Technology

AI’s impact could worsen gaps between world’s rich and poor, a UN report says

A new UN Development Program report warns that most benefits from artificial intelligence are likely to go to wealthy nations unless steps are taken to ensure equitable access to technology, education, and infrastructure. AI has the potential to improve healthcare, agriculture, disaster response, and public services, but marginalized communities risk being left behind due to lack of connectivity, skills, or visibility in data. Even in … Continue reading AI’s impact could worsen gaps between world’s rich and poor, a UN report says

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World News

Bulgarian government pulls budget amid fierce protests

Bulgaria’s government has withdrawn its controversial 2026 budget proposal after nationwide protests against planned tax hikes and higher social security contributions. The backlash comes amid years of political instability and deep public divisions over eurozone adoption and corruption. Tens of thousands of mostly young protesters in Sofia accused the government of perpetuating corrupt institutions and demanded either a revised budget or the cabinet’s resignation. Some … Continue reading Bulgarian government pulls budget amid fierce protests

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World News

Search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 to resume more than 11 years after plane went missing

Malaysia’s transport ministry announced that the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will resume on 30 December, more than 10 years after its disappearance. The US-based company Ocean Infinity will conduct a 55-day, intermittent seabed search under a “no-find, no-fee” contract, targeting areas deemed most likely to contain the wreckage. Families of the 239 people onboard welcomed the renewed effort, expressing hope for long-awaited … Continue reading Search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 to resume more than 11 years after plane went missing

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Technology

India mandates pre-installation of government cyber safety app on all smartphones

India’s telecom ministry has ordered smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the government’s “Sanchar Saathi” cybersecurity app on all new devices and prevent users from deleting it, while also pushing the app to older models via software updates. The government argues the app is essential for combating cyber fraud and improving telecom security, citing its role in recovering stolen phones and blocking fraudulent connections. Privacy advocates warn … Continue reading India mandates pre-installation of government cyber safety app on all smartphones

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World News

Britain plans to curb jury trials to tackle court crisis

Britain plans to remove the automatic right to trial by jury for many lower-level criminal cases as part of emergency measures to address a severe court backlog and overcrowded prisons, Justice Minister David Lammy announced. Defendants facing charges likely to result in sentences under three years would no longer be able to choose a jury trial, though jury trials would remain for serious crimes such … Continue reading Britain plans to curb jury trials to tackle court crisis

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World News

A third Russian tanker attacked in the Black Sea, Turkish authority says

A Russian-flagged tanker carrying sunflower oil, the MIDVOLGA-2, was attacked in the Black Sea about 130 km off Turkey’s coast, though its crew was unharmed and it did not request assistance. The incident follows Ukrainian naval-drone attacks on two Russian “shadow fleet” tankers, Kairos and Virat, inside Turkey’s exclusive economic zone days earlier. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the earlier attacks as a “worrying … Continue reading A third Russian tanker attacked in the Black Sea, Turkish authority says

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Space

Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare is seen erupting from sun

A powerful X1.9-class solar flare erupted from a newly emerged sunspot (AR4299) on Sunday, November 30, prompting a geomagnetic storm watch. The flare briefly disrupted radio communications in Australia and parts of Southeast Asia. A coronal mass ejection (CME) accompanied the flare, which could affect power grids, navigation systems, and spacecraft, though major impacts on Earth are not expected. The CME may cause minor technological … Continue reading Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare is seen erupting from sun

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World News

Death toll from Indonesia floods and landslides passes 700 

Floods and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island have killed 708 people, with 504 still missing, following unusually heavy monsoon rains and a rare tropical storm. The disaster has affected 3.2 million people in Indonesia, injured 2,600, and forced the evacuation of around one million residents, while aid delivery has been hampered by blocked roads and damaged infrastructure. Aceh and North Sumatra face severe food shortages, … Continue reading Death toll from Indonesia floods and landslides passes 700 

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U.S. News

Pentagon says every national guard soldier deployed in Washington DC ‘is now armed’

