Ghana has arrested nine Nigerians suspected of running cyber-crime networks in the capital, Accra. Authorities also detained 44 people thought to be victims who were brought from Nigeria under false claims of jobs. The operation uncovered numerous electronic devices used in these scams.
Key Facts
Nine Nigerians were arrested in Ghana for alleged cyber-crime activities in Accra.
Authorities found 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones, and two guns during the operation.
44 people believed to be victims were also detained and given to immigration officials.
Suspected criminals lure people to Ghana with fake job offers and force them into cyber-crime.
Typical scams include romance frauds and fake business emails to steal money.
The operation was led by multiple agencies, including the Cyber Security Authority.
Communications Minister Sam George advised foreign nationals to verify job offers in Ghana.
Collaborations with US authorities have led to additional arrests and the dismantling of crime networks.
Three U.S. Catholic cardinals publicly criticized President Donald Trump's foreign policy, urging it to follow moral values. They expressed concerns over recent military actions in Venezuela, threats to acquire Greenland, and cuts in foreign aid, warning these actions could lead to suffering instead of peace. This marks the second time in two months that Catholic leaders have challenged the administration's policies.
Key Facts
Three U.S. Catholic cardinals issued a statement on Trump’s foreign policy.
They criticized military actions in Venezuela, Greenland acquisition threats, and foreign aid cuts.
The cardinals want foreign policy to focus on human life, religious freedom, and dignity.
They referred to Pope Leo XIV’s address against using force for global control.
This is the second public challenge by Catholic leaders against Trump’s policies in two months.
Previously, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemned mass deportation efforts.
Weather experts warned over a million people in Pennsylvania about dangerous travel conditions due to snow squalls. These quick and intense snow events can cause white-out conditions and icy roads, making driving hazardous.
Key Facts
More than 1 million people in Pennsylvania received a travel warning due to snow squalls.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of "difficult" and "dangerous" travel conditions.
Snow squalls can create sudden white-out conditions and icy roads within minutes.
These conditions are caused by strong winds and quickly falling temperatures.
Warnings were issued for roads including Interstates 70, 80, 79, 376, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Snow squalls typically last less than an hour but can have serious impacts on travel and safety.
The weather system was moving eastward, affecting different regions of Pennsylvania at different times.
People in the area were advised to delay travel or exit highways safely before the snow squalls hit.
The Syrian government has reached a ceasefire agreement with the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to unify the country after years of civil war. Despite the agreement, fighting continues in some areas. The deal includes the Syrian government taking control of certain regions and integrating the SDF into its ministries.
Key Facts
Syria’s government and the Kurdish-led SDF agreed on a ceasefire to help unify the country.
The Syrian Army will take over control of three provinces: Raqqa, Deir Az Zor, and Hasakah.
The deal includes integrating the SDF into Syria’s defense and interior ministries.
Fighting continues in some areas, especially near a prison in al-Shadadi.
The Syrian government recognized Kurdish as a national language and gave official recognition to the Kurdish people.
Kurds are spread across several countries in the Middle East and do not have a state of their own.
There are between 30 and 40 million Kurds worldwide, making them the largest stateless ethnic group.
Historical treaties failed to establish a self-governing Kurdistan, leaving Kurds without an independent homeland.
A fire at a shopping center in Karachi, Pakistan, resulted in 23 confirmed deaths and many more people still missing. The fire started in the multistory building and took nearly a day to extinguish. Efforts are ongoing to identify bodies and search for those unaccounted for.
Key Facts
A fire at a Karachi shopping plaza killed at least 23 people.
The fire took nearly 24 hours to extinguish, and rescuers found more bodies once it was out.
Authorities are searching for 46 missing people.
Six bodies are identified; others need DNA testing because they are unrecognizable.
Relatives of the missing are providing DNA samples to help identify bodies.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.
The Sindh provincial government will give compensation to the families of the deceased.
Karachi has experienced deadly fires before, often due to poor safety and illegal construction.
President Donald Trump has invited multiple countries to join a new group called the Board of Peace, which aims to guide the future of Gaza and has the goal of broader influence in global affairs. Countries can secure a permanent seat by contributing $1 billion, with the funds going towards rebuilding Gaza. The U.S. plans to announce the official list of board members soon.
Key Facts
The Board of Peace is a new international group led by President Trump, aiming to influence global affairs starting with overseeing Gaza's future.
Eight countries, including Hungary and Vietnam, have been invited to participate, with some already accepting.
A $1 billion contribution ensures permanent membership on the board, with funds aimed at rebuilding Gaza.
Invited countries include Hungary, Vietnam, India, and Australia, among others.
Efforts in Gaza focus on disarming Hamas, deploying international security forces, and rebuilding the region.
Trump's initiative could rival the U.N. Security Council, which has faced limitations on actions regarding Gaza.
The board's executive committee includes high-profile figures like Tony Blair and Jared Kushner.
Israel has raised objections to the executive committee, indicating a lack of coordination on policy.
