A Philippine official stated that China is increasing aggression in the South China Sea, and all response options are considered, including international lawsuits. A large Chinese coast guard ship was spotted near the Philippines, prompting strong warnings from Manila. The situation raises tensions, especially given past confrontations and a possible future legal action by the Philippines.
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San Clemente city leaders plan to collaborate with US Customs and Border Protection to install surveillance cameras along the coastline to detect unauthorized migrant boats. The initiative aims to prevent panga boats from landing and to increase security due to a rise in criminal activity.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Monday welcomed indirect talks between the United States and Iran but insisted Europe would be "vigilant" its security concerns were taken into account. "We very much welcome this step, but we will be vigilant with our British and German friends and partners to ensure that any negotiations that may be undertaken are consistent with our security interests," Barrot said at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have appealed against their conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case at the Islamabad High Court. They were sentenced to prison for corruption, accused of misusing funds intended for the national treasury to benefit a property tycoon and establish a university.
On January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The law increases retirement benefits for over 2.5 million public servants, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, by an average of $360 monthly. Retirees will also receive retroactive payments from December 2023. Surviving spouses will see their benefits rise as well, marking a major win for public... Expand
A Europe-bound boat capsized off Zawiya in northwestern Libya, resulting in the deaths of 16 Pakistani migrants. The Pakistani foreign ministry is expediting identification efforts, with survivors receiving assistance in Tripoli. This tragedy follows similar incidents involving Pakistani migrants attempting risky journeys to Europe.
The Constitution Reform Commission recommends a two-term limit on the Prime Minister's tenure, a referendum provision to amend the constitution, and a bicameral parliament with a four-year term. It suggests creating a National Constitutional Council for checks and balances and decentralizing the judiciary.
The US Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as defense secretary with a narrow 51-50 vote, following a contentious debate. Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote after three Republicans joined all Democrats in opposition. Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News host, faced accusations of misconduct during the confirmation process.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa defended his nation against rising nationalism and protectionism during his State of the Nation address. Amid strained relations with the US, Ramaphosa rejected accusations regarding South Africa's new land reform law, emphasizing its alignment with eminent domain laws. US officials criticized the expropriation policy, prompting diplomatic tension.
Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill) suggested during a subcommittee hearing that the word 'manufacturing' sounds like a guy and hence there are fewer women in this field. "I have no words to describe the level of stupidity of today's democrats," Donald Trump Jr commented. "I swear it's as if they're intentionally sabotaging their own party," another wrote.
​Kamala Harris established an LLC called Pioneer 49 last month in California, according to her presidential campaign's financial disclosure. The disclosure describes the company as an "entity to assist the former vice president," Politico reported. ​Pioneer is Harris' code name used by the Secret Service. And she was the 49th vice president. Barack Obama too used his code name Renegade to create the organisation Renegade 44 when he left office.