The Pentagon announced that all National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C., are now armed with live weapons and are conducting joint patrols with local police. This escalation follows the ambush shooting of two guards near the White House last week, which left one dead and prompted the Trump administration to deploy hundreds more troops. The move marks a significant shift in domestic rules of … Continue reading Pentagon says every national guard soldier deployed in Washington DC ‘is now armed’

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Politics

Justice Department expands legal action against states that have refused its demands for voter data

The Justice Department has sued six more states—Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington—for failing to provide statewide voter registration lists, bringing the total to at least 14 states. The department claims the lawsuits aim to ensure election security, while Democratic officials express concern over privacy and the federal overreach into state-run elections. The requests include detailed voter information, including personally identifiable data, … Continue reading Justice Department expands legal action against states that have refused its demands for voter data

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Politics

Republican Matt Van Epps holds deep-red House district in Tennessee special election

Republican Matt Van Epps won a hotly contested special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, holding the seat for the GOP against Democratic challenger Aftyn Behn. Although Trump carried the district by 22 points in 2024, Democrats narrowed the margin this year, with Van Epps winning by about nine points, highlighting stronger Democratic turnout compared to early voting. Both parties spent heavily on ads, with … Continue reading Republican Matt Van Epps holds deep-red House district in Tennessee special election

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World News

Brits told to ‘wear mask’ as flu spreads across country

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people to take precautions, including wearing face masks, as winter viruses, particularly flu, spread across the country. This year’s flu season began unusually early due to a mutated strain, raising concern among health experts. UKHSA advises regular handwashing, ventilating indoor spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if unwell. Flu rates have risen slightly, with the … Continue reading Brits told to ‘wear mask’ as flu spreads across country

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Politics

Macron Denies ‘Ministry Of Truth’ Plan In Standoff With Far Right

President Emmanuel Macron denied plans for a “ministry of truth” in France after criticism from right-wing politicians and media that his anti-disinformation efforts could threaten press freedom. He has called for legislation to quickly block false information online and for professional certification of media outlets to distinguish reliable sources. Critics, including far-right leaders and media outlets owned by Vincent Bolloré, accused Macron of authoritarianism and … Continue reading Macron Denies ‘Ministry Of Truth’ Plan In Standoff With Far Right

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World News

Paganism is top choice for Christians who convert to new faith

A study finds that British Christians who leave their faith are increasingly turning to paganism, wicca, or other spiritual practices, surpassing conversions to Buddhism, Islam, or Judaism. Over one in ten former Christians identify as spiritual, with nearly half of these adopting pagan beliefs. While Christianity still gains new adherents, the number leaving the faith exceeds those joining, contributing to an overall decline in Christian … Continue reading Paganism is top choice for Christians who convert to new faith

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Politics

US-Russia talks on Ukraine were ‘constructive’ but work remains, Putin adviser says

Talks between Russia and the U.S. on ending the war in Ukraine were described as constructive by a senior Putin aide, though no agreement has been reached, particularly on territorial issues. Putin met U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in the Kremlin, while parallel talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials took place in Florida. Trump’s peace plan, which has raised concerns over concessions to … Continue reading US-Russia talks on Ukraine were ‘constructive’ but work remains, Putin adviser says

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Politics

Trump threatens attack on Colombia amid Venezuela war fears

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Colombia over drug trafficking, warning that those selling cocaine into the US could be attacked. His comments come amid heightened tensions with Venezuela, where the Trump administration has doubled the reward for information leading to President Nicolás Maduro’s capture. Trump reportedly urged Maduro to step down during a phone call, but Maduro refused. The President held … Continue reading Trump threatens attack on Colombia amid Venezuela war fears

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U.S. News

DOJ deciding whether to seek new Comey, James indictments

The Justice Department is considering whether to seek new indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James after a federal judge dismissed their cases last week. Prosecutors may forgo an immediate appeal and instead present the cases to a new grand jury, though this approach carries political and legal risks, including potential rejection by the jurors. Legal experts say … Continue reading DOJ deciding whether to seek new Comey, James indictments

