This article highlights several viral events in India during 2025. Notable moments include Shah Rukh Khan's debut at the Met Gala, the Indian women's cricket team's World Cup win, and an Indian astronaut's journey to the International Space Station.
Key Facts
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan attended his first Met Gala in May 2025, wearing an outfit by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
The Met Gala had a theme focused on "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" and celebrated menswear.
During the Commonwealth Day service in March, a Bollywood song played by a pipe band went viral on Indian social media.
The Indian women's cricket team won their first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup by defeating South Africa in November.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station in June 2025.
Group Captain Shukla's space mission was part of Axiom Mission 4, which launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
His achievement was widely celebrated in India, with significant media attention and public celebrations.
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A five-year-old boy named Edward from England received a costly gene therapy called Zolgensma to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This treatment, provided through the NHS, has helped him make significant progress and now he can walk independently. Edward's family funded additional physiotherapy through donations to further support his development.
Key Facts
Edward has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a condition that causes muscle weakness.
He received a gene therapy treatment called Zolgensma at a cost of £1.79 million.
Zolgensma is considered the world's most expensive drug, though NHS England negotiated a discount.
About 65 babies are born with SMA each year in England.
Edward's gene therapy was administered through the NHS in 2021.
Edward can now walk 20 to 30 steps on his own and participate in activities like swimming and jet skiing.
His family raised £170,000 for additional physiotherapy and equipment through fundraising efforts.
Edward's progress is seen as remarkable by medical professionals, and he is one of over 150 children benefiting from the gene therapy.
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The article discusses the political situation for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he approaches a critical year, 2026. It talks about the possibility of changes within the Labour Party and the potential impact of upcoming elections in Wales, Scotland, and English local authorities on his leadership.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the current Prime Minister of the UK and leader of the Labour Party.
In 2026, there will be important elections in Wales, Scotland, and many local councils in England.
The results of these elections could significantly affect Labour's power and Starmer's leadership.
Some Labour Party members are already discussing the possibility of replacing Starmer.
Supporters of Starmer believe the Party needs to better communicate its goals and achievements.
There is international interest in the stability of Starmer's leadership in the UK.
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In 2025, female artists and the band Oasis significantly boosted UK music sales, with Taylor Swift leading the charts. Streaming dominated the market, accounting for most music access, while vinyl and cassette sales also saw growth. New UK female artists, like Olivia Dean and Lola Young, achieved major success.
Key Facts
Female artists dominated UK music sales in 2025, with Taylor Swift's album being the top seller.
Oasis had a successful reunion tour, selling over one million albums and 1.4 million tour tickets.
Streaming accounted for 89% of the UK music market in 2025.
Olivia Dean had the historic achievement of a simultaneous number one single and album in the UK.
Vinyl sales increased by 13% in 2025, continuing an 18-year growth trend.
Cassettes experienced a 53.8% increase in sales, despite being a niche market.
New UK female talent saw significant breakthroughs, contributing to international success.
Six of the top ten selling tracks in 2025 were from the previous year or earlier.
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Mamady Doumbouya, who led a military coup in Guinea, has been elected president based on provisional results, receiving 86.72% of the vote. The election marks a move towards civilian rule after nearly five years of military leadership.
Key Facts
Mamady Doumbouya was elected president of Guinea with 86.72% of the vote.
The election took place on December 28, 2023.
Provisional results show Doumbouya avoiding a runoff election due to his majority win.
The Supreme Court of Guinea will check the results within eight days if there are any disputes.
Doumbouya faced eight opponents, but main opposition figures were not allowed to run.
Doumbouya seized power in a 2021 coup, overthrowing President Alpha Conde.
The coup was one of several in West and Central Africa since 2020.
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The Philippine government is building a "smart city" called New Clark City on the site of a former U.S. military base. This development is part of a plan to attract tourists and investors, but it has raised concerns among the indigenous Aeta community living nearby, who fear losing their land.
Key Facts
New Clark City is being constructed on the former Clark Air Base in the Philippines.
The project is aimed at easing congestion in Manila and attracting foreign investment.
The area was originally occupied by the Aeta people before being taken over by American colonizers in the 1920s.
About 20,000 Aetas live in the Clark area today, often without recognized land rights.
The Aeta community is trying to secure legal recognition of their land through a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title.
The current development plans may displace the Aeta community from their traditional lands.
The project includes new train lines, airport expansions, and a large stadium designed to host international events.
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The UAE is removing its counterterrorism units from Yemen following air strikes by a Saudi-led group on a southern Yemeni port. This action comes amid accusations by Saudi Arabia that the UAE supported Yemen's separatists with weapons and vehicles, which the UAE denies.
