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
Romania: Ruling Social Democrats appear set to win elections
Romania’s ruling Social Democratic Party was in the lead with some 85% of ballots counted in the country’s parliamentary elections, according to exit polls. The far-right was also expected to make gains.
Plastic pollution ban fails, time needed says chair
Negotiators failed to sign a treaty curbing plastic waste after two years of discussions, as representatives from nearly 200 nations gathered in South Korea. Diplomats from nearly 200 countries gathered in Busan,
Notre Dame: Macron takes first look inside rebuilt cathedral
France has given the world a first look inside the restored Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, over five years after the fire that ravaged the interior of the heritage landmark. After more
China says ready to ‘work with’ Baltic Sea cut cables probe
Connectivity has been restored after two Baltic Sea data cables were severed in an area where a China-flagged vessel had been sighted. Sweden asked for Beijing’s cooperation with an investigation. China said
Iran to hold nuclear deal talks with France, Germany and UK
The UN’s nuclear agency said iran plans to instal around 6,000 new centrifuges to enrich uranium. The meeting in Geneva comes as Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.
Indonesia: Floods, landslides kill 31 in North Sumatra
The Indonesian province of North Sumatra has been battered by a week of relentless rainfall leading to floods and landslides in several parts. Scores have died while rescue efforts are underway to
Philippines VP skips hearing over ‘threat’ against Marcos
Government officials were probing Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte after she said she had instructed someone to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if she were killed. Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on
Ireland votes in snap general election
Irish voters have begun heading to the polls in a closely fought general election. Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris had called for snap polls earlier this month. Voting began on Friday morning
NZ navy vessel sank due to ‘autopilot’ error — inquiry
A New Zealand navy ship burst into flames and sank after hitting a reef south of Samoa. A military court of inquiry has found that the crew had failed to turn off
Chad to end security cooperation with France
The Central African country has announced the termination of its military cooperation agreement with France. The Chadian Foreign Ministry said the country wants to fully assert its sovereignty. Chad said on Thursday that
TikTok, Meta slam Australia’s social media ban for under-16s
The landmark Social Media Minimum Age bill sets Australia up as a test case for a growing number of governments. But opponents warn that young people may be driven to unsafe parts
France’s Macron hosts Nigeria’s Tinubu for talks in Paris
‘Nigeria is open for business,’ President Bola Tinubu said after his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Nigeria is France’s top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu arrived in France on Thursday
Namibia votes for new president and parliament
The southwest African state’s vice president is in the running to become the first female president. SWAPO’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main rival is Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). Voters
Taiwan conducts air drill amid China pressure
Taiwan staged an air defense exercise as tension simmers over President Lai Ching-te’s upcoming Pacific trip. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry also reported two Chinese balloons near the island. Taiwan’s military held a
China suspends top military official Miao amid graft probes
Miao Hua, a senior official in China’s top national defense body, is being investigated as China continues to probe its armed forces. Beijing also dismissed reports that it was investigating Defense Minister
Sri Lanka: Several dead as storm causes floods, landslides
A depression in the south-west part of the Bay of Bengal has caused heavy rains while cyclone conditions were developing off Sri Lanka’s north-eastern coast. The storm is now moving toward India.
Air pollution linked to 1.5 million deaths per year — study
A new Lancet study has linked heart and respiratory illnesses to air pollution from forest fires and controlled burning of cropland. China, India, Nigeria and Indonesia were among the worst-hit countries. Air pollution caused
Trump talks migration with Mexico leader amid tariff threat
Donald Trump said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and that she had agreed to “stop” US-bound migration. US President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum had agreed to
South Korea: At least four dead in heavy snowfall
The capital Seoul saw the third heaviest snowfall since records began, with more than 40 cm of snow piling up in parts of the city. More than 140 flights were canceled as
US slaps sanctions on Venezuelan officials
Washington says President Nicolas Maduro falsely claimed victory in the July elections and that opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez is the president-elect. The US has imposed sanctions on 21 Venezuelan officials for their role in suppressing
FBI investigating bomb threats against Trump Cabinet picks
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team says several of his political allies were “targeted in violent, un-American threats to their lives.” Trump himself has been the target of assassination attempts. The US Federal
Unlicensed German driver lets boy steer, tries to flee cops
Police stopped a man who had a 4-year-old boy seated on his lap and steering the car. A policeman was injured as the 46-year-old tried to flee questioning, seemingly because he knew
Pakistan’s shock solar surge
Pakistan has grown its solar energy capacity by an astounding amount in a remarkably short space of time. The shock surge has given residents the power to survive blackouts, but it threatens
Myanmar: ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for junta chief
International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan said there were reasonable grounds to believe Min Aung Hlaing bore criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya Muslims. The chief prosecutor of
Pakistan: Khan supporters call off protest in Islamabad
Jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI party has temporarily suspended protests after his supporters were cleared from central Islamabad in an overnight raid. At least six people have been killed in demonstrations.
