Violent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia reignited on July 24–25, 2025, centring on Ta Muen Thom, part of the ancient Khmer temple complex bordering Surin (Thailand) and Oddar Meanchey (Cambodia) provinces . The dispute over the broader Preah Vihear temple region dates back to colonial-era boundary maps and escalated when ICJ awarded sovereignty of the temple to Cambodia in 1962 and reaffirmed it in 2013 . Nationalism, landmine incidents injuring Thai troops, and a politically explosive leaked phone call involving Thailand’s prime minister further heightened tensions.

Intense clashes erupted on July 24–25, 2025, along the disputed Thailand–Cambodia border, near the historic Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples. Cambodia reportedly used BM‑21 rockets and artillery, targeting Thailand’s Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, while Thailand responded with F‑16 airstrikes . At least 14 people were killed, including Thai civilians and one child, and 46 wounded; Cambodia confirmed one civilian death, with 5 injured . The Thai government evacuated over 100,000 people, while Cambodia relocated 1,500 families . Diplomatic ties collapsed: Thailand withdrew its ambassador and expelled Cambodia’s envoy. Global leaders, including the UN and US, have demanded an immediate ceasefire and civilian protection. (PC: Reuters)

In a significant diplomatic shift, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. Macron emphasized that the decision aligns with France’s commitment to a peaceful two-state solution and international law. The move comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Macron also calling for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and demilitarization of Hamas. Israel and the United States strongly condemned the plan, calling it counterproductive. However, the Palestinian Authority welcomed it, praising France’s recognition as a step toward justice and sovereignty. (PC: The Hindu)

India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during PM Narendra Modi’s London visit, projected to boost bilateral trade by $34 billion annually. Hailing it as the “most historic” pact, Modi said the FTA would benefit India's youth, farmers, MSMEs, and sectors like textiles, seafood, and engineering. UK PM Keir Starmer called it the “biggest and most significant trade deal since leaving the EU,” adding, “It boosts wages, raises living standards, and puts more money in people’s pockets.” The FTA will ease exports for both nations, cutting tariffs on whisky, medical devices, textiles, and more. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer marked the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement with a symbolic ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ at Chequers. The leaders shared masala chai, reflecting growing people-to-people ties. The deal, signed by ministers Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds, is hailed as the most significant post-Brexit trade agreement by the UK. Modi also gifted a signed T20 World Cup bat to Buckinghamshire street cricketers and admired a Premier League trophy. He called the deal a “blueprint for shared prosperity,” while Starmer highlighted the historic and cultural bonds uniting India and the UK. (PC: X)

Melbourne’s Swaminarayan Temple and two Asian-run restaurants were defaced with hate graffiti just a day after Indian student Charanpreet Singh was brutally attacked in Adelaide. The temple bore the slur “Go home brown c***” in red paint. “To have it targeted in this way feels like an attack on our identity,” said Makrand Bhagwat of the Hindu Council. Premier Jacinta Allan called it a “deliberate act of hate… designed to intimidate.” Singh, 23, was left unconscious and hospitalised with brain trauma after being punched repeatedly. Irish police are also probing a suspected hate crime against an Indian man in Dublin. (PC: HT)

A 1,000-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has become the epicentre of a violent conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Clashes erupted after a Cambodian drone was spotted near the Ta Muen Temple Complex, triggering airstrikes and diplomatic fallout. The Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, located on the Dangrek border ridge, features a natural rock Shivling, Sanskrit inscriptions, and iconography tracing to India’s Gupta and Pallava dynasties. Originally Shaivite Hindu, the temple later became a Buddhist centre under Khmer rule. The border dispute, fuelled by colonial-era maps, has turned this forgotten heritage site into a modern-day flashpoint. (PC: India Today)

At least 12 people have died in clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops at their shared border. Most of the dead are Thai civilians, including children. One Thai soldier was also killed. The fighting started on Thursday, with both sides blaming each other. Thailand said Cambodia used rockets and drones. In return, Thailand launched air strikes. Thailand has closed its border and moved 40,000 people to safety. Cambodia has cut ties and said Thailand used too much force. The conflict is over a long-disputed area near an old temple. Both countries have sent more troops to the border. (PC: India Today)

The UN says 6,000 trucks of food and aid are ready to enter Gaza, but access is blocked. It warns that hunger in Gaza is worse than ever. A doctor in Gaza said children are fainting from malnutrition. More than 100 aid groups say people are starving due to Israel's blockade. At least 113 people have died from hunger since October. Prices in Gaza are very high—flour now costs over £400. Many risk their lives to get aid. A man was shot while trying to get food. The UN urges Israel to allow full aid entry to save lives. (PC: Getty Images)

Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest stars in wrestling history, died at 71 after a heart attack at his Florida home. He passed away on July 24, 2025. WWE confirmed the news and shared condolences. Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s with his strong image and famous line, “Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins.” He won many titles and led top WrestleMania matches. Hogan later joined WCW and formed the nWo group, shocking fans. He also acted in films and had a reality show. Hogan was added to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was a true icon. (PC: AP)