Around the World

EGYPT

City under sand

Archaeologists have uncovered a well-preserved Byzantine-era city in the Dakhla Oasis, revealing new insights into daily life in fourth-century Egypt. The discovery includes residential quarters, a basilica-style church, watchtowers, bread ovens, bronze and gold coins, and about 200 inscribed pottery fragments. A separate excavation at Marina el-Alamein uncovered 18 ancient tombs, including rock-cut and limestone structures. Currently, the oasis is on UNESCO’s Tentative List, a step away from being added to the agency’s World Heritage List.

 

CHINA

Missile test criticised

A long-range missile test over the South Pacific drew criticism from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan over regional security concerns. Beijing stated that the launch, conducted from a nuclear submarine using a training simulation warhead, was part of its annual military exercises and was not aimed at any country. The test occurred just hours after Australia and Fiji signed the new Ocean of Peace Alliance, prompting Australian officials to call it destabilising and New Zealand to describe it as deeply concerning. China insisted that neighbouring nations had been informed in advance and urged them not to over interpret the exercise, maintaining that the launch posed no threat.

USA

Ousted amid red card row

FIFA’s decision to lift US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card sparked vast criticism after Donald Trump had lobbied for a review. Balogun had been sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but was cleared to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium. Many football authorities condemned the move, with UEFA calling it ‘unjustifiable’. Ultimately, the Belgian squad defeated the US by 4-1, and celebrated with an X post reading, ‘Overturn this’, in an apparent snide at Trump.

GERMANY

Sick leave rules

The government has proposed requiring employees to submit a doctor’s note on the first day of illness, replacing the current rule that requires certification only after three days. It also aims to end the pandemic-era option of obtaining sick notes by phone. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the reforms will reduce high levels of sick leave and improve economic competitiveness. Medical organisations warn it would overcrowd clinics, exposing patients to infections.

FRANCE

Convicted leader to contest
Prominent far-right leader Marine Le Pen announced she will contest in the 2027 presidential election despite her conviction for embezzling more than 2.8 million EUR. The court reduced her ban, allowing her to run, but she received a one-year suspension under electronic monitoring and a 1,00,000 EUR fine. She intends to appeal to France’s highest court to temporarily suspend the sentence, including the electronic ankle tag. Critics have questioned her decision to run.

 

PALESTINE

Hamas talks of dissolution

Hamas has announced plans to dissolve the body governing Gaza since 2007, making way for a Palestinian technocratic committee to manage administration. A nationally accepted figure would oversee the transition until the new committee takes charge. The decision marks a significant political shift as ceasefire negotiations continue. However, disagreements over Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza’s future governance remain unresolved.

INDIA

Heat hits milk output

A study published in Scientific Reports found that climate change is reducing milk production, particularly in Haryana. Rising temperatures and humidity were found to significantly lower milk yields, especially among buffaloes and cross-bred cattle. Researchers analysed livestock and climate data from 2004 to 2019 across 1,148 villages. On the bright side, indigenous breeds such as Sahiwal and Hariana were found to be more resilient to heat stress.

News Flash: ►IRAN: Millions gathered for six-day, five-city funeral of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei ►PARAGUAY: Senator Celeste Amarilla to be probed by French prosecutors for racist abuse of K Mbappé ►CUBA: Zoo rejoices at birth of four rare Bengal tiger cubs despite power crisis