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World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
France is celebrating Bastille Day, marking the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison, which was a key event in the French Revolution. In Paris, 7,000 people are involved in a parade that includes troops, military vehicles, and a light show at the Eiffel Tower. The celebration also features a speech by President Macron and various international participants.
Key Facts
Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, an important part of the French Revolution.
In Paris, 7,000 participants, including troops and armored vehicles, march along the Champs-Elysees.
The event includes fighter jet flyovers and a drone light show at the Eiffel Tower.
President Emmanuel Macron reviewed the troops and relit the eternal flame at the Arc de Triomphe.
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto was the guest of honour, with 200 Indonesian drummers joining the parade.
The celebration expects agreements on military equipment sales, like Rafale jets, between France and Indonesia.
Finnish, Belgian, and Luxembourg troops also took part, showing the event’s international nature.
Special guest Fousseynou Samba Cisse was invited for his heroic act of saving two babies from a fire.
The Legion of Honour, a prestigious award, was given to Gisele Pelicot, known for her activism against sexual violence.
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India's government plans to limit the lowest temperature setting on new air conditioners to 20°C (68°F) to save electricity in the rapidly growing market. The regulation aims to reduce energy consumption as air conditioners become more common, with millions sold annually. While some energy experts support this move, the response from the public is mixed, as many find current weather conditions make cooler settings necessary.
Key Facts
India is implementing a rule to limit air conditioners to no lower than 20°C (68°F).
The rule is expected to save energy as India sells 10-15 million air conditioners each year.
Raising the air conditioner setting by one degree can save about 6% of energy.
Air conditioners in India use about a quarter of the electricity during peak times.
Rising energy demand, especially in summer, could lead to power shortages in India.
Most of India's electricity comes from fossil fuels, contributing to high emissions.
Government efforts for energy saving in India include public programs to reduce electricity usage.
The public's reaction to the temperature setting rule is mixed, with concerns about comfort in hot climates.
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The article discusses political movements around the world aiming to prioritize people over profits by addressing economic inequality. These movements include leaders like Zohran Mamdani in New York and Zack Polanski in the UK focusing on progressive policies such as taxing the rich to provide public services. Similar efforts are happening in countries like India and South Africa, challenging the existing economic order.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani won a primary election in New York by focusing on economic issues affecting the poor and middle class.
Mamdani proposed funding public services like transport and childcare by increasing taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals.
In the UK, Zack Polanski's campaign for Green Party leadership boosted party membership by 8% in a month.
Polanski advocates for limiting corporate power and ensuring the state serves the broader population.
In India, the Congress party offered unconditional income support and universal health insurance to counter the ruling party.
India's policies are influenced by successful basic income trials in Hyderabad.
South Africa's movement seeks to make a COVID-19 relief grant a permanent basic income.
These developments challenge the idea that there is not enough wealth to support everyone, a notion used to justify economic inequality.
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A nighttime attack in Kyiv involved drones and missiles, prompting residents and visitors to seek shelter. Ukrainian officials report that Russia has increased air attacks on the city in recent months, resulting in casualties and damage.
Key Facts
Kyiv experienced an attack involving drones and ballistic missiles.
The attack began around 2am, and air raid sirens had sounded earlier.
Residents and visitors took shelter in areas without windows for safety.
Ukraine reports an increase in air attacks by Russia on Kyiv recently.
During the attack, 397 drones and 18 missiles were launched at the city.
The attack injured 25 people and killed two, including a woman who had just undergone surgery.
Volunteers provided tea and porridge to survivors after the attack.
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People in the Gaza Strip are burning plastic to create fuel because they need it, but this process is harmful to their health and the environment. A report called "Toxic Fumes: Gaza under Siege" looks into how war is making climate change worse.
Key Facts
People in Gaza are turning plastic into fuel due to shortages.
Burning plastic releases harmful fumes.
The practice poses health risks to the residents.
It also harms the environment.
The situation is part of a series called Climate & War by ARIJ.
The series uses personal stories to show the effects of war on climate change.
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Israeli publications 972 Magazine and the Local Call reported that soldiers are using Chinese-made drones in Gaza to carry out attacks on Palestinians, including civilians. The drones, typically used for photography, have been adapted to drop grenades, causing deaths and injuries.
Key Facts
Israeli publications investigated and reported the use of drones by the military in Gaza.
The drones are made by a Chinese company named Autel and are originally intended for non-military purposes.
Soldiers operate these drones to drop grenades on Palestinian areas.
Drones have been used to target civilians, including children, according to the report.
The investigation interviewed seven soldiers and officers to gather information.
Former Israeli Prime Ministers criticized proposals for internment camps in Gaza.
The report noted that drones cost about $3,000 and are cheaper than military ones.
Israeli army units use crowdfunding to purchase more drones for use in Gaza.
