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Russia’s Kronotsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve reports encouraging growth in the endangered Steller sea lion population. Automated cameras in the reserve and South Kamchatka Sanctuary have documented a steady rise in births, Xinhua reported.

At Kozlov Rock — the species’ only breeding site on Kamchatka’s coast — around 100 pups have been born annually over the past five years, up from the previous average of 80–100 per year. The current population there is estimated at about 400.

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea’s New Britain region on Thursday, according to the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences.

The shallow quake, recorded at a depth of 10 km, was centred near 4.21°S latitude and 152.89°E longitude, according to Xinhua.

Nine people were killed and 15 others injured after a mini dump truck plunged into a ravine in Lebak town, Sultan Kudarat, on Wednesday evening.

Police said the truck, carrying 24 passengers, was navigating a downhill curve when its brakes failed, and crashing into roadside debris before falling into a 20-foot ravine, according to Xinhua.

Eight victims were declared dead on arrival at a local hospital, while another died later. The injured are receiving treatment.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet in the coming days to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Trump has also suggested a potential three-way summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to BBC.

The meeting comes ahead of Trump’s ceasefire deadline on Friday, after which tougher US sanctions on Russia are set to take effect.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed talks are underway, though Russia gave no clear response to the three-way summit idea. Zelensky voiced support, saying leader-level talks are key to progress.

Recent talks between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin were described as “constructive,” but past visits brought little progress.

Meanwhile, Russia continues airstrikes, and its demands for peace remain unacceptable to Ukraine. The US has responded with new sanctions on India over Russian oil imports and $200m in fresh military aid to Ukraine, BBC reported.

Actress Kelley Mack, known for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead, has died at 33 after a battle with brain cancer, according to CNN.

She passed away peacefully in her hometown of Cincinnati, her family confirmed.

Mack also appeared in 9-1-1, Chicago Med, and several short films. Her final role will appear in the upcoming film Universal (2025), CNN reported.

She is remembered for her warmth, creativity, and lasting impact on those around her.

Germany’s top court has ruled that police can use spy software to monitor phones and computers only in cases involving serious crimes, Reuters reported.

The court found a 2017 law too broad, warning it could impact people who aren’t under suspicion. It said that surveillance of encrypted chats and devices is a serious intrusion and must be strictly limited.

Investigations into lesser crimes—those carrying a maximum sentence of three years—can no longer involve such monitoring. While parts of the law remain temporarily in effect, they must be revised to meet constitutional standards, according to Reuters.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Indonesian government to offer medical treatment to around 2,000 Gazans injured in the ongoing conflict. The care will be provided at health facilities on Galang Island in Riau Islands Province, according to Hasan Nasbi, head of the Presidential Communication Office.

Nasbi clarified that the move is a humanitarian initiative, not a relocation effort. The injured will receive temporary medical care and be returned to Gaza once they recover, Xinhua reported.

As Thai and Cambodian officials meet in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen a fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high along their disputed border. Despite a truce brokered by Malaysia on July 28, both sides have accused each other of violations while continuing troop buildups, Al Jazeera reported.

Thai lawmaker Wasawat Puangpornsri, visiting the Nam Yuen border district, reported forces from both nations positioned just 50 metres apart. The standoff has stalled the return of 20,000 displaced Thai residents.

Locals remain on alert following deadly clashes in July, with many still sheltering and mourning losses. Officials continue damage assessments as fears of renewed fighting persist.