Couple found dead at Alexandroupouli home
A 58-year-old man and his 55-year-old wife were found dead in their home in Alexandroupoli, northern Greece, Friday, after relatives, unable to reach them for several days, alerted police late Thursday. Officers went to the residence and called the Fire Department to gain entry, where the couple we»»»
Survey: Swiss Companies Plan Investment Abroad to Offset US Tariffs
Swiss companies plan to relocate some of their operations and production abroad to deal with the impact of US tariffs, according to a study by business association economiesuisse. It surveyed more than 400 companies before and after Switzerland last month agreed a deal to reduce US tariffs from 39%»»»
Iraq’s New Government Faces Unpredictable Prospects
Tension rippled through Iraq’s ruling Shiite alliance after authorities briefly listed Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi group as terrorist organizations, then swiftly reversed the move, at a time when debate over the next government is intensifying. The decision and the rapid retreat from it »»»
Putin’s India Visit Signals Folly of Western Pressure - Academic
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India may have sealed dozens of strategic partnerships, but its core purpose transcends trade: Moscow is using its Soviet-era ally to send a defiant message to the West that it will not be isolated over the conflict in Ukraine, US academic Ramesh Mohan sa»»»
New clashes break out between Pakistan and Taliban
Fresh border clashes have broken out between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban forces, with both sides accusing each other of breaking a fragile ceasefire. Residents fled the Afghan city of Spin Boldak overnight, which lies along the 1,600-mile (2,574 km) border the two countries share. A medical »»»
COMMENT: Putin's India visit concludes with multiple promises of deeper cooperation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's choice of a Toyota Fortuner SUV to ride with Russian President Vladimir Putin on their way to a ceremonial dinner after the Russian leader had just landed drew attention across Indian society. During the Russian leader's December 4-5 state visit there were many»»»
Truth or Fake - US Admiral Alvin Holsey's resignation: What we know
Back in October, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the shock resignation of the commander of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, who will be stepping down on December 12. As that date approaches, there is much speculation over the reason for the admiral's departure.»»»
New US military strike on suspected drug boat heightens scrutiny of Trump anti-trafficking campaign
The US military on Thursday carried out another strike on a small boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean – its first in nearly three weeks – as congressional concern deepens over the legality and conduct of President Donald Trump’s aggressive anti-drug campaign at sea. US Southern Command announced»»»
Reporters - Colombia seeks to break endless cycle of cocaine production and trafficking
Some 68 percent of the world's cocaine production comes from Colombia, fuelling all-powerful criminal gangs. European drug trafficking has its roots in Colombia's poor rural areas. From the Pacific coast to the isolated southern areas of Putumayo, this report explores cocaine's decades-lo»»»
US President Donald Trump named first winner of FIFA Peace Prize
FIFA on Friday awarded its first peace prize to US President Donald Trump, who described it as "one of the great honours" of his life. Trump received the prize during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, DC. US President Donald Trump was awarded the new FIFA Peace Prize on Friday »»»
Dive into Saudi Arabia’s blue holes — where geology, science and beauty meet
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Blue Holes — a chain of deep-sea sinkholes stretching along the southwestern coastline between Makkah and Jazan — are quickly gaining recognition as one of the Kingdom’s most remarkable natural features. These striking circular depressions, visible as dark blue pools against t»»»
Focus - 'Rhino Renaissance Campaign': South Africa steps up fight against poachers
Every year, hundreds of rhinos are killed for their horns, which are trafficked mainly to Asia for use in traditional medicine. As part of the "G20 Heritage Projects", a large-scale campaign was launched in mid-July in South Africa to help save the rhino from extinction. The "Rhino Renaissance»»»
Eye on Africa - Rwanda and DR Congo leaders sign peace deal despite fresh violence
In tonight's edition: A "great day for Africa", says US President Donald Trump, as DR Congo's Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's Paul Kagame sign a precarious peace deal in Washington aimed at ending the M23 conflict. Also, Somalis criticise Trump's remarks calling them "garbage" as racist. Plus, in ant»»»
Israeli-backed, anti-Hamas Palestinian militia chief Abu Shabab killed in Gaza
Yasser Abu Shabab, a Bedouin clan chief and leader of an armed Palestinian militia opposed to Hamas, was killed in Gaza while trying to resolve a family dispute, his group said. The Israeli-backed Popular Forces in Gaza on Thursday denied "misleading" reports that Hamas was behind Abu Shabab's kill»»»
Lebanon does 'not want war again' with Israel, president says
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told a UN Security Council delegation on Friday that his country does not want war with Israel and asked for support from the international community in disarming non-government groups. Israel has continued strikes in southern Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire»»»
Did Iran release 'new' videos of Israeli strikes on its military sites?
