Best designer belts you'll want to wear all the time

The best designer belts will elevate any outfit

The best designer belts are a statement accessory that can help pull a whole outfit together. From timeless classics to trend-led iterations, these are pieces you can keep for a lifetime.

Offering an instant style injection to any look, the best designer belts can easily become part of your capsule wardrobe and whether you like a belt for style or for practical fit reasons, the top designer iterations add extra polish to your look. Usually cheaper than buying one of the best designer bags, they're what is termed as a 'great entry point' to a brand, as even if you can't afford the best designer heels, a belt can be a more realistic item to aspire and still gives a fashion-forward finish to your outfit.

Often underestimated, a belt can transform an ensemble. Over-achieving way beyond the traditional functions of holding your trousers or skirts in place, they can be used to help balance and alter proportions making otherwise shapeless outfits seriously flattering or simply adding greater detail. Their potential is huge, which is one of the reasons why so many people are investing in designer belts as they offer added luxe and style. When it comes to the fashion trends 2022, logo belts are having a moment, offering a subtle way to wear branded pieces - although it almost goes without saying that the bigger the motif, the more eye-catching the belt will be.

Best designer belts: What to consider before purchasing

Fabric: Fabric is important to the longevity of your belt, as you want it to age well. With designer belts, quality fabrics typically come as standard, and most are made from leather which will only become softer and more detailed with continued wear. Of course, not everyone will feel comfortable wearing leather, making synthetic options a great alternative.

Color: The more neutral your belt, the more opportunity you’ll have to wear it. Black and tan are always the most popular choices, as they have the benefit of coordinating with any look, however, a bold colored belt will play into the fashion color trends 2022 and offer some mood-boosting brightness in the form of 'dopamine dressing'. A brighter color might date quicker but is also ideal for teaming with black to give your outfit a lift.

Shape: Which shape of belt will work hardest in your wardrobe depends a lot on your style. But, as a general rule, anything that can be worn on the waist or hips, and is narrow enough to be worn with jeans, will offer the most possibilities for wear. You might also want to consider your own body type as a wide waist belt can be a handy styling tool to draw attention to hourglass body shapes.

Size: Belts are not one-size-fits-all, and come in a variety of different lengths. It’s not as straightforward as browsing by dress size, so you may need to measure your waist to get an idea of the best fit. The size you choose will also depend on where you intend to wear your belt. For example, you’ll want to go smaller or larger depending on whether you plan to wear it around your waist or hips. It is possible to have new holes added to fabric and leather belts if your shape fluctuates over time, but belts with metal straps or clasps are trickier to alter.

1. Gucci Leather Marmont Belt

Best Gucci belt

Italian clothing brand Gucci is well known for its accessories. Leaders when it comes to the handbag trends 2022, the best Gucci bags are some of the best handbags on the market and are often spotted on front row fashionistas at fashion shows all over the world. The brand's best-selling belt 'The Marmont' (named like the bag), utilizes the iconic "GG" logo at the central fastening. With an abundance of replicas at straight-to-market brands, you can give the illusion of the famed Gucci belt without splashing the cash, but those in the know can spot a real Marmont with ease. The Gucci Marmont belt uses buttery soft leather and Italian craftsmanship and is available in a number of widths and colorways, ensuring the belt can be worn on the hips or waist. Particularly good when styled with any of the best jeans for women you can also use it to nip in your waist over any of the best dresses.

2. Isabel Marant Zap Embellished Leather Belt

Best casual belt

Known for its bohemian feel, French clothing brand, Isabel Marant manages to offer a belt that feels both luxury and laidback all at once. The smooth leather is peppered with silver-toned studs and red and white beads in the tan version, replaced by blue and pink beads in the black version. A summer-ready design, you could style this over anything from the best midi dresses in floaty floral to stone-washed jeans, floral blouses, and suede ankle boots.

The size range shouldn’t be notable, but it is not always common for a designer brand to cater up to a US size 16, although it's of course a shame they don't go further.

