Ukraine thwarts a significant missile assault
Ukrainian officers mentioned their nation’s air protection system had intercepted six hypersonic Kinzhal missiles that had been geared toward Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. If confirmed, it could be additional proof of Ukraine’s means to shoot down one in every of Russia’s most subtle weapons.
The assault was one in every of Russia’s largest aerial assaults since March: Ukraine mentioned Russia had fired an “distinctive” blitz of missiles and drones at Kyiv, however that it had shot all of the Kinzhals down. Russia mentioned one missile had hit an American-made Patriot system.
The issues which have plagued Russia’s 15-month struggle since its beginnings are solely worsening: stretched assets, disorganized defenses and disunity within the ranks. These would appear to be unhealthy weeks for President Vladimir Putin.
Already, the Russian navy has been compelled into a number of retreats, and since final yr has been principally stalled alongside the 600-mile entrance line. Russian forces have just lately been pushed again from positions on the perimeters of Bakhmut, in jap Ukraine, the place, in response to the Russian Protection Ministry, two colonels had been misplaced to fight. And Ukraine’s long-anticipated counteroffensive hasn’t even began.
Nonetheless, Putin’s resolve signifies that he’s making ready for a struggle that would nicely final for years.
Evaluation: In Russia’s authoritarian system, the management’s insurance policies don’t have to go muster with the inhabitants. “They’ve loads of operating room to proceed the prison struggle,” an knowledgeable mentioned.
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One other setback for Cambodia’s opposition
Cambodia has disqualified the primary opposition occasion, the one credible challenger to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling occasion. After 38 years in energy, Hun Sen is laying the groundwork for his eldest son to succeed him after the overall elections in July.
Hun Sen has held onto energy by way of the courts, electoral manipulation, intimidation — and a coup. This newest transfer comes after the federal government moved to guard itself earlier this yr. In February, it shut down Voice of Democracy, one of many few remaining retailers to supply important protection in Cambodia. In March, Kem Sokha, the highest opposition politician within the nation, was sentenced to 27 years of home arrest.
The election outlook: Hun Sen’s occasion at present holds all 125 seats in Parliament after government-controlled courts dissolved its major challenger earlier than the 2018 election. This time, the Nationwide Election Fee solely authorized events that had been both aligned with Hun Sen or too obscure to pose a severe menace within the elections on July 23.
China’s edge on E.V. automobile batteries
Regardless of billions in Western funding, China is to this point forward in making batteries for electrical vehicles that the remainder of the world could take many years to catch up.
Right here’s how China controls every step of lithium-ion battery manufacturing, from getting the uncooked supplies to creating the vehicles.
Mining: China has purchased its manner into an affordable and regular provide of important uncommon minerals wanted to make the batteries. It controls 41 p.c of the world’s cobalt, principally by proudly owning mines within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Investments in Indonesia will assist China grow to be the biggest controller of nickel by 2027, in response to a consulting agency.
Refining: No matter who mines the minerals, almost every thing is shipped to China to be refined. Chinese language corporations are supported by the federal government with low-cost land and vitality, and may refine minerals at a bigger quantity and a decrease price.
Parts: China makes many of the elements that go right into a battery. It has just lately invested in a less expensive various to the cathode, which is the constructive terminal of the battery. These cathodes now account for half the market.
Meeting: China makes probably the most batteries — and probably the most vehicles. Labor prices are decrease, and there are extra tools producers, so the nation can construct battery factories at almost half the price of others in North America or Europe, an knowledgeable mentioned.
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Many Japanese people who find themselves unmasking after three years discover that their facial expressions are a bit rusty. So some have recruited a smile coach. A one-hour session attracts on yoga and emphasizes strengthening the zygomatic muscle groups, which pull the corners of the mouth.
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South Korea’s ‘no-kids zones’
South Korea has the bottom birthrate on this planet. However mother and father say the federal government isn’t making having kids any simpler: Lots of of eating places, museums and different public services are designated “no-kids zones.”
The kid-free zones have standard help. A 2022 survey confirmed that 73 p.c of respondents had been in favor of them. “I often go to cafes to review. I don’t need to be interrupted by crying children,” a pupil mentioned.
However one lawmaker is looking on the federal government to outlaw the coverage. “Life with a toddler isn’t simple,” she mentioned, holding her toddler on the Nationwide Meeting, which can also be a no-kids zone. “However nonetheless, now we have to recreate a society by which we are able to coexist with our kids.”
