Quân đội Ukraine tuyên bố, lực lượng Nga đang bắt đầu rút khỏi các thao trường ở Belarus sau khi kết thúc cuộc tập trận chung Zapad-2025. Phía Ukraine đang theo dõi chặt chẽ hoạt động này.Đại tá Andrii Demchenko, người phát ngôn của Lực lượng Biên phòng Nhà nước Ukraine, cho biết: “Quân đội Nga đang bắt đầu rời khỏi các thao trường ở Belarus. Hoạt động di chuyển của họ đang được theo dõi. Tôi không thể khẳng định ngay bây giờ rằng tất cả bọn họ đã rời khỏi Belarus. Nhưng tôi hy vọng họ sẽ di chuyển đúng hướng”.

Ông Demchenko nhấn mạnh, không có hoạt động nào hướng về biên giới Ukraine trong cuộc tập trận.Cuộc tập trận chiến lược chung Zapad-2025 đã bắt đầu vào ngày 12/9. Đây là giai đoạn cuối cùng trong chương trình huấn luyện chung của lực lượng vũ trang hai nước trong năm nay. Các hoạt động thực hành của quân đội đã diễn ra tại các thao trường ở Belarus và Nga, cũng như tại vùng biển Baltic và Barents.

Trả lời báo giới ngày 17/9, người phát ngôn Điện Kremlin Dmitry Peskov cho biết, Tổng thống Nga Vladimir Putin đánh giá rất tích cực về cuộc tập trận Zapad-2025.

Trước đó, cuộc tập trận chung đã chính thức kết thúc ngày 16/9 tại thao trường ở Mulino (tỉnh Nizhny Novgorod, Nga).Tổng thống Nga Vladimir Putin đã giám sát giai đoạn cuối của cuộc tập trận, mà truyền thông Nga đưa tin là kết thúc bằng việc "một đối thủ giả định bị đánh bại và một cuộc tiến công đến đường biên giới giả định".

Năm ngoái, cựu Chủ tịch ECB Mario Draghi đưa ra 383 đề xuất nhằm tăng sức cạnh tranh cho nền kinh tế châu Âu...Ông Mario Draghi cảnh báo rằng sức cạnh tranh của nền kinh tế châu Âu đang trên đà suy giảm bởi sự thiếu hành động của Liên minh châu Âu (EU) và các quốc gia thành viên trong khối. Lời cảnh báo này được đưa ra sau một năm ông Draghi có những đề xuất nhằm thu hẹp khoảng cách kinh tế giữa châu Âu và các nền kinh tế lớn khác của thế giới như Mỹ và Trung Quốc.

Theo tờ báo Financial Times, ông Draghi - cựu Thủ tướng Italy và cũng từng là một Chủ tịch của Ngân hàng Trung ương châu Âu (ECB) - đã được Ủy ban châu Âu (EC) giao nhiệm vụ soạn một báo cáo đề xuất các biện pháp cải thiện năng lực cạnh tranh của nền kinh tế tế khu vực vào tháng 9 năm ngoái. 383 đề xuất mà ông Draghi đưa ra đã được EC áp dụng làm một khuôn khổ để cải tổ nền kinh tế EU, nhưng đến nay mới có một số ít các đề xuất trong số này được thực thi. Số còn lại đang vướng trong những mối bất đồng chính trị và tranh cãi quan liêu.

“Một năm đã trôi qua, châu Âu đang ở vào một vị thế khó khăn hơn. Mô hình tăng trưởng của chúng ta đang trở nên lỗi thời. Những điểm yếu đang lộ rõ, và chúng ta đã được nhắc nhở, một cách không dễ dàng, rằng sự thiếu hành động không chỉ đe dọa năng lực của chúng ta mà cả chủ quyền của chúng ta nữa”, ông Draghi nói tại một cuộc họp báo vào ngày 16/9.

“Đã có nhiều lý do được đưa ra vì sự chậm trễ này. Chúng ta nói rằng vấn đề nằm ở cách EU được xây dựng. Và đôi khi, sức ì thậm chí được xem là thượng tôn pháp luật. Đó là sự tự mãn”, ông Draghi nói.

