Ukraine ceasefire: What do Russia, US, EU want?
Washington and Kyiv are both pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but so far Russia has rejected the proposal. What interests are at play here — for Russia, Ukraine, the
Bolivian prosecutors seek arrest warrant for Evo Morales
Bolivian prosecutors have accused former President Evo Morales of statutory rape in connection to a case involving his relationship with a teenage girl. Bolivian prosecutors on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for former
China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support
New Chinese economic performance indicators for November show growth but a slowdown in retail sales despite efforts to incentivize spending. Beijing is bracing for possible impacts of a second Trump term in
Bangladesh elections could be held in 2025, says Yunus
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus said electoral reforms would have to be carried out before the polls. Meanwhile, minority Hindus say they are facing violent oppression under the interim government. General elections in Bangladesh could
Pelicot trial: Ex-husband asks forgiveness ahead of verdict
Pleas for forgiveness from the man who admitted to allowing dozens of men to rape his wife as the verdict draws near. In France, a mass rape trial that has stunned the country is reaching a
Bangladesh elections could be held in 2025, says Yunus
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus said electoral reforms would have to be carried out before the polls. Meanwhile, minority Hindus say they are facing violent oppression under the interim government. General elections in Bangladesh could
China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support
New Chinese economic performance indicators for November show growth but a slowdown in retail sales despite efforts to incentivize spending. Beijing is bracing for possible impacts of a second Trump term in
Zakir Hussain, legendary Indian musician dies at 73
Hussain earned global acclaim as one of the greatest tabla players of his generation. In a career spanning over six decades, he was instrumental in introducing a fusion of Indian classical and
South Korea’s top court begins Yoon impeachment review
The Constitutional Court in Seoul is starting deliberations on the impeachment case against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his surprise, sudden and rather short-lived imposition of martial law earlier this month. South
Mayotte prefect fears hundreds dead after Cyclone Chido
A senior local French official warned that hundreds or potentially thousands likely died in the devastating storm. The French government warned that determining a precise figure might not even be possible. Rescue
Brazil: Lula discharged from hospital after brain surgery
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was discharged from the hospital after emergency brain surgery. The Brazilian president can resume his activities but will have to rest for 15 days, the doctor said.
African coup-hit states get more time to rethink ECOWAS exit
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had military coups in recent years and plan to leave the West African region bloc. At talks in Abuja, they were given until July to reconsider their
German central bank slashes growth outlook for 2025, 2026
Germany’s Bundesbank has drastically trimmed its economic forecasts for the next two years, citing persistent economic woes and structural issues. Separately, there was also grim news about Germany’s exports. The German Bundesbank on Friday
France’s Macron to name new prime minister
French President Emmanuel Macron is due to name a new prime minister after days of deadlock over the successor to ousted premier Michel Barnier. France’s president was expected to appoint a new
South Korean opposition leader says Yoon must be impeached
South Korean lawmakers are set to hold another vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday. After apologizing last week, Yoon has now vowed to “fight to the end.” South Korean
Amazon to contribute $1M to Trump’s inauguration
Amazon’s Prime Video will also stream the inauguration, as it did for Joe Biden in 2021. The tech giant made the announcement as its founder Jeff Bezos is set to meet President-elect
China breaks silence on large military drills around Taiwan
Beijing said the where and when of its military exercises “is a matter for us to decide.” Taiwan said that the surge in Chinese aircraft and ships around the island appears to
China men’s football ex-coach Li Tie jailed for bribery
Li Tie has been sentenced to 20 years in jail after he pled guilty to taking bribes while managing the national team. He was head coach of the Chinese men’s national team
Donald Trump named Time’s Person of the Year for 2024
The US president-elect won the accolade for a “comeback of historic proportion,” according to the magazine. This is the second time Time chooses Trump after 2016. Time magazine named US President-elect Donald Trump as
ECB trims interest rate with eye on political unease
Eurozone monetary policymakers have cut interest rates again, citing a worsening growth outlook and largely easing inflation. Political turmoil in Europe has exacerbated the single currency area’s woes. The European Central Bank — the
US: Biden announces clemency for 1,500 people
The US president commuted the house arrest sentences of hundreds of people and pardoned dozens convicted of non-violent crimes. The move comes after his controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter. US
Germany’s history of confidence votes in parliament
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking a vote of confidence, which he is expected to lose. Does such a move work as a path to restore political stability? German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking
How North Korea responded to South’s political turmoil
Pyongyang’s propagandists have been unusually slow in commenting on the political upheaval in South Korea following President Yoon’s shock decision to declare martial law last week. In the week since South Korean
Romania, Bulgaria become full members of Schengen zone
European Union interior ministers have decided to allow the two eastern European countries accession to the Schengen free movement area. Austria, the final hold out against the move, declined to veto the
Australia: New taxes to force tech giants to pay for news
A majority of people read the news on Google and Facebook but news publishers responsible for content earn much less than tech companies. A new framework in Australia is set to change
Australia seals PNG rugby deal to counter Chinese influence
Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed a sporting deal accompanied by a strategic and confidential security pact that is designed to curb Chinese influence in the Pacific. Papua New Guinea is
UN General Assembly passes resolution on Gaza ceasefire
The General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the resolution demanding an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. It also adopted another resolution supporting UNRWA, which a new Israeli law will ban in the country.