China investigates defense minister for corruption
Beijing has deepened its crackdown on corruption in its armed forces over the past year amid fears that it may affect China’s ability to wage war. China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun has
Middle East: Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire begins
The truce comes after over a year of fighting that has killed thousands of people. Before the deal was struck Israel launched waves of attacks in Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is asking Israel’s cabinet to
Ukraine updates: Russia attacks with record number of drones
Russia has launched a record number of drones in one night against Ukraine, Kyiv’s military says. Meanwhile, NATO leaders are meeting to discuss Russia’s “test” use of a hypersonic ballistic missile. Ukraine’s
Pakistan protests: Khan supporters reach central Islamabad
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry said it had deployed the army to defend Islamabad’s heavily fortified Red Zone. Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan are demanding the jailed leader’s release. Former Prime Minister
Germany: 288,000 foreign workers needed annually until 2040
Despite recent reforms to labor migration law, Germany is still facing a severe deficit in skilled workers. A new study has found that this will have to be filled by immigrants. Germany’s
Pakistan: Imran Khan supporters storm capital
Police in Islamabad fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters demanding the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government said four security personnel were killed amid the unrest.
Japan’s space agency aborts Epsilon S rocket test after fire
The cause of the large fire is being investigated. The incident is the latest in a string of setbacks for Japan’s space program. Japan’s space agency, JAXA, aborted an engine test for the
Costa Rica plane crash kills 5
The small plane went down in a mountainous area on the outskirts of the Costa Rican capital, San Jose. One of the six people on board is in a critical condition. A
Trump threatens steep tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China
The US president-elect stated that the new tariffs are intended to stop an “invasion” of drugs and migrants entering the United States. US President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to impose a 25% tariff
DHL cargo plane crashes near Vilnius airport in Lithuania
There are no indications that it was a case of sabotage or a terrorist attack but authorities have yet to rule it out. One person on board was killed and three others
Cricket: 13-year-old becomes youngest IPL auction signing
Indian batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi was subject to a bidding war between Rajasthan Royal and Delhi Capitals. He was sold for 11 million rupees (roughly €125,000) at the age of just 13. An Indian teenager
Middle East: UAE arrests Uzbek citizens over rabbi killing
While no motive was given by the UAE authorities, Israel’s Foreign Ministry believes antisemitism was behind the killing in Dubai of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi. The United Arab Emirates said Monday police arrested three Uzbek
Pakistan: Thousands defy lockdown to demand Khan’s release
Capital Islamabad is bracing for protests in demanding the release of jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. At least 4,000 of his supporters have been arrested so far. Thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s imprisoned
China flies balloon close to Taiwan, Taipei says
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it spotted a Chinese balloon over the waters to the island’s north. It is the first such incident since April. Taiwan said on Monday that it had detected a Chinese
Germany: SPD to nominate Scholz as chancellor candidate
After two weeks of internal wrangling, Germany’s SPD is set to nominate incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz as the party’s lead candidate in February’s federal election. Germany’s center-left Social Democrats (SPD) are on Monday set
Uruguay election: Left-wing candidate Orsi wins presidency
The candidate for the ruling center-right government, Alvaro Delgado, conceded defeat to his left-wing rival Yamandu Orsi following a tight race. Orsi is a political heir to former leftist President Jose Mujica.
