Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 17 days in New Delhi to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after exam paper leaks affected millions of students. His health is worsening, and opposition leaders are asking him to stop the fast, while a youth-led political group called the Cockroach Janta Party supports the protest.
Key Facts
Sonam Wangchuk started fasting on June 28 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The hunger strike demands Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over exam paper leaks in May.
The leaked exam papers caused the cancellation of a medical college test taken by 2.3 million candidates.
Wangchuk has lost about 8.5 kg (19 lbs) and is too weak to speak.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, supports the strike and has gained 22 million Instagram followers since May.
A young protester at the site fainted and was hospitalized.
Opposition leaders, including former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, have urged Wangchuk to end the hunger strike for health reasons.
India’s youth unemployment is around 10% overall and higher in cities at 13.6%, fueling frustration among young people.
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The brother of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been banned from holding public office for nine years after being found guilty of administrative misconduct related to a job he received in 2017. He was cleared of influence peddling, and other people involved in the case also received bans. The case is part of wider political tensions with accusations of corruption against the prime minister’s family and party.
Key Facts
David Sánchez, brother of Spain’s Prime Minister, was banned from public office for nine years.
He was found guilty of administrative misconduct but not influence peddling.
The misconduct involved receiving a job as coordinator of public music schools in 2017.
The court said the job was created for his benefit, not public need.
Nine others were also banned, including a former regional PSOE leader who got an 18-year ban.
Pedro Sánchez denies wrongdoing and calls the accusations politically motivated.
His wife faces trial on corruption and influence peddling charges.
Opposition leaders have criticized the prime minister and his circle for corruption cases.
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Astronomers have discovered a sugar called erythrulose in space. This sugar is commonly found in raspberries and used in some skin products like self-tanners.
Key Facts
The sugar found in space is named erythrulose.
Erythrulose is a type of sugar that also exists in raspberries.
It is often used in self-tanning products on Earth.
This discovery was reported by CBS News.
Detecting this sugar in space helps scientists learn more about the chemicals in the universe.
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Leaders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe have visited Qatar to offer condolences on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. His son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current emir, has been receiving these mourners at Lusail Palace since Monday.
Key Facts
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died at the age of 74.
He ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013 and led many changes in the country.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, his son, succeeded him as emir.
Leaders from Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Morocco, and Libya have personally offered condolences.
Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab League officials have also paid their respects.
European leaders such as Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Switzerland’s Vice President Ignazio Cassis have sent their condolences.
Some leaders made visits to Lusail Palace, while others sent phone condolences.
The mourning period and visits started on the Monday after Sheikh Hamad’s passing on Thursday.
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Iranian lawmakers have introduced a plan to manage the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with the United States. The plan aims to strengthen Iranian control over the strait, a key route for global energy, as conflicts and military attacks escalate between Iran and the US.
Key Facts
Iranian parliament members presented a bill called the “Strategic Action for the Security and Sustainable Progress of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.”
The bill could formalize Iran’s sovereignty over the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s energy passes.
The plan may require all vessels to get permits, disclose cargo, pay fees, and reject ships with US or Israeli flags.
President Donald Trump said the US would charge fees of 20 percent of cargo value for ships using a southern route near Oman.
Iranian officials said they would charge a lower, fair fee as permanent guardians of the strait.
Recent US military air attacks have hit 11 Iranian provinces, killing over 20 people.
Iran’s military has responded with missile attacks on US assets in Gulf countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
There have been attacks on tankers and commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with warnings issued to some vessels.
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The European Union and the United Kingdom signed a treaty to ease border checks between Gibraltar and Spain. This deal allows Gibraltar residents and Spanish citizens to cross the border using simpler ID documents without passport stamps, reducing delays and political tensions.
Key Facts
The treaty was signed on July 14, 2026, in Brussels by EU and UK officials.
Gibraltar residents can use residence cards to cross into Spain without passport stamps.
Spanish citizens can cross into Gibraltar using their government ID cards.
Passengers at Gibraltar airport will show passports to both Gibraltar and Spanish border officers.
Britain aims to create a system similar to French police working at London’s St Pancras station for Eurostar trains.
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory won in 1713 through the Treaty of Utrecht.
The treaty follows a 2025 agreement intended to improve border movement and settle political issues.
The deal ends six years of complicated border checks since the UK left the European Union.
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Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the founder of Al Jazeera, a news channel launched in 1996 in Qatar. The channel was created to provide free and independent news reporting for the Arab world, quickly becoming an influential media organization.
Key Facts
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the leader behind the idea and creation of Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera started broadcasting on November 1, 1996.
The channel promised and delivered freedom in news reporting without interference.
The initial Al Jazeera newsroom was small but grew quickly as the channel expanded.
Al Jazeera aimed to offer news coverage that rivaled Western broadcasters like the BBC.
