Focuses

• The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is highlighting emerging European talent through its "Future Frames" program, which showcases prize-winning short films by students and recent graduates. • Featured filmmakers include André Vaara from Sweden's Stockholm University of the Arts, whose work explores identity and gender roles and who is developing his first feature, "Beautiful Misfits." • Other emerging directors are developing diverse projects, such as "Some Korean Summer," a cross-cultural romance, and a feature titled "The Persimmon Tree."

• Switzerland advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after defeating Algeria 2-0, with goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. • This victory marks the first time since 1938 that Switzerland has won a knockout game, setting up a future match against either Colombia or Ghana. • Argentina is scheduled to face Cape Verde on Friday at 11 p.m. UK time, featuring Lionel Messi, who recently became the all-time top World Cup goalscorer with six goals in the group stage.

• India is marking the 11th anniversary of the Digital India initiative, transitioning into a new phase focused on artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. • The government has approved 12 semiconductor projects with an investment pipeline of approximately ₹1.64 lakh crore, encompassing one fabrication unit, two compound fabrication units, and nine packaging units. • To ensure ethical growth, the government released AI Governance Guidelines in November 2025 to promote the development of "safe, inclusive and trustworthy" AI.

• G7 leaders concluded their summit on Wednesday, shifting their final discussions toward the contentious future of artificial intelligence and the United States' dominance in the sector. • Previous sessions on Tuesday focused heavily on the Russia-Ukraine war and a tentative agreement to end the conflict with Iran. • President Donald Trump indicated that a formal deal with Iran is expected to be signed this Friday at a resort on Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne, though specific details remain undisclosed.

• Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) celebrated its 35th Foundation Day by hosting the Tech Summit 2026 to promote national technology growth. • The event featured the launch of the Sayuj AI platform and several new startup initiatives designed to accelerate innovation and support SMEs. • This initiative matters as it aims to strengthen India's emerging technology ecosystems and position the country as a global leader in world-class tech solutions.

After CEO’s comments to investors, opponents urge miner to ‘stop stringing everybody along and spike the project finally’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSantos chief executive, Kevin Gallagher, has told an investor briefing the company will not be “exerting any effort” on its Narrabri gas project while it awaits outstanding approvals, prompting fresh questions about the future of the controversial development.Gallagher told investors this week the company was prioritising exploration in the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Basin, where it is pursuing an expansion. Continue reading...

• The American Medical Association’s May 15, 2026 advocacy update says physicians and healthcare groups are urging Congress to strengthen the No Surprises Act. • The update also says the AMA is seeking physicians’ stories to support ongoing advocacy, indicating the organization is building a record of billing and patient-protection problems. • The issue matters because surprise medical bills remain a major consumer complaint and a persistent policy fight among doctors, insurers and lawmakers.