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On December 21, 2025, the winter solstice was observed across the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. Celebrations included gatherings at Stonehenge and cultural events in Iran and the Arab world, highlighting both scientific and cultural traditions surrounding this astronomical event.
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December 21 marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. While Gulf countries note it as an astronomical milestone, Iran and Persian communities celebrate Yalda, an ancient festival symbolizing rebirth and light. The event marks the start of winter and the return of longer days.
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A militant attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district killed four police officers and a driver. The assault involved explosives and gunfire, with no group claiming responsibility. Pakistan blames Afghan Taliban for planning from across the border amid ongoing tensions and border clashes.
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Tajikistan reports killing three alleged terrorists crossing from Afghanistan, amid ongoing border clashes. Afghan authorities investigate, while regional tensions persist. Meanwhile, humanitarian crises deepen in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sudan, with aid cuts worsening conditions for millions. The stories highlight ongoing instability and humanitarian challenges in these regions.
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The historic Ariana Cinema in Kabul was torn down starting December 16, replaced by a shopping complex. The Taliban government, which seized power in 2021, ordered the closure of cinemas and the dissolution of the Afghan Film Administration, citing economic and ideological priorities. The cinema was a cultural landmark since 1963, symbolizing Afghanistan's modern history and resistance through decades of conflict.
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Heavy snow and rain in Afghanistan have killed at least 61 people, injured over 100, and destroyed hundreds of homes across 15 provinces. The disaster worsens ongoing challenges from conflict, climate change, and recent earthquakes, with aid efforts ongoing amid widespread vulnerability.
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Afghanistan's traditional sport, buzkashi, concluded its 11-day national tournament with northern Sar-e-Pul winning 7-0. The event, revived after Taliban restrictions, featured 11 provincial teams and international participants, drawing thousands of spectators in Kabul. The sport remains a cultural symbol despite political challenges.
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A man detained under the Mental Health Act attacked staff and injured six people at Newton Community Hospital in Merseyside. He was arrested and the scene remains active. All victims are stable. The incident followed a refused appointment request and involved a metal bar.
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Severe flooding in Afghanistan's Herat province has caused at least five deaths, including a family of five when their roof collapsed. The floods, ongoing since Monday, have damaged infrastructure, killed livestock, and affected 1,800 families across multiple regions. The UN has launched a $1.7 billion aid appeal for nearly 18 million people in need.
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A series of militant attacks in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have resulted in multiple casualties. The Pakistani government blames groups linked to India and Afghanistan, amid ongoing tensions and regional security concerns. No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, which involved a remote-controlled bomb targeting police personnel.
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Since January 20, 2026, the Trump administration launched "Operation Catch of the Day," targeting roughly 1,400 immigrants in Maine, focusing on those with alleged criminal records. Governor Janet Mills and local leaders criticize the operation for secrecy and community disruption, especially in Portland and Lewiston's immigrant populations. The raids coincide with a broader visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including many African nations, amid heightened immigration enforcement nationwide.
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The UN warns of a deepening food crisis across West and Central Africa, driven by conflict, economic hardship, and reduced humanitarian funding. Over 13 million children face malnutrition, with communities in Nigeria, Mali, Cameroon, and Niger at increasing risk of famine. Urgent funding is needed to prevent catastrophe.
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On Monday, a suicide bomber attacked a Chinese restaurant in Kabul's Shahr-e-Naw district, killing at least seven people, including one Chinese national, and wounding five others. The Islamic State's Afghanistan affiliate claimed responsibility, linking the attack to China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims. China has urged Afghan authorities to protect its citizens and warned its nationals to avoid travel to Afghanistan.
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Donald Trump claimed NATO allies, including Britain, stayed back from front lines in Afghanistan, causing outrage among veterans and politicians. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and others condemned his remarks, which diminish the sacrifices of thousands of troops. The controversy highlights tensions over NATO's role and Trump's stance on alliance commitments.
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A suicide bombing at a wedding in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, has killed seven people, including four who died in hospital. The attack targeted a peace committee house, with no group claiming responsibility but suspicion falling on the Pakistani Taliban amid ongoing regional violence.
