International
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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.