Scotland Wants to Issue Its Own Bonds. Last Time It Paid With Its Independence.

Uganda, once a notable exception to the global trend of countries closing their borders to refugees, is now following suit, signaling a significant shift in its refugee policy. This change reflects a broader pattern where even poorer nations are increasingly reluctant to accept those fleeing conflict and persecution.

China's official factory gauge showed a slight increase in November, indicating stronger production and demand, although it has remained in contraction for the eighth consecutive month. This suggests a modest improvement in manufacturing activity despite ongoing challenges in the sector.

Russia's military has increasingly utilized drones to target Ukrainian supply lines, marking a significant shift in the conflict dynamics where Ukraine previously held an advantage in drone warfare. This development is seen as more impactful than Russia's gradual territorial gains.

The Arctic Ocean is experiencing paradoxical effects of global warming, where thawing ice is not facilitating navigation but rather increasing dangers for those traversing these waters. This situation has been highlighted through a personal account of three weeks spent navigating the treacherous ice conditions in the region.

President Trump announced plans to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking. This decision comes ahead of the upcoming elections in Honduras, raising questions about its implications for the political landscape.

Two oil tankers linked to Russia were rocked by mystery blasts off the coast of Turkey, highlighting the ongoing challenges Moscow faces in circumventing Western sanctions on its oil trade. These vessels are part of a so-called shadow fleet that Russia has utilized to continue its oil exports despite international restrictions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that his ambitions extend beyond merely conquering eastern Ukraine, as he engages with a U.S.-backed peace plan that he claims could serve as a foundation for resolving the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that Ukraine must surrender territory for any agreement to be feasible, reflecting a hardline stance in negotiations.

A massive fire engulfed high-rise apartment buildings in Hong Kong, spreading rapidly without triggering alarms, leaving many residents unaware of the disaster. The incident has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 36 confirmed deaths and hundreds reported missing, marking one of the deadliest fires in recent years.