3. Alaïa Leather-Trimmed Stretch-Webbing Waist Belt

Best wide belt

Originally founded by sculptor Azzedine Alaïa, the eponymous brand has always focused on accentuating and celebrating the female form. Its wide waist belts have become something of a cult favorite, used to highlight the waist and give dresses a fresh update. Acting like some of the best shapewear, it's ideal for creating or spotlighting hourglass figures, this design also works well for pear-shaped bodies who want to draw attention to their midriff. This style features stretch webbing to the main body to give a fitted finish, with a statement leather front panel and three silver-toned buckles on the front. With a burlesque aesthetic, wear this belt over more voluminous items, to help maintain your silhouette, it's an ideal pairing for how to wear oversized shirts. This style of belt goes in an out of fashion, so you may be able to find non-designer iterations that are more budget-friendly, depending on current fashion tastes. As it is designed to be worn on the waist, keep this in mind when selecting a size.

4. Loewe Obi Leather Belt

Best Obi Belt

Sculpted, structural and seriously statement, the Loewe Obi Leather Belt is a real scene-stealer. Featuring the kind of puzzle-piece craftsmanship that Creative Director JW Anderson is known for, it beautifully smooths the waist and accentuates the hips. Crafted from leather, the peplum shape holds itself well and is secured with a bow in the same fabric at the back. Letting the design grab attention rather than the logo, the only nod to the label is a small embossed emblem at the back.

An absolute work of art, it's important to let the belt take center stage. Team with one of the best shirt dresses in white, as it will really pop against the tan. Alternatively, wear over a tulle maxi skirt and tucked-in white blouse for an elegant but directional look.

5. Balenciaga BB Croc-Effect Leather Belt

Best leather belt

Who said the best designer belts had to come exclusively in black and tan leather? Balenciaga’s BB Croc-Effect Leather Belt is re-writing the rule book when it comes to color, with the design available in emerald green or burgundy. Although they wouldn’t be considered neutral, both shades are incredibly versatile, thanks to their darker hue. The narrow width allows this belt to be weaved through trouser loops or worn with dresses. A slim waist belt design is ideal for slipping on to mom jeans or other high-waisted styles. A good width for an apple-body shape it doesn't draw too much attention to a midsection but does subtly draw the eye into your most slender part, creating the illusion of an hourglass silhouette. But this isn't any ordinary belt, just like the Gucci Marmont, logo detailing plays an important role in making this piece stand out from the crowd. The interlocking BB logo is the main focus, making sure all eyes are on your new buy.

6. Jacquemus Leather Belt and Card Holder

Best black belt

Part belt, part best designer card holder, Jacquemus is not known for doing anything by halves. Already sparking a micro bag trend, the French fashion house is continuing to try and make us carry less with this nifty belt that features a cardholder too. With an almost utilitarian feel, the belt is ideal for keeping your cards on you at all times and certainly more stylish than a nostalgic bumbag or fanny pack. The card holder is also detachable, for those days you just want a classic, go-with-everything belt too, although, as this has the logo embellished on it, it's unlikely you’ll want to leave it at home.

7. Celine Small Triomphe Belt in Smooth Calfskin Velvet Red

Best slim belt

When it comes to investing in designer goods, buying a belt is a great way to dip your toe into shopping with a brand you like without breaking the bank. This particular belt features the same Triomphe logo that can be found on the bag of the same name. So if a Celine tote is out of reach, this really is the next best thing. It’s chic and understated, with a narrow width that makes it incredibly versatile. The beautiful calfskin leather is impossibly smooth, with the feeling it will only look, and feel better, the more you wear it. If red feels too bold, plump for neutral black or tan instead - although we suggest rocking the red with your best skinny jeans in dark indigo and a Breton top for a classic summer look.

8. Loewe Anagram-Buckle Leather Belt

Best tan belt

It’s the second time a Loewe belt has graced this list, and for good reason. The Anagram-Buckle belt is a beauty, featuring the brand’s intricate, swirling motif front and center in gold. Already decorating one of Loewe's best beach bags, the logo will be instantly recognizable to anyone who knows their fashion brands. The bulk of the belt is made from a grained calfskin that’s deliciously textured and given a laidback feel with contrast white stitching across the edges. Tan offers a more relaxed, and summery mood, and works beautifully with the gold buckle. Less harsh than black, it's also a good neutral alternative and if you wear a lot of black, opting for a tan belt is a smart move, as it will create contrast in your outfit. Team with everything from tailored trousers and jeans to boho-inspired summer dresses.

