Curbed

The European Union is moving to restrict the energy and water use of data centres, as the sector's rapid growth strains power grids and water supplies across the bloc. The proposal targets the booming infrastructure behind cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and is drawing debate about how far regulators should go in limiting an industry seen as key to Europe's digital economy.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten is lobbying the US administration to hold off on a new round of export restrictions that would hit ASML's China business. US lawmakers are pushing legislation that could tighten controls on the Dutch chip-equipment maker's immersion lithography systems and its servicing activities for Chinese customers, putting The Hague and Washington at odds over the scope of semiconductor curbs.

The European Commission has floated possible curbs on energy demand in a letter sent to member states, as the bloc searches for ways to tackle soaring energy prices. The proposal signals Brussels is considering demand-reduction measures among its options for the crisis, though the letter does not commit governments to any specific steps yet.

The Xi-Trump summit concluded without US export controls on semiconductors being a major talking point, according to the South China Morning Post. The omission is notable given that Washington's chip curbs on China have been one of the most contentious issues in bilateral trade and technology relations, and observers had expected the topic to feature prominently in the leaders' discussions.

India has proposed banning junk food sales in school canteens and within 50 meters of schools, a move aimed at curbing rising obesity and diabetes rates among children. The proposal would restrict children's access to unhealthy snacks both inside school grounds and from nearby vendors, reflecting growing official concern over diet-related health problems among young Indians.

A data center developer has filed a lawsuit against a city, reportedly St. Louis, challenging a local requirement that new data centers supply renewable energy on-site. The dispute highlights a growing clash between rapid data center expansion driven by AI demand and municipal efforts to curb emissions and energy strain. Commenters are debating whether cities can lawfully impose green energy conditions on developers, and whether such rules protect residents or deter investment.

India's Supreme Court has issued a major ruling requiring police to record written reasons before making arrests, in a decision widely covered by Odia-language media under headlines declaring that police 'will no longer be able to arrest at will'. The judgment aims to curb arbitrary arrests and strengthen safeguards for personal liberty under Indian criminal procedure.

Bangladesh has begun a nationwide measles vaccination campaign as the country confronts a deadly outbreak of the disease. Health authorities are working to immunize children and curb the spread of infections, with coverage expected to expand in the worst-affected districts. The outbreak has raised concern among regional health officials about gaps in routine childhood immunization.

Oheka Castle, the sprawling Gold Coast estate in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, has been listed for sale via auction. The 32-room mansion, one of the largest private residences in the United States, inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's depictions of Gatsby-era opulence and has served as a luxury hotel and wedding venue. Real estate and architecture watchers are discussing the fate of the historic property.

Supermodel Linda Evangelista has sold her penthouse loft in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood for $6.75 million. The apartment, located in a building known as the Spears building, drew attention for its architectural appeal and celebrity provenance. The sale highlights continued demand for luxury lofts in one of New York's most desirable districts, and gives a glimpse into the high-end property holdings of one of fashion's most recognizable faces.

Bipartisan support is emerging in the United States for measures to restrict large corporate landlords from buying up residential housing. Democrats and Republicans, usually divided on housing policy, are reportedly aligning on efforts to curb institutional investors in the rental market, reflecting widespread concern over rising rents and declining homeownership opportunities for ordinary families.

Australia's four major banks now all expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates at its next meeting, according to ABC News' finance report. The unanimous forecast marks a shift in market expectations, and borrowers are watching closely as economists debate how far the central bank will go to curb inflation.