In Stilfontein, South Africa, rescuers are using a cage-like structure to save illegal miners trapped in an abandoned gold mine. Over 100 are feared dead from starvation or dehydration. Since Friday, 24 bodies and 34 survivors have been recovered, but over 500 miners remain underground. Tensions have risen since November, with rights groups criticizing police for cutting off food and water. Many miners are unable to escape due to steep shafts and removed equipment. Illegal mining persists in South Africa as miners seek leftover deposits in closed mines. Noah Prescott 14/01/2025 2:00 pm
NATO is launching “Baltic Sentry,” a mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea amid concerns over Russian activities. Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of these cables for internet and financial transactions. The mission will involve frigates, patrol aircraft, and naval drones for enhanced surveillance. Reports of a Russian “shadow fleet” near a gas pipeline were discussed at a meeting with Baltic leaders. NATO warned against attacks on critical infrastructure and reserved the right to act against vessels threatening security and sanctions. Noah Prescott 14/01/2025 2:00 pm
Negotiators will meet in Doha to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, championed by U.S. President Joe Biden. Mediators presented a final draft to Israel and Hamas after a breakthrough in talks involving envoys from both the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations. The deal aims to free hostages, halt fighting, ensure Israeli security, and boost humanitarian aid to Palestinians. If successful, it would conclude over a year of negotiations and result in the largest release of Israeli hostages since the conflict began. Penelope Kingsley 14/01/2025 10:30 am
In a speech at the State Department, President Joe Biden highlighted his administration’s foreign policy achievements, emphasizing strengthened alliances and global leadership. He contrasted his approach with Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, as Trump prepares to begin his second term. Biden asserted that he is leaving the U.S. in a strong position, with more allies and weakened adversaries. His remarks aimed to solidify his legacy amid anticipated changes in U.S. foreign policy under Trump. Ava Sinclair 14/01/2025 7:00 am
Ros Atkins examines President-elect Donald Trump’s interest in annexing Greenland, exploring the motivations and implications behind this unusual geopolitical move. Ava Sinclair 14/01/2025 7:00 am
South Korea faces a political crisis as impeachment proceedings begin against suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is evading arrest for a separate investigation. Yoon, accused of insurrection, declared martial law in December, sparking public outrage. He remains in his fortified residence, surrounded by supporters and security, refusing to attend impeachment hearings due to safety concerns. Tensions rose when investigators attempted to arrest him, leading to a standoff. Yoon claims the warrant is illegal and vows to fight, while rival protesters demand his arrest. His political fate now lies with the top court. Penelope Kingsley 14/01/2025 3:30 am
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck southwest Japan, prompting tsunami warnings for Miyazaki and Kochi Prefectures. Residents were advised to evacuate, and some trains halted. A one-meter tsunami reached land shortly after. No immediate damage was reported. The quake, at a 30 km depth, shook a wide area in Kyushu. Japan, located on the “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences earthquakes. Experts discussed potential links to the Nankai Trough, known for major quakes, including a deadly 1946 event. Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami killed over 18,000 people. Noah Prescott 14/01/2025 3:30 am
South Korea’s spy agency reported that two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces haven’t sought asylum in South Korea. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is open to exchanging them for Ukrainian POWs in Russia. One soldier wants to stay in Ukraine, the other to return to North Korea. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed involvement in questioning the soldiers and is open to discussions if they request asylum. About 300 North Korean soldiers have died in the conflict, struggling with modern warfare and poor Russian tactics. Legal reviews would be needed for asylum facilitation. Ava Sinclair 14/01/2025 3:30 am
At least 100 illegal miners have died from suspected starvation and dehydration in an abandoned South African gold mine, according to the Mining Affected Communities United in Action Group. Over 500 remain trapped. Police began an operation in November to remove the miners, cutting off food supplies. Videos show bodies underground. Recent efforts have recovered 18 bodies and rescued 26 survivors. Illegal mining is common in South Africa, where closed mines attract informal miners seeking leftover deposits. Authorities aim to rescue all trapped miners. Noah Prescott 14/01/2025 3:30 am
Nawaf Salam, president of the International Court of Justice, has been appointed Lebanon’s new prime minister, succeeding Najib Mikati. Two-thirds of parliament nominated Salam, a Sunni Muslim, under Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system. His appointment is a setback for Hezbollah, which had supported Mikati. Despite Hezbollah’s opposition, Christian and Sunni allies backed Salam, viewing him as a reformist. Salam, from a prominent Sunni family, holds advanced degrees from Sciences Po, the Sorbonne, and Harvard Law School. His appointment reflects demands for change and international support for Lebanon. Ava Sinclair 14/01/2025 3:30 am
