The Philippines has discovered a new gas deposit in the South China Sea, which is an area claimed by multiple countries. This discovery could greatly boost the Philippines' energy supply by providing enough gas for millions of homes.
Key Facts
The new gas deposit, called Malampaya East-1, is located near the existing Malampaya gas field in the South China Sea.
It contains an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas, enough to supply 5.7 million Philippine households.
The South China Sea is contested by several countries, including China, which claims most of the area.
This gas find could help extend the life of the Malampaya gas field, which currently supplies 20% of Luzon Island's energy needs.
Preliminary tests indicate the new deposit could produce up to 60 million cubic feet of gas per day.
The discovery was made by an all-Filipino consortium, showcasing the Philippines' growing abilities in energy development.
The new deposit lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, about 50 miles from Palawan province.
The Philippines is exploring more potential gas sites, with results expected in early next year.
Rescue workers in New Zealand are looking for missing people, including children, after landslides hit the North Island due to heavy rain. The landslides affected a campsite at Mount Maunganui and a house in nearby Papamoa, prompting evacuations and road closures. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but there is a risk of more landslides.
Key Facts
Landslides occurred on New Zealand's North Island after heavy rain.
Several people, including children, are missing, following the landslide at Mount Maunganui.
The landslide affected campervans and a shower block in a holiday park during school holidays.
Another landslide hit a house in Papamoa, with two people missing.
A 47-year-old man is missing after his attempt to cross the Mahurangi River.
Rescue operations faced challenges due to the risk of more landslides.
Emergency teams heard signs of life but withdrew to ensure safety due to ground movement.
New Zealand's Prime Minister is monitoring the situation.
Thousands of residents in parts of Georgia and Tennessee have been advised to stay indoors due to unhealthy levels of air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported high levels of fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5, which can affect people's health.
Key Facts
The EPA identified high levels of PM2.5 in regions of Georgia and Tennessee, including cities like Chattanooga and Dalton.
High levels of PM2.5 can cause health issues such as coughing, irritation, and breathing problems.
Sensitive groups, like children and the elderly, may experience more severe health effects.
The EPA advises reducing outdoor activities and wearing respirators like N95 masks if going outside is necessary.
PM2.5 pollution comes from sources like vehicles, industrial activities, and wildfires.
The EPA uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to measure air pollution, where higher numbers mean worse air quality.
The AQI levels range from "Good" to "Hazardous" with specific health advice for each category.
A bomb attack in Yemen targeted a military convoy linked to the Saudi-backed government, killing five people and injuring three. The convoy was carrying a commander from the pro-government Giants Brigades, and Yemeni authorities have not identified the group responsible. The United States embassy condemned the attack, which comes amid ongoing tensions in Yemen's civil war.
Key Facts
A bomb attack struck a military convoy in Yemen, killing five people and injuring three.
The convoy carried Hamdi Shukri, a commander in the Giants Brigades, who survived but was injured.
Yemeni authorities have not blamed any specific group for the attack.
The attack is seen as an attempt to destabilize the region where Saudi Arabia is helping to improve security.
The Yemeni government called for unity against chaos and terrorism following the attack.
Yemen remains in conflict after Iranian-backed Houthi rebels took over the capital in 2014.
Saudi Arabia and UAE's roles in Yemen have caused regional tensions.
The U.S. embassy in Yemen condemned the attack on the military convoy.
Finland's President Alexander Stubb said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not achieved his main goals in the Ukraine conflict. Russia's original aims to control Kyiv and influence Ukraine have failed, and NATO has expanded instead. Stubb suggests continued support for Ukraine and more economic pressure on Russia to end the conflict.
Key Facts
Finnish President Alexander Stubb spoke at a panel in Davos, Switzerland, about the Ukraine conflict.
He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed in all his strategic aims in Ukraine.
Russia's initial goal was to take over Kyiv and influence the Ukrainian government, which did not happen.
