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Countries are making contrasting moves on climate and energy. China advances fusion research, while the UK leads in phasing out fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the US faces opposition to data centers, and Asia's energy security concerns slow renewables. These developments shape the global climate effort today, December 15, 2025.
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Recent fossil studies reveal a close link between extinct Australian carnivorous marsupials and koalas, while conservation efforts in Nigeria and Okinawa show signs of success. Meanwhile, Thailand's artificial reefs are aiding marine ecosystems, and Hong Kong seeks to expand marine protected areas amid biodiversity concerns.
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ASEAN and China signed the upgraded Free Trade Area 3.0 during the ASEAN summit, covering over 2 billion people. The agreement aims to enhance regional economic integration, digital trade, and sustainability, amid ongoing US-China tensions. Leaders also discussed recent military incidents and bilateral relations.
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Australia's government introduces legislation to overhaul the 1999 EPBC Act, fulfilling a five-year review's recommendations. The reforms aim to improve environmental protection, transparency, and efficiency, but face opposition from opposition parties and Greens. The bill is now under parliamentary inquiry, with a decision expected after March 2026.
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A woman in her 20s died after a shark attack at Crowdy Bay, 360 km north of Sydney. A man was critically injured and airlifted to hospital. The beach was closed, and authorities are investigating the species involved. This follows a similar incident in Sydney in September.
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Ben Austin, a 17-year-old cricketer at Ferntree Gully, died after being struck in the neck by a ball during practice. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and passed away on Wednesday. The incident echoes the 2014 death of Phillip Hughes, raising safety concerns in cricket.
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Australia will require social media platforms to block under-16 accounts from December 10, with fines up to $33 million for non-compliance. The law targets platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, aiming to protect children from harmful content and mental health risks. Exemptions include messaging and educational platforms, with ongoing assessments of impact.
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China has commissioned its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, marking its first domestically designed vessel with advanced electromagnetic catapult systems. The carrier aims to enhance China's naval power projection, especially in disputed regional waters, as part of Xi Jinping's military modernization plan. Sea trials are ongoing, with capabilities still being tested.
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Ethiopia is set to host COP32 in 2027 after regional consensus. The host for COP31 in 2026 remains unresolved, with Australia and Turkey competing. The decision is pending, with Bonn as a possible fallback if negotiations fail. The story highlights ongoing regional disputes and Ethiopia's rising prominence in climate diplomacy.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new bilateral security treaty with Indonesia during President Prabowo's first state visit. The agreement commits both nations to regular security consultations and joint measures to address regional threats, building on previous accords and reflecting shared concerns over China's regional influence.
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The High Court of Australia ruled that the government can seize a Russian lease near Parliament for security reasons, but must pay compensation. The case followed legislation passed in 2023 to revoke the lease, citing national security concerns. Russia challenged the move, leading to a court decision today.
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Recent reports highlight rising e-waste and food waste globally, with Australia producing 580,000 tonnes of e-waste annually. Innovations like recycling programs and waste tracking aim to reduce environmental impact. Meanwhile, African nations focus on trade, resilient supply chains, and sustainable farming to improve food security amid global challenges. Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:02:25 +0000
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On November 22, 2025, Australia and Turkey resolved a multi-year dispute over hosting the 2026 UN climate summit, COP31. Turkey will host the summit in Antalya, while Australia will preside over negotiations and lead pre-COP events focused on Pacific climate financing. The deal ends a deadlock that risked defaulting the summit to Germany and drew criticism from Pacific nations.
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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents. The event included celebrity hosts and performances, with final playoff teams to be decided in March 2026.
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Meta has announced it will restrict access for Australian users aged 13-15 starting December 4, ahead of a new law requiring social media platforms to exclude under-16s. The law, effective December 10, aims to protect minors but raises concerns over privacy and effectiveness.
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Iraq secured a spot in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup after a 2-1 win over the UAE in Basra, completing a 3-2 aggregate victory. They will face Bolivia or Suriname in March, with the match in Mexico. Coach Graham Arnold emphasizes preparation for the crucial game.
