Front pages highlight an escalating nuclear threat from Putin, who approved new military rules lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon use after Ukraine’s US-supplied rocket attacks. The Daily Mail and The Times report this as a significant escalation, while the Daily Mirror criticizes Putin’s actions. The Guardian notes US concerns over Russia’s potential hybrid warfare. Separately, farmers protested inheritance tax in London, with Jeremy Clarkson among supporters, warning of further actions against the government’s tax plans. Noah Prescott 20/11/2024 6:30 am
Winter in Delhi brings a familiar smog, creating a dystopian atmosphere. The air is thick with pollution, making outdoor activities difficult and hazardous. Schools are closed, and people are advised to stay indoors, though many can’t afford to. Air quality scores are alarmingly high, far exceeding safe limits. Social media reflects public shock and frustration, with a strong sense of déjà vu as this scenario repeats annually. Visibility is severely reduced, reminiscent of past years’ severe smog conditions. Penelope Kingsley 20/11/2024 6:30 am
Since early October, the IDF has intensified its fight with Hamas in Gaza, particularly in Jabalya, killing 1,300 fighters in six weeks. Despite slower progress compared to earlier months, this is a significant increase since February. In Lebanon, the IDF has targeted 150 Hezbollah sites, killing around 1,500 fighters since September 30. IDF Divisions 98 and 36 are advancing deeper into Lebanon, while Divisions 91 and 146 focus on mopping up Hezbollah weapons near the Israeli border. The IDF has intercepted most drones and rockets launched by Hezbollah, though some have caused casualties. Ava Sinclair 20/11/2024 3:00 am
Jimmy Lai, a 77-year-old Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate, appeared in court for his national security trial, facing potential life imprisonment. Arrested nearly four years ago amid a crackdown on dissent, Lai, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily, is expected to testify, a rare opportunity for detained activists to speak. His trial follows the sentencing of over 40 pro-democracy figures, including Joshua Wong. International figures, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have called for Lai’s release, highlighting concerns over his health and detention conditions. Penelope Kingsley 20/11/2024 3:00 am
Tens of thousands marched to New Zealand’s parliament in Wellington to protest a bill critics say undermines Māori rights and the Treaty of Waitangi. The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti march, a traditional Māori walk, spanned nine days and the North Island, culminating in one of the largest protests in decades. The controversial Treaty Principles Bill aims to reinterpret the 184-year-old treaty between British colonizers and Māori tribes. Although unlikely to pass, the bill has sparked political upheaval and debate on Indigenous rights under New Zealand’s most right-wing government in years. Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 11:30 pm
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen urged NATO and the EU to enhance protection against hybrid threats and safeguard undersea cables. His comments followed damage to a Finnish-German undersea cable, suspected as sabotage, with political concerns in Berlin and Helsinki. Germany’s Defense Minister labeled it sabotage, citing Russia’s potential involvement. However, satellite images showed a Chinese ship nearby. This incident is part of a pattern of Baltic Sea infrastructure damage, raising security concerns. Another cable between Lithuania and Sweden was also recently damaged. Noah Prescott 19/11/2024 11:30 pm
In Pétion-Ville, Haiti, more than 28 suspected gang members were killed by police and residents after an attempted attack by armed bandits. The community, previously shielded from gang violence, responded fiercely, reminiscent of last year’s Canapé-Vert incident. Police and a Kenya-led security mission had been on high alert due to threats. The gang members were intercepted en route, leading to gunfire exchanges. Residents, practicing “Bwa Kale,” a self-defense movement, lynched several suspects. The area remains on lockdown, with roads blocked and checkpoints established to prevent further gang infiltration. Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 11:30 pm
Efforts for a truce in Lebanon highlight the army’s role in keeping the south free of Hezbollah weapons. However, the army is neither willing nor able to confront Hezbollah, which remains militarily stronger. The army’s deployment to the south post-ceasefire requires Hezbollah’s approval to avoid internal strife. The US wants the army to confront Hezbollah more directly, but this risks internal conflict due to Hezbollah’s influence. Instead, the army might work with UN peacekeepers. Hezbollah maintains a strong relationship with the army, complicating any direct confrontation. Ava Sinclair 19/11/2024 11:30 pm
In Wellington, New Zealand, over 42,000 people protested against a conservative bill aiming to redefine the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, which critics argue threatens Maori rights. The demonstration, featuring traditional Maori elements, is the largest in decades. The bill, introduced by ACT Party leader David Seymour, seeks to reduce Maori affirmative action policies but is unlikely to pass due to opposition from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Despite its slim chances, the bill has sparked significant national unrest and debate. Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 8:00 pm
Gisele Pelicot condemned the cowardice of men who raped her, organized by her husband over 10 years, claiming ignorance of the crime. Her husband, Dominique, admitted to drugging her and inviting strangers to rape her while unconscious. Most accused men blame her husband, denying intent to rape. Gisele criticized their inaction, urging accountability, and emphasized “rape is rape.” The trial, highlighting France’s patriarchal issues, nears its verdict. She learned of the abuse through police discovery of videos her husband recorded. Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 8:00 pm
