World
- Worlddpa international
Reports: At least nine dead in Gaza Strip attack
At least nine Palestinians have been killed in a fresh attack by the Israeli army in the central section of the Gaza Strip, according to media reports from Thursday. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that the artillery strike in the Nuseirat refugee district also resulted in several injuries. An Israeli army spokesman said the military is examining the reports. A prominent tower was also destroyed in Nuseirat, according to local residents. The Gaza health authority, controlled by the Pal
1 min read - WorldBBC
Sudan's 'invisible crisis' - where more children are fleeing war than anywhere else
The BBC's Lyse Doucet writes about the horrific effects of the 19-month civil war in Sudan.
6 min read - WorldPower Technology
NeuConnect completes first phase of cabling for $3.03bn interconnector
The project will create the first direct energy connection between the UK and Germany.
2 min read - WorldCNN
Inside the wild world of Osaka’s dangerous, adrenaline-fueled float festivals
Osaka’s “danjiri matsuri,” or float festivals, are considered one of the most dangerous events on Japan’s festival calendar. Here’s why.
3 min read - LifestyleNational Geographic
How to plan the ultimate Central American trip
Compact it may be, but Central America packs a punch: These countries beguile with natural wonders, ancient ruins and indigenous cultures.
9 min read - WorldBBC
Namibians await vote results as ruling party seeks to extend 34-year rule
The poll was marred by logistical issues with voting continuing for an unscheduled second day in some areas.
3 min read - BusinessReuters
ByteDance seeks $1.1 million damages from intern in AI breach case, report says
China's ByteDance is suing a former intern for $1.1 million, alleging he deliberately attacked its artificial intelligence large language model training infrastructure, a case that has drawn widespread attention within China amid a heated AI race. The parent company of TikTok is seeking 8 million yuan ($1.1 million) in damages from the former intern, Tian Keyu, in a lawsuit filed with the Haidian District People's Court in Beijing, the state-owned Legal Weekly reported this week. While lawsuit
1 min read - Worlddpa international
Germany faces acute care worker shortage as demand soars
Germany is facing a severe shortage of care personnel as the number of people in need of care has nearly doubled in recent years, while the number of caregivers has risen comparatively slowly. The information, provided by the Labour Ministry, came in response to a query from far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) member of parliament René Springer and was made available to dpa. Many people working in the caregiver industry are immigrants and the AfD wants to sharply curtail immigration. The Exp
2 min read - Worlddpa international
German parliament leader criticizes lawmakers' 'kindergarten' tone
The president of Germany's parliament, Bärbel Bas, has criticized the harsh exchanges between lawmakers during plenary debates, warning that this could lead to increased voter frustration. "It certainly puts them [citizens] off, and I find that dramatic," Bas told the German tv programme "Markus Lanz" on Wednesday. She cited numerous letters from citizens expressing dismay at the disrespectful tone of parliamentary exchanges, with some saying, "This is not a parliament. It's worse than a kinderg
1 min read - Worlddpa international
Germany's spy chief: Putin is banking on the failure of NATO
The head of Germany's foreign intelligence service BND on Wednesday warned of increasing hybrid attacks by Russia on Germany and the NATO defence alliance, with the underlying goal of testing the alliance in the hopes that it would fail. Speaking at an event held by the German Society for Foreign Policy in Berlin, Bruno Kahl said BND experts believe high-ranking officials in the Russian Ministry of Defence apparently harbour doubts about whether NATO's mutual defence commitments and the US's ext
2 min read - Worlddpa international
EU working on new Russian sanctions package
A new EU sanctions package against Russia, including measures that would target Chinese-based companies producing drones for Russia's war against Ukraine, was discussed for the first time on Wednesday, dpa has learned. Representatives of the 27 member states discussed the new proposals from the European Commission in what would be the EU's 15th sanctions package following Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbour over two years ago. The proposals also include taking stricter action against t
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Iran unimpressed by Israeli threats against its nuclear programme
The speaker of Iran's parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has shrugged off Israeli threats targeting the country's controversial nuclear programme. This is "nothing but empty talk," the former general said on Wednesday, in response to a question from journalists in Tehran, the state agency IRNA reported. On Tuesday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said that his country would be able to concentrate on the conflict with Iran after a ceasefire was secured in Lebanon. The Leb
1 min read - WorldBBC
Why Russia's Africa propaganda warrior was sent home
A shadowy operative appears to overstep his mark in the battle for Russian influence in Africa.
