World News
US revives graphite mining amid battery boom, China trade tensions
With federal officials concerned about the steady supply of a number of critical minerals, several companies have plans to mine graphite
 "US revives graphite mining amid battery boom, China trade tensions")
More than 2 million Afghan refugees still living in Pakistan: UNHCR
Also in November, over 31,500 Afghan Proof of Registration Cards (PoRs) card holders were sent to Afghanistan through UNHCR's repatriation centres
 "More than 2 million Afghan refugees still living in Pakistan: UNHCR")
US futures dip, Asian shares trade mixed; gold, silver hit record highs
The price of gold gained 0.8 per cent to 4,538.80 a troy ounce, while silver jumped 4.5 per cent to $74.90 per ounce
 "US futures dip, Asian shares trade mixed; gold, silver hit record highs")
'Merry Christmas to dead terrorists': Trump on ISIS strike, warns more to come
Trump claimed ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria had been killing civilians, "primarily innocent Christians," and said US strikes would continue if the violence does not stop
 "'Merry Christmas to dead terrorists': Trump on ISIS strike, warns more to come")
Indian-origin man dies after 8 hour wait for treatment at Canada hospital
Family and friends want answers over how could a man with severe chest pain could fall through the cracks in such a shocking way
 "Indian-origin man dies after 8 hour wait for treatment at Canada hospital")
'Sleazebags': Trump slams Democrats over Epstein files in Christmas post
Trump claimed that those facing scrutiny are largely Democrats, asserting that when names emerge from what he described as 'ongoing Radical Left Witch Hunt,' there would be a lot of explaining to do
Snow storm disrupts hundreds of flights at New York City airports
At least 400 international and domestic flights have been canceled and many delayed, according to FlightAware, an airline tracking service
 "Snow storm disrupts hundreds of flights at New York City airports")
Myanmar to hold 1st election in 5 years as criticism of military rule grows
The military has framed the polls as a return to multi-party democracy, likely seeking to add a facade of legitimacy to its rule
 "Myanmar to hold 1st election in 5 years as criticism of military rule grows")
Turkiye nabs over 100 IS suspects planning attacks on Christmas, New Year
The office had issued warrants for 137 suspects, of whom 115 were detained; officers also seized many firearms, cartridges and documents during the raids
 "Turkiye nabs over 100 IS suspects planning attacks on Christmas, New Year")
Turkiye examines black boxes for crash that killed Libya's military chief
The private jet with Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad, four other military officers and three crew members crashed after taking off from Ankara, Turkiye's capital, killing everyone on board
 "Turkiye examines black boxes for crash that killed Libya's military chief")
Japan's Cabinet approves record defence budget that aims to deter China
The draft budget for fiscal 2026 beginning April is up 9.4% from 2025 and marks the fourth year of Japan's ongoing five-year programme to double annual arms spending to 2% of gross domestic product
 "Japan's Cabinet approves record defence budget that aims to deter China")
US struck IS targets in Nigeria after group targeted Christians: Trump
Last month, Trump said he had ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution
 "US struck IS targets in Nigeria after group targeted Christians: Trump")
US imposes visa bans on ex-EU commissioner Thierry Breton, and 4 others
In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio alleged that the five Europeans had 'advanced censorship crackdowns' against 'American speakers and American companies'
 "US imposes visa bans on ex-EU commissioner Thierry Breton, and 4 others")
Some documents prepared: Zelenskyy on peace deal after talks with US envoys
In a video message on X, Zelenskyy stated that the two nations must resolve the "sensitive issues" to reach a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia
 "Some documents prepared: Zelenskyy on peace deal after talks with US envoys")
14 nations condemn Israel's proposed new settlements in West Bank
According to the joint statement, the list includes the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Canada and Japan
 "14 nations condemn Israel's proposed new settlements in West Bank")
Russian court jails Putin critic Udaltsov for 6 years on terrorism charges
Udaltsov was a prominent opposition figure during the 2011-12 mass protests in Russia, triggered by reports of widespread rigging of a parliamentary election
 "Russian court jails Putin critic Udaltsov for 6 years on terrorism charges")
Bangladesh interim govt condemns Rajbari killing, denies communal angle
In a statement, the interim government claimed that, based on police information and preliminary investigations, the incident was not related to communal violence
 "Bangladesh interim govt condemns Rajbari killing, denies communal angle")
Pope Leo XIV remembers Gaza's suffering in first Christmas homily
Recalling that God was made flesh through Jesus's birth in a manger in Bethlehem, Leo likened God's word to a fragile tent among us
 "Pope Leo XIV remembers Gaza's suffering in first Christmas homily")
How Larry and David Ellison are chasing a $108 billion media empire
What was once a relatively weak father-and-son relationship has transformed into one of modern media's most intriguing business partnerships
 "How Larry and David Ellison are chasing a $108 billion media empire")
Why Russia is likely to reject the US-backed peace plan on Ukraine
The new blueprint includes the security guarantees Kyiv wants to prevent future Russian aggression, as well as plans to rebuild the war-ravaged nation
 "Why Russia is likely to reject the US-backed peace plan on Ukraine")
