France to bring in form of military service, 25 years after conscription was phased out

General Horta N'Tam has been sworn in as the transitional leader of Guinea-Bissau following a military coup that resulted in the ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the army headquarters just a day after the military declared total control of the country, which included the detention of the president and the suspension of the electoral process.

Pope Leo XIV has embarked on his first foreign trip to Turkey, emphasizing that the future of humanity is at stake due to ongoing conflicts, which he describes as a third world war being fought piecemeal. This visit is significant as it marks the Pope's inaugural international engagement amid rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly following recent violence in Beirut.

A catastrophic fire erupted in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, resulting in at least 44 fatalities and hundreds reported missing. Firefighters are actively engaged in rescue operations as they search for those unaccounted for after the blaze, which reportedly began on external scaffolding.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new 10-month voluntary military service for young people aged 18 to 19, aimed at strengthening national defense and fostering a closer relationship between the youth and the military. The program is set to begin with 3,000 volunteers and will expand over time, reflecting a proactive approach to potential future conflicts.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has reported that average disposable income in the UK is projected to increase by only 0.5% annually over the next five years, indicating a dismal outlook for household spending power. This stagnation in income growth raises concerns about the financial well-being of families across the country.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has called in a cyber expert to investigate a premature release of Budget analysis documents, which disrupted Chancellor Rachel Reeves's planned statement. Journalists accessed the sensitive information ahead of the official announcement, leading to a chaotic situation for the Labour government.

A catastrophic fire erupted in the Wang Cheong House, a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, resulting in significant destruction and a rising death toll. Footage geolocated by BBC Verify shows the rapid spread of the blaze, which has led to at least 44 fatalities and approximately 279 individuals reported missing. Emergency services are actively engaged in rescue operations as the situation continues to develop.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new voluntary military service program targeting young people aged 18 to 19, aiming to recruit 10,000 individuals by 2030. This initiative comes in response to heightened security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the potential for further conflict in Europe.