Around The world

GT keeps the newswire ticking by bringing you news from around the globe

france
100-year ban on Seine lifted

Paris officially reopened three designated swimming zones in the Seine River—near the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Bercy, marking the end of a swimming ban that had been in place since 1923. The reopening drew 3,000 swimmers on day one and runs through August 31, 2025. This milestone follows a €1.4 billion cleanup project, featuring new sewage connections, upgraded water treatment facilities, and stormwater retention systems. The long-term vision began in 1988, when then-Mayor Jacques Chirac first pledged to make the Seine swimmable again.

USA
Catastrophic flash floods

Flash floods triggered by unprecedented rainfall have ravaged parts of Texas, leaving at least 105 people dead and displacing many more. Former President Donald Trump called it a ‘100-year catastrophe’, as the disaster wiped out homes, intensifying concerns about the impact of climate-driven extreme weather. The catastrophe has sparked scrutiny over disaster preparedness and the need for climate resilience in vulnerable regions.

 russia
Taliban rule recognised

Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. The recognition came after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Russia handed over the Afghan Embassy in Moscow to Taliban-appointed diplomats and cited ‘pragmatic engagement’ as the reason. While Western powers still remain cautious, Russia’s move points towards a shift in regional power dynamics and could influence future negotiations, aid, and diplomatic ties with Afghanistan.

egypt
Ancient DNA decoded

Scientists have successfully completed the first full genome analysis of an ancient Egyptian individual — a skeleton found buried in a pot over 4,500 years ago. First found in 1902, his unique burial is thought to be the reason behind the exceptional preservation of DNA, rare in hot climates. Study reveals him to be linked to both African and Middle Eastern populations, offering insights into ancient trade routes.

india
Reviving rainforests

In the lush biodiversity hotspot of Kerala’s Western Ghats, a dedicated group of women conservationists have taken the role to protect endangered native plants, thanks to the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary. This restoration project has transformed the sanctuary into a vital refuge for around 40% of the plant species found in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most important ecological regions.

 japan
Quakes rattle islands

Since June 21, 2025, Japan’s Tokara Islands have been rattled by more than 1,000 earthquakes, including a magnitude 5.5 quake on July 5. While Japan frequently experiences seismic activity, the intensity and persistence of this earthquake swarm have raised alarm among residents. Seismologists point to the region’s complex and unusual undersea topography as a likely cause of the prolonged activity.

AUSTRALIA
First ever climate visa

Under the Falepili Union Treaty with Tuvalu, Australia has introduced the world’s first bilateral climate visa, offering 280 permanent visas annually. Now, Tuvaluan adults can enter a ballot for the visa, which provides the right to live, work, and study in Australia without a job offer. Approximately 3,000 people have already registered. The initiative addresses existential threats to Tuvalu from rising sea levels.

►India: Vadodara bridge collapses, 4 vehicles fall into river ►Peru: A 3,500-year-old city that rivalled Ancient Egypt uncovered by archaeologists ►Palestine: Aid workers at food distribution sites in Gaza overwhelmed by mass casualties