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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
Firefighters in southwest France controlled a large wildfire that burned 420 square kilometers near Bordeaux, stopping its spread after several days. Thousands of people were evacuated, and some began returning home as the fire was contained, but dry weather could cause new flare-ups.
Key Facts
The wildfire has been burning since last week near Saumos, southwest of Bordeaux.
It has burned an area about four times the size of Paris (420 square kilometers).
Around 220,000 people had to evacuate due to the fire.
Firefighters worked overnight to control flare-ups near the Atlantic coast dunes.
Crews have created 103 kilometers (64 miles) of firebreaks, areas cleared to stop the fire from spreading.
Ninety-three firefighters have been injured while fighting the blaze.
Parts of a major highway (A63) and train routes south of Bordeaux remain closed or limited.
Thousands in the neighboring Landes region have begun returning home after another wildfire was contained.
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The United Nations reported that fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan since October has killed nearly 500 Afghan civilians and wounded over 1,200. The conflict includes airstrikes and cross-border attacks, with both countries accusing each other over militant activities.
Key Facts
Between October and June, nearly 500 Afghan civilians were killed, and more than 1,200 were injured in Pakistan-Afghanistan fighting.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented these casualties and reported incidents like civilians being hit by a second airstrike while rescuing others.
Fighting escalated notably in February after Afghan forces raided Pakistan in response to Pakistani airstrikes.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering militants, especially the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan). Afghanistan denies this.
A major Pakistani airstrike in March hit a drug treatment center in Kabul, killing hundreds of civilians; this attack is being investigated as a possible war crime.
Pakistan says its strikes target only terrorist locations, ignoring Afghan civilian casualties reported by the UN.
UNAMA monitors only incidents in Afghanistan and does not have data on civilian casualties in Pakistan from the fighting.
The report also mentions other human rights concerns, such as repression of protests over women's clothing rules and the legalization of child marriage in Afghanistan.
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Massive wildfires continue to burn in southwestern France and parts of Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate. Firefighters are working to contain the fires before a new heatwave brings hotter temperatures that will make their job harder.
Key Facts
A large wildfire near Bordeaux, France, has burned 42,000 hectares (103,000 acres) and forced 220,000 people to leave their homes.
The fire is so intense it has created a rare thunderstorm cloud called a pyrocumulonimbus.
Another forest fire in Landes, France, forced more than 30,000 people to evacuate but is now under control.
In Spain, wildfires have burned 77,000 hectares (190,000 acres), similar in size to New York City, and led to about 60,000 evacuations.
Both countries face a new heatwave expected to bring temperatures up to 40°C (104°F), which will make firefighting more difficult.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have warned citizens about tough conditions ahead.
Since the start of the year, France’s wildfires have burned 116,000 hectares of land, much more than the 70,000 hectares burned last year.
Air quality in the affected regions has worsened due to smoke from the fires.
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Volunteers from Dobrobat, Ukraine’s largest volunteer group with over 55,000 helpers, are repairing homes damaged by Russian missile attacks in Kyiv. They quickly fix broken windows and other damage to help people stay safe until permanent repairs can be made.
Key Facts
On June 15, Russia fired about 70 missiles at Ukraine, hitting areas in eastern Kyiv.
A missile exploded near Mariya Prokopchuk’s apartment, shattering hundreds of windows.
Dobrobat volunteers arrived soon after to clear rubble and install temporary window coverings.
Dobrobat means “Battalion of Kindness” and has helped repair homes for over a million Ukrainians.
Volunteers work only after danger like unexploded mines is cleared.
Most volunteers are Ukrainian, but people from over 30 countries, including Sweden and the USA, have joined.
The group also does long-term repairs, such as rebuilding roofs damaged by earlier shelling.
Volunteers use portable tools and materials to make quick, effective fixes to damaged homes.
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The article marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, an international agreement that protects people forced to flee persecution. The author, a refugee from Syria, shares their personal story and emphasizes the ongoing need for protection and support for millions of displaced people worldwide.
Key Facts
The 1951 Refugee Convention was created to protect people fleeing persecution after World War II.
The author fled Syria ten years ago due to war and became a refugee.
The Convention gave the author the chance to rebuild their life in Germany.
Today, over 120 million people are displaced by conflict, violence, or persecution globally.
Refugees are often seen as numbers or problems but are people with dreams and talents.
