Exit poll in Polish presidential run-off puts candidates neck and neck

China’s biggest online shopping platforms, Alibaba and JD.com, are raking in huge sales during this year’s 618 shopping festival—thanks in part to government subsidies. Early numbers from Alibaba’s Taobao and Tmall show sales of subsidized items like electronics and appliances skyrocketed by 283% in the festival’s opening stretch.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a win for retailers—it’s a sign that government-backed discounts are giving consumer spending a real boost. With China’s economy still facing headwinds, strong sales during major shopping events like 618 could signal recovering confidence, at least in certain sectors. For shoppers, it’s a chance to snag deals; for businesses, it’s proof that strategic incentives can still move the needle.

Hong Kong police have nabbed five suspects after investigating bomb threats aimed at a Mayday concert—a popular Taiwanese band—alongside online posts pushing for Taiwanese independence and political upheaval in Hong Kong. The threats, sent via email and social media, spanned nearly a month, prompting a swift crackdown by national security forces.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about concert safety—it’s another flashpoint in the tense relationship between Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Beijing. Bomb threats mixed with separatist rhetoric put authorities on high alert, especially as cultural events become politicized. For Hong Kong, it underscores how tightly the city’s security apparatus monitors dissent, even when it’s tied to entertainment. For fans, it’s a grim reminder that even music isn’t immune to geopolitical friction.

The third ODI between England and West Indies is facing delays—not just from the gloomy, rainy weather at The Oval, but also due to traffic snarls. Play was supposed to start at 1pm BST, but fans are left waiting, with updates trickling in. Meanwhile, the piece cheekily notes the sky looks "greyer than Gandalf on a hangover."

Editor’s Note: For cricket fans, delays are frustrating but pretty routine—weather and logistics often mess with match timings. This snippet keeps readers in the loop with a bit of humor, blending live updates with the kind of relatable griping that makes sports coverage feel human. It’s not a major crisis, just another day in the unpredictable world of outdoor sports.

The French Open quarter-finals are heating up on day 10 at Roland Garros, with top players like Svitolina, Swiatek, and Sabalenka battling it out. Sabalenka just dropped a game to Zheng, who pulled off a slick drop volley to gain an early edge. Meanwhile, British hopeful Jack Draper suffered a surprising four-set defeat to Alexander Bublik—adding some unexpected drama to the tournament.

Editor’s Note: This is crunch time at the French Open, where every match could make or break a player's shot at the title. Sabalenka’s stumble against Zheng shows how unpredictable these high-stakes games can be, while Draper’s exit is a reminder that even rising stars can get tripped up. For tennis fans, it’s all about the tension and surprises that make Grand Slams so thrilling.

Putin's latest demands to Ukraine—spelled out bluntly in writing—make it clear that Russia isn’t interested in negotiating, no matter what Ukraine does. Even after Zelenskyy’s bold drone strikes on Russian bases, the Kremlin’s stance remains rigid: no concessions, no compromise. It’s a confirmation of what Western leaders have long suspected—Putin isn’t looking for a deal, just total submission.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another update on the war—it’s a reality check. Putin’s refusal to budge, even after Ukrainian counterstrikes, signals that diplomacy is effectively dead for now. For the West, it reinforces the need to either double down on military support for Kyiv or face the grim possibility of a prolonged, unwinnable stalemate. Either way, the path to peace just got a lot murkier.