World
- WorldBBC
Sweden asks China to co-operate over severed cables
Two cables in the Baltic Sea linking Sweden to Lithuania, and Finland to Germany, were damaged.
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Both Israel and Hezbollah accused of ceasefire agreement violations
The Israeli military and the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia both faced accusations on Thursday of violating the ceasefire, just one day after the fragile truce came into force. Netanyahu told the Channel 14 broadcaster on Thursday that he has instructed the military to prepare for an "intensive war" if the ceasefire agreement is breached, without specifying what could entail a violation. Since the ceasefire began on Wednesday morning, large-scale operations between Israel and Hezbollah have ceas
3 min read - WorldAssociated Press
For the first time, France's Macron calls 1944 killings of West African troops by French a massacre
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday for the first time recognized the killing of West African soldiers by the French Army in 1944 as a massacre in a letter addressed to the Senegalese authorities. Macron's move, on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the World War II killings in Thiaroye — a fishing village on the outskirts of the Senegalese capital of Dakar — comes as France’s influence is declining in the region, with Paris losing its sway in the former French colonies in West Africa.
3 min read - Worlddpa international
EU's Borrell urges Israel and Hezbollah to uphold ceasefire
The European Union's top diplomat has called on Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia to adhere to the agreed ceasefire. "It is now crucial that the ceasefire holds as agreed, to guarantee the safety of people in both Lebanon and Israel, and to allow internally displaced people on both sides of the border to return to their homes," read a statement by Josep Borrell issued on Thursday. Borrell also demanded that the sovereignty of both states be fully respected and that cross-border attacks c
1 min read - ScienceNBC News
Footprints show two species of ancient human relatives shared the same ground at the same time
Ancient footprints discovered in Kenya belong to two different species of human relatives who walked on the same ground at the same time 1.5 million years ago, a study found.
6 min read - Worlddpa international
Houthi leader calls for escalation against Israel after Lebanon deal
The leader of Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militia has called for increased escalation against Israel from both Yemen and Iraq after a ceasefire agreement between their Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Israel began on Wednesday. The Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah TV cited Abdel-Malek al-Houthi said Thursday as saying: "At the level of the [resistance] Axis, it is important to build on what the Lebanese front has achieved and move to further escalation especially on the Iraq and Yemen fronts." "The Iraqi
1 min read - WorldBBC
Man who spied for Russia in UK 'discussed killing journalist'
A UK-based spy ring allegedly passed secrets to Russia, a court has heard as a trial begins.
5 min read - Worlddpa international
Norway boosts Ukraine aid for 2025 to $3.2bn
Norway plans to increase its support to Ukraine for 2025 to at least 35 billion Norwegian kroner ($3.2 billion), the government announced after a parliamentary meeting on Thursday. Of this amount, 22.5 billion kroner is to be used for military support, while 12.5 billion is earmarked for humanitarian and civilian aid. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told the news agency NTB that the decision sends an important signal to Ukraine and to those attacking the country. The government had initially all
1 min read - WorldBBC
Zimbabwe parliament hit by power cut during budget speech
Zimbabwe has faced daily 12-hour power cuts due to a drought affecting power supply at the Kariba Dam.
1 min read - Worlddpa international
Lebanese army: Israel has violated ceasefire several times
The Lebanese army has accused Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement several times since the deal took effect on Wednesday. Israel "violated the agreement several times through air violations and targeting Lebanese territory with various weapons," it said in a statement on the social media platform X. It added that "the Army Command is following up on these violations in coordination with the relevant authorities," though no further details were provided. Earlier Thursday, the Israeli militar
1 min read - Worlddpa international
Germany to station Patriot anti-aircraft defences in Poland again
Germany is preparing to again deploy Patriot air-defence systems in Poland in order to protect supply routes to Ukraine, the Defence Ministry said in Berlin on Thursday. The mission by the German armed forces, or Bundeswehr, is set to commence in January and is expected to last six months. "We will thereby protect a logistical hub in Poland that is of central importance for the delivery of material to Ukraine," Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said. The deployment will help to secure the supply
2 min read - WorldAFP
Flood-hit Spain introduces 'climate leave' for workers
Spain's leftist government on Thursday approved a "paid climate leave" of up to four days for workers to avoid travelling during weather emergencies, a month after floods killed 230 people.Employees can resort to a reduced working day beyond the four-day period, a mechanism that already exists for emergencies, the government said.
