Cable car launched in test mode at Ala-Archa Nature Park - | 24.KG
A cable car has been launched in test mode at Ala-Archa Nature Park. A video of the launch appeared on social media the day before. As it was previously reported, the cable car is being built by the Austrian-Swiss Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group. The company is implementing cable car construction projec»»»
Looking back at Israel and Iran's ‘12-day war’: Direct conflict breaks out between arch-enemies
When Israel launched a lightening attack on Iran’s military and nuclear sites on June 13, it kickstarted a conflict dubbed the “12-day war” by US President Donald Trump. Although the whirlwind clash lasted less than two weeks, it caused unprecedented destruction in Israel and considerably weakened »»»
African Union and Somalia denounce Israel's recognition of Somaliland
The African Union and Somalia denounced Israel's announcement on Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state". Israel is the first country to recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Somalia and the African Union reacted angrily on Fr»»»
French police arrest suspect after three women stabbed on Paris metro
French police on Friday arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of stabbing three women at different stations on a central Paris metro line during the busy end-of-year period. The attacks, which left the victims injured but not in critical condition, triggered a rapid manhunt and heightened security o»»»
Fax and furious: Why Germany struggles to go digital – DW – 12/27/2025
BusinessGermanyFax and furious: Why Germany struggles to go digitalNicolas Martin | Andreas BeckerGermany, the land of tech pioneers, still relies on fax and paper for basic public services. Why is digital government stuck in the slow lane while Denmark and India race ahead? https://p.dw.com/p/55Yd»»»
Peak Oil: Why the world can't break its fossil fuel habit – DW – 12/27/2025
TradeGlobal issuesPeak Oil: Why the world can't break its fossil fuel habitNik MartinClimate change shifted the oil production debate from scarcity to demand. But without delivering on ambitious green pledges, one expert predicts production may peak within two years, forcing a chaotic decline. http»»»
'We won't stop': How Gen Z’s anger became a global movement in 2025
From Kathmandu to Lima, Generation Z took to the streets in 2025 to denounce inequality, corruption and political exclusion. Across the Global South, young people turned scattered local protests into a shared moment of mobilisation. FRANCE 24 looks back on a pivotal year for a generational movement»»»
Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire after weeks of deadly border clashes
Thailand and Cambodia on Saturday agreed to an "immediate" ceasefire after three weeks of fighting killed at least 47 people and displaced more than a million. The truce comes after three days of talks, and it applies to "all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian obje»»»
Cambodia and Thailand agree ceasefire, return of Cambodian troops
Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following weeks of deadly clashes along their shared border, raising hopes of a gradual easing of tensions and the return of displaced civilians, KIRIPOST reports. »»»
Cambodia and Thailand agree ceasefire, return of Cambodian troops
Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following weeks of deadly clashes along their shared border, raising hopes of a gradual easing of tensions and the return of displaced civilians, KIRIPOST reports. »»»
Euro Transition Disruptions: List of Bulgarian Banks Halting Card Payments Around New Year
Bulgaria’s switch to the euro on January 1, 2026 will require a large-scale technical adjustment of banking systems, leading to temporary disruptions in card payments, ATM services and digital banking around the turn of the year, according to information published by commercial banks and summarized»»»
South Korea to end overseas adoptions amid UN concern over human rights abuses
South Korea on Friday announced plans to end foreign adoptions over a five-year period, aiming for zero by 2029, as UN investigators raise “serious concern” over decades of abuses. Many adoptees were sent abroad with falsified records or suffered mistreatment, and critics say Seoul has failed to pr»»»
Europe Rendezvous - Denmark: An open economy, but a closed immigration system (part 2)
FRANCE 24 heads north to the kingdom of Denmark. The Scandinavian country has been in the spotlight this year, holding the rotating presidency of the European Council from July to December and pushing forward its priorities such as migration and the energy transition – topics that we dive»»»
New York plans patriotic NYE ball drop to mark USA's 250th birthday
New York’s Times Square will sparkle in red, white and blue on New Year's Eve as a patriotic ball drop rings in 2026, marking the start of celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary. Organisers have planned hundreds of events nationwide, including fireworks, parades and volunteer initiat»»»
Two killed in northern Israel by Palestinian stabbing, car ramming attack
At least two people died in a stabbing and car ramming attack in northern Israel on Friday, Israeli police said. Both victims died from their injuries and the alleged attacker, a resident of the occupied West Bank, was injured and hospitalised. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz quickly ordered m»»»
Southern Yemeni separatists accuse Saudi Arabia of air strikes in eastern provinces
Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out air strikes on their positions in the east of the country, a claim Riyadh has not acknowledged. While vowing they will not be deterred, the STC said it remains open to coordination with the kingdo»»»