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Australia will enforce a law from December 10 that bans social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch from allowing users under 16. The law aims to protect minors from online harm, with penalties up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Twitch plans to deactivate underage accounts from January 9.
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England's cricket team lost their second consecutive Ashes test in Perth inside two days, despite a strong first innings. Australia’s Travis Head scored a century, and Australia secured an eight-wicket victory. Experts note England's lack of variation and preparation issues contributed to the defeat. The series remains highly competitive.
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The UK government announced a new critical minerals strategy, backed by £50m, aiming to secure domestic supplies of lithium, nickel, tungsten, and rare earths by 2035. The plan includes increasing domestic extraction, recycling, and diversifying supply sources to reduce reliance on China and strengthen national security.
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Australia plans to enforce a ban on social media accounts for users under 16 starting December 10, aiming to protect children from online harms. The government is reviewing mechanisms used in other countries, including Malaysia, to implement age restrictions and ensure platform compliance.
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On Monday, Australian Senator Pauline Hanson wore a burqa in the Senate chamber to protest the rejection of her bill banning full-face coverings in public. The stunt sparked accusations of racism and Islamophobia, leading to her suspension for seven consecutive sitting days. The incident reignited debates on religious freedom, national security, and social cohesion in Australia.
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Malaysia's government is reviewing measures to restrict social media access for under-16s, inspired by Australia's upcoming ban at age 16. The move aims to protect youths from online harms like cyberbullying and scams, with plans to implement electronic age verification methods next year.
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High-profile UK billionaires and entrepreneurs are relocating abroad due to recent tax reforms, including inheritance and non-domicile rules. The departure of figures like Lakshmi Mittal and others highlights concerns over a growing brain drain and economic impact ahead of the upcoming Labour budget.
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Australia's parliament has approved the largest environmental law reforms in 26 years, after negotiations between Labor and the Greens. The laws include establishing a national EPA, tightening land-clearing rules, and blocking fast-tracking of coal and gas projects. The reforms face criticism over scrutiny and implementation, with ongoing political debate.
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On December 10, 2025, Australia enforced a pioneering law banning users under 16 from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Platforms must block new and existing underage accounts or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The law aims to protect youth mental health amid concerns over cyberbullying and addictive design, though it faces legal challenges and practical enforcement issues.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
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Net migration to the UK dropped 69% to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, the lowest since 2021, driven by fewer non-EU arrivals for work and study and increased emigration. Despite this, public concern over immigration remains high, especially regarding illegal Channel crossings and asylum seekers. The government has introduced stricter immigration policies and plans further reforms to reduce migration pressures.
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As of December 2025, Russian athletes have been reinstated to compete under their national flag in judo starting with the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, reversing previous neutral status imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian athletes meeting IOC criteria will compete as neutrals at the 2026 Winter Olympics following a court ruling overturning FIS's ban. Ukrainian diver Lyskun's switch to Russian citizenship has sparked controversy and disciplinary threats.
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Australia has officially designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing links to arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in 2024. Iran condemned the move as unjustified, escalating diplomatic tensions. The decision follows Australian intelligence findings and recent expulsions of Iranian diplomats, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics.
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UK manufacturing PMI rose to 50.2 in November, the first expansion since September 2024, driven by domestic demand and larger firms. Business optimism hit a nine-month high, though employment and smaller firms still face contraction. The data suggests a cautious recovery amid mixed economic signals.
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In 2025, top athletes Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone dominated their events, setting multiple world records and winning major titles. Meanwhile, Australian sprinter Edward Osei-Nketia, now representing Australia, aims for Olympic medals in 2028, marking a significant shift in his career.
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Multiple US states and parts of Australia are experiencing extreme winter conditions. The US faces heavy snow, cold waves, and travel disruptions, driven by polar vortex breakdowns. Australia endures contrasting weather with early summer heatwaves and wildfire risks. These events reflect unseasonal, intense weather patterns.
