International
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Delcy Rodriguez Takes the Reins: Venezuela’s Controversial Pick in a Time of Crisis
Delcy Rodriguez has emerged as a central figure in Venezuela’s political drama, steering a nation through one of its toughest eras. A veteran of finance, oil, and diplomacy, she blends economic pragmatism with bold strategy in a bid to redefine the country’s trajectory. Her leadership—its promises and its risks—has everyone watching what comes next.
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Papua New Guinea’s Population Boom Sparks Urgent Family Planning Reform
Papua New Guinea’s population is rising fast, risking overwhelmed services and stalled development. A stark analysis argues that empowering families with choices and investing in education could change the trajectory—but time is short.
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UN and Local Police Team Up to Reimagine Policing for the Vulnerable
A new partnership is boosting police training on human rights, focusing on how officers interact with people in vulnerable situations. Emphasizing civil society collaboration and a long-term commitment to trust, the initiative aims to advance inclusive, accountable policing.
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US Moves in Venezuela as Maduro Detention Triggers Transition of Power
Tensions surge as foreign action collides with a fragile political moment in Venezuela. With shifting loyalties and a looming transition, the coming days could redefine the region’s fate.
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New U.S. Travel Rules Hit Tonga and 29 Nations—What You Need to Know
New U.S. travel rules tighten visa access for Tonga and 29 other nations, affecting short-term visits and business trips. Officials cite visa overstay rates and information-sharing capabilities as core concerns. The policy raises questions about how governance stability and security reviews will shape future travel.
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Maduro’s Court Appearance Ignites U.S. Oil Ambitions in Venezuela
Maduro faces a Manhattan courtroom as charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses loom large. Meanwhile, a high-stakes U.S. plan to reshape Venezuela’s oil future stirs intense debate at home and abroad. From South Florida celebrations to Caracas’ unease, the political drama signals a pivotal moment for the nation’s future.
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Declassified Fiji Papers Reveal 2005 Power Struggle and Amnesty Debate
Fresh cabinet papers reveal Fiji’s political tensions in 2005, tracing a high-stakes dance between Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and military commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. The spotlight falls on a controversial reconciliation bill and an amnesty clause that drew sharp opposition and fears of confrontation. With traditional leaders backing Qarase and observers watching closely, the path…
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Pacific Islands Rally for Ambitious Climate Action Ahead of COP31
With COP31 on the horizon, the Pacific is steering a bold push for climate action and resilience. A new SDG-focused pooled fund and data-driven initiatives could accelerate change across island communities, signaling a defining test for climate justice and regional collaboration.
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Gambia migrant boat capsizes as rescue efforts continue
An overnight disaster off the Gambian coast as a migrant boat capsizes, triggering a major search-and-rescue operation. The incident highlights the perilous journeys many undertake in search of a better future.
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Dozens Dead in New Year’s Fire at Swiss Bar in Crans-Montana
Devastating flames shattered New Year celebrations at a Swiss ski resort, leaving dozens dead and many more injured. Investigators are probing the cause, with authorities ruling out foul play as families await news and communities rally in support. A stark reminder of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
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Auckland Workshop Sparks Pacific Islands Push to Strengthen Port State Control
Pacific Island nations are refining port state control through a regional workshop in Auckland, turning international rules into practical, island-focused action. Hands-on shipboard training and shared enforcement strategies aim to boost port inspections and safeguard maritime safety and the environment across the region.
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Is a 15-Year Security Pact for Ukraine Nearing Finalization?
Ukraine weighs a long-term security guarantee as talks press ahead, with a 15-year framework on the table and calls for a much longer horizon. Key disputes over Zaporizhzhia and Donbas loom large, keeping the path to a durable agreement uncertain.
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Zelensky slams Putin’s war drive as Kyiv comes under renewed attack ahead of Trump talks
Zelensky frames Putin’s latest strikes as a stark sign Moscow won’t back down from war. With a pivotal Florida meeting looming, Ukraine’s push for peace faces a harsh test as the world watches for the next move.
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Fiji Adi Cakobau School Choir Captivates New Zealand Audiences
A spirited Fiji girls’ choir in red skirts and white blouses brings color, song, and graceful island dances to New Zealand audiences. From shy beginnings to memorable harmonies, their vibrant performance offers a captivating glimpse of cultural exchange that lingers long after the last note.
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Guatemala Sololá Night Bus Crash Sparks Rescue Frenzy
Tragedy in Sololá, Guatemala: a bus plunges into a ravine on the Inter-American Highway, leaving 15 dead and 19 injured as rescuers rush to the scene. The crash underscores ongoing road-safety and infrastructure challenges in the region.