9. Fendi FF Suede Buckle Belt

Best suede belt

One of the leaders of the monogram trend, Fendi has championed its logo as a central part of its accessory designs for over 50 years, being introduced in 1965. The iconic FF is recognized the world over, so if you choose to invest in this belt, you're buying into a part of fashion history. If you're not sure where you've seen the FF logo before, if you've ever wanted to learn how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw, and binged on Sex and the City, the style TV character is well known for having a Fendi Baguette bag tucked under her arm, which features the FF design as its central clasp.

Here it is in gold, sitting proud in the center of the belt to complement and contrast with the camel-toned fabric. Opting for suede, rather than smooth leather, gives the belt a more laidback, bohemian feel, as well as making it feel more daytime appropriate. For a luxury look, wear with other textured fabrics such as wool and linen.

10. Saint Laurent Monogram Textured-Leather Belt

Best belt for jeans

Saint Laurent always adds a touch of class to everything they do and this belt design is no different. While the brand opted to largely drop the Yves several years ago, the Y remains part of the brand's heritage logo and the YSL metal embellishment adorns everything from clutch bags to sandals and a host of other accessories. This designer belt has universal appeal. In a timeless black and gold combo, you can dress it up or down and will elevate the simplest of outfits in a flash. A stylish piece of hardware, instead of being the largest part of the design, the motif sits next to the buckle. Made in Italy from black textured leather with gold hardware, this belt will co-ordinate seamlessly with black and indigo denim, and stand out on light wash and white jeans outfits.

11. Bottega Veneta Grasp Leather Belt

Best bright belt

If you wear a lot of darker colors, adding vibrancy through accessories is a great way of creating contrast and injecting personality into a look. Bottega Veneta’s Grasp Leather Belt in vibrant apple green is the ideal candidate for adding some zing to your wardrobe essentials. While this is a bold look, the color perfectly complements the gold hardware, drawing the eye to the center, making it a good choice if you want to create an hourglass silhouette.

A very subtle logo, the triangle design is much less recognizable than many of the other brand monograms on this list, meaning, that despite the bold hue, in designer belt terms, this is actually a rather discreet style. As the price tag suggests, the belt is crafted from high-quality leather, ensuring longevity out of this buy.

12. Chanel Calfskin Belt

Best luxury belt

No brand does luxury quite like Chanel. If you're a fan of the best Chanel bags, then you'll love the brand's equally showstopping belts. Utterly elegant, there is no mistaking the large double C buckle that sits at the front of this belt. With an almost eye-watering price tag, a Chanel belt will still set you back less than one of the brand's 2.55 quilted bags. The French fashion house brings elegance to everything from pretty blouses to boucle jackets, and this belt is no exception. The sleek black calfskin leather frames the brand’s iconic gold metal logo, which has been updated and embossed with resin leopard print detail. It’s a classic with a twist and one that is guaranteed to steal focus in your wardrobe for years to come. If the belt is still out of reach, check out Chanel's best designer sunglasses which cost around £400.

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Severe Heatwave Drives Dangerous Ground-Level Ozone Pollution Across Two Thirds of European Union

Record-breaking June temperatures catalyzed chemical reactions that exposed nearly three hundred million people to toxic smog levels, intensifying public health strains.

An unprecedented early-summer heatwave across Western Europe has triggered extensive ground-level ozone pollution, exposing approximately two thirds of the European Union population to toxic atmospheric conditions.

Ground-level ozone, a primary component of industrial smog, forms when high temperatures and intense sunlight accelerate chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides from vehicular traffic and human-driven methane emissions.

What is confirmed by regional atmospheric modeling and census data is that nearly three hundred million individuals, including an estimated one hundred million highly vulnerable children and elderly citizens, breathed air exceeding the European Union recommended maximum daily threshold of one hundred and twenty micrograms per cubic meter between June twenty-first and June twenty-eighth.

The scale of the pollution represents an immediate public health crisis, as ground-level ozone causes severe respiratory inflammation, damages lung tissue, and triggers acute asthma attacks.

The European Environment Agency previously attributed over sixty-three thousand annual deaths and billions of euros in agricultural crop damage to this specific pollutant.

During the late June climate anomaly, which the Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed as the hottest June on record for Western Europe, more than seventy-two million people were subjected to extreme ozone concentrations exceeding one hundred and fifty micrograms per cubic meter, with peak levels reaching two hundred and thirty-three point seven micrograms in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Controlling this invisible atmospheric threat remains a complex regulatory challenge because ground-level ozone relies heavily on volatile organic compounds like methane, which accounts for one third of its formation.

