Geeta Pillai

NATO's ongoing Steadfast Defender military exercises, conducted near Russia's borders, have ignited a fresh wave of tensions between the alliance and Moscow.

Ukraine's Kharkiv and Dnipro regions were rocked by a series of drone strikes launched by Russian forces, causing injuries and significant damage to critical infrastructure, commercial, and residential buildings.

UK's Conservative Party suffers significant losses in local elections, predicted to lose up to 500 councillors across England. Labour Party makes gains, winning control of councils it hasn't held for decades, ahead of a general election expected later this year.

A high-level Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo for cease-fire talks with Israel, mediated by Egypt and involving US officials. The talks aim to secure the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for a temporary truce, amid a deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledges the government-appointed community protection board failed to protect the community in the case of a freed immigration detainee who allegedly assaulted a Perth grandmother. The detainee was released following a High Court ruling and was not required to wear an ankle bracelet despite being on bail.

Victoria Police Minister Anthony Carbines considers making family violence safety notices indefinite, allowing police to ban alleged perpetrators from homes without a court hearing. The proposed change aims to close loopholes and provide further protection for victims of family violence.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat expresses concerns over American restaurant chain Cava Group Inc trademarking "Cava", similar to culturally significant Pacific word "kava".

Australia's first dementia-friendly forest trail has opened in Woowookarung Regional Park, Ballarat, inspired by Anne Tudor's experience with her wife Edie Mayhew, who had early-onset dementia. The 1.8km trail features plants, sculptures, and quiet places for rest and reflection, aiming to trigger positive memories and sensations for people with dementia.

Chris Hemsworth reveals he has two copies of the APOE4 gene, increasing his risk of Alzheimer's disease. Despite this, he denies retirement rumors and plans to focus on his well-being and continue acting.

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs issues a search warrant for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, listing him as "Wanted under the Criminal Code".