Student protests intensify over exam paper leaks in India

South Africa’s Western Cape High Court has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa a temporary order halting parliamentary impeachment proceedings against him. The interdict pauses the work of a parliamentary impeachment committee until the court reviews a November 2022 panel report in September, which concluded that Ramaphosa “may have committed” serious violations regarding the Phala Phala farm scandal. The controversy stems from a 2020 break-in at Ramaphosa’s luxury farmhouse in Limpopo, where $580,000 in undeclared foreign currency hidden inside a sofa was stolen. While a former spy chief alleged the stolen sum reached $4 million and accused the president of concealing the robbery from tax and police authorities, Ramaphosa has maintained his innocence, stating the cash came from a legitimate sale of 20 buffaloes. Although the ruling African National Congress (ANC) initially quashed impeachment efforts in Parliament in 2022 and prosecutors dropped criminal charges in 2024, a Constitutional Court ruling in May 2026 reinstated the impeachment process. Ramaphosa welcomed Friday’s court decision, affirming his respect for judicial independence while awaiting the full review hearing in September.

US President Donald Trump has approved a landmark civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries. The proposed deal is expected to remain in effect for 30 years and is valued at tens of billions of dollars. The agreement is designed to support the development of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy program while giving American companies a leading role in building the kingdom’s nuclear infrastructure. It is expected to create significant investment opportunities for US firms and strengthen long-term energy cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. Under the proposed framework, American companies could participate in constructing nuclear facilities across Saudi Arabia. The agreement also allows for the possibility of building a uranium enrichment plant in the kingdom if future joint studies by both governments determine that such a project is necessary. US officials say the deal will enable Washington to remain closely involved in the development of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program. They believe this cooperation will help ensure that the kingdom’s nuclear activities remain focused on peaceful civilian purposes. The Trump administration is expected to submit the agreement to the US Congress in the coming days. The pact is being introduced under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which provides the legal framework for civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and foreign countries. Once submitted, Congress will have about 90 days to review the agreement. If lawmakers do not reject it during the review period, the agreement will automatically enter into force. Blocking the deal would require Congress to pass a joint resolution with enough votes to override a possible presidential veto. According to officials familiar with the proposal, the agreement does not include the “Gold Standard,” a condition that permanently bars partner countries from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. These activities can potentially be used in the production of nuclear weapons. The proposed agreement also reportedly does not include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol. This protocol allows international inspectors to conduct broader inspections and monitor undeclared nuclear facilities. Its absence has raised concerns among some non-proliferation experts and lawmakers. US officials, however, insist that the agreement contains strong safeguards required under American law. They stress that the deal does not obligate the United States to transfer sensitive uranium enrichment technology or nuclear fuel cycle capabilities to Saudi Arabia. Instead, it establishes a legal pathway for future civilian cooperation while requiring separate approvals for any advanced technology transfers. The agreement follows earlier discussions between senior US and Saudi officials, who signed a preliminary framework last year to expand cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The proposal has generated debate in Washington. Several Democratic lawmakers, along with some Republicans, have argued that stronger safeguards should be included before the agreement is approved. They believe stricter restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stated that its nuclear program is intended to meet growing energy demands and diversify the country’s energy resources. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said that if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would also seek similar capabilities. His remarks have fueled international concerns about a possible regional nuclear arms race.

At least seven people were killed and 15 others injured after a student opened fire at a school near Thailand’s capital Bangkok on Friday. The suspected shooter was among those killed after turning the weapon on himself, according to police. The incident took place at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province, northwest of Bangkok. Students rushed out of the school as emergency teams arrived at the scene. Several wounded people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Teachers and students were reportedly among those killed and injured. A student at the school said he initially mistook the sound of gunfire for firecrackers or someone hitting an object. He later realised that several shots had been fired. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described the incident as a terrible tragedy and questioned how such an attack could occur in the country. Emergency responders said they treated several students who had suffered gunshot wounds to their backs, chests and arms. A male teacher was found dead on an upper floor of the school, while a female teacher was also found with serious injuries. Rescue workers attempted to revive the injured teacher before rushing her to hospital, but she could not be saved. Following the shooting, traffic around the school came to a standstill as parents rushed to collect their children. Authorities also moved to provide assistance to students, teachers and affected families. Police identified the attacker as a student. The incident is the second school shooting reported in Thailand this year. Thailand has experienced several deadly shooting incidents in recent years. The country witnessed its deadliest mass killing in 2022, when a former police officer killed 36 people, including 22 children, in a prolonged attack at a childcare centre. Other deadly shootings have also taken place in Bangkok and other parts of the country, raising continued concerns over gun violence and firearm access.