Key Facts
The UAE is withdrawing counterterrorism units from Yemen.
A Saudi-led coalition recently carried out air strikes on a port in southern Yemen.
Saudi Arabia accuses the UAE of sending weapons and military vehicles to help Yemen's separatists.
The UAE denies these accusations from Saudi Arabia.
The air strikes and accusations indicate tension between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over Yemen.
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The United States, under President Donald Trump, signed a $480 million health aid deal with the Ivory Coast. This deal is part of the America First Global Health Strategy, which aims to create more direct and accountable health aid agreements with countries. The Ivory Coast has also promised to increase its health funding by 2030.
Key Facts
The US and Ivory Coast signed a $480 million health aid agreement.
The deal is part of President Trump's America First Global Health Strategy.
The signing took place in Abidjan, the capital of the Ivory Coast.
The Ivory Coast agreed to increase its health spending to $292 million by 2030.
The Trump administration has cut back funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Some experts worry the new strategy could harm public health services and the progress made so far.
Concerns include the potential negative impact on HIV spread, maternal and child healthcare, and malaria cases in Africa.
The new strategy includes bilateral agreements that emphasize trade, innovation, and shared prosperity.
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China is conducting large military exercises near Taiwan, called "Justice Mission 2025," to show its stance that Taiwan is part of its territory. The drills happen shortly after a $11 billion arms deal between the United States and Taiwan, which China sees as a warning to outside countries not to interfere.
Key Facts
China is holding large military exercises around Taiwan.
The exercises are named “Justice Mission 2025.”
China claims these drills are to show that Taiwan belongs to its territory.
The exercises follow an $11 billion arms deal between the US and Taiwan.
China described the drills as a "stern warning" to any external countries.
The United States was not specifically named in China's statements.
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Canadians in Toronto and Montreal shared their hopes for 2026, focusing on improved relations with Europe, more affordable housing, and a stronger economy. They are also optimistic about addressing homelessness and having a better outlook for the future.
Key Facts
Canadians expressed optimism about the future in 2026.
People in Toronto and Montreal are hopeful for stronger ties with Europe.
Affordable housing is a main concern for Canadians.
There is a focus on tackling homelessness.
Economic strengthening is a priority for the future.
Canadians look forward to a brighter future overall.
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Mexican officials have seized motorcycles valued at $40 million linked to Ryan Wedding, a Canadian ex-Olympic snowboarder accused of drug trafficking. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies assisted in the operation, recovering several rare motorcycles and other luxury items. Wedding is considered a major drug dealer and is on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.
Key Facts
Mexican authorities seized motorcycles worth $40 million linked to Ryan Wedding.
The operation was carried out with help from the FBI, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Ryan Wedding is accused of running a large drug trafficking operation.
Authorities found rare racing motorcycles, luxury paintings, artwork, drugs, and two Olympic gold medals in raids.
Wedding participated in the 2002 Olympic Games but did not win medals.
He is on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, with a $15 million reward for his capture.
Wedding is believed to be protected by Mexican drug cartels.
He has been charged with multiple crimes, including drug trafficking and witness tampering.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, calling it "illegitimate and unacceptable." He expressed concerns that this action could destabilize the Horn of Africa region. Turkey and Somalia are increasing their cooperation, especially in energy.
Key Facts
Turkish President Erdogan condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland.
He claims the decision could destabilize the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition.
Israel is the first country to recognize Somaliland, citing the Abraham Accords.
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called Israel's actions "illegal aggression."
Mohamud claims the recognition violates UN and African Union agreements.
Turkey has been actively involved in mediating between Somalia and Somaliland.
Researchers warn that Israel's recognition poses a challenge to Somalia’s stability and Turkey's interests.
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Israel plans to cancel the licenses of 37 aid organizations working in Gaza and the West Bank due to not meeting new registration requirements. This decision includes major international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) like ActionAid and the Norwegian Refugee Council, and has drawn criticism from several countries' foreign ministers. Israel states that the changes do not affect overall aid delivery, as assistance continues through approved channels.
Key Facts
Israel will revoke licenses for 37 aid groups in Gaza and the West Bank from January 1.
Affected organizations include well-known INGOs such as ActionAid and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
The main reason cited is the failure to provide complete personal details of employees.
Foreign ministers from 10 countries criticized the decision as restrictive and unacceptable.
Critics say the closures will impact access to essential services like healthcare in Gaza.
Israel claims the measures aim to prevent the infiltration of terrorist operatives.
Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs says aid delivery will continue via vetted and approved channels.
Fewer than 15% of aid organizations were found non-compliant with new rules.
