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France and Spain are racing to contain devastating wildfires that have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, with officials warning that another intense heatwave could make the crisis even worse. The blazes have spread across large areas of both countries, destroying forests, disrupting holidays, and stretching emergency services to their limits. The fires have been particularly severe in southwestern France near the famous Bordeaux wine region and in central Spain around Madrid. Authorities say more than 325,000 people have evacuated as flames continue to sweep through forests left dangerously dry after months of little rainfall and repeated heatwaves since May. Many residents escaped with only their most essential belongings. Olga Congacha, who fled her village near Madrid with her husband, said they had little time to react. She explained that they quickly gathered important documents and a few clothes before leaving as the situation became increasingly dangerous and frightening. Firefighters in France are dealing with an unusual and dangerous weather phenomenon caused by the blaze itself. Officials said the wildfire has created a massive fire cloud known as a pyrocumulonimbus. These clouds can generate their own winds, produce lightning, and in some cases even create tornadoes that ignite new fires. France’s National Federation of Firefighters said this is the first time such a phenomenon has been recorded in the country. Emergency crews continue to battle the flames with thousands of firefighters supported by water dropping aircraft. Thick smoke and rapidly changing winds have made firefighting efforts extremely difficult. One firefighter said the unpredictable wind patterns mean the fire is largely controlling the situation, forcing crews to constantly adjust their strategy. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to chair an emergency cabinet meeting to review the growing crisis, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez plans to visit one of the worst affected areas in Valencia, where firefighters are tackling another fast moving wildfire. Spanish Civil Protection chief Virginia Barcones described the wildfire near Avila as a “monster” because of its enormous size. She said the fire has spread across a perimeter of about 280 kilometers and has burned approximately 77,000 hectares of land, making it one of the country’s largest wildfire emergencies in recent years. Scientists continue to warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including prolonged heatwaves and destructive wildfires. High temperatures combined with dry vegetation have created ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly across southern Europe. In France’s Gironde region, authorities urged tourists to avoid the area and choose alternative destinations while emergency crews work to contain the blaze. Since last week, the wildfire has burned more than 42,000 hectares, an area several times larger than Manhattan. Around 220,000 people have been evacuated from the region, including visitors staying at 45 campsites that were forced to close, disrupting holidays for roughly 40,000 people. Another 30,000 residents have also been evacuated from other fire affected parts of the country. Some homeowners have chosen to stay behind despite evacuation orders in an effort to protect their properties. Georges Clivaz, whose home is near the advancing fire in Gironde, said he and his family were spraying water along nearby roads to slow the flames. He admitted firefighters had warned them the blaze could reach their home within hours, but they hoped their efforts might help save their property. Weather experts have warned that another heatwave is expected to hit parts of France from Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. In Spain, around 75,000 people have been evacuated from regions including Madrid, Avila, Toledo, and Castellon. Although officials reported some progress, several major fires remain out of control. One person has died in the wildfire near Valencia, while two French firefighters lost their lives earlier this week while battling the flames near Bordeaux.

