Global News Highlights: Free Press, Rare Earths, Peace Efforts

World Needs Free Press, Says Pope Leo Vatican City: Emphasizing the importance of journalism, Pope Leo stated on Thursday that the global community requires free, rigorous, and objective information. Without it, he warned, citizens would struggle to differentiate between "fact and fiction" and "true and false," similar to the situation in totalitarian regimes.

China Tightens Rare-Earth Export Controls Beijing: On Thursday, China announced additional export restrictions on rare-earth materials. This move, affecting a market where China holds significant control, is said to address concerns over foreign companies using these resources for military purposes.

China and India Resume Direct Flights Beijing: In a positive development for China-India relations, direct flights between the two nations have resumed after a five-year gap. China praised the resumption as a demonstration of the commitment both countries have shown towards strengthening bilateral ties, in line with agreements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.

Trump on India-Pakistan Peace Efforts Washington: Former US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim on Thursday that he played a crucial role in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan. He stated that his threats of imposing significant tariffs on both countries were pivotal in "stopping the fighting" between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

UK Hails Gaza Peace Plan London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, currently on a visit to India, welcomed the initial phase of the Gaza peace plan as a "moment of profound relief." The agreement aims to cease hostilities between Israel and Hamas, achieved on Thursday.

Sri Lankan Navy Arrests Indian Fishermen Colombo: The Sri Lankan Navy reported the arrest of 47 Indian fishermen along with the seizure of five trawlers on Thursday. The arrests occurred in Talaimannar, northern Sri Lanka, citing alleged illegal fishing in the nation's waters.

Israel and Hamas Agree to Pause Conflict Tel Aviv: Under elements of a plan proposed by the Trump administration, Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause their conflict. They will exchange remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing two-year-old war in Gaza.

Nobel Prize in Literature Awarded to Laszlo Krasznahorkai Stockholm: Hungarian novelist Laszlo Krasznahorkai, recognized for his philosophical and humorously bleak narratives, was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature on Thursday. The award highlights his "compelling and visionary oeuvre."

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)