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UK Prime Minister and veterans condemned Donald Trump for dismissing British sacrifices in Afghanistan, claiming NATO allies 'stayed back' during the conflict. Trump’s comments sparked outrage, with UK officials emphasizing the importance of collective NATO efforts and honoring fallen soldiers. The controversy highlights tensions over historical military contributions and current diplomatic relations.
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Former US President Trump made comments suggesting NATO troops, including British soldiers, stayed off front lines in Afghanistan, prompting criticism from UK leaders, Prince Harry, and European allies. Trump later acknowledged UK casualties but stopped short of an apology, escalating diplomatic tensions.
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Donald Trump faced widespread criticism in Britain and Europe after claiming that European troops stayed off the front lines in Afghanistan. His comments, which downplayed NATO allies' sacrifices, drew strong responses from UK officials and veterans, including Prince Harry. The UK government called for an apology, but Trump did not issue one.
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French Defense Minister Alice Rufo laid a wreath in Paris for fallen soldiers, emphasizing their sacrifice. Trump claimed NATO troops avoided frontlines in Afghanistan, provoking outrage in Britain. He later praised British soldiers, but did not mention others, leading to diplomatic tensions.
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Over 1,100 Afghans, including civilians and former military women, are held at Qatar's Camp As Sayliyah. The US and Qatar face criticism over payments offered for voluntary repatriation, amid concerns about coercion and safety ahead of the facility's closure at the end of March.
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Merz, speaking to the German parliament, emphasized Europe's need to assert itself amid rising global tensions. He highlighted the importance of NATO, cooperation with the US, and Europe's strategic independence, amid recent US-initiated disputes over tariffs and Greenland. The speech underscores Europe's push for greater military and economic resilience.
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Donald Trump issued a social media clarification after claiming US and UK troops stayed off the front lines in Afghanistan, provoking widespread criticism. He praised British soldiers but stopped short of apologizing, amid diplomatic concerns and reactions from UK and European leaders. The story highlights ongoing tensions over military alliances and historical sacrifices.
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Recent Cambodian efforts to dismantle online scam operations have led to a mass exodus of scam workers, creating a humanitarian crisis. Over 100,000 have fled, many traumatized and unsupported, as authorities intensify crackdowns following border clashes and international pressure. Shelters are overwhelmed, and victims struggle to return home.
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The Virginia Supreme Court has reversed a 2020 adoption of an Afghan girl by U.S. parents, citing legal flaws and a law that bars challenges after six months. The case highlights procedural irregularities and international diplomatic tensions surrounding the child's custody amid a complex bureaucratic failure.
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The UK has reduced its aid to the World Food Programme from $610m in 2024 to $435m last year, despite promises to fight hunger. Critics say the cuts risk lives, with rising starvation worldwide and the UK’s aid spending falling behind international commitments. The government defends the decision as part of budget reallocation.
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On Tuesday night, a Greek coastguard patrol boat collided with a migrant speedboat near Chios, killing at least 15 migrants and injuring 24 others, including children and two coastguard officers. The incident has sparked investigations amid questions over the patrol boat's conduct and Greece's migration enforcement policies.
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A powerful photo at the Winter Olympics shows Italian athletes celebrating gold on home soil. Taken in freezing conditions, it captures raw emotion and triumph, emphasizing the authenticity of the moment and the athletes' pride after their victory.
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Recent attacks in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, attributed to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), have resulted in civilian casualties and heightened tensions with Afghanistan. The military reports thwarting an attack, with ongoing violence raising concerns over regional stability.
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Afghanistan's Taliban government released three Pakistani soldiers detained during border clashes in October. The release, mediated by Saudi Arabia, aims to ease tensions after months of cross-border fighting and a fragile ceasefire. Relations remain strained, with ongoing accusations and border disruptions.
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Gaza marks Ramadan during ongoing conflict, with over 72,000 Palestinians killed, widespread destruction, and displacement. Despite efforts to bring some festive spirit, residents face severe hardship, cold, and loss, with many mourning loved ones and enduring displacement amid continued violence.