While the European Union has successfully curbed urban nitrogen dioxide emissions over recent decades, the trading bloc currently lacks legally binding targets to reduce methane emissions stemming from its agricultural sector.

Environmental researchers note that the compounding pressure of high humidity, extreme temperatures, and elevated ozone creates a severe cumulative strain on human cardiovascular systems.

To mitigate immediate physiological risk during these escalating heat events, public health officials are advising citizens to restrict outdoor activities and avoid physical exercise during peak daylight hours as a critical safety measure.

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Bangkok Prepares to Host InfoComm Asia Twenty Twenty-Six Technology Exhibition

Thailand's Aviation Recovery Gains Momentum With Expanding International Routes

Nestlé Expands Local Agricultural Sourcing Through Smart Factory Investment

Fulltech Fiber Glass Invests in Specialty Materials Production for Electronics Industry

Thailand Strengthens Oversight of Data Center Energy Requirements

Regional Semiconductor Investment Continues to Strengthen Thailand's Manufacturing Base

Thai AirAsia and Tourism Authority Expand Community Tourism Initiative in Songkhla

Bangkok Launches Pilot Program for Card Payments on Tuk-Tuks

Lomrak Green Energy Expands Wind Power Capacity With New Lopburi Projects

South Korea's Doosan Electro-Materials Expands Printed Circuit Board Materials Production in Thailand

Taiwan Union Technology Expands Thailand Production for Artificial Intelligence Server Components

Japan's Datasection to Build High-Performance Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure in Bangkok

Thai Airways Wins Approval for Fleet Expansion to Support International Growth

Asian Development Bank Lowers Developing Asia Growth Forecast on Energy Market Uncertainty

Nestlé Invests Six Hundred Eighty-Eight Million Dollars in Smart Manufacturing Hub in Thailand

Thailand and Malaysia Open New Border Link to Strengthen Trade and Regional Connectivity

Thailand Approves Nearly Two Billion Dollars in High-Tech Investment Across Artificial Intelligence, Electronics and Clean Energy

Flight Instructor Jumped to His Death — Student Landed the Plane: "You Know What You Need to Do"

An experienced flight instructor in Argentina died after jumping from a training aircraft during a lesson, leaving his twenty-two-year-old student to land the plane alone. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Authorities in Argentina are reporting an extraordinarily rare and tragic incident in which a flight instructor jumped to his death during a training flight, leaving his stunned student to land the aircraft by herself.

According to reports from the South American country, Leandro Bertazzo, forty-two, jumped from a Cessna C-150 light aircraft on July 4 after taking off with his twenty-two-year-old student, whose identity has not been released, from an airport near the city of Córdoba.

The student told investigators that, moments before jumping, Bertazzo said to her, "You know what you need to do.

Keep going." He then removed his headset, unfastened his seat belt, opened the aircraft door, and leapt from the plane.

His body was found about twenty minutes later in the area where the student had informed authorities he had likely fallen.

Eduardo Álvarez, director of the flight school in Córdoba where Bertazzo had worked as an instructor for the past four years, said the student was deeply shaken but remained composed throughout the emergency.

"She was extremely distressed, but with complete professionalism she flew the aircraft back to the airport and executed a perfect landing," Álvarez said.

"She maintained an exceptionally high level of professionalism."

According to the reports, Bertazzo was an experienced pilot who had previously worked as a flight instructor in Chile.

Earlier on the day of his death, he had also conducted another training flight with a different student.

Álvarez described him as a highly professional instructor who "was always smiling" and was well liked by his students.

"He was a wonderful person with a big smile," he said.

However, he added that Bertazzo had been struggling with mental health issues and had received counseling at a psychiatric hospital during the week before his death.

According to Álvarez, Bertazzo's father said his son had been going through "a difficult period." Reports also stated that he had no children and had been living with his parents in Córdoba.

Álvarez emphasized that neither he nor anyone at the flight school had noticed any warning signs that might have prevented the tragedy.

"He made this tragic decision while aboard an aircraft with another person beside him," he said.

"It's impossible to comprehend or make sense of it, but the human mind is an extraordinarily complex thing."

He also noted that opening the door of an aircraft in flight is extremely difficult, comparing it to trying to open the door of a car traveling at two hundred kilometers per hour.

