Barnaby Joyce says he is “not looking for sympathy” after explaining that footage of him lying on a Canberra footpath and swearing into his phone was the result of combining alcohol and prescription drugs.

Pakistan’s second and third political groups have agreed to collaborate following elections where imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s backers secured the lead.

The PMLN led by ex-PM Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s PPP released a statement announcing their intention to work together to establish political stability.

If they succeed in forming a government, it’s likely to provoke anger among Khan’s supporters.

Khan’s PTI party was disqualified from participating in the election, leading many of its candidates to run as independents.

Earlier, police dispersed a crowd of Khan’s supporters in Rawalpindi using tear gas.

The chief of NATO has criticised Donald Trump’s suggestion that the US wouldn’t protect NATO allies who don’t spend enough on defence, stating it undermines security and puts troops at risk.

Jens Stoltenberg emphasised that such remarks could endanger US and European troops.

Trump indicated he would “encourage” Russia to attack any NATO member not meeting the alliance’s 2% GDP defence spending target.

Kelvin Kiptum, the world record holder for the men’s marathon from Kenya, tragically passed away in a car accident in his home country at the age of 24.

The accident occurred on a road in western Kenya on Sunday, claiming the lives of Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana from Rwanda.

Kiptum rose to prominence in 2023 as a formidable competitor to fellow Kenyan marathon star Eliud Kipchoge.

Finland’s former conservative Prime Minister, Alexander Stubb, has won the presidential election held on Sunday, according to final results.

Stubb secured 51.6% of the vote, defeating his Green Party rival, Pekka Haavisto, the former foreign minister, who had 48.4%. Haavisto has conceded defeat.

This election marks Finland’s first since joining the NATO military alliance.

Israel rescued two male hostages in a raid in Rafah amid reports of Israeli airstrikes hit the southern Gazan city of Rafah. 

The Israeli military confirms the men are in “good medical condition.” The international community – including the UK –  had warned about Israel’s planned offensive in Rafah. 

Earlier, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said Rafah was under attack, with a number of deaths reported. 1.5 million people are sheltering in the southern city.