Middle East war disrupts helium supply - China halts exports as prices surge 65% | The latest National and International News - upday News
China imposed an immediate temporary ban on helium exports on Friday, aiming to secure domestic supplies as escalating military conflict in the Middle East has severely disrupted global supply chains for this critical industrial gas. | The latest National and International News - upday News
452 million and growing: How migration keeps EU population rising despite birth crisisThe European Union's population has grown for the fifth consecutive year, reaching 452 million people on January 1, 2026 — an increase of 706,000 from the previous year, according to Eurostat data released Friday. Migration is driving the growth, offsetting a trend of more deaths than births that has persisted across the bloc since 2012. 10-07-2026, 13:07:2924 million doses: Moderna's RSV vaccine lands major EU framework dealModerna has secured a joint procurement framework contract from the European Commission for up to 24 million doses of its RSV vaccine. The agreement, awarded by the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), allows six countries to access the mRNA vaccine over a period of up to four years. 10-07-2026, 13:07:24Why European tech firms flee to America - and the €80bn plan to stop itThe European Investment Bank has launched a 15 billion euro mega-fund to close Europe's venture capital gap with the United States. Spanish financial giants Santander, BBVA, and investment firm Altamar have joined the initiative alongside other major European investors. 10-07-2026, 08:07:14World Cup quarter-finals, UK Labour leadership race and solemn flood anniversary: Major week aheadThe upcoming week brings major sporting action, high-stakes political decisions, and significant commemorative events across multiple continents. 10-07-2026, 05:07:21EU strengthens air passenger rights: Free child seats, hand luggage included, No-Show-Policy endsThe European Parliament has approved a sweeping overhaul of air passenger rights after 13 years of negotiations. Lawmakers voted 646 to 12 this week to strengthen protections against flight disruptions, marking the first update to regulations that have been in place since 2004. 10-07-2026, 17:07:53Over 113 developing countries now spend more on debt than educationOver 113 developing countries spent more on servicing foreign debt than on education in 2025, according to research by Unesco. The UN's culture and education agency warned that declining global aid is worsening this crisis, threatening to trap nations in a cycle of economic stagnation. 10-07-2026, 16:07:32