7 min read - WorldAssociated Press
El Salvador president proposes ending country's metals mining ban
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele proclaimed himself in favor of mining gold in the Central America country Wednesday and called his nation’s 7-year-old ban on metals mining “absurd,” immediately putting in jeopardy the historic prohibition. The unmined gold would be “wealth that could transform El Salvador,” he wrote on the social platform X. Bukele's party controls El Salvador's Congress by a wide margin and his political opposition has been devastated, so a formal proposal to end the ban is
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Germany hands over NATO mission monitoring Baltic states' airspace
Germany's armed forces have handed over the leadership of the NATO air surveillance mission over the Baltic states to the Netherlands after a nine-month stint in charge. "NATO air policing is of the utmost importance for the security of the people in Latvia and the Baltic states," said German Air Force chief Ingo Gerhartz at a ceremony at the Latvian air force base in Lielvarde. Germany took over the role in March 2024, deploying up to five Eurofighter jets and changing contingents of around 200
2 min read - WorldBBC
Displaced Lebanese head for homes as fragile truce appears to hold
Thousands are returning south as the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect despite warnings it is not yet safe.
3 min read - CelebrityNextShark
Moo Deng who? Thai zoo’s golden tabby tiger melts hearts with cuddly looks
A 3-year-old golden tabby tiger is melting the hearts of Facebook users with her cuddly looks, potentially giving baby hippo Moo Deng a run for her money. The Chiang Mai Night Safari debuted photos of the tiger named Ava on Nov. 19, introducing her three weeks after her sister Luna. The siblings were born on Nov. 16, 2021, to tigers that the zoo had bought from the Czech Republic and South Africa in July 2015.
1 min read - WorldNextShark
Puppy filmed being abused on Buddhist pilgrimage site in China gets adopted
A puppy abused by a man on a Buddhist pilgrimage site in China has been adopted after a video of the incident ignited outrage on local social media earlier this month. What happened: The abuse occurred at Dailuo Peak in Mount Wutai in Shanxi province. In the video, the puppy can be seen imitating visitors by climbing parts of the 1,080-step stairs and bowing down to pray on each step.
1 min read - Worlddpa international
Hezbollah vows to remain prepared for any Israeli attacks
Lebanon's Hezbollah militia has vowed to remain "fully prepared to deal with the ambitions and attacks of the Israeli enemy," as a ceasefire between the Iran-backed group and Israel came into effect on Wednesday. In a statement on Wednesday evening, the first issued by Hezbollah since fighting came to a halt, the militant group said its "eyes will continue to follow" Israel's movements, adding that "hands will remain on the trigger, in defence of Lebanon's sovereignty...for the sake of the digni
1 min read - Businessdpa international
German unions vow battle over major cuts at thyssenkrupp Steel
Labour leaders at Germany's thyssenkrupp Steel on Wednesday threatened to wage a prolonged fight against management's plans to cut thousands of jobs and restructure the struggling steelmaker. Thyssenkrupp Steel has failed to present a coherent plan for the future but wants to stick with plans for major lay-offs, said Knut Giesler, a regional leader with the IG Metall industrial trade union, following a works council meeting for thyssenkrupp Steel employees. The meeting followed hours of heated t
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Germany and Turkey to boost cooperation on energy transition
Germany and Turkey plan to increase cooperation on renewable forms of energy, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck told the German-Turkish Energy Forum in Berlin on Wednesday. "The time for action has come," Habeck, a member of the Greens, said. "We have made great progress over recent years, and Turkey has big plans for decarbonizing its industry," he added. Engaging in constructive dialogue, particularly in challenging times as these, was important, Habeck said. Germany had to diversify its e
1 min read - WorldAFP
Brazil's top court takes on regulation of social media
Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday started examining four cases that turn on how far social media should be regulated, and what responsibilities platforms have in cracking down on illegal content.One key point it is looking at is whether social media platforms can be fined for illegal content posted by users.
2 min read - WorldBBC
Gaza protest occupies lawn outside graduation hall
The group wants the University of Cambridge to boycott companies linked to Israel.
