EXCESSIVE

Mike Waltz says Iranian negotiators asked for 'everything up front' in concessions before any ceasefire, and that President Trump rejected the proposal. The comments shed light on stalled diplomacy around the conflict, suggesting the US side viewed Iran's terms as excessive and walked away rather than trade sanctions relief or other major concessions for a halt in fighting.

Doctors are warning that people taking GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs such as Ozempic face heightened health risks during the current heat wave. The drugs can contribute to dehydration, and patients may not feel thirsty or may experience nausea and vomiting, making it harder to stay hydrated. Medical experts are advising users to drink water regularly, avoid excessive heat, and seek medical attention if they develop dizziness or other symptoms of dehydration.

Japan's top currency official Mimura urged markets to take 'very clear' warnings about the yen seriously, signaling Tokyo's readiness to respond to sharp currency moves. The remarks come as the yen has been under pressure, with Japanese authorities repeatedly threatening intervention to counter excessive weakness. Traders are watching closely for any actual market action from Tokyo.

Japan's top currency diplomat, Masato Mimura, said markets should heed a 'very clear' warning regarding the yen, in an exclusive interview reported by Reuters. The comments signal that Japanese authorities are openly cautioning investors against excessive yen weakness, keeping intervention fears in focus for currency traders.

Bus passengers in Singapore who play music out loud can now be fined, with penalties ranging from around $400 to $4,000. The rule targets noisy behaviour on public transport and has drawn widespread attention online, with many debating whether the fines are a fair way to keep buses comfortable for everyone or an excessive measure against a minor annoyance.

Japan's finance minister stated that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is not a reflationist, aiming to calm investors who fear her government will spend excessively and pressure the Bank of Japan into keeping interest rates low. Markets have been watchful of Takaichi's fiscal stance, given expectations of expansive spending under her leadership. The remark is an attempt to reassure bond and currency investors that monetary discipline will be maintained.

SpaceX is reportedly aiming for a valuation above $2 trillion in its initial public offering, a figure that would make it one of the largest public listings in history. Elon Musk's space company, which operates the Falcon 9, Starship and Starlink businesses, has seen mounting investor speculation about a listing, and the reported target is drawing attention to how markets will price a private giant of this scale.

A new study reports that people with internet addiction show signs of exhausted physiological stress systems, suggesting chronic online overuse may wear down the body's stress response. The findings add to growing concern about excessive internet use and its physical, not just psychological, health effects.

A new survey finds that 8 in 10 Dutch people aged 16 to 34 believe their smartphone use harms their everyday life. The finding highlights growing concern among young adults about the impact of constant phone use on wellbeing, concentration, and daily routines, sparking debate about digital habits and possible measures to curb excessive screen time.

Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion, has brushed off an incident, saying "these things happen". He acknowledged the young driver involved made a mistake but argued that the criticism directed at them has been excessive. Verstappen defended the driver and urged people not to overreact to the mistake.

High school and university students across France are blockading schools, with live coverage from Le Monde tracking the unrest. One student organiser said the previous day went smoothly but noted that 'it is when there are excesses that people finally talk about us', highlighting frustration over being ignored. The movement is drawing national media attention and renewed debate over student grievances.

Italy defeated Turkey convincingly in a UEFA Nations League match, with French-language media describing the Azzurri as having overwhelmed their hosts. The build-up was dominated by Italy coach Roberto Mancini, who spoke of excessive anxiety in the squad ahead of the game against Vincenzo Montella's side in Bursa, and left out ten players for the fixture. The result is drawing wide attention across European football coverage.

Tether's excess reserves were halved during the second quarter, with the stablecoin issuer citing declines in gold and bitcoin prices as the main cause. The figures highlight how exposed the company's reserves are to market swings in the assets backing its tokens, prompting discussion among crypto observers about the strength of its cushion.

Brazil is discussing 'boca de urna' polls as municipal elections take place. The electoral court stresses that conducting exit polls on election day is a crime, and reports note that the 2026 general elections will not include them. Outlets explain how exit polls work, while in Amazonas a survey will estimate votes for governor and senator. Some politicians warn against excessive judicialisation of electoral polling.

Debate is growing over whether social media platforms should carry health warnings similar to those on tobacco or alcohol, aimed at encouraging young users to spend less time online. Supporters argue such labels could raise awareness of risks to mental health and sleep, while critics question whether warnings alone would change behaviour among teenagers.

The fibermaxxing trend, which encourages people to load up on as much dietary fiber as possible, is facing pushback from nutrition experts who point out that quantity alone doesn't equal quality. According to Fortune, simply maximizing fiber intake overlooks the type of fiber consumed and whether it actually fits an individual's digestive needs. Commenters are debating whether the viral trend promotes genuinely healthy habits or encourages excessive consumption without nuance.

California has installed so much solar capacity that it generates more electricity than needed during midafternoon hours, with the surplus going unused even as the grid faces potential shortages in the evening when solar output drops. One proposal gaining attention: give low-income consumers free power from 1 pm to 3 pm to absorb the excess and ease evening demand.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a 20% reduction in the number of general and admiral positions across the US armed forces. The move, announced by the Pentagon, is part of a broader effort to streamline military leadership and trim what Hegseth describes as excessive bureaucracy. The proposal has drawn attention in France and among NATO allies, with debate over its impact on military effectiveness.

Dr Gaurav Batra, Principal Consultant Neurosurgeon at Yashoda Medicity in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, spoke to HT Lifestyle about whether excessive smartphone use could contribute to health problems. He addressed concerns including fragmented attention, disturbed sleep and recurrent headaches, adding medical perspective to the growing public debate over heavy screen time and its effects on daily wellbeing.