Messi’s India visit descends into chaos as fans hurl seats, storm pitch

KOLKATA, India — Lionel Messi’s much-hyped tour of India lurched into chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium after his appearance at a ticketed fan event ended abruptly, triggering unrest in the stands and on the pitch. Police detained the chief organiser, pledged refunds for ticket holders and said the mishandling would not go unpunished. Messi had been scheduled to spend 45 minutes at the event but departed after roughly 20 minutes. Tickets were priced from about 3,500 rupees (approximately €33), more than half the average…

Jeffrey Epstein estate unveils new photos featuring President Donald Trump

House Democrats release new Jeffrey Epstein photos showing Trump as DOJ faces release deadline Democrats on the House Oversight Committee on Friday released a fresh batch of photos from the estate of the late Jeffrey Epstein, including three images of Donald Trump, intensifying pressure on the U.S. Department of Justice days before a court-ordered deadline to disclose its own cache of Epstein-related files. The committee’s Democrats said they are reviewing more than 95,000 images obtained from Epstein’s estate and made 19…

U.S. court holds hearing for suspect in alleged Charlie Kirk murder case

Utah — The man accused of killing right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk made his first in-person appearance in a Utah courtroom, a case that has riveted national attention for its political overtones and possible death-penalty stakes. Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared calm as attorneys for both sides conferred over procedural matters expected to shape what observers say could become one of the most closely watched trials in recent years. Robinson wore a light shirt and tie. A judge had previously ruled he did not have to…

Britain’s King Charles to reduce cancer treatment in the New Year

King Charles III says his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year, crediting early diagnosis and effective care as he urged the public to take up available screenings. The monarch delivered the update in a video message airing during Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer broadcast. “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” Charles said, adding that the message had been reinforced during his visits to cancer centers across the country. “I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue…

SJS Receives Local Human Rights Tulip Award in the Netherlands

Somali Journalists Syndicate Honored with 2025 Human Rights Tulip The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) received the prestigious 2025 Human Rights Tulip award at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, on December 10, marking a significant milestone for media freedom in Somalia. SJS was one of ten global human rights defenders to receive this accolade. The award is a testament to the resilience of journalists fighting for press freedom in challenging environments. Celebrated on International Human Rights…

Regional Leaders Unveil One Health Initiative at Lusaka Ceremony

One Health Regional Call to Action Launched in Zambia In a pivotal moment for public health in Eastern and Southern Africa, government ministers have signed a landmark One Health Regional Call to Action during the inaugural Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference in Lusaka, Zambia. This initiative aims to enhance the interconnected health of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems across the SADC Member States. Event marked by commitment from Ministers of Health, Agriculture, and Environment.…

Regional Leaders Introduce One Health Initiative at Lusaka Ceremony

Zambia Hosts Historic One Health Conference to Foster Regional Cooperation In a significant move towards enhancing health systems across Eastern and Southern Africa, government ministers from Zambia and neighboring countries have launched the One Health Regional Call to Action. This initiative was unveiled during the inaugural Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference held in Lusaka, highlighting a collaborative approach to health and environmental challenges. Ministers from health, agriculture, and…

EU approves €3 import fee on small parcels from non-EU countries

EU finance ministers have agreed to impose a €3 duty on every small parcel imported into the 27-nation bloc starting 1 July next year, a measure aimed at stemming a flood of ultra-cheap e-commerce shipments from platforms such as Shein and Temu. The flat levy follows the bloc’s move last month to scrap a duty exemption for direct-to-consumer packages valued at less than €150. An EU spokesperson said the €3 charge will be temporary and will remain in place until member states settle on a permanent approach to taxing the…

UNICEF: Flooding puts Gaza tent communities on brink of catastrophe

UNICEF warns of ‘catastrophe’ as heavy rains flood Gaza displacement camps, children left soaked and sick Severe rains have flooded makeshift encampments across Gaza, creating a “catastrophe” for thousands of displaced families living under tarps and plastic sheeting, UNICEF said, warning that existing supplies are “completely insufficient” to protect children from cold, illness and contaminated water. Jonathan Crickx, UNICEF’s spokesperson in Palestine, said the agency has documented widespread flooding and worsening…

Swiss yodeling added to UNESCO’s global intangible cultural heritage list

Yodelling, the echoing call-and-response singing long associated with Swiss herders and alpine choirs, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Switzerland’s culture ministry said after a UNESCO meeting in New Delhi. “As the emblematic song of Switzerland, yodelling encompasses a wide variety of artistic expressions and is deeply rooted in the population,” the ministry noted, welcoming the recognition as validation of a living tradition passed down in families, clubs…