The European Union has dropped its plan to ban gasoline-powered cars by 2035, a flagship measure of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s climate agenda. The decision comes just over two years after the policy was enacted.
A spokesperson for the German automotive industry said, “This decision allows us to transition to electric vehicles at a pace that protects jobs, innovation, and the economic stability of Europe’s car sector.”
A spokesperson for the German automotive industry said, “This decision allows us to transition to electric vehicles at a pace that protects jobs, innovation, and the economic stability of Europe’s car sector.”
The U.S., with Jordanian support, struck over 70 ISIS targets in Syria on December 19, killing at least five militants in retaliation for a December 13 attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter near Palmyra. The strikes hit command centers, weapons depots, and strongholds using jets, helicopters, and artillery, as U.S. officials warned the action serves as a deterrent against future attacks.
> — "We will not tolerate attacks on our troops. This strike shows that America will respond decisively to any threat," said President Donald Trump.
> — "We will not tolerate attacks on our troops. This strike shows that America will respond decisively to any threat," said President Donald Trump.
AI and the Planet: The True Cost of Data Center Energy
A recent peer-reviewed study in the journal Patterns by Alex de Vries‑Gao highlights the environmental impact of AI systems. In 2025, AI consumed between 312 and 765 billion liters of water, mostly for cooling data centers, and produced 32.6 to 79.7 million tonnes of CO₂, comparable to New York City’s annual emissions from energy and transport.
The study warns of the growing impact of AI without sustainable practices, stating:
> “Without transparent data, the biggest opportunities for mitigating the climate impacts of data centers and AI cannot be easily identified, and the effects of interventions will remain hidden as well.”
Researchers emphasize solutions such as renewable-powered data centers, more efficient cooling, and less energy-intensive AI models to reduce environmental strain.
A recent peer-reviewed study in the journal Patterns by Alex de Vries‑Gao highlights the environmental impact of AI systems. In 2025, AI consumed between 312 and 765 billion liters of water, mostly for cooling data centers, and produced 32.6 to 79.7 million tonnes of CO₂, comparable to New York City’s annual emissions from energy and transport.
The study warns of the growing impact of AI without sustainable practices, stating:
> “Without transparent data, the biggest opportunities for mitigating the climate impacts of data centers and AI cannot be easily identified, and the effects of interventions will remain hidden as well.”
Researchers emphasize solutions such as renewable-powered data centers, more efficient cooling, and less energy-intensive AI models to reduce environmental strain.
Trump Recalls 27 Ambassadors
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has recalled about 27 U.S. ambassadors and senior diplomats from posts worldwide, with Africa most heavily affected, along with parts of Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Most of those recalled are career Foreign Service officers, not political appointees.
The move is part of an “America First” diplomatic reshuffle, allowing the administration to align U.S. foreign policy with its priorities. Critics warn it could weaken U.S. influence abroad, while officials stress that ambassadors serve at the president’s pleasure and such recalls are within his authority.
This action does not involve U.S. citizens abroad, only diplomatic personnel.
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has recalled about 27 U.S. ambassadors and senior diplomats from posts worldwide, with Africa most heavily affected, along with parts of Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Most of those recalled are career Foreign Service officers, not political appointees.
The move is part of an “America First” diplomatic reshuffle, allowing the administration to align U.S. foreign policy with its priorities. Critics warn it could weaken U.S. influence abroad, while officials stress that ambassadors serve at the president’s pleasure and such recalls are within his authority.
This action does not involve U.S. citizens abroad, only diplomatic personnel.
Iranian Warships Deployed Toward South Africa
> “The presence of Iranian naval flotillas in distant waters demonstrates our commitment to maritime security and international cooperation,” an Iranian Navy commander said.
South Africa’s growing military and diplomatic relationship with Iran is one of the factors contributing to ongoing tensions between South Africa and the United States, as Washington views Tehran as a strategic adversary and has expressed concern over defense cooperation and BRICS-aligned military activities involving Iran.
> “The presence of Iranian naval flotillas in distant waters demonstrates our commitment to maritime security and international cooperation,” an Iranian Navy commander said.
South Africa’s growing military and diplomatic relationship with Iran is one of the factors contributing to ongoing tensions between South Africa and the United States, as Washington views Tehran as a strategic adversary and has expressed concern over defense cooperation and BRICS-aligned military activities involving Iran.
EU Delays Mercosur Trade Deal After Protests
The EU‑Mercosur free-trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia has been delayed due to farmer opposition and political concerns over environmental and economic standards. Negotiations, which began in 1999, aimed to reduce tariffs, boost trade, and strengthen economic ties, but protests in Brussels highlighted concerns over deforestation, labor standards, and competition with European farmers.
│ “The delay follows violent demonstrations in Brussels.” — AP News
The EU‑Mercosur free-trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia has been delayed due to farmer opposition and political concerns over environmental and economic standards. Negotiations, which began in 1999, aimed to reduce tariffs, boost trade, and strengthen economic ties, but protests in Brussels highlighted concerns over deforestation, labor standards, and competition with European farmers.
│ “The delay follows violent demonstrations in Brussels.” — AP News
The EU is considering reducing national veto powers because they slow decision-making, especially on foreign policy, sanctions, and enlargement. Leaders want to rely more on qualified majority voting so the EU can act faster and more effectively. Ending vetoes completely would require treaty changes and unanimous approval, so the idea remains controversial, with some countries worried about losing national control.
