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On December 5, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington, DC. The prize recognizes individuals for exceptional peace efforts. The award sparked criticism due to Trump's controversial policies and military actions, while Infantino praised Trump’s peace initiatives and their close alliance.
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Since October 10, a fragile ceasefire has been in effect in Gaza, following US-led negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, and mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. The deal includes hostage releases, troop withdrawals, and aid access, but key issues remain unresolved amid ongoing violence and political tensions.
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Several African nations have secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with South Africa returning after 2010, Ghana qualifying automatically, and other countries like Algeria and Egypt also confirmed. Meanwhile, ongoing qualifiers in Asia and the Middle East continue to shape the final lineup for the expanded tournament.
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GCC nations from Saudi Arabia to Oman now offer various long-term visas, allowing foreigners to live, work, and invest without local sponsors. The UAE's Golden Visa led the trend, with other countries adopting their own versions, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, each with specific investment and residency criteria.
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In October 2025, former President Trump played a key role in brokering a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, involving indirect negotiations, regional mediators, and high-level diplomatic efforts. The deal includes hostage exchanges and partial Israeli withdrawal, but many issues remain unresolved, raising questions about its long-term success.
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Federal agencies are implementing layoffs amid ongoing government shutdown, with courts scrutinizing the administration's actions. Labor unions seek to block the layoffs, which are part of a broader political standoff over funding and healthcare. The shutdown has caused widespread disruption and uncertainty for federal workers.
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Recent days have seen renewed violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Internal clashes, settler attacks, and Israeli military operations have caused casualties, displacement, and property destruction. Despite a ceasefire in Gaza, internal conflicts and settler violence continue to threaten stability and Palestinian lives.
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Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for the release of 20 Israeli hostages in Gaza, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a partial troop withdrawal. The agreement follows days of negotiations, with the release of hostages expected within 72 hours. The deal aims to de-escalate ongoing conflict and facilitate humanitarian aid entry into Gaza.
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Leaders from over 20 countries, including Egypt, the US, and European nations, are convening in Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss Gaza's future amid a recent ceasefire. The summit aims to promote regional stability, support reconstruction, and address the ongoing conflict, with key players like Hamas and Israel absent.
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On October 13, 2025, President Donald Trump declared the Gaza war over as a ceasefire took effect and the first seven hostages were released by Hamas. Trump visited Israel, met with Netanyahu and hostage families, and will co-host a peace summit in Egypt. The deal includes prisoner releases, partial Israeli troop withdrawal, and plans for Gaza's governance, though key issues remain unresolved.
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On October 13-14, 2025, US President Donald Trump secured a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ending two years of war in Gaza. The deal included the release of 20 surviving hostages by Hamas and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Trump signed the agreement with regional leaders in Egypt, launching a phased peace plan involving governance reforms and international oversight.
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England became the first European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with other teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania also securing spots. Forty-three teams will qualify through continental tournaments, with two more in intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March. The three host nations qualify automatically.
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US officials, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, helped broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, following intense negotiations in Egypt. The deal includes hostage exchanges, prisoner releases, and partial troop withdrawals, with Egypt playing a key mediating role. The agreement marks a significant step toward regional stability.
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After years of conflict, Congo's government and M23 rebels signed a ceasefire in Doha, mediated by Qatar. A monitoring body will oversee compliance, with UN peacekeepers involved. The conflict has displaced 7 million people and remains complex and deadly.
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Turkey has signed a deal with Britain to purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets for £8 billion, with plans to acquire additional aircraft from Qatar and Oman. The move aims to bolster Turkey’s air power amid regional tensions, and follows Ankara’s diplomatic efforts to increase its influence in the Middle East and NATO.
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France and Germany are planning to push for a UN-backed security force in Gaza, aiming to influence the region's stabilization. The US remains non-committal, while the UK signals support for ceasefire monitoring. The move reflects European efforts to gain more influence in Gaza's post-conflict arrangements amid ongoing negotiations.
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Hawaii's governor, Josh Green, is pursuing a tentative LNG agreement with JERA, aiming to lower costs and emissions while transitioning to renewables by 2045. The deal faces environmental opposition and regulatory scrutiny, amid broader U.S.-EU climate policy tensions.
