60,000 migrants flood Spain’s Ceuta border

A total of 175 foreign visitors who travelled to Canada during the FIFA World Cup have formally requested asylum, triggering legal reviews under the country’s refugee protection laws. Canada issued approximately 26,000 visas for the tournament, which saw 13 matches staged across Toronto and Vancouver. While thousands of football fans globally applied for visitor visas to attend the fixtures, strict screening measures resulted in over 50 per cent of those applications being rejected. Immigration officials have not disclosed whether any athletes or team members are among the claimants. However, initial breakdown data indicates that 25 applicants are citizens of Ghana, while Egypt and Colombia account for 15 claims each, with total figures expected to climb further. Canadian authorities had issued warnings prior to the tournament clarifying that temporary visas obtained for the World Cup would not serve as an avenue to bypass immigration standards, remain beyond authorised stays or claim political asylum.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said the government will continue working through diplomatic and political channels to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. His remarks came during a visit to the village of Zawtar al Gharbiyah where the Lebanese army has recently expanded its deployment following a new security agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the border. Speaking to residents and military personnel, Salam said Lebanon remains committed to restoring full control over all its territory. He stressed that the government would continue its efforts to ensure Israeli forces leave the remaining occupied areas in the south while supporting the Lebanese army as it strengthens its presence in the region. The prime minister’s visit followed talks between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Aoun urged the United States to support Lebanon’s demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from its territory as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the border. Last month, Lebanon and Israel agreed to a US backed framework under which the Lebanese army would gradually deploy in designated areas while Israeli troops would withdraw from selected locations. The agreement also calls for the Lebanese military to take responsibility for disarming Hezbollah in those zones. Hezbollah has rejected the deal and insists it will not surrender its weapons. Tensions remain high despite the agreement. Lebanon’s army said Israeli forces opened fire near soldiers who were deploying in Zawtar al Gharbiyah on Tuesday. The Israeli military responded by saying its troops fired warning shots after Lebanese soldiers entered an area outside the agreed deployment zone. The border region has remained unstable since Hezbollah entered the regional conflict by launching attacks against Israel in support of Iran earlier this year. Israel responded with large scale airstrikes and a ground offensive that caused widespread destruction across southern Lebanon. Although violence has eased following recent diplomatic agreements, occasional military exchanges continue. During his visit, Salam raised the Lebanese flag in the village and promised that the government would focus on rebuilding damaged communities. He said authorities would work alongside the army to reopen roads, clear rubble, restore essential public services, and create conditions that allow displaced residents to return home safely. Many local residents gathered near the village hoping to receive permission to inspect their homes after months of conflict. Some expressed relief over the arrival of the Lebanese army, saying its presence gave them confidence that life could gradually return to normal. However, military officials advised civilians to wait until security operations in the area are completed before returning. The army is currently conducting security sweeps in villages close to Israeli controlled positions to ensure the areas are safe for returning residents. Officials say these operations are necessary because of the continued risk of military activity near the border. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state news agency reported additional Israeli drone strikes and artillery shelling in nearby areas on Wednesday. It also said Israeli troops entered the Dubieh area near the border town of Shaqra and raised an Israeli flag over the historic Dubieh Castle. Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame strongly criticised the move, describing it as a provocative action that violates Lebanon’s sovereignty. He said the government remains committed to regaining control over all historic sites and national territory in the south. The latest incident follows Israel’s seizure of the historic Beaufort Castle in May. International attention has also turned to the condition of several historic castles in southern Lebanon. The United Nations is expected to consider adding five of these sites, including Beaufort Castle and Dubieh Castle, to its list of cultural landmarks at risk due to ongoing conflict. Lebanese officials hope international support will help protect these important heritage sites while diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation along the border.

Indian authorities have suspended a police officer after he fired an AK-47 rifle into the air while attempting to disperse student protesters in the eastern state of Bihar. The incident has intensified criticism of the government’s handling of nationwide demonstrations that recently led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The confrontation took place on Saturday in the city of Siwan, where students were protesting against alleged irregularities in national examinations and broader concerns about unemployment. Videos shared on social media showed a police officer in riot gear running toward a crowd of protesters before pointing his assault rifle into the air and firing at least three rounds. Police later confirmed that the footage was authentic. Senior Bihar police official Nilesh Kumar said no one was injured during the incident. He explained that the suspended officer belonged to an intelligence unit that normally deals with dangerous criminals and had been issued the rifle as part of his official duties. However, Kumar said the weapon was used inappropriately because the protesters were students and did not pose a threat that justified such action. He said the officer’s conduct could not be defended under any circumstances and confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had begun. According to Kumar, further action will be taken following an investigation into the incident. The protests began after question papers for a national medical college entrance examination were leaked in May. More than two million students had taken the exam before authorities were forced to order a retest because of the security breach. The controversy sparked widespread anger among young people who accused the government of failing to protect the integrity of the examination process. As demonstrations grew larger, students also began raising concerns about rising unemployment and fears that artificial intelligence could reduce future job opportunities, especially in India’s information technology and outsourcing sectors. These issues helped expand the movement beyond the examination scandal, drawing support from students across different parts of the country. Public pressure eventually led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down after nearly five weeks of protests. Despite the resignation, demonstrations have continued as students demand broader reforms and greater accountability from the government. The police response has faced increasing criticism. Officers have been accused of using excessive force against demonstrators, including beating students with batons and firing tear gas during a large march toward India’s parliament in New Delhi earlier this month. Human rights advocates and opposition leaders argue that authorities have responded too aggressively to mostly peaceful protests. Speaking in parliament, Congress Party president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the police action and described it as one of the most serious attacks on democratic rights in recent years. He said reports that an assault rifle had been used against student protesters in Bihar were deeply troubling and called for those responsible to be held accountable. Parliamentary proceedings were repeatedly disrupted as opposition lawmakers raised the issue and demanded answers from the government. Ministers did not immediately respond before both houses were adjourned amid heated exchanges. The controversy also drew attention from India’s judiciary. Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan expressed concern about what he described as the shrinking space for people to express different opinions in the country. In a public speech, he said the right to voice opinions and participate in peaceful demonstrations is a fundamental freedom guaranteed to every citizen. His remarks were seen as an unusual intervention by a sitting judge and added to growing calls for restraint in the handling of public protests.