South Korea’s President Yoon defends martial law decision
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said his decision to impose martial law was a bid to protect democracy. His comments came amid calls from his own party for his impeachment. South
Ethiopia, Somalia reach compromise to end feud, Turkey says
The two East African sides have been fighting with each other since January. The agreement was reached with the assistance of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ethiopia and Somalia’s leaders have reached a deal to end
EU: 11-year-old is only survivor from capsized migrant boat
An 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone says she was one of 45 who set off from Tunisia, all others are feared dead. The girl was rescued at sea after a three-day ordeal.
World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia’s human rights failures ignored
Saudi Arabia will stage the 2034 men’s football world cup — despite the Gulf monarchy’s poor human rights, free speech and labor rights record. Saudi Arabia’s imminent selection as the host of the
Germany’s history of confidence votes in parliament
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking a vote of confidence, which he is expected to lose. Does such a move work as a path to restore political stability? German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking
Sudan facing biggest humanitarian crisis recorded
The plight of Sudan has been ranked as the world’s single biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded, with millions of civilians bearing the brunt of the brutal civil war, according to a new
Germany: Scholz paves the way for snap elections
Chancellor Scholz is set to put forward his request for a confidence vote in his government. Following the vote, parliament will be dissolved and Germany has 60 days to hold fresh elections.
China expands major military drills around Taiwan
Taiwan’s military said 53 Chinese aircraft and 19 vessels had been detected near the island as Beijing conducts its largest maritime exercises in decades. Taipei denounced Beijing as a “troublemaker.” The Defense
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect had a written manifesto
The 26-year-old charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson had a written manifesto where he called health insurance companies “parasitic” as he railed against corporate greed. The man charged with the murder
South Korea: Police search President Yoon’s office
The search of president Yoon Suk Yeol’s office came ahead of a second attempt to impeach him. Meanwhile, former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide in custody. South Korean police
Australia: Anti-Israel slogans sprayed on wall, car burnt
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident was an “outrage” and expressed his support for Sydney’s Jewish community. The incident is being investigated as terrorism. Authorities in the Australian city of Sydney said
Sudan: War claims over 100 more lives, mostly civilians
The Sudanese army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces traded airstrikes that led to the loss of over 100 civilian lives. Famine has also been declared in a refugee camp in
Taiwan says China deploying largest naval fleet in decades
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China has deployed its largest naval fleet, even bigger than the 2022 war games. It has detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 warships around the island in
Israel: PM Netanyahu takes stand in corruption trial
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is testifying for the first time in his trial for corruption. He is the first sitting prime minister of Israel to face a criminal trial. Netanyahu has
Brazilian President Lula ‘doing well’ after brain surgery
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is recovering in intensive care after undergoing brain surgery. His doctors said in a statement that he was “doing well.” Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da
German man arrested in Russia for alleged sabotage for Kyiv
