New Zealand's Parliament overwhelmingly rejected the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, designed to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, with a vote of 112 to 11. The bill sparked significant debate about Indigenous rights and prompted large-scale protests. Despite its defeat, scrutiny of Maori rights continues as the government considers further changes to laws referencing the Treaty.
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Donald Trump has initiated a federal task force to investigate alleged anti-Christian bias in government workplaces, as announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Federal employees are now instructed to report colleagues for perceived hostility toward Christian beliefs. This move follows Trump's increased religious rhetoric, including establishing a White House Faith Office, despite Christians being the majority in the United States.
Donald Trump thinks Russia is ready to make a peace deal to end the Ukraine conflict. He blames Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the delay. Trump criticised Zelenskyy for rejecting any agreement that legitimises Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Zelenskyy says Ukraine's constitution does not allow surrendering territory. Relations between Trump and Zelenskyy worsened after a heated meeting.
Fourteen Democratic state attorneys general sued Elon Musk and Donald Trump, claiming the unlawful delegation of executive power to Musk. They argue that Musk's cost-cutting actions could harm residents by disrupting federal funding for critical services such as law enforcement, education, and healthcare.
China's anti-corruption campaign under President Xi Jinping reached a new peak in 2024, with a record 56 high-ranking officials investigated, a 25% surge from 2023. The campaign has intensified scrutiny on central party agencies and the military, including the PLA Rocket Force, while cases in the financial sector decreased.
Russia has pledged retaliation after accusing Ukraine of attempting to launch US-supplied ATACMS missiles at the Belgorod region. The Kremlin condemned President Biden's authorization of these weapons. Meanwhile, civilian casualties continue amid mutual accusations, with Russia claiming to have captured an eastern Ukrainian village.
Marco Rubio is confirmed as the 72nd US secretary of state, with a unanimous Senate vote. Vice President JD Vance administers the oath, marking his first swearing-in of a federal official. President Trump and VP Vance take office, signaling a shift in American leadership.
Maysaa Sabrine has become the first woman to lead Syria's central bank amidst the new leadership's reforms, which include easing state control over the economy. The central bank is facing severe US sanctions and has experienced a significant reduction in foreign currency reserves since the civil war.
Actress Blake Lively has launched a lawsuit against her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, citing sexual harassment and a smear campaign. Lively alleges Baldoni fostered a hostile work environment, prompting a meeting with studio executives where she and husband Ryan Reynolds outlined several demands.
During President Trump's address to Congress, Democratic Women’s Caucus members wore pink in silent protest against his policies on women’s health and other issues. The colour, symbolising empowerment, was used to oppose his policies, with some lawmakers also showing support for Ukraine and carrying paddles with protest messages.
The White House claimed victory in its dispute with Colombia over the deportation of migrants, after President Trump threatened steep tariffs and sanctions. Tensions arose when Colombia's President Gustavo Petro rejected US military flights carrying deported migrants, citing mistreatment concerns. In response, Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Colombian imports, with a potential increase to 50 per cent. The situation highlighted the Trump administration's stance on immigration and its use of... Expand