Americas

Canada
British Columbia’s New Democrats Strike Governing Deal With Green Party
Pride in Canada has plummeted to a 30-year low, according to poll
One in three Canadians say government response to COVID was overblown: poll
Canadians give poor marks to Liberal GST break as Freeland sets Dec. 16 for fall economic update
Sea to Sky Highway in B.C. has been closed in both directions due to mudslide
Tiny, endangered sea turtle found on Quebec’s Magdalen Islands for the first time
Freeland to reverse promised $250 ‘working Canadians’ cheques in mini-budget Monday
Conservative firebrand John Rustad prepares to rumble in B.C.
Canada Post and union await labour board decision as strike hits one-month mark
Canada Post says workers to return Tuesday
Housing Minister Sean Fraser to leave federal cabinet as PMO pushes to add Mark Carney
1 body recovered following landslide that displaced B.C. home
Alberta Premier Smith willing to use the notwithstanding clause on trans health bill

USA
Office Property Meltdown Is Starting to Surface at Regional Banks
Enbridge Pipeline Says Wisconsin Oil Spill’s Cleanup in Progress
ABC agrees to give $15-million to Donald Trump’s presidential library to settle defamation lawsuit
Donald Trump’s master plan to overhaul the U.S. federal government, and the consequences it may have
Columbia professor who praised Hamas massacre to teach course on Zionism
US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says
Google’s quantum computing leap highlights widening knowledge gulf
Lara Trump’s political prize beckons with Florida Senate vacancy
Bill Cotterell: Biden’s pardon of son reeks of politics

Mexico
American couple killed in Mexico, found shot in pickup truck: officials
Public Mobile’s $29 Canada-US-Mexico 5G Plan is Back
Mexico's new President urged to clamp down on violence against religious leaders
Why do Mexicans love salsa?
Restoring water to San Miguel de Allende, one reservoir at a time
BCS legislators call on Baja California to reject copper mining mega-project
What Trump’s pledge to redo his own trade agreement with Canada and Mexico could mean
Borderlands Mexico: Cyberattacks rise in Mexico as cross-border trade grows
Shell’s Phase 3 Gulf of Mexico Silvertip Project a Go

Guatemala
President Abinader receives commission from Guatemala
‘So happy he is here’: Medina pastor returns home after weeks in Guatemala hospital

Nicaragua
Nicaragua invited Russia to build an alternative canal to Panama

Haiti
Peru: Government condemns massacres perpetrated by criminal gangs in Haiti

Colombia
An $18 billion Spanish fleet treasure sits off Colombia's coast. Some say it should not be touched
Local first responder takes Christmas to Colombian orphans
MetaMask Card Now Available in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia
Colombia seeks renegotiation of investment treaty with the UK

Ecuador
Ecuador trade group seeks retaliation against Brazil over shrimp import ban
Fuel theft, violence siphoning $215 million from Ecuador oil industry
What Cuba and Ecuador Can Teach Us About Energy Crises
Ecuador launches $1 bln bond to fund Amazon conservation buyback

Peru
President: Peru's economy is advancing steadily toward consolidation in 2025
Peru: President Boluarte participates in Air Force Academic Year Closing Ceremony
Peru: President leads Justice System Reform Council session
World Bank: Peru has already won battle against inflation
FA Ministry: Peruvian Government closely follows situation in Syria
Peru: BCR maintained reference rate at 5.00%

Bolivia
Bolivia’s divisive popular vote for senior judges offers lessons for Mexico

Brazil
A Surprise Blockbuster in Brazil Stokes Oscar Hopes, and a Reckoning
Lula Says Only Thing Wrong With Brazil Is High Interest Rates
Brazil’s Lula released from hospital after brain bleed surgery
Jaguar Mining: Disaster In Brazil
Brazil's former defence minister arrested in 2022 coup plot investigation

Paraguay
‘You Will Never Walk Alone’: In Show of Support, Paraguay’s President Reopens Embassy in Jerusalem

Argentina
Mercosur: South America’s Fractious Trade Bloc

Chile
Chile: Magnitude 6.4 Earthquake Strikes Molina, Maule 4

Asia

Japan
Fatal knife attack in Kitakyushu McDonald’s took less than 30 seconds
The quake that shook Noto's sake brewing tradition
Trump reportedly eyeing businessman George Glass as envoy to Japan
Japan has very few foreign-born CEOs, and boardrooms are overwhelmingly male.