Drone attacks are part of ongoing military actions in Gaza since October 2023.
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Fighting broke out in southern Syria, involving government forces, local militias, and Bedouin tribes. The conflict has led to dozens of deaths and involved Israel striking military targets in response. Tensions began due to kidnappings and robberies between Druze and Bedouin groups, prompting international concern and calls for peace.
Key Facts
Israel's army struck military tanks in southern Syria during clashes.
Clashes in Syria's Sweida province have killed over 30 people and injured nearly 100, according to Syria's Interior Ministry.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 89 deaths, which include civilians and security forces.
The fighting began between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribes, with some government forces allegedly supporting the Bedouins.
The conflict started from a kidnapping incident involving a Druze man by Bedouin members.
Syria’s government deployed forces to restore order, describing the situation as a dangerous escalation.
The U.N. Deputy Special Envoy expressed concern and urged actions to protect civilians and restore calm.
Israel previously intervened in Syria to protect the Druze community, a minority group in the region.
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Clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribal fighters in southern Syria have killed at least 30 people. The violence began when a Druze merchant was reportedly kidnapped, leading to fighting in Suweida city and surrounding areas. The Syrian government has deployed security forces to try to restore order.
Key Facts
At least 30 people have died in clashes between Druze and Bedouin fighters in Suweida, Syria.
The fighting started after a Druze merchant was allegedly abducted.
The clashes began in the al-Maqwas neighborhood, with fighting spreading to other parts of Suweida province.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 37 deaths, including 27 Druze and 10 Bedouin.
The Syrian interior ministry described the situation as a "dangerous escalation" and is coordinating with the defense ministry to intervene.
Mediation efforts led to the release of kidnapped individuals, but fighting resumed in the countryside.
There have been previous deadly clashes involving Druze militias, security forces, and Sunni fighters.
Suweida's governor urged residents to be calm, and Druze spiritual leaders called for peace.
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Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away in a London clinic at the age of 82. His body is being returned to Nigeria for burial in his hometown, Daura, with a simple ceremony as per Islamic customs. Nigeria declared a national mourning period, with tributes pouring in from various leaders.
Key Facts
Muhammadu Buhari, former President of Nigeria, died at 82 in London.
His body is being flown back to Nigeria for burial in Daura, Katsina state.
The burial will follow Islamic traditions, aiming for a quick and simple ceremony.
Nigeria's Vice-President and other officials are accompanying Buhari's body back from London.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a seven-day national mourning period.
Tributes came from leaders including former President Goodluck Jonathan and General Ibrahim Babangida.
National flags in Nigeria will be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
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The largest-ever Talisman Sabre military exercise in Australia is taking place and might draw attention from Chinese spy ships. Over 35,000 military personnel from 19 countries will participate, and the event will also occur in Papua New Guinea for the first time.
Key Facts
Talisman Sabre is a joint military exercise between the U.S. and Australia that started in 2005.
This year's exercise involves more than 35,000 military personnel from 19 countries.
Countries involved include Canada, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom, among others.
Malaysia and Vietnam are attending as observers this year.
For the first time, some activities will happen in Papua New Guinea.
Chinese surveillance ships have previously monitored these exercises and are expected to do so again.
Exercise leaders plan to adjust and monitor operations in response to any surveillance.
The exercise began just after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese started a visit to China.
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A new peace agreement has been signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The signing took place in Washington, DC, with former U.S. President Donald Trump in attendance.
Key Facts
The peace agreement is between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
The signing event happened in Washington, DC.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump was present during the signing.
The agreement intends to address past conflicts between the two countries.
Previous attempts at peace between the DRC and Rwanda have not been successful in the long term.
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An explosion injured at least seven people at a residential building in the city of Qom, Iran. The blast damaged several buildings and vehicles, and authorities suggested a gas leak as the likely cause. Investigations are ongoing to confirm the exact reason for the explosion.
Key Facts
At least seven people were hurt in the explosion at a residential building in Qom, Iran.
The incident took place at the Nasim Pardisan residential complex.
Emergency services dispatched at least five vehicles to help the injured.
The explosion damaged four residential units and shattered nearby windows.
Authorities and the fire department believe a gas leak may have caused the explosion.
Similar explosions have recently been reported across Iran, and some speculate connections to past conflicts, although officials have dismissed these claims.
A previous explosion, also attributed to a gas leak, occurred in Tehran's Chitgar suburb days before this incident.
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Bulama Bukarti, an expert who studies conflict and development, examines the impact of former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13 at 82 years old.
Key Facts
Muhammadu Buhari was the former president of Nigeria.
He died on July 13 at age 82.
Bulama Bukarti is an analyst focused on conflict and development.
The analysis looks at Buhari’s impact on Nigeria.
Buhari served in a leadership role in Nigeria.
