Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili refuses to leave the presidential palace in Tbilisi, defying the election of Mikheil Kavlashvili by the ruling Pro-Russian Georgian Dream party. Kavlashvili’s controversial election, decided by a parliamentary electoral college, has sparked nationwide protests. Demonstrators oppose Georgia’s shift away from EU membership and demand democratic reforms. Zourabichvili, addressing supporters, vowed to stay and lead the resistance. Protests, including a Unity Chain in Tbilisi, highlight citizens’ desire for European integration. Opposition groups contest the election’s legitimacy. Penelope Kingsley 29/12/2024 9:00 am
In 2024, climate change caused severe global impacts, including record flooding, droughts, and wildfires. The year is set to be the warmest on record, with global temperatures 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. CO2 levels hit a record 426.90 ppm, rising faster than ever. A strong El Niño event led to a devastating hurricane season in the U.S. and severe drought in the Amazon, resulting in the worst wildfire season in nearly 20 years. Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels also reached new highs. Penelope Kingsley 29/12/2024 9:00 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev for the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines jet in Russian airspace, killing 38 people. The incident occurred as Russian air defenses were countering Ukrainian drones. The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, was forced to divert and crash-landed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Most passengers were from Azerbaijan, with others from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Ukraine’s President Zelensky accused Russia of disinformation, urging a thorough investigation. Putin expressed condolences but did not admit Russian responsibility. Ava Sinclair 29/12/2024 9:00 am
Croatia’s “super election year” concludes with a presidential vote, the third election in 2023. If no candidate wins outright, a runoff is set for January 12. Incumbent Zoran Milanović, known for his ultranationalist populism, leads polls at 39%, followed by Dragan Primorac of the HDZ at 24%. The campaign highlights Milanović’s rivalry with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, focusing on corruption scandals and EU relations. Milanović criticizes Plenković’s pro-European stance, while Plenković frames the election as pivotal for Croatia’s EU future. Ava Sinclair 29/12/2024 9:00 am
North Korean forces are suffering heavy casualties in “human wave” attacks against Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region, according to the White House. Over 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in the past week. The troops are seen as expendable and are ordered into futile assaults. Despite having one of the world’s largest militaries, North Korea’s forces lack battle experience. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy estimates over 3,000 North Korean casualties in Kursk. Noah Prescott 29/12/2024 5:30 am
A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed during an emergency landing at Muan International Airport, South Korea, with 179 of 181 aboard presumed dead. Two survivors are hospitalized. The crash, potentially South Korea’s worst domestic aviation disaster, occurred after landing gear failed, causing the plane to hit a perimeter wall and burst into flames. An investigation is ongoing. Acting President Choi Sang-mok visited the site, promising government support for victims’ families. This incident marks the first major casualty involving a low-cost carrier in South Korea. Ava Sinclair 29/12/2024 5:30 am
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped an Israeli air strike on Yemen’s Sanaa airport, which killed at least six. Tedros and UN staff were leaving after assessing the humanitarian situation when the attack occurred. Israel targeted Houthi rebels, claiming the airport was used for smuggling Iranian weapons. Tedros emphasized the airport’s civilian status and condemned the attack, stating his life is no more valuable than any other. The Houthi-run Saba news agency reported three deaths and 30 injuries. Penelope Kingsley 29/12/2024 2:00 am
The UN has authorized a new African peacekeeping mission, Aussom, to support Somalia against al-Shabaab, replacing the current Atmis mission. The resolution allows up to 12,626 personnel, but Ethiopia’s participation is uncertain due to a dispute with Somalia over a sea access deal with Somaliland. Burundi has opted out due to disagreements over troop numbers. The UK and France support the resolution, emphasizing its importance in combating al-Shabaab and aiding Somalia’s stabilization. Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat, conducting deadly attacks in Somalia and Kenya. Ava Sinclair 28/12/2024 10:30 pm
Prosecutors allege South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, ordered military action against lawmakers opposing his martial law decree. Yoon allegedly instructed soldiers to forcibly remove politicians from parliament, even authorizing gun use. His martial law declaration aimed to counter “anti-state forces” but was voted down by MPs. Yoon’s cabinet rescinded the decree, and he faces impeachment proceedings. Evidence from former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun supports the indictment, revealing plans to seize the National Elections Commission and arrest employees. Yoon remains suspended pending a constitutional court decision. Noah Prescott 28/12/2024 10:30 pm
North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region are suffering heavy losses and minimal protection, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. He claims Russian forces are sending North Koreans into battle with little regard for their survival, leading to significant casualties. Reports indicate around 12,000 North Korean troops are in the region, with over 3,000 killed or wounded recently. Zelenskyy urges China to pressure North Korea to prevent further involvement. The US confirms North Korean troops are treated as expendable, with high casualties reported. Ava Sinclair 28/12/2024 10:30 pm