1 min read - WorldNextShark
Swatch wins lawsuit against Malaysia’s illegal seizure of Pride watches
Swiss watchmaker Swatch won a lawsuit against Malaysia’s Home Ministry over the latter’s seizure of 172 Pride-themed watches. The Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered the ministry on Monday to return the watches within 14 days after its ruling, which states that the seizure — which occurred in May 2023 — was illegal as it was conducted without a warrant. Judge Amarjeet Singh Serjit Singh noted that the ministry implemented its ban on the Swatch Pride-themed watches in August 2023, implying that the
1 min read - BusinessShip Technology
DEME consortium to build new offshore wind terminal at German port
The terminal will aid the North Sea's energy transition and support Germany's wind energy expansion goals.
2 min read - WorldBBC
Liberia's notorious rebel-turned-senator Johnson dies
Prince Johnson oversaw the torture and killing of the then-president but was later elected to the senate.
3 min read - Worlddpa international
Israel carries out operations in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire
The Israeli military carried out a number of operations in southern Lebanon on Thursday, one day after its ceasefire with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia came into force. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said an aircraft attacked a weapons depot belonging to the Iran-backed group after "terrorist activity was identified in a facility used by Hezbollah to store mid-range rockets." According to Israeli media reports, it was the first Israeli airstrike in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect ea
2 min read - WorldCNN
This greenhouse keeps crops cool. It could prove valuable as our planet bakes
In a world where the climate is increasingly hot and volatile, farmers are having trouble keeping their crops cool. A startup founded in Saudi Arabia thinks it might have a solution.
6 min read - WorldBBC
At least 113 people missing after Uganda landslide - police
At least 15 bodies have been found but officials fear the true number of dead is much higher.
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Israel announces curfew in southern Lebanon after ceasefire deal
The Israeli military announced on Thursday another night-time curfew in southern Lebanon, a day after a fragile ceasefire deal with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia began. A spokesman said the military has banned access to the border areas south of the Litani River between 5 pm (1500 GMT) on Thursday and 7 am on Friday. "For your safety, you must follow these instructions," the spokesman said. The military announced a similar curfew on Wednesday evening. According to the ceasefire deal, Hezboll
1 min read - Worlddpa international
Medical officials report Israeli attack kills 16 in central Gaza
At least 16 Palestinians have been killed in a new attack by the Israeli military in central Gaza, according to hospital reports. The al-Awda hospital said 16 people were killed following an attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that several people were also injured. An Israeli military spokesperson said that it "continues to attack terrorist targets as part of its operational activities in the Gaza Strip." According to residents of Nuseirat, a prominent
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Hospital: 16 killed in central Gaza amid Israeli attack
At least 16 Palestinians have been killed in a new attack by the Israeli military in central Gaza, according to hospital reports. The al-Awda hospital said 16 people were killed following an attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that several people were also injured. An Israeli military spokesperson said that it "continues to attack terrorist targets as part of its operational activities in the Gaza Strip." According to residents of Nuseirat, a prominent
1 min read - WorldSemafor
Nigeria’s president seeks stronger France ties with visit
Nigeria’s President Bola Tiinubu on Thursday began a state visit to France aimed at “strengthening political, economic and cultural relations” with the country.
1 min read - Worlddpa international
EU Parliament: North Korean deployment is 'new phase' in Ukraine war
The European Parliament on Thursday condemned the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia's war with Ukraine and criticized China for its assistance to Moscow. Lawmakers adopted a resolution denouncing Russia's use of North Korean forces and its testing of new ballistic missiles on Ukraine, arguing the "recent escalatory steps represent a new phase in the war and a new risk for Europe's security." European Union member states should "strengthen their military support for Ukraine, including t
1 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Russian lawyer handed 7-year prison term for speaking out against the Ukraine war on social media
A court in Russia on Thursday convicted a prominent lawyer and sentenced him to seven years in prison for speaking out against the war in Ukraine on social media, a Russian human rights group reported. The verdict in the case of Dmitry Talantov, who once chaired a regional association of lawyers in Russia's central Udmurtia republic, is the latest in the unabating crackdown the Kremlin has unleashed against dissent after sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022. OVD-Info, a Russian rights
3 min read - WorldBBC
Israel building new military dividing line across Gaza, satellite images suggest
Satellite images show the IDF has destroyed hundreds of buildings in north Gaza as it creates the divide.
