Indonesia's Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java island, erupted Wednesday, blanketing several villages with falling ash, prompting evacuations and leading authorities to raise the alert to the highest level.

Indonesian authorities raised the alert for Mount Semeru volcano to the highest level on Wednesday after a series of eruptions. The volcano lies on the country's most densely populated island.

An Indian-origin techie who was eight months pregnant has died along with her unborn baby after she was hit by a car in Australia's Sydney city.

Both the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leadership.

Iran has withdrawn visa-free entry for Indian citizens holding ordinary passports, ending the waiver that had been in place since February this year. The suspension, effective November 22, follows a series of cases in which Indian nationals were reportedly trafficked or kidnapped after being lured to Iran with false promises of employment or transit to other countries.

Bangladesh's interim government has warned all print, electronic and online media outlets to refrain from reporting statements issued by "convicted and fugitive" deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, citing concerns over national security and public order.