A natural stone quarry in Indonesia's West Java collapsed on Friday, trapping at least ten workers. West Java's Governor Dedi Mulyadi reported the incident, confirming that rescue teams have recovered at least two bodies from the rubble in Cirebon district. The search continues for remaining workers, complicated by unstable soil and the risk of further slides.

An Indian tourist was attacked by a tiger at an animal park in Thailand while attempting to take a selfie. The incident, captured on video, sparked widespread criticism and reignited debates about animal cruelty and wildlife ethics. The man sustained minor injuries, and the video has drawn millions of views, raising concerns about risky tourist attractions.

Brazilian prosecutors are suing Chinese electric car giant BYD and two contractors for alleged human trafficking and slave labor at a plant construction site. Over 200 Chinese workers were found in degrading conditions, lacking basic amenities and facing contract violations. Authorities seek $45.3 million in damages after the companies refused a settlement.

US envoy Thomas Barrack visited Syria. This marks the first official visit by a high-ranking US official since 2012. Barrack, also the US ambassador to Turkiye, met with the Syrian foreign minister. The US flag was hoisted at the envoy's residence in Damascus. This follows a meeting between US President Trump and Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh.

In a shocking case that gripped South Africa, Racquel Kelly Smith received a life sentence for kidnapping and selling her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, who vanished in February 2024. The court also sentenced Smith's boyfriend and a friend to life imprisonment for human trafficking, adding a concurrent 10-year term for kidnapping.

Iranian cleric Gholamreza Ghasemian, arrested in Mecca for criticizing Saudi Arabia's social reforms, has been released following Iranian officials' efforts. Ghasemian's remarks, denouncing the kingdom's changes as 'obscene,' sparked controversy and strained relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. In response, Riyadh has reportedly suspended Hajj visa issuance for Iranian pilgrims, impacting this year's pilgrimage.

Early voting in South Korea's presidential elections began on Thursday, with both main candidates casting ballots in a poll triggered by ex-leader Yoon Suk Yeol's ill-fated suspension of civilian rule last year. South Koreans have in recent years turned out in growing numbers for early voting, with 37 percent casting their ballots ahead of polling day in the 2022 presidential election.

Manitoba has declared a province-wide state of emergency due to rapidly spreading wildfires, leading to the evacuation of over 17,000 people. Premier Wab Kinew has requested federal assistance, including military support, to aid in evacuation and firefighting efforts. The unprecedented scale of the fires, affecting multiple regions, is attributed to changing climate conditions, with significant forest area already scorched.

The race to become Africa's next super banker ends on Thursday, with five candidates, including one woman, vying to succeed Nigeria's Akinwumi Adesina as head of the African Development Bank in a contest that appears too close to call. In 2015 it took six rounds of voting to elect Adesina as president of the AfDB, which was founded in 1964 and now has 81 members, including 54 African nations.

Ken Miyagishima, former Las Cruces mayor, has launched his campaign for New Mexico governor, focusing on public safety, affordable housing, and healthcare workforce improvements. He aims to succeed Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, addressing public concerns about crime and education. Miyagishima emphasizes border enforcement and economic cooperation, while also proposing a state metro police force to combat crime in cities like Albuquerque.

Hyper-realistic eborn dolls, resembling real infants, have surged in popularity in Brazil, sparking a national debate. Collectors, predominantly women, face criticism for treating the dolls like real babies, while defenders argue it's a harmless hobby, akin to male-dominated pastimes. The controversy has reached Congress, prompting discussions about psychological support and potential misuse of the dolls.

A Cambodian soldier was killed on Wednesday after an exchange of gunfire with the Thai army at the border, a Cambodian army spokesman said, a rare fatality in a long sensitive frontier region. Thai soldiers fired back in response to gunshots from Cambodia's border force, leading to an exchange lasting around 10 minutes before the Cambodians requested a ceasefire, according to the Thai army statement.

Malaysia's economy minister said Wednesday he was resigning from his cabinet post after losing his position as deputy president of the ruling PKR to the premier's daughter in a party poll. The party's president is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and his daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, won the post of deputy president last week with close to 10,000 votes while Rafizi received around 4,000.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini criticized the new US-backed aid distribution model in Gaza, deeming it a wasteful distraction from alleged atrocities. Speaking in Japan, Lazzarini asserted the UN's readiness to deliver aid effectively, warning of imminent famine. Chaotic scenes erupted at a new aid center in Rafah, highlighting the desperation amid severe shortages.

Iran executed Pedram Madani for allegedly spying for Mossad. Madani was convicted of transmitting classified information and meeting Mossad officers. He was also accused of traveling to Israel and acquiring illicit wealth. This execution follows similar cases of individuals accused of collaborating with Israel. Tensions between Iran and Israel remain high amid ongoing regional conflicts. Iran accuses Israel of covert operations within its borders.

French President Emmanuel Macron met his Indonesian counterpart on Wednesday, seeking to deepen trade and defence ties with Southeast Asia's largest economy on the second leg of a three-country tour promoting France as a balancing power between the US and China. - 'Power for peace' - In Vietnam Tuesday, Macron presented France as a power of peace and balance, committed to an international order ased on law.