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A violent clash at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, has caused 26 deaths and left 77 people, including prisoners and guards, injured. The government has started three investigations to understand what caused the violence and prevent future incidents.
Key Facts
26 people died in the prison clash: 19 inmates and 7 prison officials.
77 others are in hospitals, including 54 inmates and 23 prison staff.
The fight began Sunday between rival gangs involved in illegal drug trade.
The inmates attacked guards and tried to break out but were stopped.
The government set up three investigations: by police, by the prison department, and a committee led by a retired judge.
Investigations will check for security problems and prison overcrowding as possible causes.
Sri Lankan prisons hold 39,000 inmates but were built for only 10,000, causing severe crowding.
Security at the prison has been increased with army troops and tanks deployed.
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China tested a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific. This rare launch raised concerns among the U.S. and other countries in the region because it was seen as increasing tensions and militarization in Asia.
Key Facts
The missile was launched on July 6, 2026, from a Chinese nuclear submarine into international waters in the South Pacific.
China said the test was routine training, followed international laws, and was not aimed at any country.
The missile carried a dummy warhead, meaning it was not armed with a nuclear weapon.
Experts think the missile was either a JL-2 or JL-3, with the JL-3 having a range over 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles).
Some countries, including New Zealand, said the launch violated the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, which China has ratified.
Australia and Japan protested the test because China gave little prior notice of the launch.
The missile test increased concern about China’s growing military power and lack of transparency.
China urged others not to read too much into the test but did not provide detailed information in advance.
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French President Emmanuel Macron is safe after explosions occurred near central Damascus during his visit to Syria. The blasts happened close to the Four Seasons hotel, and several people were injured, but Macron continued his trip as planned.
Key Facts
Two explosions took place on a main street in central Damascus, about 125 meters from the Four Seasons hotel.
Several people were wounded in the blasts.
President Macron was meeting Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace during the incident.
Macron did not hear the explosions while traveling to the meeting.
His visit to Syria is the first by a European Union leader since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s long rule.
After Syria, President Macron will attend the NATO summit in Turkey.
Earlier in the month, a bomb blast in Damascus killed nine people and injured 22.
Syrian state television confirmed Macron’s meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa and welcomed him.
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A violent clash at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, has left 26 people dead, including seven prison officials and 19 inmates. Around 77 others are in the hospital, and three investigations are underway to find out what caused the violence and how to prevent future incidents.
Key Facts
The clash happened between rival gangs connected to illegal drug trade inside the prison.
The violence started on Sunday and escalated on Monday when inmates attacked prison guards.
Inmates tried to break through the main gate but were stopped by security.
26 people died: 7 prison officials and 19 inmates.
77 people are hospitalized: 23 prison officials and 54 inmates.
Three investigations are being conducted: a police probe, an internal prison department review, and a committee led by a retired judge.
The prison system is severely overcrowded, holding over 39,000 inmates in facilities designed for about 10,000.
Security has been increased with army troops and tanks deployed around the prison.
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Two explosions happened in Damascus, the capital of Syria, near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his official visit. The incidents occurred on Tuesday and were recorded on video.
Key Facts
At least two explosions took place in Damascus on Tuesday.
The explosions happened close to a hotel.
French President Emmanuel Macron was staying at that hotel.
Macron was on an official visit to Syria’s capital.
Video footage captured one of the explosions.
The exact cause or details of the explosions were not provided in the article.
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Explosions happened in Damascus while French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting Syria and meeting Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts occurred near the hotel where Macron was staying, but he was safe and the visit continued.
Key Facts
Explosions occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus during Macron's visit.
Macron was meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
Syrian state media reported the blasts were caused by explosive devices.
A vehicle was set on fire, and blood stains were seen near the explosion site.
No group has said they were responsible for the explosions.
There were no immediate reports about injuries or deaths from the blast.
A recent bombing in Damascus killed at least 10 people and wounded 20.
Syrian authorities did not immediately comment on the explosions during Macron’s visit.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and his top general claim that Russia is fighting a war against NATO in Ukraine, despite ongoing losses on the battlefield. Analysts say Russia's public statements about military gains do not match verified facts, as Ukraine continues to hold parts of contested areas.
Key Facts
Russian General Valery Gerasimov said Ukraine’s Western supporters are trying to claim battlefield gains.
Putin urged continued analysis of Western involvement in the Ukraine war.
Putin claimed Russia fully controls Kostiantynivka, but Ukraine still holds parts of the city.
Moscow reports claiming it has gained over 3,000 square kilometers in 2024 are disputed; actual gains are much smaller.
Experts say Putin is spreading false information to maintain support inside Russia.
Russia often marks small advances by soldiers planting flags before being repelled.
Ukrainian officials say Russia is trying to justify expanding the war by calling it a fight against NATO.
Russia plans partial military mobilisation after September parliamentary elections amid economic and fuel shortages.
