South Africa's economy is at risk of going off the grid as recurring power cuts wreak havoc on the country's businesses and households. Alongside this energy crisis, the nation's central bank is sounding the alarm over potential threats to financial stability. These concerns stem from capital outflows and the possibility of sanctions due to South Africa's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Authorities advised nearly 1.3 million people across Japan to evacuate after Tropical Storm Mawar lashed Okinawa causing in injuries to eight people.

Russia and China have raised the possibility of BRICS accepting new members. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin's attendance at an August summit remains unclear.

  Iran and Afghanistan are locked in a long-standing dispute over the sharing of water from the Helmand River. Clashes broke out recently along the border.

The US has signed a trade deal with Taiwan against vehement opposition from China. The move comes as Beijing has been stepping up pressure to intimidate the self-ruled island, which it sees as its own.

The bicycle has long been central to the Dutch way of life, and now other European cities are following suit. But the move away from cars is also meeting with resistance.