Explore

Iceland Joins Boycott of Eurovision Song Contest Over Israel's Participation

Iceland Joins Boycott of Eurovision Song Contest Over Israel's Participation

Iceland has announced its decision to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest, joining Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia in protest against Israel's participation. The decision comes after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) declined to expel Israel from the contest despite concerns over its military actions in Gaza. The boycott reflects growing discontent among European countries regarding Israel's policies and actions in the region. The EBU has adopted tougher voting rules but has not excluded any broadcasters from the competition.

Trump Administration Proposes Mandatory Social Media Disclosure for Visa-Exempt Travelers

Trump Administration Proposes Mandatory Social Media Disclosure for Visa-Exempt Travelers

The Trump administration has proposed a new rule requiring travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Australia and New Zealand, to disclose up to five years of social media history before entering the United States. This proposal, published in the US Federal Register, aims to align the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) with existing tourist visa applications, which have mandated social media disclosure since 2019. Currently, providing social media information on an ESTA form is optional. If implemented, the rule would make social media identifiers a mandatory component of ESTA applications, along with other data such as phone numbers, email addresses, family details, and biometric information. The proposal is open for a 60-day public comment period, closing in early January. This move is part of a broader tightening of US immigration and entry controls under the Trump administration, which has expanded social-media vetting across multiple visa categories.

Iceland becomes 5th country to boycott Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation

Iceland becomes 5th country to boycott Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation

Iceland's national broadcaster has announced it will boycott next year's Eurovision Song Contest due to discord over Israel's participation

Iceland says it will boycott Eurovision over Israel's participation

Iceland says it will boycott Eurovision over Israel's participation

Iceland's national broadcaster has announced it will boycott next year's Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation

Icelandic Coast Guard Monitors Russian Fishing Vessels Near Maritime Border

Icelandic Coast Guard Monitors Russian Fishing Vessels Near Maritime Border

The Icelandic Coast Guard recently observed five Russian fishing vessels near its maritime border, raising concerns due to the uncommon presence of Russian fishermen in the area. The vessels were located just outside Iceland's jurisdiction, and upon inspection, the Coast Guard concluded that the boats were likely engaged in fishing activities. The Coast Guard regularly monitors vessels within and outside its economic zone, and the presence of these Russian boats attracted special attention. The Coast Guard consulted with neighboring countries and determined that the vessels were on trawling trips. The monitoring of these vessels is part of Iceland's broader efforts to maintain surveillance over its maritime boundaries.

Rocket Lab Postpones Launch of Korean Disaster-Monitoring Satellite Due to Sensor Issue

Rocket Lab Postpones Launch of Korean Disaster-Monitoring Satellite Due to Sensor Issue

Rocket Lab has postponed the launch of a Korean disaster-monitoring satellite, NEONSAT-1A, due to a sensor issue. The launch was scheduled to take place from Rocket Lab's New Zealand site on December 10, 2025. The mission, named 'Bridging the Swarm,' aims to deploy the satellite into low Earth orbit to enhance disaster monitoring capabilities over the Korean Peninsula. NEONSAT-1A is part of a broader initiative by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) to expand its satellite fleet, following the successful launch of NEONSAT-1 in April 2024. Rocket Lab announced the delay via social media, stating that they are assessing sensor data and will announce a new launch date soon. The mission is intended to validate the satellite's capabilities and pave the way for a constellation of NEONSAT satellites.

Icelandic Coast Guard Monitors Russian Ships Near Maritime Border Amid Fishing Concerns

Icelandic Coast Guard Monitors Russian Ships Near Maritime Border Amid Fishing Concerns

The Icelandic Coast Guard is closely monitoring five Russian vessels that were detected near Iceland's maritime border. These ships, identified as fishing vessels, were found just outside Iceland's jurisdiction. The Coast Guard has expressed a desire to understand the presence of these ships, as Russian fishing activity in this area is uncommon. The Coast Guard has been actively monitoring the eastern part of the country, boarding foreign ships fishing within Icelandic jurisdiction. The surveillance is part of a broader effort to ensure maritime security and manage fishing activities in the region.

New Zealand central bank says no preset policy path as inflation outlook guides decisions

New Zealand central bank says no preset policy path as inflation outlook guides decisions

By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - New Zealand's top central banker said on Wednesday that there was no preset course for monetary policy and that adjustments would be made if the outlook for inflation changes.

Irish Prime Minister Confirms Drones Near Dublin Airport Posed No Threat to Zelensky's Aircraft

Irish Prime Minister Confirms Drones Near Dublin Airport Posed No Threat to Zelensky's Aircraft

During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Ireland, several unidentified drones were spotted near Dublin Airport. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin assured that these drones did not pose a threat to Zelensky's aircraft, as it had landed well before the incident. The drones were detected by the crew of the Irish naval vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats, prompting a coordinated response from police and military authorities. Martin described the incident as concerning, noting its similarity to other drone-related events in Europe. Despite the drone activity, the security measures during Zelensky's visit were deemed effective.

European nations set to discuss a tightening of migration rules

European nations set to discuss a tightening of migration rules

European leaders are set to call for stricter migration policies, a move critics say caters to far-right pressures and harms human rights

New Zealand Journalist Injured by Bird During Live Broadcast

New Zealand Journalist Injured by Bird During Live Broadcast

New Zealand journalist Jess Tyson was injured when a bird flew into her face while she was filming a news segment for the show 'Te Ao with Moana' on Whakaata Māori channel. The incident occurred as Tyson was reporting on 'fast fashion' in New Zealand. A seagull unexpectedly collided with her, resulting in a bloody cut across her right eyelid. Despite the injury, Tyson was treated promptly and returned to complete her segment. She later shared the experience on social media, describing the impact as surprising and likening it to being hit with a heavy pillow.

U.S. Space Command Strengthens Coalition Spacepower with CSpO Allies

U.S. Space Command Strengthens Coalition Spacepower with CSpO Allies

U.S. military officials, led by Gen. Chance Saltzman and Gen. Stephen Whiting, joined leaders from the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative at the French Space Command Headquarters. The meeting reaffirmed the coalition's commitment to deterrence, interoperability, and space warfighting capabilities. The CSpO Initiative includes 10 nations: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The U.S. delegation emphasized the importance of defending U.S. interests in space and the need for integrated coalition capabilities to deter aggression. The initiative aims to enhance space power in response to growing threats and ensure robust operational cooperation among member nations.