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Two Israeli politicians, Yair Lapid and Ehud Olmert, criticized plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to create a "humanitarian city" in southern Gaza for displaced Palestinians, comparing it to a concentration camp. The plan proposes moving over two million people to the city, raising concerns about forced relocation.
Key Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government plans to build a "humanitarian city" for Palestinians in southern Gaza.
Yair Lapid and Ehud Olmert, both former Israeli Prime Ministers, criticized this plan, comparing it to a concentration camp.
The city is meant to house 600,000 displaced Palestinians initially, with plans to move over two million people there eventually.
Satellite images showed a rise in building demolitions in Rafah, from 15,800 in April to 28,600 in July.
Philippe Lazzarini from the UN organization for Palestinian refugees questioned if this plan could lead to a "second Nakba," referring to past mass expulsions.
The Israeli government claims the relocation would be voluntary.
The plan has faced rejection from Israel's neighboring countries and other Arab states.
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A German backpacker named Caroline Wilga was rescued after being lost for nearly two weeks in Western Australia's outback. She survived by drinking from puddles and seeking shelter in a cave after leaving her van following an accident. A driver found her, and she was airlifted to a hospital in Perth for recovery.
Key Facts
Caroline Wilga, a 26-year-old German backpacker, was lost in Australia's outback for nearly two weeks.
She survived by drinking puddle water and resting in a cave for warmth.
She left her van after a crash caused her confusion from a head injury.
Ms. Wilga was found by a driver named Tania Henley, 30 kilometers from her van.
She was barefoot, tired, dehydrated, and had an injured foot when found.
She expressed deep gratitude to those who searched for her and provided aid.
The police described her rescue as a stroke of luck.
Ms. Wilga last visited a general store in Beacon, Western Australia, before her ordeal.
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President Paul Biya of Cameroon, the world's oldest head of state at 92, announced he will run for re-election in October, aiming for an eighth term. Biya has been in power since 1982 and faces criticism over governance and health concerns. His decision followed calls from supporters, although some former allies and opposition figures are also entering the race.
Key Facts
President Paul Biya of Cameroon is 92 years old and is the oldest head of state in the world.
Biya first became president in 1982 and has been in power for 43 years.
He announced his intention to run for an eighth term in the upcoming October elections.
Critics have raised concerns about corruption, governance, and security issues during his presidency.
Biya faced speculation about his health after being absent from public for over six weeks last year.
He abolished term limits in 2008, allowing him to run for president indefinitely.
Several former allies and opposition figures have announced they will also run in the election.
In the 2018 elections, Biya won with over 71% of the vote amid allegations of irregularities.
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European trade ministers are meeting after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 30% tariff on European goods. The tariffs will begin on August 1 and could make European products more expensive in the U.S. The European Union plans to hold off on retaliatory tariffs and hopes to negotiate a trade deal with the U.S. by the end of the month.
Key Facts
U.S. President Trump has announced 30% tariffs on goods from the European Union.
The tariffs are set to start on August 1.
The European Union suspended its planned retaliatory tariffs to allow time for negotiations.
The EU is the largest trading bloc in the world and a major partner with the U.S.
The tariffs could make European goods like French cheese and German electronics more costly in the U.S.
EU trade talks with the U.S. are ongoing, aiming for a solution before the tariffs take effect.
The EU plans to explore new markets, including a deal with Indonesia, in response to the tariffs.
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An association of Indian pilots defended the crew of Air India Flight 171, which crashed in June, killing 260 people. They objected to media speculation about pilot suicide and emphasized that the preliminary report did not blame the pilots for the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and a final report is expected in a year.
Key Facts
Air India Flight 171 crashed in June, resulting in the death of 260 people.
The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association defended the flight crew, saying they acted according to their training.
A preliminary report mentioned that both engine's fuel-control switches moved to the "cut-off" position just after take-off.
Aviation experts said these switches are designed to prevent accidental activation.
Media speculated about possible pilot suicide, but there is no verified evidence of this.
The investigation includes experts from Boeing, General Electric, Air India, and regulators from India, the US, and the UK.
The final report from the ongoing investigation is expected in about a year.
Another pilots' group highlighted a previous notice about a similar switch issue but stated it wasn't deemed unsafe at the time.
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Wildfires at the Grand Canyon's North Rim in Arizona have destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and many other structures. The fires, started by lightning, have led to evacuations and a closure of the area for the rest of the season.
Key Facts
Wildfires destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge and other structures along the North Rim.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park is now closed and evacuated.
The fires are named the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire.
The Dragon Bravo Fire began on July 4 and grew quickly due to weather conditions.
No injuries have been reported so far.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs called for an investigation into the fire response.
The fires affected buildings like a visitor center, a petrol station, and employee housing.
Visitors and park workers faced dangers, including potential exposure to chlorine gas.
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