North Korea slams South Korea-US military drills
North Korea has condemned upcoming joint military drills between South Korea and the US, calling them invasion rehearsals. Kim Yo Jong criticized Seoul’s continued alliance with Washington, despite recent outreach efforts.
South Korea responded, saying it remains committed to peaceful coexistence. Analysts say Pyongyang sees little benefit in engagement while sanctions block economic cooperation, according to Firstpost.
Cambodia and Thailand agree to immediate ceasefire
Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following peace talks in Malaysia. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the truce would begin at midnight, calling it a crucial step toward restoring peace and stability, BBC reported.
The conflict, which escalated on 24 July after months of rising tensions, has left at least 33 people dead and displaced thousands. The ceasefire comes after US President Trump urged both countries to halt hostilities as a condition for ongoing trade discussions with Washington.
The long-running border dispute traces back over a century to territorial divisions made during the French occupation of Cambodia, according to BBC.
Rare 4,000-year-old Egyptian handprint found
A 4,000-year-old handprint has been found on an ancient Egyptian tomb offering by curators preparing for an exhibition, BBC reported.
The discovery was made by University of Cambridge researchers on a "soul house", a type of clay model in the shape of a building, typically found in burials.
Curator Helen Strudwick said the complete handprint, which dates to 2055 to 1650BC, was "a rare and exciting" find.
The ceramic will go on display as part of the university's Made in Ancient Egypt exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum opening on 3 October, according to BBC.
UN chief urges Australia to aim higher as it debates climate goals
The UN's climate chief has urged Australia to take more ambitious climate action, as debate over the country's emissions reduction targets heats up in parliament, BBC reported.
"Bog standard is beneath you," Simon Stiell told the country, arguing "colossal" economic rewards could be reaped by aiming higher.
Australia has pledged to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030, but remains one of the world's biggest polluters per capita and faces criticism for continuing to rely on fossil fuels.
Mr Stiell's comments came as a bill to overturn the nation's goal of net zero emissions by 2050 was moved by an opposition MP in parliament, and the Labor government considers a new reduction target for the next decade - 2035, according to BBC.
