The Seoul municipal government announced a 100-day crackdown on illegal taxi practices affecting foreign tourists. The initiative, launched to address issues such as overcharging and refusals for short rides, aims to enhance the city’s reputation and improve visitor experiences.
South Korea’s National Assembly passed a bill revoking AI-powered digital textbooks’ legal status, redefining them as educational materials rather than official textbooks. This takes immediate effect, impacting the previous administration’s education reform project.
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification is reviewing a repatriation request from Ahn Hak-sop, a former North Korean soldier captured in the Korean War, who has been imprisoned for over 42 years. The outcome of this review may impact future repatriation cases amid complex inter-Korean relations.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines will visit India from August 4-8, 2025, to sign at least six agreements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on defense, trade, and technology. This marks the first visit by a Philippine president to India since 2007 and coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
San Antonio influencer Diana Lopez attended the Vatican’s Jubilee of Digital Missionaries, marking the Church’s first formal recognition of social media evangelists. Pope Leo XIV addressed participants, emphasizing authenticity and reflection, and personally blessed Lopez’s daughter. The event recognized digital missionaries’ role in modern evangelization.
A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula ranks among the strongest recorded globally. It triggered tsunami warnings and highlighted the region’s ongoing seismic risks.
SpaceX successfully transported four astronauts from the United States, Russia, and Japan to the International Space Station just 15 hours after launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The astronauts will spend six months at the ISS, replacing a previous crew.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dined with singer Katy Perry in Montreal. Both recently experienced personal changes, drawing public attention to their meeting.
A strong earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has led to warnings of waves up to 4 meters in French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands. The High Commission advises vigilance as waves are expected around 1:00 am local time.
Thailand has launched the fourth season of its “AMAZING DARK SKY IN THAILAND” initiative to promote astronomical tourism, designating 16 new dark sky conservation areas nationwide. The initiative, in collaboration with the National Astronomical Research Institute, aims to attract tourists and emphasize environmental conservation while offering unique stargazing experiences.