Berk Uyal

Smartphone users are warned that photographing a solar eclipse without suitable filters could damage phone and camera lenses because concentrated sunlight may generate intense heat. NASA also advises using securely fitted solar filters on binoculars and telescopes and wearing ISO 12312-2-compliant eclipse glasses to prevent lasting eye damage. The partial eclipse will be visible across the UK, with the South West expected to have the best view; London timings are approximately 6:17pm to 8:06pm, and the Royal Observatory Greenwich will provide a livestream.

The Corsican National Liberation Front-Union of Combatants has released a video showing masked, armed members warning people moving to Corsica or buying second homes to stay away and claiming that migration from mainland France amounts to colonisation. French anti-terror prosecutors have reportedly opened a preliminary investigation into suspected terrorist conspiracy and weapons offences. The group rejected proposed legislation granting Corsica greater cultural recognition and powers while retaining it within France, calling the plan inadequate. The warning comes amid longstanding separatist activity, including attacks on holiday homes and other targets in 2023.

Three female lionesses aged three, 11 and 15 died at Tokyo’s Tama Zoological Park during a period of record-breaking heat and high humidity in Japan. Vets observed severe dehydration and multiple organ failure, but laboratory results are needed to formally confirm heatstroke as the cause. Ten of the zoo’s 16 lions showed reduced appetite or activity, while staff used fans, cold-water sprays, medication, improved ventilation and spot air-conditioning to protect them. The lion enclosure was closed to visitors, and one lioness and two males remained under veterinary care. Japan recorded five consecutive days above 40°C and nearly 18,600 heatstroke hospitalisations during the reported period.

The Met Office forecasts a generally drier Thursday across the UK, but identifies 12 areas in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northwest England where rain or isolated showers may persist. Temperatures are expected to be cooler than recent days and close to seasonal averages, with drier conditions likely for many areas before a possible return of warmer weather and unsettled conditions later in August.

WXCharts forecast maps indicate that temperatures in southern and eastern England could rise to around 35C or 36C by August 12, with parts of the Midlands reaching the mid-30s and northern England the low 30s. Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to remain cooler. The Met Office forecasts generally above-average temperatures, especially in southern areas, from August 9 to August 18, while warning of possible rain, thunderstorms and variable conditions in northern, western, southern and eastern regions. The projections remain subject to change.

Jordan Football Association president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein accused FIFA of blackmail, alleging that officials implied the association would receive help recovering money and resolving other issues if he supported Gianni Infantino’s re-election. He also criticized visa difficulties for Jordanian fans, high U.S. tax-related costs during the World Cup, and unpaid prize money from the FIFA Arab Cup. FIFA declined to comment. Jordan has joined several European football associations in withdrawing support for Infantino, while the expected voting blocs remain divided by region ahead of a possible presidential contest.

Drivers aged over 70 could be required to pass compulsory eyesight tests every three years before renewing their licences under proposals backed by Andy Burnham. The measures would replace the current self-declaration system and could result in licences being refused or revoked if motorists fail to meet the legal vision standard. Cognitive assessments are also being considered, but no decision has been made. The proposals concern eyesight checks rather than full driving-test retakes, while motoring experts argue that regular testing could improve road safety.

Four-year-old Muhammed Aras Temel died in Turkey after reportedly falling asleep inside his family’s car during very hot weather. He suffered a seizure after being found seriously unwell, was treated at two hospitals, and later died; an autopsy and investigation are pending. The incident occurred amid temperatures of around 40°C in Mardin and wider heat-related tragedies involving children in Europe and the United States.

A technical issue at one of Gatwick Airport’s fuel farms has created a potential jet-fuel shortage over the following two days, prompting airlines to monitor supplies and advise crews to take on as much fuel as possible at overseas airports. EasyJet is expected to be less affected because its short-haul aircraft can refuel in Europe, while British Airways and other long-haul operators may face greater operational limits. Gatwick said airlines were operating normally and that it was working with suppliers to resolve the issue, with disruption expected from Monday.

