The Eurovision Song Contest is implementing significant changes to its voting and promotional rules following widespread controversy surrounding Israel’s performance in the 2025 competition. Israel’s Yuval Raphael secured the highest public vote but ultimately finished second overall after jury votes were factored in. This outcome sparked concerns among participating countries, leading to a comprehensive review of the contest’s regulations. Starting next year, fans will be limited to casting 10 votes each, down from 20, and juries will be reintroduced for the semi-finals to ensure musical quality and diversity. Additionally, contestants and broadcasters will be prohibited from engaging in promotional campaigns supported by third parties, including governments, amid allegations that an Israeli government agency funded ads and used state social media accounts to influence voting. Eurovision director Martin Green emphasized the need to maintain the contest’s impartiality and neutrality, stating that the changes aim to address disproportionate promotional activities that undermine the event’s spirit. The presence of Israel at Eurovision has also faced opposition due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with countries like Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands considering a boycott if Israel participates in 2026. Green expressed hope that the new measures would reassure broadcasters and preserve Eurovision as a celebration of music and unity. The final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, marking the city’s third time hosting the event.
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Venezuela says opposition leader will become fugitive if she collects Nobel
Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarik William Saab has declared that opposition leader María Corina Machado will be labeled a ‘fugitive’ if she travels to Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Prize. Machado, who has been in hiding since the beginning of the year to evade arrest, is accused of ‘acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism.’ The 58-year-old was awarded the prestigious prize in October for her relentless efforts toward a ‘peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.’ She has consistently criticized President Nicolás Maduro’s government as ‘criminal’ and urged Venezuelans to unite to overthrow it. Many nations consider Maduro’s rule illegitimate. Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition, was barred from running in last year’s presidential elections, which were widely condemned internationally as neither free nor fair. Despite this, she united the opposition behind her surrogate, Edmundo González, who reportedly won by a landslide according to polling station tallies. However, the government-controlled National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, leading to widespread protests. González later fled to Spain, fearing repression, followed by attempts to detain other opposition officials. The Nobel Committee praised Machado as ‘one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.’ Nobel chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes expressed hope that she could attend the award ceremony on December 10 but acknowledged the severe security risks she faces. Machado, expressing shock at the honor, stated, ‘I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this,’ adding that it was the ‘achievement of a whole society.’ Meanwhile, Attorney General Saab revealed that Machado is under investigation for her support of U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, which have resulted in over 80 deaths, mostly Venezuelans. U.S. President Donald Trump, who congratulated Machado, has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel, a claim Maduro denies. Maduro, in turn, has accused Trump of attempting to incite war to control Venezuela’s oil reserves but recently expressed willingness to hold talks with Trump’s administration. Machado continues to advocate for a post-Maduro Venezuela, urging the military to switch sides and outlining her vision in a ‘freedom manifesto.’ ‘We stand at the edge of a new era – one where our natural rights will prevail,’ she declared.
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Child’s play
The Shanxi Grand Theater in Taiyuan recently hosted a vibrant open day event designed to introduce children to the captivating world of Chinese opera. Titled ‘Passing on Loyalty and Righteousness: Various Ways to Explore Guan Gong,’ the event seamlessly blended traditional opera performances with interactive modern elements, creating an engaging experience for young audiences. Guan Yu, or Guan Gong, a legendary figure from the late Eastern Han Dynasty, served as the central theme of the event. Known for his tales of loyalty and bravery, Guan Gong is a beloved character in Chinese opera and a household name across the country. The event featured children dressed in elaborate opera costumes, complete with makeup, performing alongside professional artists. This initiative aimed to foster an appreciation for traditional Chinese culture among the younger generation, ensuring that the rich heritage of Chinese opera continues to thrive. The Shanxi Grand Theater’s innovative approach to cultural education highlights the enduring relevance of traditional arts in contemporary society.
