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Biden offers condolences with Germany after Magdeburg Christmas market attack

The violence shocked Germany and the city, prompting several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas markets as a precaution, and out of solidarity with Magdeburg’s loss. Berlin kept its markets open but has increased its police presence at them.

'Horrific and senseless': India condemns attack on German Christmas market, Indians among injured

German Christmas market attack: Seven Indians have been injured in the deadly car-ramming attack in the eastern German city of Magdeburg and the Indian embassy in Berlin is providing them all possible assistance, official sources said on Saturday night.

Turkey's drone warfare in Syria: 5 killed in strike amid campaign targeting Kurdish forces

Turkey backs Syria's new Islamist-led rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and hopes they will act against Kurdish fighters. Ankara has vowed to continue military operations until Kurdish forces 'disarm', citing border security concerns

After prolonged protests, Volkwasgen and employees finalise deal to avoid wage reduction

Volkswagen said its European factories were designed for a market of 16 million annual car sales but are now facing demand for 14 million, equating to a loss of 500,000 cars per year — roughly the output of two plants

Brazil’s Congress approves fiscal package to curb spending and tackle debt

The Senate passed the final of three bills contained in the package, capping minimum wage increases and tightening eligibility criteria for social benefits for the elderly and disabled, in a 42-31 vote.

Hurricane Milton inflicts $190M in agricultural losses, highest in 2024

Milton came ashore Oct. 9 near Siesta Key on the Gulf coast as a Category 3 storm, sweeping across the central part of the state with hurricane-force winds striking 14 counties and impacted more than 5.7 million acres (2.3 million hectares) of agricultural land

Russia hurries to clean up devastating oil spill along Black Sea coast

Efforts to rescue affected wildlife are underway. A rescue center has treated about 500 oil-soaked birds, including cormorants, but over 30 have died

US Federal Reserve slashes interest rate by 25bps in third consecutive rate cut of 2024

The Fed has raised rates aggressively since March 2022, pushing its benchmark rate to a 23-year high before beginning reductions this year

'Fair, mutually acceptable': In Doval-Wang talks, India sets tone for settling border disputes with China

India on Wednesday called for a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution to its border dispute with China as NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held extensive discussions, focusing on fostering positive cross-border cooperation, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, river data sharing, and border trade

One billion users, but controversies mount up for TikTok

TikTok's breakneck rise from a niche video-sharing app to a global social media behemoth has drawn intense scrutiny.

Trump threatens to seize Panama Canal over ‘ridiculous’ fees

In an evening post on Truth Social, Trump also warned he would not let the canal fall into the 'wrong hands,' and he seemed to warn of potential Chinese influence on the passage, writing the canal should not be managed by China

The Zodiac Killer's real identity continues to puzzle true crime sleuths and investigators 50 years on

Unlike other serial killers, who were propelled by a relentless need for violence, the Zodiac's ultimate goal seemed to be notoriety.

France's new PM struggles to impress, faces record low approval

Even before Francois Bayrou has properly started his job, a new poll carried out by Ifop for the French weekly Journal du Dimanche found 66 percent of respondents were unhappy with his performance

Trump says he might demand Panama hand over canal

The President-elect has accused Panama of charging excessive rates for use of the canal, and said said that he could demand the US ally hand it over.

Greece's former royal family applies for citizenship 50 years after being dethroned

Greece's Interior Ministry official Athanasios Balerpas confirmed that the relatives of the late king signed a declaration on Thursday acknowledging the republican government and adopting a new surname, “De Grece” – French for “of Greece”

US fighter shot down in 'apparent case of friendly fire' over Red Sea

The US military said it mistakenly shot down one of its own fighter aircraft over the Red Sea early on Sunday, forcing both pilots to eject.

Anora: The movie of the year finally arrives

Since winning the coveted Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, Anora has spent the past six months taking the movie world by storm. It opens in NZ on Boxing Day.

Turkey's foreign minister says Ankara will do ‘whatever it takes’ to ensure national security

Turkey regards the YPG, the militant group spearheading the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants who have fought an insurgency against the Turkish state for 40 years and are deemed terrorists by Ankara, Washington, and the European Union

German Christmas market attack suspect remanded

A man suspected of the murders of a nine-year-old boy and four women at the market in Magdeburg has appeared in court.

Vatican leader slams Israeli airstrike, accuses of war crimes

The pontiff made his remarks a day after the rescue agency in Gaza said an Israeli air strike had killed seven children from one family

Albania bans TikTok for one year after teen stabbing incident, the company reacts

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the country will be banning TikTok for one year. The move came a month after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death by a fellow schoolmate

Elon Musk's storm of tweets almost led to a government shutdown, and proved his power in Trump's America

Analysis: As Congress prepared to vote on a budget bill to fund government services and avoid a shutdown, Elon Musk posted scores of tweets calling for the bill to be killed.

Trump's bid to shape budget fails, leaving questions about his ability to deliver on promises

The president-elect successfully pushed House Republicans to jettison some spending, but he failed to achieve his central goal of raising the debt limit. It demonstrated that despite his decisive election victory and frequent promises of retribution, many members of his party are still willing to openly defy him

Israel demands of release of 34 hostages in the first phase of ceasefire deal: Report

Israel has demanded the release of 34 hostages in the first phase of their ceasefire deal with Hamas. In the list, 11 hostages are touted by Hamas as Israeli soldiers, who do not meet the criteria to be released in the first phase

Out-of-control bushfire in Australia's Victoria will burn for days, warn officials

An uncontained bushfire raging in Australia's Victoria state that has prompted an evacuation order for hundreds of residents will burn for several days, officials said on Sunday.

Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' costar Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment, reputational retaliation, which he denies

In a civil rights complaint, Lively alleges Justin Baldoni and his team designed a "plan" to "destroy" her reputation.

US removes NZ$17 million bounty on Syrian rebel leader following meeting

It follows a high-level US delegation meeting with the former jihadist.

Lara Trump withdraws from consideration to replace Rubio in US Senate

There was speculation that the daughter-in-law of US President-elect Donald Trump would succeed outgoing US Senator Marco Rubio.

The 'action hero' story behind St Nicholas, the 'real' Santa Claus

"This story in particular, it really kind of humanised him for me and made him a far more interesting character than I think he's normally portrayed," says University of Winchester's Brian Thornton.

US strikes Houthi targets in Yemen, hours after Tel Aviv attack

American forces also shot down multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea, it said, shortly after the rebels' Al-Masirah TV channel reported that an "aggression" had targeted the Attan district of Sanaa, blaming Western forces.

Lara Trump withdraws name from consideration for US Senate

The president-elect's daughter-in-law had been spoken of as a replacement for Senator Marco Rubio.

War in Syria: How Bashar al-Assad’s inner circle fled after his fall

Several Assad allies, including Maher and Mamlouk, sought refuge in Russia and Lebanon.

Hamas, two other Palestinian groups say Gaza ceasefire deal ‘closer than ever’

Hamas reports significant progress in ceasefire talks; deal could finalise this year.

Ukraine drone hits Russian high-rise 1000km from frontline

Kazan drone attack embarrasses Russia, targets shift to civilians.

Blake Lively accuses co-star Justin Baldoni of smear campaign

Mr Baldoni's lawyer says the allegations are "categorically false" and a "desperate attempt to 'fix' her negative reputation".

Secret passageway through one of Italy's most famous cityscapes opens to public for first time

It was built as a secret passageway for the elite of Florence to pass undetected, far from the regular citizens.

Gaza ceasefire talks 90% complete, Palestinian official tells BBC

The senior official said a ceasefire deal is close but key issues remain that need to be bridged.

