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Top skiers, including Austria's Liensberger, have suffered serious injuries during training ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Liensberger's knee injury will rule her out of the Games, raising concerns about athlete safety in high-speed sports. The sport's inclusion in future Olympics remains under consideration.
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Recent research shows California's Sierra Nevada glaciers are melting rapidly, projected to disappear entirely by the next century, marking an unprecedented loss in human history. Meanwhile, Swiss glaciers have declined by a quarter over the past decade due to low snowfall and heat waves, impacting water resources and landscape stability across Europe.
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Greta Thunberg and dozens of activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza were intercepted and deported by Israeli forces. Over 340 activists have been expelled, with allegations of mistreatment during detention. The flotilla aimed to highlight Gaza's humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict.
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Illegal gold mining in Peru's Amazon has surged since COVID-19, contaminating rivers with mercury. Scientific tests show high mercury levels in fish and residents, risking health and food security. Authorities face pressure to enforce laws amid rising gold prices and violence against environmental defenders.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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A glacier collapse in Switzerland's Lötschental Valley destroyed the village of Blatten, killing one person and displacing residents. Authorities plan to rebuild the village by 2030 amid ongoing glacier melting caused by climate change. The disaster highlights the increasing risks of climate-related natural hazards in high-altitude regions.
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Switzerland is requesting UNESCO recognition for yodeling as an intangible cultural heritage. The effort highlights yodeling's evolution from mountain communication to a versatile musical art, with a decision expected in mid-December. The initiative aims to preserve and promote this unique Swiss tradition globally.
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The UN World Food Programme warns that 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, more than double 2019 figures. Funding shortfalls threaten aid efforts, with only half of the $13 billion needed likely to be received. Conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine declared in Gaza and Sudan.
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Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman and Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides will meet at the UN peacekeeping envoy's residence to discuss reunification efforts. Erhurman, elected in October, aims to revive stalled negotiations, while Turkey's Erdogan advocates a two-state solution, complicating prospects for reunification.
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Switzerland and the US have agreed to reduce tariffs from 39% to 15%, aligning US duties with the EU. The non-binding framework aims to ease trade tensions, boost Swiss exports, and encourage US manufacturing investments, with implementation expected soon. The deal follows months of negotiations and high-level lobbying.
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Scotland secured a historic 4-2 victory over Denmark in Glasgow, overturning a 2-2 draw in stoppage time to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The match featured dramatic goals, including a bicycle kick from Scott McTominay and a long-range shot from Kieran Tierney, ending Scotland's 27-year absence from the tournament.
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U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are engaging in Geneva talks to negotiate a peace plan for Ukraine, which involves Ukraine ceding territory and limiting its military. Kyiv seeks modifications, and European allies call for further work. The plan's future remains uncertain as Russia's stance is cautious.
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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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High-profile UK billionaires and entrepreneurs are relocating abroad due to recent tax reforms, including inheritance and non-domicile rules. The departure of figures like Lakshmi Mittal and others highlights concerns over a growing brain drain and economic impact ahead of the upcoming Labour budget.
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Germany's parliament approved a law to expand the Bundeswehr, including a new conscription system, amid fears of Russian aggression and NATO commitments. The move has sparked protests and debate over costs, gender equality, and public priorities, with similar reforms seen across Europe.
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Ludwig Minelli, founder of Swiss right-to-die organization Dignitas, died on Saturday at age 92. He championed assisted dying, helping over 4,000 people end their lives, and planned a seamless succession for the organization. His death marks the end of a significant figure in the global debate on self-determination at life's end.
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Eurovision winner Nemo has returned their 2024 trophy, criticizing Israel's participation in the 2026 contest amid ongoing Gaza conflict. Several countries are boycotting the event, citing concerns over political interference and human rights issues, challenging Eurovision's tradition of neutrality.
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UBS's latest report shows a record increase in billionaires worldwide, reaching 2,919 with collective wealth of $15.8 trillion. Women are outpacing men in wealth growth for four consecutive years, and inheritance continues to drive the rise, especially in the US and Europe. The billionaire class is diversifying and expanding rapidly.
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Gaza's health system faces a critical collapse as Israel continues to block medical supplies, despite a ceasefire. Hospitals are severely under-resourced, with shortages of medicines, equipment, and staff. Thousands of patients remain stranded outside Gaza awaiting treatment, with many at risk of death or permanent disability. The situation remains dire today, December 23, 2025.
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Eurovision 2026 in Vienna faces a significant boycott as several countries, including Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, withdraw in protest of Israel's participation amid its Gaza conflict. The decision by organizers to allow Israel to compete has intensified political tensions, overshadowing the event's usual festive atmosphere.
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The UK Ministry of Defence will pilot a paid, two-year scheme for under-25s starting March 2026, aiming to introduce young people to military life and skills. The program will expand to over 1,000 annually, with no obligation to serve afterward, amid rising regional security concerns.
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As of January 1, 2026, Israel has suspended 37 international NGOs, including Doctors Without Borders, citing failure to comply with new registration rules requiring detailed staff and funding disclosures. The ban threatens critical humanitarian aid amid Gaza's worsening crisis, drawing condemnation from UN officials and foreign governments urging Israel to allow sustained NGO operations.
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On New Year's Day at 1:30 a.m., a fire broke out at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killing around 40 people and injuring about 100, many seriously. The blaze, which involved an explosion, overwhelmed local hospitals. Authorities ruled out terrorism and are investigating the cause amid a devastated community.
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A fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has resulted in at least 40 deaths and over 100 injuries, mostly among young people. The blaze, likely caused by candles, spread rapidly, with authorities working to identify victims amid ongoing investigations. The tragedy has prompted national mourning and international concern.
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A fire at a Swiss ski resort in Crans-Montana on New Year's Day has resulted in 40 deaths and over 100 injuries. Victims include teenagers from across Europe. Authorities are investigating the cause, believed to be linked to candles igniting the ceiling. Families mourn as rescue efforts continue.