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- Commuters advised to check travel plans as heat alert issues ahead of 38°C temperatures
- Russia officials accused of abducting and indoctrinating thousands of Ukrainian children
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Europe
Spain experienced its first total solar eclipse in over a century on Wednesday, transforming day into night for a brief period. Crowds gathered across the country to witness the spectacle, as the lunar shadow journeyed from the northern coast to the Balearic Islands, captivating onlookers with the Sun’s shimmering corona.
Mount Etna’s ongoing eruption, now in its sixth day, has severely disrupted air traffic in Sicily, prompting Catania–Fontanarossa Airport to suspend all flights. Approximately 443 flights have been cancelled or diverted, affecting travel plans and local events amid peak summer season activity.
Switzerland is increasing water discharge from Lake Lugano to aid Lake Maggiore amid severe water shortages affecting northern Italy. The flow will rise from 3 to 8 cubic metres per second, a temporary measure to support irrigation needs and lake levels, coordinated through the Italian-Swiss Bilateral Consultation Body.
A brutal heatwave will persist across Europe this weekend, with record temperatures recorded in the UK, France, and Germany. As Paris bans alcohol in public and postpones the Pride March, emergency services respond to increased callouts amid extreme conditions, with temperatures peaking at 39°C in the French capital.
Ukraine has announced the destruction of a key railway bridge over the North Crimean Canal, delivering a significant blow to Russia’s control in the occupied Crimean peninsula. This strike marks the first major demolition in a series of operations by Kyiv’s forces.
Poland’s president has rescinded the country’s highest state honour from Ukraine’s president, prompting current and former Ukrainian officials to renounce their own awards. This development reflects escalating tensions between the two nations amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
A Spanish court has ordered Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial for corruption, embezzlement, and similar charges. She is banned from leaving Spain and must surrender her passport, appearing before the court bi-monthly until the case concludes.
The Sweden Democrats (SD), previously a far-right pariah, have emerged as a key political player, now the nation’s second-largest party. Following shifts in alliances post-2018 elections, SD’s influence on immigration and criminal justice policies has been increasingly normalised within the government, reflecting a significant political transformation.
At least 58 states and territories are affected by anti-personnel mines, according to UN rights chief Volker Türk. The report highlights significant civilian casualties, with approximately 90% of victims in 2024 being civilians, primarily in Myanmar, Syria, and Afghanistan. Recommitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty is urged.
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