World News
Netanyahu Calls Corruption Case "Bugs Bunny Trial" While Defending Pardon Request
Dec 05, 2025 06:29 pm CST
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled his ongoing corruption trial as a "Bugs Bunny trial" in a social media video defending his request for a presidential pardon. The trial, which began in 2019, involves allegations of accepting luxury gifts and seeking favorable media coverage, while creating significant political divisions within Israel.
Putin's Alleged Daughter Apologizes for Ukraine War When Confronted by Journalist in Paris
Dec 05, 2025 06:14 pm CST
Luiza Rozova, believed to be Russian President Vladimir Putin's undisclosed daughter, apologized for Russia's war in Ukraine when confronted by Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Sviatnenko on the streets of Paris. The journalist, whose brother was killed in a Russian airstrike, questioned how Rozova could live in Europe despite her father's anti-Western stance and urged her to help end the conflict.
Devastating Footage: Indonesia Highway Collapses Into Massive Sinkhole Following Heavy Rainfall and Deforestation
Dec 05, 2025 05:23 pm CST
A catastrophic highway collapse in West Sumatra, Indonesia has been captured on video, showing the road crumbling into a massive sinkhole while people flee for safety. The disaster, linked to heavy monsoon rains and exacerbated by deforestation, created a 30-meter gap in crucial infrastructure. This incident highlights Indonesia's growing environmental challenges, including the loss of over 240,000 hectares of primary forest in 2024 alone, contributing to increasingly severe flooding and landslides across the region.
Most Mispronounced Words of 2025: From Zohran Mamdani to the Louvre
Dec 05, 2025 04:44 pm CST
The language learning company Babbel has released its annual list of most mispronounced words for 2025, featuring New York's incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani and Paris's Louvre museum. The list highlights pronunciation challenges faced by Americans as they discussed major news stories, from political milestones to international heists, providing insights into the year's most talked-about topics and figures.
Field Marshal Asim Munir Appointed as Pakistan's First Chief of Defence Forces with Nuclear Authority
Dec 05, 2025 04:36 pm CST
Field Marshal Asim Munir has been appointed as Pakistan's first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), gaining unprecedented control over all military branches and the country's nuclear arsenal. This five-year appointment grants him legal immunity equivalent to the president and establishes him as Pakistan's most powerful military figure in decades, raising questions about the balance of power between civilian and military authorities.
Police Recover $19,000 James Bond-Inspired Faberge Pendant After Thief Swallowed It
Dec 05, 2025 04:17 pm CST
New Zealand Police have recovered a limited-edition Faberge egg pendant worth $19,000 after monitoring a thief who swallowed it in an Auckland jewelry store. The James Bond "Octopussy"-inspired collectible, adorned with 183 diamonds and featuring a gold octopus inside, was naturally expelled after six days of police surveillance, with the suspect remaining in custody until his next court appearance.
Australia Implements World-First Social Media Ban: TikTok Announces Compliance Measures for Under-16 Users
Dec 05, 2025 04:16 pm CST
Australia's pioneering legislation banning under-16s from social media platforms takes effect December 10, with TikTok announcing full compliance while offering affected users options to verify age or recover accounts when eligible. The unprecedented measure aims to protect youth mental health as other countries consider similar regulations despite freedom of speech concerns.
First Lady Melania Trump Illuminates National Christmas Tree at Traditional White House Ceremony
Dec 05, 2025 04:10 pm CST
First Lady Melania Trump lit the National Christmas Tree during the annual ceremony near the White House, featuring performances by the Beach Boys and various country artists. President Trump addressed the crowd, highlighting recent diplomatic achievements and expressing gratitude to service members, while also mentioning his meeting with the family of injured National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Chinese Media Praises Putin's India Visit as "Clear Message" Amid Western Pressure and Changing US Strategy
Dec 05, 2025 03:58 pm CST
Chinese state media has highlighted Russian President Putin's diplomatic visit to India as a demonstration that neither country faces international isolation, despite Western pressure. The visit occurs as the US seeks to improve relations with India while simultaneously promoting Ukraine peace negotiations, revealing complex dynamics in global geopolitics and India's strategic balancing between major powers.
China Imposes 13% VAT on Contraceptives to Combat Declining Birth Rates: What You Need to Know
Dec 05, 2025 03:37 pm CST
China has implemented a 13% VAT on contraceptives for the first time since 1993, reversing decades of tax exemption as part of efforts to boost declining birth rates. Despite abandoning its one-child policy in 2016 and allowing up to three children per family, China faces continuing population decline with births halving since 2016. The government is also offering subsidies for young children as high childrearing costs deter many couples from having children.