DEC

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree immediately increasing the size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, of whom 1,550,500 are military. The decree replaces all previous staffing decrees and marks the seventh expansion of the army's authorised strength since the start of the war in Ukraine.

US forces have completed their withdrawal from Iraq, ending a military presence of roughly two decades that began with the 2003 invasion. Observers warn the departure leaves a power vacuum that Tehran is well placed to fill, given its influence over Iraqi political factions and armed groups. The withdrawal marks a major shift in the region's balance of power and raises questions about Iraq's future stability.

Police have declared a major incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after several people were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences. The arrests prompted a large emergency response in the area, and details about those detained or any wider risk have not yet been released.

Bangkok has declared all 50 of its districts disaster zones following severe flooding across the Thai capital. The declaration allows city authorities to unlock emergency resources and relief measures for residents affected by widespread inundation. The move signals the scale of the flooding crisis, and people are discussing the city's response and conditions on the ground as heavy water disrupts daily life across the metropolis.

Italy has approved a law allowing the country to produce nuclear energy again, reversing a ban in place for nearly four decades. The move ends a prohibition dating back to referendums after the 1987 vote, and opens the way for new reactors as Italy seeks reliable, low-carbon power and reduced dependence on imported energy.

The United States has ended its military presence in Iraq after more than twenty years, formally closing a chapter that began with the 2003 invasion. Analysts warn the departure could open a power vacuum in Baghdad that Iran and its allied militias are positioned to fill, raising concerns about Iraq's sovereignty, regional stability, and the future balance of power in the Middle East.

United States forces are preparing to withdraw from Iraq, ending a military presence of more than two decades that began with the 2003 invasion. The move marks a major shift in the American footprint in the Middle East and closes a long chapter of US involvement in Iraqi security affairs.

Commentary argues that the United States and Iran have extended a ceasefire without reaching any underlying agreement, attributing the impasse to indecisive politics on both sides. The piece suggests that a lack of firm political will is leaving the truce fragile, with diplomacy stalled and no substantive framework in place to secure a lasting resolution.

A central bank decision is drawing widespread attention, with analysts and commentators debating its immediate repercussions for the gold market, the exchange rate of the dollar, and broader economic conditions. Households and investors are watching closely for signs of how savings and prices will be affected, and discussion of what steps the bank may take next is ongoing.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has lifted its cash rate to 4.60%, up from 4.35% and in line with expectations. It is the first hike of this cycle, and markets and economists are watching for what the move signals about the bank's fight against persistent inflation and whether further tightening will follow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree raising the official size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, according to Russian state agency TASS. The increase continues a pattern of expansion since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and signals Moscow's intent to sustain a prolonged military campaign.

New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency as a Nor'easter storm sweeps the region, forcing the cancellation of events and disrupting travel. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads as heavy snow, coastal flooding and strong winds are expected across the Northeast.

The United Nations has declared that solving climate change is a 'decisive test of global solidarity', framing collective action on emissions and adaptation as the defining challenge for international cooperation. The statement underscores growing pressure on governments to deliver coordinated commitments, with the UN urging countries to set aside divisions and treat the climate crisis as a shared responsibility requiring joint effort.

The Trump administration has refused to back a United Nations declaration on pandemic preparedness, according to The Hill. The declaration was intended to strengthen international coordination against future disease outbreaks. The decision puts Washington at odds with other UN member states that supported the text and is likely to fuel debate over US engagement with global health institutions.

Iran is asserting that a religious decree, or fatwa, issued by its leadership forbids the development and possession of nuclear weapons. The claim, reported by international outlets, is being cited in ongoing debates over Iran's nuclear programme, with Western governments and inspectors long questioning whether such a decree is binding or verifiable.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates, with the effects reaching well beyond mortgage repayments. An analysis by Hanan Dervisevic explains how the decision flows through to savings returns, credit cards, personal loans and business borrowing costs. It underlines how one central bank move reshapes household budgets and spending across the whole economy.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is defending his economic record ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest cash rate decision, in ongoing coverage from Canberra. The decision is being closely watched by households and businesses dealing with mortgage costs and inflation, with the opposition and minor parties including One Nation pressing the government over economic management.

The Reserve Bank of India has completed net sales of government debt totalling 1 trillion rupees, the first time it has reached that level in ten years. The move reflects the central bank's efforts to manage liquidity in the banking system, and is drawing attention from bond market participants watching its impact on yields.

The United States and European Union have raised objections to a United Nations declaration on preparing for future pandemics. The disagreement centers on the draft text ahead of UN discussions on global pandemic preparedness, though details of the specific objections were not provided in the available reporting.

The Trump administration has refused to back a United Nations declaration on pandemic preparedness, according to The Hill. The move puts Washington at odds with other UN member states over international cooperation on preventing and responding to future global health emergencies. The rejection follows earlier US criticism of international health agreements seen as infringing on American sovereignty.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself from a major climate change case the Court is set to decide. No reason for the recusal was given in the report, but his withdrawal means the case will be decided by the remaining eight justices, potentially increasing the chance of a split ruling on an issue with far-reaching environmental and regulatory consequences.

Several Florida counties have declared a state of emergency following an outbreak of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness. The declarations allow local authorities to intensify mosquito control measures and respond to the spread of infections. The outbreak has drawn attention to rising dengue cases in parts of the United States as conditions become more favourable to the mosquitoes that carry the virus.