World News
Taiwan detects 11 Chinese military aircraft, 6 vessels near island
According to Radio Free Asia, this shipment is part of a larger order of 122 tanks expected over the next two years. While the M1A2T is regarded as one of the most advanced main battle tanks globally
 "Taiwan detects 11 Chinese military aircraft, 6 vessels near island")
Albania to shut down TikTok for a year over violence among children
There has been increasing concern from Albanian parents after reports of children taking knives and other objects to school to use in quarrels or cases of bullying promoted by stories on TikTok
 "Albania to shut down TikTok for a year over violence among children")
US nuclear expansion unlikely to deter China, finds CSIS-MIT study
Three scenarios culminated in mutual annihilation, with both the US and China engaging in a nuclear exchange that decimated cities and resulted in millions of casualties
 "US nuclear expansion unlikely to deter China, finds CSIS-MIT study")
16 soldiers killed in terrorist attack on South Waziristan post in Pakistan
The ISPR reported that on the night of December 19-20, security forces detected a group of terrorists attempting to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan. Following an intense exchange of fire
 "16 soldiers killed in terrorist attack on South Waziristan post in Pakistan")
Bankruptcies, suicide rise as Japanese struggle with mounting debt
While Japan is by no means alone in confronting a debt problem, salaries are the lowest of Group-of-Seven countries, and the central bank is raising borrowing costs while its peers cut them
 "Bankruptcies, suicide rise as Japanese struggle with mounting debt")
Trump taps 'Apprentice' producer Mark Burnett as special envoy to UK
Almost a decade after he left his reality TV role, Trump's television career remains central to his biography and political rise. The show presented Trump Tower to tens of millions of people
 "Trump taps 'Apprentice' producer Mark Burnett as special envoy to UK")
7 Indians among around 200 injured in German Christmas market attack
Senior prosecutor Horst Walter Nopens said the motive for the attack remains unclear, but the suspect's dissatisfaction with Germany's treatment of Saudi refugees may have played a role
 "7 Indians among around 200 injured in German Christmas market attack")
38 dead, 100+ missing in Congo after ferry capsizes in Busira river
Congolese officials have often warned against overloading and vowed to punish those violating safety measures for water transportation
 "38 dead, 100+ missing in Congo after ferry capsizes in Busira river")
US Prez Biden signs govt funding legislation, averts shutdown crisis
The deal funds the government at current levels through March 14 and provides $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers
 "US Prez Biden signs govt funding legislation, averts shutdown crisis")
Rocket fired from Yemen hit Tel Aviv, 16 injured: Israeli military
A further 14 people sustained minor injuries as they rushed to shelters when air raid sirens sounded before the projectile hit just before 4 am Saturday
 "Rocket fired from Yemen hit Tel Aviv, 16 injured: Israeli military")
Death toll in Germany Christmas market attack rises to 5, over 200 injured
Authorities arrested a 50-year-old man at the site of the attack in Magdeburg on Friday evening and took him into custody for questioning. He has lived in Germany for nearly two decades
 "Death toll in Germany Christmas market attack rises to 5, over 200 injured")
Pope Francis reprimands staff for gossiping in annual Christmas message
A wheezing and congested sounding Francis, who just turned 88, urged the prelates instead to speak well of one another and undertake a humble examination of their own consciences
 "Pope Francis reprimands staff for gossiping in annual Christmas message")
Iran hires locals, including minors to attack Israeli targets in Europe
Britain's MI5 has also issued warnings of an increase in Iran-linked attacks. But the Nordic countries are particularly vulnerable
 "Iran hires locals, including minors to attack Israeli targets in Europe")
World leaders condemn Magdeburg Christmas market car attack in Germany
At least two people were killed and dozens injured in the attack at a Christmas market
 "World leaders condemn Magdeburg Christmas market car attack in Germany")
French magazine exposes Pak's links to extremist network Jaish-e-Mohammed
The report highlights the resurgence of the Jaish e Mohammed (JeM), particularly in Bahawalpur area of Punjab province
 "French magazine exposes Pak's links to extremist network Jaish-e-Mohammed")
COP 29 backtracks to address climate crisis in Tibetan Plateau due to China
China has also built major dams on Tibet's major rivers to block access to water to downstream countries
 "COP 29 backtracks to address climate crisis in Tibetan Plateau due to China")
Ex-SC judge Madan Lokur named chairperson of UN Internal Justice Council
Born in 1953, Justice Lokur was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court on June 4, 2012
 "Ex-SC judge Madan Lokur named chairperson of UN Internal Justice Council")
Elon Musk killed US congressional spending bill, made false claims
Musk's objections to the 1,547-page omnibus bill included misinformation about congressional salaries, federal funding and public health preparedness
 "Elon Musk killed US congressional spending bill, made false claims")
US Congress passes funding bill, averting govt shutdown; Biden to sign soon
The House approved Johnson's new bill overwhelmingly, 366-34
 "US Congress passes funding bill, averting govt shutdown; Biden to sign soon")
Trump's Nato push: Higher defence spending, continued aid to Ukraine
Trump plans to push Nato allies to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP while continuing aid to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in his foreign policy approach
 "Trump's Nato push: Higher defence spending, continued aid to Ukraine")