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Thieves stole valuables worth between 10 and 90 million euros from Sparkasse Bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Police have released footage showing a large hole in the bank's vault. Customers gathered outside the bank seeking information.
Key Facts
Thieves targeted Sparkasse Bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
They took valuables valued between 10 and 90 million euros.
This amount converts to about $11.7 to $105.7 million in U.S. dollars.
A video shows a big hole in the bank's vault.
Many people stood outside the bank asking for answers from the bank.
Police are investigating the crime.
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Israel has decided to stop more than 24 aid organizations, including major groups like Doctors Without Borders, from working in Gaza. The decision is based on these groups not meeting new Israeli requirements regarding how they operate and share information. Israel contends that some of these organizations have not been clear about their staff roles and connections to Hamas.
Key Facts
Israel plans to suspend over two dozen humanitarian groups in Gaza, including Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
The organizations were suspended for not meeting new Israeli requirements on staff information and operations.
Israel accused some aid workers of cooperating with Hamas, which the aid groups deny.
Doctors Without Borders says it supports about 20% of hospital beds and one-third of births in Gaza.
The suspension is affecting efforts to help displaced people in Gaza facing difficult conditions.
Israel says 37 groups have not had their permits renewed to work in Gaza.
Ten countries expressed concern about worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disagrees with international criticism, insisting on the disarmament of Hamas.
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Syrian authorities have set a curfew in the city of Latakia due to increased violence in Alawite-majority areas. Recent unrest in Syria follows the toppling of Bashar al-Assad and involves arrests connected to past government officials. The current Syrian government is working to restore security and stability after years of civil war.
Key Facts
Syrian authorities imposed a curfew in Latakia from 5pm Tuesday to 6am Wednesday due to rising violence.
21 people linked to the former al-Assad regime were arrested by Syrian security forces.
The violence occurred in Alawite-majority neighborhoods and included property damage.
The unrest is linked to tensions following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa leads the current Syrian government and faces challenges in stabilizing the country.
Syrian troops are deployed in coastal areas like Latakia to enhance security.
Recent demonstrations in Syria’s Homs city led to a bombing that killed at least three people.
Alawite communities in coastal regions have experienced increased targeting since the previous government's fall.
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President Trump publicly announced a covert action by the U.S. on a port facility in Venezuela. The strike is reportedly linked to the CIA and is part of efforts against drug smuggling and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Key Facts
President Trump revealed a U.S. covert action in Venezuela.
The action involved a strike on a Venezuelan port facility.
Media reports suggest that the CIA carried out the drone strike.
The U.S. is targeting drug smugglers in Venezuela with this action.
President Trump's administration is also focusing on President Nicolas Maduro.
The announcement is unusual because presidents typically do not disclose covert operations.
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Several artists have canceled their performances at the Kennedy Center after President Trump's name was added to the building. The United Arab Emirates is removing its troops from Yemen following an attack by Saudi Arabia on an Emirati vessel. Eurostar train services faced disruptions when a power outage affected the Channel Tunnel.
Key Facts
More artists are canceling their shows at the Kennedy Center.
This follows the addition of President Trump's name to the center.
The United Arab Emirates is withdrawing its troops from Yemen.
Saudi Arabia conducted an attack on an Emirati ship in a Yemeni port.
Eurostar suspended train services due to a power failure.
The power failure affected travel in the Channel Tunnel, stranding passengers.
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The United States has promised to give $2 billion in humanitarian aid to the United Nations. This decision follows a pause in contributions earlier this year, which caused challenges for the UN and other aid groups.
Key Facts
The U.S. pledged $2 billion in aid to the United Nations.
This aid is part of a new plan to change how the U.S. funds foreign aid.
Earlier this year, the U.S. paused almost all of its aid contributions.
The pause in aid caused difficulties for the UN and other organizations.
The information was discussed by William Brangham and Jeremy Konyndyk from Refugees International.
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George Clooney, Amal Clooney, and their children have received French citizenship. The family lives on a farm in Brignoles, in southern France, which is now their main home. The Clooneys made their citizenship change public through the French government's official publication.
Key Facts
George Clooney, his wife Amal, and their twins were granted French citizenship.
The family lives on a farm in Brignoles, in the south of France.
George and Amal Clooney bought the French home in 2021.
George Clooney wanted to raise his children away from Hollywood's spotlight.
Their citizenship was announced in the Journal Officiel, a French government publication.
George Clooney owns homes in the UK and Kentucky, USA.
Amal Clooney was born in Lebanon and grew up in the UK.
George describes his French language skills as poor compared to Amal and their children, who speak it fluently.
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