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The identities of over 100 British officials, including MI6 and special forces members, were exposed in a major Ministry of Defence data breach, alongside sensitive details of nearly 19,000 Afghans who worked with the UK during the Afghanistan war, according to BBC.

The breach, caused by an email error in February 2022, went unnoticed until August 2023 when part of the data appeared online. Some affected Afghans now fear Taliban reprisals, though the group denies targeting them.

In response, the government launched a covert resettlement scheme, relocating 4,500 Afghans, with 2,400 more expected. Defence Secretary John Healey called it a “serious departmental error,” while the Ministry of Defence stressed it takes personnel security seriously but declined to comment on special forces, BBC reported.

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump is being treated for chronic venous insufficiency, a common and non-serious condition affecting blood flow in the legs, BBC reported.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump experienced leg swelling and underwent vascular testing. The bruising on his hand, she added, was due to frequent handshaking while taking aspirin, part of his routine heart health regimen.

White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella noted the condition is typical in people over 70 and confirmed there are no signs of deep vein thrombosis, heart failure, or other underlying issues. Trump remains in “excellent health,” with all test results within normal limits.

The update follows public speculation after recent photos showed the president with swollen legs and bruised hands, according to BBC.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Guang Cong as his new special envoy for the Horn of Africa, replacing Hanna Serwaa Tetteh of Ghana. The UN expressed gratitude for Tetteh’s leadership and service, Xinhua reported.

Cong brings over two decades of experience in international affairs, much of it focused on the Horn of Africa. He currently serves as Deputy Special Representative for South Sudan with the UN mission there. Before joining the UN in 2002, he held various roles in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At least 19 people were killed by lightning in Bihar over the past 24 hours amid heavy rain and thunderstorms, officials said Thursday. Most victims were struck while working outdoors or sheltering under trees, Hindustan Times reported.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences and announced compensation for the families. He urged the public to stay alert and follow weather advisories.

The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued lightning and rain in several districts as the monsoon remains active.

At least 594 people have been killed in violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin communities in Syria’s Suweida province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The fighting, which turned sectarian, included alleged executions and heavy civilian casualties, according to BBC.

Among the dead are 300 Druze, including civilians and fighters, and over 250 government personnel. Israeli airstrikes, reportedly aimed at protecting the Druze, also killed several government troops and struck key sites in Damascus.

The Syrian government declared a ceasefire and withdrew forces, but Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri rejected it, vowing continued resistance. Israel has pledged to prevent further Syrian military presence in the south.

Syria’s interim president condemned the Israeli strikes, warning of attempts to destabilize the country, and pledged to safeguard the rights of all communities, BBC reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed regret after an Israeli strike mistakenly hit the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, killing three civilians and injuring others, including the parish priest.

Netanyahu called the incident a tragedy and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting civilians and religious sites. The Israel Defense Forces said the church was struck unintentionally by shell fragments during operations, and the incident is under review, according to BBC.

Pope Leo XIV voiced sorrow over the loss and renewed calls for a ceasefire, while the Latin Patriarchate urged an immediate end to the war.

Iceland is preparing to launch formal negotiations with the European Union on a security and defense partnership, Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir announced during a joint press briefing with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Keflavik, according to Xinhua.

Both leaders expressed optimism that talks could begin in the coming weeks, with hopes of reaching an agreement by the end of the year.

Frostadottir also confirmed that the government is actively considering a national referendum on whether to restart EU accession talks.

Representatives from 36 countries gathered in Brazil on Wednesday for the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, focusing on deeper cooperation and a stronger voice for the Global South.

Xinhua President Fu Hua highlighted BRICS’ growing role in uniting developing nations and pushing for fairer global governance. Speakers from China, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, and Central America called for inclusive development, media collaboration, and resistance to external interference.

The forum concluded with a joint report and two new initiatives to boost South-South communication and content sharing, reinforcing BRICS as a platform for global reform, Xinhua reported.