1. Berlin Ukraine Peace Talks Advance, but Territorial Deal Still Stalls

At talks in Berlin, the U.S. has floated NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine without formal membership. Officials say roughly 90% of issues are agreed, yet the fate of Russian-occupied territories remains unresolved. Trump insists peace is “closer than ever,” while Zelensky stays cautious about conceding land.

2. Thailand–Cambodia War Escalates as Fuel Route via Laos Is Cut

Thailand has halted fuel shipments through the Chong Mek crossing into Laos, claiming the fuel was feeding Cambodian frontline forces. The border war has already killed dozens and displaced more than half a million people. Despite outside mediation and Trump’s talk of a ceasefire, artillery, drone strikes and air raids continue.

3. JetBlue Passenger Flight Nearly Collides With U.S. Air Force Tanker Near Venezuela

A JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York had to abruptly level off when a KC-46 tanker without an active transponder crossed its path at cruising altitude. No one was injured, but the near-miss follows a fatal mid-air crash earlier in the year. Lawmakers are now demanding stricter tracking requirements for military aircraft in busy civilian corridors.

4. White House Pushes ‘Historic’ New Deals With U.S. Mining Sector

The Trump administration plans additional partnerships and equity stakes in American mining companies to boost supplies of lithium, rare earths and other critical minerals. The goal is to secure inputs for defense and high-tech industries while reducing dependence on China. Projects in states such as Alaska and Arizona are being fast-tracked as part of this strategy.

5. Delhi Chokes Under ‘Severe’ Smog as Air Quality Index Soars Above 400

Pollution levels in India’s capital spiked into the “hazardous” range, with AQI readings around 430–460, ranking Delhi among the world’s most polluted cities that day. Thick smog slashed visibility and prompted health warnings for residents to stay indoors where possible. It marks the worst air day of this winter and one of the dirtiest December episodes on record for the city.

1. Berlin Ukraine Peace Talks Advance, but Territorial Deal Still Stalls

At talks in Berlin, the U.S. has floated NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine without formal membership. Officials say roughly 90% of issues are agreed, yet the fate of Russian-occupied territories remains unresolved. Trump insists peace is “closer than ever,” while Zelensky stays cautious about conceding land.

2. Thailand–Cambodia War Escalates as Fuel Route via Laos Is Cut

Thailand has halted fuel shipments through the Chong Mek crossing into Laos, claiming the fuel was feeding Cambodian frontline forces. The border war has already killed dozens and displaced more than half a million people. Despite outside mediation and Trump’s talk of a ceasefire, artillery, drone strikes and air raids continue.

3. JetBlue Passenger Flight Nearly Collides With U.S. Air Force Tanker Near Venezuela

A JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York had to abruptly level off when a KC-46 tanker without an active transponder crossed its path at cruising altitude. No one was injured, but the near-miss follows a fatal mid-air crash earlier in the year. Lawmakers are now demanding stricter tracking requirements for military aircraft in busy civilian corridors.

4. White House Pushes ‘Historic’ New Deals With U.S. Mining Sector

The Trump administration plans additional partnerships and equity stakes in American mining companies to boost supplies of lithium, rare earths and other critical minerals. The goal is to secure inputs for defense and high-tech industries while reducing dependence on China. Projects in states such as Alaska and Arizona are being fast-tracked as part of this strategy.

5. Delhi Chokes Under ‘Severe’ Smog as Air Quality Index Soars Above 400

Pollution levels in India’s capital spiked into the “hazardous” range, with AQI readings around 430–460, ranking Delhi among the world’s most polluted cities that day. Thick smog slashed visibility and prompted health warnings for residents to stay indoors where possible. It marks the worst air day of this winter and one of the dirtiest December episodes on record for the city.