The article explains that President Trump is involved in two types of "hybrid warfare" against Venezuela and Iran, using tactics like economic sanctions and military pressure. It describes how these strategies target both countries' governments and economies while avoiding direct military conflict. The goal appears to be exerting control and influence in these regions, alongside interests from Israel.
Key Facts
The U.S. government is using a strategy called "hybrid warfare" in Venezuela and Iran.
Hybrid warfare includes economic sanctions, military strikes, and spreading false information.
President Trump has intensified actions, including attacking Caracas and imposing a naval blockade on Venezuela.
The U.S. has attempted to influence Venezuela since 2002, aiming to control its oil reserves.
The hybrid war against Iran has historical roots, dating back to the 1953 U.S. intervention.
In Iran, ongoing tactics aim to weaken its economy and government without direct military conflict.
Israel supports U.S. actions in both countries, sharing similar goals.
The situation with Iran has the potential to escalate into a larger regional conflict.
The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to a ceasefire. The agreement means the SDF will pull back from certain provinces and be integrated into Syria's military. The deal aims to bring stability and unite the country after ongoing conflicts.
Key Facts
The Syrian government and SDF announced a ceasefire to stop fighting.
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi confirmed the group will leave Raqqa and Deir el-Zour provinces.
Syria's new government, in power since December 2024, has been trying to gain full control of the country.
The recent agreement involves merging SDF forces with Syria's military.
United States envoy Tom Barrack supports the deal, seeing it as a step toward unified Syria.
The agreement will gradually take effect, starting with stopping the fighting.
The arrangement includes the Syrian government taking over important areas like oil fields and border crossings.
Hassakah Province will return its civil administration to Syrian control.
President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on eight European countries for opposing U.S. control of Greenland. European leaders criticized this move, warning that it could harm relations between the U.S. and Europe. The countries involved have stated their intention to maintain dialogue and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a 10% tariff on eight European countries due to their stance against U.S. control of Greenland.
The European countries involved include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
European leaders issued a joint statement warning that the tariffs could damage transatlantic relations.
President Trump views Greenland as crucial for U.S. national security and suggested the tariffs aim to negotiate Greenland's status.
The European Union leaders are prepared to defend against these tariffs, which they see as incompatible with their trade agreement with the U.S.
Some European countries have sent troops to Greenland for a military exercise, stating they pose no threat.
There's uncertainty about how these tariffs could be enforced under current U.S. law.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas warned that Russia and China might benefit from U.S.-Europe tensions over this issue.
Yemen is facing a severe food crisis, with over half of its population expected to suffer from hunger by early 2026. The International Rescue Committee warns of worsening food shortages due to ongoing conflict, economic collapse, and shrinking humanitarian aid. The crisis is preventable with immediate action from donors.
Key Facts
Over half of Yemen's population, about 18 million people, could experience worsening hunger by early 2026.
An additional one million people are at risk of life-threatening hunger, according to new projections.
The country faces internal conflict involving regional external actors, contributing to the crisis.
Food shortages are worsened by economic collapse and drastically reduced humanitarian assistance.
By the end of 2025, humanitarian funding for Yemen was less than 25% of what was needed.
Some families in Yemen resort to collecting wild plants for food due to severe shortages.
Ongoing political and security tensions between regional powers risk escalating the conflict.
A fire at a Swiss bar on New Year's Eve killed 40 people and hurt 116. The bar owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face a criminal investigation, and their lawyers have claimed they are targets of unfair public blame. The fire reportedly started when sparklers ignited flammable ceiling foam.
Key Facts
The fire occurred in the basement of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a popular Swiss ski resort.
Hackers interrupted Iranian state TV broadcasts to show a message supporting the exiled crown prince and urging security forces not to aim their weapons at the public. This incident follows ongoing protests in Iran, with nearly 4,000 reported deaths due to a government crackdown. The U.S. is reacting to the situation with high tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
Iranian state TV was hacked to air a message supporting the exiled crown prince.
The message urged security forces in Iran not to aim weapons at civilians.
The protests against the government have resulted in nearly 4,000 deaths, according to activists.
Iran's internet shutdown has restricted information flow out of the country.
Iran's Foreign Minister was disinvited from the World Economic Forum due to the crackdown.
President Trump set “red lines” against Iran regarding the treatment of protesters.
A U.S. aircraft carrier and other military ships are possibly moving toward the Middle East.
The exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, was featured in the interrupted broadcast.
China's population has continued to shrink for the fourth year in a row, reaching 1.404 billion in 2025. The birth rate has decreased to its lowest since 1949, despite government efforts to encourage more births by offering incentives and policy changes.
Key Facts
China's population was 1.404 billion in 2025, down by 3 million from the previous year.
The birth rate in 2025 dropped to 5.63 per 1,000 people, the lowest since 1949.
China was surpassed by India as the most populous nation in 2023.
Birth rates have decreased for seven consecutive years through 2023.
Government efforts to increase the birth rate include cash incentives and policy changes.
