Donald Trump, who is about to become president again, said he might think about helping Mayor Eric Adams from New York City, who is in trouble for bribery charges. During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday, a reporter asked if Trump would support the former police officer. Trump simply replied that he would “look at” a pardon for Adams. This situation is developing, so stay tuned for more updates!
Category: World
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12 Indian Nationals Die from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Georgia
During a sad incident, 12 Indian people were found dead in a restaurant in Georgia because of carbon monoxide poisoning. This happened at a popular ski area called Gudauri.
The Indian embassy in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, expressed deep condolences for the families of the victims. They are working with local authorities to gather more information and provide all possible help.
Georgia’s police stated that when they first checked the place, they did not find any signs of injury or violence. They mentioned that while the Indian mission confirmed all victims were Indian, local officials said that 11 were foreign nationals and one was a Georgian citizen.
So what happened? It seems that a generator was placed inside a closed area near the bedrooms of the building. When the electricity went out on Friday night, the owners turned on the oil-powered generator. Unfortunately, the generator produced carbon monoxide, which suffocated everyone inside.
Local police have started an investigation under a law that covers negligent manslaughter. They are also conducting a forensic examination to find out exactly how they died. Georgia’s Interior Ministry has stated that they are actively working on the investigation, gathering information, and interviewing people involved in the case.
Gudauri is well-known for skiing and snowboarding, located high in the Caucasus mountains at about 2,200 meters above sea level. -
Assad’s Escape: How He Left Syria Amidst Chaos
Former Syrian leader Bashar Assad has shared his first comments since being overthrown by rebel groups. He said he had no plans to leave Syria after the fighting reached Damascus. However, after insurgents attacked the capital, he left the city on December 8 with help from Russian forces. Assad explained that he traveled to the Russian military base in Latakia, a coastal area, where he intended to keep fighting. Later that night, after the base was attacked by drones, the Russians decided to move him to Russia for safety. Assad clarified that he did not leave as part of a pre-planned escape, despite earlier reports.
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Estonia Calls for 2.5% Defense Spending from NATO Amid Russian Threats
Estonia has decided to ask leaders of the northern European NATO countries, who are led by the UK, to spend at least 2.5% of their money (GDP) on defense. This is because of worries about Russia. Right now, only 23 out of the 32 NATO countries plan to spend the NATO goal of 2% of their GDP on defense.
Michal, a leader in Estonia, told Reuters recently, “Everyone in NATO and the EU feels that we need to spend more on defense because of what’s happening around the world and with Russia.” He believes that Europe, being the richest area in the world, should invest more in defense and security.
This week, Michal is hosting leaders of a group called the Joint Expeditionary Force in Tallinn. They will discuss Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, which could cause serious environmental problems. Since the war in Ukraine began nearly three years ago, Estonia has doubled its defense budget and plans to reach 3.2% of GDP in 2024.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned in July that he wants to raise UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP but only when the UK can afford it after reviewing its defense strategy.
Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken about ending the war in Ukraine quickly, but he hasn’t shared his plans. Michal stressed the need for lasting peace and suggested using 200 to 300 billion euros from Russia’s frozen assets worldwide to help rebuild Ukraine. He also wants to tax Russian goods to collect an additional 300 billion euros, which he believes would prevent Russia from continuing attacks and strengthen Ukraine’s military.
“Ukraine is part of Europe and should be in NATO,” Michal added.
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Royal Family Plans Big Christmas Celebration at Sandringham This Year
This year, the Royal Family is excited to celebrate Christmas at their Sandringham home. King Charles and Kate Middleton want to make this holiday special for their family. After facing a tough year with personal challenges, they are looking forward to a calm and joyful Christmas together.
Royal expert Jennie Bond shared some details about their plans with OK! Magazine. This Christmas will be all about family, with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton hosting 45 family members at Sandringham.
When asked about accommodations, Bond mentioned that Catherine’s parents might stay at Anmer Hall. However, she thinks they’ll only host close family there, while the York family will be at Wood Farm. No matter where everyone stays, the royals want to come together to support each other and create a happy atmosphere.