According to the reports, the authorities' investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

If someone in your surroundings is experiencing a crisis and may be at risk of suicide, do not hesitate to speak with them, encourage them to seek professional help, and emphasize the importance of doing so.

Try to help them connect with mental health professionals or national support services, including ERAN's hotline at 1201 or via WhatsApp at 052-8451201, or through the SAHAR website or www.headspace.org.il.

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The Physical and Electronic Barriers Disrupting Domestic Wireless Networks

An analysis of electromagnetic attenuation, appliance interference, and structural limitations affecting modern home router efficiency.

The systemic architectural framework of unlicensed radio frequency allocation and the immutable physics of electromagnetic wave propagation dictate the performance limits of modern wireless local area networks, or Wi-Fi. Operating primarily within the globally saturated two-point-four gigahertz spectrum, standard domestic internet routing systems must perpetually navigate structural, electronic, and environmental impediments that weaken or alter signal integrity.

While newer protocols like Wi-Fi Six-E and Wi-Fi Seven introduce less congested five and six gigahertz bands to bypass legacy interference, the fundamental mechanics of wave attenuation, absorption, and reflection continue to present persistent challenges for consumer-grade connectivity.

Electromagnetic interference from everyday consumer electronics represents one of the most pervasive systemic disruptions within the two-point-four gigahertz frequency.

This specific slice of spectrum is legally designated for unlicensed public utility, meaning household routers directly compete with appliances that rely on identical wavelengths.

Microwave ovens are a primary culprit; despite internal metal shielding designed to confine radiation, minor degradation of door seals or structural aging frequently allows radiation leakage during operation.

What is confirmed is that this leakage introduces intense localized electromagnetic noise, overwhelming the router's transmissions and severely degrading data throughput.

Similar co-channel degradation regularly emanates from poorly shielded fluorescent light ballasts, vehicle ignition architectures, and legacy short-range wireless devices like older baby monitors or cordless telephony systems.

Beyond active electronic interference, physical structures and domestic materials induce severe signal attenuation through an effect known as shadowing.

Radio waves interact with physical matter based on atomic density and molecular composition.

Liquid volumes, such as large household aquariums, act as highly effective electromagnetic absorbers due to the dielectric properties of water molecules, which polarize and sap the kinetic energy of passing radio signals.

Similarly, structural engineering components such as reinforced concrete, brickwork, and wire-mesh stucco lath present dense physical boundaries that resist wave penetration.

A clear consequence of routing wireless signals through these dense matrices is the immediate creation of dead zones, where the amplitude of the signal falls below the threshold required for multi-link connectivity or reliable data packets.

Specular reflection further distorts signal propagation when radio waves encounter flat, highly conductive surfaces.

Because radio signals are a form of non-visible electromagnetic radiation, they mimic light when contacting reflective boundaries.

Large mirrors, which utilize thin metallic backings, do not merely obstruct the signal; they reflect waves away from their intended trajectory, causing multi-path distortion where overlapping signals arrive at receiving devices out of phase.

Large liquid crystal display panels and architectural metallic frames cause identical reflective deflection.

To resolve these spatial limitations without modifying architectural layouts, network deployment increasingly relies on hardware-level adjustments.

Integrating localized range extenders or deploying dynamic mesh network topologies with interconnected nodes effectively bypasses obstructions by routing signals via alternative physical pathways.

Environmental and meteorological extremes present the final systemic barrier to domestic and wide-area wireless infrastructure.

While internal building environments remain somewhat isolated, the macro-networks supplying data to residential routers face direct exposure to seasonal atmospheric disruption.

Severe winter storms can compromise data delivery infrastructure through thermal contraction of physical cabling or the accumulation of frozen precipitation on satellite reception hardware.

Conversely, high-temperature anomalies strain local network infrastructure and accelerate hardware degradation.

As localized grid strain and severe weather events become more frequent, telecommunications providers face growing regulatory and operational pressure to winterize infrastructure and harden regional distributions against environmental volatility.

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France and Morocco Open World Cup Quarter-Finals as Collina Defends Refereeing

France face Morocco in the opening World Cup quarter-final while FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina rejects allegations of bias, and football developments continue across the tournament and beyond.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the quarter-final stage with France meeting Morocco in Boston in a repeat of their 2022 semi-final.

