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Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate
Renewed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed border has intensified for a second day, spreading to new areas and resulting in additional civilian deaths, with both nations accusing each other of shelling populated regions. Thousands have been displaced, threatening regional stability in Southeast Asia and challenging recent U.S.-brokered peace efforts under President Trump, as ASEAN leaders call for urgent de-escalation.
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Australia Implements World’s First Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia has become the first country to enforce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16, requiring platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to block over a million accounts starting Wednesday. The law aims to protect youth from online harms but has sparked debates on enforcement feasibility and privacy, potentially inspiring similar regulations globally.
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Lithuania Declares Emergency Over Belarus Balloons
Lithuania’s government has declared a national state of emergency due to security threats from balloons allegedly launched from Belarus, suspected of smuggling or espionage activities as part of hybrid warfare tactics. This move highlights escalating tensions between the Baltic state and its neighbor, raising NATO concerns about Russian influence in the region.
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Israeli Military Proposes Gaza ‘Yellow Line’ as New Border
The Israeli military chief has announced plans to establish a “yellow line” in Gaza as a new border, amid ongoing operations and a UN condemnation of an Israeli raid on UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem. This development intensifies fears of permanent territorial changes, drawing international criticism and complicating ceasefire negotiations.
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US Judge Approves Release of Epstein Grand Jury Documents
A U.S. judge has ruled in favor of unsealing grand jury documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s case, potentially revealing new details about the handling of allegations against the late financier. The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny of high-profile connections and could impact ongoing investigations into sex trafficking networks.
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Deadly Fire Engulfs Jakarta Building, Killing 22
A massive fire tore through a seven-storey building in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, claiming 22 lives and injuring dozens, with rescuers battling thick smoke and structural collapses. Authorities are investigating possible electrical faults, underscoring urban safety challenges in one of Southeast Asia’s most densely populated cities.
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Honduras Moves to Arrest Ex-President After Trump Pardon
Honduras has initiated proceedings to arrest former President Juan Orlando Hernández following a controversial pardon by U.S. President Trump for narcotrafficking convictions, straining bilateral relations. The action reflects domestic demands for accountability amid allegations of corruption and drug ties during his tenure.
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China’s Trade Surplus Reaches Record $1 Trillion
China reported a staggering $1 trillion trade surplus for 2025, fueled by robust exports despite U.S. tariffs under Trump, as Beijing urges partners to resist protectionism. The figure highlights China’s economic resilience but exacerbates global trade imbalances and tensions with Western economies.
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Brazil Wins Inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup
Brazil clinched the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup title with a 3-0 victory over Portugal in the Metro Manila final, with Emilly earning the Golden Ball award. The triumph celebrates the sport’s growing popularity among women and marks a milestone in gender-inclusive international football.
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UN Reports Persistent Malnutrition Crisis in Gaza Children
Despite a fragile truce, the UN has warned of a “shockingly high” number of acutely malnourished children in Gaza, attributing the ongoing crisis to disrupted aid and infrastructure damage from conflict. The report urges immediate international intervention to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged territory.
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