21:40

Russia-Ukraine War

Europe and Ukraine launch International Claims Commission to seek reparations from Russia

European and Ukrainian leaders have launched an International Claims Commission in The Hague to seek compensation for damage caused by Russia’s war on Ukraine. The move, backed by European partners, targets losses worth hundreds of billions of dollars linked to Russian attacks and alleged war crimes

16:59

Venezuela

Analysis: How U.S. seizure of Venezuelan oil tanker escalates tensions with Caracas

Oil prices are rising worldwide as investors assess supply risks linked to growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela after the former seized an oil tanker Skipper on 10 December, a move Caracas calls “international piracy”.

16:59

Turkic Language Day

UNESCO marks first World Turkic Languages Family day

UNESCO is preparing to celebrate the first ever World Turkic Language Family Day on 15 December, following a decision by UNESCO’s General Conference in Samarkand establishing the date as an annual observance.

11:15

SantaCon festivities

Thousands take to NYC streets for SantaCon celebration

New York City’s streets were filled with holiday cheer over the weekend as thousands of people took part in the annual SantaCon celebration transforming the city into a sea of white and red.

13:06

Ukraine peace plan

Ukraine's peace plan at 'critical moment' after European leaders and Trump call

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany held a call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday (10 December) to discuss Washington's latest peace efforts to end the war in Ukraine, in what they said was a "critical moment" in the process.

09:36

U.S. Fed

U.S. Fed lowers rates, warns of pause amid inflation uncertainty

The U.S. Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50% to 3.75% following its two-day policy meeting, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday, 10 December.

13:43

India Hate Speech

Hate speech against India’s Muslims and Christians up 74% in 2024

Hate speech targeting Muslims and Christians in India surged by 74% in 2024, driven by election-season rhetoric and unrest in neighboring Bangladesh, according to a new report from the India Hate Lab, a Washington-based research organization.

13:24

DR CONGO-RWANDA

DRC President accuses Rwanda of violating peace deal

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday accused Rwanda of failing to uphold its commitments under a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending years of conflict in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

15:05

Explainer

Explainer: Understanding the U.S. government shutdown and its impact

The U.S. government has shut down after Congress failed to approve funding. Non-essential services are on hold, thousands of federal workers are left unpaid, and both parties blame each other for the deadlock.

16:24

South Caucasus

Turkic states strengthen unity in Baku amid global uncertainty, eye regional stability and strategic cooperation

Think tanks from the Organization of Turkic States met in Baku to strengthen regional cooperation. Experts discussed geopolitical shifts, economic plans, and cultural ties, highlighting unity, the Zangezur Corridor, and strategic projects under the 2022–2026 roadmap.

23:45

World News

Telegram's Durov warns against encryption backdoors

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has praised France’s rejection of a controversial encryption bill, warning that weakening privacy protections would do little to stop crime but could endanger millions of law-abiding users.

09:17

World News

Egypt to present Gaza reconstruction plan at emergency Arab summit

Egypt has finalized a Gaza reconstruction plan aimed at keeping Palestinians in their land and will present it at the emergency Arab summit on March 4. The announcement comes as Arab nations work to counter a controversial U.S. proposal by President Donald Trump, which seeks to take control of Gaza

13:30

Pope Francis

Pope Francis in critical condition, Vatican says

The Vatican has declared Pope Francis' condition "critical" after the 88-year-old pontiff's health worsened due to double pneumonia, requiring oxygen and blood transfusions.

13:22

World News

Gunman kills officer, injures five in hospital attack

A gunman took hostages at a Pennsylvania hospital, killing Officer Andrew Duarte and injuring five others before being fatally shot by police.

11:17

World News

M23 rebels advance in Congo, U.N. calls for urgent action

As Rwanda-backed M23 rebels make significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, the U.N. Security Council has met in an urgent session, warning of the risk of a wider regional war.

09:58

Culture News

Pharaoh’s long-lost tomb reveals secrets of ancient Egypt

Egyptologists have made a historic discovery—the first royal tomb uncovered since Tutankhamun’s in 1922. A British-Egyptian team has found the long-lost burial site of Pharaoh Thutmose II in Luxor, solving a major archaeological mystery.

09:38

World News

Zelenskyy fires back at Trump’s criticism: "He lives in a disinformation space"

U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting he missed an opportunity to engage in peace talks with Russia. While the Ukrainian leader accused Trump of falling for Russian disinformation.

07:24

World News

Russia frees American held on drug charges ahead of Saudi Talks

Russia released a U.S. citizen on Monday, February 17, who had been detained on minor drug charges, just before high-level talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. The move comes as Moscow and Washington seek to improve strained relations.

06:54

World News

Bukavu calm as M23 rebels enter city with little resistance from Congolese government

Bukavu remained calm after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, moved into the eastern Congolese city with little resistance from government forces. The situation has raised fears of a wider regional conflict and potential impacts on DR Congo's vital mineral exports.

21:16

World News

Protests erupt outside Munich Security Conference

Protesters gathered outside the Munich Security Conference, opposing NATO, the arms industry, and war. The demonstrations included pro-Palestine activists and critics of weapon deliveries to Ukraine, while a counter-protest in support of Ukraine occurred nearby.

21:12

World News

Anti-government protests erupt in Serbia over train station collapse

Tens of thousands of students and supporters marched in Kragujevac, Serbia, protesting the government's alleged corruption following a deadly railway accident in Novi Sad. The demonstrations have become the largest in years, challenging President Aleksandar Vucic's rule.

21:04

World News

Vatican: Pope Francis recovering from respiratory infection

Pope Francis is recovering at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after being admitted with a respiratory infection. The 88-year-old pontiff is in stable condition but remains under observation, prompting concerns among the faithful.

11:13

World News

Terrifying encounter: kayaker briefly swallowed by whale

A kayaker had a terrifying close call off the coast of southern Chile when a humpback whale briefly scooped him up in its mouth before spitting him out unharmed.

14:54

South Caucasus

Azerbaijan takes Armenia to court over habitat damage

Azerbaijan has filed a case against Armenia at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, accusing it of severe environmental damage during its occupation of Azerbaijani territories—a move marking the first inter-state arbitration under the Bern Convention.