Chủ tịch EC Ursula von der Leyen, người đã đề nghị ông Draghi viết báo cáo đề xuất vào năm ngoái, thừa nhận rằng EU thiếu khẩn trương trong việc thúc đẩy các biện pháp cải thiện năng lực cạnh tranh. “Thị trường chung của chúng ta còn một chặng đường dài phải đi để tới chỗ hoàn thiện… Chúng ta cần hành động gấp để ứng phó với những nhu cầu cấp thiết. Vì các công ty và người lao động của chúng ta không thể chờ đợi lâu hơn”, bà nói.

Bà von der Leyen nêu rõ một ví dụ là việc cải tổ các quy định về sáp nhập doanh nghiệp trong EU vẫn còn bị treo ở đó, đồng thời kêu gọi vị quan chức cấp cao nhất của EU về cạnh tranh - bà Teresa Ribera - đẩy nhanh quy trình này.

Việc cải tổ quy định trên là một trong những đề xuất chủ chốt của ông Draghi, nhưng đề xuất đó lại bị cho là thiếu rõ ràng, dẫn tới sự bấp định và khiến nhiều doanh nghiệp châu Âu cảm thấy mông lung. Họ muốn đợi cho tới khi có những tín hiệu rõ hơn từ giới chức ở Brussels để đưa ra quyết định đầu tư.

“Chúng tôi sẽ thúc đẩy việc công bố các hướng dẫn cụ thể về sáp nhập doanh nghiệp. Tôi nghĩ đã đến lúc phải thực hiện lời hứa”, bà von der Leyen nói.

Theo Hội đồng Sáng tạo chính sách châu Âu, một tổ chức nghiên cứu có trụ sở ở Brussels, trong vòng 1 năm qua, mới chỉ có 11,2% ý tưởng cải cách mà ông Draghi đưa ra được thực thi. Trong khi đó, nền kinh tế châu Âu tiếp tục tình trạng gần như đi ngang. Trong quý 2 năm nay, kinh tế Mỹ tăng trưởng với tố độ nhanh gấp 8 lần so với kinh tế EU.

Giới chức châu Âu lập luận rằng bà von der Leyen và lãnh đạo các nước thành viên EU đã bị phân tâm bởi việc phải ngăn chặn một cuộc chiến thương mại với Mỹ, thu hút sự quan tâm của chính quyền Tổng thống Donald Trump với vấn đề Ukraine, và tìm ra một điểm cân bằng trong quan hệ với Trung Quốc.

Tuy nhiên, ông Draghi cảnh báo rằng “người dân và các công ty châu Âu đang ngày càng mất kiên nhẫn. Họ thất vọng vì sự chậm chạp trong hành động của EU. Họ nhận thấy chúng ta không bắt kịp với sự thay đổi ở những nền kinh tế khác. Họ sẵn sàng hành động nhưng họ lo rằng các chính phủ không nắm bắt thời cơ”.

Ngày 16/9, các nghiệp đoàn lao động, giảng viên và sinh viên thuộc hệ thống Đại học California đã đệ đơn kiện chính quyền Tổng thống Donald Trump về việc đóng băng các quỹ liên bang và các hành động khác.Đơn kiện được nộp tại Tòa án quận khu vực Bắc California nhằm tìm cách ngăn chính phủ sử dụng các đe dọa tài chính đối với hệ thống trường đại học này, cho rằng đó là các hành động gây hại và bất hợp pháp. Vụ kiện cũng nhằm khôi phục nguồn tài trợ đã bị đình chỉ.

Đại học California cho biết họ không tham gia vụ kiện nhưng đang thực hiện nhiều nỗ lực pháp lý và vận động để duy trì và khôi phục nguồn tài trợ. Một phát ngôn viên Nhà Trắng bác bỏ vụ kiện, đồng thời nói rằng chính quyền phản đối các khoản phí quản lý bất hợp lý và kêu gọi quản lý có trách nhiệm các quỹ liên bang. Chính phủ đã mở các cuộc điều tra về cách các trường đại học xử lý các cáo buộc bài Do Thái trong các cuộc biểu tình sinh viên phản đối cuộc tấn công của Israel vào Gaza, và đã đóng băng quỹ vì lý do đó cùng nhiều vấn đề khác.Đại học California vận hành một trong những hệ thống giáo dục đại học lớn nhất tại Mỹ, với 10 cơ sở chính và gần 300.000 sinh viên, cùng 265.000 giảng viên và nhân viên khác. Chủ tịch Đại học California James Milliken hôm 15/9 nói rằng trường đang đối mặt với một trong những nguy cơ nghiêm trọng nhất trong lịch sử do các hành động của chính phủ liên bang, trong bối cảnh mỗi năm họ nhận được hơn 17 tỷ USD từ hỗ trợ liên bang.