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US officials visit Israel amid ongoing efforts to recover remaining hostages and bodies from Gaza. Ceasefire compliance and negotiations for a broader peace deal are central, with delays and accusations of violations complicating the process. The US aims to support Israel and coordinate international efforts.
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US officials Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff expressed feelings of betrayal after Israel's September strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar disrupted Gaza ceasefire negotiations. They highlighted the impact on US-Qatar relations and the difficulty in maintaining dialogue with Hamas amid regional tensions.
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Recent clashes and airstrikes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have heightened tensions. A bombing in Hangu and cross-border strikes in Paktika follow a fragile ceasefire, with both sides blaming each other for aggression amid ongoing peace talks. The situation remains volatile as border crossings stay closed.
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Two weeks after a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel and Hamas continue negotiations over the return of remains and hostages. Families demand closure, while Israel intensifies military efforts and diplomatic efforts to recover bodies and dismantle Hamas tunnels amid ongoing tensions.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Washington from November 17-19, his first US trip since 2018. Discussions with President Trump will focus on political, economic, and security issues, including potential normalization with Israel and a US-Saudi security pact. The visit follows a fragile Gaza ceasefire brokered by Trump and his recent Gulf tour.
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Since the ceasefire began, Israel has returned some bodies of captives and Palestinian dead, but delays in recovering remains and opening border crossings continue. Humanitarian aid is slow, and violations are ongoing, complicating peace efforts amid ongoing conflict and devastation in Gaza.
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On October 27, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a £8 billion ($10.7 billion) deal for Turkey to acquire 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. This deal strengthens NATO's southeastern flank and supports Turkey's interim air defense needs until its indigenous KAAN fighter jet becomes operational around 2028. Turkey also seeks to acquire additional jets from Qatar and Oman and aims to rejoin the U.S. F-35 program.
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Recent border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have resulted in casualties and economic losses, prompting diplomatic talks in Istanbul. Despite a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, tensions persist, with both sides blaming each other for ongoing violence. Leaders aim to de-escalate and restore stability.
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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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US President Donald Trump thanked Qatar's emir and prime minister for their role in securing a Gaza ceasefire during a refueling stop at Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar has been a key mediator in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, with ongoing discussions on security arrangements and the future of Gaza amid continued violence.
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Following a US-brokered ceasefire, Israel released around 2,000 prisoners, including some convicted of terror attacks. Many are now staying at a luxury hotel in Cairo, where their treatment has sparked criticism after media exposés revealed their lavish conditions and public interactions, including celebrations and socializing with locals.
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Chinese autonomous vehicle companies like Baidu, WeRide, and Pony.ai are surpassing US counterparts in robotaxi projects, expanding domestically and internationally. They are establishing operations in Dubai, Singapore, and Europe, amid a complex industry history of false starts and crashes. Beijing’s strategic investment aims for global leadership by 2035.
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Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire following recent border clashes and failed peace talks. Despite ongoing tensions, both sides are maintaining the ceasefire, though border crossings remain closed. The situation remains fragile as negotiations continue with regional mediators, with recent violence and diplomatic disputes complicating efforts for lasting peace.
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Israel has received the remains of several hostages, including Lior Rudaeff and Joshua Mollel, from Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement. The process has been slow, with ongoing disputes over identification and the return of bodies. The exchange is a key element of the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
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The US is advancing a UN resolution to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza, aiming to oversee demilitarization, border security, and police training. The resolution follows a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with troop contributions under discussion. The vote is expected soon, with deployment possible by early 2026.
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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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Recent peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul ended without agreement, amid ongoing border clashes and mutual accusations. Both sides blame each other for violence and failure to uphold commitments, with border crossings remaining closed and tensions high. The talks aimed to reduce hostilities but have entered an indefinite pause.
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U.S. prosecutors in Florida have issued over two dozen subpoenas related to the Obama-era intelligence assessment on Russian interference in the 2016 election. The investigation, led by U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quinones, seeks documents on the assessment's preparation amid ongoing political tensions and Trump's calls for retribution. The probes focus on officials involved in the original inquiry, with potential criminal implications.
