Tsunami warning issued after 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits near country of Tonga

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected US calls for Australia to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, opting instead to raise it from 2.02% to 2.33% by 2034. Defense Minister Richard Marles and other officials emphasized Australia's commitment to its own defense policy while acknowledging the need for strategic investments, particularly in response to China's military ambitions. The US Defense Secretary warned of China's increasing threats, particularly concerning...

Footage captured tourists fleeing from Mount Etna in Sicily as the volcano erupted, releasing hot ash into the air. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Toulouse issued a 'code red' for aviation due to the ash cloud moving southwest, while pyroclastic flow posed additional danger. Although the eruption has since calmed, the active volcano has been a source of fascination and fear, with speculation surrounding prophetic predictions of a significant eruption during 2024 or 2025. Full...

The Meteorological Service Singapore has forecast continued hot and humid weather for the first two weeks of June, with maximum temperatures around 34 to 35 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures possibly exceeding 29 degrees Celsius. Localized thundery showers are expected in the late mornings and afternoons, with average rainfall across the island. The report also noted that Singapore experienced warm weather in late May, with maximum temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius on several days and...

Over a million Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Mecca for the annual hajj, with Saudi authorities implementing enhanced safety measures against extreme heat following last year's tragedy that resulted in 1,301 deaths. This year, temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, prompting the mobilization of 250,000 officials and the expansion of shaded areas and medical staff. Additionally, a crackdown on unregistered pilgrims is underway, with strict penalties for violators, as the Saudi government aims...

The pursuit of pardons from President Trump has evolved into a lucrative industry, with lobbying firms reportedly receiving offers as high as $5 million to facilitate cases. Many of the clemency recipients are wealthy individuals, including celebrities and former politicians, raising concerns about Trump's detachment from everyday voters. Meanwhile, an incendiary attack injured demonstrators in Colorado advocating for Israeli hostages, Ukraine claims a major drone strike against Russian bombers, and veterans express frustration over the...

United Airlines and JetBlue have announced a partnership called Blue Sky, allowing them to sell each other’s flights online, expanding JetBlue's network while United gains access to key flight slots at JFK. Unlike previous attempts at mergers, this alliance does not involve revenue sharing or coordinated schedules, aimed at navigating competition regulations. Despite a 1% drop in their combined market value post-announcement, the partnership may offer real benefits for customers as genuine mergers remain challenging...