France have impressed throughout the tournament despite a difficult victory over Paraguay, while Morocco arrive after eliminating the Netherlands and defeating Canada, becoming the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals.

French authorities appealed for calm ahead of the match.

Sports minister Marina Ferrari urged supporters to act responsibly, describing the occasion as a celebration, while interior minister Laurent Nunez warned that misconduct would not be tolerated following the disorder that accompanied Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended match officials following criticism from Egypt after Argentina's 3-2 victory in the round of 16. In an interview published by inside.fifa.com, he rejected suggestions that refereeing decisions could be influenced.

"Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport," Collina said.

"Nobody can question the integrity of the Fifa World Cup match officials ...

Nobody can claim that Fifa refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the Fifa president (Gianni Infantino)."

Egypt argued that Mostafa Zico's second-half goal had been wrongly disallowed and believed Mohamed Salah should have received a penalty shortly before Argentina scored the winner.

Collina said VAR correctly identified a foul by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Martinez during the attacking phase before Zico's goal.

"We believe that a foul is a foul," Collina said.

"Regardless of whether the foul appears 'obvious', if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene."

He also defended the decision not to award Egypt a penalty, saying officials considered the incident involving Salah and Julian Alvarez to be normal football contact.

Away from the pitch, reports showed the France national team has used Global Crossing Airlines for several domestic World Cup flights.

The airline has also operated more than half of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removal flights during 2024 and 2025.

England continued preparations for their quarter-final against Norway.

Dan Burn said his side must improve on its performance against Mexico to stop Erling Haaland, while Morgan Rogers described Ezri Konsa as "one of the best centre-backs in football." Reece James remained a doubt through injury and Djed Spence was expected to replace the suspended Jarell Quansah.

Elsewhere, Steve Cherundolo was appointed head coach of the United States men's under-23 team through the 2028 Olympics.

Arsenal signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier after the expiry of his Leeds United contract, Newcastle United completed the signing of Sean Steur from Ajax and agreed a £51.5 million deal for Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, while Manchester United acknowledged that plans for a proposed 100,000-capacity stadium could increase the club's debt.

The United States also expressed interest in hosting the 2029 Club World Cup following the commercial and sporting success of staging the 2026 World Cup.

Elsewhere, an inquest into the death of Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack was adjourned again after additional documents were lodged.

Campaigners also warned that increasingly divisive political rhetoric is contributing to rising levels of racism directed at footballers during the tournament.

The day's coverage also featured analysis of Norway's youth development model, previews of France against Morocco and England against Norway, transfer news, fan reaction, tournament statistics and features examining the wider political, cultural and sporting stories surrounding the World Cup.

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Vietnam Hosts Regional Talks on Occupational Safety and Health

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto Meets Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

ASEAN Secretary-General Calls for Stronger Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Thailand's Businesses Step Up Artificial Intelligence Adoption to Support SME Growth

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and AI Connect 2026 Set for Major Bangkok Expansion

Thailand Calls on Farmers to Prepare for Intensifying Monsoon Conditions

Maritime Security Expected to Dominate ASEAN Agenda in Manila

Philippines Prepares to Host Key ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings in Manila

Thailand Warns of Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Risk as Southwest Monsoon Strengthens

Asian Development Bank Cuts Southeast Asia's 2026 Growth Forecast to 4.6 Percent

ASEAN Foreign Ministers to Meet Myanmar Counterpart in Bangkok for Informal Talks

Tech Pulse: The Future of AI and Screen Culture

A radio briefing on the latest developments in artificial intelligence, digital wellbeing, and the tech industry.

Welcome to today’s tech briefing.

We’re starting with a big question about the future of artificial intelligence. Experts are debating whether AI is really as smart as we think, and they’re asking what’s actually next for the field. We’re also seeing a massive surge in robotics; robots are becoming available to rent, which is a fast-moving trend, but there's still a lot of confusion about what these machines can actually do for us.

Our relationship with our screens is under the microscope, too. Some tech leaders are pushing a new vision for a world where we spend way less time looking at our phones. It’s a hot topic: is this the real solution to screen addiction, or is it just a new kind of dystopia? People are even talking about "phone body," which is a term for physical issues like weak hands and blurry vision caused by our addiction to our devices. On top of that, there’s growing alarm about the dangers of sharing photos of our children online, especially with AI abuse risks on the rise.

