A video allegedly showing North Korean troops in Russia has surfaced, as Kim Jong Un reportedly sends 12,000 soldiers to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. South Korean intelligence confirmed that an initial contingent of 1,500 troops had already arrived in Vladivostok. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that North Korea's involvement could escalate the conflict into a "world war." South Korean officials expressed concerns over the grave security threat posed by North Korean troops, while NATO emphasized North Korea's support to Russia through weapons supplies.

Rome may introduce a €1 ticketing system for tourists visiting the iconic Trevi Fountain starting in 2025. The city aims to reduce overcrowding and preserve the historic site, which attracts over 7 million visitors annually. "I would be in favour of looking at a new form of access, limited and timed," said Alessandro Onorato, Rome's tourism official. The proposed system would not affect locals, who can still visit for free. This move follows Venice’s introduction of a €5 entry fee for day-trippers earlier this year, part of a broader effort by Italy to curb over-tourism.

Protests erupted in Jordan following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israel’s military. Demonstrators demanded the Jordanian government support Palestinian resistance and annul its peace treaty with Israel. "Commander Sinwar was martyred, a legend who dazzled the East and the West," one protester told Sky News. The protests were further fueled by Israel's earlier report of killing two armed attackers crossing from Jordan, which Jordan's military denied. The Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan later claimed the attackers as members of their group. Tensions between Jordan and Israel remain high amid growing regional unrest.

The CDC reported a 25-year low in U.S. teen smoking and tobacco use, with just 8% of middle and high school students using tobacco products. The number dropped from 2.8 million users last year to 2.25 million in 2024. "Reaching a 25-year low for youth tobacco product use is an extraordinary milestone," said Deirdre Lawrence Kittner, CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health. E-cigarette use, the most common form, fell to 6%, while traditional smoking declined to just 1.7%. Health officials credit price hikes, public campaigns, and stricter regulations for the drop.

Authorities in Argentina have confirmed that Liam Payne "jumped from the balcony" of his Buenos Aires hotel room, leading to his tragic death. The 31-year-old singer was on holiday with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, to support ex-bandmate Niall Horan. Hotel staff made two emergency calls, with one stating, "We have a guest who's off his head on drugs and is destroying everything." White powder, suspected to be cocaine, was found in his room. A preliminary autopsy revealed Payne suffered "multiple traumas" from a 40-foot fall. The investigation continues as police seek the source of the drugs.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in Gaza after Israeli trainee soldiers unexpectedly discovered him during a routine patrol in Rafah. The trainees, part of an infantry training unit, engaged Sinwar and his bodyguards in a gunfight before cornering him in a damaged building. Sinwar, severely injured, attempted to resist by throwing grenades and later faced tank fire. A drone captured his last moments as he sat wounded. Sinwar’s body was identified through DNA testing, ending a year-long manhunt. His final defiance has heightened his martyr status for some, while his death leaves Gaza's future uncertain.

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.