Australia needed a perfect day, but a Josh Hazlewood injury and a Steve Smith drop let India off the hook

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy suggests the deployment of foreign peacekeeping troops in Ukraine may be discussed at a meeting of European leaders in Brussels, including Germany, France, Poland, and NATO, to address support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskiy emphasizes the urgent need for strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and NATO membership aspirations, while Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov is killed in Moscow by a bomb, following criminal charges from Ukraine's Security Service for...

A US-based Syrian advocacy organization claims a mass grave near Damascus holds over 100,000 bodies of people killed by the former Assad government. The head of the group, Mouaz Moustafa, identified five mass graves and stated that more are likely to exist, including victims from the US and UK. Concerns were raised over the need to secure and preserve the sites for future investigations. Full Article

Australian officials are urgently seeking to confirm any impact on Aussies from the 7.3 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Vanuatu, with no tsunami threat to Australia reported. Damage to the US Embassy in Vanuatu has been observed, and DFAT is working to assess the situation while offering support. Widespread damage, collapsed buildings, and potential trapped individuals have been reported in Port Vila, with a significant aftershock following the initial quake. Full Article

In response to a rise in extremism at protests, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has proposed laws to ban face masks, balaclavas, glue, and chains, targeting flags of listed terrorist organizations and white nationalist groups, with a focus on safe access zones at places of worship to combat anti-Semitism. Police will have the power to search and dismantle protest tools, and wearing face coverings will be illegal to prevent "bad behavior" at mass gatherings. While protecting...

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote, leading to the end of his government and triggering early elections due to economic challenges like rising energy prices, high inflation, and ailing industries. Scholz emphasized the need for public input on crucial issues facing Germany before the vote. Friedrich Merz is expected to replace Scholz, citing the chancellor's handling of the economic crisis as a reason for the no-confidence vote and the call for early elections....

People living near an uncontrolled bushfire in Ballarat were advised to evacuate as firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which was still not under control late at night. The fire was moving towards Sawmill Road in Springmount. A relief center was set up for impacted residents. Victoria faced extreme heat and multiple fires, with temperatures reaching record highs. Thunderstorms and dry lightning posed additional fire risks. Fires broke out in various locations, including beneath the...