Brazil appoints business leader Dan Ioschpe as COP30 climate champion
Brazil has named automotive industry executive Dan Ioschpe as its official “climate champion” for the COP30 summit, to be held in Belém this November.
Syrians gathered at Damascus' historic Umayyad Mosque for Friday prayers, marking a pivotal moment following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Caretaker Prime Minister Mohamed al-Bashir called for unity and mercy during his sermon.
In a symbolic display of solidarity, worshippers filled the courtyard of the iconic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on December 13, holding flags adopted by Syria's new ruling body. The first Friday prayers since Islamist-led rebels took control of the capital drew large crowds, with many expressing a mix of relief and hope.
Mohamed al-Bashir, recently appointed caretaker prime minister, addressed the congregation from the mosque's pulpit. His sermon emphasised rebuilding Syria as a nation of dignity and compassion.
“Victory and liberation are not just about breaking chains or raising flags. It is the birth of a nation and the restoration of dignity,” he declared, calling for Syria to become a "symbol of freedom and mercy."
The political shift came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), leading a rebel alliance, ousted al-Assad on December 8. Al-Bashir, previously the head of HTS' Idlib administration, now oversees the transitional government in Damascus.
Local residents shared their emotions about the historic moment. Yaser Nasab, a Damascus resident, expressed gratitude for the mosque’s preservation during years of conflict. “It’s very good to be here. Thanks to God, it has been protected,” he said.
Another resident, Rateb al Qary, described the event as transformative. "It feels as if I have been reborn. The past years have been harsh; we were suffocating," he said.
For many, the gathering at the Umayyad Mosque symbolised not just a moment of faith, but a hopeful beginning for a nation seeking unity and peace
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Within hours of Trump’s “Liberation Day” speech, a chorus of global voices began responding — some cautiously, others furiously. While the U.S. president promised to rebalance what he called “decades of economic exploitation,” world capitals began drawing their own red lines.
Standing in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump declared what he called “Liberation Day”, announcing a raft of tariffs on U.S. trading partners — the most expansive use of trade powers in modern American history.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, declaring that the Arctic island “belongs to the Greenlanders.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on UK and EU imports, warning foreign “cheaters” as he promises to restore American jobs and economic dominance.
Inside Politics explored the impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on UK exports. Analysts warned of serious economic consequences if Britain fails to act decisively.
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