World News
China's Xi swears in Macao's new leader, urges economic diversification
New Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai Macao's first leader born in mainland China vowed to address the territory's unbalanced and uncoordinated economic development
 "China's Xi swears in Macao's new leader, urges economic diversification")
US diplomats and hostage envoy in Syria on first visit since Assad ouster
The team is also the first group of American diplomats to formally visit Syria in more than a decade since the US shuttered its embassy in Damascus in 2012
 "US diplomats and hostage envoy in Syria on first visit since Assad ouster")
US has 2,000 troops in Syria, increase from previous 900, says Pentagon
He explained that such fluctuations in numbers of personnel are often quite common, and that the additional forces have been in place since before the December 8 downfall of Syrian President
 "US has 2,000 troops in Syria, increase from previous 900, says Pentagon")
Bangladesh receives $1.16 bn World Bank financing for inclusive development
These new financing will bring to the people of Bangladesh essential services such as health and water
 "Bangladesh receives $1.16 bn World Bank financing for inclusive development")
Int'l students urged to return to US campuses before Trump inauguration
More than a dozen schools have issued advisories, even though Trump's plans remain uncertain
 "Int'l students urged to return to US campuses before Trump inauguration")
Democratic governors hammered Trump earlier, now they hope to work with him
A New York jury convicted Trump earlier this year on all 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex
 "Democratic governors hammered Trump earlier, now they hope to work with him")
Turkey, Russia engage in delicate manoeuvre over Syria after Assad's fall
Russia and Turkiye share economic and security interests along with an intense rivalry
 "Turkey, Russia engage in delicate manoeuvre over Syria after Assad's fall")
EU deal and Donald Trump tariff threats bolster Mercosur trade talks
Topping the list of Mercosur's most likely new trade pacts next year are deals with the European Free Trade Association of four non-EU nations
Starbucks workers' union to strike in 3 US cities ahead of Christmas rush
Starbucks said it is ready to continue negotiations, claiming the union delegates prematurely ended the bargaining session
 "Starbucks workers' union to strike in 3 US cities ahead of Christmas rush")
Senators urge Biden to grant ByteDance 90-day delay from law requiring sale
The Justice Department had said that as a Chinese company, TikTok poses a national-security threat of immense depth and scale
 "Senators urge Biden to grant ByteDance 90-day delay from law requiring sale")
In weight loss battle, Novo and Lilly face offensive from licenced copies
Since Novo's blockbuster Ozempic diabetes treatment was approved in the United States in 2017, regulators have greenlighted 22 medicines containing its main ingredient in Bangladesh, Laos, Russia
 "In weight loss battle, Novo and Lilly face offensive from licenced copies")
Pakistan's missile programme is 'emerging threat', says top US official
Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer's surprise revelation underscored how far the once-close ties between Washington and Islamabad have deteriorated
 "Pakistan's missile programme is 'emerging threat', says top US official")
US' commerce dept asks Nvidia to probe how chips ended up in China
The chip giant has asked big distributors such as Super Micro Computer and Dell Technologies to conduct spot checks of their customers in Southeast Asia, the report said
 "US' commerce dept asks Nvidia to probe how chips ended up in China")
S Korean investigators seek to question reluctant prez over martial law
Yoon is focusing on defending himself at the Constitutional Court, which following his impeachment will decide whether to remove him from office or reinstate his powers
 "S Korean investigators seek to question reluctant prez over martial law")
Eli Lilly's weight-loss, diabetes drug shortage is resolved, says US FDA
The finding effectively bars widespread sales of cheaper copies of the drugs that many patients use, but the FDA said it would not take any action against the compounding pharmacies
 "Eli Lilly's weight-loss, diabetes drug shortage is resolved, says US FDA")
Australia announces $118 mn deal to enhance policing in Solomon Islands
Australia has been energetically pursuing new bilateral security deals with its Pacific island neighbor
 "Australia announces $118 mn deal to enhance policing in Solomon Islands")
What charges does Luigi Mangione face over UnitedHealth executive killing?
Prosecutors may seek a grand jury indictment of Mangione, which could contain different charges
 "What charges does Luigi Mangione face over UnitedHealth executive killing?")
Boeing secures year's largest 737 MAX order: 100 jets for Pegasus Airlines
The deal is worth $5.85 billion after typical industry discounts, according to estimated delivery prices from UK-based Cirium Ascend. Boeing shares rose 2.6 per cent
 "Boeing secures year's largest 737 MAX order: 100 jets for Pegasus Airlines")
Israel debunks media claims of using water for acts of genocide in Gaza
Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of committing acts of genocide by denying clean water to Palestinians in Gaza
 "Israel debunks media claims of using water for acts of genocide in Gaza")
Auto-producer countries including Germany press EU to waive CO2 fines
Automakers have warned of plant closures and thousands of job losses, as they struggle with weak demand, Chinese competition and lower than expected electric vehicle sales
 "Auto-producer countries including Germany press EU to waive CO2 fines")