Seven firefighters, police officers and civil protection personnel died when a Bell 412 firefighting helicopter crashed in San Juan province, Argentina, during a wildfire-response training exercise. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control at about 10:30 a.m. local time while flying at roughly 4,000 metres, before it was due to assist with an active wildfire in neighbouring La Rioja province. Authorities said weather conditions were favourable, rescue access was difficult, and the cause of the crash is under investigation.

A 38-year-old British woman, understood to have been born in Scotland, was found dead inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens on July 18. DNA testing identified her after Greek and US authorities initially failed to establish her identity. Investigators believe she died five to seven days before discovery, but no obvious injuries were found and the cause of death remains unknown. Police are reconstructing her movements after she arrived in Greece from the United States via Cyprus and are reviewing CCTV, witness statements and other evidence. Greek authorities, Interpol, Police Scotland and British consular officials are assisting the investigation and supporting her family.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Big Dipper stopped at a low point on July 23, prompting a manual evacuation and viral social media rumours that the wooden roller coaster had derailed. Pleasure Beach Resort said all riders were checked by trained first-aid staff, no injuries were reported, and an internal investigation is underway to determine the cause. The resort confirmed the stoppage but did not confirm a derailment.

A LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 flying from Palma de Mallorca to Warsaw diverted to Milan Malpensa about 50 minutes after takeoff after a crew member reportedly collapsed. The captain requested medical assistance, and the aircraft landed safely. Reports suggested the affected person may have been a pilot, but LOT did not confirm that detail or disclose the crew member’s condition. Passengers waited several hours in Milan while a replacement crew was sent, after which the flight continued safely to Warsaw.

A family dog named Destiny was killed after intervening to protect a two‑year‑old boy from a wolf that entered a garden in rural Tuscany. The dog confronted the predator, allowing the child to escape unharmed, while the parents suffered minor injuries attempting to intervene. The wolf dragged Destiny into nearby woodland, where only partial remains were later found. The incident followed recent wolf sightings in the area and prompted police checks, while an environmental group warned about the risks posed by the growing wolf population in Tuscany.

Forecast models indicate temperatures in England could reach 37C on August 7, with 16 counties expected to exceed 30C. The Met Office says temperatures are likely to stay above average into mid‑August, with the possibility of further heatwaves, though confidence around early‑month conditions remains limited. Higher pressure is expected to bring generally dry, settled weather in the south, while northern areas may still see some rain or thunderstorms.

Reports of a missile strike on Iran’s Larak Island heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Donald Trump to warn that the United States would destroy key Iranian infrastructure if Iran attacked any vessels in the waterway. Iranian authorities began investigating the reported strike, while details on the missile’s origin and impact remained unclear. The incident occurred in one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, increasing concerns over potential escalation between the US and Iran.

A 23-year-old woman died in Nagoya’s Sakae district after a 29-year-old man fell from a 12-storey apartment building and landed on her. The man survived but remains unconscious and in critical condition, while the woman's companion was unharmed. Police have not determined whether the fall was accidental or intentional and are investigating why the man, who was not a resident of the building, was there.

SuperBike Factory has entered administration, shutting down immediately and placing about 200 jobs at risk. Founded by Scott Behrens and James Watson, the used motorbike retailer expanded to six UK showrooms and sold around 15,000 bikes annually. After being acquired by private equity fund Enact in 2023, the company faced financial uncertainty linked to a Court of Appeal ruling on motor finance commissions, potential customer compensation claims and weakened consumer confidence during the cost‑of‑living crisis.

A Ravenair pilot on a routine test flight after engine maintenance used the opportunity to trace the message 'I'm bored' in the sky over Liverpool, a pattern later spotted on Flightradar24. Operations manager Wayne Barrett explained that the stunt occurred during a standard safety check and required considerable concentration. The aircraft was confirmed safe, and the instructor pilot faced no disciplinary issues.

A fire in the OXY Tower in central Brussels spread through a lift shaft, leading to multiple deaths inside a lift and leaving six people missing. Emergency crews are searching for those feared trapped in a second lift. Two people with burns were taken to hospital and a firefighter was treated for heatstroke. Authorities have brought the fires under control while the cause remains unknown. Evacuated workers received psychological support as emergency and internal response plans were activated.