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Since late February 2026, Pakistan and Afghanistan have engaged in intense cross-border military strikes following Pakistan's airstrikes targeting militant hideouts in Afghanistan. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared 'open war' on the Afghan Taliban government, accusing it of harboring Pakistani Taliban militants. Both sides report heavy casualties and destruction of military posts amid failed ceasefire talks and ongoing mediation efforts.
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The Taliban's recent decree, signed in January, introduces a penal code that criminalizes criticism of leadership, enforces corporal punishment for various offenses, and discriminates based on social class. UN officials urge Afghanistan to rescind the decree, citing violations of international legal obligations and human rights, especially affecting women and minorities.
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Ukraine considers relocating peace negotiations due to ongoing hostilities. Zelensky rejects Russia's territorial demands, citing resilience. Russia claims commitment to diplomacy despite reports of reluctance. Talks remain deadlocked over Ukraine's territorial integrity and security guarantees, with no clear resolution in sight. As tensions persist, the potential for renewed conflict and diplomatic stalemate remains high.
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Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and other Afghan towns, targeting Taliban military sites in response to Afghan retaliatory attacks. Civilian casualties reported, and tensions escalate amid ongoing cross-border conflict. The Taliban express willingness to negotiate, but violence continues as both sides claim significant casualties. Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2026.
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Fighting between Afghan and Pakistani forces has intensified, with cross-border strikes and civilian casualties reported on both sides. Pakistan declared an 'open war' after Afghan retaliatory attacks, and diplomatic efforts have failed to halt the conflict. The situation remains volatile as both sides accuse each other of targeting civilians and harboring militants.
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Russia has engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Iran conflict, relaying Gulf states' security concerns to Tehran. Putin and Lavrov emphasize the need for a ceasefire and political solutions as regional tensions threaten global travel and stability. The US and Israel's recent attacks have intensified regional instability.
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Fighting along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border has entered its fifth day, with both sides claiming heavy losses. Afghan forces launched multiple ground attacks, while Pakistan reports repelling these assaults and inflicting significant casualties. International efforts for ceasefire negotiations are ongoing amid rising humanitarian concerns.
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On 4 March 2026, the UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced an unprecedented ban on student visas from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, effective 26 March. The move responds to a 470% surge in asylum claims by students from these countries between 2021 and 2025, aiming to curb legal migration routes used to claim asylum. The government plans further asylum system reforms.
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As of March 13, 2026, intense fighting continues along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border following Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory starting February 26. Both sides report heavy casualties and territorial gains amid ongoing military operations. The conflict has displaced over 115,000 people, with civilian deaths reported on both sides. International calls for restraint remain unheeded, and no ceasefire negotiations are underway.
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Support for US military action against Iran remains low, with only 40% backing strikes, amid partisan divides and concerns over ground invasion and draft. Israeli support remains high, reflecting direct regional impacts. The debate over escalation continues as US public opinion shifts.
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Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified, with recent mortar and drone strikes causing civilian casualties on both sides. Despite international efforts for a ceasefire, hostilities continue, marking the deadliest period in recent years and raising regional stability concerns.
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A deadly airstrike on Kabul’s Omar Addiction Treatment Hospital has killed over 400, with Afghanistan blaming Pakistan and Pakistan denying involvement. The attack has intensified border tensions amid ongoing cross-border clashes and regional instability, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilians and military sites.
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Over the past three weeks, conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified, marked by cross-border clashes and airstrikes. A recent Pakistani strike on a Kabul hospital resulted in hundreds of casualties, with both sides denying targeting civilians. The situation remains volatile amid international calls for de-escalation.
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The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes, raising costs and delaying aid. If the war continues through June, an additional 45 million people could face acute hunger, pushing global hunger to record levels, with vulnerable populations in Sudan, Gaza, and Afghanistan most affected.
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Pakistan has announced a temporary ceasefire from March 19 to March 24, requested by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, amid escalating tensions and recent deadly clashes. Both countries warned that hostilities will resume if attacks continue, following a Pakistani strike on a Kabul drug centre that killed hundreds. The ceasefire aims to de-escalate conflict but remains fragile.
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The 2026 World Happiness Report highlights a decline in wellbeing among under-25s in Western countries, linked to heavy social media use. Finland remains the happiest nation, while youth in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand report significant drops in life satisfaction over the past decade.