Informal discussions have resumed in Japan among 20 nations striving to bridge significant differences for a global plastic pollution treaty, though national stances largely remain unchanged. This challenging path forward is highlighted by the US opposing global plastic bans due to economic concerns, while the EU advocates for comprehensive measures across the entire plastic lifecycle.
Autonomous vehicle company Oxa has successfully raised $103 million in Series D funding, backed by Nvidia's venture arm and a substantial commitment from the UK's National Wealth Fund. This significant investment will accelerate the commercialization of its self-driving technology, specifically focusing on industrial mobility automation for sectors like logistics and energy rather than consumer vehicles.
A new study from a German climate institute reveals that global warming has significantly accelerated in the past decade, confirming long-held scientific concerns. This alarming acceleration suggests a key Paris Agreement target could be surpassed before 2030, demanding urgent and intensified global action.
Indonesia is set to implement groundbreaking new regulations, PP Tunas, by March 2026 to comprehensively protect children online from exploitation and harmful content. This framework will mandate age verification and parental consent, restricting minors' access to high-risk platforms until age 16 and lower-risk services until 13, with non-compliant digital platforms facing significant sanctions.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been dismissed by President Donald Trump amidst widespread criticism of her handling of immigration policies and disaster response, a decision that followed her intense grilling on Capitol Hill. President Trump swiftly announced his intention to nominate Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin as her successor, signaling a new direction for the department.
Scientists have successfully synthesized "half-Möbius molecules," a groundbreaking new topological structure previously unknown in chemistry. These unique molecules are defined by a distinct 90-degree twist per revolution and require four circumnavigations to return to their origin, opening exciting new possibilities for molecular research.
