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Islamabad, Pakistan – A two‑day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi concluded without a joint statement on the war in Iran, highlighting deep divisions within the bloc as the conflict enters its 77th day.The New Delhi BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting Ends Without Consensus on Iran WarThe gathering, chaired by Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, was the first major ministerial event under India’s 2026 BRICS presidency. Delegates from Iran, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia and the UAE participated, but the outcome document only noted “differing views” among members.Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi pressed for a condemnation of US‑Israeli actions.The UAE’s minister of state for foreign affairs Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar demanded condemnation of Iranian strikes.China was represented by ambassador Xu Feihong while its foreign minister was in Beijing.War Duration, Diplomatic Stalemate and Agreement Gaps in NumbersThe conflict began on 28 February with US‑Israeli strikes on Iranian sites. Since then:The war has lasted 77 days.Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a surge in global energy prices.The US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports on 13 April.BRICS members reached agreement on more than 60 issues (energy, trade, digital infrastructure, climate, multilateral reform) but failed to agree on language condemning either side of the Iran conflict.Implications for BRICS Cohesion and Global South DiplomacyThe deadlock exposes the bloc’s structural fault line: Iran and the UAE are now full members despite being on opposite sides of an active war. Analysts quoted in the article argue that the inability to produce a joint statement signals a broader shift away from bloc politics toward more bilateral, issue‑based diplomacy, a trend that could benefit countries like Pakistan that position themselves as mediators.Future Outlook: Prospects for Consensus Ahead of September SummitWith a BRICS leaders’ summit scheduled for September 2026 in India, the bloc faces pressure to present a united front. The article notes that without a clear consensus on the Iran war, the summit may focus on less contentious areas such as trade and climate cooperation, while the Iran‑UAE dispute could remain unresolved.

The Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Health officials have raised the alarm over an outbreak of the Ebola virus in a remote region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the continent’s top public health body, said on Friday that it has recorded 246 suspected Ebola cases and 65 deaths in the Ituri province in the northeast of the country. Challenges in Controlling the Outbreak Concern is high regarding the potential spread of the virus, with efforts to control it complicated by a precarious security situation in the affected area, which sits on the border with Uganda and South Sudan. The DRC government struggles to secure the east of the country due to activity by armed groups seeking control of valuable mineral deposits. Laboratory Results and Response Efforts Preliminary laboratory results have reportedly detected the Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples tested. The outbreak comes about five months after the DRC’s last Ebola bout was declared to be over, leaving 43 people dead. Africa CDC expressed concern over the risk that the new outbreak could spread rapidly due to intense population movement, the poor security situation in affected areas, and control challenges. Immediate Priorities and Future Outlook The agency said it is convening an urgent high-level meeting with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, together with key partners, including UN agencies and other countries, to reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness and response efforts. “The meeting will focus on immediate response priorities, cross-border coordination, surveillance, laboratory support, infection prevention and control, risk communication, safe and dignified burials, and resource mobilization,” it added in its statement.

The Decline of Childminders in England The number of childminders in England has roughly halved over the past decade, with many citing rising costs, low pay, and increasing paperwork as reasons for leaving the profession. Childcare organisations have also warned that upcoming tax changes could push more childminders out of the sector. The Reasons Behind the Decline Campaigners say the decline is making it harder for families to find flexible and affordable childcare, particularly in areas already struggling with shortages. The Guardian is seeking to hear from childminders who are considering leaving the profession, as well as parents and carers who have been affected. Share Your Experience Readers can share their experiences using a form provided by the Guardian. The form allows users to provide details about their situation and how the decline of childminders has affected them. The Impact on Families The decline of childminders is having a significant impact on families, particularly those in need of flexible and affordable childcare. The Guardian's call for readers to share their experiences highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. What's Next? As the number of childminders continues to decline, it is likely that the issue will remain a pressing concern for families and childcare organisations. The Guardian's investigation aims to shed light on the situation and potentially inform policy changes that could support the childcare sector.

