The Philippine Embassy in Rome launched the Italian editions of José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and Nick Joaquin’s “Tropical Gothic” at a cultural event attended by diplomats, Filipino community members, Italian guests, and literary stakeholders, highlighting efforts to promote Philippine literature in Italy through translation, distribution, and cultural diplomacy.
Scientists announced that 2025 ranked as one of the three hottest years on record and marked the first time a three-year global temperature average exceeded 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, the key threshold in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Researchers attributed most of the warming to human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, supported by global temperature records, satellite data, and climate models. They said the 2025 data will inform international climate negotiations, future scientific assessments, and policy planning as countries track progress toward agreed temperature limits and evaluate emissions reduction strategies.
The United States on Monday defended at the United Nations Israel’s right to recognize Somaliland, comparing it to states’ recognition of Palestine and framing it as a sovereign diplomatic decision. Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce told delegates in New York that Israel held the same right as any other sovereign state to establish diplomatic relations and that UN members should respect each other’s recognition choices. She said Washington would monitor reactions, consult partners, and participate in UN discussions on how recognition decisions affect regional stability, existing UN resolutions, and ongoing political processes in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
Singapore’s Commercial Affairs Department is seeking to seize additional assets in Singapore linked to Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi and his Prince Group after new information surfaced in court. The targeted assets include cheques exceeding S$3.7 million and bonds worth more than US$200,000. Court documents detail the links drawn by authorities between the financial instruments, Chen and entities under Prince Group, as prosecutors invoke Singapore’s anti-money laundering and criminal proceeds laws. The case forms part of a wider cross-border investigation into alleged scam-related activities and the movement of funds through Singapore’s financial system.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recorded 118 public appearances from January through November 2025, marking his busiest year in nine years, according to data based on North Korea’s state media reports. Monitoring records showed that Kim increased on-site inspections tied to a five-year national development plan and expanded his diplomatic engagements, including meetings with foreign delegations and visits to key industrial, military, and construction sites. The 2025 tally exceeded his annual appearance counts since 2016 and reflected Pyongyang’s stated focus on economic development, defense capabilities, and major infrastructure projects under the current five-year plan.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has launched an awareness campaign to enforce a public smoking ban and a Rs500 fine for violators after recent executive and municipal assembly approvals. City officials are informing residents, coordinating with police and ward offices, directing businesses to post no-smoking signs and planning phased outreach in schools and public spaces to ensure compliance across government offices, transport, parks and other shared areas.
A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan’s northeastern coast on Saturday at 11:05 p.m. local time, according to the US Geological Survey, while Taiwan’s weather agency measured it at magnitude 7.0 and a depth of 73 kilometers. The offshore quake, the second major tremor to hit the island within days, prompted authorities to assess potential damage, monitor for aftershocks, and review seismic data. No tsunami warning was immediately issued, and early checks focused on infrastructure, transportation, and local reports of shaking across affected areas.
Thailand and Cambodia announced an immediate ceasefire on Saturday after three weeks of heavy border clashes that killed at least 47 people and displaced more than one million, according to a joint statement. The agreement halts fighting involving artillery, tanks, drones and jets along disputed frontier areas and commits both sides to stop hostilities, protect civilians and pursue dialogue. Authorities began assessing damage and coordinating humanitarian aid while officials prepared monitoring mechanisms and follow-up talks to stabilize the border.
A Malaysian court in Putrajaya on Friday convicted former prime minister Najib Razak of abusing his power in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB graft scandal. The ruling, which found that Najib used his position to influence decisions linked to the now-defunct sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad, adds to a separate six-year prison term he is already serving in another 1MDB-related case. Prosecutors presented financial records and witness testimony to support the charges, while the court set a later date for sentencing and outlined Najib’s right to appeal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in Kyiv on Friday that he will meet former U.S. President Donald Trump in the near future for high-level talks aimed at helping end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky said the two sides agreed to hold the meeting soon and suggested that many key issues related to the war could be decided before the New Year, although he did not provide a specific date or location. Ukrainian officials said they will release more details once they finalize the agenda and logistics.