Russian police have reportedly detained a German-Russian man for allegedly planning a sabotage act at Kyiv’s behest. A German-Russian citizen has been arrested in Russia for allegedly preparing to sabotage a rail line on the
India: Mumbai bus hits pedestrians, killing 6
A local bus rammed into vehicles and pedestrians in Mumbai, killing at least six people and injuring dozens of others. Teams were deployed immediately as large crowds of bystanders gathered at the
Taiwan warns of biggest Chinese naval deployment in years
Taiwan’s defense ministry said China has deployed its largest naval fleet, even bigger than the 2022 war games. It detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 warships around the island in the
Germany, UK look to stamp out people smuggling
The British and German governments inked a joint plan to deal with eradicating migrant smuggling. This follows a BBC investigation which linked the German city of Essen to trafficking via the English
Scholz promises help for steel industy, urges EU action
Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged support for the ailing heavy industry, especially in light of high energy costs, at a meeting with steel industry representatives. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday promised competitive energy
Volkswagen: ‘Furious’ union threatens strike ‘escalation’
Thousands of Volkswagen workers walked out on strike for the second time this month as the car manufacturer threatens job cuts and factory closures. A fourth round of negotiations is underway with
India: Bomb threats sent to 40 New Delhi schools
Dozens of prominent schools in the Indian capital were threatened with “multiple bombs” unless the alleged bomber was paid a ransom. No evidence of explosives has yet been found. Some 40 schools
Haiti gang massacres 110 after accusing them of using voodoo
A Haiti gang boss ordered the killing of more than a hundred people who appeared to be practicioners of voodoo after accusing them of casting spells that killed his son. At least
German Chancellor-hopeful Friedrich Merz arrives in Kyiv
Christian Democrat chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has taken a surprise trip to Kyiv. He is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s center-right Christian Democrats
Indonesia: Flash flooding kills at least 10 on Java island
Flash floods and landslides that hit hilly villages on Indonesia’s main island of Java have killed at least 10 people. At least 10 people are known to have died and at least two
Jay-Z accused of raping minor with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
A Texas lawsuit alleges that the rap mogul assaulted the child at an MTV VMAs afterparty in 2000. He has denied the charge. Rapper and music industry mogul Jay-Z, whose real name is
South Korea bans President Yoon Suk Yeol from foreign travel
The travel ban comes after Yoon had to reverse a controversial martial law decree within hours of declaring it. The president then survived an impeachment vote in parliament. South Korean authorities on
Syria updates: Assad in Russia, granted asylum
Rebel groups faced no resistance entering Damascus on Sunday after taking the city of Homs. Russian media report, citing unnamed Kremlin sources, that Assad is now in Moscow having gained asylum. Russian
Iran launches its heaviest-ever payload into space
Iran says it sent into space its heaviest-ever payload using a domestically developed rocket. Tehran’s advancing aerospace capabilities have raised concerns in the West. Iran said it had successfully sent its heaviest-ever payload
New Zealand: Missing US, Canadian climbers believed dead
The three climbers went to camp at New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, but did not turn up for their return flights. Three mountain climbers from the United States and Canada, who were missing for
Australia: Police suspect arson attack at synagogue
The Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne was set ablaze by two mask-wearing arsonists, police said. A synagogue was set on fire by unidentified arsonists in the Australian city of Melbourne on Friday, police said.
