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On December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, recognizing his efforts to promote peace and unity globally. The ceremony coincided with the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The prize, a departure from FIFA's traditional sports focus, sparked controversy due to Infantino's close ties with Trump and ongoing political tensions.
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The 2026 World Cup draw took place at the Kennedy Center, featuring entertainment, political figures, and star-studded moments. The event announced the 12 groups for the expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with notable attendance by President Trump and other leaders.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been finalized, revealing group placements for 48 teams across North America. Key details include host country allocations, seedings, and match schedules, with the tournament set to begin on June 11, 2026, in Canada, Mexico, and the US. The draw determines group compositions and knockout matchups.
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As of November 2025, the UN's Emissions Gap Report reveals that current national climate pledges will lead to a 2.3-2.5°C global temperature rise by 2100, surpassing Paris Agreement targets. Despite some progress, global emissions rose 2.3% in 2024. China's new 2035 goals mark its first specific emissions reduction target but fall short of what's needed. The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement threatens to negate recent gains ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
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The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 begins in Qatar with 16 teams competing across six venues, including Lusail Stadium. Algeria defends their title, while Iraq and Tunisia aim for World Cup qualification. The tournament runs until December 18, with regional stars and qualifiers shaping the region's football landscape.
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Editorial: A fragile Cop30 consensus is a win. But only a real bargain between rich and poor nations can weather the climate shocks that are coming
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Brazil's President Lula announced a new initiative, the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, at COP30 in Belém. The fund aims to pay 74 countries to preserve forests, with initial pledges totaling $5.5 billion, including Norway’s $3 billion. The fund emphasizes Indigenous participation and aims to transform climate finance.
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UK politicians emphasize the urgency of climate action at COP 30, warning that inaction risks energy security, rising costs, and environmental catastrophe. Leaders highlight economic opportunities in green industries and criticize opposition efforts to undermine climate policies, amid public concern about future impacts.
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Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, convicted of attempting a coup and other crimes, faces potential imprisonment. His health issues and legal appeals are delaying his detention, with his lawyers requesting house arrest on humanitarian grounds. Bolsonaro's legal troubles stem from efforts to undermine Lula's 2022 election victory and plans to overthrow democratic institutions.
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A tornado with winds over 250 km/h struck Rio Bonito do Iguacu, Brazil, destroying 90% of the town, killing at least six people, injuring over 750, and causing widespread destruction. Authorities declared a state of emergency as rescue efforts continue.
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COP30 in Brazil gathers 50,000 delegates from over 190 countries to address climate change. Leaders emphasize urgent action, but recent UN analysis shows pledged emissions cuts fall short of 2035 targets. The US's absence and Brazil's controversial rainforest road highlight ongoing challenges.
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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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California Governor Gavin Newsom criticizes Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, emphasizing California’s green credentials and advocating for US leadership in climate action. He highlights California’s renewable energy progress and warns against the US falling behind China and Europe in green tech. Newsom’s international trip underscores his potential 2028 presidential bid.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom is actively promoting climate policies at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, emphasizing US competition with China and criticizing the US federal government's absence. He highlights California's renewable energy progress and advocates for US global economic leadership in green tech amid political divisions at home.
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On Tuesday, at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Indigenous and other protesters clashed with UN and Brazilian security at the conference entrance. Two security guards sustained minor injuries, and the venue suffered minor damage. Protesters demanded greater Indigenous participation and protection of their lands amid ongoing environmental concerns. The venue remains secured and negotiations continue.
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As COP30 climate talks conclude in Belem, Brazil, China asserts dominance in clean energy diplomacy and investment, showcasing renewable technology and partnerships worldwide. Indigenous and activist protests highlight demands for stronger climate action and land rights amid stalled negotiations. The US, absent under President Trump, cedes influence, focusing on fossil fuel exports, while Brazil emphasizes Indigenous land protection and forest conservation.
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The UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, are focusing on climate finance and fossil fuel phase-out. Recent reports confirm renewables will grow faster than any other energy source, making the transition away from fossil fuels inevitable despite political setbacks. The talks highlight the economic and geopolitical implications of this shift.
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As COP30 in Belém nears its conclusion, negotiations stall over a fossil fuel roadmap, with key countries rejecting the proposal. The summit highlights the ongoing global struggle to balance climate action with economic interests, amid disagreements over climate finance and the US absence. The outcome will influence future climate policies.
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Fossil fuel emissions increased by 1.1% in 2025, reaching a record 38.1 billion tons of CO₂. Despite renewable growth, global warming remains on track for 2.6°C, far above the Paris Agreement target. Countries' climate plans are insufficient, with emissions rising in key nations, overshadowing COP30 efforts.
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Indigenous communities and local producers in the Amazon are gaining visibility at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Initiatives include sourcing food from traditional farmers for the summit, highlighting land rights issues, and protesting infrastructure projects that threaten their territories amid ongoing climate negotiations.
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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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London's High Court has ruled that BHP can be held responsible for the 2015 Mariana dam collapse in Brazil, which caused environmental damage, killed 19 people, and displaced thousands. The court found BHP's actions in raising the dam's height immediately prior to failure as a key cause. BHP plans to appeal.
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London's High Court has ruled that BHP is liable for the 2015 Mariana dam collapse in Brazil, which caused environmental damage, killed 19 people, and devastated villages. The ruling holds BHP responsible despite not owning the dam at the time. A second phase will determine damages.
