For the first time since 1943, the Nobel Prize in Literature will not be awarded this year as the Swedish Academy deals with sex abuse allegations and other issues within its ranks.

Australian filmmaker James Ricketson is transferred to a prison hospital in Cambodia with various health complaints as he awaits trial on espionage charges.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano shoots lava fountains 46 metres into the air close to a housing estate on Big Island, forcing the evacuation of up to 1,500 people.

The original Star Wars trilogy remains a favourite with fans and reviewers alike, but the latest film has caused a disruption in the force.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop warns Beijing against militarising the South China Sea following reports that China has installed missile systems in the hotly disputed Spratly Islands for the first time.