'I heard rumbling and shattering glass': Eyewitness describes Christmas market attack

One woman describes how her boyfriend was dragged away from her after being hit by the car being used as a weapon.

More than 30 dead in Brazil bus and truck collision

A packed bus collided with a truck and burst into flames with the casualties including at least one child.

Russia Ukraine war: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms meeting with CIA Director Bill Burns

Zelenskyy said he and Burns had held multiple undisclosed meetings since the start of the war, acknowledging the CIA director's crucial role in the war that is now in its third year

Commercial flights resume for quake-hit Vanuatu

The priority is for stranded citizens to return home as well as enabling visitors to leave.

Christmas market attack: Suspect in deadly Magdeburg car-ramming railed against Islam and Germany

Saudi suspect in Germany's attack held anti-Islam views, angry at migration policies.

Watch: Germany grapples with another Christmas market attack

The BBC's Bethany Bell reports from the empty Magdeburg market, on what should be one of the busiest nights of the season.

What we know about suspect behind German Christmas market attack

Authorities are working to establish the motive of the attacker, who said he had helped people flee Saudi Arabia.

Germany: Scholz visits attack site in Magdeburg as death toll rises to 5

Scholz was joined by numerous national and regional politicians, all dressed in black, in the eastern city of Magdeburg, where they then laid flowers outside the main church

At least 3rd food distribution-related stampede in Nigeria in a week; several dead

Since December 18, at least three separate instances of stampede, which have resulted in multiple deaths, including those of children, have taken place in Nigeria

37 killed in bus and truck crash in Brazil

The bus carrying 45 passengers had a tire blowout and the driver lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into an oncoming truck loaded with tiles on a major highway near the town of Teofilo Otoni, in Minas Gerais state.

US avoids government shutdown after days of political turmoil

President Biden signs a budget to avert what would be the first US federal shutdown since 2019.

Biden signs funding bill to avert government shutdown

After last-minute legislative wrangling amid pressure from incoming president Donald Trump, lawmakers finally passed the funding bill in the early hours of Saturday, narrowly avoiding massive halts in government services right ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Finally, a breakthrough in Gaza conflict? Hamas says ceasefire agreement within reach

Efforts to establish a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing, with recent negotiations indicating potential progress. Mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been actively involved in facilitating discussions aimed at ending the 14-month conflict in Gaza

Albania bans TikTok for a year after killing of teenager

The ban is part of a broader plan to make schools safer in the European country.

Iceland forms new coalition govt with focus on inflation and EU referendum by 2027

Frostadottir will assume the office of Prime Minister and lead a government consisting of her own party together with the Liberal Reform Party and the People's Party.

55th GST Council meeting: 7 key takeaways from FM Nirmala Sitharaman's address

The 55th GST Council meeting saw tax hikes on vehicles and luxury goods, relief for insurance premiums, reduced GST on essentials, alignment with pre-budget talks, and states rejecting GST on ATF

At least 20 killed in jihadist attacks on central Mali villages

Mali since 2012 has faced attacks from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State, as well as by separatist movements and criminal gangs. Last weekend seven people were killed during attacks in the centre of the country.

Boy, 8, saves classmate with Heimlich manoeuvre

Thomas Conley was sitting next to Isaiah Rodriguez at lunch when he noticed something was wrong.

Europe's far-right leaders push anti-Islam, anti-immigration rhetoric after German Christmas market crash

Police identified the suspect as a man from Saudi Arabia, though authorities had not confirmed whether the crash was an act of terrorism. That has not stopped leaders like Marine Le Pen and Nigel Farage's anti-Islam and anti-migration rhetoric, though

Houthi missile strike injures more than a dozen in Tel Aviv

The Israeli military said attempts to shoot down a projectile launched from Yemen had been unsuccessful and that it had landed in a public park.

'Kuwait is 4 hours away but it took 4 decades for a PM to visit', says Modi

Earlier today, PM Modi visited a labour camp in the Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait with a workforce of around 1,500 Indian nationals

Tel Aviv hit by missile fired from Yemen, Israel and Houthis say

The strike is a rare instance of a failed interception over the city.

Death toll in German Christmas market car-ramming rises to five, more than 200 injured

Hundreds of people have been injured - about 40 seriously - and a young child is among the dead.

'Gossiping is evil': Pope Francis asks Vatican staff to stop speaking ill of one another

By now Francis' annual Christmas address to the priests, bishops and cardinals who work in the Vatican Curia has become a lesson in humility -– and humilitation -- as Francis offers a public dressing down of some of the sins in the workplace at the headquarters of the Catholic Church

Syrian Kurds face mounting challenges as Turkey-backed factions gain ground

The seismic change in Syria is expected to yield deeper Turkish sway just as a change of U.S. administration is raising questions over how long Washington will keep backing the country's Kurdish-led forces.

Israel, Turkey swoop in on Syria in bid to shape war-ravaged country's post-Assad era

The power vacuum left by Assad's regime has created a difficult and volatile environment. The actions of Israel and Turkey, though on the surface driven by security concerns, appear to be a thin veil for larger geopolitical dominance ambitions

Post-Assad Syria: New rulers name foreign minister amid push for international outreach

Ousted president Assad fled Syria just over a week ago following a lightning offensive spearheaded by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), more than 13 years after his crackdown on democracy protests precipitated one of the deadliest wars of the century.

Netanyahu's approval ratings plummets to 29%, only 22% trust his govt: Report

Pollsters also asked respondents how they define victory in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip -- 68 per cent say victory will only be achieved with the return of all the hostages

WATCH: Ukraine drones hit buildings in Russia’s Kazan in 9/11 style attack

Ukraine brought the war into the heart of Russia Saturday morning with drone attacks that local authorities said damaged residential buildings in the city of Kazan in the Tatarstan region

Inside the abandoned homes of Assad's ruthless enforcers

Jamil Hassan, referred to as "the butcher" by people who lived on his street, is among the senior regime figures who have fled with their families.

China slams US report for ‘distorting’ defence policy, calls it 'gross interference'

Since last year, China's military has undergone a sweeping anti-corruption purge and last month the defence ministry said a top-ranking military official had been suspended and was under investigation for "serious violations of discipline."

'Fraudulent scheme': Putin's govt slams UK's planned transfer of frozen assets to Ukraine

In June 2023, the UK introduced legislation enabling sanctions on Russia to remain in place until compensation is paid to Ukraine. This legislation also established a mechanism for sanctioned individuals to donate frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

'This is cruelty, not war': Pope Francis condemns Israeli strike killing 7 children

Francis, 88, has called for peace since Hamas's unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the Israeli retaliatory campaign in Gaza

Christmas 2024: Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25? Traditions, History, Significance and all you need to know

The tradition of celebrating Christmas on December 25 gained popularity in the 4th century, and it was formally recognized by the Roman Catholic Church in 336 AD

Jogging memories: Why some Nigerians in London set up their own running club

Young Igbos in the UK meet up weekly to reconnect with their roots.

