Vladimir Putin’s visit to disputed Kuril Islands off Japan triggers escalating diplomatic tensions, with Tokyo calling his actions “absolutely unacceptable” and summoning the Russian ambassador.

Doctors in Sri Lanka removed a 3.1kg bladder stone from a 55-year-old patient, which medical professionals believe represents the largest such stone ever documented and surgically extracted.

An Indian activist ended a 16-day hunger strike after the state government agreed to cancel controversial recruitment exams amid allegations of irregularities and malpractices.

A crowded Republican primary in Florida’s 19th Congressional District features numerous candidates with recent ties to the state, including a pardoned January 6 rioter and former members of Congress from other states.

Sophie Rottenberg, 29, confided her suicidal thoughts exclusively to ChatGPT rather than family or therapists before dying by suicide, raising concerns about AI chatbots replacing human mental health support.

H5 bird flu is spreading across Australia, with government vaccination plans underway for captive and wild birds. Experts identify several native species at highest risk of severe population impacts from the virus.

At least seven people died as heavy rains and record-breaking flooding inundated Indiana over several days, with the White River in Indianapolis cresting at historic levels before receding Sunday.

President Trump announced the US will substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, linking the decision to Seoul’s refusal to support American operations against Iran.

A senior Russian banker was dismissed after delivering a critical speech on the economy, warning that Russia would not win a prolonged economic conflict with Ukraine.