6 min read - Businessdpa international
German inflation rises again in November, to 2.2%
Germany's inflation rate rose for the second consecutive month in November, climbing 2.2% above the level of the same month last year, according to provisional figures from the Federal Statistical Office. The November increase follows a 2% year-on-year increase in the cost of living registered in October. Food and services remain the main drivers of price increases, while consumer prices fell by 0.2% from October to November in Europe's largest economy. Economists expect Germany's annual inflati
1 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Germany's top court rejects renewable energy producers' case against use of windfall profits
Germany's highest court on Thursday rejected complaints by renewable energy producers against a government decision in 2022 to use their “excess profits” to help finance a cap on electricity prices. A submission to the Federal Constitutional Court by 22 generators of wind, solar and biomass energy argued that dealing with the energy crisis that followed Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was the responsibility of the state and should therefore have been financed from taxes. “Excess profit
1 min read - ScienceInteresting Engineering
China cell turns heat into electricity without sun, works in dark and deserts
Researchers in China have developed a hermetic hydrovoltaic cell that can generate electricity using ambient heat, little water and no sunlight.
3 min read - LifestyleNational Geographic
A practical guide to traveling in Central America
To get the best value, helpful booking tips and language lowdown, try this handy guide to Central America.
3 min read - Worlddpa international
Putin threatens to strike Kiev with new medium-range missile
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to fire the military's new medium-range missiles at further targets in Ukraine, including the capital Kiev. The Kremlin is currently selecting targets for further strikes, he said at a meeting of the Russian-led military alliance the Collective Security Treaty Organization in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. "These could be military buildings, defence companies or decision-making centres in Kiev," Putin said. Speaking of last week's strike agains
1 min read - Worlddpa international
IDF fires on Lebanese villages despite ceasefire, claims violations
The Israeli military has fired on villages in southern Lebanon, injuring at least two people, despite the ceasefire with the Hezbollah militia, the Lebanese state news agency NNA reported on Thursday. Two people were injured by Israeli fire in the village of Markaba, NNA said. Tanks also reportedly fired on the villages of Wasani and Kfar Shuba. All three villages are located near the Israeli border in south-eastern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that several suspec
1 min read - Worlddpa international
Lebanese parliament to elect president in January
Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri has set a session on January 9 for lawmakers to elect a new president for the country, more than two years after the former head of state's term ended. The announcement comes a day after an internationally brokered ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia came into effect, almost two months after Israel launched its ground invasion of southern Lebanon. Berri said he vowed "that immediately after the ceasefire, I would set a date fo
1 min read - Worlddpa international
German Foreign Office summons Russian ambassador over expulsions
The German Foreign Office summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin on Thursday, after the Russian authorities announced the expulsion of two employees of German public broadcaster ARD. "The expulsion of ARD employees by Russia is unacceptable, and the justification is simply false and dishonest. We condemn this in the strongest terms," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said of the summoning. On Wednesday the regional broadcaster WDR, which is responsible for covering Russia for the ARD network
3 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Youth arrested in Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with pipe bombs
A youth suspected of planning to build pipe bombs to carry out an Islamic extremist attack has been arrested in western Germany, authorities said Thursday. The suspect, whose name and exact age weren't released, was arrested on Tuesday evening, prosecutors in Koblenz said in a statement. Prosecutors said they believe he became radicalized online and shared propaganda glorifying the actions of the Islamic State group.
1 min read - WorldBBC
Why Russia's Africa propaganda warrior was sent home
A shadowy operative appears to overstep his mark in the battle for Russian influence in Africa.
8 min read - BusinessJust Style
AbTF, TextileGenesis strengthen CmiA fibre traceability and transparency
The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) has renewed its partnership with Lectra’s TextileGenesis to advance the traceability of Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) certified fibre.
