Will Japan’s ‘near alliance’ with the Philippines fuel China’s suspicions?

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to skip the upcoming G7 summit in Canada—marking his first absence in six years. Analysts see this as a sign that strained relations between India and Canada aren’t improving, even after Canada’s recent government change. The summit, set for mid-June in Alberta, will host leaders from major economies, but India’s absence speaks volumes about the chilly diplomatic climate.

Editor’s Note: Diplomatic snubs like this aren’t just about calendars—they’re signals. Modi’s no-show suggests that behind-the-scenes tensions (think trade disputes, political spats, or even intelligence disagreements) are still simmering. For Canada, it’s a missed chance to mend fences with a key global player. For the rest of the world, it’s a reminder that even routine summits can reveal deeper rifts.

China's Tiandu-1 satellite has successfully entered a unique 3:1 resonant orbit, meaning it circles Earth three times for every one lunar orbit—a fuel-efficient path that could be a game-changer for future moon missions. However, US and Canadian experts are pushing back, arguing they’ve achieved similar feats before. This orbit is a big deal for building lunar infrastructure, like navigation systems for deep-space travel, but the "who did it first" debate is heating up.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about bragging rights—mastering this orbit could give China an edge in setting up moon bases or interplanetary navigation, much like GPS but for space. The controversy highlights how competitive (and murky) space achievements can be, especially when national prestige is on the line. For the rest of us, it’s a peek into the behind-the-scenes race to control the next frontier.

Wildfires raging across Canada are creating a dangerous double whammy: hazardous smoke is blanketing parts of Canada and the US, triggering air quality alerts, while the plume has even crossed the Atlantic to Europe. Over 26,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as the fires spread, marking yet another extreme weather event for the country.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a local problem—it’s a snapshot of how climate-driven disasters ripple across borders. The fact that smoke from Canadian fires is affecting air quality thousands of miles away shows how interconnected environmental crises are becoming. For people in the path of the smoke, it’s more than just hazy skies; it’s a health risk, especially for vulnerable groups. And with wildfires intensifying, it’s a grim reminder that these events aren’t anomalies—they’re the new normal.

Erin Patterson, the woman at the center of Australia’s infamous "mushroom lunch" case, admitted in court that she lied to her guests about having cancer but maintains her innocence in the deaths of three people who ate a beef Wellington she prepared. The 2023 meal, allegedly containing poisonous foraged mushrooms, led to murder and attempted murder charges. Patterson’s testimony is a key moment in the trial, as she acknowledges deception while denying intent to harm.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a sensational true-crime story—it’s a case that’s gripped Australia because of its bizarre, almost thriller-like details: a deadly meal, lies about illness, and a small-town tragedy. Patterson’s admission raises questions about trust and accountability, while the trial itself could set legal precedents for how similar cases are handled. People are following it closely because it’s a grim reminder of how ordinary situations can spiral into unthinkable outcomes.

Independent candidate Nicolette Boele is on the verge of officially winning the Bradfield recount nearly a month after the election, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape. Meanwhile, the Greens are doubling down on women’s safety as a key focus for the upcoming parliamentary term.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the slow but significant changes in Australian politics, from tight electoral races to shifting party priorities. Boele’s near-victory as an independent could hint at growing voter appetite for alternatives to major parties, while the Greens’ focus on women’s safety reflects broader societal concerns. It’s a snapshot of how politics is evolving—both in who gets elected and what issues take center stage.