Category: World

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami threatened a “decisive” response to any attack following US President Trump’s airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Trump warned Iran to stop backing the Houthis immediately. Salami insisted Iran won’t wage war but will respond appropriately to threats, adding that the Houthis make their own decisions independently. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the US strikes that reportedly killed 31 people, calling them a violation of UN principles. Foreign Minister Araghchi stated the US has no authority to dictate Iran’s foreign policy.READ FULL

SpaceX postponed today’s Falcon 9 rocket launch carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station due to a hydraulic system problem with a ground support clamp arm. The crew safely exited the Dragon spacecraft. Additional launch windows are available Thursday and Friday. The mission was intended to eventually return NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the ISS.READ FULL

Ukraine has accepted a US proposal for a 30-day comprehensive ceasefire and immediate negotiations with Russia following talks in Saudi Arabia. In response, the Trump administration has lifted its freeze on military aid to Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated “the ball is now in Russia’s court,” while President Trump expressed hope for resolution “over the next few days” and mentioned upcoming discussions with Russia.READ FULL

South African police reported that Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, was fatally shot near Gqeberha on Saturday. Hendricks, who ran a mosque providing a safe space for LGBTQ and marginalized Muslims, was killed when masked assailants blocked his vehicle and opened fire. The ILGA World has called for a thorough investigation of what they fear may be a hate crime. The motive remains under investigation.READ FULL

Russia claims to have arrested an Uzbek citizen who confessed to bombing and killing Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in Moscow on Ukraine’s instructions. The suspect allegedly planted a bomb on an electric scooter, remotely detonating it to assassinate the high-ranking military officer. Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service claimed responsibility, with the suspect saying he was offered $100,000 and European residency.READ FULL

A U.S. appeals court has denied TikTok and ByteDance’s emergency request to block a law requiring ByteDance to sell the app by January 19 or face a ban. The companies warned the law would disrupt service for over 170 million monthly U.S. users. TikTok plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing the legislation would effectively shut down the popular social media platform.READ FULL

Israel fired on six areas in southern Lebanon on Thursday, claiming the ceasefire with Hezbollah was breached after suspects were spotted in several areas. The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, began Wednesday to allow people to return to border areas after 14 months of conflict. Israeli tank fire hit areas within two kilometers of the border, including Markaba, where two people were wounded. Israel has instructed residents not to return to border villages yet.READ FULL

SpaceX’s Starship launched its sixth test flight in Texas, with President-elect Donald Trump joining Elon Musk to witness the event. Unlike last month’s successful catch, the Super Heavy booster made a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. The launch demonstrated the fastest turnaround between test flights for the world’s most powerful rocket. The mission included testing new heat shield materials and carried a stuffed banana payload. The upper stage aimed for Indian Ocean splashdown.READ FULL

US imposes sanctions on Israeli settler group Amana and its subsidiary for supporting unauthorized outposts and enabling violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The Treasury Department’s measures block Americans from transactions with Amana and freeze its US assets. UK and Canada have also sanctioned the group. The action reflects growing international concern over settler violence in the occupied territory.READ FULL

Elon Musk met with Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani for over an hour on Monday in a secret location, reportedly trying to ease US-Iran tensions ahead of Trump’s presidency. Sources described the meeting as “positive,” with Iran’s ambassador requesting US sanctions relief. The meeting suggests Trump’s potential openness to diplomacy with Iran, despite his previous “maximum pressure” policy during his last term.READ FULL

A rare 37-carat square emerald, originally commissioned by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan from Cartier in 1960, sold for nearly $9 million at Christie’s Geneva auction, becoming the world’s most expensive emerald. The brooch, which features 20 marquise-cut diamonds, surpassed the previous record held by Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari emerald. The historic piece has passed through notable owners including Nina Dyer, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston.READ FULL

British author Samantha Harvey won the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel “Orbital,” a 136-page story following six astronauts contemplating Earth from the International Space Station over a single day. The novel, which earned Harvey a £50,000 prize, is the first space-set book to win the Booker and the second-shortest winning novel. Harvey was among a record five women shortlisted for this year’s prize, marking her first win after 15 years of writing.READ FULL

In a tragic incident in Zhuhai, China, a car plowed into pedestrians, killing 35 people and injuring 43 others. According to local police, the attack occurred at the Zhuhai Sports Centre, where people were exercising. The police have described the incident as a “serious and vicious attack.” The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to provide assistance to the victims and their families.READ FULL

