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In early September 2025, the US military conducted a lethal strike on a Venezuelan drug-smuggling boat in international waters, killing 11 people linked to the Tren de Aragua cartel. This marked a significant escalation in US anti-drug operations, accompanied by deployment of warships and F-35 jets to the Caribbean. Venezuela's President Maduro condemned the actions, mobilizing forces amid fears of potential conflict.
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The US has deployed F-35 jets and increased military activity in Puerto Rico, citing drug trafficking concerns linked to Venezuela. This follows a recent US strike on a Venezuelan vessel suspected of carrying drugs, which has heightened regional tensions and sparked protests and diplomatic warnings.
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In September 2025, the US military conducted at least three strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking near Venezuela, killing at least 17 men described as narcoterrorists. President Trump ordered the strikes, citing threats to US security, while Venezuela condemned the actions as illegal aggression and called for UN investigations amid rising regional tensions.
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Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, under house arrest after a coup conviction, was hospitalized with severe health issues, including skin cancer. His health and legal situation remain uncertain as he awaits sentencing details, with his lawyers likely to argue for house arrest due to his health.
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Recent studies show Amazon's big trees are growing larger, indicating resilience to climate change, but deforestation and fires threaten this progress. Brazil launches a $125 billion fund to support tropical forests, emphasizing Indigenous land rights and international cooperation amid ongoing environmental crises.
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The US has imposed sanctions on Brazilian officials, including Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his wife Viviane de Moraes, under the Magnitsky Act. The move follows Brazil's conviction of Bolsonaro for attempting a coup and has sparked diplomatic protests, with Brazil asserting its sovereignty and judicial independence.
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Brazilian protests erupted across multiple cities against legislation that could grant amnesty to Jair Bolsonaro and shield lawmakers from criminal charges. The protests follow Bolsonaro's recent conviction for attempting a coup and legislative moves to make it harder to arrest politicians, amid ongoing political tensions.
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Kongjian Yu, a leading Chinese landscape architect known for his 'sponge city' concept, was killed in a plane crash in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands while filming a documentary about his work. The crash also claimed the lives of three others, including filmmakers and a pilot. Yu's work focused on sustainable urban water management and ecological restoration, influencing policies in China and beyond. The incident occurred during a trip to document his ecological initiatives, highlighting his global impact on urban resilience and climate adaptation.
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World leaders at the UN summit announced new climate goals, including China's pledge to cut emissions by 7-10% by 2035. Despite some progress, experts say commitments remain insufficient to prevent catastrophic warming, with many major emitters falling short of scientifically needed reductions. The upcoming COP30 in Brazil will test global resolve.
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Brazil's President Lula da Silva and US President Trump exchanged greetings at the UN, signaling a potential thaw in relations amid recent tensions. Trump described Lula as a 'very nice man,' and both leaders expressed willingness to improve diplomatic ties, with plans for a future meeting on security and trade.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China will cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from its peak by 2035, and increase wind and solar capacity sixfold over the next decade. The pledge marks a cautious step amid US retreat from climate commitments, but falls short of global expectations.
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Suriname commits to protecting 90% of its rainforest, surpassing global targets, during Climate Week. The pledge aims to conserve the world's highest forest cover, support Indigenous rights, and boost eco-tourism, with international funding backing. Critics warn enforcement and land rights remain challenges.
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Brazil's premium coffee exports to the US have plummeted nearly 70% after President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods in August. While Jacu Bird coffee, a high-end product, has avoided tariffs, the broader sector suffers, prompting Brazil to seek new markets amid ongoing trade tensions.
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Brazilian President Lula and U.S. President Trump held a 30-minute phone call, exchanging contact details and discussing future cooperation. Lula invited Trump to a climate summit, signaling a potential thaw in strained relations after recent tariffs and legal disputes involving Brazil's former president Bolsonaro. No mention of Bolsonaro's trial was made.
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On October 26, 2025, at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, US President Donald Trump co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia to end deadly border clashes. The deal includes military de-escalation, removal of heavy weapons, prisoner release, and ASEAN observer deployment. Despite the truce, core territorial disputes remain unresolved, and tensions persist amid trade negotiations and regional diplomacy.
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Brazil's President Lula and US President Trump met in Kuala Lumpur, signaling progress toward resolving US tariffs on Brazilian exports. Lula described the meeting as 'surprisingly good,' with both leaders optimistic about reaching an agreement soon, potentially easing tensions over tariffs imposed earlier this year.
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US President Donald Trump is in Southeast Asia for a series of summits, including ASEAN and APEC, aiming to boost economic ties, oversee a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia, and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip highlights US-China rivalry and regional security concerns.
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The US has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford and five destroyers to Latin America amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. The move follows recent military strikes targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking, raising fears of a broader conflict and accusations from Caracas of US efforts to overthrow Maduro.
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On October 28, a police operation in Rio de Janeiro targeting the Comando Vermelho gang resulted in at least 132 deaths, including four police officers. The raid involved 2,500 personnel and heavy weaponry, sparking intense gun battles and widespread condemnation for excessive force and possible extrajudicial killings. The operation has deepened political divisions and raised human rights concerns ahead of Brazil's 2026 elections.
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Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica, caused widespread devastation with winds up to 185 mph on October 28. Scientists confirm climate change intensified the storm’s wind speeds by 7% and rainfall by 16%, making such events more frequent and severe. The hurricane caused at least 61 deaths and damages estimated at one-third of Jamaica’s GDP, highlighting urgent climate adaptation and finance needs.
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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 Prime Minister Keir Starmer defends his government's clean energy policies at the climate summit in Belem, amid global and domestic divisions. He emphasizes economic opportunities and international cooperation, despite opposition from some political factions and global leaders like Trump and Xi Jinping. The UK aims to lead on climate action and secure green investments.
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Brazil hosts COP30 in Belem, highlighting Amazon's role in climate stability. Lula promotes forest conservation and renewable energy, while facing criticism over new oil drilling approvals amid declining deforestation. The summit underscores tensions between environmental commitments and economic interests.
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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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Super Typhoon Fung-wong struck the northern Philippines on Sunday night with winds up to 185 km/h, following deadly Typhoon Kalmaegi. Over 1.4 million people were evacuated, with at least 18 deaths reported from flooding and landslides. The storm weakened as it moved toward Taiwan, causing further evacuations and heavy rains. The Philippines remains vulnerable amid increasing storm intensity linked to climate change.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Western officials, including EU and US representatives, have expressed skepticism about a US-led peace plan for Ukraine. They emphasize the need for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European integration, while highlighting major flaws in the proposed agreement. The plan's future remains uncertain.
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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.