Google yanks Nano Banana from Earth after AI images spark chaos

South Korea has recorded its highest temperature since weather records began more than 100 years ago, as an intense heatwave continues to grip the country and authorities urge people to avoid outdoor activities. The Korea Meteorological Administration said the southeastern city of Yangsan reached 42.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday afternoon, setting a new national temperature record. Yangsan has remained at the centre of the prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days. Other major cities, including Daegu and Busan, have also experienced temperatures climbing into the upper 30s. The extreme weather has forced many people to seek shelter in air conditioned shopping centres, cafes and other indoor spaces. In Seoul, residents gathered in public places with cooling facilities to escape the dangerous heat. Office worker Ju Dong Yeol said staying outdoors had become almost impossible and that spending time in air conditioned buildings was the only practical way to cope with the soaring temperatures. Authorities have issued emergency heatwave alerts in more than 20 areas across the country. The warning system, introduced this year, is activated when the expected heat index reaches 38 degrees Celsius or when actual temperatures are forecast to climb to at least 39 degrees Celsius. Weather officials advised residents to stop all outdoor activities immediately, remain in cool locations and drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of heat related illnesses. The Korea Meteorological Administration also warned that indoor spaces without air conditioning could become dangerous during the ongoing heatwave. Officials encouraged people, particularly children, older adults and those with health conditions, to use designated cooling centres whenever possible. Weather data show that South Korea has experienced a sharp increase in the number of extremely hot days over recent decades. During the past five years, the country has recorded an average of 19 heatwave days each year, compared with only eight days annually during the 1970s. A heatwave day is officially defined as one in which temperatures reach at least 33 degrees Celsius. The severe weather has also disrupted sporting events. South Korea’s professional baseball league cancelled a second consecutive game in the city of Changwon after temperatures climbed to 39.5 degrees Celsius. The Korea Baseball Organisation said the decision was made to protect the health and safety of players, officials and spectators while the heatwave warning remained in effect. Scientists have repeatedly warned that human induced climate change is making extreme weather events such as heatwaves more frequent and more intense around the world. Experts also point to the return of the El Nino climate pattern this year, which increases sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and can contribute to unusually hot weather in many regions. South Korea is not alone in facing extreme heat. Several European countries have also experienced prolonged heatwaves this summer, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of southern and central Europe. Governments across the region have issued health warnings, battled wildfires and advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. Italy has also placed many of its major cities under the highest level of heat alert as temperatures continue to rise.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that public support for Israel has declined in the United States, attributing the shift largely to the influence of social media and online misinformation. His remarks came during an interview with ABC News, where he also discussed the war in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear programme, and Israel’s relationship with the United States. Netanyahu admitted that attitudes toward Israel among Americans have changed in recent years and said the trend was a matter of concern. He argued that the rapid growth of social media platforms, along with the use of coordinated online campaigns and automated accounts, has shaped public opinion against Israel. According to him, misleading portrayals of the conflict in Gaza have contributed significantly to the fall in support. Recent surveys suggest that American views of Israel have become increasingly critical. A July poll by the Pew Research Center found that unfavorable opinions of the Israeli people have risen compared with previous years, while support for the Israeli government has also declined. The findings reflect growing concern among Americans over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian impact of the conflict. During the interview, Netanyahu said he wanted Israel to continue receiving support from both major political parties in the United States. He described bipartisan backing as an important part of Israel’s national security and argued that the debate surrounding Israel extends beyond the Middle East. He claimed that those who oppose Israel often also oppose American interests and values. The Israeli leader also discussed Iran, saying Israel and US President Donald Trump share the same objective of preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. He said Israel would support any approach that successfully ends Iran’s nuclear programme, whether through diplomacy, economic sanctions, or military action. However, he stressed that decisions regarding American policy ultimately rest with the US president. Netanyahu accused Iran of repeatedly acting in bad faith during previous negotiations, claiming its leaders have used talks to delay action while continuing their nuclear ambitions. Iran has previously rejected such accusations and argued that inconsistent policies and broken commitments by the United States have undermined diplomatic efforts. He also warned Iran against carrying out any future attacks on Israel, saying such actions would be met with a strong military response. Although he believes Iran’s leadership has become weaker in recent years, Netanyahu said the current government remains in power and predicted that it could eventually collapse. Addressing his relationship with President Trump, Netanyahu dismissed suggestions that either leader was directing the other. He described the two countries as close allies and said the United States remains the senior partner while Israel continues to work closely with Washington on security matters. The prime minister also rejected reports claiming he had underestimated the consequences or duration of military action against Iran. He insisted those reports misrepresented his earlier assessments and said President Trump independently viewed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a serious threat. Netanyahu strongly denied allegations that Israel had committed war crimes or genocide during its military campaign in Gaza. He argued that Israeli forces had taken steps to reduce civilian casualties by issuing warnings through phone calls, text messages, and leaflets urging people to leave areas of fighting. He also accused Hamas of preventing civilians from evacuating. The Israeli leader again ruled out the creation of an independent Palestinian state, arguing that it would pose a security threat to Israel. His comments come despite ongoing international calls for a two state solution. The conflict remains under intense international scrutiny. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza conflict. Israel rejects the accusations, while military operations in the territory have continued despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025.