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Gunmen abduct more than 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers in attack on Nigerian Catholic school
In a harrowing incident that underscores the escalating security crisis in Nigeria, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding institution in the Agwara local government’s Papiri community, abducting more than 200 schoolchildren and 12 teachers. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has sent shockwaves across the nation, already grappling with a surge in kidnappings targeting educational institutions. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the abduction, with spokesperson Daniel Atori stating that efforts are underway to secure the safe return of the victims. Military and security forces have been deployed to the area, but details about the perpetrators remain unclear. The school, which serves children aged 12 to 17, is located near a major road linking Yelwa and Mokwa, making it a vulnerable target. This incident follows a spate of similar attacks, including the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi state earlier in the week. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has postponed his trip to the G20 summit in South Africa, vowing to prioritize the rescue mission. Analysts attribute the rise in kidnappings to the activities of armed gangs, often composed of former herders, who exploit the region’s insecurity for ransom. The Nigerian government faces mounting criticism for its failure to protect citizens, particularly in conflict-prone northern states. The closure of 47 federal unity colleges highlights the gravity of the situation. As families anxiously await news of their loved ones, calls for enhanced security measures and accountability grow louder.
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Japan OKs $135 billion stimulus package to help revive its sluggish economy
The Japanese Cabinet has greenlit a substantial 21.3 trillion yen ($135.4 billion) stimulus package aimed at revitalizing the nation’s economy and mitigating the effects of rising prices. Announced on Friday, this expansive fiscal measure underscores Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s commitment to aggressive government spending, despite concerns over its potential to exacerbate Japan’s already substantial national debt, which stands at approximately three times the size of its economy.
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Archaeologists lift the lid on a 1,700-year-old Roman sarcophagus hidden beneath Budapest
A remarkably well-preserved Roman sarcophagus, dating back approximately 1,700 years, has been discovered in Budapest, Hungary, shedding light on the life of a young woman and the Roman era she lived in. The limestone coffin was unearthed during a large-scale excavation in Óbuda, a northern district of Budapest that was once part of Aquincum, a thriving Roman settlement on the Danube frontier. The sarcophagus, found with its stone lid still intact and sealed with metal clamps and molten lead, contained a complete skeleton surrounded by dozens of artifacts, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Roman burial practices. Gabriella Fényes, the lead archaeologist of the excavation, emphasized the uniqueness of the find, stating that the sarcophagus was hermetically sealed and undisturbed, making it an exceptional discovery. The coffin was located among the ruins of abandoned houses in an area of Aquincum that was repurposed as a burial ground in the 3rd century. Nearby, researchers also uncovered a Roman aqueduct and eight simpler graves, though none matched the richness or pristine condition of the sealed tomb. The sarcophagus contained an array of objects, including two intact glass vessels, bronze figures, 140 coins, a bone hair pin, a piece of amber jewelry, and traces of gold-threaded fabric, all of which suggest the grave belonged to a young woman of high social status. Fényes noted that these items were likely given to the deceased by her relatives for her eternal journey, reflecting the care and love they had for her. The discovery is particularly significant as it provides insights into the Roman province of Pannonia, which encompassed much of modern-day Hungary. Anthropologists will now examine the remains to learn more about the woman’s age, health, and origins. Gergely Kostyál, a Roman-period specialist and coleader of the project, highlighted the rarity of finding an untouched sarcophagus from the 4th century, as it was common practice to reuse earlier sarcophagi. Excavators also removed a layer of mud from inside the coffin, which Fényes hopes may contain additional treasures, such as jewelry. For Fényes, the discovery is not only scientifically valuable but also emotionally resonant, offering a poignant glimpse into the devotion and love of an ancient people.
