TEHRAN - There is a quiet language in nature that humans rarely notice. Long before a wildfire becomes visible, the forest whispers warnings through rising temperatures, unusual animal movements, and subtle shifts in humidity. For centuries, these signals remained unheard, and by the time flames were seen from a distance, it was often too late. Today, a new kind of listener has entered the world’s forests. Not human, not animal, but artificial intelligence trained to hear what we cannot, and to protect ecosystems that are struggling to survive in a rapidly warming world.

TEHRAN – Attending the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), the head of the Department of Environment (DOE), Shina Ansari, is promoting environmental diplomacy by holding talks with participating countries.

TEHRAN –Iran’s UN envoy to Geneva, Ali Bahreini, has called for the international community’s investment in infrastructure, employment, education, and other services to improve conditions in Afghanistan for the sustainable return of refugees to their home countries.

The Singapore government will contribute US$100,000 (S$129,000) as seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross' (SRC) public fundraising efforts for the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The contribution will supplement the SRC's pledge of S$50,000 to supplement the immediate needs of affected communities in Sri Lanka, said Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (Dec 12).According to the Disaster Management Centre, Sri Lanka's death toll from Cyclone Ditwah climbed to 639 on Dec 11. Most of the fatalities were attributed to landslides triggered by torrential rainfall exceeding 300mm in the first 24 hours as the cyclone lashed Sri Lanka on Nov 28, leaving its eastern and central regions most severely affected. At least a million people have since been affected by the ensuing heavy rains and floods that swept through large parts of the country, forcing some 200,000 people into 1,275 shelters, said the centre in an earlier statement. Sri Lankan authorities have estimated that they would need around US$7 billion to rebuild homes, industries and roads. 

In the first 10 months of this year, at least $615,000 were lost to concert ticket scams, the police said on Friday (Dec 12).The advisory was issued ahead of upcoming concerts such as K-pop groups Super Junior's Super Show 10 in January and Seventeen's world tour New_ in March.Police said there were at least 722 concert ticket scam cases reported from January to October 2025.In those cases, victims would come across the resale of concert tickets on online platforms such as Carousell, Facebook, Telegram, X and Xiaohongshu.Scammers would then provide screenshots or videos of fake tickets or receipts to convince victims that the tickets were authentic.They would also claim that ticket sales were time-sensitive or limited in quantity, and promise to deliver the tickets after payment was made.When the victims told the scammers that they did not receive their tickets, the scammers would ask for additional payment, claiming that the initial payment was not received.

The police will charge a 32-year-old man on Saturday (Dec 13) over his suspected involvement in a knife incident along Boon Lay Drive.The incident, which took place at Block 188 Boon Lay Drive, happened at about 6.55pm on Dec 6.It resulted in a 58-year-old man reportedly suffering injuries to his back, forearm and forehead.The alleged assailant was then seen fleeing towards Block 238 Boon Lay Drive.In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police said in an updated statement on Friday Dec 12 that they have arrested the man.He will be charged for the offence of voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons.If found guilty of the offence, the man may be jailed for up to seven years, fined, caned, or receive a combination of these punishments.«The police have zero tolerance towards such acts of violence in the community and will not hesitate to take firm action against those who blatantly disregard the law,» they said. [[nid:726398]]editor@asiaone.com

The number claiming Universal Credit (UC) because of their health has soared by 41 per cent in the year to September 2025 - increasing by 933,000 people to a record 3.2 million.

Thomas Craig, 48, was filmed jumping out of his seat aboard the carriage between Glasgow Queen Street and Perth on February 16, last year.

A police warrant issued by the Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Court, now in the possession of Nyasatimes, reveals that the arrest of former Minister of Trade and MCP presidential running mate Vitumbiko Mumba stems from remarks he made during a joint press briefing with Jessie Kabwila — a briefing in which they raised concerns of […] The post Police Arrest of Vitumbiko Mumba Raises Alarming Questions Over Criminalisation of Dissent appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Meg Hillier accused the Chancellor of 'throwing grenades' at markets in the run-up to the crucial fiscal package on November 26.

