⚡️ Trump Asks Supreme Court to Delay TikTok Ban
President-elect Donald Trump has filed a request with the US Supreme Court to delay a proposed ban on TikTok, which is scheduled to take effect on 19 January.
The request asks the court to postpone the deadline, allowing Trump to seek a political solution after taking office.
The law, passed in April, requires TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app to a US company due to national security concerns, a claim that ByteDance has denied.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on 10 January, days before the ban is due to be enforced.
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🐌 1,329 Endangered Snails Freed on Bugio Island
Conservationists have released 1,329 rare Desertas Island snails, bred in captivity, onto Bugio Island. These snails, essential for soil enrichment, were thought extinct until rediscovered in 2012.
Chester Zoo played a key role in breeding the snails and preparing them for the wild. Bugio, now a nature reserve, has been cleared of invasive species to ensure the snails’ survival.
Conservationists will monitor the snails' growth and adaptation using a color-coded identification system.
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❗️ Putin Offers Apology to Azerbaijan as Plane Crash Investigation Continues
Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Azerbaijan after the deadly crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight, which killed 38 people.
Putin admitted Russian air defense systems were operational at the time but did not confirm their involvement in the crash. Azerbaijan's government insists the plane was struck by external interference over Russian airspace.
Survivors reported hearing an explosion, adding to suspicions that the plane was shot down.
The US and EU have called for an independent investigation into the incident.
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🔍 Streaming Craze: “What to Watch?” Among 2024’s Top Google Searches
In 2024, “What to watch?” became the second most Googled question, with over 1.76 million searches. As streaming platforms released new content weekly, users turned to Google for help deciding on trending shows, blockbuster movies, or entertainment for the evening.
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⚡️ Time Stands Still for Nigerian Watch Repairer
In a bustling Kaduna street, Bala Muhammad clings to a craft he treasures—wristwatch repair. Trained by his father, his skill once earned him a good living, but today’s reliance on phones has eroded his trade.
Though modern trends challenge his livelihood, Baba Bala remains steadfast, seeing each watch as a piece of history worth saving.
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⚡️South Korea Impeaches Acting President Han Duck-soo
South Korea’s parliament has impeached acting president Han Duck-soo, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier this month. Han, who assumed the role after Yoon’s suspension, faced criticism for obstructing Yoon’s impeachment process, including blocking the appointment of judges to oversee the case.
This marks the first time an acting president has been impeached in South Korea’s democratic history. Finance minister Choi Sang-mok will temporarily lead the government while the Constitutional Court decides on Han’s case within 180 days.
Political instability has rattled the country, with the Korean won plunging to its lowest level against the dollar since the 2008 financial crisis.
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⚡️Christmas Attack: Ukraine Battles Energy Outages Amid Russian Strikes
On Christmas Day, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy grid. Power outages hit major cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv.
President Zelensky called the attack "inhumane," while Ukraine continues efforts to restore power amidst freezing temperatures.
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⚡️Russia’s Shadow Fleet Suspected in Baltic Cable Sabotage
The Eagle S tanker, allegedly part of Russia’s "shadow fleet," is being investigated for damaging Finland’s Estlink 2 cable.
This marks the latest in a series of attacks on critical Baltic infrastructure.
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❗️ Putin Names Slovakia as Possible Peace Negotiation Venue
President Putin has floated Slovakia as a venue for peace negotiations with Ukraine, crediting Slovak PM Robert Fico for the idea. Putin insists Russia is open to talks but reiterated his commitment to achieving his objectives in Ukraine.
The suggestion has sparked criticism from Ukraine, which sees Slovakia's stance as favoring Russian interests.
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☕️ Starbucks Strike Expands Across U.S.
The Starbucks workers' strike has grown significantly, with more than 300 stores now involved. Approximately 5,000 employees are expected to join the protests today.
Yesterday, workers at about 60 stores across 12 U.S. cities walked out. Experts say this is set to become the largest strike in the history of the union.