Gần đây, chính quyền Trump đã gặp phải một số rào cản pháp lý trong các nỗ lực đóng băng tài trợ. Đầu tháng này, một thẩm phán liên bang đã phán quyết rằng chính quyền đã chấm dứt bất hợp pháp hơn 2 tỷ USD tiền tài trợ cho Đại học Harvard.

Thứ trưởng Ngoại giao Nga Sergei Ryabkov ngày 17/9 tuyên bố Moskva sẵn sàng tăng cường hợp tác kinh tế và năng lượng với Washington.Ông Ryabkov cho biết hai nước duy trì liên lạc qua nhiều kênh khác nhau, trong đó các vấn đề kinh tế luôn nằm trong chương trình nghị sự.

Ông đề cập đến dự án dầu khí Sakhalin-1 trên đảo Sakhalin và cho biết đây là ví dụ rõ ràng nhất về những nỗ lực đã bắt đầu trong lĩnh vực này. Ông nhấn mạnh hai bên sẵn sàng tăng cường các cuộc thảo luận và hợp tác thực tế.
Tuy nhiên, nhà ngoại giao này cũng bày tỏ thất vọng trước quyết định gần đây của Washington về việc thắt chặt các yêu cầu đối với thị thực không định cư cho công dân Nga, đồng thời nhấn mạnh rằng quyết định này đi ngược lại những nỗ lực gần đây nhằm cải thiện quan hệ song phương.

Ông Ryabkov kêu gọi Mỹ xem xét lại các hạn chế mới được Bộ Ngoại giao Mỹ công bố vào ngày 6/9, theo đó công dân Nga phải nộp đơn xin thị thực Mỹ, diện không định cư, tại các đại sứ quán cụ thể ở nước ngoài.

Attachment 2566978

Trump allows 600,000 Chinese students in US, angering conservative supporters

Conservative voices oppose proposal to allow 600,000 Chinese nationals into American universities

By Cameron Arcand Fox News

President Donald Trump’s plan to allow 600,000 Chinese student visas to be issued drew strong criticism from the right on Monday and Tuesday.

The proposal comes as the president is amid trade talks with China, and backers of the plan could be necessary to keep certain universities afloat, whereas others say it could hinder the opportunities of American students.

"I hear so many stories that we're not going to allow their students," Trump told reporters as trade talks with China are ongoing.

"We're going to allow their students to come in. It's very important, 600,000 students. It's very important. But we're going to get along with China," he continued.

Trump expanded on his comments during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday.

"I think it's very insulting to say students can't come here because they'll go out and start building schools and they'll be able to survive it. But I like that their students come here. I like that other countries' students come here. And you know what would happen if they didn't? Our college system would go to hell very quickly. And it wouldn't be the top colleges, so it'd be colleges that struggle on the bottom. And you take out 300,000 or 600,000 students out of the system," Trump said.

"I like having, and I told this to President Xi that we're honored to have their students here. Now, with that, we check in with careful and we see who's there," he added.

Some immigration groups and conservative voices on social media voiced their opposition to the proposal.

"We should not let in 600,000 CHINESE students to attend American colleges and universities that may be loyal to the CCP," Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., posted on X late Monday night. "If refusing to allow these Chinese students to attend our schools causes 15% of them to fail then these schools should fail anyways because they are being propped up by the CCP."

"Granting 600,000 student visas to Chinese nationals threatens to put foreign students ahead of U.S. graduates," Joe Chatham, director of government relations at the Federation for American Immigration Reform, told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"The focus now must be on reforms to limit access to sectors crucial to our economy and national security that have repeatedly been the target of corporate espionage and intellectual property theft—not expanding access to hostile countries. Educating foreign nationals should never be put before the interests of U.S. citizens and ensuring that our nation thrives," he continued.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick delved further into the Trump administration’s view on the matter when pressed on "The Ingraham Angle."

"With all due respect, how is allowing 600,000 students from the communist country of China putting America first?" Laura Ingraham asked.