The Bright Side: Wild cat feared extinct for 30 years rediscovered in Thailand
An elusive wild cat long feared extinct in Thailand has been rediscovered three decades after its last recorded sighting, conservation authorities said. Camera traps in southern Thailand’s Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary captured 29 detections, including a female with her cub, offering rare »»»
War in Ukraine live: Zelensky to meet with Trump in Florida Sunday
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s invasion. The proposals – which Moscow has yet to respond to – include possible territorial adjustments and security arrangements. Follow ou»»»
Europe Rendezvous - Denmark: An open economy, but a closed immigration system (part 1)
FRANCE 24 heads north to the kingdom of Denmark. The Scandinavian country has been in the spotlight this year, holding the rotating presidency of the European Council from July to December and pushing forward its priorities such as migration and the energy transition – topics that we dive»»»
Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election
The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»
Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»
Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»
Russians face economic strain as inflation fears and tax hikes dampen outlook for 2026
There is a classic Soviet expression that sums up how hard life was in the USSR: “Today is worse than yesterday, but at least it is better than tomorrow.” In the latest poll from the independent pollster, the Levada C»»»
Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election
The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»
Deadly blast hits Alawite mosque in Syria's Homs province
At least eight people died and 18 wounded in a blast that struck a mosque in an Alawite neighbourhood of the Homs province in Syria on Friday, according to local officials. At least eight people were killed in an explosion at a mosque of the Alawite minority sect in the Syrian city of Homs on Frid»»»
Russia makes 'proposal' to France regarding jailed researcher Laurent Vinatier
Moscow has made a "proposal" to France concerning the case of researcher Laurent Vinatier, who has been imprisoned in Russia since June 2024, the Kremlin said Thursday. Vinatier was sentenced by a Russian court to three years in prison for allegedly failing to register as a "foreign agent" but»»»
South Korean prosecutors seek 10 years in prison for ousted president Yoon
South Korean prosecutors on Friday sought a ten-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of obstruction of justice after his attempt to impose martial law last winter. The suspension of civil rule led to massive protests and weeks of political chaos in South Korea.»»»
Former Malaysian PM Najib found guilty of money laundering in 1MDB corruption case
Malaysia's High Court on Friday found former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak guilty of all 21 counts of money laundering related to the sprawling corruption scandal involving Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). This conviction is likely to add years to the pri»»»
Ruble world’s best-performing currency in 2025 despite sanctions and weak oil prices
The Russian ruble surged 44% against the dollar in 2025, becoming the world’s best performing currency, being only beaten by gold (72%) and silver (159%) prices amongst the major traded commodities, The Bell reported on December 24. »»»
Brazil’s jailed ex-president Bolsonaro undergoes 'successful' hernia surgery
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who was serving a 27-year prison sentence for an attempted coup, underwent successful hernia surgery in Brasília after being temporarily released from jail. Doctors said he was expected to remain hospitalised for several days. Former Brazilian president Ja»»»
US launches air strikes against Islamic State group militants in Nigeria
President Donald Trump said Thursday that the US had launched "precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes". The claim came in a Christmas night social media post that offered few details, though US Africa Command later confirmed the strikes were conducted at the request of Nigeri»»»
Zelensky holds talks with US envoys as Russia sees 'slow but steady' peace progress
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday he held "very good" talks with US President Donald Trump’s envoys on ending the war, as Russia also assured negotiations with Washington were making progress. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday he had had "very good" t»»»
Trump says “MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists” (sic) after strikes in Nigeria
Donald Trump said the US military had carried out what he described as a powerful and deadly strike against Islamic State fighters in north-western Nigeria, an operation Washington says was conducted in close co-ordination with Nigerian forces, the BBC reports. »»»
Trump says “MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists” (sic) after strikes in Nigeria
Donald Trump said the US military had carried out what he described as a powerful and deadly strike against Islamic State fighters in north-western Nigeria, an operation Washington says was conducted in close co-ordination with Nigerian forces, the BBC reports. »»»
‘Qatar’s logistics sector growth strengthens economic momentum’
Doha, Qatar: Industry leaders have noted that Qatar’s logistics sector is emerging as a key pillar of economic growth, supported by rising trade volumes, expanding transshipment activity and world-class port infrastructure, with Hamad Port increasingly positioning the country as a leading regional »»»
