Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in France, was measured to be nearly two meters taller in 2026 than it was in 2023. Surveyors put its height at 4,807.47 meters (15,772.5 feet) after conducting regular measurements since 2001 to study changes in the Alps.
Key Facts
Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in France.
Its height in 2026 was measured at 4,807.47 meters (15,772.5 feet).
This is nearly two meters taller than the 2023 measurement.
Researchers measure Mont Blanc every 2-3 years.
The measurements help study how climate change affects the Alps.
The first recorded regular measurements started in 2001.
The increase in height shows natural changes in the mountain over time.
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Ukraine has reported slower internet speeds on the Starlink satellite system it uses during its conflict with Russia. This limitation has highlighted Ukraine’s dependence on Starlink for both military attacks and defense amid tensions between Kyiv and Washington.
Key Facts
Ukraine uses Starlink, a US satellite internet service, to support its military operations.
A senior Ukrainian official said Starlink data speeds have been deliberately reduced (throttled).
The slowdown occurred during a period of worsening relations between Ukraine and the US.
US President Donald Trump is working to reduce global fuel prices by buying Russian diesel and urging both sides to stop attacking energy sites.
The restrictions on Starlink affect Ukraine’s ability to communicate and carry out operations against Russia.
The tension follows comments from Elon Musk criticizing Ukraine’s attacks on Russian data centers.
Starlink’s role shows Ukraine’s reliance on foreign technology during the war.
The issue adds complexity to the Ukraine-US partnership amid the ongoing conflict.
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A new four-lane road bridge has opened between China and North Korea, 12 years later than planned. This bridge will help increase trade between the two neighboring countries.
Key Facts
The bridge connects China and North Korea.
It has four lanes for road traffic.
The opening was delayed by 12 years.
China is North Korea’s biggest trading partner.
China supports North Korea politically and diplomatically.
The two countries have had some disagreements in the past.
The new bridge aims to boost cross-border trade significantly.
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Kyiv’s mayor, Vitaly Klitschko, has suggested residents who can temporarily leave the city for winter should do so due to safety concerns. Many residents complain about the lack of enough bomb shelters to protect them from Russian attacks, and although the city plans to build and improve shelters, critics say these efforts are insufficient and delayed.
Key Facts
Kyiv’s mayor advised some residents to temporarily leave the city for winter safety.
Residents say there are not enough proper bomb shelters in Kyiv.
Many people blame the city officials for poor preparation against Russian attacks.
The Kyiv city council promised to build new shelters and improve existing ones.
They also plan to add surface-level bunkers at bus stops.
Critics feel the measures come too late to address the current danger.
The shortage of shelters has caused frustration among Kyiv residents during the ongoing war.
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Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), will be sentenced for multiple sexual offenses against two women when they were children. He was found guilty of 18 counts, including rape, for crimes committed between 1985 and 2008.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Donaldson, aged 63, is the former leader of the DUP, leading from 2021 to 2024.
He was convicted in June 2026 of 18 sexual abuse charges, including one count of rape.
The offenses involved two women when they were children and took place over more than two decades (1985-2008).
Victims shared impact statements describing long-lasting emotional harm caused by the abuse.
Donaldson has been stripped of his knighthood and removed from the privy council since his conviction.
His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was found unfit to stand trial but was found to have helped with his offending.
Eleanor faces no prison time but may receive a treatment order or absolute discharge; she has appealed the court's findings.
Donaldson is to be sentenced in Newry crown court and faces a lengthy prison term.
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A fishing boat called Kilda went missing near Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis. One fisherman, Douglas Craigie, was found dead, while two others, Norman Murray and Murdo Morrison, are still missing. Search efforts by coastguard and rescue teams are ongoing despite bad weather.
Key Facts
The fishing boat Kilda left Brevaig, Lewis, around 7:30 AM on Tuesday.
The boat was reported overdue at 9:20 PM the same day.
Douglas Craigie, 49, was found dead near Port of Ness early Wednesday.
Norman Murray, 40, and Murdo Morrison, 23, remain missing.
