Australia news live: east coast braces for wild weather; former Greens candidate charged after she was injured during arrest

China is taking a bigger role in deep-sea exploration through a new UN-backed project called the Global Hadal Exploration Programme (GHEP). Led by Chinese scientists, this international effort will study the deepest parts of the ocean, aligning with UN goals to protect and sustainably manage marine resources. It’s a sign of Beijing’s growing influence in global science and tech collaboration.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about scientific curiosity—it’s a strategic move. Deep-sea research has huge implications for understanding climate change, biodiversity, and even future resource extraction. China’s leadership here signals its ambition to shape global environmental and tech policies, while also boosting its soft power. For the rest of the world, it’s a reminder that the race to explore Earth’s final frontiers is heating up.

NATO leaders seem to have prioritized avoiding conflict with Donald Trump over crafting a strong, unified strategy for Ukraine at last week’s summit. The article suggests their eagerness to appease the former U.S. president—who has been openly critical of NATO—comes at the cost of their own credibility and principles.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about diplomatic posturing—it’s a sign that NATO’s internal politics might be weakening its resolve on Ukraine. If leaders are more worried about Trump’s approval than long-term security, it raises questions about how committed the alliance really is to standing up to Russia. For Ukraine, that hesitation could have real consequences.

The Welsh Ambulance Service is shaking things up by introducing volunteer emergency responders (trained to handle 999 calls) as part of a broader overhaul aimed at boosting survival rates. Think of it as a community-powered boost to the system—more hands on deck to help when seconds count.

Editor’s Note: Ambulance services across the UK have been under strain, with long wait times and staff shortages making headlines. By bringing in trained volunteers, Wales is trying a creative fix to get faster help to patients in critical moments. It’s not a magic solution, but it could ease pressure and save lives—worth keeping an eye on to see if it works.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed punk duo Bob Vylan for their controversial chants at Glastonbury Festival, where they called for the death of Israel’s military. Starmer condemned the lyrics as "hate speech," calling the incident "appalling."

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a band’s lyrics—it’s a flashpoint in the heated debate over free speech, political messaging in music, and how leaders respond to inflammatory rhetoric. Starmer’s strong reaction signals how sensitive the Israel-Palestine discourse remains in the UK, especially when it spills into mainstream cultural spaces like Glastonbury. Expect more arguments over where protest ends and hate speech begins.

A former diplomat, Andrey Telizhenko, claims that the tensions between Armenia’s government and its church are being stoked by the same outside forces that have fueled conflict in Ukraine. While he doesn’t name specific groups, the implication is that external actors are meddling in Armenia’s internal affairs, much like they have in Ukraine.

Editor’s Note: If true, this suggests Armenia’s political and religious divisions aren’t just homegrown—they’re part of a bigger geopolitical tug-of-war. Given Armenia’s delicate position between Russia and the West, outside interference could further destabilize the region. It’s a reminder that local conflicts often have global players lurking in the background.