S. Korea
South Korea's foreign minister says to talk to Blinken
S. Korea's ruling party leader announces resignation after Yoon's impeachment
Yoon’s fall gives nemesis surprise path back to lead South Korea

Mongolia
Sydney school becomes hub for Mongolian community
Asian Battery Metals confirms high-grade results at North Oval in Mongolia

China
Xi's article on advancing Party's self-reform to be published
Chinese researchers discover new pattern in virus transmission
Beijing adds 3 metro lines, further easing downtown traffic
Three Gorges project generates 1.7 trln kWh of power
China's economy remains on trajectory of steady recovery in November: National Bureau of Statistics
Green tech and U.S.-China rivalry: Two sides of the same coin
Chinese firms take on EV truck challenges

Philippines
Marcos to fix DepEd budget cut – Angara
PAGASA: Scattered rains expected nationwide due to 3 weather systems
PhilHealth has extra P150 billion even without subsidy in 2025 – DOH

Thailand
At least three people killed in explosion at Thai music festival
Thailand presentation set at New Hope church in Jamestown on Dec. 18
Thailand's digital economy booms amid surge in foreign investment
Thailand to Accept Bitcoin, Boosting Crypto Tourism Globally
China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Europe Are the Strong Tourism Source Market for Cambodia Travel Market
Floods in 4 southern Thai provinces affect bus, train services
IEAT aims to draw more Chinese investors to Thailand via “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project
Thailand: Vision and Strategies for a Thriving Digital Economy

Cambodia
Former Cambodian monk ‘influencer’ arrested for rape, production of child porn
Cambodia marks 69 years of UN membership, commitment to peace
Cambodia calls for an end to economic sanctions policy
Cambodia marks 4th Angkor Thanksgiving in Siem Reap
Cambodia’s trade-driven economy grapples with new challenges

Malaysia
Lowering tensions key priority for incoming ASEAN chair Malaysia

Indonesia
Bali Nine drug smugglers 'relieved' to be back in Australia

Myanmar
An ICC arrest warrant for Myanmar junta chief is too little, too late
Myanmar energy investments exceed $26.5 billion by November 2024

Bangladesh
Bangladesh to hold elections in late 2025 or early 2026: Yunus
Yunus indicates election by late 2025 or mid 2026
Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away at 73, family confirms

Nepal
Tibetan Parliamentary Delegation Concludes Official Visit to Nepal
Nepal’s largest multi-venue, The Plaza, opens in Lalitpur
Nepal's civil aviation authority rejects national park's ban on commercial choppers over Everest

India
India, the world's most populous country, is seeing a debate about having more babies.
How India’s soft power led to a border deal with China

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Bondholders Back $12.6 Billion Debt Restructuring
Ottawa's Opportunity to Reset Canada-Sri Lanka Relations

Central Asia & Middle East

Pakistan
Petrol prices to remain unchanged for next fortnight
Gillani clarifies: 'PPP not part of federal cabinet, no plans to join'
PM Shehbaz vows to end polio in Pakistan as nationwide drive begins
Collaborative maritime security imperative amid rising challenges – Pakistan Navy CNS

Afghanistan
Taliban’s Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani killed: Why it matters
Authorities say 22 rescued from Afghanistan mine collapse

Kazakhstan
Turkistan: Kazakhstan’s Timeless Jewel on Silk Road

Kyrgyzstan
Akylbek Japarov leaves post of Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan
Adylbek Kasymaliev appointed acting Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers
First group of young teachers from Russia arrives in Kyrgyzstan

Tajikistan
Korea to Support Tajikistan’s First MW-Scale Solar Power Plant
The World Bank should reconsider its mega dam project in Tajikistan
ADB launches pilot project in Tajikistan for disaster mitigation bonds

Turkmenistan
Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan Emerging as Eurasia’s Most Sought-After Tourist Destinations: What You Need to Know

Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Hong Kong Drive Ambitious Tourism Growth and Strategic Visa Free Travel Agreements for Stronger Ties
Aksa Enerji’s new power plant in Uzbekistan comes online

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani Defence Ministry shares video on weekly review
Outgoing Biden administration attempts to burn bridges between Baku-Washington
Kazakhstan to hand over CICA chairmanship to Azerbaijan

Iran
YouTube singer arrested in Iran after performing an online concert while not wearing a hijab
Al-Jolani: rebranded terrorist a Western tool against Iran
Iranian FM receives updates on latest developments surrounding Syria, Russia

