Scholz says Musk support for far-right ‘threatens democracy’

US tech billionaire Elon Musk’s support for far-right parties endangers Europe’s democratic development, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. Scholz also said he did not expect the US to stop aid to Ukraine

2 months ago

Politics

France’s Macron visits Lebanon amid reconstruction hopes

French President Emmanuel Macron is in Lebanon, a former French protectorate, to meet with its new leaders. He aims to offer assistance as they seek to pull the country out of its

2 months ago

Politics

Russia: 3 Navalny lawyers sentenced to prison

A Russian court has sentenced three lawyers of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to between 3.5 and 5.5 years in prison. They were found guilty of belonging to an extremist

2 months ago

Politics

Pakistan: Ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan convicted of graft

A Pakistani anti-graft court sentenced the former prime minister to 14 years in prison in a land corruption case. Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi was sentenced to seven years. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan

2 months ago

World

China prepares to resume group tours to Taiwan

China says the resumption of group tours to Taiwan would “further promote the normalization of cross-strait personnel exchanges.” China will restart some group tours to Taiwan “in the near future,” China’s Ministry of

2 months ago

World

Cuba frees opposition leader Ferrer after deal with Biden

Cuban authorities freed opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer, among other prisoners, as part of a deal with outgoing US President Biden. Many of those released were political prisoners. Cuba freed opposition leader Jose

2 months ago

Politics

California fires: LA evacuees told to wait another week

Frustrated residents are eager to see what’s left of their homes, but officials have asked evacuees for patience as the search for human remains and removal of toxic waste continue. Los Angeles

2 months ago

World

US sanctions on Sudan’s army chief

The United States has accused the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces of choosing war over negotiation and de-escalation. The sanctions come a week after Washington took a similar action against a

2 months ago

World

SpaceX Starship fails minutes after launch

A SpaceX Starship rocket failed in space eight minutes after launching from Texas, the company has said. Before the loss, SpaceX caught a Super Heavy booster at the launch pad. SpaceX lost

2 months ago

World

Could Israelis be prosecuted for war crimes in Germany?

A Belgian non-profit is trying to prosecute Israeli soldiers, should they leave Israel, for alleged war crimes. German law would allow for this. Could Israeli soldiers on vacation in Germany be arrested?

2 months ago

World

China to start probing US exports of ‘mature chips’

Beijing has accused US companies of having an “unfair competitive advantage.” Days ago, the US announced new rules for exporting computer chips aimed at stopping advanced tech from being sent to rivals.

2 months ago

Business

Ukraine: UK’s Starmer signs ‘100-year’ treaty

Shortly before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv as the latest among European politicians highlighting their solidarity with Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in

2 months ago

Ukraine

Indian Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan stabbed at Mumbai home

Khan’s team said he underwent surgery and was in a stable condition. His wife Kareena Kapoor Khan and their children were unharmed. Indian Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was admitted to hospital for surgery

2 months ago

World

South Korea: Yoon refuses to attend questioning

South Korean President Yoon’s lawyer informed the press that he will not be appearing for questioning on Thursday, after he was dramatically arrested the day before over his failed attempt to declare

2 months ago

Politics

Joe Biden warns against rising ‘oligarchy’ in final speech

President Joe Biden zeroed in on what he said were top threats to US democracy, including a rising “oligarchy” and the concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultrawealthy

2 months ago

Politics

German police investigate AfD mock plane ticket campaign

A regional branch of the nationalist Alternative for Germany party has been distributing fake “airplane tickets” to promote the deportation of people to a “secure home country.” Police are investigating. Police in Germany have

2 months ago

Politics

Von der Leyen ‘deeply touched’ to receive Charlemagne Prize

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is recognized for successfully handling “crises of historic proportions.” The Charlemagne Prize honors personal contributions to European unity. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was

