In his annual speech to diplomats, Pope Francis condemned what he said was a universal growth in “fake news,” among other things saying such deliberate distortions foment a climate of hate that leads to acts such as assassination attempts in 2024 against Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia and President-elect Donald Trump of the United States.

In his Jan. 9 speech, the pope lamented “the continuous creation and spread of fake news,” which he said, “distorts facts but also perceptions.”

“This phenomenon generates false images of reality, a climate of suspicion that foments hate, undermines people’s sense of security and compromises civil coexistence and the stability of entire nations,” he said.

To this end, he pointed to the recent attacks on Fico and Trump, whose inauguration will take place in less than two weeks, on Jan. 20.

In addition, Francis highlighted several diplomatic accomplishments and deals struck in 2024, including the renewal of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China regarding the appointment of Bishops.

Noting that it was renewed for four years instead of the customary two, he called this “a sign of the desire to continue a respectful and constructive dialogue in view of the good of the Catholic Church in the country and of all the Chinese people.”

He also pointed to the inauguration of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, thanking city authorities in Rome for organizing the jubilee, and thanking Romans themselves “for the patience they have shown” amid the inconveniences of various construction projects that have torn up the city and caused traffic backups.

Francis lamented that the new year, and the jubilee, have begun amid war and fresh terror attacks, including those in Magdeburg, Germany, and New Orleans, and a rise in social and political tensions across the globe.

In the new year, diplomacy has a key role to play in fostering peace and dialogue, he said, outlining his vision for what he called a global ‘diplomacy of hope,’ in which political leaders pursue the common good and prioritize the poor and oppressed.

He lamented that society is increasingly focused on wealth and material growth, “preferring pets to children,” and condemned what he said was the loss of truth amid a loss of rational argumentation and a growing distrust of those who think differently.

“These tendencies can be amplified by the modern communications media and by artificial intelligence; they can be misused to manipulate minds for economic, political and ideological ends,” he warned.

Pope Francis also cautioned against the risks of scientific progress, which he said bring numerous benefits, but have also caused increased polarization, narrow-mindedness, anxiety, isolation and “a simplification of reality,” particularly through the use of social media and online games, he said.

To this end, he stressed the importance of “media literacy education” in promoting critical thinking and individual growth.

Francis also stressed the importance of multilateralism and the need to find a common language in which to communicate in international settings.

He condemned what he said was “the attempt to manipulate multilateral documents – by changing the meaning of terms or unilaterally reinterpreting the content of human rights treaties – in order to advance divisive ideologies that trample on the values and beliefs of peoples is particularly worrying.”

“It represents a form of genuine ideological colonization that attempts, in accordance with carefully planned agendas, to uproot the traditions, history and religious bonds of peoples,” he said, condemning such attempts as part of the growing global “cancel culture.”

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Locally-focused British stocks were slammed on Wednesday alongside sterling, while benchmark UK gilt yields soared as investors grappled with the prospects of higher interest rates and stubborn inflation.

The domestically-focused FTSE 250 mid-cap index (.FTMC), opens new tab fell nearly 2% to a five-month low.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 (.FTSE), opens new tab was broadly flat, cushioned by a 1% drop in sterling that helped international firms on the index that draw a major portion of their revenues overseas.

A selloff in some of the world's biggest government bond markets appeared more pronounced in UK gilts, fanning worries about the impact of higher borrowing costs on the British government's already shaky finances.

Thirty-year gilt yields hit their highest since 1998 at 5.383%, while 10-year yields rose as high as 4.821% to levels last seen in 2008.

"It's somewhat odd that bond yields have risen to new highs so long after interest rates have peaked, which suggests markets were complacent about inflation and overly confident that the Bank of England would cut rates sharply," said Laith Khalaf, head of investment analysis at AJ Bell.

Gilt yields have risen in recent weeks as most investors now expect the Bank of England to cut rates by only about half a percentage point this year, while inflation looks likely to hover above the central bank's 2% target.

Utilities (.FTUB6510), opens new tab, often traded as a bond proxy owing to their stable income regardless of the economic situation, dropped 1.8%.

Heavyweight Shell (SHEL.L), opens new tab shed 1.4% after the energy major trimmed its liquefied natural gas production outlook for the fourth quarter and said oil and gas trading results were expected to be significantly lower than in the previous three months.