NATO has expanded to include Finland and Sweden since the conflict began.
Stubb mentioned Russia's reduced ability to project global power and influence.
He noted that Russia's military gains are costing it heavily in terms of human lives and financial resources.
Stubb suggests providing more support to Ukraine and increasing economic pressure on Russia to end the war.
The Kremlin claims it is winning and blames the West for the crisis.
In Uganda, the government shut down the internet during the general election to maintain peace, which resulted in significant disruptions for businesses and individuals. Many people, particularly those relying on online services and mobile money, saw their incomes drop sharply because they could not perform transactions or communicate effectively. The shutdown affected everyday life, causing issues for workers, businesses, and social connections.
Key Facts
The Ugandan government shut down the internet during the general election period.
The shutdown aimed to ensure peace and stability and was intended to prevent the misuse of communication during the election.
Mobile money agents, like Mirembe Tracy, saw their earnings vanish as they couldn’t process transactions.
Online ride-hailing services, such as those using motorcycle taxis, were disrupted.
Businesses relying on social media, like Namukwaya Olivia's clothing store, couldn’t operate effectively.
Journalists struggled to cover election events without internet access, affecting their work.
Many people turned to offline content, like stored media on phones or television, during the blackout.
Some young people experienced difficulties managing without online communication and entertainment.
President Donald Trump expressed his interest in acquiring Greenland for the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the issue does not concern Russia, and Russia plans to stay neutral on the matter as it focuses on other international issues.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Greenland to be part of the United States and discussed it at the International Economic Forum in Davos.
Greenland is an autonomous region under the Danish Kingdom.
President Putin said the situation with Greenland is not a concern for Russia.
Russia is trying to keep its focus on gaining concessions from the U.S. regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The acquisition of Greenland could impact Russia's security interests in the Arctic.
Historically, Denmark sold the Virgin Islands to the U.S. in 1917.
Trump's potential acquisition deal is mentioned as having a "framework" formed with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Australia is holding a national day of mourning for the victims of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, where two gunmen killed 15 people at a Jewish event. Memorial services and light installations will honor the victims and those who helped during the attack. The Australian government is responding with tougher gun laws and a royal commission on anti-Semitism.
Key Facts
A national day of mourning is taking place in Australia for the Bondi Beach shooting victims.
The shooting occurred during a Jewish celebration on December 14, resulting in 15 deaths.
Flags will fly at half-staff, and there will be a moment of silence across Australia.
Memorials will occur at the Sydney Opera House and Bondi’s Chabad House.
Most victims were Jewish, and the memorial theme is “Light will win.”
The government will display light installations in Canberra and other cities.
The attack was the deadliest of its kind in Australia in 30 years.
The government is enacting tougher gun laws and investigating anti-Semitism and hate crimes.
China's new dry dock was used for the first time to repair an aircraft carrier, marking a significant step for its navy. This development helps China support its growing fleet as it continues to expand its naval capabilities.
Key Facts
Satellite images show China used a new dry dock to repair an aircraft carrier.
The dry dock is located at Yulin Naval Base in the South China Sea.
The aircraft carrier repaired is identified as CNS Shandong.
The dry dock was built between 2017 and 2022, measuring 375 meters long and 78 meters wide.
China is modernizing its navy with over 370 ships and submarines, including three aircraft carriers.
The move reduces the Chinese navy's reliance on Dalian shipyards for maintenance.
The repair facility supports China's goal to expand its naval power and presence.
Archaeologists found hand stencils on limestone caves in Indonesia's Muna island that could be up to 67,800 years old, making them the oldest known cave paintings. The drawings were created by blowing pigment over hands on the walls, which left outlines. The style of these hand stencils is unique to Sulawesi province.
Key Facts
The hand stencils on Muna island may be up to 67,800 years old.
Researchers from Indonesia and Australia conducted the study.
The art was made by blowing pigment over hands placed on cave walls.
