Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested on corruption charges related to a property purchase during his father's presidency. His uncle, ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, also faced police questioning about the same property. Mahinda Rajapaksa is seeking reinstatement of his security after its recent reduction by the current government.
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Elon Musk warns that the US is on the brink of financial collapse due to its $36.14 trillion debt, with interest payments consuming 23% of federal revenue. He suggests a 30% cut in federal spending, though experts call this nearly impossible without severe impacts. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urges prompt action.
Ukraine is evacuating 267 children and their families from Kharkiv due to intensified Russian shelling. While Russia dismissed Trump's call to end the war, the Kremlin expressed openness to "mutually respectful dialogue" with him. Amidst fierce fighting, Ukraine struggles to contain a better-equipped Russian army. Russia demands security guarantees from Nato and the US, including the deployment of Western peacekeeping troops, while disregarding Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion.
Under Elon Musk's leadership, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) utilizes AI to determine the necessity of federal employees' roles based on their weekly accomplishments. Employees who fail to respond may be considered for termination, sparking legal challenges alleging the directive was unlawfully issued.
Three Bulgarian nationals in Britain were convicted by a London jury for spying for Russia, putting lives at risk. The trio, working on orders from Russian intelligence, conducted widespread surveillance on Kremlin opponents across Europe between 2020 and 2023. They face up to 14 years in prison, with other spy cell members already admitting to espionage charges.
A methane gas explosion caused a mine collapse in southwest Pakistan, trapping at least 12 miners. Rescue operations are ongoing in the Balochistan province with no rescues yet. The incident, occurring in Singidi, has prompted an investigation. Poor safety standards in Pakistan's coal mining industry have previously led to fatal accidents.
Germany's annual carnival in Düsseldorf showcased controversial floats including Elon Musk with a swastika, critiquing his far-right affiliations. Other floats mocked global leaders like Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin, and Donald Trump. The carnival, known for its political satire, was held with heightened security.
Matthew Muller, convicted in the infamous Denise Huskins kidnapping case, has admitted to additional crimes involving women in the San Francisco Bay Area. New DNA evidence links him to two 2009 home invasions and an attempted rape. Muller faces new charges and is in custody without bail.
US Vice President JD Vance accused a European Union official of threatening to arrest Elon Musk for allowing Donald Trump back on X. Vance criticized Europe for not upholding free speech and insisted on the importance of American values in international alliances like NATO, emphasizing the need for shared democratic principles.
Two Oregon men, aged 59 and 37, were found dead from exposure in Washington's Gifford Pinchot National Forest after failing to return from a Sasquatch search. Their lack of preparedness and severe weather led to their deaths. A family member reported them missing on Christmas Day, prompting a three-day search involving 60 volunteers, canine units, drones, and the Coast Guard.
Elon Musk labeled Trump's Oval Office display of his mugshot a 'Boss Move'. The image, taken during Trump's surrender at Fulton County Jail, has become iconic, rallying supporters and boosting campaign funds. Trump's strategy ultimately contributed to his re-election victory and was prominently featured during his White House meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.