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Marine Le Pen faces a verdict in her trial over alleged embezzlement of 4.4 million euros from the European Parliament, which could affect her 2027 presidential campaign in France. Meanwhile, China launched a long-range missile into the Pacific Ocean, raising tensions with Australia and New Zealand, and French football captain Kylian Mbappé responded to racist comments made by a Paraguayan senator following France’s World Cup win over Paraguay.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen is on trial for allegedly embezzling 4.4 million euros from the European Parliament.
The trial verdict will influence the start of the 2027 French presidential election campaign.
Jordan Bardella, Le Pen’s party’s second-in-command, has gained popularity and may be a presidential candidate.
China tested a long-range missile over the Pacific Ocean, which followed a defense agreement between Australia and Fiji.
Australian officials view China’s missile test as a sign of growing nuclear capabilities.
A Paraguayan senator made racist remarks about French football captain Kylian Mbappé after France beat Paraguay in the World Cup.
Mbappé called the senator "detestable" and unfit for office; French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the racist comments.
The incident sparked a national conversation in France about racism and sportsmanship.
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Explosions occurred near the hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his visit to Syria. Macron was safe and did not hear the blasts, and his visit continued as planned.
Key Facts
Explosions were heard close to the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus.
French President Emmanuel Macron was staying at that hotel.
Macron was meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Smoke was seen rising near the hotel after the explosions.
Macron was not harmed and was unaware of the explosions.
The Élysée Palace confirmed the visit continued despite the incident.
The incident took place during Macron’s official visit to Syria.
The situation is developing and updates may follow.
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A UK-based couple used a Sri Lankan surrogacy agency and later found out through DNA tests that the twins born were not biologically related to the intended father because donor sperm was used by mistake. The couple denied agreeing to use donor sperm and had to apply for adoption to gain legal parentage of the children.
Key Facts
The couple, called PP and QQ in court papers, used a Sri Lankan surrogacy agency named Wish Fertility.
The agency originally said embryos were made with PP’s sperm but later said donor sperm was also used after claiming the couple consented.
DNA tests for the twins' UK citizenship showed PP was not the biological father of either child.
The couple denied signing any form allowing donor sperm use.
The couple had previously lost twins born after IVF in India due to health problems.
A judge said the couple were not at fault and wanted to raise the children they love.
The judge found it unlikely the clinic could not tell which sperm was used and found no evidence PP’s sperm was used at all.
The couple had to apply for an adoption order instead of a parental order to become legal parents.
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The stars of the movie The Odyssey attended its world premiere red carpet event in London. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, adapts the Ancient Greek epic poem about Odysseus’s journey home after the Trojan War.
Key Facts
The Odyssey world premiere took place in London.
Christopher Nolan directed the film.
Matt Damon plays the main character, Odysseus.
The story is based on the Ancient Greek epic poem by Homer.
The film shows Odysseus’s journey back home after the Trojan War.
Other stars include Anne Hathaway and Zendaya.
The movie’s budget is rumored to be $250 million (about £187 million).
The release of the film is highly anticipated for 2026.
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Hamas announced it is dissolving its government body in Gaza and will transfer control to a United Nations-backed group called the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This move aims to establish an alternative leadership focused on peace and rebuilding, but violence continues and key parties remain skeptical about the change.
Key Facts
Hamas declared the end of its Government Emergency Committee and plans to hand over governance to the NCAG.
The NCAG is supported by the United Nations and was created under President Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
The U.S. State Department said this change could mark a historic shift by removing Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from governing Gaza.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Hamas would keep military control and called for the full implementation of the Trump peace plan, including disarming Hamas.
The Board of Peace group expressed caution, saying actions must follow promises before they accept the change.
Violence between Hamas and Israeli forces continues despite the announcement.
Hamas compared the new arrangement to Hezbollah’s model in Lebanon, which mixes political and military power.
The main demand from international groups is a single authority with control over security and weapons in Gaza.
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A detailed report about mother and baby homes, Magdalene Laundries, and workhouses in Northern Ireland will be published. It is based on records and survivor testimonies and will guide a future public inquiry and financial support scheme for people affected by these institutions.
Key Facts
Over 10,000 women and girls passed through these institutions from the 1920s to the 1990s.
Many of the women had become pregnant because of sexual crimes.
The institutions were mostly run by religious groups and operated in secrecy.
The Truth Recovery Independent Panel, set up in 2023, includes experts and survivors and prepared the report.
A public inquiry lasting about three years and costing £14 million was approved in June 2026 by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
A financial redress scheme will give £12,000 to mothers or children who lived in these institutions, with £2,000 for family members of deceased individuals since 1953.
Around 10,000 people are expected to apply for the compensation, with a total of £90 million planned to be paid out.
The inquiry and compensation scheme need more legislation this autumn before they can formally start.
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NATO leaders, including President Donald Trump, met in Ankara, Turkey, to discuss defense spending and capabilities amid concerns that the US may be unable to supply promised weapons due to depleted stockpiles from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. The summit included talks between President Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with European countries worried about future US support for NATO.
