Global demand for rare earth minerals is wreaking havoc on Southeast Asia’s Mekong River, threatening the livelihoods and health of tens of millions of people who rely on the waterway. From agriculture to fisheries, the river serves as a lifeline for approximately 70 million residents across six countries, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to airlines flying over Venezuela, citing a “potentially hazardous situation” due to a worsening security environment and heightened military activity. The alert, issued on November 22, 2025, takes the form of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and advises pilots to exercise extreme caution in Venezuelan airspace.

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the Trump administration of prioritizing Venezuela’s oil over fighting drug trafficking, in a wide-ranging interview with CNN. The president, whose tenure has seen increasing tensions with Washington, argued that Venezuela’s oil reserves—considered the largest in the world—are central to U.S. foreign policy in the region. “Oil is at the

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Israel has confirmed the return of the body of deceased Israeli hostage Dror Or from the Gaza Strip, marking a solemn milestone in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The handover, conducted by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), comes as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement initiated in October 2025. According to Israeli authorities, forensic experts

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Israel mourns the loss of Dror Or, whose remains were recently returned from the Gaza Strip. The 48-year-old Israeli hostage was identified by a forensic institute in Tel Aviv, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Wednesday. Or’s tragic death comes as the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, established in

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Israel is mourning the latest tragic loss from Gaza, as the remains of hostage Dror Or were returned to Israeli authorities. This event comes as the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, initiated in October 2025, draws to a close. The identification of Or’s remains leaves only two hostages’ remains still in Gaza, underscoring the

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Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwanese President Lai Ching‑te announced a £30 billion (NT$1.25 trillion) supplementary defence budget on Wednesday, aimed at countering rising military threats from China. The new package focuses on enhancing Taiwan’s joint combat readiness, purchasing advanced U.S. weapons, and developing asymmetric capabilities to increase the costs and uncertainties of any potential Chinese aggression.

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Taiwan has announced a sweeping $40 billion defence package aimed at countering what President Lai Ching‑te described as “intensifying” military and political threats from China. The new budget, which significantly expands on earlier proposals, will fund advanced weapons, new missile and drone programs, and technology to combat espionage, cyber threats, and Chinese propaganda. Speaking at

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Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced on Wednesday a special $40 billion defense budget aimed at bolstering the island’s military capabilities, including the construction of the Taiwan Dome, a high-tech air defense system designed for advanced detection and missile interception. The funds will also be used to purchase arms and military equipment from

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Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced on Wednesday that his government will propose an additional $40 billion in defence spending over the next eight years, aiming to strengthen Taiwan’s deterrence against potential Chinese aggression. The plan is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to enhance military readiness amid increasing threats from Beijing. Boosting Military

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