Iraq
President Barzani welcomes Ahmed al-Sharaa's statement about Kurds

Syria
Syria: Polisario militants arrested in Aleppo as Assad’s regime collapses; calls mount to list the separatist group as a terrorist organization
Netanyahu government approves plan to expand settlements in the Golan Heights
Damascus Jewish community unharmed despite rebel overthrow, Syrian Jew tells KAN
Israelis “destroy 90%” of Syrian missiles
UN special envoy for Syria calls for sanctions relief following Assad’s fall
Syria militant leader met visiting UN envoy: statement
Syrians return to ruined homes in city that became Hezbollah hub

Turkey
Turkey Says Syria’s New Rulers Agree to Abolish Kurdish Forces
Is al-Julani imitating Erdogan’s experience?
Erdoğan welcomes Syrian refugees who would like to stay in Turkey
HPG guerrillas attack Turkish invasion forces in South Kurdistan

Israel
Israel fears Assad's fall could embolden protesters in Egypt and Jordan
Despite political challenges, Israel must remain united to bring hostages home
Arab countries condemn Israel's 'opportunistic scheme' for Golan Heights expansion
Home Front Command to conduct siren test in Buq'ata on Monday
Israel strikes weapon and missile depots in Syria - report
Pacifying the pariah: HTS rebels wait on Israel hand and foot
Israel approves plan aiming to double annexed Golan population

Palestine
Israeli forces carry out air, ground attacks in Gaza; dozens dead
At least 19 Palestinians killed in unabated Israeli attacks in Gaza

Jordan
King inaugurates Air Combat Training Squadron
Planning Ministry, EBRD sign $11m grant agreements for new wastewater treatment plant in west Irbid
Jordan participates in Palestinian affairs supervisors conference
Decade as refugees: Syrians in Jordan watch homeland’s transition with hope, concern

Kuwait
Crown Prince meets Kuwait FM, discusses ways to enhance partnerships

Oman
The main negotiating day in Oman. Lukashenko meeting Sultan

Qatar
Jeddah governor attends Qatar consulate’s national day celebration
QatarEnergy expands Namibia upstream footprint; acquires interest in offshore exploration block

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia proposes renaming OAPEC into the Arab Energy Organization
Saudi Arabia to hold Hajj conference to improve services for Muslim pilgrims

U. A. E.
Tajikistan’s National Bank, Central Bank of UAE ink cooperation document
UAE seeks investment deals in Uganda
UAE’s proptech Stake expands to Saudi Arabia, to consider regional HQ relocation, GM says

Yemen
47th Chinese naval escort taskforce departs for Gulf of Aden

Europe

United Kingdom
'Zero tolerance': UK Health Secretary calls to strike off antisemitic, extremist doctors
Britain joins trans-Pacific pact in biggest post-Brexit trade deal

Ireland
‘In Uganda, the personal touch is deeply valued and integral to business success. In Ireland we might have lost a bit of that’

Spain
Spain's tourist industry outlook for 2025 upbeat after record visitors this year
State Rep. Spain collects thousands of diapers for families in his district
Tripoli based Libyan Oil Minister stresses importance of organising business forum with Spain
Spanish artwork seized by Franco regime returned to rightful owners
Tributes paid to Mango founder Isak Andic after his death
Spain’s Travel Industry Shines With 95 Million Visitors, Poised For 2025 Growth

France
Four killed in a shooting in northern France, suspect claims fifth victim: media reports
Cyclone Chido kills 'several hundred' in French territory off east African coast: top official
Macron has a new prime minister but the same old problems

Belgium
Blow to Air Tanzania as Airline is Banned from EU Skies Over Safety Issues

Netherlands
Final outfitting to commence on Royal Netherlands Navy’s future support ship
Tibetan Parliamentary Delegation Concludes Europe Tibet Advocacy in the Netherlands

Germany
Volkswagen’s Top Owner Warns of Up to €20 Billion Impairment
Pelosi has hip replacement surgery in Germany after fall
German Chancellor Candidate from CDU: Europe Is Tired of Scholz

Denmark
Denmark Passes the World’s First ‘Fart Tax’—But This is No Laughing Matter
Tunisian ferry operator taps Danish firm for new vessel designs

Austria
What Austria's proposed property tax changes would mean for foreign homeowners
Austrian Airlines Expands “AIRail” Service to Innsbruck for Seamless Travel

Switzerland
Swiss court mulls closing Assad uncle war crimes case
Bitcoin hits new record high of more than $106,000

Italy
Italian apples and grapes available in Dakar, but re-exported from Spain

Slovenia
Amb James Ngango presents credentials to Slovenia president
Canberra's Slovenian community bands together to recreate stolen traditional costumes

