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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take 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 and fixture details, with the tournament running June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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Spain's outbreak of African swine fever in wild boar near Barcelona has led to export bans and containment efforts. Authorities suspect contaminated food as the source, with no farms affected so far. The outbreak threatens Spain's significant pork industry and international trade, prompting coordinated EU responses.
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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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Daylight saving time ends this weekend in many regions, with clocks set back an hour. New Stanford research supports adopting permanent standard time, citing health benefits linked to circadian rhythm alignment. The change impacts sleep, health, and international coordination, especially between Europe, North America, and Israel.
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This week, diverse cultures observed their traditional holidays honoring the dead. Mexico celebrated El Día de los Muertos with colorful altars and sweets, while Poland and Spain marked All Saints’ Day with cemetery visits and candles. The observances blend ancient customs with modern influences, emphasizing remembrance and family connection.
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Fighting in Sudan's el-Fasher has led to mass killings, sexual violence, and a humanitarian crisis. Leaders call for an immediate ceasefire as thousands are displaced and civilians face famine-like conditions. Reports indicate widespread atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces, with the situation deteriorating rapidly.
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Between November 4 and 7, 2025, multiple drone sightings forced temporary shutdowns and flight cancellations at Brussels and Liège airports, Belgium’s main international hubs. The incidents followed weekend drone incursions near the Kleine-Brogel military base, where U.S. nuclear weapons are stored. Defense Minister Theo Francken described the drone activity as a coordinated spying operation testing Belgian security systems. Belgium plans to enhance airspace monitoring by January 2026 amid rising European drone threats.
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European space ministers in Bremen agreed to increase funding for space programs, with a focus on space transportation and Earth observation. The move aims to enhance Europe's space capabilities amid geopolitical and economic challenges, including security concerns and climate monitoring.
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German authorities detained an Afghan suspect linked to a planned attack on Jewish targets in Berlin. The suspect, in contact with a Danish national for Iranian intelligence, promised weapons for an attack. Searches uncovered items for explosives. The arrest follows increased security measures amid regional tensions.
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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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Germany has suspended its program to relocate about 2,000 Afghans at risk under Taliban rule, citing migration concerns. Approved individuals in Pakistan face delays or offers of financial incentives to return to Afghanistan or third countries. Some approved refugees have arrived in Germany, but the scheme remains largely halted.
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Russia announced successful tests of two nuclear-capable weapons, including a nuclear-powered underwater drone and a missile designed to penetrate U.S. defenses. The tests come amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. and efforts by Moscow to leverage its nuclear arsenal in negotiations.
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European authorities, with Mossad's involvement, have dismantled Hamas and Hezbollah terror networks across Europe. Arrests in Germany, UK, Austria, and Denmark reveal plans for attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets, with weapons and drone parts seized. The investigations highlight growing international cooperation against terror threats.
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On November 7, 2025, Tesla shareholders approved a $1 trillion pay package for CEO Elon Musk, contingent on ambitious targets over the next decade, including boosting Tesla's market cap to $8.5 trillion, selling 12 million vehicles annually, and deploying one million robotaxis and humanoid robots. The package is the largest in corporate history but has drawn criticism over its size and Musk's political controversies.
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On November 13, 2015, jihadists carried out coordinated attacks in Paris, killing 130 people. Today, France commemorates the victims with ceremonies at attack sites, a memorial garden, and a football match. Survivors and officials reflect on the enduring impact of the tragedy, a decade on.
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A ringmaster of the Big Apple Circus in his 40s describes the demanding lifestyle, including early mornings, family sacrifices, and the importance of teamwork. Meanwhile, other stories reveal political scandals, personal health struggles, and social interactions, illustrating a diverse snapshot of contemporary life in New York and beyond.
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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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G7 foreign ministers, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, met in Niagara-on-the-Lake to discuss increasing sanctions on Russia and supporting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. The meeting also addressed broader geopolitical tensions and military aid.
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On November 13, 2015, Paris was struck by coordinated terrorist attacks killing 130 people, including at the Bataclan concert hall. Commemorations mark the decade since, with memorials, ceremonies, and ongoing reflection on the trauma and security impacts. Survivors and victims' families continue to grapple with lasting trauma.
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On November 26, 2025, France's Court of Cassation upheld former President Nicolas Sarkozy's definitive conviction for illegal campaign financing, confirming a one-year prison sentence with half suspended. Meanwhile, Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal was pardoned by Algeria's President Tebboune following a humanitarian appeal from Germany, allowing Sansal to receive cancer treatment in Germany and easing Franco-Algerian tensions.
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Settler violence in the West Bank has intensified, with recent attacks including torching homes, mosques, and vehicles. Israeli officials condemn the violence, but settlement expansion continues amid international criticism and ongoing tensions linked to Gaza war and potential annexation.
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On November 13-14, 2025, the US State Department designated four European groups—Germany's Antifa Ost, Italy's International Revolutionary Front, and Greece's Armed Proletarian Justice and Revolutionary Class Self-Defense—as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" and plans to list them as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations" by November 20. This move builds on President Trump's September executive order labeling Antifa a domestic terrorist organization, targeting groups accused of violent anarchist and Marxist activities across Europe.
