Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leftist coalition, the National People’s Power (NPP), won a landslide victory in snap elections, securing 141 seats in the 225-member parliament. This gives Dissanayake a strong mandate to ease austerity measures in the crisis-hit nation. The NPP received 62% of the vote, far ahead of the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), which secured 35 seats. Dissanayake aims to fight corruption and find alternative financial solutions, moving away from harsh austerity linked to an IMF bailout. Ava Sinclair 15/11/2024 7:30 am
In Moscow, a mother accused pediatrician Nadezhda Buyanova of making insensitive remarks about her son’s father’s death in the Ukraine war. The mother’s denunciation, part of a trend of Russians informing on each other for political views, led to Buyanova’s imprisonment despite her denial and lack of other witnesses. This case highlights how denunciations are used to suppress dissent in Russia, impacting Buyanova’s 40-year career. Penelope Kingsley 15/11/2024 7:30 am
Chinese President Xi Jinping began a diplomatic tour of South America by inaugurating a $1.3 billion deep-water port in Chancay, Peru, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The port aims to enhance trade between China and Latin America, with plans to create a new maritime-land corridor. Xi will attend the APEC summit in Lima and the G20 summit in Brazil. The Chancay project is expected to generate $4.5 billion annually, create over 8,000 jobs, and reduce logistics costs by 20%. It also aims to improve access to Brazilian exports via a planned $3.5 billion railway. Noah Prescott 15/11/2024 4:00 am
Biden’s efforts to revitalize alliances and promote democratic values face challenges as autocrats in Moscow and Beijing remain resilient. His protectionist economic policies and unpopularity have driven voters back to Trump, who favors direct dealings with strongmen. Biden’s climate initiatives and international agreements are threatened by Trump’s return. As Biden meets Xi Jinping, he has limited influence over U.S.-China relations under Trump, who plans tariffs against Beijing. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine remain unresolved, with allies uncertain about future U.S. policy directions. Noah Prescott 15/11/2024 4:00 am
A Brazilian Supreme Court justice linked a recent explosion outside the court in Brasilia to far-right attacks and hate speech. Justice Alexandre de Moraes criticized the misuse of free speech to incite violence. Federal Police are investigating the incident as terrorism, noting the suspect acted alone but was influenced by extremist ideologies. The suspect, from Santa Catarina, died after detonating explosives. Security footage showed him throwing devices near the court. Authorities are probing potential connections and have received new threats against the court. Noah Prescott 15/11/2024 12:30 am
Israeli military strikes intensified south of Beirut, killing at least 12 rescue workers in Baalbek, Lebanon. Rescue operations are ongoing, with more than 20 people initially inside the targeted civil defense center. The Lebanese civil defense agency is state-run and not linked to Hezbollah. Israel has increased attacks on Hezbollah since the group supported Hamas after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Concurrently, Israeli jets bombed sites in Damascus linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, killing at least 15 people. Ava Sinclair 15/11/2024 12:30 am
The world’s largest known coral, a Pavona clavus, was discovered in the Solomon Islands’ “coral triangle” by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas team. With a circumference of 183 meters, this standalone coral has grown for 300-500 years and supports diverse marine life. Despite its remote location, it faces threats from global warming. The discovery highlights the ecological and cultural importance of the ocean for the Solomon Islands’ communities. Noah Prescott 15/11/2024 12:30 am
New Zealand’s parliament was briefly suspended after Maori MPs performed a haka to protest a bill reinterpreting the Treaty of Waitangi. The bill, proposed by the ACT New Zealand party, aims to narrow the treaty’s interpretation, sparking fears of undermining Maori rights. Critics argue it discriminates against non-Indigenous citizens. The protest included a nine-day march to Wellington, with thousands expected to rally. Despite passing its first reading, the bill is unlikely to become law. Ava Sinclair 15/11/2024 12:30 am
South Africa’s government refuses to assist illegal miners trapped in a closed mine in Stilfontein, North West province, as part of the Vala Umgodi operation to combat illegal mining. Police have blocked supply routes to force miners to surface and face arrest. Initial reports suggested up to 4,000 miners underground, but police now estimate 350-400. Authorities, including police and defense ministers, are engaging with local officials. The operation has seized significant arms and cash since December. Miners are reportedly armed, and officials won’t enter due to safety risks. Noah Prescott 15/11/2024 12:30 am
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi urged against attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions. His comments follow recent Iranian attacks on Israel, which Israel claims justify potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear program. Grossi met with Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss cooperation and resolving nuclear ambiguities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed willingness to address disputes but resisted external pressure. European countries are pushing for diplomacy ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office. Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 9:00 pm