Ukraine targets Russia's Kazan City with drone strikes, hundreds of miles from the front line

The attacks, which Ukraine didn't acknowledge in keeping with its security policy, comes after a Ukrainian attack Friday on a town in Russia's Kursk border region using U.S.-supplied missiles killed six people, including a child

After concluding India trip, Sri Lanka's Dissanayake announces China visit

The announcement comes at a time when the island nation completed a long-delayed foreign debt restructuring. China is Sri Lanka's largest bilateral lender with Beijing owing half of Colombo's bilateral debt at the time of the 2022 economic crash

Rival demonstrations in Seoul as Yoon Suk Yeol's fate hangs in balance

Tens of thousands of anti-Yoon protesters, dominated by people in their 20s and 30s, gathered around 3 p.m., waving K-Pop light sticks and signs with sayings such as 'Arrest! Imprison! Insurrection chief Yoon Suk Yeol' to catchy K-pop tunes

Saudi suspect of German Christmas market attack had 'anti-Islam views': Report

Amid the investigation, a German official maintained that Abdulmohsen had shared "anti-Islamic views". Another anonymous official told the American news outlet that the authorities are searching the suspect's home and believe that he may be under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack

WATCH: PM Modi lands in Kuwait for 2-day-long visit

This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Kuwait in 43 years. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981

Pakistan military court sentences 25 civilians to imprisonment over 2023 attacks

The ruling underscores concerns among supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan that military courts are going to play a bigger role in cases involving the 72-year-old, who is facing multiple charges including allegedly inciting attacks against the armed forces

Biden administration approves $265 million in military equipment for Taiwan

The United States is bound by law to provide Chinese-claimed Taiwan with the means to defend itself despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei, to the constant anger of Beijing

Syria's future hangs in the balance as HTS takes the reins

In the days since Assad's fall, dozens of Syrians have been killed in acts of revenge, according to activists and experts who monitor Syria. The vast majority have been from the minority Alawite community, an offshoot of Shia Islam that the Assad family adheres to

Javier Milei vows to promote nuclear energy in Argentina. Here's Why

The current generation of energy "will not be enough to supply this new demand (from AI), which is why we are convinced that a resurgence of nuclear energy is going to be generated throughout the world," he said in a video

16 soldiers killed in overnight attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Taliban claim responsibility

The attack took place in the Makeen area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where about 30 terrorists raided an army outpost in the middle of the night. Two intelligence officers told AFP that the attack lasted for two hours

Cuba: Thousands rally in Havana against US trade embargo

Communist Cuba is enduring a worsening economic crisis that the government blames on US sanctions that have been in place since 1962 and were tightened during Trump's first term

Myanmar junta hit hard as Arakan Army seizes control of regional military command

The Arakan Army (AA) had 'completely captured' the western regional command at Ann on Friday after weeks of fighting, the group said in a statement on its Telegram channel

Who is the Saudi doctor behind the German Christmas market attack?

After the Christmas market attack in Germany, police have arrested a Saudi Arabian doctor as a suspect. Taleb, a 50-year-old lone attacker, rammed his black BMW SUV into the crowded marketplace in Magdeburg, leaving two people dead and nearly 70 people injured. According to his social media profile, he is a harsh critic of Islam and supports the far-right German political party AfD

Magdeburg attack gives Europe's right-wing fresh salvo to target immigration

Leading right-wing figures from Geert Wilders in the Netherlands to Nigel Farage in Britain, seized the opportunity to push their anti-immigration rhetoric after the Germany attack

El Salvador found guilty of 'obstetric violence' in historic abortion ruling

The case goes back to 2013 when the woman -- identified publicly as 'Beatriz' -- was unable to obtain an abortion because El Salvador bans them in all cases, even when a woman's life is in danger or when pregnancy results from rape

This Year in Elections: From India to the US, how elections defined 2024

In a year that saw 60 countries go to polls, the most talked about were elections in India and the United States. Narendra Modi won a third term; in the US, Donald Trump’s comeback was historic. The UK voted for Labour, ending the 14-year dominance of the Conservative Party and Sri Lanka got a new leader. In our yearly roundup, we take a look at what has changed and what has not

Alphabet's Google seeks to revamp default search engine deals

The proposal is much narrower than the government's push to make Google sell its Chrome browser, which Google called a drastic attempt to intervene in the search market

Faced with turmoil, a defiant Trudeau hangs on - for now

As the longest serving G7 leader, the Canadian prime minister has weathered many storms. But this time might be different.

14 injured in Israel as Houthi missile hits Tel Aviv, Yemeni group says 'heart of enemy no longer secure'

At least 14 people were injured in Israel's capital, Tel Aviv, after Houthis launched a missile attack against the Jewish nation. The two sides exchanged multiple strikes this week

Espionage fears as Chinese nationals arrested near US military base in Guam

The agency said at least four of the people arrested on Dec. 10-11 were found 'in the vicinity of a military installation'. Guam has many such installations, including Andersen Air Force Base, where the Dec. 10 missile test was conducted

Biden surpasses Trump's judicial confirmation record, secures 235th appointment

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., teed up votes Friday on two California district judges, and they were the last judicial confirmations this year before Congress adjourns and makes way for a new, Republican-led Senate

US lifts $10 million bounty on HTS leader as it holds talks with new Syrian regime

The bounty was lifted following the first face-to-face meeting between American diplomats and the HTS leadership

Missouri abortion ban struck down by judge, ruling paves way for abortions to restart

Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang said the abortion ban 'is directly at odds' with a constitutional amendment creating a right to abortion that won voter approval in the November election

Five unanswered questions from the Pelicot trial

Although the Pelicot trial is over, some questions remain over the case that shook France.

Germany Christmas market attack: Survivors recount horror after Magdeburg car killings

Two dead and dozens injured after car drives into German Christmas market.

Warriors, water and a white horse: Photos of the week

A selection of news photographs from around the world.

The drug-trafficking Rio gangsters who see themselves as God's 'soldiers of crime'

Brazilian narco gangs say they are taking territory for Jesus, and are barring other faiths from the favelas.

Germany: 2 killed, several injured as car rams into crowd at Christmas market, police call it 'terror attack'

At least 2 people were killed and over 68 were injured after a BMW car ploughed into a crowd at a German Christmas market. The authorities are calling it a 'terror attack' as the investigation is currently underway

Funny old world: The week’s offbeat news

This week's round-up of offbeat stories from around the world.

Syria's new leaders pledge to work towards 'regional peace' after Assad's fall

HTS, which leads the victorious coalition of armed groups in Damascus, claims to have broken with jihadism and has sought to reassure people of its ability to revive the country after nearly 14 years of civil war

Watch: Relatives of inmates attempt to break into Mexican prison

The BBC's Will Grant looks at unrest in which seven people died, leading to family members attempting to break inside to check on their relatives.

One woman's 56-year fight to free her innocent brother from death sentence

Hideko Hakamata spent decades fighting to save her brother: the world's longest-serving death row inmate.

Video shows arrest of German Christmas market attack suspect

Footage from German broadcaster MDR shows police confronting a man lying on the floor by a car.

Car driven into crowd in German Christmas market ‘terror attack’, two dead, dozens left injured

Driver arrested as regional authorities treat incident as a suspected terror attack.

Is the US government going to shut down? What happens if it does

Here's how the US got to the brink of yet another funding lapse and what it means for Americans - and Trump.

Eight sentenced in France for actions that led to teacher beheading

The sentences range from three to sixteen years, in a case which started with an online hate campaign.

Volkswagen agrees deal to avoid German plant closures

VW and a union have, however, agreed to cut more than 35,000 jobs across the country by 2030.

Trump threatens revenge as 38 hardline Republicans oppose debt ceiling bill

Most of the Republicans who voted down Thursday's bill come from safely conservative districts in states including West Virginia, South Carolina, Utah, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and Arizona

Ros Atkins On... Four reasons why the relationship between the UK and China is strained

The BBC's Analysis Editor Ros Atkins looks at how relations between the UK and China became so strained.

Italy's deputy PM Salvini cleared in kidnap trial of migrants blocked at sea

Matteo Salvini was accused of kidnap and dereliction of duty for refusing to let a rescue boat dock in 2019.

US scraps $10m bounty for arrest of Syria's new leader Sharaa

It follows meetings between top US diplomats and representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Damascus.

