With Donald Trump set to re-enter the White House, Ukraine faces mounting challenges. Its troops are struggling against Russia’s advances, with limited resources and dwindling military aid prospects. Russia continues its offensive, gaining territory in Donetsk while Ukrainian forces defend key positions. Ukraine’s defense priorities include stabilizing frontlines and bolstering capabilities, with allies pledging further aid. Talks of ending the conflict remain unlikely, as Moscow … Continue reading Ukraine losing ground on the battlefield as Trump team pushes ceasefire

Taiwan will enhance surveillance and inspection of foreign-flagged ships after a Chinese-linked cargo vessel allegedly damaged an undersea communication cable. Authorities plan to board suspicious vessels near sensitive areas and strengthen monitoring of undersea cables and landing points. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau emphasized international cooperation with the U.S. and Europe to address cable sabotage risks. The incident adds to concerns over China’s “gray zone” tactics, … Continue reading After cable damage, Taiwan to step up surveillance of ‘flag of convenience’ ships

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure across multiple regions, including Lviv and Kharkiv. Ukrainian forces shot down 30 of 43 missiles and 47 of 74 drones, but emergency power outages were imposed in six regions. The assault aims to cripple Ukraine’s power grid during winter, exacerbating energy shortages. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged Western allies to expedite air defense … Continue reading Russian missile attack forces Ukraine to shut down power grid

South Africa’s government faces criticism after cutting off food and water to illegal miners underground, leading to at least 78 deaths and over 100 others presumed dead from starvation at the Stilfontein mine. Rescuers have saved 166 people following a court-ordered operation, with survivors described as severely emaciated. Unions and opposition parties have condemned the government’s handling, calling it a display of negligence. The government … Continue reading South Africa criticized for ‘horrific’ mining crackdown after 78 bodies pulled from underground

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal ending 15 months of conflict, confirmed by U.S. President Joe Biden. The agreement includes a complete ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas. UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized prioritizing aid to alleviate suffering. However, the ceasefire, set to begin on January 19, follows continued violence, with Israeli airstrikes reportedly … Continue reading Israel and Hamas reach Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal

Spain plans to introduce a tax of up to 100% on properties bought by non-EU residents, including those from the UK, to address the housing crisis. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the measure to prioritize housing for residents and combat property speculation. In 2023, non-EU residents purchased 27,000 homes in Spain, often for profit rather than personal use. Sánchez also unveiled other housing initiatives, including … Continue reading Spain plans 100% tax for homes bought by non-EU residents

Sydney’s Manly Beach and nearby beaches were closed on Tuesday after marble-sized white and gray debris washed ashore. Authorities are investigating the debris, similar to substances found on Bondi Beach in October, which were later identified as decomposed cooking oils, hair, and food waste. The Northern Beaches Council is coordinating with New South Wales’ Environmental Protection Agency to safely remove and test the material, NBC … Continue reading Sydney beaches shut once again over mysterious debris washed on shore

Australian scientists have confirmed a new, larger, and more venomous species of the deadly Sydney funnel-web spider, nicknamed ‘big boy.’ Growing up to 9 cm (3.54 inches), it has longer fangs and larger venom glands than its common counterpart. First discovered near Newcastle in the early 2000s, the spider has been named Atrax christenseni after spider expert Kane Christensen. Despite its potent venom, the existing anti-venom for … Continue reading Bigger and more venomous species of funnel-web spider discovered in Australia