Israel Recognizes Somaliland
Israel has formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following a civil war, but it has not been widely recognized internationally. Despite this, it has maintained its own government, military, and currency for over three decades. Israel’s recognition represents a notable development in international diplomacy and could influence future regional engagement in the Horn of Africa.
Israel has formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following a civil war, but it has not been widely recognized internationally. Despite this, it has maintained its own government, military, and currency for over three decades. Israel’s recognition represents a notable development in international diplomacy and could influence future regional engagement in the Horn of Africa.
Recent news reports say that Alawite communities in Syria have organized protests following deadly attacks, including a bombing at a mosque and violent clashes in coastal cities. Protesters say they feel unsafe, targeted, and marginalized during Syria’s ongoing political transition.
> “We are asking for security, dignity, and protection for our people.”
> “We are asking for security, dignity, and protection for our people.”
A major natural gas transmission line ruptured north of Los Angeles, forcing the closure of the I‑5 freeway and issuing shelter‑in‑place orders for nearby residents. Authorities later isolated the leak and reopened the highway while investigations into the cause continue.
| A SoCalGas spokesperson said crews had “safely isolated the damaged section of pipeline, stopping the leak.”
| A SoCalGas spokesperson said crews had “safely isolated the damaged section of pipeline, stopping the leak.”
A double-storey building in Doornkop, Soweto, collapsed early Sunday, killing three people, including a one-year-old child, and injuring several others. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
> | "We are investigating all possible causes to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents," said Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson.
> | "We are investigating all possible causes to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents," said Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson.
China has begun large‑scale military exercises around Taiwan, involving army, naval, air force and rocket units. Beijing says the drills are intended to deter “separatist forces” and foreign interference, while Taiwan’s leaders have condemned them as provocative and vowed to defend their democracy. The operations include live‑fire maneuvers and encirclement zones.
Operation Mosi Heightens U.S.–South Africa Tensions
South Africa’s Operation Mosi, a naval exercise involving Russia, China, and soon Iran, has raised international concern.
The timing of these exercises are not ideal: Iran has recently declared a state of “full-scale war” with the U.S., Europe, and Israel, heightening worries over South Africa hosting a country in direct conflict with Western powers.
U.S. officials have warned that “South Africa’s military cooperation with nations currently at odds with the U.S. raises serious strategic concerns.” The exercises have already led to suspensions of defense programs and increased scrutiny from lawmakers.
South Africa’s Operation Mosi, a naval exercise involving Russia, China, and soon Iran, has raised international concern.
The timing of these exercises are not ideal: Iran has recently declared a state of “full-scale war” with the U.S., Europe, and Israel, heightening worries over South Africa hosting a country in direct conflict with Western powers.
U.S. officials have warned that “South Africa’s military cooperation with nations currently at odds with the U.S. raises serious strategic concerns.” The exercises have already led to suspensions of defense programs and increased scrutiny from lawmakers.
Freemasons Seek Court Block on Met Police Policy
The Freemasons have filed for an emergency High Court injunction to stop a new Metropolitan Police policy requiring officers to declare their membership in the organization. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) said the rule is “inadequate, prejudicial, and unjust,” claiming it amounts to “religious discrimination.”
The Met defended the policy, stating it applies to all officers and staff who are members of hierarchical organizations, and is designed to “maintain integrity, impartiality, and public confidence in policing.”
The case could set a precedent on how public institutions balance transparency with individual rights.
The Freemasons have filed for an emergency High Court injunction to stop a new Metropolitan Police policy requiring officers to declare their membership in the organization. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) said the rule is “inadequate, prejudicial, and unjust,” claiming it amounts to “religious discrimination.”
The Met defended the policy, stating it applies to all officers and staff who are members of hierarchical organizations, and is designed to “maintain integrity, impartiality, and public confidence in policing.”
The case could set a precedent on how public institutions balance transparency with individual rights.
Cyprus’ support for the EU appeal reinforces Somalia’s sovereignty, signaling that engagement with Somaliland should go through Somalia’s central government. The move aims to prevent destabilization and uphold regional stability amid growing international interest in Somaliland.
“Somalia’s sovereignty must be upheld.” Cyprus foreign ministry statement
“Somalia’s sovereignty must be upheld.” Cyprus foreign ministry statement
Ukraine has denied reports of a drone attack on President Putin’s residence in Novgorod, while Russian officials warned such actions “will not go unanswered.” Western leaders called for restraint on both sides, emphasizing that military operations remain defensive, as analysts note the claims could influence ongoing peace talks.
“Such reckless actions will not go unanswered.” Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
“Such reckless actions will not go unanswered.” Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
Youth-led protests are sweeping the region, driven by economic hardship, corruption, and social inequality.
| “We are tired of being ignored—our voices matter, and we will keep pushing for change,” said a Gen Z activist in Nepal.
Protests in Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Timor‑Leste, and Malaysia are pressuring governments and reshaping politics, though lasting reforms remain uncertain.
| “We are tired of being ignored—our voices matter, and we will keep pushing for change,” said a Gen Z activist in Nepal.
Protests in Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Timor‑Leste, and Malaysia are pressuring governments and reshaping politics, though lasting reforms remain uncertain.