Relations between Brazil and Argentina have taken another sharp turn after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was indirectly attacked by Argentine President Javier Milei during a political rally in Sao Paulo. Brazil responded by recalling its ambassador from Buenos Aires, calling Milei’s remarks an insult to the country’s leadership, institutions, and democracy. Milei traveled to Brazil over the weekend to support Flavio Bolsonaro, who officially launched his campaign for Brazil’s presidential election scheduled for October. Flavio is the son of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and is representing the right wing Liberal Party after his father was barred from seeking office. During his speech, Milei did not mention Lula by name but referred to “the thief” and “the convict,” comments widely understood to be aimed at the Brazilian president. The remarks referenced Lula’s previous imprisonment on corruption charges before those convictions were later overturned, allowing him to return to politics and win the 2022 presidential election. Standing alongside Flavio Bolsonaro, Milei praised the candidate and said he believed he was the only person capable of defeating Lula in the upcoming election. The Argentine president has maintained close political ties with the Bolsonaro family and has openly supported their conservative agenda. Milei also criticized a senior Brazilian Supreme Court judge who oversaw legal proceedings involving Jair Bolsonaro. Without naming Justice Alexandre de Moraes directly, he used insulting language while referring to the judge. Earlier this month, Moraes rejected Milei’s request to visit the former Brazilian president, who is currently under house arrest in Brasilia. Jair Bolsonaro is serving a prison sentence of more than 27 years after being convicted of plotting a coup to remain in power following his defeat in the 2022 election. Because he is no longer eligible to run for public office, he has endorsed his son Flavio as the candidate for his party in this year’s presidential race. Brazilian officials reacted strongly to Milei’s comments. According to diplomatic sources, the statements were viewed as offensive not only to the country’s president but also to its judiciary, democratic institutions, and the Brazilian people. In response, Brazil recalled its ambassador from Argentina in a diplomatic protest, signaling growing frustration with Milei’s repeated criticism of the Brazilian government. President Lula did not directly address Milei’s speech during a public event on Sunday. However, he appeared to respond indirectly by saying that Brazil would not accept interference from outsiders in its internal affairs. His comments were seen as a clear message that foreign leaders should avoid becoming involved in Brazil’s domestic political disputes. The latest exchange has further strained ties between South America’s two largest economies. Despite their political differences, Brazil and Argentina remain each other’s biggest trading partners, making stable diplomatic relations important for regional trade and economic cooperation. With Brazil’s presidential election approaching, political tensions are expected to remain high. Milei’s public support for Flavio Bolsonaro and his criticism of Lula have added an international dimension to the campaign, increasing pressure on relations between the neighboring countries at a time when cooperation remains vital on economic and regional issues.

Chinese authorities evacuated tourists from the famous Jiuzhaigou National Park on Monday after heavy rainfall triggered mudslides, forcing the temporary closure of parts of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The emergency came as the country issued its highest level warning for flash floods following widespread destruction caused by Typhoon Noul. Located in Sichuan province, Jiuzhaigou is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its crystal clear blue, green, and purple lakes, snow covered mountains, dense forests, and spectacular waterfalls. Every year, the scenic park attracts millions of visitors from around the world. State broadcaster CCTV reported that several major attractions inside the park had been closed to protect public safety while emergency teams evacuated stranded visitors. Authorities said the operation was carried out in an orderly manner and that tourists were being moved to safe locations. Local officials announced that sections of the Rize Valley above Arrow Bamboo Lake, including the lake itself, along with the entire Zechawa Valley, would remain closed until conditions improve. They said the restrictions were necessary because of the high risk of additional mudslides and unstable ground caused by continuous rainfall. The closures followed the impact of Typhoon Noul, the strongest storm to strike China this year. The typhoon brought torrential rain across southern and central regions, increasing the danger of flooding and landslides in several provinces. China’s Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration jointly issued a red alert for flash floods covering parts of Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu, and southeastern Xinjiang. A red warning is the country’s highest emergency level and indicates an extremely high risk of severe flooding. Mountainous areas across China are especially vulnerable during the summer rainy season. Steep slopes, river valleys, and saturated soil often combine to trigger landslides and mudslides after prolonged rainfall. This month’s severe weather has already caused a series of deadly disasters in different parts of the country. In Chongqing, a major landslide triggered by heavy rain killed at least 11 people, while around 50 others remain missing as rescue teams continue search operations. In Gansu province, another landslide in Tanchang county claimed at least 21 lives. Separate flash floods struck a scenic camping area in Weiyuan county, killing 10 tourists and injuring 23 others. In another incident, five people lost their lives after a house was buried beneath collapsing loess soil in Shanxi province. Emergency workers have been responding to multiple disasters as extreme weather continues to affect large parts of the country. China has now entered its annual peak flood control period, which runs from the middle of July to the middle of August. This is traditionally the time when the country experiences its heaviest rainfall and greatest flood risks. Weather experts have warned that rainfall is expected to become even more frequent and intense in the coming weeks. Forecasts suggest that northern China could receive between 20 and 50 percent more rainfall than average, raising concerns about further flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transportation and tourism. Authorities have urged residents and travelers to closely follow weather updates and avoid areas vulnerable to natural disasters as emergency teams remain on high alert.