Romania set for right-wing runoff after PM eliminated
The runoff vote in Romania’s presidential election will be contested by the center right and far right after social democratic Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was beaten into third place. Romania’s incumbent Prime
Pakistan: Thousands of Khan supporters reportedly arrested
Police have reportedly arrested thousands of supporters of Imran Khan ahead of a rally in the capital Islamabad. Authorities blocked main routes leading to the capital in a bid to stop supporters
Hezbollah fires barrage of projectiles into Israel
It was one of the largest attacks Hezbollah has launched against Israel, with some rockets reaching Tel Aviv. The Israeli military (IDF) said around 250 projectiles had been fired by Hezbollah militants from Lebanon into northern and
Unidentified drones seen over UK airbases — US Air Force
The unidentified drones were spotted over three air bases in the UK according to the USAF. Its not clear whether the drones had any hostile intent. The United States Air Force (USAF) said that a
Gus the penguin sets sail in the Southern Ocean
The emperor penguin made headlines after landing on Australia’s coast, an the hope is he will now return to Antarctica. An emperor penguin that made a roughly 3,500-kilometer (2,200 miles) journey from Antarctica to Australia was finally released
German economy grows slower than expected in third quarter
According to preliminary data from the federal statistics office, the economy grew only 0.1% compared to the second quarter. Economists hope sinking inflation will drive consumer spending. The Federal Statistical Office, or
Serbian train station collapse prompts wave of arrests
Weeks of protest followed the fatal collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad. The tragedy prompted a wave of cabinet resignations and now arrests, including a former minister. A dozen
King Charles’s coronation a costly affair
Charles was crowned monarch at Westminster Abbey, but recent accounts show the royal splendor came at a cost. King Charles III’s coronation in 2023 cost British taxpayers £72 million (€86.5 million, $90.7 million), according to official
Haiti slams Macron’s ‘unfriendly and inappropriate’ remarks
French President Emmanuel Macron was filmed calling Haiti’s leadership “completely stupid.” His comments went down particularly badly given France’s colonial history in the Caribbean. Haiti’s foreign minister on Thursday summoned the French
Xi Jinping visits Morocco, meets crown prince
China’s investments in Morocco’s infrastructure and railway have grown in recent years. Xi made the “brief visit” in the African country after wrapping up the G20 summit in Brazil. Chinese President Xi Jinping landed
Brazil police indict ex-president Bolsonaro over coup plot
Evidence gathered through wiretaps and warrants show that Jair Bolsonaro was aware of the plot, the police said. Brazil’s top prosecutor will now decide if it warrants a trial. Brazil’s federal police
UN nuclear watchdog censures Iran for failing to cooperate
The United Nations nuclear agency has passed a resolution increasing pressure on Iran over its nuclear program. Tehran has responded by activating additional centrifuges. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a censure motion against Iran on
VW talks: Union demands deal before Christmas
Volkswagen has threatened plant closures and layoffs in a bid to reduce labor costs. Workers could declare strikes starting in December if talks fall through. Workers’ representatives have called for a deal
Russia accused of firing intercontinental missile at Ukraine
Russia has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine, the Ukrainian military says. President Zelenskyy has urged Ukrainians not to panic amid heightened fears of a Russian escalation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
Why are US authorities seeking sale of Google Chrome?
