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Japan's Okayama wildfire expands, no containment in sight

Tokyo, Mar 26 (UNI) The wildfire in Okayama City has continued to burn for the fourth consecutive day, with no signs of containment as of Wednesday, local media reported.
The affected area has expanded to approximately 546 hectares, making it the largest forest fire ever recorded in Okayama Prefecture, according to national broadcaster NHK.
As of 2:00 p.m. local time, the fire, which started on March 23, had extended across Okayama City's Minami Ward and Tamano City, surpassing previous wildfire records in the prefecture.
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France pledges support for UN humanitarian reforms in call with UN official

19 Feb 2026 | 2:19 PM

Paris, Feb 18 (UNI) France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, spoke on Thursday with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, reaffirming Paris’s commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.

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California man convicted of USD 1 2 million fraud scheme targeting Optum

19 Feb 2026 | 2:16 PM

Minneapolis, Feb 19 (UNI) A California man has been found guilty of orchestrating a years-long fraud scheme that siphoned more than $1.2 million from Optum, Inc., federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.

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Austrian President backs longer conscription, return of reservist training

19 Feb 2026 | 2:10 PM

Vienna, Feb 19, (UNI) Alexander Van der Bellen has voiced support for extending Austria’s compulsory military service and reinstating reservist training, citing growing geopolitical challenges.

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Venezuela, US agree to develop cooperation plan on drug trafficking: Vice President

19 Feb 2026 | 1:28 PM

Carcass, Feb 19 (UNI) - Venezuela and the United States have agreed to begin work on a bilateral cooperation agenda to combat drug trafficking and address migration issues following a visit by US Southern Command Gen. Francis Donovan, Communications and Information Minister Miguel Angel Perez Pirela said.

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US military strikes on Iran could be imminent

19 Feb 2026 | 11:03 AM

Washington, Feb 19 (UNI) A US military operation against Iran could be imminent if Tehran continues to reject President Donald Trump’s demands in ongoing negotiations. Though President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision on whether he’ll authorize such actions, CNN reported, quoting sources.

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