A video compilation claiming to show new footage of Iranian command centres destroyed during the June 2025 war with Israel has been circulating online. Disseminated by accounts supportive of Israel and opposed to the Iranian regime, most of these clips were actually generated by artificial intellig»»»
Macron takes on ‘French Murdoch’ in battle against disinformation
French President Emmanuel Macron has come under fire from the political right for suggesting that news outlets be labelled to distinguish those that comply with journalistic ethics from those that do not. Right-wing parties and media outlets owned by billionaire tycoon Vincent Bolloré are lead»»»
French lawmakers approve taxation part of contested social security budget
Lawmakers in the lower house of the French parliament approved the taxation part of the country's overall 2026 social security budget on Friday. Debates on the rest of the highly-contested budget are ongoing in parliament, with a final vote taking place next Tuesday. Lawmakers in the lower house of»»»
France takes anti-drone measures after flight over nuclear submarine base
An anti-drone and search operation was launched after five drones were detected over a base that houses France's nuclear deterrent submarines off its northwestern coast on Thursday evening. The French military used anti-drone measures after five unmanned vehicles flew over a closely guarded base ho»»»
France drops demand for full suspension of Shein site over childlike sex dolls, banned weapons
France on Friday called for Shein to put controls in place on its website, including age verification and filtering, but backed off from its earlier push for a three-month full suspension. This comes after childlike sex dolls and banned weapons were found on its online platform. Fra»»»
The 51% - Arrests made in South Korea after 120,000 home cameras hacked for 'sexploitation' videos
Four people have been arrested over the hacking of 120,000 home security cameras in South Korea, whose footage was used to make sexually exploitative material. It's the latest episode in an ongoing battle by authorities to end illicit electronic spying on women and girls. In Pakistan, a spate of Ti»»»
TikTok to comply with Australia’s ‘upsetting’ under-16 social media ban
TikTok on Friday said it will comply with Australia's ban on social media for under-16s which comes into effect December 10. The ByteDance-owned social media company said the measures "may be upsetting" for some of its young users but it was necessary to comply with Australian law. The company's st»»»
Access Asia - India pulls order to pre-install government app on smartphones following uproar
The Indian government has scrapped an order which gave manufacturers 90 days to pre-install a state-backed security app on all new smartphones. The move came following a huge public outcry and resistance from tech firms. Yuka Royer speaks with Nikhil Pahwa, a digital policy analyst in New Delhi, ab»»»
Prayer asking for snow recited in mosques across Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
A prayer asking for snow was recited during Friday prayers in all mosques in Kyrgyzstan. The Spiritual Directorate of the Muslims of the Kyrgyz Republic (SDMK) reported. It was noted that the instruction was given by Supreme Mufti Abdylaziz Zakirov. He addressed the faithful, calling on them to pra»»»
Pandas and ping-pong: Macron meets Xi in rare visit outside Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to the southwestern city of Chengdu in a gesture highlighting Beijing's focus on Paris as it seeks more economic engagement with the EU. The French president ended his state visit on a lighter note by meeting univer»»»
US and Ukrainian officials hold further talks on Trump's proposal to end war
US and Ukrainian officials are holding a second day of talks in Florida on Friday about President Donald Trump's proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, according to two US officials. Read our liveblog to see how the day's events unfolded. (FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)»»»
Press Review - EurNOvision: Spain, Ireland, Netherlands and Slovenia boycott competition over Israel vote
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, December 5: The European Broadcasting Union votes to keep Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, sparking a boycott from Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Ireland. We look at reactions from the front pages. Also: the FIFA 2026 World Cup draw will be unveiled in Washin»»»
Talking Europe - Diplomacy to end Ukraine war gets bogged down: Europe's leadership vacuum?
A ceasefire in Ukraine remains a distant prospect, to say nothing of an actual peace settlement. US diplomatic efforts in Moscow have become bogged down, with no compromise in sight on the fundamental issues, especially the territorial ones. Meanwhile, the EU seems to be relegated to a relatively m»»»
Talking Europe - 'You can't build peace just with Russia': Ex-EU Commissioner Moscovici on US-led Ukraine talks
With France going through major government instability and facing an alarmingly high public debt, and with Europe struggling to find its diplomatic feet as the US pursues talks to end the war in Ukraine, we speak to a seasoned political figure at the French and European level. Pierre Moscovici is t»»»
Liberty, equality, invincibility: Cultural highlights of France's Ukraine Season
France's Ukraine Season (December 1, 2025-March 31, 2026) is an invitation to “travel” to a country which is fighting for its freedom while creating new cultural horizons. More than 50 cultural events will take place during the festival in 20 cities across France. When Russia launched its ful»»»
Business - Defence, oil and trade imbalances: Putin in India to boost economic ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed in India for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine. The visit aims at strengthening economic ties between Moscow and New Delhi. Also, Italian police visit the headquarters of 13 major fashion bran»»»
Trump’s Phase Two Remarks Revive Questions Over Gaza Article 17
A brief and cryptic remark by US President Donald Trump about modifying phase two of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, offered without any details, has stirred questions over how the accord will be executed. Analysts say the comment points to a possible change in implementing the deal’s provisions rath»»»
Project activities of Turkic Investment Fund to begin in 2026 - | 24.KG
The second meeting of the Board of Governors of the Turkic Investment Fund was held in Bishkek, the Ministry of Economy reported. According to the ministry, it was decided that the fund’s project activities will officially begin in the first quarter of 2026. This will mark an important milestone in»»»
