On January 24, 2025, tens of thousands, including students and citizens, protested in Belgrade, Serbia, demanding accountability for the Novi Sad railway disaster. The protest, featuring a silent tribute to the 15 victims, called for a general strike. Demonstrators, like art students Hristina Stanisavljevic and Andrea Tijanic, emphasized systemic change, while others, like sailor Matija, highlighted government corruption. The protests, ongoing since November, pose a significant challenge to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, urging transparency and justice. Penelope Kingsley 25/01/2025 5:30 am
Israel is set to receive four female soldiers from Hamas under a ceasefire and hostage deal. The soldiers, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, were among those kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base. Despite expecting Arbel Yehud’s release, Israel will proceed without her, as she is held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Hamas expects Israel to release around 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. The Israeli government agreed to release 50 prisoners for each female soldier freed. The situation remains tense as details are finalized. Penelope Kingsley 25/01/2025 2:00 am
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is demanding the reopening of a Russian gas pipeline through Ukraine in exchange for supporting EU sanctions on Russia. Hungary relies heavily on Russian gas, with over 80% of its supply coming from Russia. Ukraine halted the pipeline on January 1, citing profitability issues. Orban blames Kyiv and Brussels for Hungary’s economic problems, claiming EU sanctions have cost Hungary €19 billion. He has threatened to block further EU sanctions unless the pipeline is reopened, a tactic he has used before to gain concessions. Noah Prescott 25/01/2025 2:00 am
The ICC seeks arrest warrants for Taliban leaders Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani for gender-based crimes against Afghan women and girls since August 2021. The Taliban has imposed over 100 restrictive decrees. Afghan activists and international human rights groups, including HRW, support the move as a step toward accountability. However, concerns remain about potential repercussions for Afghan women. The Taliban denounces the warrants as politically motivated. The court’s approval and cooperation from ICC member states are required for the arrests. Noah Prescott 25/01/2025 2:00 am
Storm Éowyn, an extratropical cyclone, hit Ireland and the northern UK on January 24, causing severe wind damage, storm surges, and power outages. It brought record-breaking winds to Ireland, with sustained winds of 135 km/hr (84 mph) and gusts up to 183 km/hr (114 mph) at Mace Head. These winds surpassed the previous record set in 1945. The storm’s intensity was comparable to a strong Category 1 or weak Category 2 hurricane, leading to significant damage in the affected areas. Penelope Kingsley 25/01/2025 2:00 am
The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, is drifting toward South Georgia, a key wildlife breeding ground. Unlike previous icebergs, A23a isn’t breaking into smaller pieces, posing a threat to penguins and seals. Its path is uncertain, but it could reach South Georgia’s continental shelf in weeks, potentially grounding and disrupting local wildlife. A23a, over 3,500 sq km, calved in 1986 and remained stuck until 2020. Its journey north has been slow, and its massive size resembles a “white wall,” according to oceanographer Andrew Meijers. Noah Prescott 24/01/2025 10:30 pm
Jannik Sinner advanced to the Australian Open final after defeating Ben Shelton in the semi-final. Despite concerns during his match against Holger Rune, Sinner’s coach clarified the issue. Sinner will face Alexander Zverev, who reached his first Melbourne final after Novak Djokovic retired in their semi-final. Zverev leads their head-to-head 4-2, but Sinner won their last encounter. Sinner commented on the final, acknowledging the challenge and uncertainty of being the favorite. Zverev aims to surpass Sinner in ATP rankings despite trailing significantly. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 10:30 pm
Ukrainian drones struck the Ryazan oil refinery in Russia, causing a fire and equipment damage, according to industry sources. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 121 drones targeting 13 regions, including Moscow, but did not mention casualties. Ukraine confirmed the Ryazan attack, also targeting the Kremniy plant in Bryansk. Unverified videos on Telegram showed large fires in Ryazan. The refinery, processing 13.1 million metric tons annually, had its railway loading rack catch fire, suspending operations. A 20,000-ton reservoir was ablaze, with adjacent reservoirs damaged. Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 7:00 pm
A powerful storm with hurricane-force winds hit Ireland and northern UK, causing widespread power outages and travel disruptions. A rare “red” weather warning was issued, indicating danger to life. Ireland experienced wind gusts of 114 mph, the strongest since WWII. A man died in County Donegal due to a fallen tree. City centers were deserted as people stayed home, reminiscent of early COVID-19 days. Over a million homes lost power in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with 100,000 more affected in Scotland. Schools closed, and numerous flights, trains, and ferries were canceled. Noah Prescott 24/01/2025 7:00 pm
A French woman, identified as Ms. H.W., won a case at the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled she shouldn’t have been blamed for not having sex with her husband in their divorce. The court found this violated Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects family and private life. The ruling emphasized that marriage doesn’t imply consent to future sexual relations, countering the notion of marital obligations that infringe on sexual freedom. The case originated from a 2019 divorce ruling attributing fault to her for not fulfilling “marital duties.” Penelope Kingsley 24/01/2025 7:00 pm