Prince William recently attended an event for military families and joked, “We’ll be in Norfolk, at Sandringham. We’ll be 45 for Christmas. It won’t be quiet; it will be noisy.” He added, “Am I ready for Christmas? No way!”
This year, the Royal Family will focus on making the celebrations fun for the children, as they have more kids in their family now. Bond explained that after everything they’ve been through, it means a lot to King Charles and Queen Camilla to have their family close. With more kids around, Christmas will be filled with joy and laughter, just like it should be.
Prince Harry and Meghan will not be joining the family in the UK for Christmas, but the rest of the Royal Family will enjoy their traditional holiday together in Norfolk.
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Canada’s Tough Challenge with U.S.-Bound Migrants”
Canada is trying to stop migrants from crossing into the United States, but it’s not easy. Six concrete blocks have been placed at a rural road leading to the U.S.-Canada border to prevent cars from driving over, yet people can still jump over them on foot.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer Daniel Dubois says these blocks aren’t enough. They’ve set up more cameras and sensors, but it’s tough to catch every migrant. Canada also promised to send more officers to the border because U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened high tariffs if Canada doesn’t control migrant crossings better.
In the past year, Canada turned back about 1,000 people who tried to cross into the country at unofficial spots, while U.S. authorities caught over 23,000 trying to head to America. Most migrant activity is still happening at the southern U.S. border with Mexico, where the numbers are much higher.
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller told a group that Canada needs to show the U.S. it has a strong immigration system. He said Canada is facing a “credibility challenge” regarding its border security.
The RCMP patrols a 105-mile section of the border that’s known for migrant crossings. They rely on tips from the public and surveillance cameras. They can’t arrest people in Canada unless they’re breaking the law, even if they suspect those people might try to cross into the U.S.
Experts don’t believe new technology or extra officers will significantly stop crossings. Many think these efforts are just to give the appearance of security.
Advocates for refugees say that making it harder for migrants to cross the border only puts them in more danger. This year, at least nine people died near the Quebec-New York border after a rule change allowed either country to send asylum seekers back.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has not commented on these plans. Some experts suggest that Canada should prevent migrants from arriving in the first place. Canada has started denying more visas and turning away travelers at the border.
Terry Rowe, a resident near the border, set up cameras and ended up recording migrants passing by his house. He has shared many videos with U.S. border patrol.
As the situation changes, Canadian authorities are preparing for an increase in migrants fleeing the potential deportations promised by Trump. RCMP officer Charles Poirier said they are ready for a possible surge, as Rowe notices more people coming from the U.S. to Canada.
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Heartbreaking Accident Claims Life of Young Student in Memphis, U.S
A heartbreaking accident happened on Friday when a 26-year-old woman from Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, lost her life in a crash in the United States. Nagasri Vandana Parimala, who was studying for her master’s degree in data science, got into a collision with a truck in Memphis, Tennessee. She was driving with two friends, who were badly hurt in the crash.
Vandana moved to the U.S. in December 2022 and worked hard as a conference assistant at her university. She was responsible for organizing events and creating important reports while studying. On the fateful Friday night, she was driving home from work after picking up her friends when the accident occurred near Rockwood Avenue in Memphis. Although she was quickly taken to the hospital, Vandana sadly passed away from her injuries. Her friends suffered serious injuries, with one reported to be in critical condition.
Vandana’s family was informed about her death by local authorities in Tennessee. The minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nadendla Manohar, expressed his condolences and offered support to her family. Her father, Ganesh, who runs a business in Tenali, mentioned that the Telugu Association of North America is helping bring her body back to Tenali for her final rites.
Before moving to the U.S., Vandana worked at a company in Chennai from January 2021 to December 2022. She was a source code professional and earned her bachelor’s degree in technology (electronics and communications) in 2020 from a private college in her hometown.
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Cyclone Chido Hits Mayotte: Tragedy and Destruction Unfold
Cyclone Chido, the strongest storm in nearly 100 years, hit Mayotte, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. This powerful cyclone brought winds over 200 kph (124 mph) and caused widespread destruction. Many homes, government buildings, and even a hospital were damaged. Local officials estimate that hundreds or even thousands of people may have died.
