South China Sea: expect ‘more provocations’ from Manila, and Hanoi could be next

China has rolled out a groundbreaking laser-powered robot designed to automate the tricky process of "topping" cotton plants—a task that's traditionally been slow, error-prone, and hard on crops. By zapping off the top buds, this bot helps plants focus energy on producing more cotton bolls, potentially boosting yields. Developed by Xinjiang University, it’s a big step toward fully mechanized farming in a region central to global cotton supply.

Editor’s Note: Cotton farming is notoriously labor-intensive, and Xinjiang produces a huge chunk of the world’s supply—often under scrutiny for labor practices. If this robot delivers on its promise, it could cut costs, reduce reliance on manual labor, and maybe even shift the conversation around the industry. For farmers, it’s a potential game-changer; for everyone else, it’s a peek at how automation might reshape global supply chains.

Day two of the England vs. India Test match at Lord’s is underway, with Ben Stokes showing strong form early—bowling fast and looking sharp. The iconic ground is awash in scarlet as fans honor the "Red for Ruth" charity campaign, while players like Stokes and Joe Root warm up under the gaze of a buzzing crowd.

Editor’s Note: Test cricket at Lord’s is always a spectacle, but today’s play carries extra weight—Stokes’ resurgence after injury concerns is a big deal for England, and the "Red for Ruth" initiative (supporting a cancer charity) adds emotional heft. For fans, it’s a mix of high-stakes sport and heartfelt tributes.

Stage seven of the Tour de France 2025 is underway, taking riders from Saint-Malo to the grueling climb of Mûr-de-Bretagne in Brittany. Keep an eye on Oscar Onley, the young Scottish rider sitting 11th overall—his team hints he might go for a stage win rather than just holding his position. Follow along for live updates as the race unfolds.

Editor’s Note: The Tour de France is always a spectacle, but today’s stage is especially intriguing for fans of underdogs. Onley’s potential breakout moment could shake up the race, and Mûr-de-Bretagne’s steep finish is a classic battleground for drama. If you love tactical racing and surprise performances, this is one to watch.

Lithuania is stepping up efforts to protect Baltic seals, whose numbers have rebounded from near extinction (around 4,000 in the 1980s) to roughly 50,000 today. But there’s a catch: shrinking ice sheets, driven by climate change, threaten their habitat. The country’s conservation push aims to balance this fragile recovery with the mounting challenges of a warming planet.

Editor’s Note: It’s a rare win for endangered species—seals are making a comeback! But the story doesn’t end there. As ice disappears, their survival gets trickier. Lithuania’s move highlights how conservation isn’t just about saving animals; it’s about adapting to climate chaos while celebrating small victories. For readers, it’s a reminder that progress and peril often go hand in hand in our changing world.

Unite, one of the UK's largest trade unions, has decided to suspend Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner's membership amid tensions over ongoing bin worker strikes. The union is also reconsidering its broader ties with Labour, signaling deeper friction between the party and its traditional union allies.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about garbage piling up—it’s a political rift. Unite’s move highlights growing frustration with Labour’s stance on worker strikes, which could strain the party’s relationship with a key source of funding and grassroots support. If unions start pulling back, Labour’s unity (and finances) might take a hit.