** Israeli Air Strike in Gaza Leaves 26 Dead, 59 Missing; Hamas Accuses Israel of "Massacre"
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Power cuts and fatalities reported in Ukraine after massive Russian missile barrage, amid concerns over Western support and energy grid reconstruction.
** Super Typhoon Man-Yi Brings Catastrophic Conditions to Philippines
A powerful super typhoon, known locally as Pepito, has made landfall in the Philippines, bringing with it potentially catastrophic conditions. The storm, classified as a Category 4 typhoon, made landfall at 21:40 local time (13:40 GMT) on the eastern Catanduanes island, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 195 km/h (121mph). Heavy rains and severe winds are expected to impact a large area, with over 400,000 people evacuated ahead of the storm's arrival. At least 160 people have died in previous storms this month.
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Russia Launches "Massive" Attack on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure, Leaving Widespread Damage and Power Outages in Kyiv and Other Regions.
Israeli military actions in Lebanon have led to significant damage to the country's healthcare system. At least 208 health sector workers have been killed, and over 280 attacks on emergency medical facilities have occurred since last October. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about potential war crimes.
** Rescue operations underway in South Africa after court orders police to lift blockade on abandoned gold mine. Hundreds of miners believed trapped underground, with some too weak to be rescued.
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Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in a conflict since late February 2022. The situation escalated on Sunday, November 17th, with Russia launching one of its largest aerial attacks against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. This attack resulted in emergency power cuts in Kyiv and two eastern regions, as per reports from the Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko. President Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated that the Russian offensive had destroyed half of Ukraine's energy production capacity. The war has left Ukraine facing major energy shortfalls.
**Xi Jinping Emerges as Global Advocate for Free Trade**
Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken a strong stance against protectionism, advocating for free trade and a rules-based system at the APEC CEO Summit in Peru. This move comes as US President-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on China and the rest of the world. Xi's speech emphasized the importance of tearing down trade barriers and promoting economic circulation globally.
**Background**
This development follows a similar stance taken by Xi in 2017, when he urged global business elites to reject trade wars and protectionism at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump's punitive tariffs on China have been largely maintained by the Biden administration, with Trump now threatening to impose even higher tariffs on China and the rest of the world.
**Reactions**
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized the importance of a rules-based system, while former Chinese Commerce Ministry official Ren Hongbin called for participants to "stand up to protectionism and unilateralism." Global trade leaders are closely watching these developments, with market participants and investors following the trajectory of US-China relations.
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** UFC Champion Jon Jones Retains Title, Forces Stipe Miocic into Retirement in Front of Donald Trump
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** The UK's NHS rolls out free antismoking pill, varenicline, in effort to reduce smoking-related illnesses and deaths. The pill is more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapies, with research suggesting it may prevent 9,500 smoking-related deaths within the next five years.
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Senegal holds parliamentary elections, with President Faye seeking a majority to push through reforms. Over 7 million citizens are eligible to vote, amidst concerns about jobs, rising prices, and migration. The ruling Pastef party is favored to win, but opposition parties have formed unexpected alliances. Analysts note that Senegalese voters typically confirm their presidential choice in parliamentary elections.
"US President-elect Donald Trump attended a UFC event in New York, where he celebrated his election victory with supporters and notable figures including Elon Musk and cabinet nominees Robert F Kennedy Jr, Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy. The event highlighted Trump's long-standing support for the UFC and his warm welcome from fans. However, it also underscored the divisiveness of the US presidential campaign, which has been marked by controversy and partisanship."
** UK Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch Faces Early Approval Challenge. Despite a lukewarm start, her approval rating is significantly better than predecessor Rishi Sunak's at the end of his leadership.
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** Jon Jones retains heavyweight title with knockout victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Jones' win solidifies his position as one of the greatest MMA fighters, while Miocic announces retirement from sport.
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Powerful Typhoon Man-yi Wreaks Havoc in the Philippines, Leaving Thousands Displaced and Infrastructure Damaged.
** Russia launches large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, prompting response from neighboring Poland.
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** Super Typhoon Man-yi Brings Destruction and Displacement to Philippines, Latest in Series of Devastating Storms.
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** Outgoing US President Joe Biden stands in back of APEC group photo, sparking awkward moment at Peru meeting. This departure from typical placement may be seen as a notable shift in leadership dynamics.
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A murder investigation has been launched in east London after a 24-year-old woman's body was found in a car boot. Police believe the incident may have been targeted and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
India Launches Operation Sagar Manthan to Tackle Transnational Drug Trafficking Network