A deadly shooting at Los Cantaritos bar in Queretaro’s historic district, Mexico, left 10 people dead and at least seven injured on Saturday. According to security chief Juan Luis Ferrusca, four gunmen with long weapons arrived in a pickup truck to carry out the attack. One suspect has been arrested, while the attackers’ vehicle was found abandoned and burned. Queretaro, typically considered safer, is experiencing violence amid Mexico’s ongoing drug-related crime wave.READ FULL

Taliban administration officials will attend the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking their first participation in a major UN climate event since taking power in 2021. Though not formally recognized by UN member states, officials from Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency were invited as observers by Azerbaijan. Afghanistan, severely affected by climate change with recent floods and droughts, faces international isolation due to Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights.READ FULL

Canadian authorities are on high alert at the US border, anticipating a potential surge in migrants following Donald Trump’s election promises of mass deportation. Officials report increased US Google searches about moving to Canada. While Canada has plans to manage the situation, they’re also reducing immigration targets. Border patrol is being strengthened with additional personnel, cameras, and drones along the 8,891km border.READ FULL

Donald Trump has reportedly won the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris, with JD Vance as Vice President. The reported administration plans include Elon Musk as a key advisor on space and business policy, Robert Kennedy Jr in a healthcare role, and other potential appointees like Richard Grenell, Susie Wiles, and Doug Burgum for various cabinet positions.READ FULL

The U.S. deployed a B-1B bomber in joint drills with South Korea and Japan on Sunday, responding to North Korea’s latest Hwasong-19 ICBM test. The trilateral exercise, the second this year, demonstrated allied readiness against North Korea’s nuclear threats. Thursday’s ICBM test showed technological progress, though experts question the missile’s practicality. The test is viewed as North Korea’s attempt to draw U.S. attention ahead of presidential elections and deflect criticism over alleged troop support to Russia.READ FULL

Democrats are preparing a rapid response plan to counter any premature victory claims by Donald Trump in the upcoming election against Kamala Harris. The strategy includes flooding social media and TV with messages urging vote-counting patience. Trump has hinted at declaring victory on Election Day, despite experts warning final results could take days. Unlike 2020, Trump now has stronger Republican Party control, potentially making this situation more challenging for Democrats.READ FULL

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrated Diwali with his wife Akshata Murty in Leicester on Thursday, a day after resigning as Opposition leader. The couple was seen serving prasadam to festival attendees. Sunak, who made history as Britain’s first British-Asian PM, stepped down during PMQs on Wednesday, noting the symbolism of both starting and ending his leadership during Diwali. A new Conservative leader is expected to be announced on Saturday. READ FULL

Over 400 women worldwide have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed, according to lawyers Dean Armstrong and Bruce Drummond. The claims follow a BBC documentary exposing Al Fayed’s alleged abuse of female staff at Harrods department store. While Harrods has apologized and launched a compensation scheme, some victims are reluctant to approach the store directly. The abuse reportedly occurred at various locations including Harrods, Fulham Football Club, and the Ritz Paris.READ FULL

North Korea conducted its longest-ever ICBM test on Thursday, with a flight time of 87 minutes, reaching an altitude of 7,000 km. The missile, possibly using a new solid-fuel booster, landed near Japan’s Hokkaido. The test comes amid international concern over North Korea’s reported deployment of 11,000 troops to Russia for the Ukraine war. South Korea warns Pyongyang might receive missile technology from Russia in exchange for military support.READ FULL

Super Typhoon Kong-rey is approaching Taiwan with winds of 240 km/h, expected to make landfall Thursday afternoon. Authorities suspended work and classes on outlying islands and warned of potential landslides. The storm could bring up to 1,200mm of rainfall to eastern regions. Officials note it’s unusually late in the season for such a powerful typhoon, with the last similar October landfall occurring in 2004.READ FULL

Nearly 30 people, mostly police officers, were injured in clashes with supporters of former Bolivian president Evo Morales in Mairana. Protesters have been blocking roads since October 14 to prevent Morales’s arrest, who faces investigation for rape and human trafficking charges involving a minor. Tensions escalated after Morales claimed an assassination attempt when his vehicle was shot at near Cochabamba, though government officials say his convoy ran a checkpoint and fired at police.READ FULL

President Biden expressed concern over reports of North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region and stated that Ukraine should respond militarily if these forces cross into Ukrainian territory. When specifically asked about North Korean troops’ presence in Kursk, Biden confirmed his concern and explicitly supported Ukraine’s right to strike back if these forces enter Ukraine. This marks a clear stance on potential North Korean military involvement in the conflict.READ FULL

