Sweden has begun distributing a 32-page booklet advising citizens on war preparedness, amid concerns of a potential Russian threat. The booklet, available in multiple languages, covers warning systems, sheltering during air raids, and psychological and digital security. It encourages collective preparedness through volunteer defense organizations, CPR courses, and community discussions. Similar initiatives are underway in Norway and Finland. Sweden’s Defense Minister, Pål Jonson, highlighted Russia as a principal threat, emphasizing the risk of attack, particularly on the strategic island of Gotland. Noah Prescott 18/11/2024 7:30 pm
Finnish authorities are investigating a fault in the C-Lion1 underwater cable connecting Finland and Germany, disrupting communications. Cinia, the state-owned provider, confirmed the break, with the cause under investigation. Samuli Bergström from Finland’s Cyber Security Center noted such disturbances can result from weather or shipping damage. Despite the break, Finland has multiple data routes, minimizing impact on citizens. The C-Lion1, commissioned in 2016, is Finland’s sole undersea link to central Europe. Recent incidents include damage to the Balticconnector pipeline and a Swedish-Estonian cable. Penelope Kingsley 18/11/2024 7:30 pm
Delhi’s air pollution has reached “severe plus” levels, with AQI readings hitting 1,500, far exceeding WHO’s safe limit. The toxic smog has disrupted flights, closed schools, and halted construction. Authorities have banned non-essential trucks and urged remote work. The crisis, exacerbated by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and low wind speeds, is part of a recurring winter issue. Political blame is exchanged between the ruling BJP and Delhi’s AAP, as experts warn of worsening conditions. Measures include banning coal, firewood, and non-emergency diesel generators. Penelope Kingsley 18/11/2024 7:30 pm
In a meeting with outgoing President Biden, Xi Jinping outlined four “red lines” for US-China relations: Taiwan, democracy and human rights, China’s path and system, and development rights. Xi warned against a “new Cold War” and urged caution with Taiwan, emphasizing these as crucial guardrails. The meeting, held in Lima, Peru, also addressed concerns about potential trade tensions under incoming President Trump, who had proposed significant tariffs on Chinese goods. Xi stressed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation to maintain stability in bilateral relations. Penelope Kingsley 18/11/2024 4:00 pm
President Biden has approved Ukraine’s use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike inside Russia, marking a significant policy shift. This decision supports Ukraine’s defense in Russia’s Kursk region, where Kyiv holds territory. The move, seen as a response to Russia allowing North Korean soldiers in Ukraine, is viewed as a serious escalation by Russian officials. It also enables Britain and France to permit Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles. Ukrainian officials consider the decision crucial for balancing military capabilities. Noah Prescott 18/11/2024 4:00 pm
Ukrainian drone operations are crucial in slowing Russian advances, as highlighted by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). President Zelenskyy emphasized drones’ role in mitigating morale and manpower constraints. Despite Russian adaptations, Ukrainian drones have effectively curbed Russian mechanized maneuvers, especially during artillery shortages. Significant Russian losses persist, with daily casualties estimated at 1,500 to 2,000. ISW notes that improving Ukraine’s drone capabilities is vital for future counteroffensives. Russian defense production struggles may hinder its ability to sustain high losses over time. Ava Sinclair 18/11/2024 4:00 pm
Donald Trump’s influence is already affecting G20 talks, as Argentine President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, threatened to block a joint statement over taxation and gender language. This move, seen as aligning with Trump’s administration, contrasts Argentina’s earlier agreement on taxing the ultra-rich. Trump’s recent Cabinet picks, including Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Hegseth, dominated discussions at the APEC summit. While Biden promotes American leadership, leaders are focusing on Trump’s return, as indicated by Xi Jinping’s remarks on working with the new U.S. administration. Penelope Kingsley 18/11/2024 4:00 pm
Rescuers continued searching through rubble after an Israeli airstrike on the Douris civil defence centre near Baalbek, Lebanon, killed 20 people, including 15 first responders. The attack left bodies unrecognizable, requiring DNA analysis. Since intensified Israeli operations began, 3,481 have died in Lebanon, displacing 1.2 million. Hezbollah reportedly responded positively to a US ceasefire proposal amid significant losses. The strike shocked surviving civil defence members, questioning why a state service was targeted. Noah Prescott 18/11/2024 4:00 pm
Yuriy Shelmuk’s company, Unwave, now produces 2,500 drone signal jammers monthly due to increased demand following Ukraine’s failed 2023 counteroffensive. The surge in demand is attributed to Russia’s extensive use of drones, which halted Ukrainian assaults. Ukraine’s defense sector, rapidly innovating since Russia’s 2022 invasion, focuses on drones and anti-drone technology. Both Ukraine and Russia aim to produce 1.5 million drones this year. Unwave is among 30 firms creating systems to disrupt drone signals, though Russian pilots can often bypass these jammers. Noah Prescott 18/11/2024 12:30 pm
World leaders, including Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, and Narendra Modi, are attending a G20 summit to address global issues like hunger and climate change. However, tensions are high due to Donald Trump’s influence, despite his absence. Diplomats are concerned about an isolationist U.S. and potential leadership shifts, with China possibly taking a more prominent role. Former French ambassador Michel Duclos suggests China might undermine the G20, focusing instead on relationships with the U.S., G7, and BRICS, as global alliances shift. Ava Sinclair 18/11/2024 12:30 pm