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Murder of Australian police not an act of religious terrorism, coroner finds
In a tragic incident that shook rural Queensland in December 2022, police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were ambushed and killed during a routine property visit. The attack, carried out by Nathaniel, Gareth, and Stacey Train, initially sparked fears of a religious terror attack. However, Queensland State Coroner Terry Ryan has now clarified that the ambush was not an act of terrorism, despite the perpetrators’ extremist beliefs and conspiracy-driven motives. The coroner’s findings, released on Friday, shed light on the events leading to the deadly confrontation. The Trains, described as religious fanatics and conspiracy theorists, had fortified their property and prepared for a lethal encounter, viewing any police intervention as an ‘evil advance.’ The attack unfolded when Arnold, McCrow, and two other officers arrived at the Wieambilla property, approximately 270km west of Brisbane, to investigate a missing person report. Upon approaching the house, the officers were met with a barrage of gunfire. Arnold and McCrow were fatally shot, while a third officer sustained a leg injury. A neighbor, Alan Dare, who arrived at the scene, was also killed. The coroner acknowledged that the responding officers were ill-equipped to handle the situation, emphasizing the Trains’ meticulous preparation for violence. The inquest revealed that Gareth Train’s anti-government and conspiracy theories had intensified over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to his increasing isolation and radicalization. The coroner also criticized the failure of New South Wales police to share critical information that could have alerted Queensland authorities to the potential danger. In his recommendations, Ryan called for enhanced police safety measures, including the use of drones for risk assessments in remote areas. The incident has reignited debates over gun control in Australia, with experts warning of the erosion of strict regulations introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
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Men posing as India’s central bank officials pull off $800,000 heist
In a daring daylight robbery, armed men posing as officials from India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, intercepted a cash-transport van in the bustling city of Bengaluru, Karnataka. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, saw six men in an SUV stop the van on a busy road as it was transferring 70 million rupees ($800,000; £600,000) between bank branches. The van was carrying a driver, a cash custodian, and two armed security guards. The robbers, claiming to be RBI officials, demanded to verify the transport documents. They instructed the custodian and guards to leave their weapons in the van and enter the SUV, while the driver was told to continue driving with the cash. A few kilometers later, the gang forced the employees out of the SUV, returned to the van, and transferred the cash at gunpoint before fleeing the scene. The area had minimal CCTV coverage, complicating the investigation. Police are probing whether the gang used multiple vehicles and if the company employees were complicit. The SUV used in the heist had a fake number plate and a ‘Government of India’ sticker. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the SUV has been recovered, but Home Minister G Parameshwara noted that the suspects likely switched vehicles to escape. Authorities remain confident in solving the case, drawing parallels to a recent high-profile gold theft in Vijayapura district, where 39kg of stolen gold was recovered and 15 individuals were arrested.
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National games viewed as window to experience modern China
The 15th National Games, jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, have become a platform not only for athletic competition but also for showcasing China’s technological innovation and cultural integration. Held in Guangzhou and Shanwei, the event has drawn attention from cross-boundary visitors who were particularly impressed by the seamless integration of technology into everyday life.
Kinki Chan Tong-ieng, a Macao resident, visited Shanwei to support her son, Chan Man-hin, who was representing Macao in the sailing regatta. She was struck by the efficiency of facial recognition technology used for spectator check-ins and the convenience of mobile apps for real-time competition updates. ‘The process was smooth, secure, and incredibly efficient,’ she remarked.
Chan also highlighted the widespread use of technology on the mainland, especially in transportation and payments. ‘We used Didi for ride-hailing, which was transparent in pricing and quick to respond,’ she said, contrasting it with the limited availability of such services in Macao.
For Chan Man-hin, the games were more than just a competition; they were an opportunity to witness China’s rapid development firsthand. ‘I had the chance to interact with athletes from the mainland and Hong Kong, and their advice was invaluable,’ he shared. Despite the challenging sailing conditions, with waves reaching 2 to 3 meters, Chan emphasized the camaraderie among competitors and encouraged fellow Macao residents to experience such events.
The National Games have thus served as a window into modern China, blending sports, technology, and cultural exchange, leaving a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike.
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Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev: Putin propagandist or key to peace with Ukraine?
Kirill Dmitriev, a prominent Russian diplomat and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), has emerged as a key figure in Russia’s efforts to end its diplomatic isolation in the West. At 50, Dmitriev stands out among Russian officials for his deep understanding of the United States, having studied and worked there for years. His unique blend of diplomatic acumen and commercial expertise has made him a pivotal player in U.S.-Russia relations, particularly during the Trump administration.