Briefly

DPRK

Missiles fired amid inter-Korea tensions

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Wednesday, following a possible failed launch near Pyongyang on Tuesday. The first round of missiles from Wonsan flew about 240 kilometers, and a second round over 700 km. The Republic of Korea urged the DPRK to cease provocations, while a DPRK foreign ministry official criticized Seoul as hostile. The launches came amid tensions, as the DPRK rejects talks while the ROK shows willingness to improve ties. Pyongyang also reported a recent test of a solid-fuel engine to strengthen its strategic capabilities.

GREECE

Athens to ban social media for under-15s

Greece will ban children under 15 from social media starting Jan 1,2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Wednesday, citing rising anxiety, sleep issues and addictive platform design. He said prolonged screen time harms children's mental relaxation and exposes them to constant online pressure. The government has already banned mobile phones in schools and introduced parental control platforms. An ALCO poll found about 80 percent of respondents support the move. Slovenia, Britain, Austria and Spain are considering similar measures, following Australia, which restricted social media for under-16s last year.

AUSTRALIA

3 missing as cyclone hits Solomon Islands

Three people were missing in the Solomon Islands after Tropical Cyclone Maila reached Category 5 strength in the Solomon Sea, local authorities said. The storm, located about 170 kilometers off the Western Province coast, is expected to bring gale-force winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms, raising the risk of flooding and landslides. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has activated operations centers in Western and Choiseul provinces and urged residents to take precautions. Emergency warnings remain in eastern Papua New Guinea as the cyclone approaches.

Xinhua - Agencies