Nighttime earthquake in Uzbekistan felt in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
An overnight earthquake in Uzbekistan was felt across parts of Kyrgyzstan, the Seismology Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. The tremors, measuring around magnitude 5 at the epicenter, were recorded at 3:04 a.m. The epicenter was located in Uzbekistan, 40»»»
UAE labor market sees 8.9% workforce growth by Q3 2025
The UAE labour market continues to expand, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) reporting an 8.9% growth in workforce size and a 6.6% rise in the number of operating establishments by the end of the third quarter of 2025. The figures underscore the UAE’s position as a glob»»»
Book about Sadyr Japarov presented in Bishkek - | 24.KG
A presentation of the book President Sadyr Japarov — Creator of a New Kyrgyzstan by Doctor of Political Sciences and Professor Zhumagul Saadanbekov took place at the National Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Education of Kyrgyzstan reported. The event was attended by State Secretary Arslan Koic»»»
Kyrgyzstanis living illegally in South Korea can leave country without fines - | 24.KG
South Korea’s Ministry of Justice is launching a 90-day voluntary departure program, effective from December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan (MFA) reported. According to the MFA, within the program: These measures do not apply to foreign nationals who hav»»»
Belarus Informs IAEA of Plans to Boost Nuclear Energy Production
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Belarusian Foreign Minister Igor Sekreta informed IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on Friday about the country's plans to increase nuclear energy production to cover its growing needs, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said. The minister "informed the Director General of Belarus»»»
FIFA awards Trump inaugural peace prize at 2026 World Cup draw
Washington: President Donald Trump was presented with the newly created FIFA Peace Prize on Friday during the 2026 World Cup draw, marking a rare departure from the organization’s traditional focus on sport. FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded Trump a gold medal and trophy depicting hands holdi»»»
Sarkozy falls, the elite plays martyr: A masterclass in narrative laundering
When the Court of Cassation, France’s highest court, upheld Nicolas Sarkozy’s conviction, the former president’s legal troubles deepened, leaving him no further avenue to appeal the verdict. Even though this outcome was widely predicted, France’s political, media, and business elite rallied around »»»
Renovated Bishkek airport: Construction expected to be completed by May 2026 - | 24.KG
Modernization and expansion of the terminal building at Manas International Airport are ongoing. As of today, 70 percent of the concrete work has been completed. A new entrance on the western side of the building has been opened, while the eastern entrance is temporarily closed. Altynbek Mambetov, »»»
International Opera Festival to be held in Bishkek - | 24.KG
An International Opera Festival will be held in Bishkek on December 14-15, dedicated to the 85th birthday of People’s Artist of the USSR Bulat Minzhylkiev. The Opera and Ballet Theater announced on social media. According to the theater, the festival will feature stars of the world opera scene. At »»»
Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan agree on mutual electricity supplies - | 24.KG
During Sadyr Japarov’s state visit to Pakistan, Energy Minister of Kyrgyzstan Taalaibek Ibraev met with his counterpart, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. According to the press service of the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan, following the talks, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding in »»»
Shoppers loved the 'fabric queen'. Then, order by order, her story fell apart
At 6ft tall and plus-size, shop-bought clothes had never fitted Maree O'Connor well. Sewing offered her a solution - allowing her to use beautiful fabrics to make garments that fit just right. One day, while on the lookout for colourful prints to make new dresses, she spotted some "amazing" fabrics»»»
9,000kg+ cocaine seized by US Coast Guard in latest drug interdiction drive
The US Coast Guard announced on Friday a successful interdiction of a suspected drug-smuggling vessel loaded with more than 9,071 kg (20,000 pounds) illegal drugs in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The Coast Guard stated that law enforcement teams stopped the "go-fast" boat in the Eastern Pacific loaded»»»
Mass violations: Results annulled at several polling stations - | 24.KG
The Presidential Administration’s Information Policy Service reminded the public that authorities had repeatedly called for fair elections. Candidates were prohibited from buying votes, and citizens from selling them. It was also emphasized that if violations were detected, the results at the respe»»»
Volcanic tremors felt near Manila as Taal shows restiveness, signals 'possible eruption'
Manila: The Taal Volcano, located near Manila, has exhibited heightened restiveness, recording prolonged volcanic tremors over the past 13 hours that could signal a potential eruption, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). In its latest 24-hour monitoring r»»»
Bessent Hails 'Constructive' Call With Chinese Vice Premier on Implementing US-China Trade Deal
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said Friday that he held a constructive phone call with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and discussed the implementation of a bilateral trade deal between the economic giants. "During today’s constructive call with Vice Premier He Lif»»»
Motorist alert: UAE issues red and yellow fog warnings, speed limit lowered to 80 kmph
Abu Dhabi: Dense fog covered parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Saturday morning, prompting red and yellow alerts from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Visibility dropped below 1,000 metres in some areas, particularly across Abu Dhabi. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, follo»»»
US and Ukraine negotiators say 'real progress' toward peace depends on Russia
Top negotiators from the US and Ukraine said on Friday that they had constructive discussions on ending the Ukraine war, but the path toward peace depended on Russia. "Real progress toward any agreement depends on Russia's readiness to show serious commitment to long-term peace, including steps tow»»»