World News 10
Ukraine peace plan sparks intense bargaining between US, Europe and Russia
Western allies are reviewing a fresh US-backed roadmap to halt the war in Ukraine, while Moscow signals support for parts of the proposal that critics say would reward its battlefield gains.
The plan, shaped by Washington with input from Kyiv, Moscow and European capitals, includes security guarantees, timelines for troop withdrawals and conditions for easing sanctions.
Supporters argue that even an imperfect deal could stop further deaths and economic damage, while critics in Ukraine and Europe fear locking in territorial losses and setting a risky precedent for future invasions.
Pressure grows for lasting ceasefire amid Gaza war and cross-border attacks
As fighting around Gaza and along Israel’s northern border continues, the UN and key states push new ideas for a phased ceasefire, hostages-for-prisoners swaps and long-term security guarantees.
The UN Security Council has endorsed a multi-stage roadmap combining humanitarian pauses, monitored withdrawals and the creation of a stabilisation force to police border zones.
Neighbouring countries warn that unchecked escalation could trigger refugee surges, block trade routes and inflame tensions far beyond the immediate battlefield.
European agencies track suspected Hamas-linked cells planning ‘on-command’ attacks
Security services in several European capitals say they have disrupted networks accused of preparing attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets, triggering tighter protection around synagogues and community centres.
Intelligence briefings describe “sleeper” cells receiving remote instructions, with alleged plots stretching from Vienna to Berlin and other major hubs.
Critics caution that secretive operations and preventive arrests must be balanced with due process to avoid fuelling discrimination or polarisation.
Leaders from India, Brazil and South Africa push stronger voice for Global South at G20
At the G20 summit in South Africa, India, Brazil and the host nation are coordinating positions on debt relief, climate finance and digital public goods to reshape how big economies respond to developing countries.
Discussions focus on fairer lending rules, faster crisis funding, and using open digital platforms so poorer nations are not locked into costly private systems.
Emerging economies also seek a bigger say in climate decisions, arguing that historic polluters must take the lead in cutting emissions while supporting greener growth in the Global South.
Amazon-focused climate talks wrestle over fossil fuel deadlines and forest funding
At the UN climate meeting in Brazil, negotiators clash over how quickly to phase down coal, oil and gas, and how much money should flow to protect rainforests like the Amazon that absorb massive amounts of carbon.
Forest-rich countries highlight that conserving trees competes with short-term economic pressures, and that long-promised climate finance is still far below the levels scientists say are needed.
Activists warn that without clear fossil fuel exit dates and enforcement mechanisms, global warming targets risk drifting further out of reach.
Deadly floods in Southeast Asia expose gaps in early-warning systems
Days of intense rainfall have triggered landslides and overflowing rivers, killing dozens and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate low-lying areas, with local officials blaming clogged drains and rapid urban growth.
Emergency services struggle to reach remote communities as blocked roads and damaged power lines slow relief, while public anger grows over weak enforcement of building rules in flood-prone zones.
Climate researchers note that warmer seas are making heavy rain events more frequent and severe, pushing cities to rethink drainage, housing and insurance systems.
Rising debt and weak growth keep several economies on edge ahead of 2026
International lenders warn that high interest costs, slow exports and political uncertainty are squeezing budgets in many developing countries, limiting room to spend on jobs, health and climate resilience.
Recent IMF assessments highlight corruption, weak tax systems and heavy reliance on imported fuel as key factors that make countries vulnerable to external shocks.
Economists say targeted relief, investment in clean energy and better governance can still turn the tide if reforms are matched with fairer global lending rules.
Close presidential and parliamentary races test fragile democracies
Several countries head into tightly fought elections marked by mistrust in institutions, allegations of misuse of state power and warnings that post-result violence could erupt if outcomes are disputed.
Observers note that social media campaigns, economic frustration and ethnic rivalries are being used to mobilise voters but can also deepen divisions if leaders refuse to accept defeat.
Regional blocs and international partners are urging calm, transparent counting and meaningful dialogue between rivals to prevent crisis spirals.
Debate deepens over how far allies should back US-led Ukraine deal
Leaders and lawmakers in allied capitals split over whether Washington’s current offer to end the Ukraine war concedes too much to Moscow or represents the best available chance to stop the fighting.
Some US senators and European leaders warn that a weak agreement might signal that large-scale invasions can succeed if the attacker is patient enough.
Supporters counter that continued war drains budgets, divides societies and risks unpredictable escalation with nuclear-armed Russia.
Drone sightings and cyber threats force tighter checks on critical infrastructure
A major European airport briefly shut after repeated drone sightings near its runway, while governments worldwide review how exposed airports, ports and power grids are to unmanned devices and hackers.
Authorities in the Netherlands closed Eindhoven Airport temporarily after multiple unauthorised drone reports, adding to global concerns about cheap devices disrupting high-value assets.
Experts say the same low-cost tools that make industries more efficient can also be used to probe defences, requiring smarter monitoring rather than blanket bans.