France evacuates 20,000 as wildfires spread across south-west

French authorities have evacuated about 20,000 people as fast-moving wildfires swept through the Gironde region in south-west France, destroying more than 3,400 hectares of forest around the Bay of Arcachon. Around 700 firefighters are battling the blaze as strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions fuel its spread. Most evacuees were tourists staying at campsites on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula, while further evacuations continued in nearby communities. Officials said no injuries had been reported but warned the fire remained highly unpredictable. The latest outbreak follows deadly wildfires elsewhere in France, Spain and Italy as southern Europe faces another severe wildfire season.

India’s youth movement calls nationwide protests despite government crackdown

Student protesters in India have called for nationwide demonstrations over alleged leaks of medical entrance examination papers, rejecting government appeals for dialogue. Authorities imposed tight security across central Delhi by shutting metro stations, suspending mobile internet services and restricting movement after mass protests drew tens of thousands of people. Protesters are demanding the resignation of the education minister, saying the exam scandal affected about two million candidates and has been linked to several student suicides. The demonstrations have become the biggest political challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government since he returned for a third term.

Bangladesh president to resign amid political uncertainty over Hasina’s return

Mohammed Shahabuddin, Bangladesh President will resign on Friday, according to his spokesperson, as political tensions deepen ahead of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned return from exile. Sources said the government pressured Shahabuddin to step down because of his longstanding ties to Hasina, whose Awami League party remains banned following the 2024 uprising that removed her from power. Her expected return later this year, after announcing plans to surrender following a court conviction, is likely to test the government’s efforts to restore political stability ahead of future elections.

Oil tops $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict raises supply fears

Global oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel for the first time since May after renewed fighting between the United States and Iran heightened concerns over energy supplies. Brent crude surged more than 6 percent as attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea threatened key global oil routes. The latest escalation follows continued US military strikes on Iran and warnings from Tehran of further retaliation. Analysts say prolonged disruption could drive up inflation, increase fuel prices and place additional pressure on economies already grappling with higher living costs.

Ukraine drone strikes disrupt Russian online retailer’s logistics network

Ukrainian drone attacks have struck multiple warehouses belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, killing workers, destroying goods and disrupting supply chains used by thousands of small businesses. Kyiv said the facilities were legitimate military targets because they were being used to store components linked to Russia’s defence industry. The strikes also damaged commercial inventories worth an estimated $1 billion, highlighting how Ukraine is increasingly targeting logistics infrastructure beyond oil depots and military bases as the war enters a new phase.

AFRICA

Congo Ebola deaths surpass 1,000 as violence hinders response

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 1,000 lives, with confirmed infections rising to 2,536, according to the country’s public health institute. Health officials say the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has become increasingly difficult to contain because of armed conflict, attacks on treatment centres and shortages of medical supplies in eastern Congo. Community resistance to burial restrictions has also complicated response efforts. The outbreak, declared in May, is now one of the country’s deadliest in recent years.

Former Kenyan governor convicted over murder of pregnant student

A Kenyan court has convicted former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and two co-accused over the 2018 murder of university student Sharon Otieno, who was pregnant at the time of her death. The judge ruled that Obado planned and financed the killing, while his associates helped carry it out and conceal the crime. The case shocked Kenya and sparked nationwide debate over violence against women and abuse of political power. The three men remain in custody and are awaiting sentencing.

Guinea teenager dies after prison sentence over exam cheating

A 17-year-old Guinean student died after falling ill in prison while serving a one-month sentence for examination malpractice. Mamadou Djouma Bah, who had sickle cell disease, was arrested for allegedly using a mobile phone during national school examinations. His family accused prison authorities of failing to provide adequate medical care despite his deteriorating condition, while prosecutors said he died under hospital treatment. The incident has prompted calls for an independent investigation into his treatment in custody.

UN calls for probe into reported killing of surrendering Malian soldiers

The United Nations has urged an independent investigation into reports that Malian soldiers who surrendered during an ambush by Islamist militants and separatist rebels were tortured and executed. The call follows the circulation of videos purportedly showing captured soldiers being shot after laying down their arms. The UN said such actions, if confirmed, would amount to war crimes. More than 50 pro-government fighters were reportedly killed in the attack, although the casualty figure has not been independently verified.

South Africa unexpectedly keeps interest rate unchanged at 7%

South Africa’s central bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 7 percent, surprising markets that had expected another increase following a rise in inflation. Policymakers said the current rate remains restrictive enough to return inflation to target over the medium term, although the decision caused the rand to weaken sharply against the US dollar. Analysts said the central bank’s statement was less hawkish than expected, signalling that further tightening may not be imminent despite persistent inflationary pressures.