Khadija Ahmadzada, a 22-year-old Afghan woman who ran a taekwondo gym for girls, was released after being jailed for 13 days by the Taliban. She was detained for breaking rules related to women's sports gyms, which have been closed since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Her detention drew attention and calls for her release from international human rights observers.
Key Facts
Khadija Ahmadzada, aged 22, was arrested for operating a gym for girls in Afghanistan.
She spent 13 days in jail before being released by the Taliban.
The Taliban cited "violations" of women's sports gym rules and improper conduct, including not wearing a proper hijab and playing music.
Women's sports clubs in Afghanistan have remained closed since the Taliban assumed control in 2021.
The Taliban claimed sports clubs would reopen once a "safe environment" was established, aligning with their interpretation of Islamic law.
Ahmadzada's detention sparked protests on social media and drew international attention, including from the United Nations.
Additional reports note other women, like journalist Nazira Rashidi, facing detention in Afghanistan.
The situation is part of broader restrictions on women's rights under Taliban rule since 2021.
Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are holding talks in Abu Dhabi about the territorial issues in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. President Zelenskyy, President Trump, and President Putin's teams are involved in discussions to end the conflict that has been ongoing for almost four years.
Key Facts
Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are meeting in Abu Dhabi.
The focus is on the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine.
Russia has demanded Kyiv withdraw its troops from areas Russia unlawfully annexed.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is open to creating a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine.
Zelenskyy and President Trump discussed the proposal in Davos, Switzerland.
This meeting in Abu Dhabi is the first time Trump administration officials meet with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators simultaneously.
The talks aim to resolve the conflict that has been happening for nearly four years.
There are still many challenges to achieving peace, but the talks are seen as a positive step.
The Syrian government has taken control of al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, previously held by Kurdish-led SDF fighters, following a ceasefire agreement. This transfer follows recent clashes and is part of broader efforts to secure areas long controlled by the SDF. The ceasefire allowed for the safe withdrawal of SDF personnel and the transfer of ISIL-linked detainees.
Key Facts
The Syrian government now controls al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, which houses ISIL detainees.
Kurdish-led SDF fighters withdrew from the prison under a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian government.
The ceasefire lasted four days and followed a Syrian military advance retaking SDF-held areas.
Over 1,000 SDF personnel moved from Raqqa to Kobane under safe passage allowed by the Syrian forces.
Syrian military is transferring SDF elements from the Raqqa area to Ain al-Arab.
Syrian forces are working to disarm and remove munitions left in the prison.
The situation at the prison, previously tense, has calmed following the ceasefire implementation.
U.S. planes are relocating ISIL detainees from Syria to Iraq as part of security efforts.
The article talks about a quiz related to a TV show called "The Traitors." The show involves strategies and deceit in a Scottish castle, and the quiz helps people see how long they could last in such a setting.
Key Facts
The fourth series of the show "The Traitors" is ending soon.
The show is filmed in a remote castle in Scotland.
Participants in the show try to navigate betrayals and accusations.
A quiz is available to test if people have the skills to be successful in the show's setting.
The quiz was put together by Rosa Ellis.
Claudia Winkleman is a notable figure on the show.
A driver in London, Marwaan Mohamed Huseen, pleaded guilty to causing the death of 19-year-old Marcus Fakana by driving dangerously. Fakana had recently returned to London after being released from jail in Dubai. The car crash happened as Huseen tried to escape from police.
Key Facts
Marwaan Mohamed Huseen, a 20-year-old driver, admitted to causing a fatal car crash.
The crash killed Marcus Fakana, a 19-year-old who had just been freed from a Dubai jail.
Fakana was previously jailed in Dubai for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old.
The accident occurred as Huseen attempted to evade police officers in London.
The crash happened in the early hours of October 3 in Tottenham, north London.
Another passenger in the car was seriously injured during the accident.
Huseen pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Wood Green Crown Court.
A funeral was held in Rome for the Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known simply as Valentino. Many celebrities, including Liz Hurley and Anna Wintour, attended the service at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
Key Facts
Valentino Garavani, also known as Valentino, was a famous Italian fashion designer.
He passed away at the age of 93.
Valentino's funeral took place at a church in Rome, called the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
Celebrities like Elizabeth Hurley, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Ford attended the funeral.
Valentino was widely recognized for his contributions to the fashion industry.
A court in South Africa has allowed Nelson Mandela's daughter to sell and export 70 personal items, including a prison key, sunglasses, and a floral shirt. The court dismissed an appeal by the country's heritage body that sought to stop the sale, arguing the items were part of national heritage. The auction proceeds are intended to fund a memorial garden at Mandela's gravesite.
Key Facts
A South African court allowed the sale of Nelson Mandela's personal items, including a prison cell key.
Mandela's daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, and Christo Brand, a former prison warden, own the items.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency tried to stop the sale, claiming the items were part of national heritage.
The court ruled that the interpretation of national heritage by the agency was too broad.