The launch followed the BBC’s closure of its Arabic TV service earlier that year.
Al Jazeera’s creation marked a significant development in giving the Arab world its own media voice.
The channel was designed to balance the media influence between the Global North (Western countries) and Global South (developing countries).
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The United States launched strikes on Iranian military sites, and Iran responded with attacks on ships and regional targets, raising fears of increased conflict in the Middle East. The recent violence has broken a truce and heightened tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.
Key Facts
The U.S. targeted Iran’s coastal defense, missile, drone, and maritime sites.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked ships linked to the UAE and targets in Bahrain and Jordan.
One mariner was killed and eight were wounded in attacks on two tankers.
Bahrain warned residents to seek shelter after missile strikes on military and communication sites.
Jordan intercepted four missiles from Iran.
The June 17 agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz has ended.
President Donald Trump plans to reinstate a blockade of Iranian ports and charge ships for safe passage through the strait.
Saudi Arabia reported missile and drone attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen, marking renewed fighting since a 2022 truce.
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An Iranian plane was diverted, and shortly after, a strike occurred at Sanaa Airport in Yemen. These events have increased tensions in Yemen’s ongoing conflict, with threats of more violence reported.
Key Facts
An Iranian plane changed its flight route unexpectedly.
Sanaa Airport in Yemen was hit by a strike.
The strike has escalated tensions in Yemen’s conflict.
There are warnings of possible retaliation following the attack.
Yemen has been experiencing a long-running conflict involving multiple groups.
The situation remains unstable and could lead to further violence.
International attention is focused on the developments at Sanaa Airport.
Iran’s involvement is a key element in recent events.
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A British man named Malcolm Timbrell survived a deadly wildfire in southern Spain that killed his wife and friends. The fire spread very fast, and despite efforts to escape in cars, many cars caught fire, and several people died walking through the flames.
Key Facts
The wildfire occurred on July 9, 2026, in Bedar, Almeria, Spain.
The fire killed 13 people and is one of the deadliest in Spain’s history.
Malcolm Timbrell, 70, lost his wife Annette Kilgore, 69, and several friends in the fire.
Timbrell saved their two cats by returning to their home while others fled.
The fire moved at a speed of around 12 miles per hour, making escape very difficult.
Four cars caught fire instantly, but Timbrell survived inside a damaged car with a cat.
Bodies of several victims were found, including British, French, Belgian, and Spanish nationals.
The wildfire was worsened by record heat and dry conditions in Europe linked to climate change.
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The United States carried out airstrikes in Iran for three nights in a row. These actions have increased tensions around two important waterways, the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, which are key routes for global shipping.
Key Facts
The U.S. launched strikes inside Iran for the third consecutive night.
The strikes are linked to rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab waterways.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for oil shipments from the Middle East.
Bab al-Mandab connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, another important route for global trade.
The increased military activity has raised concerns over the safety and security of these waterways.
The U.S. actions reflect ongoing conflict and competition in the region involving Iran.
CBS News reporters Aaron Navarro and Aaron MacLean reported the story.
The situation has implications for international shipping and global energy markets.
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American seismologist Youlin Chen, who studied North Korea’s nuclear tests, has been detained in China for nearly two years and is facing espionage charges. His wife and advocacy groups say the charges could lead to a death sentence, and the U.S. government has designated Chen as wrongfully detained while trying quietly to secure his release.
Key Facts
Youlin Chen is an American seismologist born in China and a U.S. citizen since 2011.
He was detained by Chinese authorities nearly two years ago and faces espionage charges.
Espionage in China can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Chen studied seismic data from North Korea’s nuclear weapon tests, including data from China.
He is the only American officially designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department.
The Trump administration has raised Chen’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping during diplomatic talks.
Chen has been questioned more than 100 times by Chinese authorities about his nuclear expertise.
His trial is expected to be closed to the public, and his wife fears the outcome is already decided.
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An 86-year-old British man was injured during the final day of the running of the bulls festival in Pamplona, Spain. In total, 57 people were hurt during the event, including two Spanish men who were gored by bulls, but no serious life-threatening injuries were reported.
Key Facts
The injured British man is from Halesowen, West Midlands, and hurt his right hand, left elbow, and right eyebrow.
He was taken to the hospital and is being checked by doctors but is not seriously hurt.
The festival lasts eight days and attracts runners worldwide who race ahead of six bulls through narrow streets.
Each race starts at 8 a.m. and covers about 849 meters from the bulls’ holding area to the city bullring.
Two Spanish men were gored on the last day: one in the thigh and one in the chest; both are expected to recover.
Though injuries happen often, 16 people have died at the event over the past 116 years.
The last death was in 2009 when a 27-year-old man was fatally gored in the neck and lung.
