International

As excitement grows around the forthcoming discussions between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, the Russian leader faces increasing demands to prove his nation's sincere dedication to peace. Demands for tangible measures are voiced by both global officials and analysts, stressing the importance of Russia taking substantial actions to reduce international tensions and showing readiness to participate in effective conversations.As anticipation builds for upcoming talks between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, the Russian president is under mounting pressure to show that his country is genuinely committed to peace. The calls for concrete actions come from both international leaders and observers, who…

A wave of public anger has emerged in North Macedonia after a devastating event in a nightclub led to the loss of several lives. This catastrophe has reverberated across the country, sparking demonstrations in multiple cities as the populace calls for government accountability and stricter implementation of safety measures.The venue, situated in a well-known nightlife area, turned chaotic when a blaze erupted on a bustling night, trapping guests inside. Observers recounted the harrowing situation as the fire quickly expanded, allowing minimal time for many to flee. The calamity has caused families to mourn deeply and led the nation to ponder…

China has revealed intentions for a large-scale government-supported fund designed to boost advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hydrogen energy, and other cutting-edge industries. This plan, known as the "state venture capital guidance fund," was announced by Zheng Shanjie, the head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), at a press briefing held during China’s yearly legislative sessions.China has announced plans for a massive state-backed fund aimed at accelerating innovation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hydrogen energy, and other high-tech sectors. The initiative, referred to as the "state venture capital guidance fund," was unveiled by Zheng Shanjie, chairman of…

Following the rapid overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime by Islamist rebels, Syria continues to face significant instability. The interim administration, under the leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa, is struggling with increasing security issues, such as fierce resistance from Assad's remaining supporters. Although the fall of Assad’s repressive regime was a pivotal moment in Syria’s 13-year conflict, achieving lasting peace remains a complex challenge.The interim government, primarily made up of individuals who gained influence from opposition areas such as Idlib in the northwest, has taken over a nation left divided and ravaged by prolonged conflict. The elimination of Assad-era institutions, including the…

Ukraine and US Unable to Conclude Deal on Rare Earth MineralsOn Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine held a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, aiming to sign a deal allowing the US to access Ukraine's rare earth mineral resources. Nonetheless, the discussions took a surprising shift, resulting in a tense argument with Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance. After Zelensky left prematurely, the White House confirmed that no deal was finalized.Prior to the meeting, Zelensky had shown optimism, suggesting this "initial" agreement might lead to expanded collaboration. However, he acknowledged that Ukraine still needed to obtain…

Ukraine and US Unable to Conclude Rare Earth Minerals DealOn Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine held a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, aiming to sign a deal allowing the US to access Ukraine's rare earth mineral resources. Nonetheless, the discussions took a surprising shift, resulting in a tense argument with Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance. After Zelensky left prematurely, the White House confirmed that no deal was finalized.Zelensky had earlier conveyed hope that this "initial" agreement might lead to enhanced collaboration. Yet, he acknowledged that Ukraine still hadn't obtained any security assurances from the…

European stock markets traded lower on Monday in the last full trading session of 2024, as investors braced for a quiet end to the year. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.5% in early afternoon trading in London, with most sectors posting losses. Technology, industrial and media stocks led the declines, while oil and gas stocks managed to post gains. Trading volumes remained light as markets across the region prepared to close early or remain closed until January 2 for the New Year holidays. Despite Monday's modest performance, European stocks are on track to end the year with moderate gains.…

On New Year's Day, Ukraine officially cut off the flow of Russian natural gas to several European countries, marking the end of Moscow's long-standing dominance of European energy markets. The move, which had been widely anticipated, comes as the five-year transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expired without renewal amid the ongoing war between the two nations. At around 8am local time on Wednesday, Russian state energy giant Gazprom confirmed that gas exports to Europe via Ukrainian pipelines had stopped. This development, which follows more than three decades of transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, highlights changing energy dynamics in…

For decades, María Amparo Carvajal in Bolivia and Juana Ruiz in Colombia have dedicated their lives to defending human rights and supporting survivors of violence and oppression. Their tireless efforts were recognized this week when the US State Department awarded them the prestigious Human Rights Defender Award. Carvajal, originally from Spain, has been a central figure in Bolivia's human rights movement since 1971, the year Hugo Banzer took power in a coup. Banzer's regime, which lasted until 1978, was characterized by widespread human rights violations, motivating Carvajal to take action. In 1976 he founded the Permanent Assembly for Human Rights…

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed optimism about the growing collaboration between the United States, Japan and Australia as the three nations continue to strengthen their military capabilities. Speaking during a joint observation of the military exercises on Wednesday, Austin highlighted the importance of this enhanced cooperation in addressing rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Austin's visit to Japan underlined Washington's commitment to its alliances in the region and its dedication to maintaining stability. Observing the Yama Sakura 87 exercises at Japan's Asaka camp, just outside Tokyo, Austin stressed the critical importance of readiness. “Having the right equipment, ammunition and…