Michael Mosley death: UK TV doctor probably died in Greece from heatstroke, coroner says

The broadcaster and author's body was found on a Greek island after a four-day search.

Starmer appoints Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Friday the appointment of veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson, a former minister and EU trade commissioner, as the next ambassador to the United States

President-elect Trump transfers $4 billion Trump Media stake into a revocable trust

Trump transferred 114.75 million shares, or 53% of Trump Media & Technology's outstanding stock, to the revocable trust of which he is the sole beneficiary, according to securities filings.

Jagmeet Singh, Canadian PM's key ally, vows no-confidence vote against Trudeau Govt

Polls over the past 18 months have indicated significant voter fatigue with the Liberals, suggesting the party would face a heavy defeat in an election

Suspected 'witchdoctors' arrested over attempt to 'bewitch' Zambia's president

The pair were found with magic charms, including a live chameleon, the police say.

Top Trump donors who funded anti-immigrant ads accused of illegally employing Mexican workers

Internally known as "shuttle support," the program reportedly began amid Uline's struggles to staff its US warehouses. The company, controlled by billionaire donors Liz and Dick Uihlein, allegedly brings workers from its Mexico operations under tourist visas and B1 business visas

'If it wasn't for France, you would be...': Macron swears in angry exchange with residents of cyclone-hit Mayotte

"You are happy to be in France. If it wasn't for France, you would be in way deeper shit, 10,000 times more, there is no place in the Indian Ocean where people receive more help," said Macron

US forces kill Islamic State leader Abu Yusif in Syria, CENTCOM says

The strike took place Thursday in Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria, killing IS leader "Abu Yusif" and another operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media, without providing further details on the two jihadists

'I'd rather die than leave my mum': Survivors describe Mayotte cyclone horror

The BBC hears how roofs flew off homes as people sheltered inside in the cyclone-hit French territory.

Zimbabwe unveils new land policy to empower Black farmers with transferable farm ownership

Tens of thousands of Black people took over white-owned farms after then-President Robert Mugabe initiated the land reforms in 2000. Mugabe, who died in 2019, justified the reforms as being necessary to redress some of the wrongs of colonialism that put most of Zimbabwe’s fertile land in the hands of a few white people.

Child, 7, dies in stabbing at Croatian primary school

The alleged attacker, 19, was a former pupil with a history of mental health issues, officials say.

Spain's a step closer to a shorter work week, here's how unions helped get here

The reduction, slated for implementation by the end of 2025, would calculate the 37.5-hour limit on an annual average, treating additional hours as overtime

Starbucks baristas launch strike in US, union says

It follows calls from the Workers United union for higher pay and better conditions for Starbucks baristas.

Hong Kong braces for surge in Covid-19 and flu cases

reported that 1.09 per cent of the 8,173 respiratory specimens collected by its laboratory tested positive for the flu last week, an increase from 0.52 per cent in the week of November 10

Flight MH370: Why is Malaysia reviving the search after a decade of mystery?

Malaysia has reignited the search for Flight MH370 nearly 11 years after its disappearance became aviation’s greatest mystery. With advanced technology and fresh data, Ocean Infinity will explore a new 15,000-square-kilometere area under a 'no find, no fee' deal. Families hope this mission brings long-awaited closure

Ex-IMF chief Rodrigo Rato gets four-year prison sentence in Spain for tax crimes

A Madrid court has sentenced former International Monetary Fund chief Rodrigo Rato to four years, nine months and a day in prison for various crimes related to corruption, the court said in a statement on Friday

Elon Musk endorses Germany's far-right AfD, stirs outrage ahead of February election

Musk’s latest intervention follows his vocal support for other European right-wing populist leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Nigel Farage

Russia strikes Kyiv with missiles, Ukraine says 6 embassies damaged; Portugal condemns attack

The ballistic missile attacks also targeted six diplomatic missions in Kyiv, Ukraine's foreign ministry said soon after the airstrikes. The strikes also knocked out the heating systems of residential buildings, medical facilities and schools in Kyiv

Prison riot in Mexico leaves 7 dead as inmates resist transfer to other jails with guns and knives

Prisoners clashed with police in southern Mexico with guns and knives in opposition to the transfer to two inmates, leading to seven deaths and injuries to 10 people

Netanyahu may target Iran in 2025 after military campaigns against Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria: Report

To complete longstanding ambitions to neutralise Israel's challenges in the region, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may order attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities in 2025 as Iran and its allies stand significantly weakened, according to a report

Thousands of Jews leaving Israel over safety concerns after Hamas attack in October 2023

Thousands of Israelis have left the country since Oct. 7, 2023, according to government statistics and immigration tallies released by destination countries such as Canada and Germany

Sudan civil war: More than 700 killed in siege of Darfur’s al-Fashir, says UN rights chief

Sudan’s army and the RSF have been locked in conflict for more than 18 months, triggering a profound humanitarian crisis in which more than 12 million people have been driven from their homes and U.N. agencies have struggled to deliver relief.

Greece: 8 killed as speedboat carrying migrants capsizes off Rhodes island near Turkey, 18 rescued

Tragedy struck off the Greek island of Rhodes as a speedboat carrying migrants capsized, leaving eight dead and 18 rescued. The incident happened while the speedboat attempted to evade a patrol vessel, causing migrants to fall into the sea.

US eradicates 2-inch long 'murder hornets', the bug that slays beehives

The hornets were eradicated using traps and public reports in the northwest corner of Washington state. While officials celebrated the milestone, they warned the hornets or other invasive species could reappear

Your AI dependence threatens your water security, 1 MW data centre uses 26 mn litres a year

Data centers, computational infrastructure that powers nearly all of today’s digital activities, especially commerce, consume vast amounts of water — up to 26 million liters annually for just a 1MW facility, according to a report

British computer scientist convicted for repeatedly claiming he invented Bitcoin

Since 2016, Wright has claimed to be the man behind Bitcoin, a claim that, if true, would make him one of the richest individuals in the world, with Bitcoin holdings estimated at $100 billion (£80 billion). However, he failed to provide credible evidence

‘Be mindful’: India warns Bangladesh after Yunus aide’s remarks on Northeast, Bengal and Tripura

Mahfuz Alam, a close aide of Muhammad Yunus and an advisor to the interim government, stoked controversy after saying that West Bengal, Assam and Tripura "are part of Bangladesh"

'Freezing This Christmas': The row over parody song mocking British PM Keir Starmer

A parody song mocking UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 'Freezing This Christmas' will not be aired on BBC despite its popularity. Created by freelance writer Chris Middleton and performed by Dean Ager, the track criticises Labour's winter fuel payment cuts. The song is topping download charts and has raised over £24,000 for charity

Russian space programme confirms it will support NASA in destroying the ISS in 2030

The decision to decommission the ISS signals a turning point for space exploration. For NASA and Roscosmos, the collaboration reflects a pragmatic recognition of the station’s limitations and the need to prioritise next-generation projects.

Eight migrants drown after boat tries to evade Greek ship

So far 18 people have been rescued from the sea with many of the survivors suffering from injuries after the incident.

Mysterious illness continues to spread and kill people in Congo

Congo authorities suspected malaria in the mysterious flu-like disease, that has killed more than 143 people and in which more than four out of five patients have tested positive for malaria.

Swimming mouse among 27 new species discovered in Peru

The expedition also found a new species of dwarf squirrel and 10 types of butterfly.