2 months ago

Politics

Israel, Hamas reach ceasefire and hostage deal

Gazans are celebrating after Qatar’s prime minister announced a ceasefire deal set to be implemented on Sunday. However, Israel says some details remain to be finalized. The Israeli military has released a

2 months ago

World

Germany backs plan allowing military to down suspect drones

Germany’s government green-lit a proposal that would allow the military to shoot down drones flying over critical infrastructure. Germany’s government on Wednesday said it approved a plan that would allow the military to

2 months ago

Politics

Davos: Wars top global concerns ahead of WEF

Ahead of next week’s annual World Economic Forum in Davos, a survey suggests that industry leaders see armed conflict as the biggest potential threat to global economies in 2025. Armed conflict and

2 months ago

Business

Meta to lay off 5% of employees in efficiency drive

US media reports said tech giant Meta plans to lay off 3,500 employees. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said underperformers will be fired to make space for new hires. Tech giant Meta announced plans

2 months ago

Innovations

Mozambique: Daniel Chapo inaugurated after disputed election

The main opposition leader has promised to “paralyze” the country ahead of Daniel Chapo’s swearing-in. The October 9 election results have been questioned by international observers. Daniel Chapo took his oath of office

2 months ago

Politics

German economy shrank once again in 2024

The Federal Statistical Office has reported a 0.2% contraction in GDP, making it the second year in a row the economy has fallen. Germany has been struggling with a cost of living

2 months ago

Business

Pakistan: World Bank announces $20 billion funding plan

The World Bank will supply Pakistan with $20 billion of loans over the next decade which are expected to be invested in nutrition, education and renewable energies in the hope of stimulating

2 months ago

Business

India: Thick fog brings New Delhi to a crawl

Several areas in northern India including capital city New Delhi were covered in fog on Wednesday. Over 100 flights and 40 trains were delayed, and road traffic was affected. India’s capital New

2 months ago

World

Los Angeles braces for strong winds amid fire risk

Authorities have issued warnings over strong winds in California that posed a risk to the fire-affected region. Firefighters from other states as well as Canada and Mexico have been called in. Fresh

2 months ago

World

US: Biden to remove Cuba from sponsors of terrorism list

The Biden administration announced it was removing Cuba from a list of state sponsors of terrorism — reversing a move made by President-elect Donald Trump in 2021. The Biden administration announced Wednesday

2 months ago

Politics

US: SEC sues Elon Musk for securities violation over X

US financial regulator has sued Elon Musk for failing to properly disclose his purchase of Twitter shares, a secrecy that allowed him to buy stock at “artificially low prices.” The US Securities

2 months ago

Business

South Africa: Survivors, corpses pulled from gold mine

South African authorities lifted the bodies of 36 people from an abandoned gold mine, police have said. Hundreds more people could be underground following a monthslong effort to force them out of

2 months ago

Politics

Middle East: Qatar says Gaza truce talks in ‘final stages’

Qatar says truce talks between Israel and Hamas are at their “closest point” to a deal for Gaza after the resolution of “major issues” in recent weeks.  US Secretary of State Antony

2 months ago

World

Is China exploiting South Korea’s political crisis?

In spite of a bilateral agreement banning development, China has placed a large structure in an area of the West Sea that South Korea says is its territory. China has installed a large

2 months ago

Politics

LA fires could be ‘costliest’ natural disaster in US history

The devastating wildfires which have hit Los Angeles and other parts of southern California could be one of the costliest natural disasters in US history. They’re also wreaking havoc for already struggling

2 months ago

Business

Baltic leaders discuss undersea pipeline and cable security

Baltic Sea NATO members are meeting in Helsinki after a series of outages and damage to power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines. Germany’s Olaf Scholz said these must be assumed part

2 months ago

Politics

Bundesliga clubs lose appeal against paying policing costs

Germany’s highest court has rejected an appeal by the company that operates the Bundesliga against having to pay for policing costs of “high-risk” football matches. The decision handed down by the Constitutional