Mayor Francois-Xavier Bieuville said that the situation is indeed tragic. A resident named Mohamed Ishmael described Mayotte as looking like a place hit by a nuclear war, as entire neighborhoods vanished. The cyclone also moved to northern Mozambique, where damage and effects are still unknown.
Rescue efforts were complicated because internet and phone services were damaged. There were reports of destroyed homes and capsized police boats onshore. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his sadness and support for the people of Mayotte, saying many victims had lost everything, including their lives.
Finding the precise death count is difficult, especially since many families quickly bury their loved ones according to Muslim customs. This disaster is a big challenge for Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who just took office. The French government is sending help from Reunion island to assist the affected people.
Mayotte, which is far from Paris, is poorer than most parts of France. It has struggled with crime and unrest for many years. Many people from nearby Comoros try to enter Mayotte for a better life in France. Unfortunately, about 100,000 undocumented migrants live in Mayotte, and most residents live below the poverty line. Earlier this year, a water shortage increased tensions among the local population.
In 1843, France took control of Mayotte, and by 1974, most of the islands wanted independence. However, a majority in Mayotte chose to stay French, while other islands declared independence in 1975. Today, Mayotte remains ruled from Paris.
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Germany: Key Laws at Risk as Early Elections Approach
Germany’s political parties haven’t worked together much since Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition fell apart in November. Even though the collaboration between the Free Democrats (FDP) and the government ended, there’s a chance that some important laws could still be passed before the early elections set for February 23.
After the FDP left the coalition, Scholz’s government lost its majority, leaving many planned laws uncertain. However, on Friday, the FDP said it would support some of the laws that were already close to being finished. Scholz is set to hold a vote of confidence on Monday and has asked lawmakers to unite and finalize important measures before the elections.
What Laws Could Get Passed This Week?
The old coalition parties – the SPD, Greens, and FDP – agreed on Friday to provide income tax relief and raise child benefits. This plan means that over €11 billion (around $11.6 billion) in tax cuts will be available for 2025 and 2026. Additionally, child benefit payments will increase by €5, bringing the total to €255 each month.
Another key item is the Deutschlandticket, which allows unlimited travel on local transport for a monthly fee of €58 next year. Many people like this idea, but it needs approval for its €1.5 billion cost. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has stated he will support it.
There might also be new measures to protect Germany’s constitutional court. This court might be at risk if parties on the right or left gain enough seats after the election. This could stop new judges from being appointed, causing delays in the court’s work.
What Laws Probably Won’t Pass?
A law to build more hydrogen-ready power stations was in the works but will likely not happen. These stations are needed to support wind and solar energy, but there isn’t enough time to pass the law. New Finance Minister Joerg Kukies mentioned that the 2025 budget also won’t pass, but the old plan will be used temporarily until a new government takes over.
While the cabinet wanted to extend a rent freeze until 2029, Merz said his party wouldn’t agree because the current freeze lasts until the end of 2025. Scholz’s idea to lower the VAT on food from 7% to 5% is also not expected to work, as both conservatives and FDP think it’s just a move for election votes.
Scholz’s plan for a guaranteed minimum pension of 48% of the average wage is also unlikely to get enough support. His proposal to limit electricity transmission costs to 3 cents per kilowatt-hour also lacks backing from the opposition.
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Bashar Al Assad’s Alleged $250 Million Cash Flow to Russia Revealed!
Former Syrian President Bashar Al Assad reportedly sent a huge amount of money, around $250 million, to Moscow between 2018 and 2019. This money was transferred in US dollars and Euros. Reports say this shows how strong Assad’s financial ties were with Russia during the Syrian Civil War.
Documents indicated that flights from the Syrian Central Bank brought cash to Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, where it was put into Russian banks. Russia has been a major supporter of Assad ever since the war began in Syria in 2011, especially when Assad was running low on money.
These transactions took place from March 2018 to September 2019, right after Russian forces helped Assad fight against rebels trying to take over Damascus. The cash transfers included big amounts, sometimes $10 million or $20 million at a time, mostly using $100 bills and €500 bills.
Recently, rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, got very close to Damascus after quickly taking control of several cities, including Aleppo. But where was Assad? He left Syria early one morning and flew to Russia. The Kremlin later confirmed that he now has political asylum there.