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Japan in the last week of December experienced the biggest influenza outbreak since comparable data became available 25 years ago, health authorities said Thursday.

The latest health ministry analysis of data gathered from 5,000 medical clinics showed that from December 23-29, 317,812 people were diagnosed with flu.

That is more than three times the 104,612 cases recorded in the same period in 2023, and the most for any week since records began in 1999, the ministry said.

Cases of flu often rise in the winter in Japan and elsewhere, but some countries have seen large jumps in cases recently including in France and Britain.

Australia logged more than 350,000 laboratory-confirmed flu cases last year -- dwarfing a previous high of 313,615 in 2019, according to its national diseases surveillance system.

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Firefighters on Thursday continued to battle multiple deadly wildfires that erupted across Los Angeles, creating an apocalyptic scene as residents fled the raging infernos.

At least five fires were active in Los Angeles County, scorching more than 40 square miles across the region, according to Cal Fire. The Palisades Fire in the coastal Pacific Palisades community and the Eaton Fire, located east in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, remained the largest blazes with 0% containment.

Mayor Karen Bass, speaking at a press briefing Thursday, said "heroic" firefighters aided by air operations are making progress against the flames.

"Historic winds and extensive drought have created a perfect storm that has driven people from their homes, have taken people's homes and have taken people's lives," Bass said. "This is absolutely an unprecedented historic firestorm, but we are all hands on deck."

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said it was too early to provide a death toll. He said almost 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, and another 200,000 face evacuation warnings. And he said 20 people have been arrested for looting.

"Individuals who chose to go into areas and deprive these poor people who have been through so much," Luna said. "Absolutely unacceptable. If you are in one of these areas where you do not belong, you are going to be arrested." 

Extreme Santa Ana winds have hindered firefighting operations and spread the fires that began breaking out earlier this week. Officials said the winds had eased somewhat Thursday, but the National Weather Service said critical fire weather could last through Friday.

There were some breakthroughs. Firefighters gained the upper hand on The Sunset Fire that forced mandatory evacuations in Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills − including iconic locations such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. All evacuations from that fire were rescinded, authorities said. 

Los Angeles Fire chief Kristin Crowley said firefighters were in a "much better posture" to battle the wildfires Thursday. But she said preliminary reports estimated the number of damaged or destroyed structures to be "in the thousands."

"It is safe to say the Palisades Fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles," Crowley said.

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North Korea has announced the successful test of a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile, escalating tensions and prompting global concern over the regime's advancing military capabilities.

The test, conducted on [insert date], involved a missile capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 5 while maneuvering mid-flight to evade detection and interception. According to state media, the missile demonstrated "unprecedented capabilities" and is touted as a significant milestone in the country's self-proclaimed defensive arsenal.

Military analysts believe the new weapon could challenge existing missile defense systems, marking a notable shift in the region's strategic balance. Neighboring countries, including South Korea and Japan, have expressed deep apprehension. The United States condemned the launch, with a Pentagon spokesperson emphasizing the destabilizing effect of such advancements.

The launch follows months of heightened military activity in the region, with North Korea continuing to defy international sanctions and calls for denuclearization. Experts warn that this latest test signals an intent to solidify its status as a global nuclear power.

The international community is now closely monitoring Pyongyang for further developments, as diplomatic efforts to curb its weapons program remain at a standstill.

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A vibrant festival in Kerala turned into a scene of chaos and fear as an elephant broke loose during a procession, leaving 17 people injured and many more traumatized.

The incident occurred during a traditional temple festival in the Thrissur district, known for its majestic parades of elaborately adorned elephants. Witnesses reported that the elephant, suddenly agitated, broke free from its handlers and rampaged through the crowd, toppling decorations and causing a stampede as attendees scrambled for safety.

“People were running in every direction. It was complete mayhem,” said Ramesh Menon, a local vendor who narrowly escaped injury.

Authorities believe loud noises from the ceremonial fireworks may have startled the elephant. Efforts by mahouts to regain control of the animal took nearly two hours, during which time several festival-goers, including children, sustained injuries.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.