Many countries hosting refugees face heavy burdens that need more global sharing.
Refugees often face closed borders, dangerous travel, and hostility.
Returning home safely requires security, schools, hospitals, jobs, and stability, which many refugees still lack.
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India’s youth-led Cockroach movement protested exam leaks and other problems, leading to the resignation of the education minister. The group says the government has not kept its promise to stop punishing student protesters and may restart protests if detained students are not released.
Key Facts
The Cockroach Janta party (CJP) organized protests against exam leaks and irregularities across India.
Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after the protests.
The government initially promised no action against protesters but later filed cases against many students in BJP-ruled states.
At least 100 people have been arrested, some facing serious charges.
Protests in New Delhi turned violent, with police using teargas and batons.
The chief justice of India called for an independent investigation into police actions against protesters.
The government formed a panel to reform the exam system and proposed stricter punishments for exam leaks.
The CJP set up a legal fund to support protesters facing police cases.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House for the first time since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran led to increased conflict in the Middle East. The leaders plan to focus on the ongoing war, security issues, and regional peace efforts despite previous tensions in their relationship.
Key Facts
Netanyahu and President Trump will meet on Tuesday at the White House.
This is their first in-person meeting since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.
Relations between the two leaders were strained after the strikes and ceasefire talks in April.
Both leaders have tried to reduce public disagreements ahead of the meeting.
They will discuss Iran, the Israel-Lebanon framework deal, and Gaza’s reconstruction.
The meeting aims to show that U.S.-Israeli ties remain strong despite challenges.
The U.S. and Israel have different views on how to handle military operations but agree on war goals.
This will be their eighth meeting since President Trump began his second term last year.
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Suzy Lamplugh, a 25-year-old estate agent, disappeared in London in 1986 after meeting a client and has never been found. Police continue to investigate the case, though it will move to a less active phase next year, while her family released new photos and support a charity focused on personal safety.
Key Facts
Suzy Lamplugh went missing on 28 July 1986 after leaving work to meet a man called "Mr Kipper."
Her white car was found abandoned, but no trace of her was ever discovered.
She was declared "presumed dead" in 1993.
Police suspect she may have been stalked and lured into a false meeting.
The investigation is one of the UK’s largest missing person cases and is still partly run on 1980s paper records.
The main suspect, John Cannan, died in prison in 2024; no charges were ever brought against him for Lamplugh’s disappearance.
DNA tests and fingerprint evidence have not identified any match.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was created by her parents to promote personal safety and runs the National Stalking Helpline.
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Two earthquakes hit Qinghai province in northwest China on Tuesday morning, occurring 18 minutes apart. The first measured magnitude 5.7 and the second 5.8, both at a depth of 10 kilometers, with no immediate reports of injuries.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck Qinghai province in China on Tuesday at 11:16 a.m. and 11:34 a.m.
The magnitudes were 5.7 and 5.8, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Both quakes occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles) underground.
Qinghai is a sparsely populated province that often experiences earthquakes.
No casualties were reported immediately after the earthquakes.
Dust clouds were seen rising from cliffs during the shaking.
The earthquakes were also felt in Lanzhou, a large city in the neighboring Gansu province.
Videos from social media showed lamps swinging inside homes in Lanzhou.
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On July 24, Israeli settlers and soldiers attacked Palestinian homes near Tal in the occupied West Bank, leading to violence where several Palestinians, one settler, and one soldier were killed. Following the incident, Israeli forces launched wide military operations, including raids and arrests, while violence and property damage increased across multiple West Bank villages.
Key Facts
More than 20 Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian homes near Tal, southwest of Nablus.
A Palestinian man killed a settler in the conflict, then was shot dead by Israeli soldiers.
Four Palestinians from one family died in the violence; one settler and one Israeli soldier also died.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a large military response, including home demolitions and permit revocations.
Israeli forces arrested 30 to 50 Palestinians and searched about 70 homes in subsequent raids.
New illegal Israeli settler outposts have been established near Tal and other West Bank villages.
Over the weekend, there were around 30 settler attacks in the West Bank, including arson on homes, farms, and villages.
Israeli forces used tear gas against Palestinians and journalists during attempts to protect settlers.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump for the first time since they launched a joint war against Iran. The meeting focused on easing tensions between the two leaders, discussing the ongoing conflict with Iran, and reviewing agreements related to the Israel-Hezbollah war.
