WORLD IN BRIEF: Spain’s expired vaccines, China’s visa-free travel for Britons, fatal bus crash in South Africa and other stories

Spain probes expired vaccines given to hundreds of children

Spanish health authorities have opened an investigation after expired childhood vaccines were administered to 253 patients in the Basque Country. Officials say the doses pose no health risk but described the lapse as serious, prompting an internal review of the supply chain.

China executes 11 members of notorious Ming crime syndicate

China has executed 11 members of the Ming family, a powerful criminal gang accused of running brutal cyber-scam centres in Myanmar where trafficked workers were detained, abused and killed. The executions mark Beijing’s harshest step yet in dismantling organised crime networks that flourished for years along the China–Myanmar border.

China grants visa-free travel for Britons after Starmer visit

China has agreed to allow British citizens to enter the country visa-free for up to 30 days following talks between Keir Starmer, British prime minister, and Xi Jinping, Chinese president. The UK government says the move could strengthen trade and people-to-people ties.

France moves to end ‘marital duty’ to have sex

French lawmakers have approved legislation clarifying that marriage does not imply an obligation to sexual relations. Supporters say the move closes a legal loophole and could help deter marital rape.

Nipah virus cases in India trigger airport alerts across Asia

Asian countries have stepped up airport screening after India confirmed two cases of the deadly Nipah virus in West Bengal. Authorities say the infections are contained, but regional surveillance has been intensified.

AFRICA

Deadly crash near Durban kills 11 as road safety comes under scrutiny

At least 11 people were killed after a truck collided head-on with a minibus taxi south of Durban. Investigators cited worn tyres, an expired driver’s licence and possible overloading as contributing factors.

Flights to northern Ethiopia cancelled amid fears of renewed conflict

Passenger flights to Ethiopia’s Tigray region have been suspended as reports emerge of growing instability. The cancellations come amid rising tensions over disputed territory ahead of elections.

Clashes erupt between Ethiopian troops and Tigrayan forces

Fighting has broken out in western Tigray between federal forces and Tigrayan fighters, threatening to unravel a fragile peace deal signed in 2022. Security sources say the situation is deteriorating.

Dozens killed in RSF drone attack in Sudan’s South Kordofan

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces carried out a deadly drone attack on the town of Dilling, hitting military sites and civilian areas including a central market, according to local reports.

Congolese rebel leader denounces US–DRC minerals deal

A rebel leader in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has criticised a US-backed minerals agreement, calling it unconstitutional and opaque. The remarks raise doubts over investment plans a year after M23 rebels seized Goma.