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.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for Brazil’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and resist foreign interference during a phone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, according to Chinese state media. The discussion took place just months before Brazil’s closely watched presidential election and against the backdrop of growing trade and diplomatic tensions with the United States. According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Xi praised Brazil’s role on the international stage and said Beijing values the country’s influence in global affairs. He stated that China supports Brazil in defending its independence, rejecting outside interference, and contributing to regional and international peace and stability. The phone call comes less than three months before Brazilians head to the polls in an election expected to be highly competitive. President Lula is seeking another term and faces a challenge from right wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The Brazilian presidency said the two leaders also discussed strengthening economic cooperation. Both sides agreed on the importance of accelerating negotiations for a trade agreement between China and Mercosur, the South American trade bloc that includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Such an agreement could expand trade opportunities between the region and the world’s second largest economy. During the conversation, which lasted more than an hour, Lula reaffirmed his commitment to expanding Brazil’s international trade network. He said his government is working to diversify export markets and reduce dependence on a limited number of trading partners, particularly as Brazil faces increased tariff pressure from the United States. Relations between Brasilia and Washington have become more strained in recent months. The United States introduced two additional rounds of tariffs on a range of Brazilian products this month, following a significant tariff increase imposed last year. The measures were linked to political tensions surrounding the legal case that resulted in former president Jair Bolsonaro being sentenced to prison over an alleged coup plot. Lula has strongly criticized the tariffs, arguing that they amount to political pressure during an election year. He has accused Washington of attempting to influence Brazil’s domestic affairs through economic measures, an allegation the United States has rejected. Diplomatic tensions have also surfaced over election related issues. According to diplomatic sources, Brazil recently refused entry visas for two American officials who planned to visit the country’s election authorities ahead of the October vote. The move reflected growing sensitivity within the Brazilian government over foreign involvement in electoral matters. Meanwhile, Flavio Bolsonaro has continued to question the reliability of Brazil’s electronic voting system despite repeated assurances from election officials that it is secure. His claims have echoed similar allegations made by US President Donald Trump regarding American elections, although no credible evidence has supported those accusations. While the Chinese government highlighted Xi’s support for Brazil in resisting external interference, the official statement released by the Brazilian presidency did not specifically mention that part of the discussion. Instead, it focused on economic cooperation and the importance of strengthening trade ties between Brazil, China, and the Mercosur bloc. The conversation underscores the increasingly close relationship between Beijing and Brasilia at a time when Brazil is balancing political challenges at home with shifting economic and diplomatic dynamics on the global stage.

The race to become the next United Nations secretary-general is taking shape, with seven candidates currently seeking the top diplomatic post. The 10th UN secretary-general will be selected this year for a five-year term beginning on January 1, 2027. The successful candidate will succeed current UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The candidates come from different regions and have backgrounds in diplomacy, politics, human rights, development and international affairs. Rafael Grossi Rafael Grossi, 65, is widely viewed as a leading contender. The Argentine diplomat has headed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the past six years. Grossi has played a prominent role in international nuclear diplomacy. He was involved in efforts to preserve parts of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018. His diplomatic efforts have also taken him to some of the world’s most sensitive conflict zones. One of his notable achievements was securing the presence of an IAEA team at Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. His experience dealing with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council could strengthen his chances. Their support is considered crucial in the selection process. Rebeca Grynspan Rebeca Grynspan, 70, is a former vice president of Costa Rica and currently heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development. She presents herself as a reform-oriented multilateralist. Her campaign focuses on strengthening the UN while protecting its commitment to peace, development and human rights. If elected, Grynspan would make history as the first woman to serve as UN secretary-general. She has spoken about the challenges women face in senior leadership positions. She has also argued for equal treatment rather than special treatment for women. Grynspan says the UN needs to become more flexible and effective. She supports greater cooperation with governments and other international actors. Michelle Bachelet Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, 74, is another prominent candidate. Bachelet