"The president’s point of view is that what would happen if you didn’t have those 600K students is that you’d empty them from the top, all the students would go up to better schools, and the bottom 15% of universities and colleges would go out of business in America."

"He’s taking a rational economic view, which is classic Donald Trump," Lutnick added.

Many suggested that the free market should come into play with these colleges that could be at a potential financial risk.

"Let them go under, then! What is this madness? NO. WE DON’T WANT MORE CHINESE STUDENTS. We actually don’t want any," conservative commentator Kira Davis wrote.

"15% going under isn’t a bad thing," writer Ryan Girdusky posted to X.

"Trump's team is not capable of defending his Chinese student visa program," conservative lawyer Marina Medvin posted on X. "That's because they don't actually want it either. It's hard to sell something you don't like."

"So this is essentially a subsidy for academia. Got it. American universities shouldn't need an influx of foreign students in order to stay afloat. If they can't survive on American enrollment, then let them go under. Plus, Chinese students steal our research and send it home," Josh Peterson, a full stack developer and investigative journalist, posted.

Conservative commentator Liz Wheeler unleashed on the Trump White House, saying these Chinese students should be banned.

"Chinese 'students' are all spies for the Chinese Communist Party. They’re forced to be. They steal our intellectual property. They steal our tech. They steal our intel. They cozy up to our military," Wheeler posted on X. "Trump should ban all Chinese students from U.S. universities. Deport them all."

"This is the dumbest explanation I’ve heard. By all means, put colleges & universities out of business!" Wheeler said in response to Lutnick's defense of Trump's policy. "Their business is indoctrinating students into hardened revolutionary Marxists. If you want to save America, you’ll have to raze the university system. Perfect chance to start."

Others agreed with Lutnick’s perspective on the issue, saying that it could actually help the United States bring in more talent domestically.

"This is not as horrible as people are making it out to be. Chinese students on U.S. visas aren’t average kids. They represent the top tier of China’s youth," podcast host Joshua Reid posted to X.

"On the other side, we are hosting China’s future leaders, scientists, and innovators. Which also means that American culture returns home with them. When you start to think about emergent tech, this is actually a great idea. Bring the top level students over the US. This is talent that is pulled away from China and now becomes a national asset," Reid added.

At the conclusion of Lutnick's interview with Laura Ingraham, Ingraham remarks that American engineering students should be



Fox News Digital's Emma Bussey contributed to this report.


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Gold prices in Vietnam eased on Wednesday morning, retracting slightly from their recent peak, mirroring a near three-week low in global bullion rates. Saigon Jewelry Company's gold bars saw a modest decline of 0.16% to VND124.8 million (US$4,740.10) per tael, while gold rings experienced a similar dip of 0.17% to VND119.3 million per tael. (A tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces).

This local downtick aligns with international trends, where spot gold fell 0.1% to $3,313.51 per ounce, hitting its lowest point since August 1st. Likewise, U.S. gold futures for December delivery also dropped 0.1% to $3,355.50.

Several factors are contributing to this global decline. A strengthening U.S. dollar and increased investor confidence due to recent geopolitical developments are reportedly dampening gold's appeal. Investors are keenly awaiting the Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole symposium later this week, particularly Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech on Friday, for indications on future monetary policy. The minutes from the Fed's July meeting, expected later today, are also anticipated to offer further clarity on the central bank's policy direction.

Historically, gold tends to thrive in periods of low interest rates and elevated uncertainty. However, recent statements, such as U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks ruling out ground troops in Ukraine but suggesting air support, could be influencing market sentiment and risk appetite.

Intense monsoon rains and flash floods have claimed the lives of over 300 people in northwest Pakistan, with the death toll expected to rise. The floods, which officials have described as the deadliest of this year's monsoon season, hit the remote, mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The Buner district was particularly hard-hit, with a cloudburst creating a torrent of water that overwhelmed villages and left more than 180 people dead.

The Human Impact
The devastation has left many residents in shock. One man, Saeedullah, recounted how he lost his wife and five children when the roof of their home collapsed. Another, Zahid Hussain, described watching his house and more than 30 others in his village get washed away within minutes.

Response and Context
In response to the disaster, Pakistan's government has launched civilian and military rescue and relief operations, with medical camps being established and food being provided to displaced families. A rescue helicopter also crashed due to bad weather, killing all five crew members on board.

