World news bites: Oz footballers charged in betting scam 

Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.

Australia – Three Australian A-League soccer players have been arrested for allegedly participating in a betting scam. They are accused of intentionally receiving yellow cards and conceding penalties as directed by a criminal from South America. The scheme involved senior and junior players from Macarthur FC and occurred during games last year. Junior players were reportedly paid R121,000 for their involvement. The three players, aged 27, 32, and 33, face charges related to manipulating betting outcomes. Authorities are also seeking a fourth player. This incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the sport.

Space – Astronomers have discovered an exceptionally light exoplanet named WASP-193b. It is 50% larger than Jupiter but remains one of the lightest known planets, second only to Kepler 51d. Situated about 1,200 lightyears away from Earth, the planet belongs to a class humorously termed “puffy Jupiters” because of their fluffy, candy floss structure. Published in Nature Astronomy, WASP-193b’s unique properties make it a prime subject for further study with tools like the James Webb Space Telescope. 

Korea – Over 100 people participated in Seoul’s annual Space-out competition, where contestants try to relax completely for 90 minutes without sleeping, not using phones, or talking. This unique contest, which measures competitors’ ability to remain tranquil by monitoring heart rates and audience votes, aims to offer a break from South Korea’s intensely competitive culture. Among the participants was Olympic silver medalist Kwak Yoon-gy, who found the event a much-needed opportunity to clear his mind amid his intense training schedule. The event attracted more than 4,000 applicants. This year marked the competition’s tenth anniversary, created by the artist Woopsyang following her experience with severe burnout.

Japan – The country’s parliament has passed a law to allow joint custody for divorced couples, changing the current system where only one parent typically gains full custody. This modification addresses longstanding criticisms, as Japan was the last G7 country without a legal framework for shared custody. Most Japanese divorces are settled amicably without court involvement, allowing parents to make their own custody arrangements. However, in disputed cases, the courts decide custody, often excluding one parent from child access. 

Pictured above: Ball on a field.

Image source: Stock.