Olympic torch begins journey to Milan Cortina 2026 Games

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking their first meeting since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. The talks aim to enhance economic ties, particularly in defense and energy sectors, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Adm. Frank M. Bradley, the U.S. military commander, faced scrutiny from lawmakers regarding a controversial strike on an alleged drug boat, which reportedly targeted survivors. This classified briefing has raised significant concerns about the legality and ethics of military operations in such contexts.

A restrictive sex education bill in Italy, backed by Georgia Meloni's far-right government, aims to combat what it terms 'gender ideology' in schools, sparking significant public outcry. Critics argue that the legislation is an attempt to limit comprehensive sex education, which is currently not mandatory in Italy despite evidence of its benefits in preventing violence against women and girls.

President Trump announced his willingness to release video footage of a second military strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking, which occurred in September. This strike has drawn scrutiny regarding its legality and the tactics employed by the U.S. military in such operations.

An American company is set to resume the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which vanished in 2014 while traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. This renewed effort comes more than a decade after the aircraft's disappearance, with previous search operations yielding no results. The search will focus on a specific area in the Indian Ocean identified as having the highest likelihood of locating the wreckage.

Pope Leo has emphasized the critical role of European nations, particularly Italy, in mediating peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, amidst stalled negotiations between Russia and the US. The pontiff's remarks come as tensions escalate, with Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing Europe of obstructing peace efforts.

Pope Leo XIV, during his return from a visit to Lebanon, cautioned against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, advocating for diplomatic and economic solutions instead. This statement came after his engagement with local Catholic communities and prayers at the site of the Beirut port explosion, which claimed over 220 lives in 2020.

President Donald Trump made derogatory remarks about Somali immigrants during a Cabinet meeting, stating he does not want them in the U.S. This tirade coincided with reports of federal raids targeting the Somali community in Minneapolis, raising concerns about discrimination and the treatment of immigrants.