Australia Confirms First Diphtheria Death in 245-Case Outbreak
Australia has recorded its first diphtheria death in nearly a decade as the country faces the worst outbreak of the vaccine-preventable disease in decades, according to the BBC.
Asia Pacific
Cambodia’s Kem Sokha Pardoned After 27-Year Sentence
Cambodia's former opposition leader Kem Sokha, who was serving a 27-year sentence for treason, has been pardoned, the country's former prime minister said. Hun Sen, currently acting head of state, signed the decree on behalf of King Norodom Sihamoni.
‘Blistering heat’: Indians warned to stay indoors as temperatures soar
Parts of India are experiencing extremely high temperatures, with people in places such as Delhi advised to stay indoors, according to the BBC.
Anger Grows After China’s Deadliest Coal Mine Blast in 2025
China is grappling with its deadliest coal mining disaster in years, after an explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine killed 62 people. Initial investigations point to serious safety violations by the operator, Tongzhou Group, which has been ordered to halt operations at all four of its mines in Shanxi province.
Surveillance video shows moment of China coal mine blast
A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China killed at least 82 people and left two missing, according to officials, with surveillance footage later showing the moment of the blast. The incident marks the worst mining disaster in China since 2009.
Man killed in shark attack off Australia’s north-east coast
A man was killed in a shark attack off the north-east coast of Australia, according to Queensland Police.
Rubio Meets Modi During India Visit as Energy Crisis Looms
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a four-day visit, emphasizing energy security amid a global crisis triggered by the Iran war, according to BBC.
China coal mine explosion kills 82-90, rescue efforts ongoing
A gas explosion at a coal mine in central China's Shanxi Province has killed at least 82 people, with up to 90 fatalities reported by different sources, according to multiple state media outlets.
India and Pakistan Quietly Preparing to Restart Dialogue?
India and Pakistan may be quietly preparing to restart dialogue, as influential voices in India call for engagement with Pakistan, according to Al Jazeera.
Jailed Vietnamese Tycoon’s Birkin Bags Sell for $550K
Two luxury Birkin bags confiscated from jailed Vietnamese businesswoman Truong My Lan sold for more than $550,000 at a government auction, according to the BBC.
Philippines orders arrest of fugitive senator wanted by ICC
The Philippine justice secretary has ordered law enforcement to apprehend fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, according to a news report.
Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay for 93 Countries
Thailand is shortening the visa-free stay period for visitors from 93 countries, including the US and UK, to 30 days from 60, according to government officials.
Xi Jinping and Putin Meet in Beijing Amid 40 Agreements
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are meeting in Beijing, where they plan to sign nearly 40 documents covering trade and infrastructure, according to the Kremlin.
Xi Jinping hosts Putin as China emerges as diplomatic hub
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on May 21, just days after meeting U.S. President Donald Trump, as China positions itself as a key center of global diplomacy, according to Spiegel.
What Really Holds China and Russia Together
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who have described each other as best friends, have a partnership based on strategic interests and mutual benefits, according to BBC.