Daily News

Syria's power grid is suffering from years of civil war, neglect and Western sanctions. But despite the challenges, the new administration says it’s working around the clock to resolve the electricity crisis which is key for the revival of the economy.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake has hit Tibet. Chinese state media says more than 30 people have been killed. It took place in the region of Shigatse, which is near the border with Nepal. Many buildings have collapsed in the area. Powerful tremors were also felt in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu.

M23 fighters are advancing in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They've taken two towns in as many days in North Kivu province. Talks to end the decades-long conflict were abruptly cancelled last month. So, what does this renewed push by M23 mean for the DRC and its people?

As 2025 unfolds, the world faces significant shifts. From climate crises in West Africa to continuing wars in Gaza and Sudan, Al Jazeera correspondents share their insights on the key events and challenges shaping the year ahead.

Canadian prime minister has confirmed he is stepping down as head of the Liberal Party of Canada. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Justin Trudeau said he will stay on until the party can appoint his replacement. “I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide competitive process,” Trudeau said. Calls for him to step aside have grown since December, when one of Trudeau’s closest cabinet allies, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, resigned after she pushed back against his proposals for more spending. Trudeau also told reporters that he received approval from the governor general – the representative of the British Crown in Canada – to prorogue Parliament until March 24. That means that parliamentary activities will be suspended.

In 2024, Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, a 100-mile race that snakes through Frozen Head State Park in the state of Tennessee. The runners have 60 hours to finish the course and Paris completed it with only seconds to spare. On this week’s Now You Know, we speak to Paris about what it takes, physically and mentally, to be the only woman to have completed the Barkley Marathons since it was established in 1989.

Syria’s new foreign minister has called on the United States to lift its sanctions on the country. He made the comments during a visit to Qatar as part of a regional tour, seeking diplomatic support. Qatar has reiterated the importance of preventing foreign interference in the establishment of the new government. The Syrian delegation is also expected in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Hamas has told news agencies that it has approved a list of 34 captives to be released as part of a potential ceasefire deal. Reports say Hamas is ready to return the captives, but the group is requesting a week of calm to identify them and their condition. And as Israel and Hamas debate the details of that deal, the Palestinian death toll mounts in Gaza. At least 13 Palestinians have been killed overnight. The Israeli military is targeting densely populated areas causing civilian casualties. In the Bureij camp in central Gaza, Israeli shelling on a home has killed at least three people, including a child.

Hamas has told Reuters, that it has approved a list of 34 captives presented by Israel, to be exchanged in a ceasefire deal. Hamas says any deal will depend on an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and a permanent ceasefire. Hamas has also told Reuters that it has seen no progress from Israel on this request.

The Ukrainian military has launched a new offensive in the Kursk region of Russia as Moscow’s forces continue to push deep inside eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian troops reportedly used heavy artillery, armoured vehicles and infantry during the assault northeast of the small town of Sudzha. The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed in a statement on Sunday that Ukrainian forces launched new attacks amid their incursion into Russia that began with a surprise assault in August. The offensive comes as Russia intensifies efforts to push Ukrainian forces from their foothold in Kursk, which Kyiv sees as potential leverage in future peace talks.