served as Chile’s president twice. She also held senior positions within the UN, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and head of UN Women. Her candidacy has received support from Brazil and Mexico. However, Chile withdrew its backing in March following a political shift in the country. Bachelet has also faced criticism from some US conservatives over her views on abortion and her record as UN human rights chief. These political objections could affect her campaign as the selection process moves forward. Macky Sall Macky Sall, 64, served as president of Senegal for 12 years before leaving office in 2024. A geologist by training, Sall has focused much of his international agenda on the challenges faced by developing countries. He has called for reforms to the UN Security Council. He supports greater representation for developing nations, including permanent seats on the powerful body. Sall was nominated by Burundi. If elected, he would become only the third African to serve as UN secretary-general, following Boutros Boutros-Ghali and Kofi Annan. Maria Fernanda Espinosa Maria Fernanda Espinosa, 61, is an experienced Ecuadorian diplomat and former government minister. She previously served as Ecuador’s foreign affairs and defence minister under former President Rafael Correa. Espinosa has also held important positions within the UN. She served as Ecuador’s ambassador to the organisation and later became president of the UN General Assembly. Her international work has included issues involving climate change, biodiversity and Indigenous peoples. She has called for a more decisive and effective UN. Her campaign emphasises stronger priorities, better implementation and greater political confidence within the organisation. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett is Guyana’s permanent representative to the UN, a position she has held since 2020. A career diplomat and former politician, she previously made history as the first woman and the highest-ranking Indigenous person to serve as Guyana’s foreign minister. She has also worked in senior positions at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Rodrigues Birkett is seeking to make the UN more effective, particularly in conflict prevention and climate action. If elected, she would become the first woman and the first Caribbean national to lead the United Nations. Olara Otunnu Olara Otunnu, 75, is the oldest candidate currently seeking the position. The Ugandan diplomat previously served as a UN under-secretary-general. He was nominated by Uganda for the secretary-general post. Otunnu has made institutional reform a central part of his campaign. He has also said that ending major international conflicts would be an immediate priority if he were elected. His programme includes proposals for greater UN oversight of artificial intelligence. He has also called for stronger climate action while ensuring that environmental policies do not undermine economic development. The candidates bring different priorities and regional perspectives to the race. The selection will be closely watched because the secretary-general plays a central role in international diplomacy, conflict resolution, humanitarian efforts and coordination among UN member states. The next UN chief will also inherit a number of major global challenges, including armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, climate change, economic pressures and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Alan Cumming, and Benedict Wong are calling on the British government to step in and stop a massive media merger. They believe the deal could seriously damage the country’s entertainment industry. The three actors co-wrote an opinion piece for the Guardian, warning readers about the potential fallout from the merger. They urged immediate action to prevent it from going through. The well-known performers argued that the merger poses a serious threat to the public, describing its consequences as deeply harmful to people across Britain. Their intervention follows similar pushback from actors in Hollywood, adding British voices to the growing opposition against the proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The trio emphasized their long-standing ties to the UK’s creative industry, noting decades spent collaborating with British crews on British stages and film sets. They framed their involvement as a natural extension of their responsibility toward audiences who support and enjoy their work. According to the actors, the merger threatens nearly 180,000 jobs within the UK’s entertainment sector. It also puts billions of pounds in annual production spending at risk. They described the situation as one where intervention could still make a difference, calling it a battle that can still be won if action is taken soon. The piece also referenced recent comments from UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who has hinted she might take formal steps to intervene in the deal. The actors suggested that Nandy’s potential involvement represents one of two major fronts in the broader fight to stop the merger. They called any decision from her department potentially one of the most consequential moves affecting British film and television in years. Towards the end of their piece, the trio acknowledged that actors are typically expected to steer clear of legal and regulatory debates. However, they pushed back against that expectation, explaining that their years spent working alongside British crews, watching talented homegrown productions struggle to secure funding, gave them a personal stake in the outcome. Their public stance adds significant star power to the growing resistance against the merger. Industry figures on both sides of the Atlantic continue voicing concerns about its potential impact on jobs, cultural output, and the broader landscape of film and television production in the UK.