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The UK government has intensified efforts against people smuggling, highlighted by the arrest of a key supplier of boats and engines. Labour has also organized record deportations, with 9,400 individuals returned since taking office, including nearly 2,600 forced removals, marking a 19% increase from last year.
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The UK Home Office faces scrutiny over the purchase of the Northeye site for asylum seekers, acquired for £15.4 million despite contamination risks. Meanwhile, 146 asylum seekers will be housed at the Dragonfly Hotel in Peterborough, prompting local MPs to demand clearer information from the government.
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Following a disputed presidential election in Mozambique, protests have erupted, resulting in at least 10 children killed and many injured. The unrest stems from allegations of electoral fraud and the ruling party's extended grip on power. Calls for dialogue have emerged, but tensions remain high as security forces respond violently to demonstrators.
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The fifth UN meeting on a global plastics treaty in Busan, South Korea, ended without agreement on key issues like production caps and chemical regulations. Delegates will reconvene next year amid ongoing divisions, particularly influenced by oil-producing nations resisting limits on plastic production.
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Kemi Badenoch, the new Conservative leader, has announced plans for a strict numerical cap on immigration, acknowledging past failures. This comes as net migration figures remain high, prompting calls for a review of immigration policies and practices, including the role of human rights laws.
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Recent attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in North Kivu have intensified, with civilians targeted and homes burned. The Congolese army reported heavy losses inflicted on rebels, while the M23 group continues to clash with government forces, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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Recent discussions highlight significant progress in HIV prevention in East and Southern Africa, with new infections and AIDS-related deaths declining. However, challenges persist, particularly for women and girls, as access to education and healthcare remains inequitable. A new preventive treatment shows promise but raises concerns over access in Latin America.
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Since Sir Keir Starmer's election in July, over 20,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats, marking a significant increase compared to last year. The government faces pressure to address illegal migration amid rising public concern and political scrutiny.
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As of December 10, 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo reports 416 cases of an unidentified illness, with 71 confirmed deaths. Concurrently, Mexico faces a deadly outbreak linked to contaminated IV nutrition bags, resulting in 13 child fatalities. Investigations are ongoing in both countries to determine the causes and control measures.
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Lewis Hamilton concluded his 12-year tenure with Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing fourth after starting from 16th. The seven-time world champion moves to Ferrari for the 2025 season, reflecting on a partnership that yielded six titles and significant emotional moments with team principal Toto Wolff.