China's aging population is growing, with 323 million people over 60 years old.
The Chinese government previously enforced a one-child policy, revised to three children by 2021.
Economic challenges, such as high living costs, are cited as reasons for the declining birth rate.
President Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs on eight European countries if they do not support his proposal to buy Greenland. Europe's response options include imposing their own tariffs on U.S. goods. The European Union (EU) already has a package of potential tariffs ready in case a trade deal with the U.S. is not finalized.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened new tariffs on European countries regarding the purchase of Greenland.
The proposed tariffs would start at 10% and could increase to 25% if no deal is reached.
Eight countries, including France and Germany, are involved in this issue.
The EU and the U.S. had previously agreed on a trade deal to stabilize trade and avoid high tariffs.
The EU has a package of tariffs worth €93 billion that could be imposed on U.S. goods.
The European Commission mentioned protecting EU economic interests but noted the difficulty of implementing selective tariffs.
The EU's "trade bazooka" allows it to respond to economic threats but is considered a last resort.
A shooting occurred at the town hall in Chribska, Czech Republic, resulting in one death and six injuries. The shooter, who later killed himself, acted due to personal reasons, not terrorism or political motives.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at the Chribska town hall in northern Czech Republic.
One person died, and six people, including three police officers, were injured.
The attack was not related to terrorism or political or religious motives.
The shooter had three illegal weapons and took his own life.
The deceased was an employee at the town hall, and the town's mayor was among the wounded.
Chribska is a small town near the German border with about 1,300 residents.
President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš expressed condolences to the victims' families.
A radio episode discusses the Monroe Doctrine, a key part of U.S. foreign policy, and explores how different U.S. Presidents, including Donald Trump, have approached international relations. The episode features a conversation with a history professor about these changes in U.S. foreign policy over time. The series aims to understand whether current policies are new or part of longstanding traditions.
Key Facts
The Monroe Doctrine is a key U.S. foreign policy principle.
The episode is part of a series about five major shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
Justin Webb hosts the series and talks with experts about these changes.
Jay Sexton, a history professor, is a guest in this episode.
The series examines how President Trump's approach compares to past U.S. policies.
The episode aims to show if Trump's actions are part of a pattern in U.S. history.
The series is available on Radio 4.
The episode discusses how U.S. foreign policies have evolved over time.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized President Trump's plan to impose tariffs related to Greenland. He said the future of Greenland should be determined by Greenland and Denmark.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
President Donald Trump suggested imposing tariffs on allies concerning Greenland.
Starmer described Trump's proposed tariffs as “completely wrong.”
Starmer emphasized that Greenland's future should be decided by Greenland and Denmark.
Greenland is part of Denmark but has self-rule for local matters.
Valentino Garavani, the famous Italian fashion designer known for his elegant gowns, passed away at the age of 93 in Rome. He was well-known for his signature "Valentino red" dresses and had dressed many celebrities and influential figures throughout his career. His funeral will take place at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
Key Facts
Valentino Garavani died at his home in Rome at the age of 93.
His designs were famous for their elegance and a signature shade known as "Valentino red."
He dressed high-profile figures like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Julia Roberts.
Valentino's career spanned nearly 50 years until his retirement in 2008.
The designer's funeral will occur in Rome on Friday.
He had a lifestyle similar to his wealthy clients, including owning a yacht and art collection.
Valentino was born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy.
He founded his fashion house in Rome in 1959 after studying in Milan and Paris.
President Donald Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join a "board of peace" aimed at resolving conflicts in places like Gaza. This invitation comes while the conflict in Ukraine, where Russia is involved, is still ongoing. The board includes international figures and aims to implement Trump's plans for peace in Gaza.
Key Facts
President Trump invited Putin to join a "board of peace".
The board's purpose is to resolve global conflicts and focus on Gaza's reconstruction.
This invitation occurs amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which started in February 2022.
Russia seeks to clarify the details of the invitation with the United States.
The board is part of a larger plan, chaired by Trump, to end Gaza's conflict through a 20-point peace plan.
Critics say the board's structure may marginalize Palestinian political influence.
The board includes figures like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Moscow's relations with Israel have strained due to its position on the Gaza conflict.
The U.S. Department of Defense has approved $1.5 billion to help Peru move its largest naval base from Callao to a location near Lima. This is happening as a large Chinese-operated port opens nearby, raising concerns about China's influence in the region. The project includes various support services and will involve some American personnel for oversight.
Key Facts
The U.S. is funding $1.5 billion for Peru’s naval base upgrade and relocation.
The base will move from Callao to a site closer to Lima, Peru’s capital.
A large Chinese-operated port opened nearby in Chancay in late 2024.
China is Peru’s top trade partner, leading to U.S. concerns about China’s influence.
The upgrade plan includes design, construction, and technical support services.
Up to 20 American personnel may be involved in management and oversight for up to ten years.
The project aims to improve Peru's port infrastructure and security.
The outlined sale does not impact U.S. military readiness or alter the regional balance.
