South Korea Vows Military Response to North’s Balloons, Stoking Escalation Fears

SCMP,

South Korea has pledged to take “stern military measures” if public safety is compromised by the recent barrage of trash-filled balloons launched by North Korea. In the latest incident, Incheon International Airport experienced a 70-minute disruption after a balloon was spotted nearby. Following this, debris found on the airport grounds prompted another brief suspension. North Korean balloons have caused significant disruptions in the past, affecting over 130 flights and thousands of passengers.

SpaceX Recovers Starship Super Heavy Booster from the Sea

Space.com,

SpaceX has retrieved parts of its Super Heavy first-stage booster, which was launched during the fourth Starship test flight in June 2024. Elon Musk shared a photo on social media, showing damaged rocket components being lifted from the ocean. SpaceX is developing Starship to transport people and cargo to the moon, Mars, and beyond, with a focus on reusable spacecraft powered by the company’s Raptor engines.

US to Return Nearly 300 Antiquities to India

CNN,

The United States will return 297 antiquities stolen or smuggled from India, some dating back centuries. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posed with some of the artifacts during Modi’s recent visit. The relics, mainly terracotta items from Eastern India, are expected to be repatriated soon. This follows an agreement between the US and India to protect cultural property and streamline the return of stolen artifacts.

LinkedIn’s AI Training Policy Raises Privacy Concerns

Washington Post,

LinkedIn has implemented a new data privacy setting that allows it to use user-generated content for AI training by default. Unless users opt out, the platform can utilize posts, articles, and videos for AI development. The setting can be turned off in LinkedIn’s data privacy options, but the use of past data cannot be undone. LinkedIn states that the initiative is aimed at creating more opportunities by enhancing its tools, though concerns remain about the use of personal content without compensation.

OceanGate CEO Declared “No One is Dying Under My Watch” Before Tragic Sub Disaster

BBC,

A 2018 meeting transcript revealed OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush’s confidence in the safety of the Titan submersible, saying, “No one is dying under my watch.” This was during discussions about safety concerns raised by a former director of marine operations. The submersible tragically imploded in June 2023, killing all five passengers. The US Coast Guard is currently investigating the incident, with inquiries focused on the sub’s design and safety protocols.

Malaysian Police Rescue 187 More Children Amid Sex Abuse Probe

The Diplomat,

Malaysian police rescued 187 children linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) as part of an ongoing investigation into widespread child abuse within the Islamic group. The total number of rescued children now stands at 572. The rescued children, many of whom suffered severe physical and emotional abuse, were placed in GISB-affiliated welfare homes. The investigation has also led to the arrest of 156 suspects.

Trump Claims Zelensky Supports Democrats in US Elections

Straits Times,

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump alleged that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky favors the Democrats in the upcoming 2024 US elections. Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump suggested that Zelensky wants the current administration to win, contrasting his allies’ belief that Ukraine would prefer Trump for his negotiating skills with Russia. Zelensky’s office did not comment on the claims.

Japan Uses Flares to Warn Russian Spy Plane from Airspace

Military.com,

Japan deployed fighter jets and used flares to warn a Russian reconnaissance plane that violated its airspace over Rebun Island, Hokkaido. The Russian aircraft breached Japan’s airspace three times within a five-hour flight. This comes after a joint Russian-Chinese fleet sailed near Japan’s northern coastlines. Japan has protested the airspace violation and remains highly concerned about the growing military cooperation between Russia and China.