UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized world leaders for not cooperating internationally. He highlighted significant cuts in development and humanitarian aid, affecting global cooperation. He also focused on ongoing conflicts and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.
Key Facts
UN chief Guterres spoke at the UN General Assembly, expressing concern about leaders not working together.
He mentioned big cuts in funding for development and humanitarian aid.
The United States, under President Trump, significantly reduced its contributions to UN aid programs.
The US cut funding to the UN from around $17 billion to $2 billion.
Guterres urged continued humanitarian aid to conflict areas like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.
The UN Security Council faces challenges due to disagreements among key members, including the US, Russia, and China.
Guterres highlighted the importance of maintaining international cooperation for peace and aid delivery.
In June 2025, the UK declared the group Palestine Action a terrorist organization, citing political reasons. This group had been protesting non-violently against the UK's involvement in the conflict in Gaza. The UK has faced criticism for its actions related to the Gaza conflict, including its support for Israel and alleged interference with international legal proceedings.
Key Facts
In June 2025, the UK government labeled Palestine Action as a terrorist group.
Palestine Action used non-violent protests to oppose the UK's involvement in the Gaza conflict.
The UK has supported Israel in the Gaza conflict by providing military and political backing.
The UK is accused of helping prevent international accountability for actions in Gaza.
The International Criminal Court is investigating the situation, and the UK allegedly tried to interfere.
The UK is part of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which offers guidelines on political imprisonment.
There is criticism of the UK using laws to suppress political activism related to the conflict in Gaza.
The UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called for NATO to enhance its security efforts in the Arctic to counter potential Russian threats. During her visit to Norway, she proposed creating a military operation named Arctic Sentry, similar to existing Baltic and Eastern defense operations. Cooper emphasized the importance of cooperation among NATO countries despite ongoing disputes over Greenland.
Key Facts
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visited northern Norway to discuss Arctic security.
She suggested NATO should create a defense plan for the Arctic called Arctic Sentry.
The goal is to protect the region from possible Russian aggression.
President Trump has shown interest in buying Greenland, leading to tensions with Denmark.
Greenland is a self-governing part of Denmark, and its leaders have rejected the idea of selling it.
The UK stresses the need for NATO allies to work together despite disagreements over Greenland.
Cooper and Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide see the Russian threat as a serious issue.
Eide emphasized focusing on helping Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's opposition leader, says she gave President Donald Trump her Nobel Peace Prize during a meeting in Washington, D.C. This meeting took place shortly after a U.S.-led military operation in Caracas led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is the opposition leader from Venezuela.
Machado claims she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump.
The meeting happened in Washington, D.C.
A recent U.S.-led military operation in Caracas resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
President Trump previously expressed admiration for Machado's award.
Nobel Peace Prizes are not intended to be transferred between individuals.
A large fire started in the city of Utrecht, Netherlands, after an explosion. Four people got hurt, and several buildings collapsed. The cause of the explosion is still unknown.
Key Facts
A big fire occurred in Utrecht, Netherlands, after an explosion in the city center.
Four people were injured in the event.
Several buildings have collapsed, and there is significant damage in the area.
Some people might still be trapped under the debris.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise and saw destruction in the alley.
Many nearby buildings, including shops, had their walls and windows blown out.
Residents have been evacuated, and the public is advised to avoid the area.
The local fire department cannot safely enter the buildings due to the risk of further collapse.
The United States has placed new sanctions on Iran, specifically targeting officials involved in cracking down on protesters. President Trump threatened military action against Iran as tensions increase between the two nations. The sanctions seek to put pressure on Iran amid ongoing protests.
Key Facts
The US targeted several Iranian officials with sanctions for their role in responding to protests.
Ali Larijani, a top Iranian security official, is among those sanctioned.
The sanctions are meant to show US support for Iranian protesters calling for freedom and justice.
These sanctions freeze any US assets of the individuals and block US citizens from doing business with them.
There are reports of thousands of deaths among protesters, although these figures cannot be independently verified.
Iran and Israel are also involved, with Iran accusing foreign actors of arming protesters.
The situation is tense, with speculation of possible US military action against Iran.
President Trump has adjusted his stance after being told that the killing of protesters may have stopped.
A food critic, Giles Coren, suggested that Michelin-starred restaurants should not have to follow the same hygiene rules as other dining places. This was in response to Ynyshir Restaurant, a Michelin-starred venue in Wales, receiving a low hygiene score. However, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health argued that all food establishments must comply with hygiene laws to protect public health.
Key Facts
Giles Coren is a food critic who spoke about modernizing restaurant hygiene rules.
