Author: DW

North Korea plans to launch three satellites in 2024, state media reported on Sunday. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that it is a “mistake” to pursue unification with the south. Pyongyang announces satellite plan at party meeting “The task of launching three additional reconnaissance satellites in 2024 was declared” as one of the key policy decisions for 2024 at a party meeting, the KCNA news agency said. The meeting lasted for five days and was attended by Kim. North Korea has carried out a record number of weapons tests in 2023 and aims to increase its military…

It is said to be worth more than its weight in gold, diamonds or cocaine.The rhino horn trade in Africa and Asia gave rise to criminality and profit on an industrial level, with buyers and sellers making millions. Steve Galster has made it his life’s work to go after people who brazenly take and sell animal parts.In 2011, museums and galleries – including some in the UK – reported thefts of rhino horn, with the practice and trade exploding. Image: Rhino horns that smugglers have attempted to get out of South Africa. Pic: BBC Studios/Sky As the artefacts dwindled in…

I get up at 5:30 a.m., answering my son’s lively questions after a round of exercise, before he goes to school and I head to work. For three weeks, this routine has been easier for me than ever before. Coincidentally, these were the three weeks in which I completely abstained from alcohol. Neither I nor Helmut Karl Seitz, director of the Center for Alcohol Research in Heidelberg, think this is a coincidence. A professor of internal medicine and gastroenterology, Seitz is certain that a lot has changed in my body during these three weeks. My son is an early riser, but…

A judge in Kathmandu has found the country’s best known cricketer, Sandeep Lamichhane, guilty of rape. The 23-year-old remains out on bail and will face sentencing on January 10. Lamichhane assaulted an 18-year-old in September 2022. The Kathmandu District Court concluded that the victim was not a minor at the time of the assault. The cricketer could face up to 10 years in jail. On the day of his conviction, Lamichhane had captained local club team PARSA Club XI to victory over the Nepal Army Club in a Nepal Pro Club Championship match in Birgunj. “We did not expect this judgement… we are frustrated,” lawyer…

“I will continue to come despite the holidays,” said a student, as she moved through the small crowd in central Belgrade. Many fellow demonstrators also brought along sleeping bags and blankets to the road blockade, ahead of an even bigger protest planned for Saturday. “We want proper electoral registers and new elections under fair conditions. I hope many more people will take to the streets,” she told DW on Friday evening. But despite these small daily protests in the Serbian capital, the vast majority of people are staying home. Few believe they can make a difference. Students in Belgrade have blocked intersections and held…

Albania’s right-wing opposition leader Sali Berisha was placed under house arrest on Saturday over a corruption case during his time as prime minister. A special court responsible for corruption and organized crime granted a request by public prosecutors to have the 79-year-old confined to his apartment in the capital Tirana until further notice, the ATA news agency reported. “No criminal charge or new evidence supported this new request,” Berisha’s lawyers  Genk Gjokutaj and Sokol Mengjesi said. “None of the legal criteria required for imposing or escalating such restrictions are met in this case.” Berisha’s legal team plans to appeal the decision, which also bans any foreign travel. Albanian…

Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem faced a second opponent during a match in Brisbane – one of Australia’s most venomous snakes.The former world number three was facing Australia’s James McCabe during a first round qualifier at the Brisbane International when the snake slithered on to the court. The umpire stopped play after the reptile was spotted by fans courtside.Thiem said he loves animals, “especially exotic ones”.”But they said it was a really poisonous snake and it was close to the ballkids, so it was a really dangerous situation,” he added. “It’s something that has never happened to me and…

Ukraine received €38 billion ($42 billion) in aid this year, according to Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko. He expressed concern about upcoming elections in the US and the EU. Follow DW for the latest. Source link

Imran Khan has been rejected as a candidate in Pakistan’s upcoming election by officials.Lawyers for the former prime minister have said they will appeal ahead of the vote to elect a new parliament in February. Khan is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for corruption, making it difficult for him to run for office.Despite his jail term, and the stack of other charges he faces, he still filed nomination papers.In August, an appeal court decided to suspend his criminal conviction. Election officials rejected Khan’s candidacy because of his conviction.They said he was disqualified under the constitution and also rejected the…

International rail operator Eurostar canceled on Saturday 41 trains scheduled for Saturday due to tunnel flooding in England. “Flooding in the tunnels between St Pancras international and Ebbsfleet has not improved and train services are unable to operate”, Eurostar said in a statement, adding: “This is a total of 41 trains.” It added that Network Rail, Britain’s grid operator, was keeping it updated regarding how the situation is evolving ahead of Sunday. Thousands of passengers were stranded ahead of New Year’s Eve, struggling to reach their destinations within Europe. Canceled trains were to operate between major European cities including London, Paris,…