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Netanyahu's office announces appeal against ICC arrest warrants
Israel is to lodge an appeal against the arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netanyahu's office said on Wednesday. Israel had also called on the court to postpone execution of the arrest warrants, the prime minister's office said in a statement, without providing a reason for the request. The ICC had decided to issue the warrants without factual or legal justification, the st
1 min read - BusinessSourcing Journal
Better Cotton Signs Roadmap for Sustainability in Uzbekistan
Better Cotton has approved a plan laid out by agricultural and textile stakeholders in Uzbekistan to accelerate sustainable cotton production.
2 min read - EntertainmentExplorersWeb
VIDEO: Watch 'Gabon Uncharted': World-Class Kayaking in a Wild Location
Watch four elite kayakers tackle seemingly unrunnable rapids for 150km in this masterfully documented expedition video set in West Africa.
2 min read - Worlddpa international
No evidence of sabotage so far after plane crash in Lithuania
Lithuanian investigators have so far found no evidence that the crash of a cargo plane from Germany in Vilnius could have been caused intentionally. "Based on what we have and what we know now, there are no indications that it could have been an act of sabotage," Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas told journalists in parliament in Vilnius on Wednesday, Lithuanian radio reported. "Nothing can be ruled out, but at the moment I have no arguments to say otherwise." The cargo plane crashed in a resi
2 min read - BusinessJust Auto
Switch Mobility partners with Vertelo for EV adoption in India
The firms will deploy 1,000 eCVs in India over the next three to five years.
1 min read - Worlddpa international
Mercosur trade deal divides EU as negotiations enter final stretch
The European Union and four Latin American countries are preparing for a final push to clinch a controversial free trade deal that has been under discussion for 25 years. Backed by Germany and Spain, the European Commission is inclined to sign the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, which would allow the South American countries to export greater quantities of beef, chicken or sugar to Europe without paying customs duties. However, some EU countries have been blocking the deal, with France leading the
5 min read - Technologydpa international
Virtual reality check: Can VR headsets help in classrooms?
Berlin (dpa) — Instead of going on language trips to other countries, why not order an espresso in an Italian café while sitting at home on the couch? What sounds a bit like science fiction is possible with the help of virtual reality (VR). “In virtual environments, learners can actively act and communicate, regardless of location,” says educator Timo Ahlers, who researches VR at the University of Potsdam in Germany. But what is VR? “It’s a computer-generated, purely digital environment in which
4 min read - Worlddpa international
Reports of 17 dead in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip
At least 17 Palestinians have been killed in new Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, the territory's Hamas-controlled civil defence force reported on Wednesday. Ten people were killed when a school building in the city of Gaza was bombarded, a civil defence spokesman said. Seven others were killed in an attack on a residential building in the al-Zaytun district in the north of the coastal strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a senior Hamas member had been killed in the strike, add
2 min read - WorldSpace
China's Tianzhou 7 spacecraft burns up in Earth's atmosphere to end cargo mission (video)
The Tianzhou 7 spacecraft undocked from China's Tiangong space station on Nov. 10 and reentered Earth's atmosphere at around 8:25 a.m. EST (1325 GMT) on Nov. 17.
2 min read - BusinessHotel Management Network
Google tests new hotel search format in Europe to comply with EU law
The short test will remove the free hotel features from Google Search for users in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia.
2 min read - Businessdpa international
Workers at carmaker Ford's Cologne plant fear for future amid cuts
As drastic cuts loom at US automotive giant Ford's plant in Cologne, labour leaders worry that the future of the carmaker's German operations may now be in danger. Ford recently announced plans to axe 2,900 jobs in Cologne over the next three years. That amounts to about a quarter of the roughly 12,000 workers currently employed by Ford in the western Germany city. At a meeting of Ford Germany workers on Wednesday, works council leader Benjamin Gruschka described the announcement as a "brutal do
3 min read - WorldBBC
Diver describes rescuing nephew from capsized Egypt boat
Seven people remain missing days after Sea Story sank after reportedly being hit by a large wave.
