US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker, Halts Exports Except Chevron’s Ships

December 13, 2025

US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker, Halts Exports Except Chevron’s Ships

The US seized the Venezuelan tanker Skipper and hit shipping firms with sanctions, severely cutting Venezuela’s oil exports. Only Chevron ships still sail with Caracas crude, as tensions with Maduro’s government soar.

US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker Skipper Amid Rising Tensions Over Maduro

December 13, 2025

US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker Skipper Amid Rising Tensions Over Maduro

The US seized the oil tanker Skipper carrying 1.85 million barrels of Venezuelan crude. The ship is headed to Houston but too large to dock there. US is stepping up pressure on President Maduro with more ship seizures expected. Chevron’s licence in Venezuela was also renewed, highlighting US strategy.

Heavy Rain Causes Major Flooding, Evacuations in Western Washington; State Budget Rollout Delayed

December 13, 2025

Heavy Rain Causes Major Flooding, Evacuations in Western Washington; State Budget Rollout Delayed

An atmospheric river dumped heavy rain over western Washington, causing record flooding and evacuations. The state budget rollout is delayed as recovery efforts ramp up with federal aid now approved.

Kremlin: Russian Police to Stay in Donbas Even After War Ends

December 13, 2025

Kremlin: Russian Police to Stay in Donbas Even After War Ends

Russia's Kremlin official says Russian police and National Guard will remain in Donbas after war ends. Ceasefire only after Ukraine withdraws troops. Ukraine may reject the deal.

Kerala Begins Counting Votes for 2025 Local Body Elections; Results by Saturday

December 13, 2025

Kerala Begins Counting Votes for 2025 Local Body Elections; Results by Saturday

Kerala started counting votes from the 2025 local body elections today. Over 2.1 crore voters participated. Results from 244 centres expected by Saturday. LDF, UDF, and NDA await results ahead of 2026 Assembly polls.

Regis Resources Challenges Heritage Order Over Goldmine in Federal Court

December 13, 2025

Regis Resources Challenges Heritage Order Over Goldmine in Federal Court

Regis Resources has challenged a government heritage protection order at its McPhillamys goldmine in NSW. The company says the government did not properly assess a key Dreaming story linked to the site, affecting its mining plans. The case is being heard in the federal court this week.

Kerala Local Body Election Vote Counting Begins, Results by Saturday

December 13, 2025

Kerala Local Body Election Vote Counting Begins, Results by Saturday

Kerala's 2025 local body election vote counting started today at 8 a.m. Results will come by Saturday afternoon. Stay tuned for live updates from the State Election Commission.

J&J Ordered to Pay $40 Million in Ovarian Cancer Baby Powder Case

December 13, 2025

J&J Ordered to Pay $40 Million in Ovarian Cancer Baby Powder Case

A California jury has ruled that Johnson & Johnson must pay $40 million to two women who blamed their ovarian cancer on decades of using J&J’s talc-based baby powder. The company says its products are safe and plans to appeal.

Over 14,500 Children Under Five Died in Maharashtra’s 7 Districts in Last 3 Years

December 13, 2025

Over 14,500 Children Under Five Died in Maharashtra’s 7 Districts in Last 3 Years

Maharashtra’s Public Health Minister revealed 14,526 children under five died in seven districts over three years. Despite many government schemes against malnutrition and child deaths, challenges remain in tribal areas like Palghar.

M23 Rebels Capture Uvira, Shattering Trump's Historic DR Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal

December 13, 2025

M23 Rebels Capture Uvira, Shattering Trump's Historic DR Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal

Just days after signing a 'historic' peace deal in Washington, M23 rebels have taken control of Uvira in eastern DR Congo. The US blames Rwanda for backing the rebels, risking a deeper conflict in Africa's Great Lakes region.