The incident has reignited debates over the use of elephants in public festivals. Animal rights groups have long opposed this practice, citing risks to both humans and animals.

“Incidents like this highlight the need to rethink our traditions. These majestic creatures deserve respect and protection in their natural habitats, not to be paraded through noisy crowds,” said an activist from People for Animals.

The Kerala government has launched an inquiry into the incident and promised stricter regulations for future events involving elephants.

For now, the festive spirit has been overshadowed by shock and calls for reform, as the community begins its recovery from a day that was supposed to celebrate culture and unity.

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In a rare show of bipartisan respect, former President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, honoring his lifetime of service and impact.

The tribute, delivered through a public statement and social media posts, highlighted Carter’s enduring contributions to American society, from his presidency to his humanitarian work with the Carter Center. The message praised Carter’s commitment to peace, democracy, and global health initiatives, which have left an indelible mark on the nation and the world.

“Jimmy Carter’s dedication to public service and humanity stands as a testament to the power of compassion and determination,” Donald Trump said. “Melania and I extend our heartfelt respect to him and his family during this time.”

Carter, the nation’s 39th president, is widely celebrated for his post-presidential efforts, particularly his work in fighting diseases, building affordable housing, and advocating for human rights. The acknowledgment from the Trumps comes as Carter, now in his late 90s, receives widespread accolades for his legacy.

The gesture of respect has been lauded by both sides of the political aisle, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared recognition of those who shape the fabric of the nation. As the country reflects on Carter’s storied career, this bipartisan moment reminds Americans of the values that transcend political divides.

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A dramatic protest unfolded today at Mexico City’s famous Wax Museum when an activist smashed the wax figure of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stunning onlookers and sparking global attention.

The protester, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, entered the museum in the afternoon and approached Netanyahu’s statue, one of many international leaders on display. In a shocking act, they knocked the figure over, smashing it to pieces, while loudly condemning what they described as “injustice and oppression” in the Middle East.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with museum visitors initially mistaking the act for a planned performance. “It happened so quickly,” said a visitor. “One moment, everything was calm; the next, the statue was on the floor, shattered.”

The museum immediately closed the section housing the damaged figure and issued a statement condemning the act. “This is an act of vandalism against an artistic representation, not a political statement,” the museum’s spokesperson said. “We uphold the principles of dialogue and respect for all cultures and figures.”

The protest comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Netanyahu’s policies and the Israeli government’s actions in the region. While the activist’s motives remain under investigation, the incident has reignited debates on the use of symbolic acts in political protest.

Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident, and security at the museum has been tightened. Online, reactions to the act were sharply divided, with some praising the activist’s courage and others decrying the destruction of public property as counterproductive.

As the world debates the implications of this bold act, the shattered statue of Netanyahu lies in pieces—a stark symbol of the controversies surrounding the Israeli leader.

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Myanmar’s newly enacted cybercrime law has triggered widespread concerns among analysts and rights groups, who warn it could severely stifle freedom of expression and access to information. Critics argue that the sweeping provisions of the legislation grant authorities unchecked power to control online activity, raising fears of increased censorship and surveillance.

The law, which was passed despite international condemnation, criminalizes a wide range of online activities, including the dissemination of “false information,” vaguely defined in the legislation. Analysts have pointed out that such ambiguous wording could be weaponized against dissenting voices, journalists, and activists critical of the military-led government.

“This law is a direct attack on free speech and digital privacy,” said a representative from Human Rights Watch. “It’s clear that the intent is to silence opposition and tighten control over the flow of information.”

The cybercrime law also mandates the registration of online platforms and allows authorities to demand access to user data, a provision that has raised alarms among tech companies and digital rights advocates.

Myanmar has been under a state of political turmoil since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021. Since then, the junta has sought to consolidate its authority by curbing public dissent, including imposing internet blackouts and targeting journalists.

The passage of the cybercrime law has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, with calls for its repeal. Observers warn that its implementation could further isolate Myanmar and undermine efforts to restore democracy and human rights in the country.

Rights groups and activists are urging global tech companies to stand against the law by refusing to comply with its provisions, calling it a critical test of corporate responsibility in the face of authoritarianism.

As Myanmar’s citizens brace for the potential consequences of the law, many fear it marks the beginning of a new era of digital repression.

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