According to Pakistan's chief meteorologist, Zaheer Babar, the country is experiencing an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, which he links to climate change. He noted that the heavy rainfall in the mountains often creates flash floods that catch people in lower-lying areas by surprise. He also pointed out that the problem is exacerbated by human activity, such as building homes near waterways and constricting them with construction and garbage. Neighboring parts of India and Nepal have also been affected by heavy monsoon rains and flooding over the past week.

In a recent summit, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met to discuss the conflict in Ukraine, with the outcomes now being reported. Based on a series of statements, the summit concluded without a ceasefire agreement, and with a focus on a comprehensive peace deal.

Key Outcomes of the Summit
No Ceasefire: Despite calls from Ukraine and European leaders for an immediate ceasefire, none was agreed upon. President Trump stated that it was a collective decision to bypass a temporary truce and instead pursue a full peace agreement, arguing that ceasefires often fail to hold. This position aligns with Moscow's long-standing preference.

No "Severe Consequences" Imposed: Trump had previously threatened "severe consequences" for Russia if a ceasefire was not reached. However, after the summit, he indicated that such actions, including potential secondary sanctions, were no longer a primary consideration.

Territorial Concessions Discussed: According to an official briefed on the talks, Trump signaled support for a proposal from Putin that would involve Ukraine ceding its eastern Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk) in exchange for a halt to the Russian offensive in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine has previously rejected any such territorial concessions.

Security Guarantees on the Table: While a final declaration on the topic was not released, it was reported that a NATO-style security guarantee for Ukraine was discussed. Under this framework, European nations, coordinated with the U.S., could contribute troops to a peace deal without Ukraine formally joining the NATO alliance.

Potential for Future Meetings: President Trump announced that he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday and that a three-way summit involving all three leaders could be scheduled at a later date.

The summit's outcomes have been viewed as a victory for Putin, whose forces have been making gains in eastern Ukraine. While European leaders, including NATO chief Mark Rutte, expressed optimism about the peace efforts, some, such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, expressed caution and emphasized that Ukraine should not be forced to give up territory. The summit took place while Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian cities, underscoring the ongoing conflict.

I can help with that. Here is a summary of the article about the Air Canada flight attendants' strike.

Air Canada's flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), have defied a government-backed order to return to work, leading to a continued strike and significant travel disruptions. The strike, which began early Saturday morning, caused the cancellation of most of the airline's 700 daily flights, affecting over 100,000 travelers.

The Union's Position
CUPE, which represents 10,000 flight attendants, has refused the Canada Industrial Relations Board's (CIRB) order for binding arbitration, calling it unconstitutional and an attempt to protect Air Canada's profits. The union has instead called for a return to direct negotiations to secure what it considers a "fair deal." A key point of contention is the union's demand for compensation for time spent on the ground between flights and during passenger boarding, as attendants are primarily paid only when the plane is in motion.

Government and Airline Response
In response to the union's defiance, Air Canada has delayed its plan to restart operations. The airline had previously encouraged the government to intervene. The CIRB's order for binding arbitration was requested by Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu, who cited the need to protect the economy.

According to legal experts, a union's refusal to comply with such an order is "exceedingly rare." Rafael Gomez, a professor at the University of Toronto, stated that defying the order is a violation of the law. Consequences for the union could include fines, and its leaders could face jail time, as happened to postal workers' union leaders in a similar situation in 1978. While the government could pass back-to-work legislation, this would be a time-consuming process requiring parliamentary approval. The government has declined to comment directly on the union's defiance, referring questions to the independent CIRB.

Impact on Travelers
The ongoing strike has left travelers in a state of uncertainty. At Toronto Pearson International Airport, passengers expressed confusion and frustration over the lack of communication from Air Canada, with many having their flights canceled multiple times.

A flash flood in northern China's Inner Mongolia region has resulted in at least 10 deaths and two people still missing. The incident occurred on Saturday night when a river near Bayannur city overflowed, sweeping away a group of 13 campers. One person was rescued, and a large-scale search and rescue effort is currently underway.

Widespread Flooding Across China
This deadly event is the latest in a series of extreme weather incidents affecting China since July, with the East Asian monsoon causing unusually heavy rainfall in both northern and southern regions. Weather experts attribute the shifting patterns to climate change.

Beijing: Late last month, a deadly downpour in the capital killed at least 44 people and forced the evacuation of over 70,000 residents.