Threat to Musk's life? 'He's a CEO' posts user on X, deletes account after it goes viral

Many social media users have flagged a post on X calling for 'assassination' of tech billionaire Elon Musk. The post has now been deleted with the user deactivating the account. But what it said? Read more to find out

YouTube to crack down on videos by Indian users that feature clickbait titles, egregious thumbnails

YouTube's crackdown will focus heavily on videos related to breaking news and current events. Examples of prohibited tactics include flashy but misleading headlines. YouTube explained that such content often leaves users feeling deceived and frustrated

Hungary sparks row with Poland by granting asylum to ex-minister

Marcin Romanowski is facing 11 charges in Poland, including being accused of defrauding the state.

US population rises 1.0%, but youth share falls 0.2%: Why fewer children pose challenges for America

As the US population continues to grow, a concerning decline in the number of children signals potential challenges for the future of education, the labour market and long-term economic stability

White House aides defend President Biden amid concerns over mental & physical stamina

An investigation report has revealed that staff at the White House worked tirelessly to shield President Joe Biden from public scrutiny since he assumed office on January 20, 2021

Romanian court halts human trafficking case against Andrew Tate, brother Tristan

Misogynistic influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, who are accused of sexually exploiting women, are facing a case of human trafficking in Romania

Netanyahu promises 'not to strike' area in Syria where US journalist Austin Tice is held

Austin's mother, Debra Tice said that she believes her son is held at a secret prison outside the capital city of Damascus and that Netanyahu has assured her that Israel would not carry out attacks near the facility

iPhone-maker Foxconn looking to acquire Nissan’s stake from Renault, discussions ongoing

Foxconn’s interest in Nissan aligns with its recent focus on electric vehicles (EVs). The tech giant has been investing heavily in EV manufacturing as part of its diversification strategy. For Nissan, the potential partnership could provide much-needed financial relief

China building ability to 'fight and win wars' post 2020 standoff with India: US report

The US Department of Defence’s latest report submitted to the US Congress says China has strengthened its ability to 'fight and win wars' in a huge push after the 2020 military standoff with India

Turkey’s drone strike in Syria kills 2 Turkish journalists from Kurdish region: Report

Nazim Dastan and Cihan Bilgin -- two journalists from Turkey's Kurdish southeast were killed reportedly by a Turkish drone which hit their car near the Tishrin dam east of Aleppo

After smartphones, Qualcomm is making some interesting moves in XR, VR and automobiles. Here’s how

Qualcomm’s diversification comes at a time when industries like XR and connected vehicles are experiencing exponential growth, offering fertile ground for innovation

How Google maps helped unravel a murder case in Spain

A Google Street View image has helped authorities unlock a year-old murder case in Spain. During the investigation, police discovered that a Google Street View car captured a 48-year-old man loading a large object — believed to be a corpse wrapped in white plastic — into the trunk of his car. The image in turn gave investigators an important lead in unravelling the murder case

US sends first diplomatic mission to post-Assad Syria for talks with HTS leaders

As the international community starts engagement with Syria's new de-facto rulers, the United States has also sent a delegation of senior officials to Damascus to meet leaders of the opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

China angry after Germany arrests Chinese national for spying, Beijing calls it ‘manipulation’

German media reported that a Chinese man was detained by security guards before he was arrested by police after taking photographs at the Kiel-Wik naval base on December 9

Baltic cable breaches: China allows Sweden, 3 others inspect suspect ship after a month of standoff

The Baltic Sea cables, one linking Finland and Germany and the other connecting Sweden to Lithuania, were damaged on Nov. 17-18, prompting German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to say he assumed it was caused by sabotage

Human Rights Watch says Israel weaponising water in Gaza, Tel Aviv denies charge

After Hamas launched its offensive on October 7, Israeli leaders including then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and current Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to cut off water supply to Gazans in response to the attacks, the report said

China, Pakistan conclude joint military drills to counter terror attack against Chinese nationals

As part of the drills, China's People's Liberation Army sent troops to Pakistan to conduct a joint exercise dubbed Warrior 8

Bangladesh named country of the year, Syria runner-up

The Economist has named Bangladesh as 'Country of the Year' for 2024, but also said that Muhammad Yunus-led interim government will have to 'need to repair ties with India'. Read more to find why it has picked Bangladesh

How an affair derailed Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis' plans to convict Donald Trump

The high-profile Georgia election interference case against US President-elect Donald Trump has been thrown into chaos after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified due to a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The affair, which began before Wade's formal involvement in the case, raised concerns about ethical breaches

Macron thanks Gisèle Pelicot for courage and dignity in mass rape trial

France's president pays tribute to her strength in the trial of her husband and 50 other men.

'We need to see actual, concrete steps': Blinken on whether US will lift sanctions on HTS, Jolani in Syria

Even as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other opposition groups in Syria are saying positive things, the world would need to see actual, concrete steps from them before making any decisions on sanctions against them, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Google laid off 10% of its management, VP roles as part of layoffs to push for efficiency, says CEO Sundar Pichai 

During the layoffs which saw Google reduce its workforce by about 12,000 employees, about 10% of the organisation's managers and VPs were terminated, in a bid to increase efficiency

900... No, wait, it's 2000: Did US lose track of the number of troops it deployed in Syria?

During a press briefing, the Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed that the United States has roughly 2,000 troops deployed in Syria

UK regulator labels Google 'irresponsible' for letting advertisers track customers’ digital activity

The data watchdog described Google's move as “irresponsible,” raising concerns that even privacy-conscious users will struggle to avoid being monitored. Fingerprinting, unlike traditional cookies, collects a mix of signals from a device’s software and hardware to uniquely identify users

Malaysia to resume search for missing MH370 plane: Transport Minister

The Boeing 777 aircraft disappeared from radar screens carrying 239 people in 2014.

Gaza peace talks progressing but ceasefire deal still 'weeks away', says Arab diplomat

Even though significant progress has been made regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, the deal is still weeks away, according to an Arab diplomat

Xi in Macau and Macron in Mayotte: Two tales of two islands

While Macau basks in the prosperity driven by its booming gambling industry and tourism, Mayotte grapples with economic hardships relying heavily on French subsidies

Apple likely to invest over $1 billion for 2 factories in Indonesia to lift iPhone 16 ban

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has greenlit the plan, with the expectation of further investment from Apple in the future. The first factory is set to be located on Batam Island, with the second factory, planned for Bandung

UK security minister fumes after British Sikhs allege harassment by Indian agencies

British Security Minister Dan Jarvis has said that the targeting of Sikhs by any foreign government would not be tolerated

Wisconsin school shooting: Who is Alexander Paffendorf detained for conspiring with teen shooter?

The FBI has detained Alexander Paffendorf, a 20-year-old man from California for allegedly conspiring with the 15-year-old Wisconsin school shooter, Natalie Rupnow to carry out a mass shooting. As per a report, Paffendorf admitted during the investigation that he would ‘arm himself with explosives and a gun and target a government building’

Britons impacted by no-fault evictions: ‘You always feel vulnerable’

The so-called no-fault evictions could soon be abolished under a new rental bill.

US urges top court to dismiss 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana's plea opposing extradition to India

The United States government has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana's plea who has filed 'petition for a writ of certiorari' with the top court to avoid his extradition to India

Egypt adopts its first asylum law and it has triggered a massive concern over refugee rights

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says Egypt is receiving hundreds of Sudanese refugees daily, with more than 845,000 refugees and asylum seekers registered as of November

The student who blew whistle on Kenya airport controversy

Nelson Amenya is hailed as a hero in Kenya after sharing details of a plan to lease the main airport.