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President Trump has retroactively exempted key food imports, including beef, coffee, and bananas, from tariffs imposed earlier this year. The move aims to address rising grocery prices amid political pressure following recent elections where affordability was a key issue. The exemptions reflect a shift in trade policy and negotiations with trading partners.
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As COP30 in Brazil approaches, calls grow for deeper citizen participation in climate policymaking. Initiatives like the Citizens’ Track aim to empower communities, emphasizing the importance of voting, engaging with officials, and shaping local policies to accelerate climate action and ensure social justice.
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Researchers in Brazil have developed a saliva-based biosensor that measures BDNF levels to detect depression quickly and affordably. Meanwhile, concerns grow over the impact of media portrayals of drug use and the effects of antidepressants on youth sexuality, highlighting ongoing challenges in mental health treatment and awareness.
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The U.S. has removed tariffs on Brazilian coffee, beef, and fruits, after negotiations with Brazil's government. The move aims to lower costs for American consumers and improve trade relations, reversing previous tariffs imposed amid political tensions and trade disputes.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced criticism after comments made during a trip to Brazil, where he expressed satisfaction about returning home from climate talks in Belém. Brazilian officials and local politicians responded sharply, questioning his remarks and accusing him of prejudice and arrogance. The controversy highlights tensions over climate diplomacy and bilateral relations.
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Recent studies highlight the health risks of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), linking them to obesity, cancer, heart disease, and depression. Experts warn that industry influence and weak policies hinder regulation, risking worsening global diet quality and health outcomes.
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Brazil's Para state launches a program to promote sustainable forest products amid plans for a major railway project. The railway aims to boost exports but faces opposition from Indigenous groups and environmental concerns. The government seeks to reconcile economic growth with rainforest protection during COP30.
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On November 20, 2025, a fire broke out in the pavilion area of the COP30 climate summit venue in Belém, Brazil, forcing evacuation of delegates and delaying negotiations. The blaze was controlled within six minutes, with 13 people treated for smoke inhalation. The fire's cause is suspected to be an electrical fault. The venue remains closed pending safety assessments, complicating efforts to finalize climate agreements before the summit's scheduled end on November 21.
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A fire broke out at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, causing evacuation and minor damage. The blaze was controlled within six minutes, with no injuries reported. The incident occurred during critical negotiations on fossil fuels and climate finance, potentially delaying the summit's conclusion.
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On November 22, 2025, the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, concluded with a deal urging accelerated climate action and tripling adaptation finance by 2035. However, the agreement omitted a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap amid opposition from major oil producers, sparking criticism from many nations and climate advocates.
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Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to serve his prison sentence at the Federal Police headquarters in Brasilia, following his conviction for attempting a coup after the 2022 election. His detention marks a significant escalation in his legal troubles, with health concerns cited as a reason for potential house arrest instead of imprisonment.
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Brazilian authorities detained former president Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday following allegations of tampering with his ankle monitor and attempting to escape ahead of a court ruling. The arrest was ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, citing risks of flight and potential violence during supporter protests. Bolsonaro's legal team denies the allegations.
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The COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, concluded on 22 November 2025 with a compromised agreement after two weeks of tense negotiations. Despite support from over 80 countries for a fossil fuel phaseout plan, the final deal avoided explicit fossil fuel commitments, opting instead for voluntary initiatives and increased funding to help developing nations adapt to climate impacts. The summit exposed deep divisions between fossil fuel-dependent economies and others pushing for accelerated climate action.
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COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, ended with weak commitments and no binding targets to reduce fossil fuel use. Indigenous protests highlighted inequality and environmental concerns. Major nations like the US did not send official delegations, while China promoted green tech. The summit's voluntary pledges fall short of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
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Nearly 200 nations reached a consensus at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, focusing on climate finance for developing countries but avoiding explicit mention of fossil fuels. The summit faced divisions over fossil fuel phaseouts, with the U.S. absent and protests ongoing. Brazil aims to reduce Amazon deforestation by 2030 amid political challenges.
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Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to serve a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup after his 2022 election loss. He was detained at federal police headquarters in Brasilia following allegations of tampering with his ankle monitor and attempting escape. Supporters and opponents have protested since his arrest, which comes amid ongoing legal proceedings.
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Brazil's Supreme Court ordered former president Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after his conviction was finalized. Bolsonaro, detained since Saturday, has been accused of attempting to undermine democracy and inciting unrest following his 2022 election loss. Supporters have protested his incarceration.
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Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has been convicted of attempting to overthrow democracy. The Supreme Court finalized his sentence, and he is now detained at a federal police headquarters in Brasilia. Supporters and opponents gathered outside, reflecting deep political divisions.
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Brazil conducted a large-scale operation targeting organized crime and tax debt. Authorities seized assets linked to the PCC gang and investigated a major fuel company, Grupo Fit, for hiding profits and illicit activities. The crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption and organized crime in Brazil.
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Germany's parliament approved a pension package maintaining current benefits until 2031, with abstentions from the far-left and some conservative youth members. The vote highlights coalition fragility and ongoing debates over future pension reforms amid political disagreements and demographic challenges.
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A rare flowering of talipot palms in Flamengo Park highlights their long lifecycle, with trees producing millions of flowers after decades. The phenomenon, originating from India and Sri Lanka, draws public interest and raises environmental reflection. The palms in Rio are not invasive and are part of botanical collections since the 1960s.