South Korea: Ruling party calls for president’s suspension
The head of South Korea’s ruling party has come out in favor of suspending the constitutional powers of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who tried to impose martial law. South Korea’s ruling party
European Vega-C rocket launches after two-year gap
Europe’s Vega-C rocket has successfully returned to space after failing on its first commercial mission two years ago. Europe’s new Vega-C rocket was successfully launched from French Guiana on Thursday. It was
Germany: VW workers announce second strike as cuts loom
The IG Metall workers union said it would increase the pressure ahead of a fourth round of negotiations in the labor dispute. The union accused VW management of ‘slipping layoffs under the
US: California tsunami warning canceled after strong quake
The US Geological Service has reported a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in northern California, as the National Tsunami Center issued warning. The US Geological Service on Thursday reported a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake in northern
EU probes TikTok after surprise win in Romania election
EU regulators have ordered TikTok to retain data related to Romania’s presidential election. Bucharest has released intelligence linking Moscow to surprise pro-Russian winner Calin Georgescu. The European Union (EU) has ordered TikTok to freeze data linked
India with ESA satellites launches artificial eclipse quest
India has launched two European satellites into space with the objective of creating something akin to a solar eclipse to help scientists better understand the Sun’s atmosphere. The European Space Agency on Thursday launched
Germany: Hospital worker shot dead with a crossbow
A 50-year-old heathcare worker was killed in Bad Zwesten in central Germany. The police have said that a suspect was apprehended overnight. An assailant reportedly entered a hospital in central Germany armed with a crossbow
Merkel’s book already the most successful of the year
The ex-chancellor’s memoir “Freedom” has already sold 200,000 copies in Germany in just one week on bookstore shelves. Merkel has embarked on a whirlwind promotion tour in Europe and the US. Angela
Mexico nabs over a ton of fentanyl in biggest raid ever
The record seizure of fentanyl comes days after US President-elect Donald Trump threatened to levy tariffs if Mexico failed to curb the flow of fentanyl. Experts say the timing may not be
South Korea: Push to impeach Yoon, defense minister resigns
Prosecutors have announced that they are investigating President Yoon, as well as his interior minister and former defense minister. The president’s attempt to impose martial law has rattled the country. South Korean prosecutors
Romania Says No to Pro-Russian Deal: Georgescu Accused of Betrayal
Bucharest – A political scandal is brewing in Romania that has rocked the country. Presidential candidate Georgescu has come under a barrage of criticism after his provocative statements, which many believe threaten
Germany: Scholz seeks help passing last laws before election
Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the Bundestag a snap election campaign doesn’t also have to lead to “stagnation.” He urged the opposition to support his minority coalition’s last plans before February’s vote. German
US health insurance CEO shot dead outside New York hotel
Brian Thompson was fatally shot in the chest outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan, New York City, according to police. The CEO of UnitedHealthcare (UHC) was shot dead outside a hotel
Georgia protests: Opposition says leader beaten and detained
The country has seen a surge of public protest after the ruling party said it would suspend EU accession talks following a disputed election. The leader of one of Georgia’s opposition parties, Nika
Georgia Rises Against ‘Russian Peace’: People Demand Justice
Tbilisi – A large-scale political confrontation is heating up in Georgia. More than 70% of citizens are calling on parliament to immediately remove the mandate of businessman and former Prime Minister Bidzina
German police conduct raids on alleged people smugglers
According to Europol, the suspects, all based in Germany, organized the purchase, storage and transport of inflatable boats to smuggle migrants from France to the UK. German police said Wednesday a crackdown
‘World on fire’: UN appeals for $47 billion for aid in 2025
The UN’s new humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said he is looking ahead to 2025 with “dread.” The United Nations has issued a global appeal for more than $47 billion (€44.7 billion) to provide humanitarian
India: Assailant held after failed shooting of Sikh leader
Sikh leader Sukhbir Singh Badal was sitting outside his religion’s holiest temple in Amritsar when a man tried to kill him. No motive for the crime has yet been determined. A gunman was
French lawmakers set to vote on ousting PM Barnier
Should Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s administration be ousted, it will be first time France has witnessed such an event in more than 60 years. French lawmakers are set to hold a no-confidence vote on
Biden says ‘US is all in on Africa’ during Angola visit
Joe Biden arrived in Angola to promote the Lobito Corridor railway project, seeking to strengthen US ties in Africa. The trip is his last as US president before Donald Trump takes office
Philippines and China in South China Sea confrontation
China has alleged that Philippine vessels attempted to enter China’s territorial waters near the contested Scarborough Shoal while the Philippine coast guard said Chinese vessels took “aggressive actions.” China and the Philippines traded
Middle East: UN to convene summit on two-state solution
Saudi Arabia and France will host a summit in June at which the United Nations is hoping that countries will make serious efforts towards a Israeli-Palestinian “two-state solution.” The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Trump lawyers call on judge to dismiss hush money case
Donald Trump asked a New York state judge to dismiss the criminal case against him, in which he was convicted in May, in light of his re-election. His lawyers also made reference
Namibia elects Nandi-Ndaitwah as first woman president
Namibia’s election commission says Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling SWAPO party won 57% of the vote, negating the need for a runoff. The largest opposition party says it will challenge the results
Bangladesh summons India envoy after consulate attack
Tensions are high between India and Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and her fleeing to India. Bangladeshis protested an attack on a consulate in India a day earlier, amid
The situation around Bidzina Ivanishvili is causing a serious public outcry in Georgia.