2 months ago

Sport

Pistorius in Kyiv ahead of Trump’s return and German vote

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is in Ukraine on an unannounced visit, quite probably his last before next month’s German election. He said he’d discuss continued European support, as Trump returns next

2 months ago

World

Peru: Rescue crews search for trapped miners

At least 17 miners are believed to be trapped at a mine in a region in northwestern Peru that has seen a recent uptick in violence. Rescuers in northern Peru were searching

2 months ago

World

Sierra Leone declares public health emergency over mpox

The West African nation has detected two cases in less than four days, spurring health authorities to take action to limit the spread of the viral disease. Sierra Leone declared a state

2 months ago

Society

North Korea launches test missiles towards East Sea: Seoul

South Korea’s military said it had detected multiple test missiles launched by Pyongyang towards the Sea of Japan. North Korea had tested a ballistic missile just a week ago. South Korea’s military

2 months ago

World

Biden says he’s leaving Trump ‘stronger’ US

Outgoing US President Joe Biden looks back on his foreign policy achievements before leaving office — from forging stronger American alliances to policies towards Ukraine and China. Outgoing US President Joe Biden on

2 months ago

Politics

‘Dubai chocolate’ must come from Dubai, German court rules

A German court has had its say in the trademark battle over what legally constitutes “Dubai chocolate.” Discount chain Aldi had been selling “Alyan Dubai Handmade Chocolate” — which is made in

2 months ago

Society

US places fresh export restrictions on AI chips

The US has announced new rules for exporting computer chips as Joe Biden concludes his presidency. These rules aim to prevent advanced technology from being sent to rivals like China. The outgoing administration

2 months ago

Politics

South Korea, Japan stress security ties and importance of US

Foreign ministers Cho Tae-yul and Takeshi Iwaya held talks in Seoul, with South Korea still in the midst of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. They laid emphasis on security ties, and trilateral

2 months ago

Politics

Nigeria: Civilians ‘mistakenly’ killed in military airstrike

The airforce has promised an investigation into the strike in Zamfara state. However, rights groups have criticized this type of investigation for a lack of transparency. The Nigerian Air Force said it

2 months ago

World

German-Iranian woman Nahid Taghavi released from prison

Amnesty International and Nahid Taghavi’s family say she has been released from an Iranian prison. The women’s rights activist was serving more than 10 years for “propaganda against the state.” Women’s rights

2 months ago

Politics

Chinese exports rise in December, beating expectations

China’s trade surplus increased in 2024, with Germany one of the many countries operating at a deficit to Beijing. Chinese factories were rushing to produce as much as possible ahead of Donald

2 months ago

Business

Ukraine updates: Seoul says over 3,000 N Korean casualties

Seoul said that over 3,000 North Korean troops had been killed or injured since joining hostilities. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s president has offered North Korean POWs to be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners. South Korea’s

2 months ago

World

LA fires: Race to contain outbreaks as death toll rises

The Palisades Fire on the western edge of Los Angeles has turned towards a densely populated area, leading to further evacuations. Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 24. The Los Angeles coroner’s daily

2 months ago

World

Austrian woman kidnapped in Niger

The Foreign Ministry in Vienna has confirmed that a woman has been kidnapped in the northern Niger city of Agadez. It is the first abduction of a European citizen in the West

2 months ago

World

Zelenskyy offers North Korean POW exchange for Ukrainians

The Ukrainian president said two North Korean soldiers were captured as prisoners of war by Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region. Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to help Moscow in the

2 months ago

World

Romanians protest cancellation of presidential race

Tens of thousands of people are demanding that the election resume from the second round. The first round’s results were annulled after declassified security documents reported Russian backing for the shock front-runner.