Key Facts
Netanyahu and Trump started a joint war against Iran earlier this year.
This was their first meeting since the war began.
Both leaders face pressure at home: Netanyahu is up for reelection, and Trump faces criticism over the war’s impact on the economy.
They discussed a framework agreement between the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon regarding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
They also talked about expanding the Abraham Accords, which are peace agreements between Israel and some Arab countries.
Their relationship has had ups and downs, but was strong when Trump returned to office last year.
Trump has faced pressure to end the conflict as Iran has retaliated with attacks on U.S. bases and shipping routes.
Netanyahu plans to share new Israeli intelligence on Iran’s nuclear program during the meeting.
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The 1951 Refugee Convention, created after World War II to protect people fleeing war and persecution, marks its 75th anniversary. The treaty has helped millions, but some countries, including the United States under President Donald Trump, have restricted asylum seekers. Over 41 million people worldwide remain refugees, with most hosted by poorer countries, and ongoing conflicts threaten to increase this number.
Key Facts
The Refugee Convention was established in 1951 to define who is a refugee and set their rights.
Nearly 150 countries have agreed to follow the convention’s rules.
Its main rule, called “non-refoulement,” bans sending refugees back to places where they face danger.
More than 41 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide.
Almost 70% of refugees live in low- and middle-income countries.
Conflicts and violence continue globally, with over 130 active armed conflicts counted by the Red Cross.
Under President Trump, the U.S. changed its asylum policies by sending seekers to third countries.
Personal stories from refugees show the ongoing need for protection and support through the treaty.
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A large wildfire near Bordeaux in southwest France has been stable after a calm night, according to local authorities. However, hot temperatures and shifting winds today could cause the fire to flare up again. At the same time, Spain is also dealing with huge wildfires near Madrid and Ávila, affecting tens of thousands of hectares.
Key Facts
The wildfire near Bordeaux has burned about 42,000 hectares of forest since July 22.
Local officials say the fire was stable after a quiet night, with flare-ups controlled by firefighters.
Weather forecasts predict temperatures between 33°C and 35°C with southeast winds, which might worsen the fire.
In Spain, fires near Madrid and Ávila have burned around 75,000 hectares, the largest recent wildfires in the country.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned of difficult hours ahead due to rising temperatures and a new heat wave.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited the affected area and promised to rebuild the damaged forests.
Holiday camp activities in the Gironde region of France were canceled because of the fire risk.
Authorities in both countries continue to monitor and fight the fires closely as conditions remain challenging.
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This article explains how harmful substances like "forever chemicals" (PFAS) and cadmium get into food and why they can be dangerous to health. It focuses on advice to reduce exposure to these pollutants, especially through diet, highlighting common foods that contain cadmium and suggesting ways to limit intake.
Key Facts
Forever chemicals (PFAS) are long-lasting pollutants found in soil, water, and living things.
Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can build up in the liver and kidneys and raise the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Foods like seaweed, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, animal organs, shellfish, frog legs, dark chocolate, and crustaceans have high cadmium levels.
Most people's exposure mostly comes from everyday foods like cereals (pasta, bread, biscuits), potatoes, and some vegetables because they eat these often.
Avoiding high-cadmium foods entirely is difficult, but reducing consumption of certain contaminated foods can help lower risks.
Tobacco is another major source of cadmium exposure, besides food.
Public health measures and political actions are important to effectively reduce these contaminants in the environment.
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Jellyfish are commonly seen off the coast of Scotland, especially during July and August when the sea is warmer. While their stings can be painful, they are rarely dangerous. Jellyfish numbers rise due to warmer water, more food, and calm ocean currents pushing them closer to shore.
Key Facts
July and August are the months with the most jellyfish sightings in Scotland.
Jellyfish rely on ocean currents to move because they are weak swimmers.
Warmer sea temperatures help jellyfish breed faster, creating large groups called blooms.
Jellyfish blooms have disrupted activities before, such as closing a nuclear power station in 2011.
Most jellyfish have stinging cells, but sting strength varies by species.
The Lion’s Mane jellyfish is common in Scottish waters during summer and can cause sore but not deadly stings.
Jellyfish tentacles can break off and still sting even if detached from the jellyfish.
Jellyfish can be found year-round but are more common in the warmer months.