Croatia
Ryanair introduces two new Croatia routes for summer 2025
'Less crowded, more serene': Why Croatia is being dubbed 'the new Greece'
New Gorski Kotar Resort With Spa Opens Doors
Croatia is Among The Top Ten Googled Travel Destinations
New Year’s Eve on Zagreb’s Ban Jelačić Square line-up announced
Why Krk Bridge to receive 24-hour armed security in 2025

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Zovko claims that 1.1 Million BiH Citizens have Croatian Passports, including the Izetbegovic Family

Montenegro
Montenegro closes Three Chapters in Negotiations with the EU

Greece
One Pakistani confirmed dead, 47 rescued in Greece boat tragedy: FO
Shops face permanent closure for selling alcohol to minors
Defendants testify in urban planning corruption scandal
Parties to the right of New Democracy deeply divided

Hungary
Orbán threatens to veto next EU budget, and talks about a post-2026 problem, but Hungary could lose billions of euros within weeks
Hungary: Zelensky rejected Orban's call request
Ukraine "sharply" refused to arrange conversation between Zelenskyy and Orbán – Hungarian foreign minister

Czech Republic
How Long Did It Take for Ukraine to Organize Assembly of Czech Assault Rifles to NATO Standards
Gun sales in Czechia to come under stricter control
RegioJet rated among best in Europe—how does it compare to Czech Railways?
Royal Mail takeover by Czech billionaire approved
No surge in Ukrainian refugees in Czechia amid attacks and winter season
Czech scientists help decode oldest human DNA in Europe

Poland
Visit of Polish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jakub Wiśniewski in Tanzania
Mandatory E-Invoicing In Poland, Germany, Belgium And France
Poland’s left party names deputy Senate speaker as presidential candidate
Poland’s workforce transition: Is there a life after coal?

Ukraine
40 Tank Cars Destroyed: Ukrainian Forces Wreck Russian Fuel Train in Zaporizhzhia
Russian Forces Hoist Flag in Kurakhove, Threatening Key Ukrainian Logistics Hub
Chechen Police, Military Bases Targeted in Ukrainian Drone Strike

Belarus
Shpagin submachine gun and a dagger: Lukashenko, Sultan of Oman exchange gifts

Russia
Lithuanian party expels member suspected of spying for Russia
Massive Drone Plane Blows Up Kadyrov Special Regiment Base
Powerful Explosions Rock Oryol: Oil Depot On Fire
Russian tanker splits in storm, spilling oil into Kerch Strait

Georgia
Estonia sanctions Georgia’s prime minister and 13 officials
Estonia and Lithuania extend sanctions against Georgian authorities

Lithuania
Lithuania sends ammunition and ammunition to Ukraine
Estonia and Lithuania extend sanctions against Georgian authorities
Lithuania imposes sanctions on 17 more Georgian politicians and officials

Estonia
Lithuania and Estonia expanded their sanctions lists against Georgian politicians, including PM Kobakhidze

Finland
Finland updates work visa policies for 2025
Activists release images of foxes at Finnish fur farms to push EU to ban the trade
‘Terrorism’: Finland freezes Simon Ekpa’s assets

Sweden
Liberian Red Cross Welcomes Additional $592,000 Funding for Girl Project From Swedish Embassy

Norway
British PM Keir Starmer visits Norway to discuss green energy deal

Africa

Egypt
Egypt’s Hepatitis Programme Becomes a Model for African Countries
Hamas gives Egypt list of hostages terror group holds, negotiations privately progress - report
Archaeologists discover possible bust of Cleopatra VII at ancient Egyptian temple
Egypt on 'high alert' after Assad's end amid similar fears
Egyptian military agency takes over wheat buying from decades-old supply group
Egypt prepares Renaissance Dam file to present to Trump
2024: Defining year for Egypt’s real estate market – key developments, emerging trends
Egypt Malaria-Free: The Eradication of a 6,000-Year-Old Disease
Egypt’s Al-Sisi emphasises security, regional stability in meeting with security officials

Libya
NOC declares force majeure at Zawia Refinery after militia clashes set fire to fuel storage tanks
Al-Ghazala Paints Company exports products to the African and Asian continents
Preliminary operation work of Benghazi Iron and Steel Assembly and Smelting Plant launched

Tunisia
Old video of a 500-year-old Torah scroll seized in Tunisia shared as being from Syria
Tunisian ferry operator taps Danish firm for new vessel designs
Libya releases 10 Tunisian traders amid diplomatic efforts