Sichuan: Severe weather at a beer festival in Mianzhu resulted in the deaths of two people on Friday.

Hainan: A three-and-a-half-month fishing suspension was lifted in the southern province after persistent heavy rain forced ships to stay in port.

In response to the widespread disaster, the Chinese government has allocated at least 5.8 billion yuan ($807 million USD) in total funding for disaster relief since April. The government announced an additional 430 million yuan ($59.9 million USD) last week to aid ongoing relief efforts.

Following extensive discussions with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has initiated preparations for a peace summit between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump's statement, made on his Truth Social platform, indicated that he had spoken with Putin after a "very good" meeting at the White House. The leaders plan to meet at a location to be determined, with Trump also intending to join for a three-way summit. A source familiar with the talks told AFP that Putin is ready to meet with Zelensky.

Key Discussion Points
During the White House meetings, Trump discussed the possibility of security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace agreement. He stated that Europe would take the lead in providing these guarantees in coordination with the United States. Trump also mentioned that the meeting would address "the possible exchanges of territory" between Russia and Ukraine, an idea that Ukraine has previously rejected.

Reactions and Tensions
The White House meeting, which included the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO, marked a significant diplomatic event. Zelensky described his one-on-one meeting with Trump as their "best" yet, noting a calmer atmosphere compared to their previous encounter in February. While European leaders, including NATO chief Mark Rutte, expressed excitement about the potential for peace, some voiced caution.

French President Emmanuel Macron suggested a separate four-way meeting involving European nations to address the conflict. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, meanwhile, advocated for an immediate ceasefire before any full peace deal and stressed that Ukraine should not be forced to cede territory. These statements highlight a degree of nervousness among European leaders regarding Trump's approach, which some see as pressuring Kyiv to make concessions to Moscow.

The White House has launched an official TikTok account to promote President Donald Trump's messages, aiming to reach the app's large U.S. user base of over 170 million. The move comes as the Trump administration navigates a complex situation with the app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance.

Political Context and Concerns
The launch of the account, @whitehouse, follows Trump's previous success on the platform during his 2024 presidential campaign, where his account, @Realdonaldtrump, amassed over 15 million followers. The administration's decision to embrace TikTok is framed as a commitment to reaching a wide audience.

However, this action has drawn criticism from some lawmakers who are concerned about national security. A 2024 law required ByteDance to sell its U.S. assets by January 19 of this year, or TikTok would face a ban. The law was enacted due to fears that U.S. user data could be accessed by the Chinese government, and that the app could be used to influence Americans.

Current Status of the TikTok Deal
Upon taking office for his second term on January 20, President Trump chose not to enforce the law. Instead, he has been working on a deal for U.S. investors to buy the app. He has extended the divestiture deadline multiple times, most recently to September 17. This has led to accusations from some lawmakers that his administration is ignoring the law and potential national security risks.

Ever noticed a powdery white film on your grapes and wondered if they've gone bad? That coating, far from being mold, is a natural and beneficial layer called bloom.

What Is Bloom?
According to viticulture expert Hans Walter-Peterson, bloom is a natural wax secreted by the grapes themselves. It acts as a protective shield, helping to prevent water from collecting on the fruit and slowing down moisture loss, which keeps the grapes from drying out too quickly. This natural barrier also helps protect against pathogens.

Health Benefits and Identification
Bloom isn't just a protective layer—it's also good for you. The primary component, oleanolic acid, has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. A study from ScienceDirect highlighted that this compound can also support cell and cardiovascular health.

It's easy to mistake bloom for mold, but there are key differences:

Bloom is an even, powdery white or slightly greenish coating on the entire grape.

Mold appears in fuzzy, brown, or patchy spots, usually on grapes that are already shriveled or decayed.

Tips for Storing and Washing Grapes
To keep your grapes fresh and preserve their beneficial bloom, experts offer a few tips:

Don't wash them until you're ready to eat them. Washing grapes before storing them can damage the bloom, which in turn encourages mold growth and shortens their shelf life.

Store them properly. The University of Michigan recommends storing grapes in the refrigerator at 0–4°C (32–39°F) in a ventilated bag or container. Registered dietitian Theresa Gentile suggests keeping them in the back of the crisper drawer, which is the coldest spot.