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Ecuador is facing a big rise in drug crime as cocaine enters the country from Colombia and Peru. Local gangs, connected to international criminal groups, are helping to move drugs further, which has contributed to a very high murder rate in Ecuador.
Key Facts
Ecuador is experiencing a large increase in drug-related crime.
Cocaine is being brought into Ecuador from Colombia and Peru, the two largest cocaine producers.
Local gangs in Ecuador have ties to Mexican cartels and Albanian mafia groups.
These gangs help smuggle cocaine to other countries.
Last year, Ecuador’s murder rate was very high, with over 9,200 people killed.
The information comes from Ecuador’s interior ministry and reporting by the BBC.
Ecuadorian police are actively working to confront these gang members.
The rise in violence is linked to the growing drug trade in the region.
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Police in the Ecuadoran city of Durán are battling violent gangs involved in drug trafficking, facing not only criminals but also corruption within their own ranks. The city has become a major route for cocaine from Colombia and Peru to reach global markets, with drug violence causing a high murder rate despite government crackdowns.
Key Facts
Durán, Ecuador is a city heavily affected by drug gangs and violence.
Police Captain Jean Carlos Bustamante leads a trusted team fighting against gangs armed with many weapons.
Corruption exists inside the police and government, with some officials paid by gangs.
The gangs control neighborhoods through fear, killing anyone who speaks out against them.
Approximately 70% of the cocaine reaching Europe and the US passes through Ecuador.
Cocaine supply comes mainly from Colombia and Peru, the world’s biggest producers.
Ecuador’s long coastline and weak border controls help drug gangs smuggle cocaine.
Despite arrests and crackdowns ordered by President Daniel Noboa, the murder rate remains very high and gang violence has grown worse.
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Jodrell Bank, a leading UK radio astronomy centre, faces closure due to planned funding cuts by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in 2028. Other UK physics research facilities are also experiencing significant budget reductions, risking a loss of scientists and weakening the country's role in global physics research.
Key Facts
Jodrell Bank began radio astronomy research in 1945 and hosts the Lovell telescope, once the largest in the world.
The STFC plans to stop funding the UK's national radio astronomy network, e-Merlin, in March 2028.
UK participation in major international astronomy projects, such as the Rubin observatory and the Event Horizon Telescope, is being reduced.
The STFC needs to save £162 million by 2030 but forecasts a much larger budget shortfall of £684 million for 2024-2028.
Cuts also affect other physics facilities, including the Diamond synchrotron, Isis neutron source, Clara accelerator tests, and Boulby underground lab.
Funding for the Large Hadron Collider experiment LHCb is ending early, risking loss of most planned data.
Nearly 80% of early-career UK physicists are thinking about leaving the country due to funding problems.
The UK risks losing top scientific talent, which could harm its scientific progress and economic growth.
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A US airman named James Loubeau was accused of raping several women, some in England and some on a US military base. Instead of British courts handling the case, Suffolk police allowed the US military to take over the investigation and trial, resulting in Loubeau’s conviction in a US military court.
Key Facts
James Loubeau is a US airman accused of raping six women in England in 2019.
Some attacks involved drugging women and breaking into homes or bedrooms.
Suffolk police initially investigated but transferred the case to the US military after 11 days.
Three victims were British women attacked while Loubeau was off duty; others were US military personnel.
Loubeau was convicted of sexual assault in a court martial held in Miami, Florida.
He was sentenced to five years in prison and will be monitored for 20 years after release.
A 1951 UK-US agreement allows US military courts to handle crimes involving their personnel on UK bases or between US service members.
Suffolk police have not explained why they gave up jurisdiction of these serious allegations.
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Shabaz Ali, a content creator and broadcaster, meets a billionaire in person to see if billionaires are really as bad as many people think. This program explores views on the super-rich by moving the conversation from online discussions to real-life encounters.
Key Facts
Shabaz Ali has been critical of very wealthy people online for years.
The show features a face-to-face meeting between Shabaz and a billionaire.
It aims to understand if billionaires deserve the negative opinions often expressed about them.
The program was first shown on July 28, 2026, and lasts 48 minutes.
It is part of a series that examines social and economic issues.
The show is available with audio description and sign language support.
The program is produced and aired by the BBC.
It invites viewers to rethink common beliefs about wealth and money holders.
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