2 months ago

Politics

Croatian populist president re-elected in landslide

Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic has overwhelmingly won reelection for another five-year term. The first round of voting took place in December 2024. Croatian President Zoran Milanovic won reelection for another five-year term on Sunday,

2 months ago

Politics

US President-elect Trump faces sentencing in hush-money case

Donald Trump is set to be sentenced after his conviction for paying hush money to a porn star. The president-elect had sought to halt the hearing in view of his inauguration in

2 months ago

World

Pakistani airline resumes Europe flights after EU ban lifted

Pakistan’s state-run carrier PIA has resumed flights to Europe after the EU lifted a four-year safety ban. The airline is still barred from flying to the UK and US. A flight operated

2 months ago

World

North Carolina police shoot dead ‘Pizzagate’ gunman

Police say a man embroiled in the so-called “Pizzagate” conspiracy was shot dead after brandishing a gun during a traffic stop. The man was jailed in 2016 after firing his gun inside

2 months ago

World

Sudan: MSF suspends operations at key Khartoum hospital

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is pausing activities at a main hospital in Sudan’s capital after repeated violence. It says staff and patients have both suffered attacks amid the country’s civil war. Medical

2 months ago

World

Donald Trump says set to meet Vladimir Putin

US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday says preparations are already underway for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said the pair would discuss the war in Ukraine. The incoming US

2 months ago

Politics

Alec Baldwin sues prosecutors over ‘Rust’ trial

In his lawsuit, actor Alec Baldwin has alleged that the prosecutors intentionally mishandled evidence. It follows the legal controversy surrounding his involvement in Halyna Hutchins’ death on the set of “Rust.” Actor

2 months ago

World

Venezuela: Opposition leader Machado briefly detained

Maria Corina Machado was briefly detained while leaving a protest march, local media and party officials report. The opposition is back on the streets on the eve of Nicolas Maduro being sworn

2 months ago

Politics

Swiss national found dead in Iran prison

The individual had been detained on accusations of spying. Efforts to save him were unsuccessful, the Mizan news agency quoted the head of the Semnan province’s justice department, as saying. A Swiss

2 months ago

World

Elon Musk hosts X talk with German far-right AfD’s Weidel

Elon Musk’s support of Alice Weidel’s party has already triggered an outcry in Germany, as the country gears for a general election. DW provides live fact-checking, explainers and reactions. Manfred Weber, leader

2 months ago

Politics

Sweden to purchase 44 German Leopard tanks

In a significant move to bolster its security, Sweden, the newest NATO member, is set to invest over €1.91 billion in acquiring new tanks and refurbishing its existing fleet. Sweden will  buy 44

2 months ago

Politics

Germany: More than half a million homeless, new report says

The Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building has presented figures showing some 531,600 people are without a permanent shelter in Europe’s largest economy. More than half a million people in Germany are

2 months ago

Society

Ukraine allies push for aid ahead of Trump second term

President Zelenskyy and allies were meeting in Germany for the final summit on Ukrainian aid before Donald Trump takes office. Trump has been critical of the US role in the conflict. Western

2 months ago

World

Mozambique: Tensions rise as main opposition leader returns

Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has returned home after fleeing following a poll he says was rigged. Authorities fear a repeat of the deadly violence that followed the October election. Mozambique opposition leader

2 months ago

World

Germany: Dresden old city evacuated for bomb disposal

A British bomb from World War II was discovered during construction work on the Carola Bridge. The bridge had partially collapsed into the Elbe river last September. Part of downtown Dresden in

2 months ago

Society

China accuses EU of discriminatory trade practices

China said an investigation had found the European Union imposed unfair “trade and investment barriers.” China on Thursday said that the investigations conducted by the European Union (EU) into Chinese firms constituted “unfair trade and

2 months ago

World

India: At least 6 dead in temple stampede

The stampede occurred during a 10-day festival at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The state authorities launched an investigation into the incident. At least six people

2 months ago

World

Brazil says social media sites must respect domestic laws

The country’s communication minister said Meta’s recent decision to scrap its fact-checking program is “bad for democracy,” while a Supreme Court judge said social networks “will not be a lawless land” in