The five-day strike began on Friday after the union claimed Starbucks failed to fulfill its promise of a new labor contract. Starbucks responded by saying that workers who work at least 20 hours a week already earn $30 per hour.
Today, strikes have spread to cities including Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle.
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❗️South Korea's Opposition Seeks Impeachment of Interim President Han
South Korea’s largest opposition party is pushing for an impeachment process against interim President Han Duck-soo. The opposition accuses Han of delaying legislation meant to address corruption allegations against President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife.
This move comes after Yoon was impeached by parliament in mid-December, with Han stepping in temporarily until the Constitutional Court makes a final decision. The opposition’s move is part of ongoing political turmoil in the country.
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🧊 Denmark Increases Defence Spending in Greenland Following Trump's Comments
Denmark has announced a significant increase in defence spending for Greenland, hours after US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his desire for the US to control the Arctic territory.
The defence package, valued at around $1.5bn, includes funding for new ships, drones, and an upgrade to Greenland’s infrastructure.
Trump’s comments sparked a response from Greenland’s Prime Minister, who asserted that the territory is "not for sale," despite its strategic importance to the US.
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🛰 Closest Approach to the Sun: Parker Probe’s Bold Mission
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is braving intense heat and radiation to reach the Sun’s corona, coming within 3.8 million miles of its surface. This daring mission aims to solve mysteries about the Sun's atmosphere and its impact on space weather.
Traveling at 430,000 mph, the probe's survival will be confirmed when it sends a signal to Earth on December 28.
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🚗 Nissan and Honda Set to Merge in Strategic Move
Honda and Nissan have taken a significant step towards merging by signing a foundational agreement, aiming to become the third-largest car manufacturer worldwide.
Mitsubishi will also join the new entity, with a holding company structure planned for 2026. The merger is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their position in the competitive electric vehicle market.
Following the announcement, Nissan's stock surged, while Honda's market value fell. This merger marks a new chapter for both companies, especially for Nissan, which was once saved from financial collapse.
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⚡️ Biden Converts Federal Death Sentences to Life Terms
Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 individuals to life imprisonment, affirming his stance against capital punishment.
While a moratorium on federal executions has been in place since 2021, incoming President Donald Trump, an advocate of the death penalty, is likely to reverse this policy.
Biden’s decision follows a broader effort to reduce sentences and grant pardons before his term ends.
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⚡️ South Korean President Accused of Ordering Military to Use Guns to Stop Martial Law Vote
Prosecutors have accused South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, of ordering the military to use guns while attempting to remove lawmakers who voted down his martial law decree.
On 3 December, Yoon allegedly instructed the military to break into the National Assembly, even if it meant firing weapons. His decree, which sought to impose military rule to counter opposition forces, was voted down by MPs, and his cabinet later rescinded it.
This led to impeachment proceedings, with Yoon suspended from office pending a decision by the Constitutional Court.
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⚡️Protests Intensify as Georgian President Refuses to Step Down
Amid weeks of protests in Georgia, President Salome Zourabichvili has refused to hand over power to Mikheil Kavelashvili, the candidate of the Georgian Dream party.
Protesters, fearing the country’s alignment with Russia, have called for the annulment of the October elections, citing widespread fraud. Zourabichvili, joined by thousands in Tbilisi, insists that her departure would enable the ruling party to further entrench its power and compromise the country’s independence.
Demonstrators have demanded that Georgia remain committed to European integration, and Zourabichvili has vowed to fight for the sovereignty of the country.
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Travel Freely Across Africa
The dream of seamless African travel is becoming a reality.
Nations like Rwanda, Kenya, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin now offer visa-free entry for all Africans, fostering regional ties and economic growth.
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🌃 2024: A Record Year for Northern Lights
Auroras ventured farther south than usual in 2024, wowing stargazers in southern England. Fueled by the Sun's peak activity in its 11-year cycle, the displays included rare colors and phenomena, marking the best year for northern lights since 2004.