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Recent data shows a 17% drop in first-time international students entering US colleges this fall, the sharpest decline since COVID-19. Overall enrollment fell slightly, but many universities face revenue shortfalls. Visa processing delays and restrictive policies are key factors, raising concerns about future international education trends.
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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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On 25 November 2025, the UK government announced sweeping asylum reforms inspired by Denmark's strict system. Refugee status will be temporary, reviewed every 30 months, with a 20-year wait for permanent settlement. The government plans to remove support for asylum seekers able to work and forcibly remove families, including children, sparking backlash from Labour MPs, refugee groups, and campaigners.
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A UNCTAD report estimates Gaza's reconstruction will cost over $70 billion and take decades, citing war and restrictions that have caused an unprecedented economic collapse. Israeli military actions continue despite a ceasefire, with ongoing violations and casualties. The West Bank also faces severe downturns.
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ECB President Lagarde advocates for reforms in EU governance, corporate law, and mutual recognition to reduce internal barriers and boost growth. She praises recent increases in defense and infrastructure spending, emphasizing their positive impact on Europe's economy.
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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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On November 28, 2025, German authorities arrested Ukrainian Serhii Kuznietsov, suspected of coordinating the 2022 Baltic Sea pipeline explosions that disrupted Russian gas supplies to Europe. Kuznietsov denies involvement, claiming he was serving in Ukraine's army. Meanwhile, Poland closed Russia's last consulate in Gdansk after sabotage on its railway infrastructure linked to Russian intelligence and Ukrainian collaborators.
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Serhii Kuznietsov, a Ukrainian former military officer, is set to be transferred to Germany to face charges related to the 2022 Baltic Sea pipeline explosions. The attack damaged Nord Stream pipelines, impacting European gas supplies. Kuznietsov denies involvement, claiming he was in Ukraine at the time.
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Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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Germany has reopened its Christmas markets amid heightened security measures following last year's deadly attack in Magdeburg. The markets, a cherished tradition since the Middle Ages, feature festive stalls and rides, with authorities investing over €250,000 in safety upgrades after the attack that killed six people. Security remains a key concern.
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A new 28-point framework, developed through US-Russia talks, proposes security guarantees for Ukraine, territorial recognitions, and economic reintegration of Russia. The plan favors Russia, with Ukraine expected to cede territory and abandon NATO ambitions. Ongoing negotiations are leaning towards Russian interests, with initial impressions showing a heavily Russia-favorable stance.
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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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Recent reports show a significant increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide, especially in Australia, Germany, and Czechia, driven by Middle East conflicts and political tensions. Incidents include violence, vandalism, and online hate, with foreign influence operations exposing foreign origins of some anti-Israel accounts. Authorities are calling for stronger measures.
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France and Germany aim to build a new sixth-generation fighter jet despite internal disagreements. The project, part of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), faces delays over leadership disputes between Dassault and Airbus. Political leaders are seeking a resolution amid broader European defense ambitions. Today's date is Tue, 02 Dec 2025.
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Several European broadcasters, including Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, announced they will boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over Gaza's humanitarian crisis and political interference. The EBU plans rule changes to address voting manipulation, but a vote on Israel's inclusion is imminent.
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Recent drone sightings near military sites in Europe, including the Netherlands and Germany, have prompted military responses amid concerns over hybrid warfare. Incidents involve unidentified drones over airbases, leading to investigations and security measures. The events highlight vulnerabilities despite increased defense spending.
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The UK is implementing strict refugee policies inspired by Denmark, including shorter residence rights, asset seizures, and frequent status reviews. Critics warn these measures could increase racism and harm integration, echoing Denmark's experience of rising far-right support and social division.
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Poland and Germany are set to meet in Berlin to discuss the return of cultural artifacts looted during WWII, including a sculpture from Malbork Castle and Teutonic Order archives. The meeting also addresses security issues amid ongoing tensions over Holocaust memory and Polish-German relations.
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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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Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, a Libyan prison official, has been transferred to the ICC in The Hague to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to detention abuses in Libya from 2015 to 2020. His arrest in Germany followed a sealed warrant issued by the court. This marks the first Libyan suspect set for trial at the ICC, amid ongoing efforts to hold officials accountable for atrocities committed during Libya's civil conflict.
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Russia announced the capture of Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, amid ongoing fighting. Ukraine denies full control, and the situation reflects Russia's slow territorial gains in the Donbas. Peace talks are ongoing, with US envoy visits coinciding with the claims.
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Germany has officially deployed the Israeli Arrow 3 missile defense system at the Holzdorf Air Base, marking its first operational use outside Israel and the US. The system enhances Germany's long-range missile defense, part of NATO efforts amid rising threats from Russia and Iran. The sale underscores deepening Israel-Germany defense ties.
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Germany's parliament approved legislation to expand its military, aiming for 260,000 soldiers by 2035. The law includes sending questionnaires to 18-year-olds about willingness to serve, mandatory medical checks for men, and a dual-track recruitment system. Reintroduction of conscription remains a possibility if volunteer numbers fall short.
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Multiple drones were detected over the Île Longue base in Brittany, France, home to nuclear submarines. French military intercepted the overflight, but details on the number, origin, and response remain unclear. The incident follows recent drone activity across Europe, raising security concerns.