Scientists in Siberia are examining a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth, “Yana,” found in thawing permafrost in Yakutia. The carcass, discovered in the Batagaika crater, is the best-preserved mammoth ever found, with its head and trunk intact. This exceptional preservation is due to the permafrost acting as a natural freezer. The mammoth, weighing over 110 kg, was about a year old when it died. Researchers are conducting tests to learn more, noting that other prehistoric animals have been found nearby. Noah Prescott 24/12/2024 1:30 pm
South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party (DP) plans to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo but has delayed the decision until later in the week. This follows the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who attempted to impose martial law. The DP, holding a parliamentary majority, accuses Han of delaying a special counsel investigation into Yoon’s actions. If Han is impeached, the finance minister would become acting president. Han’s office criticized the DP’s move as “highly regrettable.” Penelope Kingsley 24/12/2024 1:30 pm
Egypt plans to deport three Syrians detained after celebrating President Bashar al-Assad’s fall, according to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (Eipr). Around 30 Syrians were initially detained in Cairo’s Sixth of October city during spontaneous celebrations. While some with residency permits were released, those with temporary asylum seeker cards remain in custody. Eipr criticized Egypt’s “excessive” security measures and urged the release of detainees, highlighting concerns over their safety if deported to Syria. Ava Sinclair 24/12/2024 1:30 pm
Hong Kong national security police issued arrest warrants for six overseas individuals, including activists and a former actor, accused of national security offences like inciting secession and colluding with foreign forces. A HK$1 million reward is offered for information leading to their arrests. This is the third round of warrants since the Beijing-imposed security law. Among the wanted are Tony Chung, Carmen Lau, Chloe Cheung, Chung Kim-wah, Joseph Tay, and Victor Ho. Currently, 19 people are wanted for national security offences. Noah Prescott 24/12/2024 10:00 am
The motive behind Talib A.’s attack at the Magdeburg Christmas Market remains unclear, but he is a Saudi citizen in custody. Following the attack, Germany’s extreme-right began targeting migrants, creating a hostile environment. Salam, a violence prevention center, reported increased incidents against perceived foreigners, who are labeled as “terrorists” and “criminals.” Migrant communities are warning each other to avoid public spaces. Despite the attacker being suspected of Islamophobia and right-wing extremism, right-wing groups have mobilized, demanding mass deportations and holding rallies, including one in Magdeburg. Penelope Kingsley 24/12/2024 10:00 am
Russian scientists have discovered a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth, named Yana, in Siberia’s thawing permafrost. Found in the Batagaika crater, Yana is the best-preserved mammoth carcass, weighing over 100kg and measuring 120cm tall. The mammoth, likely trapped in a swamp, was found by locals and is now studied at North-Eastern Federal University. This discovery adds to recent finds in Russia’s permafrost, including a 32,000-year-old sabre-tooth cat and a 44,000-year-old wolf, as climate change causes the ground to thaw. Penelope Kingsley 24/12/2024 10:00 am
Amid a severe Israeli incursion in Gaza, cats were seen eating Palestinian corpses in Nuseirat refugee camp, as shown in footage by Talal Mahmoud. Heavy bombardment has hindered rescue efforts, with the Gaza media office condemning Israeli “war crimes” and reporting at least 50 deaths and 20 homes destroyed. Israeli forces, using tanks and airstrikes, targeted the camp, while drone strikes in Khan Younis’s “humanitarian zone” killed 11 people. The Israeli military claimed they targeted a Hamas member. Noah Prescott 24/12/2024 10:00 am
The U.N. team investigating serious crimes in Syria reported positive cooperation from the country’s new authorities during a recent visit to Damascus. Led by Robert Petit, this was the first visit since the organization’s 2016 establishment. The team aims to gather evidence for prosecuting war crimes and genocide since Syria’s civil war began in 2011. Petit emphasized the urgency of preserving evidence, noting the opportunity following Assad’s overthrow. The team is preparing for deployment once authorized to operate in Syria. Noah Prescott 24/12/2024 6:30 am
On December 26, 2004, Neungduangjai Sritrakarn’s life changed forever when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck. Her mother sensed danger and woke the family, prompting them to flee their Ban Nam Khem village. As they escaped on motorbikes, a massive wave approached, eventually catching up and knocking them down. The tsunami, triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia, devastated multiple countries, killing about 230,000 people, including many in Indonesia. Ava Sinclair 24/12/2024 6:30 am
Israel’s defense minister confirmed the killing of Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, attributing the attack to Israel. Israel Katz vowed to target Iran-backed Houthi leaders in Yemen. Israeli PM Netanyahu mentioned progress in Gaza ceasefire talks with Hamas, though no timeline was given. Hamas named Yahya Sinwar as leader after Haniyeh’s death; Sinwar was later killed by Israel. Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah was also assassinated. The Houthis continue attacks on Israel, with recent missile strikes on Tel Aviv. Penelope Kingsley 24/12/2024 6:30 am