US antitrust officials have proposed that Google should be forced to sell its Chrome browser after the company was found guilty of illegally monopolizing the search market. How important is Chrome for
Middle East: US envoy to meet Netanyahu to talk truce
US envoy Amos Hochstein is set to discuss a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. US diplomat Amos Hochstein has arrived in Israel after a stop in Beirut,
“Rubezh” over the Dnieper: 36 strikes in one launch
On the morning of November 21, a Rubezh rocket was launched along the Dnieper. This deadly development is divided into six parts, each of which strikes an additional six targets, creating up
Australia launches bill banning social media for under 16s
The bill proposes a fine of up to AU$50 million on social media platforms if they fail to uphold the ban. It also does not allow for an exemption for parents to
Banana taped to wall sells for $6.2 million at art auction
A controversial piece of art has sold for millions of dollars at auction, prompting debate as to what constitutes art. A work of art by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan has been
Mali junta chief sacks prime minister
Prime Minister Maiga had criticized the junta for indefinitely postponing the country’s return to civilian rule. The military has been in charge in Mali since 2020 following back-to-back coups. The civilian prime
Deadly ‘bomb cyclone’ lashes US Northwest
Weather experts have warned of flash floods, blizzards and debris flows in California and southwestern Oregon. Meanwhile two people have died in Washington. A “bomb cyclone” has hit the western coast of
US charges Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in bribery case
The chairman of the Adani Group has been charged with bribery linked to lucrative solar energy projects. Gautam Adani, the billionaire chairman of Indian conglomerate Adani Group, has been indicted in New York,
Pakistan: Suicide bombing kills several
Hafiz Gul Bahadur, an Islamist militant group, has claimed responsibility. Pakistan has experienced a rise in violence over the last two years after the TTP ended a monthslong cease-fire with the government
Iran in standoff with European powers over nuclear deal
Iran said it would take a “proportionate” response if Western nations back a resolution against its nuclear program at a meeting of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Western
Greece stopped by 24-hour general strike over cost of living
Greece ground to a halt as a general strike stopped trains, ships and other transport around the country. Unions have called for the government to raise wages and do more to combat
Prominent Uganda opposition figure kidnapped and jailed
Kizza Besigye is a longtime critic of strongman President Yoweri Museveni. Besigye’s wife says he is being held in military jail despite not being a soldier. The wife of well-known opposition politician Kizza
Russia arrests German citizen on sabotage charges
The Russian Federal Security Service said a German man was involved in organizing an explosion in Kaliningrad and had returned to Russia “to organize acts of sabotage.” A German citizen has been arrested in Russia on
India’s richest state goes to vote
Polls in the Indian state of Maharashtra have opened. Opinion polls showed that the opposition Congress could wrestle back the key state from an alliance that includes Prime Minister Modi’s BJP. The
Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai testifies at ‘foreign collusion’ trial
The media mogul told the court he wanted the people of Hong Kong to be more informed about freedom. It is Lai’s first testimony in the trial against him for alleged violations
Rafael Nadal’s career ends with Davis Cup defeat
The legendary Spaniard ended an illustrious career with a defeat. Nadal will be remembered as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Rafael Nadal has played his last match as a professional tennis player.
Haiti: Doctors Without Borders halts work in Port-au-Prince
The NGO said its staff had been threatened with rape and death by Haitian police, forcing it to shut down some of the few functioning healthcare centers in the capital. Doctors Without
Peru: President’s brother sentenced to pre-trial detention
In a case which could implicate President Dina Boluarte, a judge ordered that her brother Nicanor, who was not at the hearing, be held for up to three years due to probability
Germany assumes sabotage after Baltic Sea data cable damaged
Following reports that a data cable connecting Germany and Finland had been cut, Germany has ruled out an accident. It remains unclear who would be behind any act of sabotage. German Defense
Georgia: Police break up election protest camp
Georgian police have reportedly beaten and detained protesters rallying against alleged fraud in last month’s elections. The president has filed a lawsuit at the constitutional court asking it to annul the results.
New Zealand: 42,000 demonstrate support for Maori rights
Tens of thousands of people in New Zealand took to the streets to protest against a bill that would change the county’s founding treaty between Indigenous Maori and the British Crown. The
Hong Kong: 45 activists jailed in national security case
Dozens of prominent activists have been given prison sentences of up to 10 years as part of a sweeping law imposed by China that crushed a once-thriving pro-democracy movement. Hong Kong’s High
Ecuador: Wildfires trigger national emergency
The 60-day state of national emergency comes as the country has struggled to take control over a series of wildfires taking place in several provinces. The Ecuadorian energy crisis has exacerbated the
Internal conflict between police and military in Ukraine: risks to unity and ways to resolve it
As the war continues in Ukraine, internal tensions between various security forces are emerging, which could threaten national unity and the country’s combat readiness. One of these acute issues is the conflict
Germany: Police remove Tesla protesters from forest camp
Authorities say those protesting the US carmaker’s expansion plans will be allowed to return after the area is combed for WWII bombs. Environmentalists have fought expansion for months and call authorities dishonest.
