World News
Dark energy doesn't exist: Scientists make shocking claim on big mystery
A group of scientists have challenged dark energy's existence and suggested that the universe's expansion is accelerating due to uneven gravitational effects on time
 "Dark energy doesn't exist: Scientists make shocking claim on big mystery")
World's most advanced and expensive; Indo-US NISAR satellite to launch soon
India and the US jointly designed the NISAR satellite which is set to be launched next year. It can gather images with dual frequency radar, effectively functioning in darkness and adverse weather
 "World's most advanced and expensive; Indo-US NISAR satellite to launch soon")
Is it fair to pay foreign workers less? Co-founder of this US firm says yes
Franco Pereyra, co-founder, COO of Near sparked an online debate by claiming that the less pay for third-world countries employees is justifiable. However, people denied and countered the narrative
 "Is it fair to pay foreign workers less? Co-founder of this US firm says yes")
US expresses concern over sentencing of 25 civilians by Pak military court
United States continues to call on Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process
 "US expresses concern over sentencing of 25 civilians by Pak military court")
Israel intercepts projectile launched from Yemen, former hostage dies
Tel Aviv Israel's military said the projectile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory
 "Israel intercepts projectile launched from Yemen, former hostage dies")
Syria's new authorities 'very receptive' to Assad's war crimes probe: UN
UN associate spokesperson Stephane Tremblay said Monday the investigative team is preparing for an operational deployment as early as possible
 "Syria's new authorities 'very receptive' to Assad's war crimes probe: UN")
Chinese workers found in 'slave-like conditions' at BYD's Brazil facility
BYD has cut ties with its contractor Jinjiang Construction Brazil Ltd, and pledged to protect the rights of all subcontracted workers
 "Chinese workers found in 'slave-like conditions' at BYD's Brazil facility")
Turkiye armament factory explosion leaves 12 dead and four injured
The blast occurred at a factory located in the province of Balikesir, which specialises in the production of military capsules
 "Turkiye armament factory explosion leaves 12 dead and four injured")
Starbucks strike to expand to 300 stores on Christmas Eve, says union
Starbucks Workers United, representing employees at 525 stores nationwide, said more than 60 US stores across 12 major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Seattle, were shut on Monday
 "Starbucks strike to expand to 300 stores on Christmas Eve, says union")
Trump team revives 2020 plan for US exit from WHO on day one of new term
The United States is the largest single donor to the World Health Organization, contributing 16% of its funding in 2022-23
 "Trump team revives 2020 plan for US exit from WHO on day one of new term")
China plans record $411 billion special treasury bond issuance next year
The proceeds will be targeted at boosting consumption via subsidy programmes, equipment upgrades by businesses and funding investments in innovation-driven advanced sectors
 "China plans record $411 billion special treasury bond issuance next year")
Dissanayake's presidency opens new chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations
The development has brought renewed attention to the dynamics between the two neighbouring countries
 "Dissanayake's presidency opens new chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations")
China to hike pensions, med insurance subsidies to spur consumption in 2025
The country will boost the basic pension for retirees and for urban and rural residents and raise financial subsidy standards for urban and rural residents' medical insurance
 "China to hike pensions, med insurance subsidies to spur consumption in 2025")
Musk's SpaceX, Amazon in talks with British Airways owner on wi-fi deal
One obstacle for Starlink is the complexity of the certification process, Gigante said. She said IAG is evaluating various options, including when the group could install a new service
 "Musk's SpaceX, Amazon in talks with British Airways owner on wi-fi deal")
Walmart, Branch accused of opening drivers' costly accounts without consent
Walmart and Branch Messenger are being sued for allegedly opening expensive bank accounts for delivery drivers without their consent. Here's all that happened
 "Walmart, Branch accused of opening drivers' costly accounts without consent")
Taiwan reports 8 Chinese aircraft, six naval vessels around its territory
Of the eight People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, six of them crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
 "Taiwan reports 8 Chinese aircraft, six naval vessels around its territory")
Nippon Steel's US Steel bid referred to President Biden for final decision
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which reviews foreign investments in the US for national security risks
 "Nippon Steel's US Steel bid referred to President Biden for final decision")
Emmanuel Macron unveils new French govt led by PM Francois Bayrou
Newly appointed French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou formed the country's fourth government
 "Emmanuel Macron unveils new French govt led by PM Francois Bayrou")
Biden signs defence bill despite objections to ban transgender health care
Biden said his administration strongly opposes the provision because it targets a group based on gender identity
 "Biden signs defence bill despite objections to ban transgender health care")
Sudan halts participation in hunger-monitor system on eve of famine report
In a letter dated Dec. 23, the government's agriculture minister said the government is halting its participation in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system
 "Sudan halts participation in hunger-monitor system on eve of famine report")