In the business world, things are a bit of a rollercoaster. Samsung’s profits are up a huge 1,800%, largely thanks to soaring AI chip sales. On the flip side, Microsoft is going through a significant restructure, which means they’re cutting 4,800 jobs, including 1,600 roles at Xbox.

Here are a few other stories making waves today:.

Meta is facing a lot of backlash for letting users create AI images using public Instagram profile photos, with privacy campaigners calling it a "recipe for disaster".

The consumer group Which? found that online marketplaces are still selling unsafe baby products, like pillows and sleeping bags that have already been flagged for safety issues.

If you’re looking at the housing market in San Francisco, prices have hit a record high of $1.7 million, and reports suggest that wealthy AI workers are a major reason why.

Finally, on a more positive note, a UK hospital has become the first to use AI to help spot infections. The staff there say it’s been a big help because it frees up their time so they can focus on actually caring for their patients.

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Global News Briefing: Escalating Geopolitical Tensions and Corporate Shakeups

A comprehensive radio report detailing renewed US-Iran conflict, NATO defense shifts, and major developments in the global tech and financial markets.

We begin with breaking news from the Middle East, where the United States has launched a second day of strikes against Iran. This escalation comes just hours after US President Donald Trump told a NATO summit that the ceasefire with Tehran is officially "over".

The renewed conflict follows recent attacks on oil tankers and has already sent shockwaves through global markets, with oil prices rising sharply after Washington renewed hostilities. Analysts are warning of a dangerous, ongoing cycle of tit-for-tat strikes between the two nations.

Meanwhile, at the NATO summit, President Trump’s surprise shift on foreign policy regarding Ukraine has steadied nervous allies. As part of this defense shift, Trump has granted Ukraine a licence to produce Patriot missiles to aid in their ongoing war. Simultaneously, Ukraine is intensifying its own military operations, stepping up attacks on Russian ships in the Azov Sea.

Turning to the global economy and finance, inflation fears are mounting following Kevin Warsh’s first Federal Reserve meeting. In commodities, an exclusive report reveals that rare earth minerals from Trump-backed US mines are being sold to Asia. In corporate finance, UniCredit has secured a massive 48 percent stake in Commerzbank, while a complex M&A environment is fueling historic paydays for megadeal traders due to a rising "complexity premium".

In political news from Europe, Marine Le Pen has revived her French presidential bid, heavily echoing Donald Trump's political style. Over in the UK, political drama is unfolding as Nigel Farage was ridiculed in parliament while a controversial by-election received the official go-ahead.

Farage will face a highly unusual opponent in the race: the satirical candidate Count Binface, in what critics are calling a "farce" by-election. In technology and corporate news, Meta is pushing boundaries by testing new "super sensing" AI glasses designed to capture every moment. Meanwhile, Apple has committed to buying 30 billion dollars worth of US-made microchips from Broadcom.

However, the rapid expansion of technology is drawing scrutiny; a prominent opinion piece by Pilita Clark takes aim at "The Great AI Data Centre Cover-Up". In aerospace, Alphaville LLC has officially initiated coverage of Elon Musk’s SpaceX with a definitive "Buy" recommendation. Looking at global developments, an outspoken Chinese economist who famously doubted Beijing’s official GDP data has died. In South America, Argentinian President Javier Milei has issued a stark warning, declaring that Argentina should completely shut down the state if the national budget runs out. Finally, in banking overhauls, Santander has axed its top China banker and scrapped traditional perks across its Asian operations.

That is your global news update. Thank you for listening.

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Global News Brief: Escalating Conflicts, Public Health Crises, and World Cup Drama

A comprehensive roundup of today's top international headlines, covering breaking news, global sports, tech updates, and human interest stories.

This is your global news update.

We begin with breaking news from the Middle East, where the US has launched more strikes on Iran. Local media are reporting explosions along the south coast. This follows statements from US President Donald Trump, who warned the US would "hit them hard again" after both nations exchanged fire the previous night.

Meanwhile, at the NATO summit, the NATO chief Mark Rutte has downplayed friction, telling reporters that Trump’s recent comments are like a "family argument." Rutte insisted that the alliance is stronger than ever and expressed complete confidence in the US president’s commitment. In a separate development from the summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was gifted a gun and ammunition by the Turkish president. On the defense front, President Trump also announced that Ukraine will receive a licence to produce Patriot missiles. While highly effective against Russian ballistic missiles, officials note they come with lengthy production times.