Key Facts
NATO summit took place in Ankara, Turkey, focusing on defense spending and military abilities.
President Donald Trump attended the summit with a large delegation of about 1,400 people.
The US has delayed or canceled deliveries of important weapons like Tomahawk missiles, HIMARS rocket systems, and Patriot missiles to Europe.
These weapons are important for defending Ukraine and Europe against missile attacks, especially from Russia.
Europe is concerned that the US defense industry cannot meet NATO allies’ weapon needs due to stockpile shortages caused by wars in Ukraine and Iran.
Behind the scenes, NATO leaders worked to manage possible unpredictable behavior from President Trump during the talks.
A meeting between President Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy took place before the formal summit events.
Separate from NATO, France awaited a court decision on Marine Le Pen’s ability to run for president after a previous ban due to legal issues.
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Explosions happened near a hotel in Damascus, Syria, on the day French President Emmanuel Macron visited the city. Macron held talks with Syrian officials and is the first major European leader to visit Damascus since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was removed from power in 2024.
Key Facts
Explosive devices went off near a hotel in Damascus where President Macron was staying.
Smoke was seen rising near the affected hotel area.
Ambulances arrived quickly after the explosions.
Macron met with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
Roads were closed and security increased following the blasts.
Macron is the first major EU leader to visit Damascus since Assad’s fall in 2024.
The visit marks a significant moment in diplomatic relations between Europe and Syria.
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Two explosions occurred in Damascus, Syria, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. The blasts happened near busy areas, including a hotel where Macron was scheduled to stay, but the visit continued as planned and no injuries to the president were reported.
Key Facts
At least two bombs exploded in Damascus on Tuesday.
The explosions were near the Ministry of Tourism and a hotel.
President Macron was in the city for talks with Syrian official Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Macron’s office said he did not hear the blasts and continued his visit normally.
A vehicle caught fire as a result of the explosions.
Local authorities closed roads and started an investigation.
Last week, a separate explosion in Damascus killed nine people and injured 20.
The security official called the blast a “criminal act” and feared casualties since it happened in a crowded area.
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The city of Liverpool in England has started a program to find new entrepreneurs who have business ideas inspired by their own life experiences. These people receive a year’s salary and expert help to develop their ideas into real businesses.
Key Facts
Liverpool is searching for “hidden entrepreneurs” with original business ideas.
The program is supported by an organization called Public Life.
Selected entrepreneurs get a year’s wage to work on their ideas.
They also receive mentoring and expert advice.
Ideas come from people’s real-life experiences, such as a mobile hair salon and a sensory travel guide.
The initiative aims to find creative solutions to everyday problems.
The BBC’s "People Fixing The World" series features these entrepreneurs.
The program invites input from listeners through WhatsApp and email.
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A Paraguayan senator criticized French soccer player Kylian Mbappé with racist comments after France beat Paraguay in the World Cup. Mbappé called out the senator for racism, and the senator later asked Mbappé to apologize, accusing him of gender violence and threatening legal action.
Key Facts
France beat Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup Round of 16.
Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla made racist remarks about Mbappé on social media.
Mbappé responded by calling the senator's comments "brazen racism."
The senator’s posts were condemned by Paraguay's government and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Amarilla later regretted using insults but accused Mbappé of gender violence.
Amarilla demanded an apology from Mbappé and threatened to take legal action.
Amarilla stated her criticism was political and linked to her position as a democratically elected official.
The situation is ongoing and may develop further.
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A rare tornado hit cities in central China’s Hubei province, causing severe damage. At least 11 people died, over 300 were injured, and thousands of buildings were damaged as rescue efforts continue.
Key Facts
The tornado occurred in Hubei province, affecting the cities of Ezhou and Huanggang.
At least 11 people have died due to the severe thunderstorms and tornado.
More than 300 people were injured during the storm.
Thousands of buildings were damaged in the affected areas.
Residents reported flying debris and broken glass causing injuries.
Tornadoes are rare in this region; the last one was reported in 2021.
Local authorities have started rescue and relief operations.
The event followed severe thunderstorms spreading across the region.
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Dozens of militants attacked a police post in southwestern Pakistan’s Balochistan province, killing nine police officers and injuring others. Security forces later killed 15 militants in a follow-up operation, and the attackers also briefly abducted eight officers who were later freed.
Key Facts
The attack happened in Ziarat district, a remote area in Balochistan province.
Nine police officers were killed and several were wounded in the gunbattle.
Eight police officers were abducted but later rescued by security forces.
Security forces killed 15 militants in a clearing operation after the attack.
No group has claimed responsibility, but suspicion falls on the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
The BLA recently claimed a separate suicide attack in Jiwani town, also in Balochistan.
The Pakistani Interior Minister accused Indian-backed militants but offered no proof.
Balochistan has ongoing violence from separatist groups like the BLA and attacks from the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).
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