President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with U.S.-supplied long-range missiles has drawn warnings from Moscow and approval from some Western allies. This policy shift introduces a new dynamic to the war as it approaches its 1,000-day mark. The announcement coincided with deadly Russian missile attacks in Ukraine, including strikes in Sumy and Odesa. The U.S. is easing restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American-made weaponry, despite previous concerns about escalating the conflict with Russia. Ava Sinclair 18/11/2024 12:30 pm
The US has approved Ukraine’s use of long-range ATACMS missiles to strike inside Russia, reversing its previous stance due to fears of escalation. This decision comes as President Biden’s term nears its end, with concerns about future US support under Donald Trump. The policy shift responds to North Korean troops aiding Russia and aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position in potential peace talks. Ukraine had argued that restrictions on missile use limited their military effectiveness. Ukrainian President Zelensky has not confirmed the move but emphasized action over words. Ava Sinclair 18/11/2024 9:00 am
In response to severe air pollution, New Delhi authorities closed schools, halted construction, and banned non-essential trucks. The city, enveloped in toxic smog, saw air quality levels rise to hazardous, with pollution over 50 times the WHO’s safe limit. The smog, worsened by crop burning and emissions, led to low visibility and potential flight delays. Authorities enforced GRAP 4, implementing stricter measures, including online classes for most students, a ban on older diesel vehicles, and urging vulnerable groups to stay indoors. Noah Prescott 18/11/2024 9:00 am
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the EU-Mercosur trade deal during his South American tour, citing harm to European farmers and Argentina’s reindustrialization. After meeting Argentinian President Javier Milei, Macron noted Milei’s dissatisfaction with the deal. Macron seeks allies to oppose the pact, facing pressure from French farmers planning protests. Despite opposition, the EU and Mercosur aim to finalize the agreement by early December, after over 20 years of negotiations. Ava Sinclair 18/11/2024 9:00 am
Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, marking his first public use of the term in this context. The call comes as excerpts from an upcoming book reveal his concerns, citing expert opinions. Israel’s embassy to the Vatican defended its actions as self-defense, while critics label it a “war of vengeance.” The conflict has sparked legal cases at international courts, with a UN committee and several countries, including South Africa, pursuing genocide accusations against Israel. Noah Prescott 18/11/2024 5:30 am
Omar Nok embarked on a nine-month journey from Egypt to Japan without using planes. He camped on the Great Wall, rode horseback in Kyrgyzstan, and interacted with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Nok believes alternative transport allows for richer experiences. He left a finance job to travel, covering 28,700 miles by various means. Documenting his journey on Instagram, he gained over 750,000 followers. Nok’s travel plan was flexible, avoiding detailed research to keep experiences fresh. Penelope Kingsley 18/11/2024 2:00 am
President Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. This decision, which has divided Biden’s advisers, allows Ukraine to target Russian and North Korean troops in the Kursk region. The move comes shortly before President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to limit support for Ukraine, takes office. The authorization of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) is a response to Russia’s unexpected deployment of North Korean troops, according to U.S. officials. Ava Sinclair 18/11/2024 2:00 am
President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the APEC conference in Lima, Peru, marking their last meeting during Biden’s presidency. They discussed North Korea and emphasized stabilizing U.S.-China relations. Xi expressed a desire to treat each other as partners and friends, highlighting the global benefits of a stable relationship. He also addressed the upcoming U.S. political transition, stating China’s readiness to work with President-elect Donald Trump’s administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage differences for a steady bilateral relationship. Penelope Kingsley 17/11/2024 10:30 pm
Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza constitute genocide, marking his strongest criticism of Israel’s conduct. He referenced international experts’ views and emphasized the need for careful assessment. The Vatican has not commented on his remarks, but its news site reported on them. Israel denies genocide accusations, claiming self-defense against Hamas. The International Court of Justice is yet to rule on a related case. Francis, typically neutral, has recently criticized Israel’s actions, including strikes in Gaza and Lebanon. Noah Prescott 17/11/2024 10:30 pm
Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammed Afif was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut, confirmed by Hezbollah as a “great media leader.” The strike, targeting the pro-Hezbollah Baath Party headquarters, killed four people. Israel described it as a “precise, intelligence-based strike” against Afif, a key Hezbollah figure. The attack is part of Israel’s intensified offensive in Lebanon amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Another strike in Beirut’s Mar Elias neighborhood killed two more. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 50 people. Noah Prescott 17/11/2024 10:30 pm