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Thailand-Cambodia Border Ceasefire Takes Effect as 18 Detained Soldiers Set for Release
A fragile ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia raises hopes of easing border tensions, with plans to release detained soldiers as civilians begin to return home. The next 72 hours will be crucial as both sides monitor the truce, tackle disinformation, and navigate the delicate path toward lasting peace.
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US-Backed Strikes Target ISIS Camps in Nigeria
Night-time airstrikes in northwest Nigeria hit camps linked to ISIS-affiliated fighters, signaling a renewed international push against a persistent threat. Officials say the operation caused structural damage but no civilian casualties, while nearby residents reported a late-night blast. The move underscores the ongoing effort to root out foreign fighters and insurgent networks in the region.
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Fiji’s Flying Circus to Headline Wellington Fringe, Make History at Hamilton Arts Festival
From Fiji’s local stages to a major New Zealand showcase, Evangeline Kumar and the Fijian Flying Circus push the limits of dance and circus—promising a performance that could redefine their art.
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Tuvalu Christmas Rescue Highlights Regional Maritime Cooperation in the Pacific
A rapid, coordinated rescue in Tuvaluan waters underscored the power of regional cooperation at sea. The operation brought families together just in time for Christmas, while authorities urged mariners to prepare thoroughly and stay vigilant during the holiday season.
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Samoa to Receive $3.6M NZ Compensation for HMNZS Manawanui Sinking
After a naval vessel sank off Samoa, communities are poised to receive a multi-million relief package for families and local businesses. Officials promise a fair, village-guided distribution that reflects the hit to livelihoods and coastal tourism.
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US Donates First of Six RHIBs to Fiji Navy, Strengthening Pacific Maritime Security
A seven-meter RHIB becomes the first of six donated by the United States to the Fiji Navy, signaling a deeper maritime partnership in the Pacific. With advanced navigation and communications, the vessel promises to boost security operations and disaster response, backed by ongoing training to keep Fiji’s sailors ready.
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Russia’s Overnight Strikes Shake Ukraine as Zelensky Warns of Christmas Attacks
Russia’s overnight assault on Ukrainian cities plunges communities into darkness as energy networks falter and families face a tense holiday season amid fragile peace talks.
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Pacific Islands Forum Unveils 2050 Strategy to Strengthen Global Voice
A bold push to amplify the Pacific voice is underway. From a new 2050 Engagement and Advocacy Plan to stronger regional media partnerships, the focus is on uniting communities and boosting climate resilience on the global stage. Leadership is steering toward greater unity and visibility, shaping a more influential Pacific in the years ahead.
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Fiji PM Hails Peacekeeping Readiness as Troops Return from Iraq
Fiji’s leaders laud a homecoming that signals renewed readiness for future peacekeeping. As troops reflect on sacrifices and accountability, the ceremony points to a future-focused path for the nation’s security forces.
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Fiji Welcomes Back 156 UN Peacekeepers After Iraq Deployment
Fiji marks a heartfelt homecoming for its UN peacekeepers returning from a lengthy deployment in Iraq. The ceremony honored fallen comrades and underscored the country’s enduring commitment to peacekeeping.
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Fiji Weighs Gaza Peacekeeping Role After Israeli Invite
Fiji faces a pivotal decision after an official invitation to consider Gaza peacekeeping duties. Troops returning from UN missions are ready, but any deployment would require careful government deliberation, underscoring the tension between preparedness and the weight of leadership and duty.
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Taiwan Bets Big on Palau as Pacific Alliances Grow Ahead of 2026 Forum
Taiwan steps up its Pacific diplomacy ahead of the 2026 regional leaders’ meeting, spotlighting strengthened ties with Palau and other allies. A cross-sector delegation—from electronics and green energy to health and tourism—signals a broader push to deepen regional cooperation and prosperity.
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Japan Sets Stage to Restart World’s Largest Nuclear Plant After Local Vote
Japan edges closer to restarting operations at the world’s largest nuclear plant after a regional vote, signaling a pivotal moment in its post-Fukushima energy strategy. The move is seen by some as a boost to energy security, while others warn of safety concerns and the local community’s divided stance.
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PROSPER Act Pushes Duty-Free Trade for Pacific Islands in US-China Indo-Pacific Strategy
A new U.S. bill aims to deepen Pacific ties by reviving trade preferences and offering duty-free access for key exports like tuna and sugar. It signals a broader Indo-Pacific strategy to strengthen partnerships, bolster development, and counter regional rivals. The move could reshape diplomacy, trade, and livelihoods across the Pacific.
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Fiji Welcomes Back UN Peacekeepers from Iraq Mission
State House welcomed Fiji’s peacekeepers back home, underscoring the island nation’s enduring pledge to global security. The ceremony honored courage, dedication, and Fiji’s longstanding legacy in United Nations missions around the world.