showdown with Israel’s supreme court, which will now review the unprecedented move. (TOI)

Comment: The court already warned the government against trying this, so pushing ahead anyway is likely an attempt to rally Bibi’s base as his woes mount. It nudges Israel back towards the kind of constitutional crisis brewing when Hamas hit in 2023.

BRAZIL

Black gold!

Energy major BP has announced its biggest oil and gas discovery in a quarter century off the coast of Brazil. (BP)

Comment: Impeccable timing, just after markets punished the firm for its aggressive renewables strategy, triggering rumours of a buy-out attempt from rival Shell.

ITALY

Not fine.

Italian regulators have slapped China’s fast-fashion giant Shein with a $1.2M fine over misleading environmental claims. Paris just hit Shein with its own $46M greenwashing fine last month. (EuroNews)

YEMEN

Dangerous route.

Dozens have died after another small boat carrying more than 150 migrants sank off the coast of Yemen. (BBC)

Comment: While Mediterranean incidents generate the headlines, it’s a reminder other routes (like this East Africa → Gulf path) can be just as dangerous.

PHILIPPINES

Drill it down.

The Indian and Philippine navies have conducted their first joint drills in the South China Sea, the same day the Philippine president arrived in India on a state visit. (Naval News)Comment: For both capitals, the target audience is China, with Delhi signalling its availability as — and Manila its interest in — a counterweight to Beijing.

SOUTH KOREA

Turn it down.

Seoul has started removing border loudspeakers in a bid to ease tensions with the autocratic North. The South resumed blasting K-pop and pro-democracy propaganda last summer in response to the North’s trash balloons, which were in turn a response to the South’s activists floating leaflets, cash, and Bibles over the border. (Yonhap)