2 months ago

Innovations

Chad: Gunfire heard near presidency in N’Djamena

Residents said they heard gunshots near the presidential compound, according to reports. Shortly afterward, Infrastructure Minister Aziz Mahamat Saleh said the situation was “under control.” Gunshots were heard on Wednesday evening near

2 months ago

Politics

California fires leave several dead in ‘widespread disaster’

The fires in and around the second-largest city in the US have also left a “number of significant injuries,” according to city fire officials. At least 100,000 Los Angeles residents have been

2 months ago

World

Germany, France criticize Donald Trump’s Greenland threats

Germany said borders must not be changed by force after US President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out a military takeover of Greenland. France says the EU cannot tolerate threats against its

2 months ago

Politics

Ukraine strikes Russian air force oil depot

Ukraine attacked a oil depot that supplies a military airfield in the Russian city of Engels. Both countries continue to trade drone strikes as the war approaches its fourth year. Ukraine said

2 months ago

World

France warns Donald Trump against Greenland threats

France’s foreign minister has condemned US President-elect Donald Trump’s refusal to rule out a military takeover of Greenland. The minister said the EU would not tolerate threats against its “sovereign borders.” French Foreign

2 months ago

Politics

Four out of 10 Germans worried about political future

A new survey has found that many Germans have lost faith in their political leaders. The ruling SPD was seen as having “trust” and “competence” issues. A survey published Wednesday has found that four

2 months ago

Politics

Tibet quake: Rescue teams scramble to find survivors

Urgency is mounting in China’s Tibet autonomous region after an earthquake near Mount Everest killed well over a hundred people. An unknown number remain unaccounted for. Thousands of rescuers were on Wednesday

2 months ago

World

Tourists and pilot killed in Australian seaplane crash

The airplane crashed as it took off Rottnest Island a popular tourist spot off Western Australia. Specialist investigators were probing the crash. Two tourists from Switzerland and from Denmark, along with the pilot, were killed after

2 months ago

World

Panama tells Trump canal sovereignty is ‘non-negotiable’

After US President-elect Donald Trump repeated inaccurate claims that China controls the Panama Canal, Panama has again reaffirmed its sovereignty over the key Atlantic-Pacific waterway. Panama reiterated on Tuesday that the sovereignty

2 months ago

Politics

Venezuela detains two Americans among group of ‘mercenaries’

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the arrested foreigners of plotting “terrorist acts” ahead of his oath-taking ceremony. He is due to be inaugurated for a contentious third term on Friday. Venezuelan authorities have

2 months ago

Politics

Turkey threatens offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters

The fall of Bashar Assad to Islamist-led rebels has raised the prospect of Turkey intervening in Syria against Kurdish forces accused by Ankara of links to armed separatists. Turkey threatened on Tuesday to launch

2 months ago

Politics

Germany pushing EU to ease sanctions on Syria 

Berlin is leading efforts within the bloc to ease sanctions imposed during Bashar Assad’s rule, the Financial Times has reported. The easing would come in return for progress on social issues. Germany is

2 months ago

Politics

Germany: Two dead after shooting in Baden-Württemberg

The alleged perpetrator was eventually apprehended by police following a manhunt involving a helicopter and special forces. A third victim is seriously injured. Two people were killed and another critically injured after

2 months ago

World

Eurozone inflation stays sticky, rising to 2.4%

Data shows that inflation in the eurozone rose to its highest level in five months for December. The figures appear to confirm suspicion that price rises may not have been tamped down.

2 months ago

Politics

Syria: First international flights land after Assad fall

A Qatari plane was the first commercial passenger aircraft to land at Damascus Airport since early December. Officials are still evaluating whether the airport can fully reopen to international traffic. A Qatar

2 months ago

Politics

Tibet earthquake kills at least 95

At least 95 people have been reported dead after a powerful earthquake in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. Tremors were also felt in Nepal and India. Dozens of people have been killed after a

2 months ago

World

India: Three feared dead in mining accident

Rescuers said three out of nine miners were feared dead after a mining accident in India’s Assam state. Illegal mines with poor safety conditions are common in the area. Three miners are

2 months ago

World

Donald Trump Jr. to visit Greenland amid father’s interest

Donald Trump Jr. is making an unofficial visit to Greenland to shoot content for his podcast. His father President-elect Trump has expressed interest that the island should be part of the US.