Algeria
France Rejects Algerian Plot Claims After Ambassador Summoned
Algeria summons French ambassador for reprimand over ‘hostile plans’ by Paris: Report
Algeria summons French ambassador over accusations of interference: media

Morocco
Rebels Vow to Ramp Up Fight Against Morocco Over Western Sahara
Moroccan Fears of Algeria’s Military Spending
Poland – Morocco: Untapped Potential for Cooperation

Senegal
Senegal Govt Promises To Shed Light On Political Deaths
Senegal’s Eyone Secures $1M to Expand Digital Healthcare Across West Africa
Senegal's 2025 budget sees lower deficit after audit revelations
Senegal: Justice Minister pledges accountability for deaths during protests

Liberia
Liberia: VP Koung Dedicates Chief Justice Youh’s Daughter’s Park Amid Rising Concerns Over Landmark Political Case
Liberia: LTA Authorizes Mobile Network Operators to Provide Promotional Prices for Consumers

Ghana
Ghana will not quit IMF deal but wants changes, says president-elect
Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ delivers a bittersweet buzz as tourists push up prices
School Feeding Program Reduces Hanger & Poverty In Africa; AUDA-NEPAD Unveils

Burkina Faso
Ecowas crisis: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger promise visa-free travel

Mali
West African Juntas Given Six Months to Rethink Trade Bloc Exit

Niger
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger agree to grace period in ECOWAS withdrawal
Oil spill occurs at Shell's Bonny Island terminal in Niger Delta

Nigeria
Flood, FX push sugar price by 407%
Voluntary pension savings rise as workers prioritise future
Nigeria requires 38% growth to match Tinubu's $1trn GDP dream
Is comparing Nigeria to developed economies justified?
The hunger crisis in Nigeria tells a different story
Nigeria’s dying ATMs leave a cash-shaped hole filled by agents

South Sudan
Sudan, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali and Somalia On IRC Emergency Watchlist 2025

Ethiopia
Meta contractor dismissed threats to moderators by Ethiopia rebels: court documents
The United States Welcomes the Ankara Declaration by Ethiopia and Somalia

Somalia
UN extends Al-Shabaab sanctions in Somalia, paves way for new stabilisation mission
Al-Shabaab threat in Somalia forces UN Security Council hand
Turkish President Erdogan to visit Ethiopia, Somalia in January-February 2025
UN seeks $1.42b to expand humanitarian operations in Somalia in 2025
Egypt reaffirms support for Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and stability

Kenya
President Ruto promises to invest in Navy to boost Kenya's defence
Why Kenya Pledges Enhanced Protection of Heritage Sites to Boost Tourism Revenue?
Kenya’s devastating drought is the worst in 40 years
Kenyan Musicians Defend Performances at Uhuru Gardens Amid Public Outcry
Kenya debates decriminalising suicide to address mental health

Uganda
New solutions aim to boost interest in science education in Uganda
A strange dancing disease seems to be plaguing women in Uganda
Mysterious illness which leaves women and teenage girls 'shaking uncontrollably' spreads through Uganda leavin
Archbishop Kaziimba Warns Against Reclaiming Land Donated to Church
Uganda on trial before court martial

Congo, DR
SANDF rotation 32 leaves for DR Congo

Angola
Chinese Electric Cars are Already Surging in Popularity in Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Africa

Tanzania
European Union Bans Air Tanzania Due To Safety Concerns
Tanzania-based Chinese model helps bridge two cultures
Air Tanzania banned in latest revision to European blacklist
Danida reaffirms long-term partnership in Tanzania’s development
Oman, Tanzania sign agreement for avoidance of double taxation, tax evasion

Mozambique
Madagascar Assesses Damage from Cyclone Chido as it Moves to Mozambique

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe: Cyberbully Doctor Awaits Sentencing After Magistrate Convicts Him for Toxic Email
Zimbabwe: Ex-VP Mphoko Laid to Rest

Namibia
South African Military Police train their Namibian counterparts
Namibia's main opposition sets date for legal challenge of election results
Namibian Air Force acquires Shaanxi Y-9 transport aircraft from China

South Africa
Secrets of interwar Lithuanian diaspora in South Africa
World Bank Board Approves $47.7 Million to Improve the Public Sector in the First Result-Based Financing Program
SAMHS unveils new Redeployable Camp Systems tents

Mayotte
At least 14 killed as Cyclone Chido devastates Mayotte

Oceania

Australia
Ambassador Yip praises contributions of Cambodians living in Australia

Fiji
Foreigners in Fiji hospital with suspected alcohol poisoning