WAO ART #164

Ripple has partnered with the island nation of Palau to launch a US dollar-backed stablecoin called Palau Stablecoin (PSC). The stablecoin will be released on the XRP Ledger and will initially be available to government employees as part of a pilot project.

British billionaire Joe Lewis has been granted $300 million bail in a New York City court as he awaits trial on insider trading charges. However, the court has imposed restrictions on Lewis, including surrendering his passport and banning him from using his superyacht.

South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace has won a $4.7 billion defence contract from Australia, beating Germany's Rheinmetall. The contract is for building 129 infantry fighting vehicles, which will replace the M113 armoured personnel carriers currently in service.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has proposed that Brazilian President Lula da Silva arrange a meeting with the leaders of Latin American countries. Zelensky expressed his interest in traveling to Brazil and meeting with other leaders in order to discuss important matters and gain political support.

The Russia-Africa summit, set to be attended by President Vladimir Putin, is seen as an indicator of Russia's expanding influence in Africa. While Western countries are concerned about Russia's ambitions in the region, African leaders are not interested in getting involved in a new "Cold War".

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased the country's latest weapons, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), to Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. The display took place ahead of Pyongyang's celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.

Evacuation orders have been issued for areas near Volos and Lamia in Greece as new outbreaks of wildfires occur amid a severe heatwave. Fires continue to rage on the islands of Rhodes, Corfu, and Evia. The mayor of Greece's Thessaly region has accused "brainless workers" of starting the fire.