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo's foreign minister criticizes Rwanda's actions, questioning its commitment to peace in eastern DRC. Despite diplomatic efforts and a peace agreement, ongoing military presence and abuses hinder progress. Recent meetings in Washington reaffirm commitments, but implementation remains slow and fragile.
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Efforts to advance Gaza ceasefire negotiations are hindered by the fate of around 200 Palestinian fighters trapped in Rafah. Mediation by Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and the US is ongoing, with discussions focusing on safe passage and security arrangements. The situation remains tense as negotiations continue today.
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On Tuesday, a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside Islamabad's District Judicial Complex, killing at least 12 and injuring over 30. The attack, claimed by a Pakistani Taliban faction, marks the first major assault on civilians in Islamabad in over a decade. Pakistani officials accuse Afghan-based militants and India-backed proxies, escalating tensions with Afghanistan amid ongoing border clashes and failed peace talks.
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Turkey is seeking a significant role in Gaza's post-ceasefire reconstruction, hosting talks with Egypt and US officials. Despite Israeli opposition, Turkey emphasizes its willingness to help rebuild Gaza and monitor ceasefire compliance amid ongoing tensions over the fate of hostages and fighters.
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Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss the ongoing Gaza ceasefire, focusing on disarmament, security arrangements, and governance. The talks follow a US-brokered truce that has partially halted two years of Israeli bombardment and ongoing conflict, with key issues including Hamas disarmament and the future of Gaza's governance.
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Pakistani authorities detained two men suspected of links to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in connection with a suicide bombing at Islamabad's district court. The attack killed at least 12 and injured over 30. The suspects reportedly received orders via Telegram from a TTP commander based in Afghanistan. The incident highlights ongoing militant threats despite security efforts.
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Flooding in Gaza has damaged homes and displaced families, with aid efforts hampered by restrictions. UN agencies warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis as winter approaches, with many Palestinians lacking shelter, food, and medical supplies despite ceasefire agreements.
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In November 2025, Congo's government and M23 rebels signed a framework agreement in Doha, mediated by Qatar and the US, aiming to outline protocols for future peace negotiations. The deal addresses root causes of conflict, but implementation remains uncertain amid ongoing violence and accusations of violations.
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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, once a US-designated terrorist, has visited Washington, marking a historic shift. He met with Trump, discussed anti-ISIS cooperation, sanctions relief, and regional stability. Syria's entry into the US-led coalition signals a major change in US-Syria relations amid ongoing regional tensions.
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As of November 24, 2025, Iran is pushing for a resumption of stalled nuclear negotiations with the U.S., using Saudi Arabia as a mediator amid fears of renewed Israeli strikes and economic strain. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting France to urge compliance with IAEA obligations, while Tehran denies undeclared enrichment and insists on its right to peaceful nuclear energy.
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Qatar's leader visited the DRC to bolster peace talks with M23 rebels amid ongoing violence. A framework agreement was signed, backed by the US and Qatar, aiming to end years of conflict in eastern DRC. Despite progress, violence persists, and negotiations face delays.
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Multiple bidders, including Paramount Skydance, Netflix, and Comcast, are competing to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount Skydance is seen as the front-runner due to political ties and financial backing, but regulatory hurdles and political considerations could influence the outcome. The story is current as of Thu, 04 Dec 2025.
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The Biden administration is moving to designate chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as foreign terrorist organizations, citing their support for violence and destabilization. The move follows regional crackdowns and regional tensions, with the process including reports from US agencies and potential legal challenges.
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Recent updates confirm that the remains of two hostages, Israeli police officer Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak, are still in Gaza. Despite ongoing searches and negotiations facilitated by the Red Cross, Hamas has not officially announced plans to return any hostages or remains, amid complex military and diplomatic efforts. The situation remains tense as Israel and Gaza continue negotiations under a fragile ceasefire, with efforts focused on recovering all bodies and hostages.
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Yasser Abu Shabab, a Bedouin leader in Gaza, died from wounds after a family quarrel, complicating efforts to disarm Hamas. Israeli forces report killing over 40 Hamas militants in Rafah, where fighters remain trapped in tunnels. Mediation efforts for safe passage are ongoing amid a fragile ceasefire.