French President Emmanuel Macron is set to unveil a new voluntary military service initiative later this week, aimed at bolstering the nation’s armed forces. While specific details remain undisclosed, French media reports suggest the program will span 10 months, offer remuneration, and be entirely voluntary. Macron emphasized that the initiative is not intended to deploy young people to conflict zones like Ukraine but rather to address the growing ‘desire for service’ among the youth and counter the ‘hybrid confrontation’ posed by Russia. ‘If we French want to protect ourselves, we must demonstrate resilience against the powers that threaten us most,’ Macron stated. He further stressed the importance of public understanding of the armed forces’ role and operations. The proposal is expected to be elaborated during Macron’s visit to an army base on Thursday. The revamped service, as reported by La Tribune Dimanche, will offer volunteers a monthly stipend ranging from €900 to €1000. This move comes amid broader European efforts to strengthen military readiness, with countries like Germany, Latvia, Sweden, and Lithuania reintroducing various forms of military service. Macron’s announcement follows his earlier warnings about a ‘turning point in history’ and the need for France and Europe to prepare for potential shifts in global alliances, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
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EU’s top court tells Poland to recognize same-sex marriages registered elsewhere in Europe
In a landmark decision, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that Poland must recognize same-sex marriages legally conducted in other EU member states, despite Polish law not permitting such unions. The ruling emerged from a case involving a Polish couple who married in Berlin in 2018 and later sought to return to Poland, only to have their marriage certificate rejected by Polish authorities. The CJEU emphasized that EU countries are obligated to acknowledge marriages between same-sex EU citizens lawfully concluded in another member state, citing violations of the ‘freedom to move and reside’ and the ‘fundamental right to respect for private and family life.’ However, the court clarified that the ruling does not compel Poland to legalize same-sex marriage domestically. Hubert Sobecki of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Love Does Not Exclude noted that the Polish government must comply with the ruling, as non-compliance could result in fines or political pressure from the EU. The decision comes amid ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights in Poland, where same-sex marriage and civil partnerships remain illegal. Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government has faced resistance from conservative factions and President Karol Nawrocki over proposals to grant limited rights to same-sex couples, such as access to medical records and joint tax statements. The ruling marks a significant step toward marriage equality in Poland, though its full implementation remains uncertain.
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Exhibition brings China’s porcelain heritage to US
A captivating exhibition showcasing the timeless artistry of China’s Dehua white porcelain recently graced San Gabriel, California, drawing admiration from art enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike. Titled *The Aesthetics of Harmony: Blanc de Chine, Porcelain from Dehua*, the event featured over 100 meticulously crafted porcelain pieces, each embodying centuries of tradition and innovation. Organized by Dehua county in Fujian province, the exhibition aimed to introduce American audiences to one of China’s most revered craft traditions, rooted in the ancient Maritime Silk Road.
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Ethiopian volcano erupts after 12,000-year dormancy; what we know so far
A long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia’s northeastern Afar region, Hayli Gubbi, has erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, according to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC). The eruption, which occurred on Sunday, sent thick plumes of smoke soaring up to 14 kilometers (nine miles) into the sky. Located approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) northeast of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border, the volcano lies within the geologically active Rift Valley, where two tectonic plates converge. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program confirmed that Hayli Gubbi had no recorded eruptions during the Holocene epoch, which began around 12,000 years ago. Volcanologist Simon Carn of Michigan Technological University also corroborated this on Bluesky, stating that the volcano has no history of Holocene activity. The eruption produced a significant ash cloud that drifted over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. Environment authorities in Oman and Saudi Arabia have been monitoring the situation but assured the public of no direct impact. The VAAC’s latest update indicates that the eruption has ceased, and the ash cloud is now moving towards China.
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China launches Shenzhou XXII spacecraft
China has marked another milestone in its space exploration endeavors with the successful launch of the Shenzhou XXII spacecraft. The unmanned spacecraft was carried into orbit by a rocket that lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on November 25, 2025, at 12:11 pm. This event underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing its space program. The Shenzhou XXII mission is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in space, which includes plans for lunar exploration, Mars missions, and the development of a space station. The launch was closely monitored by space agencies and enthusiasts worldwide, highlighting China’s increasing influence in the global space community. The successful deployment of Shenzhou XXII is expected to pave the way for future manned missions and further scientific research in space.