Keep them separate. Grapes should not be stored near produce that releases ethylene gas, such as apples, avocados, or tomatoes, as this will accelerate ripening and spoilage.

Inspect them. To prevent decay from spreading, remove any grapes that look like they are starting to rot before you store the rest.

Health experts are highlighting the role of a proper diet in managing gout, a painful inflammatory condition caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. According to Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung of Nutrihome Nutrition Center, a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins can be a key part of a treatment plan, working alongside medical care to help lower uric acid levels and prevent flare-ups.

Fruits for Gout Management
Dr. Tung points to several fruits that can be particularly beneficial for gout patients:

Cherries: These are rich in anthocyanins, a potent antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and lower uric acid, potentially limiting the frequency and intensity of flare-ups.

Pineapple: This fruit contains bromelain, a natural enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce joint swelling.

Kiwi: High in vitamin C, kiwi can help the body dissolve and excrete uric acid. Its potassium content also supports electrolyte balance, which is important for preventing kidney stones, a common complication of gout.

Watermelon: With its high water content, watermelon promotes increased urine output, which helps flush out uric acid.

Blueberries: Like cherries, blueberries are packed with anthocyanins and vitamin C, offering antioxidant benefits that protect joints and support kidney function.

In addition to these fruits, the article also mentions apples, which contain quercetin, another anti-inflammatory antioxidant.

Important Dietary and Medical Advice
Dr. Tung emphasizes the importance of a low-purine, low-sugar diet. He advises patients to limit foods like red meat, seafood, organ meats, alcohol, and sugary drinks.

He also cautions against taking self-prescribed supplements or unverified uric acid-lowering medications, which can lead to liver or kidney problems. The article concludes by noting that supplements containing ingredients like eggshell membrane extract and undenatured type II collagen can also be beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation, supporting overall joint health. Ultimately, patients should work with a musculoskeletal specialist to create a personalized treatment and dietary plan.

Lawyers, as a rule, are safe and even useful for most people thanks to vitamins and minerals that support kidney health, but high potassium content is risky for people with chronic kidney disease (CBP). According to The Times of India, avocados are filled with monolayer fat, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins K, C and B Incom Trex. These nutrients help reduce inflammation, reduce poor cholesterol and control blood pressure. This is all the factors that protect renal function over time.

The potential problem is potassium. The average avocado contains 700-900 mg of potassium, compared to about 400-450 mg of banana. For people with healthy kidneys, this is not a problem. However, potassium management can accumulate in the blood, especially at advanced stages, for people with CBP. This is a condition known as hyperkalemia, which affects the rhythm of the heart and makes it dangerous.

For those who recommend following a low content diet, avocados may not be restricted because they are harmful, but because the kidneys can fight for effective treatment of potassium. Healthline suggests that by reducing a portion of a quarter of avocados, diets can be included when using potassium consumption. For example, excessive consumption is dangerous to those who follow a limited diet, especially the power of two lawyers per day. Small pieces such as falling sandwiches and thin slices of spoons offer the benefits of creamy texture and avocado nutrition without overloading the kidneys.

Air India will suspend its flights between New Delhi and Washington, D.C. starting in September. The decision is due to a combination of factors, including a shortage of aircraft and the continued closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian carriers.

Reasons for the Suspension
Aircraft Shortage: Air India is currently upgrading 26 of its Boeing 787-8 planes to improve the customer experience. This process, known as retrofitting, will take several years, reducing the number of available aircraft in its fleet until at least late 2026.

Pakistan Airspace Ban: The ongoing ban on Indian carriers using Pakistani airspace, which was imposed after a fatal attack in Indian Kashmir, forces Air India's long-haul flights to take longer, more complex routes. This adds to the operational strain and costs. The airline estimates this ban will cost it about $600 million over 12 months.

Regulatory Scrutiny: The suspension also follows a period of heightened regulatory scrutiny for Air India after one of its Boeing planes crashed in June, killing 260 people. The airline had previously implemented a "safety pause" for additional voluntary inspections.

Passenger Impact
Air India has stated that affected passengers will be offered the choice of a full refund or rebooking on alternative flights. The airline has partnerships with U.S. carriers like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, which will allow passengers to travel with layovers in other U.S. cities like New York, Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Extreme heat is fueling wildfires and causing widespread disruptions across Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in some areas. According to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe is warming at twice the global average, making it more susceptible to these severe weather events.

