A crane collapse near Bangkok killed two people on Thursday, a day after a similar accident in northeastern Thailand derailed a train and killed 32 passengers. Thai officials said both incidents involved construction firm Italian-Thai Development, intensifying scrutiny of the company. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the cancellation of two state contracts with the firm, vowed legal action, and directed authorities to blacklist the contractor. … Continue reading Two dead in Thailand after another crane collapses, crushing cars

U.S. and Iranian officials confronted each other at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting as Washington renewed threats against Tehran despite President Donald Trump signaling possible de-escalation. The U.S., joined by Iranian dissidents, condemned Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests that activists say killed at least 2,677 people. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz warned that “all options are on the table,” while Iran accused Washington of … Continue reading US warns Iran that ‘all options are on the table’ in emergency UN meeting

European troops from several NATO countries began arriving in Greenland as a show of unity after President Donald Trump reiterated his goal of U.S. acquisition of the territory, dismissing European objections. European leaders expanded their military presence in the Arctic to counter Trump’s claims that U.S. control is necessary for security against China and Russia, despite Washington saying the deployments would not affect its stance. … Continue reading Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland

The Vatican Mosaic Studio of the Fabric of Saint Peter has completed a mosaic medallion honoring Pope Leo XIV, the Holy See announced. Following tradition, the mosaic was finished just over eight months after his election and will be installed in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, near the portrait of Pope Francis. The 137-centimeter roundel was crafted with glass enamels and gold … Continue reading Pope Leo’s mosaic portrait ready for Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators have accused former Prime Minister and opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko of orchestrating a scheme to bribe MPs, including some from President Zelenskyy’s party, to influence parliamentary votes. Tymoshenko’s Fatherland party offices were raided, and cash was seized, but she denies the allegations, calling the investigation politically motivated ahead of possible elections. The accusations reportedly involve payments to secure votes on dismissals of … Continue reading Yulia Tymoshenko reportedly accused of scheming to bribe Ukrainian MPs

The United States has announced the start of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, alongside the formation of a technocratic committee to govern the territory. This phase focuses on demilitarization, reconstruction, and transitional governance, though major details remain unresolved. The move comes despite Israeli opposition, particularly over Hamas’ disarmament and the continued holding of a hostage’s remains, prompting Israel to keep the Rafah … Continue reading US announces next phase of Gaza ceasefire plan, committee is formed

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector, particularly affecting Kyiv, as ongoing Russian strikes leave thousands without power, heat, or water during severe winter conditions. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure to exploit freezing temperatures, which have dropped to around -20°C in the capital. The announcement comes amid comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Ukraine … Continue reading Zelensky declares energy emergency as biting cold persists

Troops from several European countries, including France, Germany, Norway and Sweden, are deploying to Greenland to strengthen security as tensions rise between the United States and its European allies. The move follows talks in Washington between Danish, Greenlandic and U.S. officials that revealed a “fundamental disagreement” over President Donald Trump’s stated desire to take control of Greenland. Denmark plans to expand its military presence on … Continue reading European troops arrive in Greenland to boost the Arctic island’s security

A train derailed in northeastern Thailand after a construction crane fell onto three of its carriages, killing at least 19 people and injuring around 80. The accident occurred in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, on a train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. Authorities said more bodies may still be trapped in the wreckage, as shifting debris has made recovery dangerous. The crane was part … Continue reading At least 19 killed after crane falls on train in Thailand

Former Corsican separatist leader Alain Orsoni, 71, was shot dead during his mother’s funeral in Vero, near Ajaccio, on Monday. Prosecutors said he was killed by a long-range shot, and an investigation into murder by an organised gang has been opened. Orsoni led the Corsican Movement for Self-Determination, considered by French authorities as the political wing of the armed Corsican National Liberation Front-Traditional Wing. He … Continue reading Former Corsican separatist leader Orsoni assassinated at mother’s funeral

France is pushing to restrict Ukraine from using a €90bn EU loan to buy American weapons, insisting the funds support European defence industries instead. President Emmanuel Macron argues this would strengthen Europe’s arms sector and reduce reliance on the US, but Germany and the Netherlands warn it would hinder Kyiv’s access to essential systems like Patriot missiles, F-16s, and Himars launchers. EU leaders agreed the … Continue reading France pushes to block Ukraine from buying US weapons

The United States has accused Russia of a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation” in its war on Ukraine, citing the recent use of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile and raising concerns at an emergency UN Security Council meeting. US officials warned that Russia’s actions risk intensifying the conflict at a time when President Donald Trump is pushing for peace negotiations. Despite the warning, Russia launched fresh … Continue reading US slams Russia’s ‘dangerous escalation’ in Ukraine amid new deadly strikes

Forest officials in India are searching for a rogue elephant responsible for killing 22 people in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district since early January. The single-tusked male elephant, believed to have become violent after being separated from its herd, has carried out mostly nighttime attacks in villages, killing entire families and a forest official. Authorities have placed nearby districts on high alert, warned residents to stay … Continue reading Search for single-tusked elephant after 22 killed in India rampage