The cave paintings are older than previously found art in the same region.
The style is specific to Sulawesi, with pointed fingers on the hand stencils.
The researchers used uranium analysis to determine the age of the art.
The findings suggest early human migration through Sulawesi.
The art provides insight into ancient people's symbolic relationships with animals.
A landslide hit a campsite in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, leaving several people unaccounted for. An Australian tourist described the terrifying experience of escaping the landslide. Rescue teams are actively searching for missing individuals.
Key Facts
A landslide occurred at a campsite in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Several people are missing after the landslide.
An Australian tourist fled the area and described the event as very frightening.
Rescuers are on the ground working to find survivors.
A trial has started in Hong Kong for three activists who held remembrance events for the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. They are charged under China's national security law for inciting subversion. The activists could face up to 10 years in jail if found guilty.
Key Facts
Three activists are on trial in Hong Kong for organizing vigils for the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
The charges against them include inciting subversion of state power under Hong Kong's national security law.
The national security law was introduced in 2020 and bans a wide range of dissenting activities.
One activist, Albert Ho, has pleaded guilty; the other two, Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, pleaded not guilty.
These activists are part of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance, known for advocating democracy.
The trial is expected to last 75 days.
Public remembrance of the 1989 crackdown is banned on the Chinese mainland.
The law used against them includes crimes like secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign collusion.
Israel conducted airstrikes on four border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, claiming they were used by Hezbollah for smuggling weapons. These actions follow previous attacks in southern Lebanon that caused fatalities and injuries, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah. Lebanese officials condemned the strikes, calling them violations of the ceasefire.
Key Facts
Israel launched airstrikes on Syria-Lebanon border crossings used by Hezbollah for smuggling weapons.
The strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least two people and injured around 20.
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire was signed in 2024 to stop hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized the airstrikes as targeting civilians and violating the ceasefire.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed 19 injuries in Qanarit from Israeli airstrikes.
Israel claimed it targeted and killed a key Hezbollah weapons smuggler in Sidon.
Lebanese military reported the attacks as a breach of Lebanon's sovereignty and mentioned difficulties in implementing a disarmament plan for Hezbollah.
More than 350 people in Lebanon have died in ongoing conflicts despite the ceasefire.
The World Economic Forum's main building in Davos was evacuated due to a strange smell causing people to cough. Emergency teams checked the situation, and the evacuation ended within an hour. The event did not affect President Donald Trump as he had already left the venue.
Key Facts
The evacuation happened at the World Economic Forum's main venue in Davos.
The reason for evacuation was a smell that caused coughing among attendees.
Emergency crews investigated the situation, and the issue was resolved in about an hour.
There were no reports of injuries from the incident.
President Donald Trump had exited the venue before the evacuation began.
A fire brigade spokesperson confirmed that the issue was contained, and the area was safe.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict have narrowed to a single issue. Witkoff, who is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, mentioned progress but did not specify the issue, with territorial division being a major challenge.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff is the U.S. Special Envoy involved in Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
He mentioned that the negotiations are focusing on one main issue.
Witkoff expressed optimism about the progress made in discussions.
The specific issue was not revealed, but territory division is a significant hurdle.
Russia wants Ukraine to give up the eastern Donbas region.
Ukrainian forces currently control important areas in Donbas.
A Ukrainian constitutional condition requires a referendum to cede land, which cannot happen during war.
Witkoff will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to continue discussions.
President Donald Trump recently caused a stir by making strong statements about Greenland, threatening military action and tariffs against European allies. These tensions eased after talks involving Denmark, Greenland, and NATO, leading to an agreement to discuss Greenland's future. Discussions now focus on increasing NATO's presence on the island for Arctic security.
Key Facts
President Trump made bold claims about Greenland and hinted at military action and tariffs against European allies.
The situation calmed after discussions with Denmark, Greenland, and NATO, resulting in an agreement for a "working group" to discuss Greenland’s future.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte played a key role in calming tensions and maintaining North Atlantic alliance stability.