The Third Nakba The Kaabneh Bedouin community in the West Bank is facing its third forced displacement since 1948, with Israeli settlers and military forces driving them out of their homes and lands. The community's leader, Abu Najjeh, describes the ongoing crisis as the 'third Nakba'. A History of Displacement The Kaabneh community was first expelled from their homes in 1948, during the Nakba, and again in 1967, when Israel captured the West Bank. In 2023, they were forcibly displaced from their community of Ein Samiya, and have since been relocated multiple times. The Current Crisis The community is currently living in a temporary tent in Rammun, but Israeli settlers have established an outpost nearby, and attacks have resumed. The community's livestock, which was once a thriving livelihood, has been decimated, and many family members have been forced to scatter to other areas. The Humanitarian Crisis The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that since January 2023, over 5,900 people from 117 communities across the West Bank have experienced full or partial displacement due to settler attacks and related access restrictions. At least 45 communities have been erased completely. The Future Outlook The Kaabneh community's situation is a microcosm of the larger crisis facing Palestinians in the West Bank. With ongoing settler violence and military attacks, the humanitarian situation is likely to continue to deteriorate. The international community must take action to address the root causes of the conflict and protect the rights of Palestinian communities.

Early signs point to the United States and China moving towards a relationship focused on pragmatic areas of common interest following President Donald Trump's trip to China, according to analysts, setting aside the turmoil that marked 2025. Business‑First Agenda Sets the Tone at the Beijing Summit The three‑day summit in Beijing brought together Donald Trump and Xi Jinping alongside a delegation of top American CEOs, including the heads of Apple, Nvidia, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs. The White House readout highlighted "ways to enhance economic cooperation" and "expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into our industries". Notably, the statement omitted any reference to China’s rare‑earth export controls, a strategic lever in the tech and defence sectors. Financial Stakes: $14 bn Taiwan Arms Deal and Market Access Promises $14 bn arms deal for Taiwan reportedly in the works, pending Trump’s sign‑off. Potential expansion of market access for U.S. firms in sectors ranging from semiconductors to finance. Chinese interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. Geopolitical Ripple Effects: From Taiwan to the Strait of Hormuz Both leaders sidestepped several flashpoints. While Xi called Taiwan the "most important issue" in the bilateral relationship, neither side mentioned concrete steps on the island or on future arms sales. The summit also touched on the Strait of Hormuz, with both leaders agreeing it must remain open for global energy flows, despite ongoing conflict in the region. What Comes Next: Potential Shifts in Trade, Security and Energy Cooperation Analysts such as William Yang (Crisis Group) and Chucheng Feng (Hutong Research) view the summit as an attempt to lay a "floor" for the relationship, establishing guardrails while leaving item‑by‑item disagreements secondary. The next months will test whether the business‑first rhetoric translates into tangible policy – from the fate of the Taiwan arms package to renewed Chinese investment in U.S. industries and coordinated efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

The LeadOn Friday the River Thames at Ham will host its first official swimming season as the inaugural designated bathing water in London, joining 12 other newly recognised sites across England.Thames at Ham Designated as London’s First Official Bathing WaterThe stretch of the Thames in south‑west London has been granted bathing water status after campaigners, led by Marlene Lawrence of the Teddington Bluetits, submitted evidence of year‑round swimming activity. Lawrence said, “This is amazing for the river and for the many people who enjoy it.”Nationwide Roll‑out of 13 New Bathing Water SitesEnvironmental Minister Emma Hardy announced that the new designations bring the total to 13 new monitored swimming areas across England. The sites are:Canvey Island foreshore, EssexEast Beach at West Bay, Bridport, DorsetFalcon Meadow, Bungay, SuffolkGranville Parade Beach, Sandgate, KentLittle Shore, Amble, NorthumberlandNew Brighton Beach (east), MerseysideNewton and Noss Creeks, DevonPangbourne Meadow, BerkshireQueen Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury, WiltshireRiver Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, CheshireRiver Fowey in Lostwithiel, CornwallRiver Swale in Richmond, YorkshireRiver Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater LondonEnvironmental and Economic ImplicationsThe new bathing water designations expand monitoring by the Environment Agency, which will conduct weekly sampling and publish results online. Hardy highlighted the benefits: “better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism and greater confidence for local swimmers.” The move follows years of limited bathing water status, which was previously confined to coastal waters and lakes, and aims to curb sewage discharge, PFAS, and agricultural runoff.Future Outlook for River Clean‑up and MonitoringContinued oversight will involve the regulator working with communities, farmers and water companies. At Ilkley, Yorkshire Water is already investing over £85m in infrastructure to improve water quality after the Wharfe received bathing status five years ago. The Thames designation is expected to drive similar upgrades and reinforce the government’s “generational reform” of the water sector.