Paraguayan President Pena hospitalized during G20 summit
President Santiago Pena is currently undergoing medical checks in a hospital in Rio de Janerio, where the summit is taking place. Paraguayan President Santiago Pena was hospitalized on Monday for a “slight indisposition”
Germany: Bavarian pterosaur fossil gives evolutionary clues
Paleontologists have discovered a well-preserved and unusually large pterosaur fossil in southern Germany. They say it offers important information as to how the now-extinct flying reptiles evolved. Paleontologists say they have discovered
Philippines: Deadly Typhoon Man-yi brings floods in its wake
The Philippines is cleaning up after Super Typhoon Man-yi hit over the weekend, killing at least eight. Severe flooding is affecting some northern regions. Super Typhoon Man-yi wreaked havoc across the Philippine archipelago over the
Spur’s Rodrigo Bentancur banned for racist slur
The Tottenham midfielder has received a 7-match ban for comments made about teammate Son Heung-min. Tottenham Hotspur’s midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has received a seven-match ban for a racist remark made about South Korean teammate
EU ministers to discuss suspending dialogue with Israel
EU foreign ministers are to debate a proposal by the bloc’s top diplomat to suspend diplomatic dialogue with Israel. The proposal seems unlikely to be accepted. European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels
French farmers protest EU-Mercosur trade deal
Protests were planned across the country, including gatherings at local government offices and traffic circles. A group used tractors to block a highway south of Paris in the lead-up to this week’s
India: Delhi smog hits highest level this year
Toxic smog continues to plague most of northern India, including the capital, New Delhi. The Supreme Court has criticized the government’s slow response as levels of microparticles soared above the recommended limits.
North Korea’s Kim urges military to prepare for war
In a speech to military commanders, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the Korean Peninsula as “the world’s biggest hot spot.” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called on his country’s military for a
Donald Trump nominates Brendan Carr as media chief
US president-elect Donald Trump has described FCC member Brendan Carr as a “warrior for free speech.” Carr opposed a decision to revoke a grant for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service. US president-elect Donald
China’s President Xi arrives in Brazil for G20 summit
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has vowed to enhance ties with Brazil, which is a fellow member of the BRICS group. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would seek “pragmatic engagement” with
Senegal ruling party claims victory in legislative elections
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’ party has claimed victory in the legislative assembly and key opposition parties have conceded, even as votes are still being counted. Senegal’s ruling party has claimed a
Gabon votes ‘yes’ to new constitution
Gabonese voters have approved of a new constitution proposed by the country’s military rulers. The text introduces term limits and stipulates that family members cannot succeed a president. Gabonese voters on Sunday approved
Miss South Africa exits Miss Universe due to health concerns
Mia le Roux made history as the first deaf woman crowned Miss South Africa. Mia le Roux, South Africa’s contestant at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mexico, has announced her last-minute withdrawal from
Croatian PM fires health minister amid corruption scandal
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic dismissed his health minister, Vili Beros, on Friday, soon confirming reports that Beric had been detained by anti-corruption investigators Croatia’s prime minister sacked Health Minister Vili Beros early
South Korea: opposition leader handed suspended jail term
Lee Jae-myung was found guilty of breaching electoral rules by making false claims during the 2022 South Korean presidential election. The 60-year-old intends to appeal. The leader of South Korea’s main opposition party
Xi inaugurates South America’s first Chinese-funded port
The Chancay megaport aims to streamline trade between South America and Asia and marks a significant step in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It has raised alarm bells in Washington. Chinese President
Sri Lanka President Dissanayake’s coalition wins big
Voters have handed Anura Kumara Dissanayake a significant win in a snap general election, giving its new leftist president greater legislative power to pursue policies to alleviate poverty. The party of Sri
North Korea orders mass production of suicide drones: report
Kim Jong Un watched a test of suicide drones and wants production of the aerial weapons ramped up. North Korea’s latest military operation came as the US, South Korea and Japan engaged
Musk met Iran ambassador to defuse tensions
The New York Times has reported a meeting between Elon Musk and Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani took place on Monday. The Tesla and X owner’s influence within the future Donald Trump administration
Donald Trump selects RFK Jr. to lead top US health agency
Donald Trump has chosen conspiracy theorist and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy dropped a presidential bid for a role in Trump’s