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The UK announced new policies to phase out fossil fuels, including banning new oil and gas licenses, while Canada signed a pipeline deal supporting increased fossil fuel production. The contrasting approaches highlight differing national responses amid global climate urgency.
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As of late November 2025, the US, UK, Canada, and Japan face an early, severe flu season driven by the H3N2 subclade K variant, which has mutated beyond current vaccine strains. Hospital admissions and flu cases, especially among children and vulnerable groups, are rising. Concurrently, norovirus infections are doubling nationwide, with health officials urging hygiene and vaccination to mitigate risks.
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Germany's government is engaging in high-level talks with China to address trade issues, including rare earths and supply chain concerns. Chancellor Merz's coalition aims to reduce dependency on China and bolster economic resilience, amid rising tensions and a record trade deficit. The visit signals a strategic shift in Germany's China policy.
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Russia has implemented a visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens for up to 30 days, effective immediately through September 2026. The move aims to boost tourism and strengthen ties amid diplomatic tensions with Japan, with Chinese travel interest surging as a result.
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In late 2025, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket carrying NASA's twin Mars orbiters, marking a milestone in reusable rocket technology. Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome suffered significant launchpad damage during a Soyuz crewed mission, threatening future launches. SpaceX's Starship V3 booster experienced a critical failure during ground testing, delaying its development. Russia removed veteran cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev from a SpaceX mission amid espionage allegations. Russia and India continue talks on rocket engine cooperation.
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A recent report from the UK’s National Energy System Operator warns of a potential gas supply shortfall by 2030-31 if key infrastructure fails, highlighting vulnerabilities in undersea pipelines and the need for mitigation measures amid ongoing energy transition challenges.
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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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On December 11, 2025, the M23 rebel group consolidated control over Uvira in eastern DR Congo, displacing 200,000 civilians and threatening the US-brokered Washington Accords signed a week earlier by DR Congo and Rwanda. Despite the peace deal, fighting continues with accusations of Rwandan forces backing M23 and ongoing civilian casualties in South Kivu province.
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On Wednesday afternoon, a massive fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, rapidly engulfing seven of eight buildings. As of Sunday morning, 146 bodies have been recovered, with around 100 people still missing. Authorities arrested three construction company officials on manslaughter suspicions amid investigations into unsafe materials and gross negligence.
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Tajikistan faces border attacks from Afghanistan, killing five Chinese workers. Tajik authorities discuss deploying Russian forces for border patrol, amid ongoing tensions with Taliban Afghanistan. China urges citizens to evacuate the border area as Tajikistan tightens security.
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An outbreak of African swine fever in wild boar near Barcelona has prompted containment measures and export restrictions. Authorities suspect contaminated food as the source, with no farms affected so far. The outbreak threatens Spain's pork industry and international trade, with EU and global responses underway.
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President Trump announced an $11 billion aid package for US farmers affected by trade tariffs and global trade shifts. The aid, funded by tariff revenues, aims to support small-scale producers and stabilize agricultural prices amid ongoing trade disputes with China and other countries. The package is part of broader efforts to address rising food costs and economic pressures.
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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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As of late 2025, the world's top 100 arms manufacturers reported record revenues of $679 billion in 2024, a 5.9% increase driven mainly by European and U.S. companies amid wars in Ukraine and Gaza. However, Asia and Oceania saw a slight decline due to corruption scandals delaying Chinese arms contracts, raising doubts about China's military modernization.
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Prime Minister Starmer emphasizes a balanced, realistic approach to China, acknowledging its global significance and security threats. He criticizes past inconsistent policies and signals a shift towards engagement in non-security areas, while maintaining a firm stance on security. The government considers a controversial Chinese embassy plan and prepares for a possible visit to China next year.
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Economists and international organizations project a modest slowdown in global growth for 2026, influenced by trade tensions, tariffs, and AI investment. The US economy is expected to grow around 2%, with risks from trade policies and AI market speculation. Forecasts remain cautious amid ongoing uncertainties.
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British authorities have postponed a decision on China's proposed embassy near Tower of London until January 20, citing security concerns. The plan involves consolidating China's diplomatic sites into Europe's largest embassy, amid opposition over espionage fears and proximity to critical infrastructure. The delay aligns with Prime Minister Starmer’s upcoming visit to China.
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As of December 2025, 67 journalists were killed worldwide, with Israeli forces responsible for 43%, primarily in Gaza where over 220 journalists have died since October 2023 amid ongoing conflict. Israel continues to bar international journalists from Gaza, despite calls for access and legal challenges. U.S. lawmakers criticize Israel's lack of transparent investigations into attacks on journalists.
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Recent reports reveal Chinese-linked hackers targeted global telecoms and a US military network in a long-running cyberespionage campaign. Meanwhile, a UK case involving alleged spying for Beijing collapsed amid systemic failures and outdated laws, prompting calls for legal reform and scrutiny of diplomatic influence. The story highlights ongoing security concerns and diplomatic tensions.
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NASA is deploying new robotic and human exploration initiatives. The Artemis IV lunar rover, MAPP, will study dust and plasma environments on the Moon, supporting upcoming Artemis missions. Meanwhile, a new report emphasizes prioritizing Mars life detection and resource utilization, as the US prepares for human Mars exploration amid strategic competition with China.
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French President Emmanuel Macron visited China for a three-day trip focused on trade and diplomacy. Key topics included involving Beijing in pressuring Russia for a Ukraine ceasefire, strengthening bilateral ties, and addressing trade imbalances. Xi pledged support for peace efforts and announced economic cooperation, while trade disputes and geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.
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The US has softened its stance on China, reopening high-end chip sales and avoiding confrontation over Taiwan amid increased Chinese military activity. Washington emphasizes cooperation and stability, while regional tensions escalate with China’s military drills and diplomatic pressure on Japan and Taiwan.
