World/War
US Poised for Possible Military Action Against Iran Within 24 Hours Amid Surging Tensionsš„73
- ā¢Decision expected after new intelligence on Iranian activity.
- ā¢Reports cite missile deployments and proxy mobilization by Iran.
- ā¢US troops on high alert across regional bases.
- ā¢Potential precision strikes could target IRGC facilities.
US Forces Capture Venezuelan President Maduro and Wife in Bold Caracas Raidš„75
- ā¢The mission, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, targeted a fortified compound in Caracas.
- ā¢Airstrikes disabled Venezuelan air defenses before elite troops breached the site.
- ā¢Explosions were reported at multiple locations, including the Fuerte Tiuna military complex.
- ā¢Maduro and Flores were flown to a U.S. warship, then to New York for prosecution.
Grieving Families Search in Iran for Missing as Harrowing Footage Captures Devastation of Mass Tragedyš„76
- ā¢Heartbreaking footage shows relatives wailing and desperately looking for missing loved ones among the dead.
- ā¢The scale of loss has triggered intense public grief and shock across affected communities.
- ā¢Many families are struggling to confirm the identities of victims amid chaotic conditions at morgues or collection sites.
- ā¢The tragedy has raised urgent concerns over emergency response, victim identification, and support for survivors.
EU and China strike deal on Chinese EV exports; Brussels to set minimum pricing guidelines for Chinese auto shipmentsš„62
- ā¢The agreement concerns how Chinese EVs will enter and compete in the EU market.
- ā¢Beijingās Commerce Ministry announced the understanding on EV exports.
- ā¢As part of the deal, the EU will issue guidelines on minimum pricing for Chinese auto exporters.
- ā¢The minimum pricing rules are intended to shape how low Chinese manufacturers can price EVs in the EU market.
Iran Lawmakers Rally at Dais as Tensions Rise, Vow to Target U.S. and Israel If Strikes Launchedš„77
- ā¢The chamber erupted with chants, including āDeath to America.ā
- ā¢The incident comes amid ongoing national unrest and external threats.
- ā¢Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf issued a stern warning against possible U.S. strikes.
- ā¢Qalibaf declared that U.S. and Israeli assets would become legitimate targets if attacked.
Missile Debris from 2025 Kyiv Strike Displayed on Pallets in Harsh, Charred Remnants for Investigationš„76
- ā¢The wreckage shows signs of extreme heat and impact from a 2025 strike.
- ā¢Components are arranged on wooden pallets for technical examination.
- ā¢The display highlights Ukraineās ongoing security challenges amid winter conditions.
- ā¢Analysts view the debris as evidence of advanced missile technology in regional conflict.
EU and Mercosur Strike Historic Trade Pact, Creating One of the Worldās Largest Free-Trade Zonesš„54
- ā¢Pact covers over 700 million people across both regions.
- ā¢Mercosur includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
- ā¢Venezuela remains suspended from the bloc.
- ā¢Negotiations began in 1999, concluding after more than two decades.
Netanyahu: Israel Did Not Carpet Bomb Gaza, Chose Ground Forces and Restraint over Aerial Warš„66
- ā¢He stated that Israeli forces conducted ground operations instead.
- ā¢Netanyahu emphasized that Israel exercised restraint during the conflict.
- ā¢He said Israel ācertainly didnāt carpet bomb, which we could have done right away.ā
- ā¢The prime minister compared Israelās actions to Britainās WWII bombing campaigns.
Karaj Government Building Engulfed in Lethal Blaze as Protests Escalate Across Iranš„78
- ā¢Video shows the building fully engulfed in flames at night.
- ā¢Huge fireballs and thick black smoke were visible across nearby streets.
- ā¢Flames spread rapidly through multiple floors of the structure.
- ā¢The blaze illuminated traffic lights and nearby vehicles.
Latvia Shuts Russian-Language Public Radio, Sparking Debate Over National Integration Policiesš„56
- ā¢The station stopped broadcasting on December 31, 2025, after nearly 25 years on air.
- ā¢LR4 had been known for providing reliable news to Russian-speaking audiences in Latvia.
- ā¢The closure follows a policy requiring all public media content to be produced in Latvian.
- ā¢Authorities say the goal is to promote national language use and strengthen social integration.
BRICS Plus Launches Will for Peace 2026: China, Russia, Iran Lead Multinational Naval Drill in South African Watersš„71
- ā¢The drills are part of the BRICS Plus āWill for Peace 2026ā operation.
- ā¢Exercises began at Simonās Town Naval Base near Cape Town.
- ā¢The operation runs for one week with air and sea components.
- ā¢Focus areas include maritime safety, interoperability, and shipping lane security.
Scientists Create Fertilized Mouse Offspring from Two Fathers, Paving Way for Female-Free Reproduction in Mammalsš„65
- ā¢The experiment combined genetic material from two male sperm cells in the lab.
- ā¢Viable embryos were created and developed into normal, reproductive adults.
- ā¢One male fathered nine offspring; another fathered six.
- ā¢This marks the first mammalian offspring with two paternal genetic contributors.
Trump Announces US Land Strikes on Mexican Cartels, Claims Major Drug Decrease and Tougher Border Controlš„73
- ā¢He said the move follows major progress in stopping drug trafficking by sea.
- ā¢Trump claimed 97% of drugs entering by water have been intercepted.
- ā¢The strikes aim to target cartel operations on land within Mexico.
- ā¢He accused cartels of effectively ārunning Mexico.ā
Bipartisan Voters Favor Venezuelansā Self-Determination Over U.S. Intervention as Trump Focuses on Oil Accessš„62
- ā¢Most Republicans and Democrats say Venezuelans should decide their countryās direction.
- ā¢The finding highlights rare unity across U.S. political lines.
- ā¢Public sentiment favors self-determination over foreign influence.
- ā¢Donald Trumpās focus on securing Venezuelaās oil access draws renewed scrutiny.
Lonely Planet Unveils First-Timerās Guide to St-Martin: Sun, Sea, and Gastronomy on the Caribbean-French-Dutch Islandš„56
- ā¢The island is shared between France and the Netherlands in the Caribbean.
- ā¢Highlights include history, attractions, beaches, cuisine, and travel advice.
- ā¢The 1648 treaty dividing the island is marked by a white obelisk.
- ā¢French-side landmarks include Marigotās 19th-century houses and Fort Louis ruins.
China Halts Nvidia H200 Purchases as Chinese Authorities Review Chip Importsš„66
- ā¢Domestic companies were instructed to pause all new orders.
- ā¢The decision comes amid a government review of chip import conditions.
- ā¢Nvidiaās H200 is a top-tier GPU used for advanced AI applications.
- ā¢The move adds pressure to global semiconductor supply chains.
Putin Praises Troops as Priests and People Unite in Orthodox Christmas Service, Credits Church with Promoting Unity and Veteran Supportš„81
- ā¢The event took place at the Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious in the Moscow region.
- ā¢Military personnel and their families joined the ceremony.
- ā¢Putin praised Russian troops for fulfilling a āsacred missionā to defend the Fatherland.
- ā¢He said the duty of warriors is āentrusted by the Lord.ā