Four teenagers charged over alleged six-hour gang rape of girl in Sydney

Indonesia has raised its alert level to the highest possible after the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted, sending a massive ash cloud miles into the sky. Authorities have set up an exclusion zone to keep people safe, as volcanic activity can be unpredictable and dangerous.

India just made a quiet but telling move by refusing to sign onto a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement condemning Israel’s military actions against Iran. While the SCO—a China-led group of 10 nations—united in criticism, India’s silence stood out. This isn’t just diplomatic noise; it signals how carefully New Delhi is navigating its relationships with both Israel and Iran, two key players in a volatile region where India has strategic and economic stakes.

Editor’s Note: India’s decision to stay out of this SCO statement isn’t random—it’s a calculated play. The country relies on Iran for energy and regional connectivity (think trade routes to Central Asia) while also deepening defense and tech ties with Israel. By not joining the condemnation, India avoids alienating either side, but it also subtly underscores its independent foreign policy. In a world where picking sides can backfire, this move shows how India is threading the needle.

China is stepping into the role of a potential peacemaker between Iran and Israel, signaling it could push for a ceasefire amid escalating tensions. However, experts caution that Beijing’s influence might only go so far—especially as both countries continue exchanging strikes for the fifth day. Meanwhile, China has urgently warned its citizens to evacuate, calling the security situation "severe." President Xi Jinping, speaking abroad, nudged all sides toward de-escalation, but the path to peace remains shaky.

Editor’s Note: With the Middle East on edge, China’s involvement adds a new layer to the crisis. While it’s notable that a global power like China is trying to mediate, the real test is whether either side will listen. For the world, this could either be a turning point or another example of how hard it is to stop a spiraling conflict. Either way, the stakes—for regional stability and global diplomacy—are sky-high.

A nostalgic treasure trove from the '90s—staff photos, anniversary snapshots, old catalogues, and even some retro CDs and cassettes—was found inside a time capsule at the now-closed St. Albert Hudson’s Bay store. The capsule has been handed over to the local museum, preserving a slice of retail history and community memories.

Editor’s Note: Time capsules are like buried conversations with the past, and this one—packed with everyday relics from the '90s—gives us a charming peek into the lives of workers and shoppers at a beloved department store. It’s not just about old stuff; it’s about the people and stories behind them, which is why the museum’s involvement feels like a fitting tribute. For locals, it’s a warm reminder of shared history, and for everyone else, it’s a fun dose of pre-digital nostalgia.

South Korean politician Lee is emphasizing stronger ties with Japan after meeting with Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, calling their relationship "inseparable." Both sides are capitalizing on recent warming relations after years of tension and are doubling down on teamwork with the U.S.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just polite handshakes—it's a sign that long-frosty relations between South Korea and Japan might finally be thawing. With regional security challenges (like North Korea and China's influence), closer cooperation between these two U.S. allies could reshape power dynamics in Asia. For everyday folks, better ties could mean smoother trade, travel, and maybe even fewer diplomatic spats over history or territory.