Ynyshir Restaurant in Wales has two Michelin stars but received a low hygiene rating.
The hygiene score of Ynyshir was one out of five, indicating major improvements are needed.
Coren claimed high-end restaurants operate differently and traditional rules may not apply.
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health stated all food businesses must follow hygiene laws to protect consumers.
The institute emphasized the importance of maintaining legal hygiene standards in all restaurants.
In Wales, displaying food hygiene ratings in restaurants is mandatory.
Ynyshir Restaurant is cooperating with local health authorities to address the hygiene concerns.
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada is working to improve relations with China. During his visit to China, he discussed partnerships in various fields with Chinese leaders, aiming to strengthen cooperation after a period of strained ties. The visit is part of efforts to resolve trade issues and explore new opportunities.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Mark Carney is making efforts to improve Canada's relationship with China.
This is the first visit to China by a Canadian prime minister since 2017.
The visit includes discussions with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders on strategic partnerships.
Canada and China are exploring cooperation in areas like energy, agriculture, and security.
Past tensions included tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles imposed by Canada in response to U.S. actions.
China retaliated with tariffs on Canadian farm products, affecting trade.
Carney's visit aims to resolve trade issues and find new economic opportunities between the two countries.
A new trade and economic roadmap has been signed, highlighting the commitment to open communication.
Harry Styles announced his fourth solo album titled "Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally." The album, which will release on March 6, 2026, follows his 2022 album "Harry's House." The album pre-orders are available, though no full songs have been released yet.
Key Facts
Harry Styles announced a new album, "Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally."
The album is set to release on March 6, 2026.
The album follows his 2022 album "Harry's House," which won Grammy and Brit Awards.
Pre-orders for the album have started, offering vinyl, CD editions, and a special box set.
The album includes 12 tracks and is executive produced by Kid Harpoon.
Harry Styles first became famous as part of the boyband One Direction.
Styles' previous album, "Harry's House," sold over four million copies globally.
The U.S. military boarded and seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean, which they say is connected to Venezuela. This ship is part of a group alleged to be violating U.S. sanctions.
Key Facts
The U.S. military released a video showing troops boarding the oil tanker.
The tanker is said to have connections to Venezuela.
The ship was seized in the Caribbean.
It is the sixth vessel captured that is accused of being part of a "shadow fleet."
The U.S. claims these ships are breaking U.S. sanctions against Venezuela.
A fire at a bar in Crans Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve resulted in 40 deaths and 116 injuries. A staff member, Cyane Panine, held a sparkler that reportedly ignited the ceiling; she died in the fire. Authorities have accused the bar's owners of negligence, and safety failures are under investigation.
Key Facts
The fire occurred at Le Constellation bar in Crans Montana, Switzerland.
Cyane Panine, a staff member, died in the fire after holding a sparkler.
The bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face charges of negligence, including manslaughter by negligence.
A court imposed a travel ban on Jessica Moretti and detained Jacques Moretti due to flight risk concerns.
Initial investigations suggest the fire started when sparklers ignited soundproof foam on the ceiling.
The bar had not been inspected for safety in five years.
Swiss authorities have banned indoor pyrotechnic devices following the incident.
Victims will receive emergency payments of 10,000 Swiss francs.
President Trump's administration has moved into "Phase Two" of its ceasefire plan for Gaza. This follows over two years of conflict and destruction in the area.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration is involved in a ceasefire effort in Gaza.
The ceasefire plan has now entered a new stage called "Phase Two."
The plan comes after 27 months of conflict in the region.
The region has faced significant violence and displacement.
The situation is part of a larger conflict involving Israel and Gaza.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is actively engaging in international diplomacy following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces. She is meeting with global leaders, including the Pope and President Donald Trump, though her exact future role in Venezuela's political landscape is uncertain.
Key Facts
United States forces removed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3.
Maria Corina Machado is the leader of the Venezuelan opposition.
Machado has been meeting with international figures like the Pope and President Trump.
She is giving interviews to news outlets such as CBS and Fox News.
Experts are unclear about Machado's future role in Venezuelan politics.
Machado was not chosen to replace Maduro after his removal.
In the past, Machado had significant support, particularly during the 2024 presidential election.
The U.S. has seized a sixth oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. This move is part of efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports, following seizures of tankers that defied President Trump's sanctions. The U.S. aims to manage Venezuelan oil sales with the interim government.
Key Facts
A U.S. military operation seized the oil tanker Veronica in the Caribbean Sea.
The tanker is linked to Venezuela and was seized without any incident.
The tanker defied President Trump's "quarantine of sanctioned vessels."
