Population of endangered Steller sea lions increases in Russia's Far East
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.
5.9-magnitude quake hits New Britain Region, Papua New Guinea
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.
9 killed, 15 injured after truck fell into ravine in southern Philippines
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.
Trump and Putin to meet in coming days, Kremlin aide says
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.