Rescue efforts involved helicopters, aeroplanes, lifeboats, and coastguard teams.
Searches were paused Wednesday night but resumed Thursday amid gale-force winds.
Police ask the public not to conduct their own searches to avoid danger.
Families of the men are receiving specialist support, and privacy is requested.
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Balkan countries have different and sometimes opposing views on Israel’s war in Gaza, shaped by their own politics, history, and interests rather than a shared position. For example, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ethnic groups have contrasting attitudes towards Israel and Palestine, while Serbia maintains a complex relationship by supporting arms sales to Israel despite backing Palestine in international voting.
Key Facts
Balkan countries show varied and individual positions on Israel and Gaza, not a unified stance.
Bosnian Muslims generally support Palestinians, relating to their own history of conflict, while Bosnian Serbs largely support Israel.
Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik supports Israel as part of his political strategy, linking it to ethnic and religious alliances.
Dodik also has political ties to Russia and support for President Donald Trump’s movement.
Serbia has a history of supporting Palestine but has sold arms and ammunition to Israel since October 2023.
Serbia opened a drone assembly plant linked to Israel in September 2023, indicating growing defense cooperation.
Balkan countries’ foreign policies on Israel are influenced more by domestic politics and local national stories than by Middle East issues directly.
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The U.S. is not fully prepared for the consequences of warfare in outer space. Attacks on satellites could disrupt global services like financial transactions and navigation, and damage the military’s ability to operate on Earth.
Key Facts
Satellites are essential for global economy and military missions but are vulnerable to attacks.
China has developed satellites with robotic arms and lasers that can disable U.S. space equipment.
Russia may use an orbital nuclear weapon that could threaten many satellites.
Experts warn that both military and civilian satellites could be targeted in future conflicts.
The U.S. recently confirmed it has weapons in space aimed at deterring enemies.
The defense industry currently lacks enough supplies and skilled workers to quickly recover from satellite attacks.
The U.S. has over 13,000 operational satellites, far more than China’s 1,400, but China and Russia are increasing their space capabilities.
Analysts believe the U.S. might be ready to start a war in space but not ready to handle its aftermath.
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France is experiencing rising borrowing costs and a loss of investor confidence in its government debt. Its public debt is close to 120% of its economy, and the government struggles to balance spending with protests and political divisions. There are worries this situation might affect other countries in the Eurozone.
Key Facts
France’s borrowing costs are at their highest level in over 20 years.
Investors want higher returns on French government bonds than those of Italy or Greece.
France’s public debt is nearly 120% of its gross domestic product (GDP).
The country’s budget deficit is above 5% of GDP.
The government faces pressure to reduce spending while protesters call for more education investment.
The French parliament is divided, making agreement on financial solutions difficult.
A presidential election is approaching, adding to political uncertainty.
There is concern that France’s financial issues could spread to other Eurozone countries.
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Russia launched a large aerial attack on Ukraine, using hundreds of drones throughout one night and morning. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia increased its attacks after facing sanctions relief and pressure on Ukraine.
Key Facts
Russia conducted a large aerial attack on Ukraine.
The attack included waves of hundreds of drones between midnight and 9 a.m. local time.
Ukrainian skies were continuously targeted with no clear hour during this period.
President Zelenskyy said Russia deliberately escalated its attacks.
The escalation happened after Russia saw some sanctions being lifted and pressure on Ukraine.
Ukraine called for accountability for Russia’s actions.
The attack caused damage in Ukrainian cities, including Kropyvnytskyi.
This event is part of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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A roof collapsed at a private school in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing almost 30 students and a teacher. Rescue teams found injured survivors and worked to clear the overcrowded, unsafe building.
Key Facts
The collapse happened at Al-Khair Education Center in Peshawar's southwest Dir district.
At least 29 people died, including about 28 students and one teacher.
The hospital received bodies of 17 children and a female teacher, with some survivors in serious condition.
The building was a small, two-story residential structure on a narrow street.
The school served mainly children from low-income families and held mixed classes for boys and girls.
Witnesses said the building did not seem suitable to be used as a school.