US asks NVIDIA to investigate how its AI GPUs ended up in China despite Chip ban

Over the past year, NVIDIA's AI chips have reportedly bypassed export restrictions, raising concerns about regulatory adherence and the effectiveness of compliance measures. The department has asked Nvidia and its partners to tighten inspections and ensure stricter controls

'Danger of IS resurgence has doubled' - Syria's Kurds warn of group's comeback

Kurdish forces say there's a real threat IS militants will try to break out comrades held in their jails in the north east.

Japan inspects US airbase in Tokyo after chemical leak

Japanese authorities have inspected a US airbase in Tokyo over the leak of chemical-contaminated water from the site

Dominique Pelicot's double life: Who is the man who plotted his wife's mass rape?

The ex-husband - who is under investigation for other attacks - has a divided personality, a doctor finds.

Even if Ukraine loses Pokrovsk, Russia to take years to capture entire Donetsk, says US defence official

Even if Russia captures Pokrovsk, it would take years to win the control of the entire Donetsk province in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, said a senior US military official in recent remarks

Samsung planning its first AI data centre, make $1 billion dollar annually through cloud services

Samsung's decision to ramp up AI infrastructure aligns with the industry’s ongoing race to meet the surging demand for AI capabilities. As companies across the globe adopt AI at breakneck speed, Samsung is trying to reposition itself as a key player in this expanding market

Dominique Pelicot faces another rape and murder investigation after being sentenced for 20 years

Pelicot will now be facing further investigation for the rape and murder of an estate agent in Paris in 1991 and attempted rape in 1999

Canada: Trudeau reshuffles his Cabinet today amid growing discontent and mounting pressure to resign

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to include more than 10 people and make new additions from the Liberal backbench in his Cabinet reshuffle today

Why is the US on the verge of a shutdown? What will it look like?

The US is staring at yet another shutdown, the 22nd since 1977. If US lawmakers cannot pass a spending bill, all government services deemed as non-essential will stop functioning on Saturday (December 21). An estimated 875,000 federal employees would be furloughed at a time when Americans would be travelling for the holidays

Court steps in to sort Indian couple's three-year baby name battle

A local court gave the couple a list of names to choose from, ending the three-year-long dispute.

Starmer to name Brexit critic Peter Mandelson as UK's next US ambassador: Report

As the United Kingdom braces for the upcoming presidency of Republican firebrand Donald Trump in the US, reports are emerging that veteran politician Peter Mandelson is set to become Britain’s next ambassador to the US

25th anniversary of Macau handover: When Chinese rule returned to city

It has been 25 years since Portugal handed back Macau to China. Beijing vowed to govern Macau under its ‘One Country, Two Systems’ formula – the same as Hong Kong. The city on the Pearl River on China’s southern coast, the only place gambling is legal in China, is preparing to celebrate the anniversary lavishly. Let’s take a look back at when China regained control of the ex-Portuguese colony

'Offer something more interesting & passionate than porn,' Putin calls for adult content alternatives

Russian President Vladimir Putin in making headlines again. After suggesting his countrymen to 'have sex during work breaks,' he has now called for the creation of alternatives to pornographic content, suggesting that something more 'interesting and passionate' should be developed

Winter session of Parliament to end, US shutdown deadline & other top news

The Winter session of Parliament will come to an end today, after it saw heated debates and discussions on One Nation, One Election bills. Today, also marks the final opportunity for the US Congress to fund federal agencies and avoid a government shutdown. Here's what else will make news today

Zelenskyy calls Putin 'dumbass', accuses him of 'not caring about human lives'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a 'dumbass,' insisting that 'people are dying' in the ongoing Ukraine war

Syria's rebel leaders say they've broken with their jihadist past - can they be trusted?

The rebel offensive that ended Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule has left Syria facing an uncertain future

White House official accuses Pakistan of developing missiles that could 'eventually hit US,' Islamabad reacts

US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer claimed that the development of long-range ballistic missile capabilities could allow Pakistan to strike its targets outside South Asia, including the United States

Musk flexes influence over Congress in shutdown drama

Musk and Trump quickly derailed a stopgap spending bill, showing their power before the president-elect even takes office.

Defendants face judgement for actions that led to beheading of French teacher

Eight people accused of abetting the jihadist murder of Samuel Paty will learn their fate in a Paris court.

Don't underestimate North Korean troops in Russia, ex-soldiers tell BBC

Army defectors say units sent to fight against Ukraine will have high morale but won't be battle hardened.

Zelenskyy urges EU and Trump to work together to secure a peace deal with Russia

Zelenskyy insisted that any steps to secure peace would have to involve the might of the United States

Soldier-spies in Myanmar help pro-democracy rebels make crucial gains

Leaked intelligence from military spies is helping turn the civil war in the resistance’s favour, BBC finds.

Syria rebel leader dismisses controversy over photo with woman

Both liberals and conservatives criticised Ahmed al-Sharaa, after he asked the woman to cover her hair before the picture.

Amid rising discontent, Canada's Justin Trudeau continues facing political crisis

Trudeau retains the support of his Cabinet. Newly appointed Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Thursday that the prime minister has the “full confidence” of his ministers

Jeremy Bowen: Syria's new ruler is politically astute - but can he keep his promises?

Ahmed al-Sharaa is intelligent, astute and reluctant to say what sort of country he wants.

35 children killed, 6 injured in Nigeria school fair stampede; 8 arrested

A stampede at a school fair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has left 35 children dead and seriously injured six others, police said on Thursday

Sheikh Hasina's niece, Labour Minister Tulip Siddiq, named in UK Bangladesh corruption probe

Siddiq, elected as MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 2015, has denied any involvement in the alleged corruption. Syed Faruk, leader of the UK branch of Hasina’s Awami League party, dismissed the claims as fabricated

Congress in disarray and shutdown looms as Trump, Musk slam spending deal

The president-elect and Elon Musk rejected the bipartisan spending plan that would prevent a government shutdown.

Biden pledges to cut 60% of US greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Will Trump be bound to it?

The action by the Democratic president comes just over a month before he is set to leave office. Trump has already promised to unleash a series of executive actions that will seek to undo most or all of Biden's climate agenda

Suspect in UnitedHealth executive killing waives extradition, transferred to NYPD custody for murder charges

The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson was transferred into the New York Police Department custody on Thursday to face murder charges after he waived his right to extradition proceedings in a Pennsylvania court hearing

England, Japan hold interest rates steady even as US, Europe cut back: What explains the differences?

After aggressive rate hikes in 2022 and early 2023 to combat surging inflation fueled by energy and food costs, central banks are increasingly turning their attention to rate cuts to support growth

I should have invaded Ukraine earlier, Putin tells Russians in TV marathon

Putin tells an end-of-year press conference there should have been "systemic preparation" for the full-scale invasion.

UN chief Guterres says there's 'flame of hope' in Syria but warns of challenges ahead

The UN chief Antonio Guterres also called for an end to Israeli strikes against Syrian military infrastructure saying that they were "violations" of the country's sovereignty

'We'll have a lot to talk about': Putin says ready to meet Trump 'anytime' to talk Ukraine deal

"I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," said Putin

Egypt hosts D-8 Muslim country heads; Masoud, Erdogan face off amid focus on Syria, Gaza

The gathering of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, also known as the Developing-8, was being held against a backdrop of regional turmoil including the conflict in Gaza, a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon and unrest in Syria

Russia to remain a danger to Europe even after Ukraine war, Finland says citing Moscow's China, North Korea alliances

'Russia, together with its allies, will remain a dangerous actor in Europe even after the war in Ukraine and we cannot exclude the possibility of (them) threatening European countries with the use of military force,' Hakkanen said

Putin on Assad’s fall: ‘What happened in Syria is not a defeat of Russia, we achieved our goal’

Assad fled to Russia after a rebel takeover became inevitable in Syria following the circling of the capital city of Damascus. Moscow was Assad's key backer and had swept to his aid in 2015, turning the tide of the conflict

Who are the men convicted in the Gisèle Pelicot rape trial?

