TikTok star Sydney Towle dies at 26 after cancer battle

The six candidates competing to become the next Secretary General of the United Nations are set to take part in a televised debate ahead of the official selection process, offering diplomats, UN staff, and the public a chance to hear their plans for leading the organisation through one of the most challenging periods in its history. The debate will be held in the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York and comes just one week before the Security Council begins formally considering candidates to succeed Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose term ends later this year. The 90 minute event will feature questions from diplomats, United Nations employees, and representatives of civil society, and will be broadcast live. The six candidates are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi, Costa Rican economist Rebeca Grynspan, Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. Each is seeking to lead the global organisation at a time when it faces financial pressures, political divisions, and increasing criticism from member states. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the debate provides a valuable opportunity for the candidates to present their leadership vision and priorities before the selection process begins. She stressed that the next Secretary General must not only improve the efficiency of the United Nations but also defend the principles of the UN Charter, including peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. The organisation is currently facing one of its most difficult periods in recent years. The administration of US President Donald Trump has criticised the United Nations for what it describes as excessive spending, expanding beyond its core responsibilities, and failing to produce effective results. Washington has called for the organisation to focus more closely on maintaining international peace and security, while many other member states argue that protecting human rights and promoting development remain equally important responsibilities. Over recent weeks, each candidate has already answered several hours of questions from representatives of the UN’s 193 member states. During those discussions, most pledged to continue reform efforts aimed at making the organisation more efficient, transparent, and responsive to global challenges. Many also emphasised the need for a more active diplomatic role for the Secretary General in preventing conflicts and supporting peace negotiations. The formal selection process begins on July 30 when the 15 members of the UN Security Council hold their first confidential straw poll. During these informal votes, council members anonymously indicate their preferred candidates. Several rounds of voting may take place until one candidate secures the required support of at least nine council members without being vetoed by any of the five permanent members, namely the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France. Once the Security Council agrees on a candidate, the recommendation will be sent to the General Assembly for final approval. The successful candidate will officially begin serving as Secretary General on January 1, 2027. Diplomats say the race remains highly competitive with no clear favourite. Rafael Grossi is widely viewed as one of the strongest contenders because of his international profile and experience leading the International Atomic Energy Agency. However, several diplomats believe Rebeca Grynspan and Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett also enjoy significant support among member states. Speculation continues over whether another candidate could still emerge before the final decision is made. Reports have also mentioned the name of FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a possible outsider, although he is not among the officially declared candidates. This year’s contest has also renewed calls for the United Nations to appoint its first female Secretary General. Many member states argue that after eight decades of male leadership, the organisation should choose a woman for its highest office. Latin American countries are also pressing their case under the informal tradition of rotating the position among different world regions, making the current race one of the most closely watched leadership contests in recent UN history.

A large number of Pakistanis and Kashmiris gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London on Wednesday to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, protesting against India’s August 5, 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. The demonstrators raised slogans in support of the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir and expressed opposition to the policies implemented in the region following the 2019 decision. Participants also chanted slogans in support of Pakistan and the Pakistan Armed Forces, while carrying banners and placards highlighting their concerns over the Kashmir issue. Addressing the gathering, speakers said that the August 5, 2019 move had affected the political identity and rights of the Kashmiri people. They urged the international community to pay attention to the situation in Kashmir and play a role in addressing the long-standing dispute. The protesters called for a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue and reiterated their commitment to continuing support for what they described as the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The demonstration concluded peacefully, with participants reaffirming solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

The United States has announced that its visa bond programme will become permanent, introducing stricter financial requirements for certain foreign travellers seeking business and tourist visas. Under the new policy, US consular officers will have the authority to require applicants from 50 countries to post a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before a visa is issued. The programme applies to B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visas and is aimed at reducing the number of visitors who overstay their visas. According to a notice published in the Federal Register, the decision follows the completion of a pilot programme launched in 2025. Officials said the trial demonstrated that visa bonds could be an effective tool for improving compliance with US immigration rules. The new regulation will officially take effect on August 3. During the pilot phase, applicants could be asked to pay bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The updated rule removes the $5,000 option and increases the maximum bond amount to $20,000, giving consular officers greater discretion when assessing visa applications. The programme covers citizens of 50 countries, with 30 of those nations located in Africa. US authorities say the selection is based on factors such as visa overstay rates and immigration compliance. The move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which focuses on tightening border controls and strengthening enforcement of immigration laws. The administration argues that stricter visa policies are necessary to protect national security and discourage individuals from remaining in the United States beyond the period allowed by their visas. However, immigration advocates and civil rights organisations have criticised the decision, saying the higher financial burden could discourage legitimate travellers, including tourists and business visitors, from applying for US visas. They also argue that recent immigration measures have made legal entry into the United States increasingly difficult through higher fees, expanded social media screening, and stricter visa requirements.

Jason Arday, a former University of Cambridge professor who recently resigned following a high-profile plagiarism row, has died aged 41. Emergency services discovered him unresponsive at an address in Battersea, south London, on Friday afternoon, with the Metropolitan Police treating the death as unexpected but non-suspicious. Arday resigned from his post as professor of sociology of education last week amidst allegations of plagiarism first raised by academic Nathan Cofnas. Whilst Arday denied plagiarism, he acknowledged errors in early work, explaining that his autism led him to rely on mimicry to process information, and noted that the intense public scrutiny had taken an unsustainable personal toll. His family expressed shock at his death, stating that a campaign of misinformation proved too much for him. In 2023, Arday made history as Cambridge’s youngest Black professor at age 37. Following his resignation, Cambridge initiated an independent review into his appointment, while former employers including the University of Glasgow launched investigations into his co-authored research. Public figures, politicians, and academic colleagues have paid tribute to Arday, whilst raising broader concerns regarding the media pressure and duty of care owed to prominent scholars.