President Trump wants only lawfully coordinated oil to leave Venezuela.
The tanker was sailing under a Guyanese flag but was previously registered in Russia.
The U.S. intends to continue cracking down on the "dark fleet" transporting sanctioned oil.
The seizure occurred shortly before a meeting between President Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
The U.S. recently completed a $500 million sale of Venezuelan oil.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado plans to meet President Trump to discuss Venezuela's future leadership. Despite strong public support for Machado, Trump has shown support for Delcy Rodríguez, the acting leader, after the U.S. captured Nicolás Maduro. Discussions about Venezuela's political stabilization and future elections are ongoing.
Key Facts
María Corina Machado is an opposition leader in Venezuela who recently won a Nobel Peace Prize.
Machado is set to meet with President Trump to discuss political leadership in Venezuela.
President Trump remarked that it would be challenging for Machado to lead Venezuela.
Trump currently backs Delcy Rodríguez, the acting leader, after talks about stabilizing the country.
Polls show over half of Venezuelans support Machado as the leader.
U.S. officials want quick elections in Venezuela, but they might take over a year.
The U.S. has introduced an oil "quarantine" as a part of its strategy for Venezuela's stabilization.
Machado supports a peaceful transition and believes the military and police will back democratic changes.
Protests in Iran are declining after the government cut internet access and cracked down on demonstrators. The U.S. and other countries are considering new sanctions against Iran due to the response to the protests over economic issues. There is international concern over the situation, and Iran briefly closed its airspace.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran began over its troubled economy and currency issues.
Iranian authorities closed the internet and increased action against protesters.
There have been at least 2,637 reported deaths due to the crackdown.
The U.S. suggested de-escalation but remains open to various responses.
New U.S. sanctions target Iranian officials involved in suppressing protests.
The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting on the situation in Iran.
Iran closed its airspace for over four hours without clear explanation.
International airlines are avoiding Iranian airspace due to safety concerns.
British Columbia decided to end its drug decriminalisation pilot program, which allowed adults to possess small amounts of illicit drugs without arrest. The program started in 2023 to address the opioid crisis but will not continue past January due to public concerns and unclear results.
Key Facts
British Columbia ended its drug decriminalisation project, which started in 2023.
The pilot allowed adults to have up to 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs without being arrested.
The program aimed to tackle the opioid addiction crisis in the area.
The province decided not to extend the program due to lack of clear results and public disorder concerns.
The health minister said it was hard to tell if it helped more people get treatment for addiction.
British Columbia was the only Canadian province to try this type of program.
Opioid-related deaths in BC increased by 5.8% from 2023 to 2024.
Other regions, like Ontario and Alberta, are also moving towards addiction recovery policies rather than harm reduction.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's former Shah, announced plans he would implement if he became Iran's leader. He stated he would recognize Israel and end Iran’s nuclear program. Pahlavi, who currently resides in the United States, supports efforts to change Iran's leadership.
Key Facts
Reza Pahlavi is the son of Iran's former Shah, who was overthrown.
He lives in the United States.
Pahlavi proposed recognizing Israel if he led Iran.
He also intends to stop Iran's nuclear program.
Pahlavi supports efforts to replace Iran's current leaders.
People in Denmark and the U.S. reacted with concern to President Trump's interest in bringing Greenland under U.S. control. Danish and Greenland officials went to Washington to discuss the issue, but they did not reach an agreement. Some European countries sent soldiers to Greenland for a reconnaissance mission to better understand the situation.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to bring Greenland under U.S. control.
Danish and Greenland officials visited Washington to talk about the matter with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said there is a fundamental disagreement despite constructive talks.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
President Trump hinted that a deal might still be possible without using force.
European soldiers have been sent to Greenland's capital, Nuuk, for a reconnaissance mission.
President Donald Trump initially threatened to attack Iran in support of protesters but later downplayed the idea, stating that the situation had calmed. Despite this, there remains a possibility of U.S. military action against Iran. Previous actions, like strikes in Venezuela, suggest the threat is real.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to attack Iran over protests but then said the situation improved.
Trump mentioned that Iran's government claimed protestors would not be executed.
The potential for a U.S. strike on Iran still exists.
The U.S. deployed military forces in the Caribbean, conducting bombings against alleged drug smuggling operations in Venezuela.
Trump and Venezuelan President Maduro had a diplomatic call, and Maduro offered talks about drug trafficking and U.S. access to oil.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the U.S. eventually captured Maduro on drug trafficking charges.
In June, amid diplomatic talks, the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear facilities with advanced weaponry.
The U.S. attack on Iran followed an Israeli strike that most experts believe was approved by Trump.