The festival is also known as Sanfermines, named after Saint Fermin, the co-patron saint of Navarra.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) says the real number of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is likely two to four times higher than the official count of 1,963 cases. The outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic recorded in Africa, with health workers threatening to strike over unpaid salaries while thousands of patients receive care.
Key Facts
WHO has confirmed 1,963 Ebola cases and at least 719 deaths in the DRC.
WHO officials estimate the true number of cases could be 2 to 4 times higher than reported.
About 727 Ebola patients are currently in treatment centers across affected areas.
Healthcare workers in the DRC threatened to strike due to unpaid salaries for two months.
The Ebola outbreak is centered in Ituri province, with 384 cases and 89 deaths reported there.
Healthcare workers have also been infected, with 112 cases and 35 deaths among them.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no vaccine or treatment currently exists.
Five provinces in eastern Congo and parts of neighboring Uganda have reported cases.
International partners have mobilized $1.5 billion to support the response, and clinical trials for treatments are underway.
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Families of people who died in a 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter crash want a court to allow a new legal case against the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). They claim the helicopter was unsafe and that the crash has not been fully or fairly investigated.
Key Facts
The Chinook helicopter crashed on 2 June 1994 in Scotland, killing all 29 people on board.
The crash initially was blamed on pilot error in a 1995 official inquiry.
A review in 2011 cleared the pilots but did not explain the crash cause.
The families argue the MoD has failed to examine if the helicopter was safe to fly.
They say the MoD’s refusal to hold a public inquiry breaches human rights.
The helicopter had known mechanical problems and issues after an upgrade just before the crash.
The MoD denies wrongdoing and says investigations have been thorough.
The families’ legal team says evidence suggests the helicopter was not fit to fly.
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In June 2026, more Ukrainian civilians were killed in a single month than at any time since April 2022, with the United Nations reporting at least 293 deaths and nearly 2,000 injuries from Russian missile attacks. The UN has recorded over 16,400 verified civilian deaths in Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022, noting that actual numbers may be higher.
Key Facts
At least 293 Ukrainian civilians were killed in June 2026, the deadliest month since April 2022.
Nearly 2,000 civilians were injured by Russian missile strikes in the same month.
These attacks mostly targeted urban areas far from the front lines, including Kyiv.
Verified civilian deaths in the first half of 2026 are 37% higher than in 2025.
The UN has recorded 16,431 civilian deaths since the invasion began, including 803 children.
The total death toll is likely underestimated due to unverified casualties in intense battle zones now controlled by Russia.
Ukraine’s limited air-defense missiles have made it harder to stop Russian attacks on cities.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky is asking the US and European allies for more help with air defense.
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The Israeli government has approved plans to build 12,000 new housing units in settlements located in the West Bank. These settlements are considered illegal under international law.
Key Facts
Israel plans to build 12,000 new homes in the West Bank.
The West Bank is an area occupied by Israel but claimed by Palestinians.
International law views these settlements as illegal.
The Israeli government is spending billions on this expansion.
The move has drawn criticism from various international groups.
The expansion is part of ongoing tension between Israelis and Palestinians.
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The UK Parliament is expected to approve the 'Hillsborough Law,' which will require public officials to be honest and cooperate with official investigations. The law is inspired by the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and aims to prevent government cover-ups related to public tragedies.
Key Facts
The 'Hillsborough Law' imposes a duty on public officials to tell the truth and cooperate with investigations.
It is named after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster where 97 people died due to a stadium crush.
Police leaders falsely blamed fans and hid evidence in the original disaster investigation.
The law includes legal aid for victims of disasters or state-related deaths.
Initial delays involved debate over whether intelligence officers would be exempt from the law.
Recent amendments remove exemptions for intelligence services like MI5 and MI6.
The bill is expected to pass the House of Commons and then move to the House of Lords.
The government aims to have the law in place by April 2025, the disaster’s 36th anniversary.
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France held its largest Bastille Day parade in Paris, attended by President Macron and leaders from several countries, including Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy. The event showed support for Ukraine amid Russia’s war and highlighted Europe’s strategic unity, while many traditional celebrations were canceled due to ongoing wildfires and a heatwave in France.
Key Facts
France’s Bastille Day parade featured nearly 6,700 troops, 98 aircraft, and participants from over 20 countries.
Ukrainian soldiers marched and co-piloted French jets, symbolizing European support for Ukraine.
Western allies, including British, German, and other troops, took part in the parade for the first time in decades.
The parade aimed to show France’s military strength and Europe’s renewed strategic awareness.
Many local areas canceled Bastille Day fireworks and events because of a severe heatwave and high wildfire risk.
Two large wildfires near Fontainebleau have burned about 2,050 hectares, forcing around 1,000 residents to evacuate.
Authorities arrested two people suspected of deliberately starting the fires.
So far this year, 32,000 hectares have burned across France, exceeding previous fire seasons.
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