World News Live: After opposing 'big beautiful bill', Senator Thom Tillis says won't run for reelection; Donald Trump says 'great news'
Tillis\u2019 decision opens up the Senate seat in a state that has often seen close races. It also gives Democrats a chance to gain ground in the 2026 midterm elections. Tillis could now play an unpredictable role in the Republican Party, where few members go against Trump. Trump had already been considering supporting a primary challenger against him and reacted to the news by posting, “Great News!”
UNDP chief urges nations to protect aid spending amid global conflicts
The head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) has called for stronger support for international aid, saying it is key to building peace in a world facing multiple crises.<\/p>\n
Speaking ahead of a four-day UN conference in Spain, Haoliang Xu stressed that spending on aid, trade and defence should not be seen as a \u201czero-sum game\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cInternational development cooperation is critical to build the foundations of peace,\u201d Xu said. He pointed out that most of the world\u2019s poor now live in countries affected by conflict.<\/p>\n
Southern Europe battles wildfires as heatwave worsens
Firefighters were deployed across several countries on Sunday as wildfires broke out and temperatures soared across southern Europe. Authorities warned that the ongoing heatwave is likely to intensify in the coming days.<\/p>\n
Fires were reported in parts of France and Turkey, with Spain, Portugal and Italy also on high alert. In Turkey, forest fires broke out in Izmir province, fuelled by strong winds, according to local reports.<\/p>\n
Glastonbury performers spark police probe over anti-Israel chants
A British punk-rap group has come under fire for anti-Israel remarks made during their performance at the Glastonbury music festival, prompting a police investigation.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, Bob Vylan led festival-goers in chanting \u201cDeath, death to the IDF\u201d, referring to the Israeli military. The chant has drawn strong backlash and official condemnation from the UK government.<\/p>\n
Highway robbery suspect killed in police encounter in UP’s Baghpat
A man accused of killing and robbing truck drivers was shot in an encounter with the police in Uttar Pradesh\u2019s Baghpat on Sunday. He later died from his injuries, officials said.<\/p>\n
The accused, identified as Sandeep from Rohtak in Haryana, was wanted in several states. According to ADG STF Amitabh Yash, \u201cThe Noida unit of STF and the Baghpat Police had an encounter with a gang, which looted trucks loaded with goods on highways after killing the drivers. One of them, Sandeep, suffered a bullet injury and was sent to a hospital for treatment. Later, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Netanyahu calls Israel\u2019s war with Iran a \u2018victory\u2019, says focus now on freeing Gaza hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday claimed that Israel’s recent 12-day war with Iran ended in “victory” and opened up new possibilities, including the chance to rescue hostages held in Gaza.<\/p>\n
“Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First of all, to rescue the hostages,” Netanyahu said while speaking to security officials.<\/p>\n