Denmark expressed willingness to allow more American military presence on Greenland.
A proposal discussed involved Denmark giving up small areas of Greenland for U.S. military bases.
President Trump indicated interest in Greenland's mineral resources as part of a deal.
Discussions aim to secure Arctic safety and prevent Russian and Chinese influence in Greenland.
Canadian and EU leaders described the situation as significant, signaling a lasting impact on international relations.
A Russian cosmonaut named Sergey Kud-Sverchkov took incredible photos of aurora lights from the International Space Station during a major solar storm. This storm is one of the biggest in over 20 years, creating vibrant light shows in Earth's atmosphere.
Key Facts
Cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov captured aurora lights from space.
The images were taken from the International Space Station.
The event occurred during a powerful solar storm.
The National Weather Service's Space Weather Prediction Center noted it as one of the strongest storms in over 20 years.
A similar storm was last recorded in October 2003.
Solar storms cause auroras by sending charged particles into Earth's atmosphere, creating bright lights.
Egisto Ott, a former intelligence officer in Austria, is on trial for allegedly spying for Russia. He is accused of giving personal and secret data to Russian intelligence and Jan Marsalek, a fugitive executive. The charges have sparked concerns about Russian espionage activities in Austria.
Key Facts
Egisto Ott, 63, is a former Austrian intelligence officer accused of spying for Russia.
Ott is charged with passing data to Russian intelligence and Jan Marsalek between 2015 and 2020.
Jan Marsalek is a fugitive wanted for alleged fraud related to the collapse of Wirecard.
Marsalek is thought to have fled from Austria to Moscow in 2020.
Ott allegedly gathered large amounts of personal data using police databases without permission.
Prosecutors say Ott tried to obtain a secure laptop for Russian intelligence in 2022.
If found guilty, Ott faces up to five years in prison for abuse of authority and espionage.
An Austrian former MP, Thomas Schellenbacher, is separately charged with helping Marsalek escape to Belarus.
A former minister warns that the UK government might face opposition if it reduces its promised reforms to the leasehold system in England and Wales. Labour has committed to capping ground rents, but concerns exist about how this could affect pension funds. The government promised to legislate changes but delayed the draft bill.
Key Facts
Justin Madders, a former minister, warns of a possible "mass rebellion" if leasehold reform promises are reduced.
Ground rents are fees leaseholders pay to freeholders, and Labour wants these capped.
In 2022, most new residential leasehold properties in England and Wales had ground rents abolished, but existing homes still have them.
Labour’s election manifesto promised to tackle high ground rent charges, but there are concerns about the economic impact.
The government had promised a draft bill to reform the leasehold system, but it has been delayed due to ground rent issues.
Around five million homes in England and Wales are leasehold properties.
There are disagreements on setting a cap for ground rents, with a £250 yearly cap being more likely.
Concerns exist about how a cap might impact pension funds that own freehold properties.
On January 22, a Ukrainian woman died after Russian shelling in Kherson, and Ukraine reported ongoing missile and bomb attacks in Donetsk. Meanwhile, President Trump, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, plans to meet with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and discussed a possible peace deal with Russian President Putin.
Key Facts
A woman in Ukraine's Kherson region died from injuries after Russian shelling.
Russian forces launched 768 missiles and bombs in Ukraine's Donetsk region over 10 days.
Kyiv's power remains unstable, with ongoing outages affecting about 44,000 homes.
Ukrainian forces attacked a Russian port, killing three and injuring eight.
An Uzbek man in Moscow was sentenced to life in prison for a Ukraine-backed attack on a Russian general.
Dutch navy ships escorted Russian vessels away from the North Sea.
President Trump is discussing peace efforts with leaders in Davos, seeking an end to the Ukraine conflict.
Russian President Putin is considering joining Trump's proposed peace efforts for the Middle East.