3 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Polish company denies that it broke the law in sending Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine
A Polish company strongly denied any laws were broken when it sent Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine, after the Swiss government placed some export restrictions on the company over concerns that the ammunition ended up in Ukraine. Switzerland's government said last week it was barring exports to Polish military hardware supplier UMO after concluding that some 645,000 rounds of Swiss-made small-caliber ammunition ended up in Ukraine.
2 min read - Worlddpa international
UN: Up to 75,000 face 'diminishing conditions for survival' in Gaza
Up to 75,000 people are still in the embattled north of the Gaza Strip, according to estimates by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "For over 50 days, they have been facing diminishing conditions for survival," UNRWA wrote in a post on X on Thursday. It said the areas of Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun have been cut off from humanitarian aid for weeks due to heavy fighting. The UN has attempted to reach these areas 91 times to provide
1 min read - WorldJust Drinks
South Africa winemakers urge government to rethink “drastic” duty change proposals
South Africa Wine CEO Rico Basson said increasing excise tax "poses a severe threat to the sustainability of the wine sector".
4 min read - WorldCNN Business
Volkswagen sells its car plant in Xinjiang, citing ‘economic reasons’
Volkswagen has sold its plant in Xinjiang, a region in northwestern China beset by accusations of human rights abuses, citing “economic reasons.”
3 min read - WorldFox News
Russia launches another large missile, drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure
Russia launched another attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Thursday, leaving over a million households without power and forcing emergency power to be implemented nationwide.
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Germany once again stationing anti-aircraft defences in Poland
Germany is preparing to temporarily redeploy its Patriot air-defence system to Poland, according to information received by dpa on Thursday. The mission by the German armed forces, or Bundeswehr, is set to commence in January. The plan involves temporarily stationing soldiers and weapon systems in the Rzeszów area in south-eastern Poland, with preparatory reconnaissance set to begin in the coming days. German Patriot deployment squadrons were previously operational in Poland from January to Nove
2 min read - WorldAFP
Posts use old photos to falsely claim 20 Ethiopians died in Saudi Arabian bus crash
Social media posts are circulating in Ethiopia purporting to show recent photos of a bus crash in Saudi Arabia in which 20 Ethiopians were killed. However, this is false; although the photos show the sites of fatal collisions in Saudi Arabia, the two incidents depicted occurred in 2012 and 2015. There have been no recent reports of 20 Ethiopians dying in a bus crash in Saudi Arabia.
3 min read - WorldBBC
Sudan's 'invisible crisis' - where more children are fleeing war than anywhere else
The BBC's Lyse Doucet writes about the horrific effects of the 19-month civil war in Sudan.
6 min read - Worlddpa international
Reports: At least nine dead in Gaza Strip attack
At least nine Palestinians have been killed in a fresh attack by the Israeli army in the central section of the Gaza Strip, according to media reports from Thursday. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that the artillery strike in the Nuseirat refugee district also resulted in several injuries. An Israeli army spokesman said the military is examining the reports. A prominent tower was also destroyed in Nuseirat, according to local residents. The Gaza health authority, controlled by the Pal
1 min read - WorldPower Technology
NeuConnect completes first phase of cabling for $3.03bn interconnector
The project will create the first direct energy connection between the UK and Germany.
2 min read - WorldCNN
Inside the wild world of Osaka’s dangerous, adrenaline-fueled float festivals
Osaka’s “danjiri matsuri,” or float festivals, are considered one of the most dangerous events on Japan’s festival calendar. Here’s why.
3 min read - LifestyleNational Geographic
How to plan the ultimate Central American trip
Compact it may be, but Central America packs a punch: These countries beguile with natural wonders, ancient ruins and indigenous cultures.
9 min read - WorldBBC
Namibians await vote results as ruling party seeks to extend 34-year rule
The poll was marred by logistical issues with voting continuing for an unscheduled second day in some areas.
3 min read - BusinessReuters
ByteDance seeks $1.1 million damages from intern in AI breach case, report says
China's ByteDance is suing a former intern for $1.1 million, alleging he deliberately attacked its artificial intelligence large language model training infrastructure, a case that has drawn widespread attention within China amid a heated AI race. The parent company of TikTok is seeking 8 million yuan ($1.1 million) in damages from the former intern, Tian Keyu, in a lawsuit filed with the Haidian District People's Court in Beijing, the state-owned Legal Weekly reported this week. While lawsuit
1 min read
