Author: Trainee Reporter

Port Moresby: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced another setback in his pushback against China’s influence in the Pacific, with a major defence treaty with Papua New Guinea (PNG) postponed due to sovereignty concerns. A deal, known as the Pukpuk mutual defence treaty, had been expected to be signed during Albanese’s visit to Port Moresby. Instead, the prime minister left without formalising the agreement with PNG Prime Minister James Marape, with both governments agreeing to continue negotiations. Albanese downplayed the delay, attributing it to cabinet deliberations coinciding with PNG’s independence commemorations. The two countries, however, signed a joint communique…

Machu Picchu: At least 900 tourists have remained stranded in the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, after passenger train services were suspended due to protests, Peru’s tourism minister confirmed. Authorities said around 1,400 visitors had been evacuated. However, hundreds were still stuck after residents blocked the tracks with large rocks and damaged parts of the rail line in Cusco’s mountainous region. PeruRail, the company operating the route, reported that ‘third parties’ had also excavated parts of the track, affecting stability and delaying evacuation efforts. The demonstrations erupted over a dispute involving the replacement of tourist bus…

Gaza: A United Nations commission of inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing ‘reasonable grounds’ to conclude that four out of the five genocidal acts defined under international law have been carried out since the war with Hamas began in October 2023. The commission’s report points to mass killings, severe bodily and mental harm, destruction of essential infrastructure, denial of aid, forced displacement, and measures intended to prevent births as evidence of systematic acts against Palestinians. It also underscores statements by Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former Defence Minister…

Bordeaux: France’s hopes of reaching the Women’s Rugby World Cup final have suffered a major setback after flanker Axelle Berthoumieu and captain Manaé Feleu were both suspended following their quarter-final victory over Ireland. Berthoumieu was banned for 12 matches after being found guilty of biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during the clash in Bordeaux, a sanction reduced from an initial 18-game suspension. The flanker is appealing against the length of the ban, which would keep her sidelined until March 2026 if upheld. Feleu, meanwhile, received a three-match suspension for a high tackle in the same game. Her ban could be cut…

London: England opener Phil Salt has declared his ambition to become the ‘best in the world’ after a breathtaking unbeaten century powered England to a commanding 146-run victory over South Africa at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old produced the innings of his life, hammering 141 not out from 60 deliveries, including 23 boundaries and eight sixes, to propel England to a monumental 304-2, the highest total in T20 internationals between Test nations. South Africa were bowled out for 158 in reply, leaving the three-match series tied at 1-1 ahead of decider in Nottingham. Salt raced to a 39-ball century, the fastest…

Kathmandu: Nepal’s former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki has been sworn in as the country’s interim prime minister after mass anti-corruption protests forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the dissolution of parliament. Karki, 73, took the oath of office in a brief ceremony, becoming the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation. Her appointment follows days of negotiations between President Ram Chandra Poudel, protest leaders, and legal experts, with Nepal’s army chief playing a key role in brokering the deal. The announcement comes after one of Nepal’s deadliest bouts of political unrest in decades. More…

Australia: The lifetime of one of Australia’s largest fossil fuel projects has been extended by four decades, allowing the North West Shelf project to operate until 2070. The extension comes just days before the federal government is expected to announce its emissions reduction targets for 2035. Australia, one of the world’s highest per capita polluters, has pledged to cut emissions by 43 percent by 2030. Critics argue that continuing to rely heavily on fossil fuels undermines global climate goals. Environment Minister Murray Watt defended the decision, stating the extension includes dozens of strict conditions. Woodside Energy, the operator of the…

California: Microsoft (MSFT.O) and OpenAI have announced that they have signed a non-binding agreement setting new relationship terms, paving the way for OpenAI to restructure into a for-profit entity. The move signals a new phase in one of the most high-profile partnerships fuelling the global AI boom. While financial details of the revised commercial terms were not disclosed, both companies confirmed they are working toward finalising a definitive agreement. The talks represent a crucial step as OpenAI seeks to adopt a more conventional corporate governance structure, raise fresh capital, and eventually pursue a public listing to fund its rapid AI…

Colorado: Authorities in Colorado have confirmed that the suspect in a high school shooting has died from self-inflicted injuries. The incident occurred at Evergreen High School, located in a small town outside Denver. Police identified the suspect as a male student of the school, who attacked 12:30pm (18:30 GMT). Two students were injured during the shooting and rushed to a nearby hospital. While they were initially reported to be in critical condition, officials later said their injuries are not life-threatening. Their names have not yet been released. Jacki Kelley, public information officer at the Jeffco County Sheriff’s Office, told that…

Bali: Rescue teams in Indonesia have recovered at least 15 bodies following deadly flash floods and landslides that struck Bali and East Nusa Tenggara, with authorities confirming that 10 people remain missing. Torrential rains triggered rivers to overflow, inundating homes, markets, and tourist areas, while mudslides buried villages across the affected provinces. In East Nusa Tenggara’s Nagekeo district, rescuers retrieved the bodies of a mother and her child buried under mud in Mauponggo village, along with a man from nearby Loka Laba. Three members of a family had earlier been found dead after their home was swept away, while four…