Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Thursday that North Korea is preparing 10,000 troops to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Speaking at NATO headquarters, Zelenskyy warned that this could lead to a “world war.” NATO leaders could not confirm North Korean troop involvement but expressed concern over North Korea’s military support to Russia. Zelenskyy also urged the West to follow his “victory plan,” which includes allowing Ukraine to join NATO and providing longer-range missiles. NATO members, however, remain cautious about further escalation and Ukraine’s potential membership.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Sydney, Australia, on Friday for a six-day tour. A light show at the Sydney Opera House honored their visit, displaying images of past royal tours. The couple was greeted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This is the King’s first visit to Australia as its head of state. During their stay, they will meet leaders, support environmental projects, and attend a naval review. The visit has sparked renewed debate about Australia becoming a republic.

A senior Hamas official has confirmed the death of their leader, Yahya Sinwar, during combat in Rafah. Khalil al-Hayya, deputy leader of Hamas, stated that Sinwar’s death will not weaken the group but rather "only strengthen" their resolve to continue fighting for Palestinian ambitions. Al-Hayya also added that Israeli hostages will not be released until Israel ends its aggression on Gaza and fully withdraws its forces. The death of Sinwar, a key figure in the group, has sparked vows from Hamas and its military wing to continue their resistance until the liberation of Palestine.

Former Indian ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar, criticized Washington's charges against ex-RAW official Vikash Yadav for allegedly orchestrating a failed plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Yadav faces charges of murder-for-hire and money laundering by the US Department of Justice. Shankar suggested that this move is a pressure tactic by the US, warning India against covert operations on American soil. The Indian government confirmed that Yadav is no longer in service. Shankar stressed the importance of India providing concrete evidence against Khalistani extremists to US authorities.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Australia for their first tour as monarchs. The nine-day visit will celebrate the nation’s culture and heritage. Their arrival in Sydney was marked by a light show at the Opera House, featuring images from past royal tours. This trip is King Charles’s 17th visit to Australia and his first since being diagnosed with cancer. Despite his treatment, he paused it to attend the tour. The royal couple’s presence has sparked debate, with some calling for Australia to have its own head of state.

Following the death of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, killed by Israeli forces, speculation rises on who will succeed him. Mohammed Sinwar, Yahya's brother and a senior commander in Hamas’ military wing, is among the top contenders. Others include Mahmoud al-Zahar, a Hamas founder, and Khaled Mashal, former political office leader. Sinwar's successor will shape Hamas' direction and the future of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Yahya Sinwar's leadership style, marked by hardline stances, was significant in escalating tensions, and his death leaves questions about potential ceasefire negotiations.

South Korea’s spy agency reports that 1,500 North Korean troops have already arrived in Russia to support its war effort in Ukraine, with numbers potentially reaching 12,000. This follows Ukrainian President Zelensky's claim that 10,000 North Korean soldiers could be involved. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for international action, warning of a "grave security threat." The report also alleges North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of shells, missiles, and anti-armour rockets. Concerns persist over how these troops will integrate into Russia's forces due to language and combat experience issues.

Reliance Jio has lost 10.9 million users in the second quarter following an increase in its recharge plan tariffs. However, Jio’s 5G subscriber base grew by 17 million, bringing the total user base from 130 million to 147 million. Despite the decline, Jio said the loss would not impact its business significantly. The company emphasized its focus on expanding the 5G network and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services to connect more households. Jio acknowledged the loss but stated that the tariff changes follow a typical trend of users switching to other operators.

The United States has imposed sanctions on two China-based drone suppliers and their Russian partners, marking the first time Chinese firms have been penalized for supplying complete weapons systems to Russia for its war in Ukraine. The US Treasury Department announced Thursday that the Chinese companies were directly involved in arms supplies to Moscow. Washington has previously accused China of aiding Russia’s war effort by providing dual-use goods and components, which Beijing denies. These new sanctions underscore growing tensions over China’s alleged support for Russia in the ongoing conflict.

A baby has died after a migrant boat ran into difficulties in the Channel, French authorities confirmed. The overloaded boat, carrying 65 migrants, encountered trouble off the coast of Wissant in northern France on Thursday evening. Rescue teams, including a French Navy patrol boat and helicopter, were dispatched, finding some migrants in the water. An unconscious baby was retrieved and transferred to the Abeille Normandie rescue tug, but was later declared dead by a doctor. The remaining migrants were rescued in the operation, underscoring the continued dangers of Channel crossings.