Guardian’s Visual Tour of Heritage Apartments for SaleThe Guardian published a picture‑focused article that displays a selection of Art Deco and modernist flats now on the market in England and Scotland. Each listing is accompanied by high‑resolution images that emphasize the distinctive design elements of the properties.Geographic Distribution of the Featured ListingsEngland – multiple cities and coastal townsScotland – notable listings in Edinburgh, Glasgow and surrounding areasWhat the Listings Reveal About Current Heritage‑Property DemandWhile the article does not provide aggregate price data, the presence of numerous listings suggests sustained interest from buyers seeking period‑specific architecture. The visual emphasis on original features such as terrazzo flooring, curved staircases and streamlined façades underscores the premium placed on authentic design.Implications for the UK Property MarketHeritage‑focused flats often attract a niche segment of buyers, including investors, preservation enthusiasts and lifestyle purchasers. Their availability across both England and Scotland may signal a broader willingness among sellers to capitalize on the growing appreciation for mid‑20th‑century architecture.Looking Ahead: Potential Trends for Art Deco and Modernist HomesGiven the current visibility of these properties, market observers might anticipate increased competition for similar units, especially as media coverage raises public awareness. Future listings could see heightened price sensitivity and a stronger emphasis on conservation‑grade certifications.

The Trump-Xi Summit: Low Expectations US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to meet, but expectations for a significant trade deal are low due to deep-seated mistrust and competing interests between the two nations. Setting the Stage for the Summit Before arriving for his high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump aimed to set expectations high. He said he’d urge Xi to “open up” China’s economy and announced a delegation of top business executives, including Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, to accompany him. The Data Analysis: Economic Implications The average US tariff on Chinese goods stood at 47.5 percent after the South Korea summit, up from 3.1 percent before Trump’s first term, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics. China’s average tariff on US goods stood at 31.9 percent, up from 8.4 percent in 2018, according to the think tank. Two-way goods trade amounted to about $415bn in 2025, down sharply from its 2022 peak of $690bn. The Impact Analysis: US-China Relations “It is important to be clear eyed about the state of relations here,” Claire E. Reade, a senior counsel at Arnold & Porter who previously worked on China at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), told Al Jazeera. “China does not trust the US, and China wants to beat the US in what it sees as long term global competition,” Reade said. “This limits what can be agreed.” The Prediction: Future Outlook “A realistic ‘opening up’ of the Chinese market would likely focus first on sectors where the economic complementarity is most obvious,” Taiyi Sun, an associate professor of political science at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, told Al Jazeera. “Agricultural goods such as soybeans and beef, as well as high-value-added manufacturing products like Boeing aircraft, are natural areas for expansion because they match existing Chinese demand with American export strengths.”

Acute Hunger Surge Amid Sudan’s Three‑Year ConflictThe Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released a stark update on Thursday, confirming that nearly 19.5 million Sudanese are confronting acute hunger, representing over 40 percent of the nation’s population. The ongoing clash between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has crippled food production, disrupted supply routes, and forced millions into displacement.IPC Findings Reveal Scale of Food InsecurityThe report highlights fourteen hotspots across North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan where famine risk is highest. In these zones, roughly 135,000 people are already experiencing “catastrophic” hunger levels. Cities such as el‑Fasher and Kadugli, previously under siege, remain vulnerable despite recent military shifts.Numbers Paint a Grim Picture: 19.5 Million in Crisis19.5 million people facing acute hunger (down from 21.2 million last year)825,000 children projected to suffer severe acute malnutrition14 regions at imminent famine risk135,000 individuals in “catastrophic” hungerGrace Oongee of the Norwegian Refugee Council warned that families are resorting to “very negative coping mechanisms,” including eating leaves, animal feed, and even breaking into closed slaughterhouses for meat skins.Humanitarian Fallout and Regional Ripple EffectsAccess restrictions, ongoing drone strikes, and the targeting of markets, hospitals, and power stations have compounded the crisis. The UN’s human‑rights office records at least 880 civilian deaths from drone attacks since January. Additionally, the broader geopolitical climate—particularly the US‑Israel conflict with Iran—has driven up food, fuel, and fertilizer prices, jeopardizing the upcoming harvest season.Looking Ahead: Famine Risk and Aid ImperativesWith Sudan’s rainy season approaching in July, the lean planting period could exacerbate food shortages. The IPC cautions that renewed siege‑like conditions around key supply corridors, such as El Obeid in North Kordofan, could push more areas into famine. Immediate, unhindered humanitarian assistance and sustained international attention are essential to prevent the situation from becoming an invisible, yet catastrophic, crisis.