Turning to public health and environmental disasters in Asia, a severe healthcare crisis is unfolding in Bangladesh, where more than 120,000 suspected and confirmed measles cases have been reported. Hospitals are completely overwhelmed in a country that had previously made huge progress against the disease. Tragedies continue in the region as heavy monsoon rains batter Bangladesh's south-eastern coast, causing a devastating landslide that hit a girls' school, killing eight people. In neighboring India, motorists are expressing widespread unhappiness over the government adding biofuels to petrol. Drivers claim the E-20 fuel blend has significantly reduced vehicle fuel efficiency and will lead to higher maintenance costs. In Pakistan, the Airports Authority reports that five crew members remain missing after the wreckage of a private cargo plane was located.

Over in China, extreme weather is causing chaos as a typhoon triggers severe floods and rare tornadoes. Stranded villagers have told reporters they are struggling to get basic food and emergency help. In a major legal development out of China, a high-ranking official has been sentenced to death after being convicted of taking 325 million dollars in bribes.

In the United States, a staggering medical mystery is making headlines. An Arizona toddler who was declared dead from drowning was miraculously found alive inside a hospital morgue. In the US legal system, a 67-year-old former US judge has been spared prison time after being arrested for helping an undocumented migrant evade federal immigration agents by ushering them out of a courtroom side door.

Looking at European news, Russian fuel shortages are beginning to bite, with authorities even in Moscow unable to guarantee supplies. This leaves experts wondering if mounting economic pressure will force President Vladimir Putin to change tack in the Ukraine war or lead to further escalation. In Germany, a doctor has been jailed for the murder of 15 patients and is currently suspected of more. And in the UK, a historic legal milestone has been reached as a conditional pardon has been granted for Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in the United Kingdom.

Now to the business and technology desk. Meta is facing a massive public outcry after revealing that it is allowing users to generate AI images using public Instagram profile pictures. While the tech giant states users can opt out, privacy campaigners have labeled the move a "recipe for disaster." Meanwhile, artificial intelligence has taken center stage in Australian labor relations, as dock workers call for a 28-hour work week during AI automation talks, stating that port workers are firmly in the crosshairs of automation.

In UK politics, questions are being raised about an upcoming by-election. Following the announcement that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage will quit his Clacton constituency to stand in a by-election, serial election candidate Count Binface posted online, "Game on, Nige."

In entertainment, the Emmy nominations are out. Drama series The Pitt is leading the pack, though fan-favorite Stranger Things was completely snubbed in the top categories. Also trending, DJ Greg James spilled details on Taylor Swift's star-studded wedding in New York City, describing multiple cakes and stolen keepsakes.

Finally, we turn to sports and the 2026 World Cup, where fans and players have experienced three weeks of joy and despair at the biggest World Cup in history. Drama is brewing off the pitch as Egypt has alleged bias and favoritism toward Argentina and their star player, Lionel Messi. On the pitch, England is preparing to meet Norway in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash, a fixture reviving memories of historic football rivalries. Co-hosting duties have officially come to an end for a "forgotten" host, Canada, following an eventful journey for their national team. Meanwhile, in Gaza, hundreds of football fans were seen watching the tournament and cheering for neighboring Egypt from atop the rubble of destroyed buildings.

The tournament's closing festivities are also locked in, as Justin Bieber is set to join Madonna, Shakira, and BTS for a Super Bowl-style FIFA World Cup final half-time show, marking the Canadian singer's latest massive performance following his Coachella comeback. Meanwhile, the race for the Golden Boot is shaping up to be one for the ages.

In other sports news, Great Britain's most-decorated Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, has announced her retirement from international competition with immediate effect. In tennis, Wimbledon witnessed an extraordinary day on Centre Court as British wildcard Arthur Fery defied the odds to reach the semi-finals. In women's football, London City Lionesses have pulled off one of the biggest signings in WSL history by persuading Alexia Putellas to move from Barcelona to Bromley. However, England batter Tammy Beaumont has announced her retirement, stating she has lost the fire to regain her spot in the new-look side. And in mixed martial arts, former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt has publicly called on the UFC to offer better healthcare and transition support for retired fighters.

That is your latest world news update.

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