Parents and families were deeply affected by the tragedy.
Rescue efforts were slowed by the narrow street near the building.
Authorities have not yet explained why the roof collapsed.
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President Donald Trump visited Ireland and expressed positive relations with the country, including promising to remove tariffs on Irish whiskey. Unlike NATO allies like Spain and Canada, Ireland is not a NATO member and spends very little on defense, relying on neutrality and protection by other countries, which is raising concerns in Washington amid increasing Russian aggression.
Key Facts
President Trump visited Ireland and pledged to lift a 10 percent tariff on Irish whiskey.
Trump praised U.S.-Irish relations as very strong during his visit.
Spain and Canada, NATO members, faced criticism from Trump for their defense spending or trade policies.
Ireland is not a NATO member and spent about 0.2% of its GDP on defense last year, far below the EU average of 2.2%.
Irish neutrality is supported by geography and other countries’ protection, but this is being questioned due to Russia’s growing threats.
Russia has increased hybrid attacks in Europe, with over 200 incidents reported by September 2026, compared to 59 in March 2025.
Ireland’s naval defense is limited, with no fighter jets, and air defense is handled by Britain under a 1952 agreement.
Ireland’s trade with Russia includes alumina from a Russian-owned refinery that supports companies linked to Russian missile production, despite EU sanctions.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine will start attacking Russian oil refineries again after a pause. He accused the United States of reducing support, including sharing less intelligence and slowing down Starlink satellite internet services used by the Ukrainian military.
Key Facts
Zelensky paused attacks on Russian oil refineries for three days at the request of the US.
Russia continued attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure during this pause.
Ukraine relies on US intelligence to warn about Russian air strikes, helping to defend against them.
Zelensky said the US reduced intelligence sharing to pressure Ukraine to stop the strikes altogether.
Starlink internet service, important for Ukraine’s military communication, was intentionally slowed down, according to Zelensky.
Zelensky criticized a recent US-Russia deal to import Russian diesel, saying it helps fund Russia’s war.
Zelensky said he would only stop attacks on Russian oil facilities if the US supplies more Patriot air defense missiles.
He suggested tensions exist between him and President Trump over handling of support and peace efforts.
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The UK government has warned Eritrea that it may ban Eritrean citizens from entering the UK unless Eritrea agrees to accept more people who have been refused asylum or have committed crimes in the UK. Eritrea stopped cooperating with the UK on returning these individuals earlier this year, leading to visa restrictions on some Eritrean officials.
Key Facts
Eritrea stopped cooperating with the UK on returning rejected asylum seekers and criminals earlier this year.
The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, threatened to ban all Eritrean citizens from entering the UK if cooperation does not resume.
Eritreans were the largest group arriving in the UK by small boat in the year ending June 2026.
Only about 4% of Eritreans denied asylum have been deported in the past four years.
Similar visa restriction threats have been made before with Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, leading some to agree to returns.
The UK has also imposed visa limits on nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan due to abuse of the asylum system.
Other countries such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh may face similar visa restrictions if they do not cooperate on returns.
Most Eritrean asylum claims (about 84%) are accepted initially, with more approved on appeal.
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Nigel Farage has delayed a planned announcement after an ITV investigation showed Reform Party members making racist, violent, and sexist remarks. Several party members resigned following the revelations, and an official charity leader condemned intimidation against volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Key Facts
Reform Party politicians and candidates were secretly filmed making racist, violent, and misogynistic comments.
Three councillors resigned from the Reform Party after the investigation.
Nigel Farage had promised to remove extremists and vet candidates but these tapes revealed opposite behavior.
Alan Feeney, a deputy mayor and councillor, called Asian homeowners “parasites” and made racist population comments; he later left the party.
Other councillors called for violence, including harm towards King Charles and expressed inappropriate comments about women.
Chris Whelan resigned from the Reform Party shortly after the video was released.
Dame Julia Unwin, chair of the UK Charity Commission, condemned harassment and threats against RNLI rescuers.
She emphasized charities must focus on their missions and tolerate free debate but reject criminal intimidation.