Trump-backed Nasry Asfura declared winner of Honduras presidency
Conservative businessman Nasry Asfura, backed by Donald Trump, was declared the winner of Honduras' presidential election on Wednesday, three weeks after a vote marked by a very narrow margin and allegations of fraud, signaling a return to conservatism for the country. The US president had given hi»»»
California declares state of emergency as Christmas storms threaten flash floods
California declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and several other locations in the southern part of the state on Wednesday as one of the worst Christmas storms in recent memory brought heavy rain and fears of flashing flooding. Rain from a powerful winter storm that swept across Southern Ca»»»
North American air defense tracks Santa's sleigh around the world for a 70th year
The joint US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command headquartered in Colorado tracked Santa's Yuletide sleigh ride overnight for a 70th year. Santa Claus drove his reindeer-powered sleigh over rooftops around the world beginning on Wednesday, delivering gifts to mi»»»
UK, Canada, Germany and others condemn Israel’s West Bank settlement expansion
The UK, Canada, Germany and several other countries on Wednesday condemned Israel’s decision to approve 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying the move violated international law and risked fuelling further instability, and calling on the Israeli government to reverse the decision. Fo»»»
Several killed in blast at mosque in northeast Nigeria
At least five people were killed on Wednesday when an explosion tore through a crowded mosque in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri during evening prayers, according to witnesses and security sources. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the suspected bombing in a city that has endu»»»
Somalis vote under tight security in first local elections in decades
Somalis queued in the capital Mogadishu on Thursday to vote in local elections by universal suffrage for the first time in nearly 60 years, a historic test for democracy in a country grappling with insecurity and political tensions. Somalis turned out in droves on Thursday to vote in local election»»»
France probes cyberattack on postal service claimed by pro-Russian hackers
France's internal intelligence services are investigating a cyberattack on the country's national postal service that has disrupted deliveries during the busy Christmas season. The attack was claimed by Noname057(16), a pro-Russian group of hackers that has previously targeted Ukrainian media websi»»»
Turkey recovers black box from Libya army chief’s fatal plane crash
Turkish authorities said on Wednesday they had recovered the cockpit voice and flight data recorders from a private jet crash near Ankara that killed Libya’s armed forces chief Mohammed al-Haddad and four aides. The devices will be analysed in a neutral country, the transport minister said, as inve»»»
'Symbol of hope': Exiled Bangladesh opposition leader and PM hopeful Rahman returns ahead of polls
Bangladesh opposition leader Tarique Rahman returned home on Thursday after 17 years in exile, welcomed by huge crowds. The aspiring prime minister positioned himself for February’s elections, promising safety, justice and unity after months of political unrest. Aspiring prime minister and politica»»»
The EU laws reining in big tech and fighting disinformation – but angering Trump
The Trump administration took its fight with the EU over tech regulation to a new level this week, denying visas to five Europeans and accusing them of seeking to censor "American viewpoints". All five have been instrumental in EU efforts to counter hate speech and disinformation online.&»»»
Ukraine fires Storm Shadows, drones at Russia’s energy facilities
Ukraine launched British-made Storm Shadow missiles and domestically produced drones to strike Russian energy facilities, hitting the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery and setting ablaze two oil storage tanks at the southern port of Temryuk, where flames spread over about 2,000 square metres, officials s»»»
French Christmas traditions: festivities that continue well into the New Year
Christmas in France would not be complete without free-flowing champagne, oysters or a bûche de Noël. And the French holiday season is longer than most – stretching into the New Year with Epiphany (January 6) and its traditional galettes des rois (king cake) into February with Chande»»»
Pope speaks of Gaza's suffering, urges direct talks on Ukraine war in first Christmas blessing
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from Vatican City on Thursday, at the end of a year overshadowed by conflict around the world, urging Ukraine and Russia to find the 'courage' to hold direct peace talks and speaking of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Pope »»»
Ankara detains over 100 people with suspected links to Islamic terror group
Turkish security forces have detained more than 100 people suspected of links to Islamic State, saying they had foiled plans to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year period. According to the BBC, prosecutors »»»
Nature in focus: 2025’s most striking moments from the wild
Dubai: From the tiniest hatchling to the planet’s largest predators, 2025 delivered some of the most powerful images ever captured of animals and the natural world. These photographs go beyond visual beauty, offering quiet but urgent reminders of how fragile life on Earth has become — and how resil»»»