The UN’s World Meteorological Organization reports that greenhouse gas levels hit new records in 2023, with CO2 accumulating 10% faster than two decades ago. WMO chief Celeste Saulo warns that we’re off track to meet Paris Agreement goals of limiting global warming to well below 2°C. The report, released ahead of COP29 in Baku, indicates that 2023 saw the highest temperatures since 1850, with effects likely to persist for decades.READ FULL

Vilija Blinkeviciute, 64, is poised to become Lithuania’s next prime minister as her Social Democratic Party leads in the elections. A veteran public servant and European Parliament member, she has built her reputation advocating for social issues over several decades. The former Minister of Social Security and Labor (2000-2008) is known for increasing pensions and benefits. Her party is favored to win enough seats in Sunday’s second round to replace the ruling conservatives.READ FULL

Russia’s defense ministry reports intercepting 51 Ukrainian drones across several regions, with 18 shot down in Tambov region and 16 near Belgorod. Other drones were intercepted in Oryol, Briansk, Lipetsk, Voronej, and Kursk regions. The incident is part of ongoing drone warfare between the two nations, with Ukraine targeting Russian infrastructure in response to Russian bombardments of Ukrainian territory.READ FULL

Former President Donald Trump arrived three hours late to a Michigan rally after recording a three-hour podcast with Joe Rogan in Texas, causing many supporters to leave the cold outdoor venue. Trump apologized to the remaining crowd, blaming the delay on the podcast interview. Earlier that day, his rival Kamala Harris attended an event with Beyoncé in Houston focusing on abortion rights. In the Rogan podcast, Trump discussed various topics including UFOs and Taiwan.READ FULL

South Korea has condemned Russia’s move to ratify a defense treaty with North Korea, urging Moscow to stop “illegal cooperation.” Ukrainian President Zelensky warns that North Korean troops could enter the conflict as early as Sunday. While North Korea denies sending weapons or soldiers, a diplomatic official suggests any troop deployment would comply with international law. South Korea is considering revising its policy on weapons supply to Ukraine.READ FULL

Tropical Storm Trami has claimed 66 lives in the Philippines after dumping two months’ worth of rain in just two days. The storm caused severe flooding and landslides, particularly in the Bicol region and Batangas province. Over 193,000 people were evacuated as floodwaters turned streets into rivers. President Ferdinand Marcos noted rescue efforts are hampered by accessibility issues, while many residents remain trapped on rooftops awaiting help.READ FULL

Israeli airstrikes killed three journalists at a hotel in Lebanon’s Hasbaya region early Friday morning, according to Lebanese state media. In separate strikes, Israel targeted buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs after issuing evacuation warnings for Hezbollah-linked areas. Since September 23, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 1,580 people. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports 128 media workers have died in the region since October 2023.READ FULL

Elon Musk has contributed $132 million to support Donald Trump and Republican candidates in the 2024 election, with a recent $56 million donation revealed in FEC filings. His super PAC, America PAC, is focusing on voter turnout in battleground states and has spent $105 million backing Trump. Musk’s unprecedented political involvement includes campaign rallies and potential future government role. This comes as Trump trails Harris in campaign fundraising and advertising spending.READ FULL

At the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the group’s commitment to building a democratic, multipolar world order as outlined in the Kazan Declaration. He highlighted BRICS’ openness to new members who share its values and confirmed agreement on a list of partner countries. Putin also noted that while BRICS isn’t developing SWIFT alternatives, members are increasingly using national currencies and Russia’s Financial Messaging System.READ FULL

Two attackers launched a deadly assault on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) headquarters near Ankara, killing five people, including four employees and a taxi driver, and injuring 22 others. The attackers, who were later neutralized, were captured on video firing assault rifles and causing an explosion. Turkey’s Interior Minister suggested the attack was likely carried out by Kurdish militants, while President Erdogan condemned it as a “heinous” attack on Turkey’s defense industry.READ FULL

Mexican troops killed 19 suspected Sinaloa cartel members in a firefight near Culiacan after being attacked by over 30 people. The violence follows the July arrest of cartel co-founder Ismael Zambada in the US, which sparked a war between his faction and the sons of “El Chapo” Guzman. The deceased were reportedly linked to Zambada’s group. Mexico has seen over 450,000 drug-related murders since 2006.READ FULL