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Slovenia finds itself at the center of a political maelstrom following Prime Minister Robert Golob's unexpected call for a referendum on the nation’s NATO membership, announced on July 9. This bold move by Golob has sparked vigorous debates across the political spectrum, challenging the unity of his coalition government and captivating the interest of many European analysts and political experts [3].

Few things are more predictable in international relations than a super-power brandishing its economic heft to bend smaller nations to its will. From Franklin Roosevelt’s “arsenal of democracy” to the Reagan-era semiconductor fights with Japan, Washington has long treated tariffs and market access as levers of diplomacy. In that sense, what we are witnessing today is depressingly normal: the president of the United States threatening punitive duties unless foreign leaders change course on issues that have little to do with customs schedules and everything to do with domestic politics. White House

In a surprising and engaging turn of events, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has uncovered a baffling cosmic phenomenon involving the distant dwarf planet, Quaoar. Contrary to prior astronomical expectations, Quaoar lacks an atmosphere while possessing rings that defy current scientific understanding. This discovery has ignited scientific curiosity and academic debates as it challenges conventional planetary science models, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the universe's enigmatic complexity. The observations were revealed at the American Astronomical Society meeting, prompting a reevaluation of the physical properties governing such celestial bodies.

As new data reveals shifts in inflation patterns, households worldwide are grappling with the implications on their finances. Despite a recent slowdown in overall inflation, prices for essential living costs like rent and services continue to climb, creating anxiety about future financial stability [1]. In the UK, measures such as the 'triple lock' are designed to ensure pensions keep pace with such economic fluctuations, protecting retirees from losing purchasing power [2]. These developments trigger broader discussions on economic policies and their impact on day-to-day life.

The past week has seen intensifying debates across the political spectrum, primarily focused on the intersection of populism and investigations into high-profile figures. From Silicon Valley boardrooms to the intricacies of U.S. justice, ideological divides are playing a pivotal role in shaping the discourse. At the heart of these debates are public figures like Zohran Mamdani, whose populist challenge is rekindling discussions among Democrats, and revelations around Jeffrey Epstein that continue to stir controversy among right-wing groups.

In recent advancements that promise to reshape the landscape of quantum technology, physicists at Aalto University in Finland have reached a new landmark in qubit coherence, and neutral atom quantum computers are gaining significant traction in the market. Additionally, a new system offering a solution to the single-program limitation of quantum computers marks another leap forward. These milestones, each marking a critical juncture in the quantum computing timeline, highlight the progress and ongoing evolution within the industry.

Today, Samsung Electronics announced its preliminary earnings for the second quarter of 2025, revealing a 56% year-over-year drop in operating profit. The decline was attributed to a persistent slump in the semiconductor market alongside the adverse effects of U.S. tariffs. This underperformance caught analysts off guard, as many had not anticipated such a substantial downturn. Consequently, Samsung's stock took a hit in early trading, reflecting investor disappointment over the results and the ongoing challenges faced by the tech giant.

The Trump administration's recent announcement of new tariffs has sent ripples through global markets, particularly affecting supply chains and trade negotiations. On July 8, 2025, China issued a stern warning to the U.S. against escalating trade tensions by reinstating tariffs, threatening retaliatory measures that could further disrupt global supply chains [1]. Additionally, President Trump declared a new 30% tariff on South African imports, a move criticized by South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa as unilateral and potentially damaging to bilateral relations [2].

Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li’s insurance company, FWD, made its highly anticipated debut on the stock market today. As part of a strategic effort to consolidate its position in a competitive insurance industry, the IPO has been long-awaited by investors. FWD is majority-owned by Li’s Pacific Century Group, holding a 66.45% stake worth $4.1 billion, underscoring his significant influence in the company’s direction and growth. The launch not only marks a pivotal moment for FWD but also sets the stage for future expansions within the industry. As financial markets react to this development, stakeholders closely watch how FWD plans to utilize the capital raised to fortify and expand its operations on a global scale.

In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers discovered that ChatGPT, an AI model primarily known for its language capabilities, can also adeptly pilot a spacecraft. This unexpected outcome, revealed through a recent contest, has opened new avenues for artificial intelligence applications within the space exploration sector [2]. As AI continues to expand into diverse fields, the potential for its role in autonomous systems like spacecraft is becoming increasingly evident.

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