Thailand and Cambodia declare ceasefire after five days of deadly border clashes

Reuters,

After nearly a week of escalating violence that killed dozens and displaced over 200,000, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire brokered in Kuala Lumpur under ASEAN mediation. The fighting erupted over a landmine blast that injured Thai troops, with each side blaming the other for the escalation. Border checkpoints were closed, triggering massive disruptions in trade and labor transit. The ceasefire includes a mutual pullback and a joint demining initiative. While leaders expressed cautious optimism, both sides remain wary amid unresolved territorial claims near ancient temple sites.

Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens as Israeli airstrikes kill dozens

Associated Press,

At least 34 Palestinians, including several children, were killed in a wave of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, despite a 10-hour daily humanitarian pause. Aid organizations welcomed the temporary relief but called it insufficient in addressing the growing humanitarian emergency. UN officials have warned that food, medical supplies, and fuel access remain critically limited. The strikes came just days before a scheduled UN-backed peace summit in New York, which Israel has criticized as “premature and biased.”

Passenger train derails in southern Germany, killing at least three

BBC News,

A regional train carrying over 100 passengers derailed in Baden-Württemberg, southern Germany, killing at least three and injuring dozens more. The accident occurred after days of torrential rain, which officials suspect may have caused a track landslide. Rescue teams worked overnight to extract survivors, and authorities have launched a full investigation. Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered condolences and promised emergency aid. Rail operator Deutsche Bahn has suspended services along the route for safety checks.

Ghana deploys military to quell royal succession violence in north

Al Jazeera,

The Ghanaian government has deployed military reinforcements to the Upper East Region after violent clashes erupted between rival clans over chieftaincy succession. At least seven people have been killed and dozens injured in the latest outbreak of this long-running dispute. The government has condemned the violence and announced a neutral mediation panel. The conflict threatens to destabilize a border region already impacted by transnational security concerns, including militant activity from neighboring Burkina Faso.

Russia cancels Navy Day celebrations amid drone threat from Ukraine

AFP,

Russia dramatically scaled back its Navy Day commemorations in major port cities, citing credible threats from Ukrainian drone attacks. St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, and Vladivostok cancelled planned parades and public festivities. The Kremlin called it a “security-first decision,” highlighting the growing reach of Ukrainian strike capabilities into Russian-held territory. Naval personnel instead held low-profile wreath-laying ceremonies and exercises behind closed doors. The move marks a rare disruption of a long-standing national tradition.

China probes Shaolin Temple’s abbot over corruption allegations

ABC News,

Shi Yongxin, the controversial abbot of the world-famous Shaolin Temple, is under official investigation for financial misconduct and moral violations. Authorities allege misuse of public funds, secret ownership of real estate, and maintaining romantic relationships — accusations that have ignited public criticism of religious commercialization. Known as the “CEO monk,” Shi previously expanded the temple into a global brand through tourism, films, and licensing. The case is being framed as a high-profile example in Beijing’s broader anti-corruption campaign.

Argentina’s senate passes sweeping anti-inflation reforms

Reuters,

Facing double-digit inflation and international debt pressure, Argentina’s senate has passed a major reform package that freezes public sector wages, restructures fuel subsidies, and opens limited markets to foreign investors. The government claims the measures are essential to secure IMF funding, but critics warn of severe short-term pain for working-class citizens. Mass protests erupted in Buenos Aires following the vote, with unions vowing further strikes. The reforms come as Argentina faces its most acute fiscal crisis since 2001.