Accusations that he supports Russian interests and influences the country’s political system have indeed become a reason for mass protests and demands to the parliament. If more than 70% of the population
China hits back at US chip sanctions with bans on exports
Beijing said it would restrict exports to the United States of some key components for making semiconductors. The development comes after Washington announced curbs targeting China’s ability to make advanced chips. China announced
Nigeria seeks South Africa’s help to join G20, BRICS
At a joint summit, Nigeria officially asked for South African endorsement to join the important economic blocs. South Africa recently assumed the rotating G20 presidency. The Nigerian government on Monday signaled a
Trump nominates billionaire Warren Stephens as UK ambassador
Stephens poured money into a political action committee that supported Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Trump also chose a major donor for envoy to the UK during his first term. US President-elect Donald
Ilke Wyludda: German discus thrower passes away at 55
Wyludda, who ended her sports career in 2017, won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She also won European Championship titles in 1990 and 1994. German discus thrower
Israel’s Netanyahu accuses Hezbollah of violating ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Hezbollah firing on a military site around the contested border a “serious violation” of the ceasefire, and said Israel would “respond strongly.” Hezbollah on Monday struck an Israeli military
ICC chief criticizes US and Russia over threats
Speaking at an annual conference of the court’s 124 members, Judge Tomoko Akane did not name Russia or the United States but referred to them as permanent members of the UN Security
The Georgian people call on the police to come to the side of the people, as other heroes have done!
The Georgian people call on the police to follow the example of those who have already stood up in defense of freedom and justice: Police officers, the life and destiny of the
The Caucasus Union met with Magomed Saipulaev, commander of the Imam Shamil battalion
At the last meeting the military committee of the Caucasus Union discussed current events in Georgia with Magomed Saipulaev, commander of the Imam Shamil Battalion. During the talks, Magomed expressed his full
Georgia: Germany still open to Tbilisi EU membership
As anti-government protests in Tbilisi continued into a fifth day, the German government said it would welcome European Union membership for Georgia, should its people want it. The German government said on
Syria: Iraqi militias provide Assad support
Iran-backed militias from Iraq entered the country to support the government’s attempts to contain surprise advances by the insurgents. Iran’s foreign minister says the country stands by Syrian leader Bashar Assad. Iranian-backed
ICJ begins hearings to clarify climate change obligations
The outcome of the landmark case could lead to the establishment of legal framework for holding countries accountable in the fight against climate change. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began its first hearings on
Germany’s Baerbock warns China over Russia support
The German foreign minister has made her second visit to Beijing since taking office. In addition to discusing Russia’s war in Ukraine, Baerbock urged China to “engage constructively” over EV tariffs. German
Guinea: Dozens killed after stampede over soccer penalty
Witnesses said that fans stormed the field following a controversial refereeing decision. Authorities reportedly responded by firing tear gas. At least 56 people, including children, were killed when chaos broke out at
Syria: US, Germany, France, UK call for de-escalation
The four NATO nations urged the “protection and civilians and infrastructure.” Meanwhile, the opposition-run White Helmets said Syrian and Russian airstrikes killed 25 people in Idlib on Sunday. The United States, Germany,
France: Bus crashes near ski resort, killing 2
The crash near the Porte-Puymorens ski resort also injured several. The bus ran into a cliff, initial investigations revealed. A bus carrying 46 passengers and a driver crashed near a ski resort
Georgia: Mass protests grow entering fourth night
Tens of thousands of Georgians continue to pressure the government over EU accession as opposition figures cry fraud. President Salome Zurabishvili has said she won’t step down and is calling for a
Commanders of Georgian units belonging to the military committee of the Caucasus Union decided to return to Georgia
At an extraordinary meeting, commanders of Georgian units of the Caucasus Union unanimously decided to return to Georgia in order to be ready to act in case of a threat to the