Russia Signals Readiness to Resume Ukraine Peace Talks

Russia said it is ready to resume talks with Ukraine and the US to end the war. The announcement followed Putin's meeting with US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in St Petersburg. Russia also released US citizen Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old teacher who had been held for more than four years on charges the State Department called fabricated.

Drone Strike Kills More Than 150 in Sudan's Abyei

A drone strike in Abyei killed more than 150 people during Sudan's civil war. Both sides are using drones to strike across long distances, with heavy civilian casualties.

Saudi Arabia Cancels 'Davos in the Desert' Over Houthi Strikes

Saudi Arabia cancelled its 'Davos in the Desert' investor meeting because of Houthi missile and drone strikes from Yemen. Britain offered military support.

Israel Detains Americans and Activists in West Bank

Israeli forces detained about 80 American and Israeli rabbis and activists, along with Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander, while they were helping Palestinian olive harvesters. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are hoping the upcoming Israeli election will remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Protests and Riots in France Lead to Fast-Track Trials

Riots in Paris looted small businesses, and shopkeepers say they fear further damage. Judges at the Tribunal de Paris are holding expedited hearings for those detained during the unrest.

Macron Accuses Foreign Leaders of Exploiting French Unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron accused foreign leaders of distorting France's unrest for political gain, in an apparent reference to Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, who both face elections in the coming weeks. During his Gulf tour, Macron also made a surprise visit to Riyadh to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where France secured extra diesel supplies.

Spain Faces Snap Election Amid Rise of Catalan Alliance

The rise of the Catalan Alliance has raised alarm among Muslims in Catalonia over anti-Muslim sentiment. Spain's snap election is scheduled for November.

UK Weighs Energy Bills as Jackdaw Gas Decision Advances

BBC Verify is examining the government's Jackdaw gas decision and how it could affect energy bills, energy security and the environment. Energy prices in the UK remain high.

Over 130 Million Names Removed From India's Voter Rolls

About 130 million names were struck off India's voter rolls during a large-scale revision, a move critics describe as the largest disenfranchisement in the country's history. The situation has contributed to a political crisis.

Delhi's Winter Pollution Season Begins

Air quality in India's largest city has plummeted as the winter haze season begins. The government has said it will act to curtail the haze that blankets the capital every winter.

Australian MP Loses Both Legs After Alleged Car Attack

Australian MP Helen Haines lost both legs after an alleged car attack. The suspect, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, faces multiple charges and appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday. Fellow lawmakers, especially women, spoke of feeling threatened in a polarized political climate.

Pakistan Arrests Man Wanted by US Over Postage Fraud

Pakistan arrested Faheem Akram, who is wanted by the US over an alleged postage fraud. He allegedly sold more than 5 million fake postage labels at a fixed price of $2 each.

Controversial Hepatitis B Vaccine Trial in African Newborns Halted

A US-backed hepatitis B vaccine trial in newborns in Guinea-Bissau was halted after drawing global backlash. The lead researcher, Danish researcher Frederik Schaltz-Buchholzer, said the study 'will not move forward'.

Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks Over UK

The Orionid meteor shower peaks in UK skies through Thursday. Skygazers could see as many as 10 to 20 meteors per hour, weather permitting.

SpaceX Plans Starship Catch on Next Flight

SpaceX plans to attempt a Starship catch on its next flight, with the aim of increasing launch cadence. The company said it has had significant constructive engagement with the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Musk Confirms Tesla and SpaceX Merger Under Consideration

Elon Musk confirmed he is considering a merger of Tesla and SpaceX. He said special committees within both companies have been formed to examine a possible mega-merger.

Ad-Powered AI Medical Startup Valued at $15 Billion

OpenEvidence, an AI startup that is ad-supported, is growing rapidly and is now used by some doctors. The company is valued at $15 billion, despite questions about the accuracy of its information and its use of advertising.

Canada Expands LNG Exports Amid Human Rights Concerns

Canada is expanding its liquefied natural gas business, and exports are growing. Critics have raised concerns about human rights abuses linked to major corporate investors in the sector.