Greece’s defense minister Nikos Dendias urged the EU to ease strict defense spending limits, calling them "schizophrenic" amid growing security concerns. He emphasized that military self-sufficiency requires greater financial flexibility, aligning with Nato commitments. Greece and Cyprus, along with 19 other EU states, support expanded access to European Investment Bank funds for defense. Key decisions on EU military strengthening will be ratified at an upcoming summit.
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Donald Trump's transition team is planning for the U.S. to withdraw from the WHO on the first day of his potential second term. This move aligns with Trump’s longstanding criticism of the agency, suggesting it failed to hold China accountable for COVID-19. Critics warn this could undermine global health efforts and increase China's influence.
During a livestreamed chat, Elon Musk and Alice Weidel made controversial claims about Hitler being a communist, despite his documented anti-communist stance. The discussion, tied to free speech and media control, raised concerns among German intelligence agencies monitoring the AfD's rise in the polls ahead of the snap election.
A massive sinkhole in Yashio, northeast of Tokyo, swallowed a truck, trapping its 74-year-old driver. Rescue efforts are hindered by unstable ground and growing sinkhole size. The collapse is linked to sewer pipe corrosion, raising concerns about aging infrastructure. Residents nearby evacuated, and over a million people were urged to reduce water use. Authorities plan nationwide sewer inspections to prevent similar incidents.
After skipping Jimmy Carter's funeral, Michelle Obama will also miss Donald Trump's inauguration. This prolonged absence of Michelle Obama triggered speculation over her rocky relationship with Barack Obama. However, the decision to skip both these events could have been taken just to avoid a face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump. A body language expert said they displayed no signs of togetherness at their December outing.
Tesla shareholders don't have the power to directly vote to remove the CEO. But they could influence the Board if they believe Musk's leadership endangers their investment. The call for Elon Musk to resign from the CEO post comes as Tesla is at the receiving end of people's anger against Elon Musk. The Donald Trump administration has vowed strong action and a 'domestic terrorism' charge against protesters setting Tesla vehicles on fire.
Firefighters in Los Angeles battle wildfires that have killed 24 and destroyed 12,000 buildings. 150,000 residents evacuated as strong winds complicate efforts. Governor Newsom expects it to be the costliest U.S. disaster, with damages up to $150 billion. Looting concerns rise, with arrests made, including looters posing as firefighters.
Myanmar's military junta has continued air strikes despite a massive earthquake killing 1,700 people. While some armed groups halted fighting, the junta targeted the Danu People's Liberation Army, killing seven fighters. The UN and Human Rights Watch condemned the actions, calling for a ceasefire. The National Unity Government paused operations for two weeks in quake-affected areas.
Veteran CNN anchor Jim Acosta is reportedly leaving the network following a major reshuffling of its programming schedule. His 10 am ET program has been replaced, and he was offered a significant downgrade to an overnight slot. Acosta’s confrontational style during the Donald Trump presidency made him a well-known figure.
Voice of America has filed a lawsuit alleging that the Trump administration unlawfully shut down the news organisation. The lawsuit claims that this action deprived many regions of an important source of objective news, with the closure attributed to political bias allegations.
​“It is true that I don’t have a similar biography to Defense Secretaries of the last 30 years,†Hegseth is expected to say in his opening statement at the Senate confirmation hearing today. “But, as President Trump also told me, we’ve repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly ‘the right credentials’ —whether they are retired generals, academics, or defense contractor executives—and where has it gotten us? He believes, and I humbly agree, that it’s time to... Expand