Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has a “mountain to climb” in elections today, despite leading the opinion polls, in a contest swayed by living costs and Trump tariffs.

Lebanon’s top security body yesterday warned Hamas against using the country’s territory for acts that undermine national security, after rocket fire towards Israel sparked retaliatory strikes.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir yesterday called on residents near the de facto border with the Indian side of the region to stockpile food as tensions flare between the arch-rivals following a deadly attack last month.

Beijing is “evaluating” an offer from Washington to hold talks over US President Donald Trump’s 145 percent tariffs, China’s Commerce Ministry said yesterday, although it warned the United States not to engage in “extortion and coercion.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday a landmark minerals deal with the United States offered “equal” benefits for both sides even though the accord offered no concrete security guarantees for Kyiv.

A group of activists organising an aid boat for Gaza said yesterday it was attacked by drones in international waters off Malta as they headed towards the Palestinian territory, accusing Israel of attacking the vessel.

An Australian boatbuilder launched what it described as the world’s largest electric-powered ship yesterday, a 130-metre (426-feet) behemoth capable of carrying 2,100 passengers.

US President Donald Trump’s administration proposed a $163 billion cut to federal spending next year, which would eliminate more than a fifth of the non-military spending excluding mandatory programs, it said in a statement.

TikTok was hit with a massive EU fine of 530 million euros ($600 million) yesterday, accused of sending personal data of Europeans to China and failing to guarantee it was shielded from access by Chinese authorities.

Chilean authorities issued a tsunami warning for the country’s southernmost region yesterday morning, after a major 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck in the Drake Passage, the body of water separating South America and Antarctica.

Major 7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of South America

Israel has escalated military operations in Syria since rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad in December

Israel has not commented on the allegation.

Reform, led by anti-immigrant firebrand Nigel Farage, won the by-election in Runcorn and Helsby

Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said its main index had fallen to its lowest-ever level.

Syria's Druze spiritual leader has condemned a "genocidal campaign" against his community after sectarian clashes killed 102 people.

Indian airlines are bracing for higher fuel costs and longer journey times after Pakistan shut its airspace to the country's carriers

It terms "suggestions" that would consolidate dozens of UN agencies into four primary departments: peace and security, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development, and human rights.

Most mineral deposits in Ukraine have scant data to confirm they are economically viable

The fire broke out on Israel's Memorial Day