Dominique Pelicot has been found guilty of drugging his ex-wife, Gisèle, raping her and inviting dozens of men to abuse her.

Turkey denies ceasefire deal with US-backed Kurdish rebels in Syria

The SDF is an ally in the US coalition against Islamic State militants. It is spearheaded by the YPG, a group that Ankara sees as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants who have fought the Turkish state for 40 years

‘I can be a friend of Elon Musk and…’: Meloni defends personal ties with Tesla CEO in Italy parliament

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended her friendship with tech billionaire Elon Musk in Italian parliament after their frequent sightings together sparked online buzz that the two were "dating", according to a report

France: Gisele Pelicot hopes for a 'better future' as ex-husband found guilty in mass rape case

While Gisele Pelicot, the French woman who was raped by her ex-husband and 50 other men hired by him for over a decade, has welcomed the court's verdict, her children have expressed disappointment over it

UFWD: China has a ‘magic weapon’ that won Mao power in 1949. Xi has reactivated for his spy war

The United Front Work Department (UFWD), described as "magic weapon" of People's Republic of China by its founding leader Mao Zedong and its current president Xi Jinping, is once again under scrutiny as it resurges under Xi Jinping's leadership, according to a report

Want to add a personal touch to your holidays? Apple’s Genmoji and Image Playground features are great options

With Genmoji and Image Playground, iOS 18.2 is your ultimate toolkit for creating personalised and memorable holiday moments.

Rolling hills are now barren: BBC sees destruction in cyclone-hit Mayotte

Thousands are still missing after the cyclone hit the territory, with residents facing shortages of food and water.

Is China rapidly building up its nuclear arsenal for Taiwan invasion?

A recent report by Pentagon says Beijing's military -- which it has been working to modernise for several decades -- has made recent advances in the past year including the expansion of its nuclear force to possibly invade Taiwan

New Zealand sinks into recession, 5 things to know about its economic decline

Widespread weakness across sectors, declining household and government spending, and a shrinking GDP per capita have created difficulties for New Zealand. The downturn pressures policymakers to cut rates further amid hopes of a gradual recovery

Here's what you need to know about the Pelicot trial

Judges have delivered verdicts on the defendants in a case that turned a 72-year-old woman into a feminist icon.

All 51 found guilty in France mass rape trial: Who is Dominique Pelicot, who invited men to rape his wife?

A French court has sentenced Dominique Pelicot, a former electrician, to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping his wife, Gisele, and allowing other men to rape her while she was unconscious for over nine years. Here’s how the horror unravelled

US' measures to curb China, Russia's access to AI chips are ‘inadequate,’ says US Commerce Dept

The findings by the US Commerce Department indicate that existing export controls are underfunded and poorly enforced, leaving gaps that allow these nations to acquire critical technology for advanced weapons development

Macron chose Bayrou as PM a week ago, now polls say two-thirds of France unhappy

A survey conducted for Sud Radio by Ifop-Fiducial polled over 1,000 people and found that Some 64 per cent of people in France are dissatisfied with Bayrou's appointment

Syria: Assad’s soldiers queue up at HTS centers seeking amnesty

Days after Bashar al-Assad regime was ousted, his soldiers queued up in large number in a newly established HTS reconciliation centre in Latakia to seek amnesty

Apple abandons plans for hardware-as-a-subscription model for iPhones

The subscription service was envisioned as a way to address slowing device upgrades, partly driven by longer repayment plans and the lack of significant new features in recent iPhone models. By removing ownership, Apple hoped to encourage regular upgrades

France mass rape trial: All 51 accused found guilty, Gisele Pelicot's ex-husband to spend 20 years in jail

Last month, prosecutors demanded the maximum possible sentence of 20 years for all the 51 men on charges of aggravated rape. Dominique Pelicot, Gisele Pelicot's ex-husband, admitted drugging his ex-wife Gisele Pelicot and hiring strangers online to rape her

'Sorry, I can't give you a date': Putin on when Russia can force Ukraine out of Kursk

Vladimir Putin today addressed end-of-year press conference where he hailed the Russian economy as 'stable and developing,' though he expressed concern over high inflation, almost three years into Ukraine invasion that triggered widespread economic upheaval

European Union to take on Elon Musk’s Starlink using IRIS-2, their take on satellite connectivity

The European Space Agency (ESA) envisions IRIS² as a versatile system capable of serving diverse sectors. For government use, it will support border and maritime surveillance, crisis management, and protection of critical infrastructure

Is China raising Bangladesh as second proxy after Pakistan on India’s border?

As China strengthens its defence ties with Pakistan and Bangladesh, including the potential sale of advanced fighter jets, India faces an escalating challenge to its regional security and strategic balance

Dmitry Medvedev calls editors of Times 'legitimate military targets,' UK describes it as 'gangster threat'

The Russian politician's provocative remarks came after the editorial group of Times on Wednesday, described the assassination of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov as 'a legitimate act of defence' by Ukraine

China-made TP Link internet routers could face ban in US over cyberattack concerns

TP-Link routers are produced in China and account for over 65 per cent of America's router needs for homes and small businesses. The router is also rated as the top choice on e-commerce site Amazon. It also powers internet connections for the Defence Department and other federal agencies in the US

US' environment agency approves California’s plan to ban sale of petroleum-powered vehicles by 2035

The US EPA's approval allows the state to implement the Advanced Clean Cars II Regulations (ACC II), which were originally crafted and approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2022

Why is Poland auctioning its butter reserves?

Poland has launched an auction of 1,000 metric tonnes of frozen butter reserves to curb soaring prices amid global dairy shortages and inflationary pressures. With butter costs surging by 20 per cent for consumers and 50 per cent wholesale, this strategic move aims to stabilise the market during the holiday season

Study that promoted Trump's 'miracle drug' as Covid treatment retracted

In the retraction notice, Elsevier mentioned that its integrity and publishing ethics team, as well as the journal’s co-owner, the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, found multiple issues with the study

What is the ‘Tryzub’ or Trident laser weapon that Ukraine has unveiled?

Ukraine has said it has now developed a laser weapon, called the Tryzub, which can hit targets two kilometres away. Also known as the Trident, this new type of arms can be a game-changer for Kyiv in its war against Russia. Here’s how

Amazon workers across US to go on strike this week, days before Christmas rush

The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Amazon and its employees over the company’s refusal to negotiate contracts with unionised workers. Union locals have been organising picket lines and other actions outside Amazon facilities nationwide

After meeting Modi, Sri Lanka's Dissanayake discusses 'maritime research' with China

Soon after returning from his three-day India visit, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with vice-chairperson of the National Committee of the CPPCC, Qin Boyong, in Colombo and discussed resuming 'maritime research'. He is also expected to soon make a visit to Beijing

TikTok occupies a 'warm spot' in Trump's heart but can Scotus defuse ban bomb

In a sharp turnaround from the position he held when he was the president, Donald Trump has said that he has a 'warm spot' for TikTok and has vowed to save the app despite the bipartisan consensus that the app is a tool of the Chinese regime to advance its information warfare and espionage goals

Chinese AI chip cos blacklisted for developing weapons gained access to AI tech through UK

Moore Threads and Biren Technology China’s leading AI chip designers were restricted by the US for their involvement in developing tech for the Chinese military. However, they were able to get their hands on key American tech before the sanctions came into effect, through the UK

After intercepting Houthi missile, Israel strikes Yemen’s ports & energy sites, killing 9