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France says ‘bon voyage’ to 2 giant pandas as they head back to China
After 13 years of captivating visitors at France’s Beauval Zoo, the celebrated giant pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi embarked on their journey back to China on Tuesday. The pair, both 17 years old, were transported in specially designed white crates equipped with windows and breathing holes, departing from Paris’ Charles-de-Gaulle Airport on a 12-hour flight. Their return marks the end of a significant chapter in Franco-Chinese cultural exchange and panda diplomacy. Zoo director Rodolphe Delord, who bid farewell to the pandas during an emotional ceremony, emphasized that the aging duo requires specialized care, which will be provided at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, their birthplace. Huan Huan’s recent diagnosis of kidney failure, a common ailment for carnivores of her age, further necessitated their repatriation. French and Chinese veterinary teams collaborated to ensure their safe travel while their health permitted. The pandas gained immense popularity in France since their arrival in 2012, with Huan Huan giving birth to three cubs during their stay. Their firstborn, Yuan Meng, was sent to China in 2022, while their twin daughters, Huanlili and Yuandudu, remain at Beauval Zoo for now. The Chengdu facility will continue to leverage the couple’s legacy to raise awareness about panda conservation. With approximately 2,000 pandas in the wild and 500 in captivity globally, their return underscores ongoing efforts to protect this iconic species.
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UN food agency projects northern Nigeria to experience hunger at unprecedented level in 2026
A recent report by the World Food Programme (WFP) has highlighted a dire escalation in food insecurity across northern Nigeria, driven by a surge in militant attacks. The region is grappling with the most severe hunger crisis in a decade, with rural farming communities bearing the brunt of the devastation. According to the WFP, 35 million Nigerians are projected to face severe hunger by 2026, marking the highest level of food insecurity on the African continent since the agency began recording data in the country. Borno state, the epicenter of Nigeria’s security crisis, is expected to experience catastrophic hunger, with at least 15,000 people facing famine-like conditions next year. The state will be classified as Phase 5, the WFP’s highest level of food insecurity, comparable to conditions in parts of Gaza and Sudan. Armed groups, including the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, have intensified attacks, forcing farmers to abandon their lands and exacerbating the crisis. Compounding the issue, a significant reduction in U.N. food assistance, following the U.S. decision to cut funding to USAID, has left the WFP without resources for emergency aid. The agency warns that without immediate funding, millions will be left without support, fueling instability and deepening a crisis that demands global attention.
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Ethiopia volcano eruption: Oman says volcanic ash detected over the region
In the wake of Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupting for the first time in over 10,000 years, Oman’s Environment Authority has confirmed the detection of volcanic ash over parts of the Empty Quarter and the Arabian Sea. The ash was observed at an altitude of 35,000 feet, raising concerns about potential disruptions to air travel and public health. However, authorities have reassured the public that no significant impacts have been recorded. Air quality monitoring data indicates no increase in air pollutant concentrations within the Sultanate, and there are no immediate risks to public health or the environment. Specialized teams are continuously monitoring the situation, and the Environmental Emergency Centre has been activated in coordination with the Ministry of Health, Civil Defence, and Civil Aviation Authority. Saudi Arabia has also issued a statement, confirming no adverse effects within its borders. The eruption of Hayli Gubbi, located in the Erta Ale Range, has been described as one of the most extraordinary volcanic events in the region’s history, with ash plumes reaching altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet and drifting across Yemen and Oman.
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China to launch Shenzhou XXII at 12:11 pm
China is poised to achieve another milestone in its space exploration endeavors with the scheduled launch of the Shenzhou XXII spacecraft. The event is set to take place at precisely 12:11 pm today from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, a key facility in China’s ambitious space program. This launch underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing scientific research and exploration. The Shenzhou series of spacecraft have been instrumental in China’s manned space missions, contributing to the nation’s reputation as a significant player in the global space race. The successful launch of Shenzhou XXII will further solidify China’s position in the international aerospace community, showcasing its technological prowess and dedication to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
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Afghanistan: Taliban says Pakistani strikes kill at least 10, including 9 children
In a tragic escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban government has reported that Pakistani military strikes in Afghanistan’s Khost province have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including nine children and one woman. The strikes, which targeted a civilian residence, also injured four others in the border regions of Kunar and Paktika. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attack, labeling it an act of aggression by Pakistani forces. This incident marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two nations, which have historically maintained close ties. The violence comes amid the collapse of peace negotiations between the two countries earlier this month. Mujahid stated that the talks failed due to Pakistan’s demand that Afghanistan assume responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security, a condition he deemed unreasonable. The recent clashes follow a series of military confrontations between the two nations, including Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul targeting the leader of the Pakistani Taliban. Despite a ceasefire agreement signed in Doha in October, efforts to reach a long-term resolution have been unsuccessful, with disagreements over militant groups operating in Afghanistan remaining a key point of contention.