News24 | China vows to counter US weapons sales to Taiwan as major military drills continue
China’s top diplomat said in Beijing that China would “forcefully counter” large-scale US weapons sales to Taiwan.
World
News24 | France pushes back ban on plastic cups
The French government on Tuesday postponed a ban on plastic throwaway cups by four years to 2030 because of difficulties finding alternatives.
Spanish woman who found fame for botching fresco restoration dies
Cecilia Giménez’s effort to restore the painting Ecce Homo earned the artwork the nickname “Monkey Christ”.
Khaleda Zia: Slain leader’s widow who became Bangladesh’s first PM
The country’s first female prime minister governed in periods of violent unrest and economic hardship.
Alleged Bondi gunmen acted alone and did not train in the Philippines, police say
The father-and-son duo spent a month in the Philippines before the attack that killed 15 people in Bondi.
‘No worries’: Trump downplays Chinese military drills around Taiwan
Trump shrugged off the drills which come two weeks after the US announced an $11bn arms sale to Taiwan.
The fight over Christian nationalism in a small Tennessee town
A controversy kicked off after two religious podcasters moved into an Appalachian hill town deep in the Bible Belt.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro undergoes second medical procedure for hiccups
The former far-right leader receives second treatment in three days for chronic hiccups.
Photographing the hidden world of slime mould
Meet Barry Webb and his award-winning images of the tiny world of slime mould.
Naan: How the ‘world’s best bread’ travelled from Islamic courts to our plates
Naan, a leavened flatbread, was once the food of nobility but is now a global culinary delight.
Coups, elections and protests – a difficult year for democracy in Africa
Post-election violence in Tanzania and more coups were part of a turbulent 12 months on the continent.
Russia’s losses in Ukraine rise faster than ever, as US pushes for peace deal
A steep rise in soldiers’ obituaries is documented by the BBC as part of its work in counting Russian war losses.
Trump says US hit ‘big facility’ linked to alleged Venezuelan drug boats
The president said it was a dock area “where they load the boats up with drugs”.
Trump and Netanyahu discussed peace deal, Iran and more in meeting
President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Florida as the men discuss peace plans in the Middle East.
Nepal to scrap ‘failed’ Mount Everest waste deposit scheme
Under the scheme, climbers paid a $4,000 deposit that was returned if they brought 8kg of waste down the mountain.
US pledges $2bn for humanitarian aid, but tells UN ‘adapt or die’
The pledge was welcomed by the UN, but comes after previous major cuts to US funding for humanitarian operations.
The U.S. offers Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee for now, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday the United States is offering his country security guarantees for a period of 15 years as part of a proposed peace plan.
News24 | North Korea launches cruise missiles, Kim Jong Un calls for nuclear defence development
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a test launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles and called for the “unlimited and sustained” development of his country’s nuclear combat forces, according to state media.
Trump says Ukraine peace is closer. And, how funding cuts affect anti-poverty groups
Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy signaled momentum on peace talks after a meeting yesterday. And, anti-poverty groups address challenges they are facing that impact Americans who need help.
Trump to meet Netanyahu in Florida as focus turns to Middle East issues
They are set to discuss Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, where the Trump administration wants to see the ceasefire enter its second stage in January.
Ex-Pentagon official on the prospects of a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine’s president visited Mar-a-Lago Sunday. NPR’s Leila Fadel talks to former Pentagon official Evelyn Farkas, now executive director of the McCain Institute, about prospects for peace.