World War III has officially begun, Ukraine’s ex-top general says  

Politico,

Former Ukrainian general Valery Zaluzhny has declared that World War III has officially begun, calling on Ukraine’s allies to take action before the conflict escalates further. He emphasized that while it is still possible to stop the war within Ukraine’s borders, Ukraine faces too many enemies. He noted that while technology could help Ukraine survive, it remains uncertain whether the country can win the battle without more support from its partners. Zaluzhny’s remarks align with his previous warnings that the conflict is in a stalemate, likening it to World War I. His comments have been controversial, leading to tensions with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who dismissed him in February.

Putin says Russia will use new missile again in ‘combat conditions’  

BBC News,

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will continue testing and deploying its new Oreshnik missile in combat conditions. He claimed the missile could not be intercepted and warned of further tests. The missile’s launch on November 22, 2024, targeted the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, and experts suggest its use is intended to demonstrate Russia’s growing missile capabilities. This escalation follows Ukraine’s recent missile strikes inside Russia and has raised concerns over the conflict’s potential to spiral further. President Zelenskyy has called for stronger international responses to Russia’s actions and has urged for updated air defense systems from Western allies.

North Korea condemns US military drills with South Korea and Japan  

Reuters,

North Korea condemned the recent joint military drills conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan, warning of immediate defensive actions if provoked. The drills, named “Freedom Edge,” included fighter jets, marine patrol aircraft, and the USS George Washington aircraft carrier. North Korea’s defense ministry issued a statement accusing the U.S. and its allies of provoking military confrontation in the region. The drills come amid heightened tensions in the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea closely monitoring the military activities of its adversaries.

Israel-Gaza war: US blocks Security Council ceasefire resolution  

The Hindu ,

The United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, marking the fourth such veto during the ongoing conflict. The resolution was supported by 14 out of 15 Council members but was blocked by the U.S., which cited the need for a connection between a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The veto has sparked widespread criticism, with France, China, and human rights organizations expressing disappointment over the U.S. position. This decision comes amid severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with significant casualties reported on both sides.

Astronomers spot one of the most powerful ‘sonic booms’ in the universe as massive galaxy crashes into its neighbors  

Live Science ,

Astronomers have witnessed one of the most intense shock waves in the universe, caused by a massive galaxy colliding with four neighboring galaxies at speeds of 2 million mph. This event, observed in Stephan’s Quintet, resulted in a “sonic boom” comparable to a jet fighter’s shockwave. Researchers are hopeful that this discovery will shed light on the violent interactions between galaxies and provide insights into their formation. The shock wave is believed to have triggered star formation and energized plasma in the intergalactic field, offering a rare opportunity to study galaxy mergers.

China’s Zhurong Rover Finds a “Hidden Ocean” Shoreline on Mars That Could Rewrite History  

Daily Galaxy,

China’s Zhurong Rover has discovered what could be evidence of an ancient ocean shoreline on Mars, found in the Utopia Planitia region. The rover’s data suggests that Mars once hosted a massive ocean around 3.68 billion years ago. Geological features such as sediment channels and mud volcanoes, typically linked to ancient shorelines on Earth, were found, strengthening the theory of Mars’ watery past. This discovery may significantly alter our understanding of Mars’ climate and its potential to support life. Researchers are continuing to analyze data from the rover to confirm these findings and explore their implications for future missions.

A proposed deal on climate cash at UN summit highlights split between rich and poor nations  

AP News,

A new draft proposal at the UN climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, pledges $250 billion annually by 2035 from wealthy nations to poorer countries to address climate change. While this marks a significant increase from previous targets, it falls short of the $1.3 trillion that experts say is needed to help developing nations adapt to climate impacts. Developing nations have expressed disappointment, calling the proposal inadequate. Some countries, such as Brazil, have advocated for higher figures, while others, including Switzerland, stress the need for a realistic deal. The ongoing debate highlights the divide between rich and poor nations in the fight against climate change.

Bitcoin ‘On Brink Of Breaking $100,000,’ Dogecoin Up, Ethereum Down: Crypto Community Holds Its Breath As  

Benzinga,

Bitcoin is on the verge of reaching $100,000, as its price hovers just below the milestone. The cryptocurrency community remains divided on the implications of this surge, with some traders noting the “thick sell wall” preventing a breakthrough. Meanwhile, Dogecoin has seen a notable 17% increase, while Ethereum’s value has declined. Bitcoin’s rapid ascent is sparking predictions of a continued bull market, with analysts expecting further consolidation and altcoin rebounds. As Bitcoin edges closer to the psychological $100,000 mark, the cryptocurrency market is holding its breath for the next big move.