Items set for auction include Mandela's sunglasses, floral shirt, and a signed copy of the 1996 South African Constitution.
Proceeds from the auction will go to creating a memorial garden at Mandela's gravesite.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison and was South Africa's first democratically elected president.
The Supreme Court of Appeal found the heritage agency did not sufficiently explain its reasons for blocking the sale.
Bobby Berk, a former "Queer Eye" cast member, showed support for Karamo Brown, who skipped press interviews for the show's 10th season to focus on his mental health. Brown cited the need to protect his mental well-being as the reason for his absence. Other cast members and Brown himself spoke about the importance of mental health.
Key Facts
Bobby Berk, previously on "Queer Eye," signaled support for Karamo Brown.
"Queer Eye" is a popular Netflix show with a group known as the "Fab Five."
Karamo Brown missed press interviews for the show's upcoming season.
Brown said he needed to focus on his mental health and protect it.
Co-stars said they were surprised by Brown's absence.
Brown mentioned feeling mentally and emotionally abused, per his assistant.
Antoni Porowski and Jonathan Van Ness expressed support for Brown's decision.
Brown sent a video message thanking fans and promoting the new season.
A ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was announced, causing brief celebration in Damascus. However, fighting resumed when the SDF agreed to less favorable conditions, including withdrawal from specific areas. Residents express mixed feelings of impatience, frustration, and hope for a peaceful resolution.
Key Facts
A ceasefire between the Syrian government and SDF was declared on January 18 in Damascus.
Initial celebrations occurred, but fighting resumed when SDF accepted terms for withdrawal.
SDF is expected to withdraw from Raqqa and Deir Az Zor and integrate into state structures.
Many in Damascus feel frustrated with the SDF for prolonging divisions.
The SDF has been seen as backed by foreign powers, especially the U.S.
Concerns exist about how integration will affect local fighters and administrations.
The dominant mood in Damascus is impatience for a resolution to the conflict.
A man working out at a gym in south London discovered a fox sitting next to his exercise bike. The video of this encounter went viral, prompting users to comment humorously. Researchers have observed that urban foxes in London are showing traits that help them live near humans.
Key Facts
The incident took place at a gym in south London, where a fox was found beside a man's exercise machine.
The video of the fox went viral on Instagram, getting over 422,000 views and 26,800 likes.
People commented on the fox's presence, with some suggesting it was adapting to city life.
Urban foxes in London have traits that help them live among humans, such as shorter snouts.
These changes are thought to be an early stage of "self-domestication," not full domestication.
Researchers say these urban foxes are adapting by scavenging from human waste.
Smithsonian magazine reported findings about urban and rural foxes' evolutionary changes.
At Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham's 2022 wedding, an unexpected dance involving Brooklyn's mother, Victoria Beckham, caused an awkward moment. DJ Fat Tony clarified that the issue arose from the timing, not Victoria's behavior, but it left Brooklyn upset as it disrupted the expected first dance with his wife.
Key Facts
The wedding took place in 2022 in Florida.
Brooklyn's Instagram post described a breakdown in his relationship with his parents, partly due to an incident with his mother at the wedding.
DJ Fat Tony explained the awkward dance moment during a TV interview.
Brooklyn anticipated a first dance with his wife, but his mother was invited onstage instead.
The incident occurred when singer Marc Anthony invited Victoria onto the stage, calling her "the most beautiful woman in the room."
Nicola Peltz Beckham reportedly left the room upset, crying after the incident.
Tony emphasized that the situation should focus on how Brooklyn felt rather than only on Victoria's actions.
President Donald Trump upset some people in the United Kingdom by falsely saying that non-U.S. NATO troops did not fight on the front lines in Afghanistan. He also expressed uncertainty about NATO's support for the U.S. in future situations.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed non-U.S. NATO troops avoided front-line fighting in Afghanistan.
This statement upset many in the United Kingdom.
NATO involves countries working together for defense and mutual support.
Trump questioned whether NATO would back the U.S. if needed.
The comments raised concerns about U.S. relations with NATO allies.
The Scottish Information Commissioner is taking legal action against the Scottish government for missing deadlines to release documents related to an investigation involving ex-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The investigation cleared Sturgeon of violating rules during an inquiry into her predecessor, Alex Salmond. The government argues that releasing some documents could breach court orders protecting the identity of individuals involved in Salmond's trial.
Key Facts
The Information Commissioner is suing the Scottish government for not providing documents on time.
The documents relate to an ethics investigation into Nicola Sturgeon, who was not found guilty of breaking the ministerial code.
The investigation involved Sturgeon’s handling of allegations against former First Minister Alex Salmond.
The government delayed providing documents, citing concerns about revealing identities of complainers from Salmond's trial.
The Commissioner has received about 90 requests for information related to these investigations.
The government is fighting two key cases in court regarding the release of evidence.
Releasing some documents might breach court orders that ensure anonymity of certain individuals.
The Commissioner emphasizes that respecting information request deadlines is crucial for transparency.
