US, South Korea coordinate on North Korea

A discarded section of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is believed to have crashed into the Moon, giving scientists a rare opportunity to study the effects of a known impact on the lunar surface. The object, a 4,000-kilogram upper stage left in space after a January 2025 mission, was expected to strike the Moon at around 07:35 BST after spending more than a year drifting through space. Scientists say the rocket stage gradually shifted onto a collision course due to the combined gravitational pull of the Earth, Moon and Sun. The impact is not considered dangerous to Earth, according to NASA, which plans to analyse the event to improve its understanding of lunar geology and refine methods for tracking objects in space. Although the collision itself was too faint to be seen with the naked eye, astronomers using powerful telescopes are monitoring the Moon for signs of a fresh crater and a plume of dust created by the impact. Researchers are now comparing before-and-after images of the lunar surface to identify the exact location of the strike. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea’s Danuri lunar spacecraft are expected to capture images of the impact site in the coming days. Scientists say processing and analysing the data could take several days or even weeks before the first confirmed images are released. Experts describe the incident as a valuable scientific experiment because the size, speed and mass of the object were known in advance. Unlike natural meteor impacts, the predictable nature of the collision allows researchers to better understand how craters form and how lunar material behaves after a high-speed impact. However, astronomers also say the incident highlights the growing problem of space debris. Thousands of human-made objects now remain on or around the Moon, and experts warn that increasing congestion in space could pose challenges for future exploration missions if debris is not managed more effectively. Meanwhile, SpaceX continues its regular launch operations. The company successfully launched another Falcon 9 rocket from Florida on a separate mission carrying satellites into orbit, underscoring the growing pace of space activity as agencies and private companies expand their exploration programmes.

Kuwait has introduced a comprehensive set of regulations for e commerce platforms aimed at improving consumer protection, increasing transparency and creating a unified legal framework for the country’s rapidly expanding digital marketplace. The new rules were issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under Ministerial Resolution No. 109 of 2026 and came into effect on July 8. They apply to all online platforms involved in selling, ordering and delivering goods and services across Kuwait. Officials said the regulations were introduced to address the rapid growth of online shopping while clearly defining the responsibilities of digital platforms, merchants, delivery companies and consumers. The measures are also intended to encourage investment and promote fair competition within the sector. Under the new framework, companies operating electronic platforms must obtain the required licences and comply with existing commercial laws. They are also required to strengthen cybersecurity measures to protect their digital systems and safeguard customer data from misuse or cyberattacks. The regulations require platforms to display complete pricing information before customers confirm their purchases. This includes product prices, delivery charges, commissions and any additional fees. Platforms must also provide accurate information about merchants, publish clear terms and conditions and ensure that product descriptions are truthful and up to date. Businesses are now required to establish transparent policies for returns, exchanges and refunds. They must also create complaint handling systems that resolve customer issues within specified time limits while protecting consumers’ personal information. In addition, platforms must maintain proper records of electronic transactions and payments. The new rules also place responsibilities on delivery service providers to ensure goods are transported safely and delivered efficiently. Online platforms will be expected to supervise delivery operations and coordinate closely with merchants and delivery companies throughout the process. To prevent excessive charges, the ministry has introduced limits on service commissions. Platforms may charge a maximum commission of 17 percent when they provide delivery services and 10 percent when deliveries are handled directly by merchants. Consumer delivery fees have also been capped at one Kuwaiti dinar per order, with businesses prohibited from charging more than that amount. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been given authority to monitor compliance with the regulations. Officials will be able to inspect businesses, request information and impose administrative penalties on companies that fail to follow the new requirements. Existing licensed platform operators must also update their registered business activity to reflect the category of managing delivery services through electronic platforms. The ministry said an implementation guide will be issued to help businesses, delivery companies and consumers understand the new compliance requirements. According to the explanatory memorandum accompanying the regulations, the reforms are designed to address problems that emerged with the rapid expansion of e commerce, including inconsistent commission rates, high delivery charges and unclear commercial practices. Officials believe the new framework will improve service quality, strengthen consumer confidence and support the continued growth of Kuwait’s digital economy.

Japan issued a strong protest on Thursday following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iturup, an island within the disputed Kuril Islands chain claimed by both nations. According to Russian state media, the visit represents Putin’s first in-person trip to the archipelago. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi reiterated Tokyo’s position, stating that the islands are inherently Japanese territory under both historical context and international law. The territorial row over the four southernmost islands, which Japan refers to as the Northern Territories and Russia calls the Southern Kurils, has prevented the two countries from signing a formal World War II peace treaty. The Soviet Union seized the chain in 1945 and subsequently expelled roughly 17,000 Japanese residents. During his itinerary on Iturup, known in Japan as Etorofu, Putin inspected a local fish-processing plant and sampled regional seafood following his observation of naval drills in Russia’s Far East. The strategically located island also houses a primary Russian military air base. Bilateral relations between Moscow and Tokyo have grown increasingly strained in recent years, particularly following Japanese sanctions imposed over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive officer, entrusting him with leading the airline through a challenging period marked by financial losses, operational setbacks and heightened safety concerns. Gebremariam succeeds Campbell Wilson, who stepped down in April after overseeing the airline’s initial restructuring following its acquisition by the Tata Group in 2022. The Air India board unanimously selected Gebremariam after an extensive global search, citing his leadership experience and strong operational record. During more than a decade at Ethiopian Airlines, he expanded the carrier’s fleet significantly and helped transform it into one of Africa’s leading and most profitable airlines. His appointment comes at a difficult time for Air India, which continues to recover from last year’s fatal Ahmedabad–London plane crash that claimed 260 lives. The airline is also dealing with mounting financial pressure after reporting a record loss of nearly $2.3 billion and reducing a significant portion of its international operations. In recent months, Air India has faced several operational disruptions, including flight delays, route adjustments and unexpected diversions. The broader aviation industry in India has also been affected by higher operating costs, aircraft delivery delays, disrupted international routes and stricter regulatory oversight. Industry analysts believe Gebremariam’s experience managing Ethiopian Airlines through the Boeing 737 Max crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic could prove valuable as Air India works to restore public confidence. Experts say his immediate priorities will include strengthening safety standards, improving employee morale, modernising the airline’s fleet, expanding its network and returning the carrier to long-term profitability.