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U.S. News

Son of drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ pleads guilty in US drug trafficking case in deal with prosecutors

Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of notorious drug lord “El Chapo,” pleaded guilty Monday to U.S. drug trafficking and continuing criminal enterprise charges, following a similar plea by his brother Ovidio. The brothers, known as the “Chapitos,” are accused of running a Sinaloa cartel faction that trafficked massive amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the U.S. Joaquin and longtime cartel leader Ismael “El … Continue reading Son of drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ pleads guilty in US drug trafficking case in deal with prosecutors

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U.S. News

US Treasury investigating whether Minnesota welfare money went to Somali terror group al Shabaab

The Trump administration is investigating whether Minnesota state welfare funds were diverted to the terrorist group al Shabaab, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday. Allegations stem from reports that millions from Minnesota programs, including a $250 million fraud scheme involving the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, may have ended up in the hands of the group. Minnesota Republicans, including Rep. Tom Emmer, have urged federal prosecutors … Continue reading US Treasury investigating whether Minnesota welfare money went to Somali terror group al Shabaab

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U.S. News

Luigi Mangione due in court as fight continues over evidence

Luigi Mangione returned to court Monday for the first day of a pretrial hearing seeking to block prosecutors from using evidence linking him to the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors played surveillance videos of the shooting and Mangione’s arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, where staff reported him to police after comparing him to released suspect photos. The defense argued that evidence, … Continue reading Luigi Mangione due in court as fight continues over evidence

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Business

Costco sues the Trump administration, seeking a refund of tariffs

Costco has sued the Trump administration, asking the Court of International Trade to declare all tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) unlawful and seek a full refund. The company argues that IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose import duties, a use of the law first attempted by Trump. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of Trump’s tariff … Continue reading Costco sues the Trump administration, seeking a refund of tariffs

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Politics

Trump’s impact is debated in Honduras, where conservatives lead the presidential vote

In Honduras’ presidential election, former Tegucigalpa Mayor Nasry Asfura and conservative candidate Salvador Nasralla were nearly tied in preliminary results, with Asfura initially holding a slight lead. Voter support for Asfura was influenced by nostalgia for better economic times under the previous National Party government and U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Trump’s comments and his promise to pardon former President Juan Orlando Hernández may have … Continue reading Trump’s impact is debated in Honduras, where conservatives lead the presidential vote

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Politics

Sen. Kelly slams Trump, calls for investigation into Caribbean strikes and for Hegseth to testify

Sen. Mark Kelly said Monday he will not be silenced by President Trump or Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after the Department of Defense announced a review of him over alleged misconduct. The comments follow a video in which Kelly and other Democrats told U.S. service members they could refuse illegal orders. Kelly criticized Hegseth for allegedly authorizing a second strike on a Caribbean boat … Continue reading Sen. Kelly slams Trump, calls for investigation into Caribbean strikes and for Hegseth to testify

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U.S. News

Noem calls for ‘full travel ban’ on countries ‘flooding’ US with immigrants after DC attack

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced she is recommending a broad travel ban on countries she claims are sending dangerous immigrants to the U.S., following a meeting with President Trump. In a social media post, she described certain immigrants as threats to public safety and accused them of draining American resources. The announcement followed an attack on two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., by … Continue reading Noem calls for ‘full travel ban’ on countries ‘flooding’ US with immigrants after DC attack

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Politics

White House releases details of Trump’s MRI scan

The White House said Monday that President Trump underwent advanced abdominal and cardiovascular imaging in October as part of a preventative health evaluation. This came after Trump told reporters he had “no idea” what his MRI covered, only that it was not of his brain and that the results were “perfect.” A letter from his physician, Sean Barbabella, stated the imaging was routine for men … Continue reading White House releases details of Trump’s MRI scan

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