China launches new satellite into space
China on Sunday launched a new satellite from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan.
The Shijian-28 satellite was launched at 8:20 p.m. (Beijing Time) aboard a modified Long March-7 carrier rocket. It has entered its preset orbit successfully.
U.S. officials meet Ukrainian delegation in Florida on revised peace plan
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff on Sunday held talks with a Ukrainian delegation in Hallandale Beach, Florida as Washington pushes for a revised peace plan to end the Ukraine crisis.
"The end goal, obviously, is not just the end of the war," Rubio said in brief remarks before the meeting. "But it's also about securing an end to the war that leaves Ukraine sovereign and independent and with an opportunity at real prosperity."
Death toll from adverse weather in Sri Lanka reaches 334
Adverse weather in Sri Lanka has killed 334 by 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Center (DMC) said.
The DMC said at least 370 people remain missing and 1,118,929 individuals from 309,607 families have been affected by heavy rains, flooding, and landslides.
Hong Kong police confirm safety of 159 residents previously reported missing after major fire
The Hong Kong police said on Sunday the casualty enquiry unit has confirmed the safety of 159 residents previously reported missing after a major fire broke out in a residential complex on Nov. 26.
Speaking at a press briefing, Tsang Shuk-yin, officer in charge of the casualty enquiry unit of the Hong Kong Police Force, said that as of 4 p.m. local time on Sunday, the death toll from the fire had risen to 146, with 79 people injured.
Israel's Netanyahu requests pardon from president over corruption trial
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a formal pardon request to President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, according to a statement from the president's office.
In a letter sent by Netanyahu and his lawyers, a copy of which was seen by Xinhua, Netanyahu stated that he submitted the request "out of public responsibility." He added that ending his trial "will help to reduce the intensity of the flames in the power debate surrounding it."■