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Palestinian artists from Gaza and the West Bank held a shared art exhibition connected by live video to overcome travel restrictions. The event showcased their work and highlighted Palestinian life, culture, and hopes despite ongoing challenges.
Key Facts
The exhibition was organized by Falasteen Collective, started in 2025 by Palestinian artists and cultural workers.
It included art from young Palestinians aged 15 to 30 from Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and other areas.
The event took place simultaneously in Bethlehem in the West Bank and Gaza’s Bureij refugee camp, linked by a live video feed.
Original artworks from Gaza could not travel due to Israeli movement restrictions, so reproductions were used in Bethlehem.
Around 170 artists applied to the competition, with nearly 60% from Gaza.
The art displayed included paintings, photographs, and drawings about Palestinian daily life, loss, and traditions.
The event aimed to provide a platform for Palestinian youth to express themselves freely and connect with others despite political obstacles.
Organizers and participants emphasized unity by sharing art across separated Palestinian communities.
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A new study found that groundwater in the Upper Colorado River Basin is disappearing faster than in the Lower Basin during a recent drought. This is surprising because the Upper Basin usually has more water from snow. The study highlights the need to manage both surface and underground water together to protect the river.
Key Facts
The Colorado River provides water to seven U.S. states and supports farms, power, and wildlife.
It has faced a long drought, causing major reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell to drop to record low levels.
Researchers tracked groundwater changes from 2004 to 2023 using satellites and water data.
From 2020 to 2022, the Upper Basin lost about 4.6 trillion gallons of groundwater, nearly twice the 2.5 trillion gallons lost in the Lower Basin.
Groundwater loss in the Upper Basin closely matched surface water shortages, while in the Lower Basin groundwater dropped before surface water did.
Human water use may be the main cause of groundwater loss in the Lower Basin.
The findings suggest that both surface water and groundwater must be managed together to sustain the Colorado River.
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A school roof collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 29 people, including 28 students and one teacher. More than 20 others were injured, some seriously, and rescue teams are still searching for survivors amid difficult conditions.
Key Facts
The roof fell at Al-Khair Education Centre, a private school in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
All children affected were aged 13 or younger.
Lady Reading Hospital declared an emergency to treat the injured.
Rescue efforts were slowed because heavy machinery could not reach the crowded school area.
About 350 students attend the school.
Authorities started an investigation to find out why the roof collapsed.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister expressed condolences and said protecting children’s safety is a priority.
Rescuers and local people are using simple tools like buckets to clear debris and find survivors.
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Russian officials reported a drone attack that caused a fire at an oil refinery near Moscow, which they believe was carried out by Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine will stop respecting a ceasefire on hitting Russian energy sites that was previously announced by President Trump.
Key Facts
A Russian oil refinery near Moscow caught fire after a reported drone attack.
The attack also damaged a warehouse and vehicles in the Ryazan region.
Russia suspects Ukraine carried out the drone strike.
President Zelensky said Ukraine is no longer observing the ceasefire on energy targets.
President Trump had announced a truce on hitting energy sites between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelensky said Ukrainian energy sites continue to be bombed by Russia despite the truce.
Zelensky expressed frustration about U.S. restrictions on intelligence sharing and satellite services.
Zelensky said he felt "betrayed" by President Trump regarding the ceasefire situation.
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A school roof collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 34 children and one female teacher. Rescue workers pulled children from the rubble, and many others were injured. Officials said the building was weak and overloaded, and the school owner was arrested.
Key Facts
The collapse happened at 8:48 am local time at al-Khair school in Peshawar.
At least 34 children, mostly under 13, and one female teacher died.
About 45 children were injured; three were in critical condition.
The roof of the upper floor fell onto classrooms below, crushing two floors.
The building was weak and had extra construction on the roof causing the collapse.
The school owner was arrested, and an investigation is underway.
The school served low-income families and was in a crowded, poor neighborhood.
Pakistan spends less than 1% of its GDP on education, leading many families to rely on low-cost, poorly maintained private schools.
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