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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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On December 5, 2025, the US released a 33-page National Security Strategy (NSS) outlining a major shift in foreign policy. It prioritizes American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, military strength in the Indo-Pacific, and adopts a critical stance on Europe’s future, warning of "civilizational erasure" due to migration and political trends. The strategy downplays ideological promotion abroad, focusing on pragmatic trade and alliances, and signals a distancing from traditional European partnerships.
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China commemorated the Nanjing massacre without President Xi Jinping, amid heightened tensions with Japan. Japan plans missile deployment near Taiwan, prompting Chinese protests and military encounters. Diplomatic and military strains escalate as both nations exchange accusations and warnings today, Sat, 13 Dec 2025.
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Chinese J-15 fighter jets launched from the Liaoning aircraft carrier targeted Japanese F-15s with radar locks near Okinawa. Japan protested the incidents, calling them dangerous acts exceeding safe operational limits. China disputes the claims, citing routine exercises. No injuries or damage reported.
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French President Macron has warned China that Europe may impose tariffs if Beijing does not address trade imbalances and protect European industries. He advocates for a diplomatic approach, including dismantling certain export restrictions, amid rising concerns over China's trade surplus and its impact on Europe’s industrial base.
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Japan's economy contracted by 0.6% in the third quarter, revised from earlier estimates. Exports declined slightly, and private residential investment fell 8.2%. U.S. tariffs on autos and imports have strained Japan-U.S. relations, while Japan's new prime minister seeks economic revival.
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China's trade surplus through November reached $1.08 trillion, driven by a 5.9% rise in exports despite a 28.6% drop to the US. Exports to other regions increased, offsetting US declines. Imports grew modestly, reflecting ongoing domestic economic challenges. The US-China trade relationship remains complex amid recent tariff adjustments.
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On December 11, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to preempt state-level AI regulations by establishing a unified federal framework. The order directs the Attorney General to challenge state laws deemed burdensome and threatens to withhold federal funding from states enforcing conflicting AI rules. The move has sparked bipartisan opposition, legal challenges, and fierce pushback from states like California, which have enacted their own AI safety laws.
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A Malaysian court has ordered the airline to pay compensation to families of the missing MH370 flight, which disappeared in 2014. The court declared the passengers legally dead, awarded damages, and noted ongoing legal cases. The Malaysian government plans to resume search efforts in late December.
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Russian and Chinese military aircraft entered South Korea’s Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ) on Tuesday, prompting South Korea to deploy fighter jets. Japan also responded with military measures amid joint Russian-Chinese air drills, which China and Russia say are routine exercises. The incident highlights ongoing regional military activity.
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Nepal's anti-corruption agency filed charges against 55 individuals and a Chinese firm over inflating the cost of Pokhara International Airport by over $74 million. The airport, opened in 2023, has yet to attract international flights amid ongoing investigations and political upheaval. Hearings are pending.
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On December 9-11, 2025, former US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Europe as "decaying" and its leaders as "weak," blaming migration policies and political correctness for the continent's decline. He questioned Ukraine's democracy amid the ongoing war with Russia, urged elections despite martial law, and endorsed far-right European politicians, deepening transatlantic tensions.
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Recent days have seen increased military activity in East Asia, with US, Chinese, and Russian forces conducting joint and unilateral strategic bomber flights near Japan. Japan and South Korea responded with fighter jet scrambles amid regional tensions over Taiwan and China's assertiveness.
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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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The US Navy is investing $448 million in 'Ship OS,' an AI-powered system by Palantir, to streamline submarine and surface ship construction. The technology reduces planning time from weeks to minutes, addressing longstanding delays and cost overruns in shipbuilding programs.
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Mexico's Congress has approved tariffs targeting Chinese imports, affecting goods like auto parts and textiles. The move, driven by negotiations with the US and efforts to boost domestic manufacturing, is set to take effect in January. The tariffs are part of Mexico's broader trade strategy amid ongoing tensions.
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European leaders warn of rising Russian threats, calling for increased defense spending and readiness. Dutch PM Rutte warns of potential conflict within five years, citing Russia's brazen actions and the need for urgent NATO action amid ongoing Ukraine peace talks.
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UK MPs and officials face increased cyber threats, including phishing from Russian actors. Authorities advise switching to secure communication platforms and enabling security features to protect sensitive information amid ongoing espionage attempts.
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China will start taxing contraceptive products, including condoms, at 13% from January 1, 2026, reversing a long-standing exemption. The move aims to encourage childbirth amid declining birth rates but raises concerns about increased unplanned pregnancies and health risks. Experts say the impact on fertility will be limited.
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Delhi faces severe winter pollution with AQI levels over 400, prompting protests and health concerns. Meanwhile, Beijing and Hanoi have made significant progress in reducing air pollution through strict policies, highlighting contrasting approaches to urban air quality management.
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Filipino fishing boats were attacked near Sabina Shoal by Chinese coast guard vessels, which used water cannons and cut anchor lines, endangering crews. The Philippine coastguard responded with medical aid and supplies, condemning China's actions amid ongoing territorial disputes in the region.
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Electric vehicle sales in North America declined 1% in 2025 amid policy changes, tariffs, and supply chain issues. Tesla and other US automakers are offering incentives to boost sales, while global EV demand remains resilient. Industry shifts include Ford ending a battery joint venture and Tesla's aggressive discounts.
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Hong Kong's Democratic Party announced its disbandment on December 14, 2025, after nearly 30 years. The decision follows Beijing's tightening control, including the national security law enacted in 2020, which led to arrests and the shutdown of pro-democracy groups. The party's liquidation reflects the shrinking space for opposition in the city.