Better forecasting tools and enhanced camera technology made it easier for people to capture these magical moments.
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⚡️Controversy Surrounds China’s Tibetan Megadam Project
China's approval of the Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower dam has reignited tensions with neighboring countries and activists. Expected to displace thousands and reshape the river's ecosystem, the dam raises geopolitical concerns for India and Bangladesh, who depend on the river's flow.
Despite Beijing’s assurances, risks tied to seismic activity and ecological disruption highlight the challenges of this $127 billion endeavor.
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⚡️Pope Francis on Ukraine and Global Peace
Pope Francis renewed his call for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia during his Christmas message.
He also highlighted other global crises, including the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the plight of Christians in Syria, urging dialogue and compassion worldwide.
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❗️Damaged Oil Tanker Blocks Bosporus Passage
A Panama-flagged tanker traveling from Yalova, Turkey, to Russia was halted south of Istanbul due to an accident, temporarily closing the Bosporus Strait. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
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⚡️El Al Pauses Moscow Routes Over Russian Airspace Risks
El Al has stopped flights to Moscow, citing safety concerns following a plane crash in Kazakhstan.
The incident, which claimed 38 lives, is under investigation, with evidence pointing to a Russian missile strike during the aircraft's approach to Grozny.
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⚡️Russia Issues Warning Over 'Hypotheses' After Fatal Azerbaijan Airlines Crash
The Russian government has urged caution following suggestions that an air defense missile from Russia may have downed a plane in Kazakhstan, killing 38.
Russia's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that no hypotheses should be put forward before the investigation concludes.
The crash, which occurred near Aktau, was caused by the diversion of the plane, which was originally headed to Chechnya.
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✅ Iran Lifts WhatsApp Ban Amid Loosening of Internet Restrictions
WhatsApp is now accessible in Iran again after the government reversed its ban on the app, as well as on the Google Play Store.
The move is a significant step for President Massud Peseschkian, who has been in office for about six months and promised to ease internet censorship.
The restrictions had been enforced after the 2022 protests to prevent the spread of information.
However, many Iranians have been using VPNs to access blocked services, and this decision marks a partial victory in easing censorship.
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⚡️ Zelenskyy: Over 3,000 North Korean Soldiers Killed or Wounded in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy shared this estimate after a meeting with Ukraine's military command, although the number has not been independently verified. South Korea’s military has reported a lower estimate of around 1,100 casualties.
It is also reported that North Korean soldiers are carrying fake Russian passports, raising suspicions about their involvement.
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⚡️Syrian Protests Demand Minority Protections After Christmas Tree Incident
A Christmas tree arson in Suqaylabiyah triggered widespread protests, with demonstrators urging the Islamist authorities to defend minority rights. HTS has detained suspects and pledged to rebuild the tree.
Protesters in Damascus expressed frustration over the presence of foreign fighters and demanded greater security for religious groups.
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⚡️Explosion Sinks Russian Ship Under Sanctions
Ursa Major, a Russian cargo vessel under US sanctions, sank in the Mediterranean following an engine room explosion. Most of the crew was rescued, but two members are still missing.
The ship was allegedly transporting cranes to Vladivostok and was previously linked to military cargo deliveries. Investigations are underway.
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🇺🇸 Trump Seeks U.S. Control of Greenland and Panama Canal
Donald Trump has expressed that acquiring Greenland is essential for U.S. security, furthering a position he first proposed during his first term. While Dänemark rejected the idea of selling Greenland in 2019, Trump remains firm in his stance.
Additionally, Trump has indicated interest in regaining control over the Panama Canal, a vital trade artery previously overseen by the U.S.
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⚡️North Korea Expands Arms Exports to Support Russia
The Wall Street Journal reports that North Korea has shipped 20,000 containers of munitions to Russia, including advanced multiple rocket launchers and ballistic missiles.
This support has enabled Russia to sustain its attacks in Ukraine despite sanctions. Concerns grow that North Korea might seek Russian nuclear assistance in exchange for its military aid.
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