3 min read - Worlddpa international
Moscow expels two staff members from German public broadcaster ARD
Russia is expelling two staff members from German public broadcaster ARD, a regional branch of the broadcaster confirmed on Wednesday. The WDR, which is responsible for covering Russia for the ARD broadcasting network, confirmed that two ARD employees - a correspondent and a technician - must return their accreditation and leave Russia by December 16. The spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that the move was in response to the expulsion of correspondents from Ru
4 min read - Worlddpa international
Germany rejects European Commission warning on spending plans
The German Finance Ministry is not concerned about violating European Union debt rules despite a warning from the European Commission. The German government is "expressly committed" to complying with the new EU fiscal rules to strengthen the sustainability of public finances, a spokeswoman for the Finance Ministry said on Wednesday. The commission published an assessment of EU countries' spending plans with Germany's cumulative spending expected to be outside of the agreed limits. The German Fin
2 min read - Worlddpa international
Plane crash in Lithuania: No evidence of sabotage so far
Lithuanian investigators have so far found no evidence that the crash of a cargo plane from Germany in Vilnius could have been caused intentionally. "Based on what we have and what we know now, there are no indications that it could have been an act of sabotage," Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas told journalists in parliament in Vilnius on Wednesday, Lithuanian radio reported. "Nothing can be ruled out, but at the moment I have no arguments to say otherwise." Kasciunas said initial analyses a
1 min read - WorldFox Weather
See it: Seoul's worst November snowstorm in over 100 years causes deadly havoc in South Korea
A deadly and historic November snowstorm paralyzed parts of South Korea on Wednesday, as heavy snow warnings led to widespread power outages and flight cancellations.
2 min read - ScienceJalopnik
Japan’s Flagship Rocket Engine Exploded During Testing For The Second Time
We’re always told that rocket science is the hardest form of science out there and a raft of explosions on the launch pad in recent months makes me inclined to agree. Now, a Japanese rocket engine test has ended in disaster after the engines of a new smaller spacecraft exploded during a combustion test in southwest Japan.
2 min read - WorldAssociated Press
Imprisoned Kremlin critic stands a second trial for opposing Ukraine war
Imprisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Gorinov appeared in court on Wednesday for a second trial for opposing Russia's war in Ukraine, an independent news site reported. The new trial against Gorinov, a 63-year-old former member of a Moscow municipal council who is suffering from a chronic lung condition, is the latest in the unrelenting crackdown against dissent that the Kremlin unleashed after sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Gorinov is already serving a prison term for public critici
2 min read - WorldCNN Business
Volkswagen sells its car plant in Xinjiang, citing ‘economic reasons’
Volkswagen has sold its plant in Xinjiang, a region in northwestern China beset by accusations of human rights abuses, citing “economic reasons.”
3 min read - LifestyleThe Manual
Inside Xcaret, Mexico’s favorite nature park
Beyond the crowded tourist hotspots of Cancun on Mexico's Mayan Riveria, you’ll find Xcaret, an eco-park that showcases Mexican culture, wildlife, adventure-based activities, and so much more. The post Inside Xcaret, Mexico’s favorite nature park appeared first on The Manual.
7 min read - WorldJust Drinks
Australia introduces bill to fine supermarkets for supplier misconduct
According to Australia's Albanese Government, these are the “highest corporate penalties under any industry code".
2 min read - WorldYale Environment 360
In Pakistan, a Stunning Solar Boom
Sky-high power prices are fueling a massive solar buildout in Pakistan.
1 min read - BusinessJust Style
Reju, Nouvelles Fibres Textiles partner to bolster textile recycling in France
Reju, a textile materials regeneration company, and French company Nouvelles Fibres Textiles (NFT) have reached a partnership aimed at sourcing and recycling textile waste to foster a circular economy in France.
3 min read - EntertainmentExplorersWeb
Avalanche in China Causes Mysterious Flashing Lights
Two photographers captured a blue glow accompanying avalanches in western China. We dig into the possible causes.
5 min read - WorldJust Food
Carrefour CEO seeks to defuse Brazil meat spat over EU-Mercosur trade deal comments
The Carrefour CEO's comments over an EU-Mercosur trade deal caused disruption to supplies of meat to Brazil stores.
3 min read - Worlddpa international
Poland proposes protection of the Baltic Sea with naval deployment
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has proposed joint monitoring of the Baltic Sea by the navies of the Baltic NATO states following damage to undersea communication cables in the region. "Baltic Air Policing already exists for the airspace over the Baltic Sea," Tusk said before a meeting in Stockholm with the heads of government of the Nordic and Baltic states on Wednesday. "I will convince our partners of the necessity to immediately create an analogous formula for the control and security of t
1 min read - WorldAssociated Press
France says it will work closely with Netanyahu despite international arrest warrant
France said Wednesday that it intends to continue to work in close collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite an arrest warrant issued for him by the world’s top war crimes court. The International Criminal Court issued warrants last week for Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza. Since then, French officials have replied vaguely to questions about whether
2 min read
