South Korea logged its highest temperature on record, prompting officials to issue an emergency alert telling residents to stop all outdoor activities. The extreme heat poses serious health risks and strains power grids, highlighting the accelerating impact of climate change in the region.

Brazil’s former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has officially launched his bid for a fourth term, centering his campaign on national sovereignty. The announcement sets up a major political showdown as Lula seeks to return to office amid ongoing debates over Brazil’s role in global affairs.

A leaked exam paper in India has been linked to the deaths of several students, who reportedly took their own lives after the incident. The tragedy highlights the severe pressure on students and raises urgent questions about the fairness of the country's examination system.

Wildfires in eastern Washington have destroyed at least 600 structures and prompted evacuation orders for 60,000 residents. The fast-moving blazes are among the most destructive in the region's history, with officials warning of further danger as winds persist. The fires highlight the growing threat of climate-fueled megafires in the American West.

Authorities have formally identified at least five people who say they were abused by late billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed as victims of human trafficking. The confirmation marks a legal recognition of their experiences and could open the door to further investigations into how the former Harrods owner operated. This development underscores the scale of alleged exploitation and strengthens calls for accountability.

A Sudanese army drone attack in Darfur has killed at least 35 people, according to a rights group. The strike adds to the heavy civilian toll in Sudan's ongoing civil war, which has triggered mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis.

The European Union's AI Act rules for general-purpose AI models are now enforceable, marking a major step in global AI regulation. Companies developing or deploying such models in the EU must comply with transparency, copyright, and risk-management obligations. This affects major AI providers and sets a benchmark that could influence regulation elsewhere.

Battery-electric vehicle sales in Europe jumped 50% year-over-year, now accounting for 26% of all new car registrations. This surge, driven by strong demand and policy support, marks a major milestone in the region's transition to electric mobility, with significant implications for automakers and climate targets.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., historically a vaccine critic, is now advising families to vaccinate children against measles amid a growing outbreak in the US. His reversal signals a significant public health stance change, potentially influencing vaccination rates and outbreak control.