Syria and Israel meet in Paris as U.S. mediates peace effort
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met an Israeli delegation in Paris on Tuesday for talks aimed at boosting stability in southern Syria and the...
The first half of 2025 saw a sharp decline in asylum applications across Europe, with Germany experiencing a nearly 50% drop compared to last year.
According to German media reports citing data from the EU Asylum Agency (EUAA), Germany received 65,495 asylum applications between January and June 2025, marking a 43% decrease from the same period in 2024.
German Interior Minister Volker Dobrindt credited the drop to successful migration policy reforms, pledging continued efforts to overhaul the system.
Across Europe, Spain received the highest number of asylum claims in the first half of 2025 with over 76,000 applications, followed by France (75,428), Germany (65,495), Italy (62,534), Greece (27,718), and Belgium (around 17,000). Hungary, Slovakia, and Lithuania reported very low numbers due to stricter immigration policies.
Among asylum seekers in Germany, Afghan nationals made up about 22%, Syrians 20%, and Turkish citizens 11%. Russians were the fifth largest group, accounting for just over 3%. Overall, nearly 400,000 people applied for asylum across EU countries, Norway, and Switzerland in the first six months of 2025.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Seoul and its president of having a “dual personality,” criticising their commitment to peace while carrying out joint exercises with the United States, according to state media KCNA on Wednesday.
A Ukrainian drone strike late Tuesday cut power to areas of Russia-held Zaporizhzhia region, officials said, during ongoing attacks in southeastern Ukraine.
India and China on Tuesday announced plans to resume direct flights and enhance trade and investment as they cautiously rebuild ties following their 2020 border clash, though key border issues remain unresolved.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he plans to pressure the Smithsonian Institution, a leading museum and research complex on American history and culture, to comply with his demands, similar to his approach with colleges and universities by threatening to withhold federal funding.
Armed bandits stormed a mosque in northern Nigeria’s Katsina state during morning prayers, leaving dozens dead and many injured.
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