Information emerging from Iran suggests the government’s crackdown on more than two weeks of anti-government protests may have been far deadlier than previously reported. Sources speaking to CBS News, including one inside Iran, claim activist groups believe at least 12,000 people—and possibly up to 20,000—have been killed, though these figures cannot be independently verified. Britain’s foreign secretary said the U.K. believes deaths exceed 2,000 and … Continue reading Over 12,000 feared dead after Iran protests

At least 20 people have been killed by a wild elephant over nine days in Jharkhand, eastern India, with the animal still at large. The attacks occurred mostly at night in the Chaibasa and Kolhan forest areas, part of one of Asia’s largest Sal forests, as residents guarded crops. Officials said the elephant is young, highly mobile, and may be in a mating phase, which … Continue reading Elephant kills 20 in Indian state as rescue efforts continue

The U.S. Navy said the USS Abraham Lincoln conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea during its Indo-Pacific deployment. The aircraft carrier, escorted by several destroyers, used systems such as the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System to demonstrate defensive capabilities. U.S. officials said the drills aim to deter aggression, strengthen alliances, and promote regional stability. The exercises come amid heightened global tensions, including recent U.S. … Continue reading USS Abraham Lincoln engages in live-fire exercises in South China Sea

The Israeli army carried out multiple airstrikes on southern Lebanon after issuing evacuation warnings, killing one person, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel said it targeted a Hezbollah militant and infrastructure in response to what it described as repeated ceasefire violations. The strikes came despite Lebanon’s announcement that it had completed the first phase of disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, a move Israel says … Continue reading Israel launches new strikes in southern Lebanon after issuing evacuation order

The United Nations’ top court has opened a landmark genocide case against Myanmar over alleged crimes against its mostly Muslim Rohingya minority. The Gambia told the International Court of Justice that Myanmar’s military deliberately targeted the Rohingya with the intent to destroy the group. The case stems from a 2017 military offensive that forced about 750,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, with refugees reporting mass … Continue reading UN’s top court opens landmark Myanmar Rohingya genocide case

Rights groups say hundreds of protesters have been killed in Iran as security forces violently suppress nationwide demonstrations, despite an imposed internet blackout. The unrest poses a serious challenge to Iran’s decades-long clerical rule. President Trump has warned of possible strong U.S. military action if more protesters are killed, while also saying a meeting with Iranian officials may be arranged. Iran has threatened retaliation against … Continue reading Trump threatens ‘strong’ military action as Iran protest deaths rise

A gas cylinder exploded early Sunday at a wedding reception in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing at least eight people, including the bride and groom, and injuring seven others. The blast caused part of the house to collapse and damaged nearby homes. Authorities are investigating the cause, while health officials are providing treatment to the injured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences and ordered a full investigation, … Continue reading Bride and groom among 8 killed in gas cylinder blast at wedding in Pakistan’s capital

Britain is in talks with NATO allies about strengthening security in the Arctic amid growing concerns over Russian and Chinese activity, a government minister said. Officials stressed the discussions are routine and not a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about potentially acquiring Greenland. Trump argued Greenland is strategically important to prevent influence from Russia or China, though Denmark and other allies have … Continue reading Britain is in talks with NATO to counter Russia and China in the Arctic

Hamas said it will dissolve its governing authority in Gaza once a technocratic Palestinian committee takes control under a U.S.-brokered peace plan, though no timeline was given. The identities of the non-political technocrats have not been announced, and it is unclear whether Israel and the U.S. will approve them. An international “Board of Peace,” led by Trump, is meant to oversee Gaza’s governance, Hamas’s disarmament, … Continue reading Hamas says it will dissolve its Gaza government when new Palestinian body takes over

At least one person has died and around 300 properties have been destroyed as severe bushfires burn across south-east Australia. The worst impacts are in Victoria, where a state of emergency has been declared and more than 350,000 hectares have burned amid extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds. Thousands of firefighters and dozens of aircraft are battling about 30 active fires, many still threatening … Continue reading One person dead and 300 buildings destroyed in Australia bushfires

Five severed human heads were found hanging from ropes on a beach in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, amid escalating drug-related violence, police said. Authorities linked the gruesome display to a conflict between criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and extortion of fishermen. The incident occurred in Manabi province, where rival gangs are fighting for control of trafficking routes tied to transnational cartels. Police have increased security … Continue reading Human heads found hanging on a beach in southwestern Ecuador

Chinese, Russian, and Iranian warships have arrived off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, for a week-long joint naval exercise amid rising geopolitical tensions. The drills, held under the BRICS framework, aim to practice maritime safety, anti-piracy operations, and improve cooperation among participating navies. Their arrival coincides with heightened tensions following U.S. military action in Venezuela and the seizure of Venezuelan-linked oil tankers, which … Continue reading Chinese, Russian and Iranian warships arrive for drills in South Africa