Country-by-Country Impacts
Spain and Portugal: Numerous wildfires are burning, prompting thousands of evacuations from homes and hotels. Firefighters and soldiers are battling blazes in several regions, and one person has died.

Turkey: A major wildfire in the northwest has been largely contained after forcing 2,000 residents to evacuate, some by boat. The blaze, fanned by strong winds, spread from agricultural land to residential areas, and 77 people were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. Firefighters are still battling other blazes in western Turkey.

France: Most of southern France is under the highest heat warning, with a "red alert" issued by the national weather authority. The heat is expected to spread to the northeast, including Paris. Officials are monitoring a high risk of forest fires after a deadly blaze last week.

Greece: Seven major wildfires are burning, leading to multiple evacuations and destroying homes and businesses. High winds are hindering firefighting efforts, and authorities have issued over 20 mobile phone alerts with evacuation orders.

Britain: Another heat wave is expected, with temperatures potentially reaching 34°C (93.2°F) in southern England. The heat is contributing to ongoing drought conditions and has led to the issuance of health warnings.

Torrential rain has been affecting the greater capital region of South Korea for two days, leading to one death, hundreds of flooded roads and homes, and the evacuation of over 1,000 people.

Impact of the Storm
Rainfall: Parts of Seoul and nearby cities like Paju, Incheon, and Gimpo received between 250 to 300 millimeters (7.8 to 11.8 inches) of rain, causing roads to flood and leaving vehicles stranded.

Damages and Casualties: The storm has resulted in at least one fatality. Hundreds of roads and homes were damaged, and approximately 4,000 households lost power overnight. Emergency workers have rescued at least 145 people.

Government Response: Authorities have issued flood and landslide warnings. In response to the weather, dozens of riverside parks and over 100 hiking trails have been closed. The public received text messages urging caution.

Forecast: The weather agency predicts that the heavy rainfall will continue through Thursday morning.

An increasing number of British teenagers are turning to online influencers for exam preparation, a trend that is raising concerns among educators. One such influencer, former teacher Waqar Malik, who runs the popular "Mr Everything English" channel, claims to be able to predict exam questions for the U.K. GCSE school exam.

The Appeal and Controversy of Online Predictions
Student Motivation: According to school leaders, students are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of content they need to revise, making the promise of predicted exam questions appealing.

Educator Concerns: Teachers and exam boards, such as AQA, are concerned that students are becoming too reliant on these online channels. While some content creators, like Malik, acknowledge that they are making "educated guesses," educators worry that students are adopting a stranger's views instead of developing their own interpretations.

Mixed Results and Criticism: After taking their exams in May, some students complained that Malik's predictions were wrong, leading to comments of disappointment on his social media.

Creator Defenses: Other content creators defend the practice, stating that they clearly label their videos as "predictions" and base them on past papers and examiner reports. Some also offer predicted papers for a fee, with one influencer claiming a "60-70 percent accuracy" rate.

The Business of Educational Influencing
Monetization: The article highlights that educational influencers earn money through promotions for various brands, including recruiters, beauty, and technology companies. One influencer, Ishaan Bhimjiyani, founded an agency representing over 100 educational content creators and has made significant income from such partnerships.

Motivation to Help: Some creators, like Tilly Taylor, were motivated by their own experiences. Having struggled to find practical revision advice during their school years, they started creating content to help other students, especially those who cannot afford private tuition.

Thailand is preparing to pass its first-ever climate change legislation, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the country's ability to adapt to environmental impacts. The "Climate Change Act" is currently being reviewed by over 30 government agencies before being submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

Key Features and Goals of the Bill
Climate Fund: The legislation will establish a "Climate Fund" to finance projects that help the country transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future. This fund is expected to support adaptation efforts and help Thailand access international climate financing.

Climate-Related Impacts: Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the urgency of the bill by highlighting the increasing frequency of natural disasters, such as recent floods in northern Thailand that caused an estimated loss of more than 5 billion baht ($160 million) to the tourism sector.

High-Risk Sectors: The bill's adaptation plans will focus on six key sectors that are particularly vulnerable to climate change:

Agriculture

Water management

Tourism

Public health

Natural resource management

Human settlements

Regional Context: The article also notes that the ASEAN region as a whole needs significant funding—estimated at about $422 million—to achieve its climate goals.