Israeli airstrikes on Yemen killed at least nine people, seven in port of Salif and rest two in strikes on the Ras Issa oil facility, both located in Hodeidah. Following the strike, Israel warned Houthi leaders it 'will reach you too'

China is building world's largest artificial island airport. What we know so far

China is planning to build the world’s largest artificial island airport in Dalian, in northeastern Liaoning province. The artificial island airport will cover 20.9 square kilometres and surpass similar projects worldwide in both size and scale. It aims to bolster Dalian, a port city located near Japan and South Korea, as a regional transport hub

ChatGPT gets a new WhatsApp number that users can chat with, adds Maps feature to mobile app

OpenAI has made ChatGPT available on WhatsApp globally. To chat with the AI, users can simply add the number 1-800-242-8478 to their contacts and start messaging. This update means anyone with WhatsApp can now engage with ChatGPT, no OpenAI account required

US citizen says ran a ‘police station’ for China in New York, pleads guilty for being a Chinese agent

In a case in which two men were arrested for running a police station for China in New York, one of the accused has pleaded guilty and admitted to being an unregistered agent of a foreign government

Australia slows visa processing for international students after Albanese govt's plan to impose cap fails

The centre-left government is planning to impose different speeds of visa processing in an effort to cut migration numbers ahead of the elections in the country

Drones, small boats and...: What's there in UK's new £225 million military aid to Ukraine

Britain has, on Thursday, unveiled an additional 225 million pounds military aid to Ukraine for next year to help it in the war against Russia. Read more to find out what all are included in it

America's 25th and final execution of 2024 today, convict to take the gallows on his 45th birthday

Oklahoma will carry out the United States' 25th and final execution of the year on Thursday. The person who is scheduled to die by lethal injection in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester turns 45 today

ChatGPT rival Perplexity AI is now worth $9 billion after latest funding round

Founded in 2022, Perplexity AI has quickly carved a niche for itself. In April, Perplexity was valued at $1 billion, a figure that jumped to $3 billion in June after an investment from SoftBank Group Vision Fund 2. Now, it is valued at $9 billion after latest funding round

South Korean lawmaker claims at least 100 North Korean troops killed in Russia-Ukraine war

Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russia's military, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year

Putin to hold his annual presser as Ukraine war faces third winter

Putin's traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions

Apple says EU's interoperability laws risky for user privacy, slams Meta for repeated access requests

According to Apple, Meta has made at least 15 separate requests, including ones for iPhone mirroring and cross-device connectivity. Basically, Meta wants its Facebook and Instagram apps to be able to see all calls, messages, emails, images, calendar events, files, and even passwords

3D-printed guns: Is gun control in America really dead?

Ghost guns are untraceable, most often self-assembled and can be put together with the help of a 3D printing machine and metal parts bought online in a matter of a few hours

Nigeria: 'Joy turns to mourning' as several children killed in stampede at holiday fair event

Several children have died in a stampede in Nigeria during a funfair event at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Oyo State, near the economic hub of Lagos. Many kids, who were injured in the incident, were rushed to nearby hospitals where they are undergoing treatment

Rare accounts of life for women inside notorious Iranian prison

Interrogations, beatings, cramped quarters and the tight bonds women forge inside Tehran's Evin prison.

'Clear & consistent': US sanctions 4 entities supplying equipment to Pakistan's ballistic missile program

The United States imposed fresh sanctions on four entities which they claimed are supporting Pakistan's controversial ballistic missile program

Turkey rejects Trump's claim that Ankara orchestrated 'unfriendly takeover' of Syria

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan rejected US President-elect Donald Trump's claims that Ankara orchestrated the falls of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad's regime. Fidan says it is incorrect to characterise the situation in Syria as an 'unfriendly takeover' by Turkey

UN calls for 'free & fair' elections in Syria after fall of the Assad regime

Addressing reporters in Damascus, UN special envoy Geir Pedersen said 'there is a lot of hope that we can now see the beginning of a new Syria'

United Front: China's 'magic weapon' caught in a spy controversy

The UFWD is a decades-old - and increasingly controversial - arm of China's Communist Party. What does it do?

Syria: Despite fragile ceasefire extension, 21 pro-Turkey fighters killed

After the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, the power vacuum has led to increased activity by various factions, including Turkish-backed forces and Kurdish-led groups, each vying for control and influence

Hamas shows flexibility in hostage talks, but deal still uncertain, says Israeli official

The terror group understands that a deal will mean a ceasefire, but not an end to the war, at least in the first phase, according to a report, citing an Israeli official who attributed the flexibility to diplomatic and military pressure and Hamas’s isolation

US Supreme Court to hear TikTok appeal over Biden administration's law forcing sale or ban

TikTok argues that the law violates First Amendment rights, calling it an unprecedented restriction on free speech. The company claims more than 170 million monthly US users

Sudan civil war: 10 civilians killed, 20 wounded after RSF shelling in Darfur's El-Fasher

El-Fasher, home to around two million people, has been under RSF siege since May and remains one of the most fiercely contested battlegrounds in the Sudan war

Trump again: 'Canada as 51st state a great idea; many Canadians want it'

President-elect Donald Trump early Wednesday gave another nudge to the 51st state row by criticising Canada and asked why the US subsidises its northern neighbour to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year

Energy challenges for Europe mount as Russian gas imports rise, Norway weighs export cuts

Europe's energy dependence is creating a perfect storm. On the one hand, there's the geopolitical tension of relying on Russia; on the other, the domestic pressures faced by key suppliers like Norway

'It's harming our families': Palestinians sue US State Department over Washington's military aid to Israel

A lawsuit submitted to the US District Court for the District of Columbia claims that Washington has allowed Israel, a key ally, to violate the 1997 Leahy Law. This law prohibits providing military aid to foreign entities in the presence of evidence of human rights abuses

French court upholds Sarkozy's corruption conviction, orders electronic tagging in a first for former head of state

France's highest appeals court has upheld a conviction against former President Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling, ordering him to wear an electronic tag for a year, in a first for a former head of state

In Milei’s Argentina, poverty spikes to 53% as govt cuts spending, lays off thousands of staff

Milei’s administration attributes poverty levels to the economy he inherited. Despite widespread suffering, polls show nearly 47 per cent of Argentines support Milei, crediting him with tackling decades of mismanagement by previous administrations

Oil spill off Russian coast contaminates 50 km of Black Sea beaches

According to a report by TASS, satellite images showed that oil continued to leak out of the wrecked and sunken tankers with strong winds pushing the oil towards southern Russia's beaches

US military leaders were briefed about Covid-19 lab-origin in 2019, claims ex-intelligence officer

Top US generals were briefed in October-November 2019 that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease, leaked from a laboratory in China, but they still said publicly later on that the virus most likely originated in nature, said a former US intelligence officer

Bangladesh: Court acquits ex-minister, a Khaleda aide, in Ulfa-linked arms case

The case dates back to 2004 when Bangladeshi police seized 10 trucks packed with weapons, including rockets and grenades. Police said they were being shipped to separatist Indian rebels, the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA)

Ghana’s top court rejects challenges to controversial anti-LGBTQIA+ bill

The bill has received widespread public support in the socially conservative West African nation but has drawn sharp criticism globally

Spain: PM Pedro Sanchez’s wife testifies in corruption case on Hazte Oir complaint

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's wife Begona Gomez testified in court on Wednesday in a probe into misappropriation allegations, one of several sensitive legal cases undermining the minority left-wing government

UK police can seize £2 mn from Andrew Tate in unpaid taxes case, rules court

In a case related to unpaid taxes, a British court has ruled that the police can seize an account of anti-women influencer Andrew Tate to recover £2 million

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