The global digital information sphere has become a contested geostrategic and ideological battleground. In this online 'marketplace of ideas', democracy is increasingly under pressure not only from traditional authoritarian governments, but also corporate actors who seek to further their interests. In democratic open information spaces, citizens would ideally be free to express and inform themselves. Authoritarian actors, on the other hand, continue to fine-tune techniques to manipulate public opinion abroad, to undermine democratic societies and processes, all the while tightening control of the information sphere at home to further their own agenda. At the same time, a corporate scramble to lead the development and rollout of new technologies – with artificial intelligence (AI) positioned as a game changer in this quest – is increasingly visible in the geostrategic technology arena. Potential opportunities for tech industrialists, however, come with challenges for citizens and open democracies. Whereas generative AI (Gen AI) tools are already widely used to find, consume and share information, they can also accelerate and transform information manipulation, challenging information integrity in new ways. As pressures on the information space continue to grow, mirrored in public concern, regulators are pushed to act fast. In a changing geostrategic landscape, upholding universal values in the digital realm is particularly pertinent for the EU. Legislation relevant to Gen AI-enabled information manipulation includes the Artificial Intelligence Act, the Digital Services Act (DSA), including the Code of Conduct on Disinformation, the European Media Freedom Act and the Directive on Combating Violence against Women. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox draws on teachings from his Mormon faith to ‘disagree better.’ Studies show his approach could change public attitudes.

Extended conversations with Black, Latino and Asian American voters who cast ballots for Trump in 2024 showed mixed feelings about the president and their votes.

Environmental activists say a recent agreement between the Beer Store and grocers puts the future of Ontario’s successful deposit return program at risk. Grocers with alcohol licences were expected to start accepting empties in the new year, but now they won’t have to after all.

In this issue of our environmental newsletter, we check out a couple of ways you can use your EV charger to earn some extra cash; take a closer look at China's approach to climate action; and find out why Winnipeg is moving to scrap rules that protect migratory birds from smashing into windows.

With food prices soaring — and meat in particular making a dent in wallets — some people may be planning a holiday meal that looks a little different this year.

Following an 11-month court battle, Air Canada has successfully overturned a Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) decision requiring the airline to pay a passenger $2,079 for delayed baggage. But the case isn't over yet.

Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared inside a Utah courtroom flanked by his legal team as they push to further limit media access in the high-profile criminal case.

Minsters are being urged to take a 'modernised approach' to tackling two of the most persistent driving offences on the road: mobile phone misuse and seat belt non-compliance.

Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband has been left isolated after a Brussels kingmaker declared that the bloc's deadline for ending sales is being dropped.

An expert has weighed in on Katya Jones's Strictly Come Dancing exit and claimed that she's had a 'tough run'.

Minsters are being urged to take a 'modernised approach' to tackling two of the most persistent driving offences on the road: mobile phone misuse and seat belt non-compliance.

Le Directeur Général de la Jeunesse, M. Breginève Mimbila, a reçu en audience, Emmanuel Obakamba Ombana, Coordonnateur Général du Forum National de la Jeunesse, dans le cadre des préparatifs liés à l'organisation du Dialogue National entre le Président de la République, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema et la Jeunesse gabonaise. 1 - Objet principal de l'audience. Cette rencontre a permis : 1 - de faire le point sur l'état d'avancement des travaux préparatoires, 2 - de passer en revue (...) - SOCIETE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

[allAfrica]

US President Donald Trump has claimed that everyone except Vladimir Zelensky backed his peace plan Read Full Article at RT.com

The US has sanctioned Venezuelan shipping companies and vessels amid a military standoff Read Full Article at RT.com

The King, 77, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in early 2024 and has been receiving weekly treatment ever since.

Lilongwe City Council (LCC) is facing fierce criticism for its laid-back and embarrassingly casual approach to law enforcement after vendors overran the newly-constructed Lilongwe Bridge, turning it once again into a chaotic, dangerous marketplace — right under the council’s nose. What should have been one of the safest pedestrian crossings in the capital has instead […] The post LCC Under Fire for Sleeping on Duty as Lilongwe Bridge Turns Into a Market Again appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Government has unveiled yet another digital platform—this time the Public Sector Reforms Information Management System (PSRIMS)—with First Vice-President Jane Ansah declaring it a “turning point” in Malawi’s long-stalled reform agenda. But as praise filled the conference hall in Lilongwe, a central question lingered beneath the applause: Is this the breakthrough Malawi needs, or simply another […] The post Turning Point or Tired Cycle? Questions Emerge Over Malawi’s New Reform System appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has fired back at growing public confusion, making it clear that it was the Ministry of Trade—not the Commission—that ordered the closure of the SIMAMA sugar shop in Dedza. CFTC says it will not allow its name to be dragged into confusion created by poor communication and blame-shifting, […] The post CFTC Hits Back: Ministry of Trade, Not the Commission, Shut Down SIMAMA Sugar Shop appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.