Author: Rini S Akkara

Australia: Australian budget airline Jetstar has sparked widespread debate after announcing that passengers will soon have to pay to store larger carry-on bags in overhead lockers, with the new policy set to take effect from February. Under the revised baggage rules, all passengers will still be allowed to bring one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of them. However, travellers wishing to carry a larger cabin bag in the overhead compartment will need to purchase an overhead locker allowance, which also includes priority boarding. Jetstar said the changes follow extensive research and feedback from both customers…

Michigan: Michigan health officials have confirmed the first two deaths associated with the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak in the United States, marking a significant development in the nationwide foodborne illness that has affected thousands of people. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the two individuals who died had significant underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by cyclosporiasis and dehydration caused by the infection. Authorities did not release additional details about the victims. The outbreak has now spread to 45 US states, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting nearly 7,000 laboratory-confirmed…

Washington: Alexandra Eala has created history by becoming the first Filipino player to win a WTA singles title after defeating top seed Jessica Pegula in a dramatic, weather-disrupted Washington Open final. The championship match, originally scheduled, was repeatedly interrupted by heavy rain and lightning in the US capital. Pegula, the world No. 3, claimed the opening set 6-4 before play was halted with Eala leading 2-1 in the second set. The match was eventually postponed due to severe weather conditions. When play resumed, the 21-year-old Filipino produced a remarkable comeback. Eala levelled the match by winning the second set 6-4…

Washington: Japan and the United States have confirmed a rare coordinated intervention in currency markets to support the Japanese yen after it weakened to its lowest level in nearly 40 years. The move, announced by Japan’s Ministry of Finance and backed by the US Treasury Department, aims to curb excessive volatility and restore stability to global financial markets. The announcement followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said Washington was assisting Japan as a gesture of friendship and to support the global economy. The coordinated intervention had an immediate impact on currency markets. The yen surged by as much…

Havana: Cuba has been plunged into another nationwide blackout after the country’s national electricity grid collapsed, leaving millions without power and deepening the island’s ongoing energy crisis. The state-run Electric Union (UNE) announced the collapse through its official social media channels but did not immediately disclose the cause of the failure, the full extent of the disruption, or a timeline for restoring electricity. Hours before the complete grid failure, Havana’s electricity company had reported multiple outages caused by damaged transformers, circuit failures, and scheduled power cuts due to insufficient electricity generation. Several municipalities, including Guanabacoa, Habana del Este, La Lisa,…

Lima: Former Peruvian President Ollanta Humala has been released from prison after Peru’s Constitutional Court overturned his 15-year prison sentence in a landmark ruling tied to the sprawling Odebrecht corruption scandal. The Constitutional Court declared the entire criminal proceedings against Humala null and void, ruling that he had been convicted for conduct that was not legally classified as money laundering at the time the alleged campaign contributions were received. Humala, 64, had been serving his sentence at a special detention facility in eastern Lima that houses several jailed former Peruvian presidents. The former army officer, who served as Peru’s president…

Glasgow: Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has created history by becoming the country’s first-ever athletics gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games after producing a sensational performance to win the men’s javelin throw final at the 2026 edition in Glasgow. The 23-year-old delivered a winning throw of 89.75 metres, overcoming a world-class field that included Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem and India’s Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra. Pathirage entered the competition as an underdog but held his nerve despite difficult conditions at Scotstoun Stadium. Remarkably, he managed just one valid throw in his opening five attempts, but his impressive 89.75m…

Kenya: The deaths of 15 elephants near Kenya’s Amboseli National Park over the past month were likely caused by cyanide poisoning linked to pesticides used on nearby tomato farms, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). KWS Director General Erustus Kanga said laboratory analysis of samples collected from the elephant carcasses detected traces of cyanide, a highly toxic chemical compound commonly used in agriculture as a pest fumigant and predator control poison. Cyanide has also been used by poachers to kill wildlife. Kanga stated that, “Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical. If elephants consume cyanide, they cannot survive a day…

Sydney: The Pacific island nation formerly known as Nauru has adopted its traditional name, becoming the Republic of Naoero, following a constitutional amendment approved by parliament in May. President David Adeang confirmed the change in a social media post, announcing that the government had decided against holding a national referendum. David Adeang said the renaming was not about introducing a new identity but recognising one that has long existed among the country’s people. Adeang remarked that, “The decision not to pursue a referendum was reached after thoughtful deliberation that Naoero is not a new name seeking acceptance by the people.…

Kumamoto: The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck southwestern Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture has risen to 34, as emergency teams continue search-and-rescue operations with ongoing aftershocks and extreme summer temperatures. The magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit Kyushu Island, causing widespread destruction to homes, commercial buildings, and critical infrastructure. Authorities said several victims were killed after part of the Aeon shopping centre in Kashima collapsed, followed by an explosion that tore through the mall about an hour later. Investigators believe the blast was likely caused by a gas explosion, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Rescue teams, supported by thousands…