A video of a kitten named S’mores going outside for the first time has become popular on TikTok. The kitten quickly became scared of the outside world, and the video highlights safety concerns for cats going outdoors.
Key Facts
S’mores the kitten went viral on TikTok after being recorded outside on CCTV.
The video has gathered over 2 million views and 350,000 likes on TikTok.
S’mores was scared by a passing car and quickly wanted to return indoors.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) warns against letting cats roam outside due to safety risks.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a significant health threat to outdoor cats.
Other dangers for outdoor cats include wildlife, vehicles, and potential harm from people.
PETA suggests indoor activities like scratching posts and window perches for cats.
The BBC gained access to secret detention facilities in Yemen that were allegedly run by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These facilities are located on former military bases and are known for harsh conditions and reports of abuse. The UAE previously denied similar accusations and has since pulled its forces from Yemen.
Key Facts
The BBC visited detention sites in Yemen formerly controlled by the UAE.
Allegations exist of the UAE running secret prisons in Yemen during its civil war.
Cells included shipping containers with poor ventilation holding up to 60 men.
Former detainees claimed they experienced beatings and sexual abuse.
The UAE has pulled its forces out of Yemen as of early January.
There is tension between the Yemeni government and UAE-backed separatists.
Journalists have had limited access to Yemen, but the current Yemeni government allowed this visit.
Human rights groups have collected testimonies about these detention conditions for years.
A dog named Zev, once labeled "not adoptable" and nearly euthanized, was saved by Rebecca Kuritz from San Diego. Kuritz, who has fostered several dogs, adopted Zev after learning about his situation and worked with an advocacy group to bring him home. Despite initial challenges with Zev's behavior, he improved under her care.
Key Facts
Zev was a Malinois dog labeled "not adoptable" and scheduled for euthanasia due to illness and stress.
Rebecca Kuritz, a photographer, discovered Zev's situation online and decided to help.
Zev had severe kennel cough and stress-related issues, making his adoption unlikely.
Kuritz signed a medical liability waiver to adopt Zev and took him home, although they had never met before.
Zev was very thin, scared, and had several behavioral issues when he first arrived.
Over time, Zev's condition and behavior improved thanks to Kuritz's care and attention.
Kuritz initially did not plan to keep Zev indefinitely to continue fostering other needy dogs.
The planned adoption by another family did not work out, keeping Zev with Kuritz longer.
Iran's chief prosecutor stated that President Trump's claim about stopping the execution of 800 prisoners in Iran is untrue. Activists report that over 5,032 people have died in the protests, with concerns that the real number might be higher due to internet restrictions in the country.
Key Facts
Iran's top prosecutor denied President Trump's claim about halting 800 executions.
The alleged executions were of protesters in Iran.
Activists report at least 5,032 deaths from crackdowns on protests.
An internet blackout in Iran is making it difficult to confirm details.
The blackout has lasted over two weeks, affecting communication and information sharing.
Concerns exist that the actual death toll may be higher than reported.
A fire at Gul Plaza, a shopping center in Karachi, Pakistan, has caused 67 confirmed deaths, with 77 people still reported missing. The fire took over 24 hours to extinguish, and the damage has complicated rescue efforts. Identifying the bodies continues, with some victims identified so far.
Key Facts
67 people have died in a fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi, Pakistan.
77 people are reported missing by their families after the fire.
The fire took over 24 hours to be put out, making rescue efforts difficult.
Gul Plaza includes about 1,200 shops and is busy during wedding season.
Some exits were locked during the fire, which made the situation worse.
15 people have already been identified from the remains.
A community group in Stoke-on-Trent, Meir Matters, is giving away free air fryers to help local people cook healthier meals. This initiative follows research showing increased food bank use in the area, aiming to improve nutrition and reduce waste while helping families cook more efficiently on a budget.
Key Facts
Meir Matters is a community group based in Meir, Stoke-on-Trent.
They are giving out free air fryers to promote healthier cooking.
The initiative is part of efforts to improve local nutrition.
Research by the University of Staffordshire highlighted increasing food bank use in the area.
The program aims to help people save money, eat healthier, and reduce food waste.
Meir Matters previously ran a similar program using slow cookers.
The group also provides emergency food packs and pre-prepared meals to those in need.
The FBI arrested Ryan James Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, in Mexico. Wedding faces charges related to drug trafficking and involvement in murders. He had been wanted for allegedly running a cocaine trafficking network from Colombia to North America and faces additional charges in Canada.
Key Facts
Ryan James Wedding is a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder.
He was wanted by the FBI for drug trafficking and involvement in murders.
Wedding allegedly ran a cocaine operation from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada and the U.S.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his arrest, attributing it to President Trump's leadership.
The FBI believed Wedding had been hiding in Mexico for over 10 years and had ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Wedding was charged in 2024 with using semitrucks to transport cocaine.
He also faces allegations of orchestrating the murder of a witness in Colombia.
Wedding was arrested in Mexico and taken to the U.S. to face charges.