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Flooding across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia has caused over 1,200 deaths and left thousands missing. Extreme weather linked to climate change has intensified storms and floods, with scientists warning that such events will likely worsen in the coming years.
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The two-week CITES conference in Samarkand is considering stricter controls or bans on trade of species like Galapagos iguanas, Latin American tarantulas, and African turtles. The focus is on curbing illegal online wildlife sales driven by rising demand and social media influence.
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Gareth Duke, a former Paralympic swimmer, received a suspended six-month jail sentence after admitting to attempting to engage with a minor online. The case involved grooming and predatory behavior, with Duke also ordered to register as a sex offender and comply with restrictions on online activity.
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The US has endorsed the AUKUS security pact after a Pentagon review, confirming its long-term viability. Australia will acquire US nuclear submarines in the early 2030s, with efforts to improve supply chains and build submarine capacity. Meanwhile, Australia’s domestic violence response receives a $674 million boost.
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Australia's defence and foreign ministers met US counterparts in Washington to discuss Indo-Pacific stability, critical minerals, and troop deployments. They highlighted progress on AUKUS and reaffirmed regional security commitments, amid rising tensions with China and Japan. The visit underscores Australia's strategic focus on regional alliances.
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Emirjon Gjuta, 34, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after re-entering the UK in breach of a deportation order. He was previously deported twice following convictions for drug offences and identity document offences. Gjuta claimed he did not understand the deportation orders due to lack of interpreter support.
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Australia has established a new autonomous sanctions framework targeting Taliban officials involved in oppressing women and undermining governance in Afghanistan. The measures include travel bans, arms embargoes, and prohibitions on dealings with assets, reflecting ongoing international concern over restrictions on women's rights since 2021.
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A man in his 60s died after his vehicle was engulfed by a bushfire near Ravensthorpe, Western Australia. Emergency services responded to fires threatening homes, with ongoing smoke and fire risks. Police do not suspect arson, but some fires are under investigation. The fire season remains severe.
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On December 10, 2025, US Customs and Border Protection proposed mandatory collection of five years of social media data, phone numbers, emails, and biometric information from travelers under the Visa Waiver Program. This expands existing social media screening to visa-exempt visitors from 42 countries, including the UK, France, Australia, Japan, and Israel, aiming to enhance national security ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Public comments are open for 60 days.
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Recent reports reveal stark global inequality, with the ultra-rich controlling three times the wealth of the poorest half. Women earn significantly less and work longer hours worldwide, highlighting persistent gender disparities amid growing economic concentration at the top.
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Australia has ordered major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to block around one million users under 16, citing concerns over youth safety. Content creators report significant drops in followers and engagement, impacting their income and connection with young audiences. The ban affects approximately 200,000 TikTok accounts so far.
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Reddit has filed a legal challenge in the High Court against Australia's new law requiring social media platforms to restrict users under 16. The company argues the law infringes on free political communication and is improperly applied, despite plans to comply. The case follows similar challenges from other platforms and government enforcement efforts.
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On December 14, 2025, two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, killing at least 11 people and injuring over a dozen. One attacker was killed, the other critically wounded and in custody. The attack targeted Sydney's Jewish community amid rising antisemitism, prompting condemnation from Australian and Israeli leaders.
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A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney has left at least 11 dead and several injured. Authorities say two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, with one attacker killed at the scene and the other critically wounded. The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack, marking Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996.
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A deadly gun attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Sydney, has killed at least 11 people and wounded dozens. The incident, linked to rising antisemitism fueled by regional tensions, marks one of Australia's worst mass shootings and prompts international outrage and security concerns.
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A father and son attacked a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 and injuring dozens. The incident has prompted the Australian government to propose stricter gun laws, including limiting firearm licenses and types of legal weapons. The attack is linked to rising antisemitism amid regional tensions.
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The Bank of Japan is expected to raise its interest rate to 0.75% following a positive quarterly survey, signaling confidence in economic recovery. The move impacts markets, including a dip in bitcoin, as Japan shifts toward tighter monetary policy to combat inflation and a weak currency.