Iran is accused of blocking SIM cards and digital services to silence dissent, forcing citizens to delete critical content or pledge to stop activism to regain access. Multiple Iranians reported being interrogated by intelligence officials and having their phones, bank accounts, and social media accounts suspended until they complied with demands to stop political speech and support the government.
Argentina launched a citizenship-by-investment program allowing wealthy investors to obtain citizenship by contributing $350,000 to the National Treasury or purchasing an $800,000 government bond, with applications opening in Q4 2026. The scheme, announced by Economy Minister Luis Caputo during Argentina Week in Paris, aims to attract foreign capital and strengthen the country's fiscal position while incorporating OECD and FATF standards against money laundering.
Turkey's stock market scandal has affected nearly half a million investors after investment funds artificially inflated asset values while holding worthless stocks. Over 45 people have been arrested, an AKP politician resigned, and authorities have shut down 131 funds and frozen assets totaling billions of euros. Liquidation of assets is underway over six months, though significant investor losses are expected.
SpaceX's Crew-13 spacecraft set a new US record by docking with the International Space Station in 7 hours and 55 minutes. The four-person crew, commanded by Jessica Watkins who became the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit, launched from Cape Canaveral and will stay at the ISS for six months.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a 20% reduction in military generals and admirals, calling it necessary accountability. He also unveiled a new drone warfare command and a task force led by Elon Musk to assess future warfare capabilities, citing Ukraine's military innovations.
Volkswagen terminated most collective wage agreements in Germany to cut costs, potentially reigniting labor disputes, while BMW plans to eliminate 20% of management roles by mid-2027 using AI. Germany's transport ticket price increased to €66.80 monthly, and the SPD called for an immediate review of banning the far-right AfD party.
African leaders broke ground on a $16 billion oil refinery in Kenya's Lamu coastal town, expected to process 700,000 barrels daily and be completed in 40 months. Led by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, the project includes a power plant, plastic factory, and chemical manufacturing to enhance regional energy security. The refinery faces opposition from environmental groups concerned about impacts on a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marine ecosystem, with local residents pursuing a land rights case.
US President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to replace the term 'artificial intelligence' with 'Super Intelligence,' claiming AI sounds fake. Tech firms and researchers largely reject the rebranding, warning that it conflates current AI systems with future superintelligence and could amplify public fears about technology replacing humans.