2 months ago

Politics

Nigeria: Bomb hits school, killing at least two

At least two men were killed by an explosion at a school near Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Police have identified three suspects from the northern state of Katsina and an investigation is underway.

2 months ago

World

Kazakhstan receives Azerbaijan Airlines black box crash data

The voice recorders from the Brazilian-made plane were analyzed in Brasilia before the data was handed to Kazakh authorities. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has directed unusually strong words towards Moscow. Brazilian air force investigators have

2 months ago

World

US releases 11 Yemen nationals from Guantanamo Bay

The latest release reduces the total population of the notorious US facility to 15. At its peak, almost 700 prisoners were held in Guantanamo Bay, many of whom were never charged with

2 months ago

World

Indonesia officially becomes full member of BRICS bloc

The BRICS bloc of developing nations has a tenth full member: Indonesia. The world’s fourth-most populous nation officially joined the group on Monday, alongside India, Russia, China and others. Indonesia became the

2 months ago

Politics

Indian police officers killed in Chhattisgarh Maoist attack

At least eight police officers and a driver have been killed in a bomb blast in the central Indian state. Authorities blamed the attack on Maoist guerrillas. Police in India on Monday confirmed media

2 months ago

World

Germany’s gymnastics abuse scandal: What you need to know

Female athletes have made serious allegations against coaches at the national training center — and Germany’s gymnastics federation. What accusations have been made? On December 28, former elite gymnast Tabea Alt used her

2 months ago

Sport

Biden to ban offshore drilling before Trump’s inauguration

President Joe Biden’s ban will protect more than 625 acres of water across United States coastlines. President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on increasing fossil fuel production. United States President Joe Biden is set

2 months ago

Earth & Climate

Clean energy, electric cars, climate: What will Trump do?

As President-elect Donald Trump hustles to assemble his governing team, environmental analysts have been looking for signs of what to expect from his second term. And for many, the outlook is bleak.

2 months ago

Earth & Climate

From division to unity: European Capitals of Culture 2025

What is Karl Marx’s statue doing in Chemnitz, though he never visited the city? And why is Nova Gorica/Gorizia considered a divided city? Meet the European Capitals of Culture 2025. Since 1971,

2 months ago

Arts & Entertainment

Ex-French President Sarkozy on trial over ‘Libyan case’

Nicolas Sarkozy has denied allegations he received campaign funding from the government of late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi. He faces up to 10 years in prison. The trial of former French President

2 months ago

World

‘Heaviest snowfall in a decade’ threatens parts of the US

Kansas and Indiana are likely to experience “at least 8 inches of snow,” according to the National Weather Service. Elsewhere, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas are on “tornado watch.” Large swaths of the United

2 months ago

Earth & Climate

Indian journalist found dead in septic tank

Mukesh Chandrakar’s body was found with severe injuries. He was known for reporting on corruption in India’s Chhattisgarh state. After going missing on New Year’s Day, the body of Indian journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was

2 months ago

World

Syria’s new top diplomat in Qatar in bid to build ties

The new Syrian foreign minister met Qatar’s prime minister and top diplomat. Assad Shaibani called on the US to lift Assad-era sanctions on Syria, as the new Islamist rulers strive to restart

2 months ago

Politics

Germany: Scholz condemns CDU member post about Putin meetup

CDU member Roderich Kiesewetter had posted about an alleged meeting between Vladimir Putin and Olaf Scholz. The SPD said it was pursuing legal action, and Kiesewetter’s post appears to have been deleted.

2 months ago

Politics