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Ceasefire Starts Between Israel and Lebanon After Prolonged Conflict

Israel has initiated a ceasefire in Lebanon following intense conflict with Hezbollah, amidst international calls for peace in the Middle East. The Israeli cabinet approved the ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, with President Joe Biden announcing its commencement at 4 am local time. The agreement stipulates a halt in hostilities from both sides, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of retaliation for any violations by Hezbollah. While the ceasefire allows for a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon and the deployment of Lebanese troops to the south over 60 days, fighting will persist in Gaza, where Israel is committed to dismantling Hamas. The announcement follows a significant Israeli air raid in Beirut, highlighting the ongoing regional tensions involving Iran's support for Hezbollah and the broader conflict between Israel and Hamas. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 7 am

South Korea Sees Biggest Birth Increase in 14 Years

In September, South Korea experienced its largest increase in births in nearly 14 years, with 20,590 babies born—up 10.1% from the previous year, according to Statistics Korea. This surge, attributed to couples resuming weddings postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic, marks the highest annual growth since January 2011. For the third quarter of 2023, births rose 8% to 61,288, the largest quarterly uptick since 2012. Despite this positive trend, the total fertility rate remains critically low at 0.76, significantly below the 2.1 births needed for population stability. The government is implementing measures to encourage marriage and support child care amid a demographic crisis characterized by declining birth rates and an aging population. In September, deaths increased by 3.8%, resulting in a natural population decline of 8,772, as the number of deaths has consistently outpaced births since late 2019. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 9 am

Student with Peanut Allergy Dies After Recipe Change

A 23-year-old Texas college student, Alison Pickering, tragically died after accidentally consuming peanuts during a date at a restaurant she frequented. Despite her vigilance regarding her peanut allergy, a change in the restaurant's Mahi-Mahi recipe, which included peanut sauce, was not disclosed on the menu or communicated by the staff. After taking a few bites, Alison experienced severe anaphylactic shock, despite using her EpiPen and walking to the ambulance. Her parents, Grover and Joy Pickering, are now advocating for the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act in Texas, which would mandate food service staff training on allergen safety, with hopes of extending this initiative nationwide. They aim to enhance communication between restaurants and customers to prevent similar tragedies. Remembered for her love of people and passion for working with children, Alison's family hopes their efforts will save lives, stressing that "this doesn't need to happen to anyone else." sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 10 am

Imran Khan's Party Halts Protests Following Crackdown

Pakistan's opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has ended its protest in Islamabad following a government crackdown that resulted in the arrest of hundreds of supporters. The protest, which began on Sunday, turned deadly, claiming at least six lives, including four security personnel, and led to clashes with police as thousands attempted to breach roadblocks to demand Khan's release from jail. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that key leaders, including Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, managed to escape during the overnight operation. The government described the protests as a distraction from its efforts to reform the struggling economy under an International Monetary Fund loan program. PTI lawmaker Atif Khan condemned the government's "brutal action," prompting the party to call off the demonstrations after two days of unrest that significantly impacted the financial markets. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 10 am

Wealthy Nations Provide No Escape from Climate Crisis: Study

A recent report from the Assessing Sovereign Climate-related Opportunities and Risks Project (ASCOR) reveals that no country is on track to meet the 1.5°C climate target based on 2030 emissions pledges, with wealthier nations failing to lead in combating climate change. The review of 70 countries, which represent the entirety of major sovereign debt bond markets, indicates that over 80% of affluent nations are not meeting their share of the $100 billion annual climate finance goal, recently escalated to $300 billion. Investors are calling for more credible government actions, as climate risks remain inadequately priced in markets. While Costa Rica and Angola are nearing their climate benchmarks, less than 20% of countries have committed to halting new fossil fuel production. The report highlights a lack of accountability in legal frameworks, with many countries failing to specify penalties for non-compliance, underscoring the urgent need for robust national climate policies. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 10 am

Netanyahu Outlines Three Reasons for Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that the Israeli security cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, emphasizing three primary reasons for the truce. He stated that the ceasefire would allow Israel to focus on the Iranian threat, provide a respite for Israeli forces to replenish munitions amid reported delays in weapon deliveries, and isolate Hamas by removing Hezbollah from the conflict. Netanyahu warned that Israel retains the right to respond militarily if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire through rearming or other aggressive actions. The ongoing conflict, which began on October 8, 2022, following Hezbollah's attack in solidarity with Hamas, has escalated into significant military engagement, resulting in numerous casualties, including the deaths of key Hezbollah figures. The situation remains tense as negotiations for a lasting ceasefire continue. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 10 am

Trump's Indian-Origin Health Chief Criticized Covid Lockdowns

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Indian-origin Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the leading public funder of medical research in the United States. Born in Kolkata in 1968, Bhattacharya is a professor of health policy at Stanford University and has a distinguished academic background, holding both a doctorate in medicine and a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford. He has been a vocal critic of the federal government's COVID-19 response, co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration in October 2020, which advocated for lifting lockdowns while protecting vulnerable populations. Bhattacharya's research, which has resulted in 135 publications, focuses on the health of at-risk groups and the evaluation of government policies, particularly during the pandemic. Trump stated that Bhattacharya will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to enhance the NIH's role in addressing America's major health challenges. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 9 am

Influencer Gets 10 Years for Attempted Murder of Critics

Texas influencer Ashley Grayson has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a murder-for-hire plot targeting three individuals, including a business rival and a social media critic. Grayson, 35, gained notoriety for her online business and courses aimed at helping others monetize their skills. In September 2022, she allegedly offered a Memphis couple $20,000 each to kill her ex-boyfriend, a woman who criticized her online, and another competitor she believed had disparaged her work. During a recorded call, Grayson expressed urgency in targeting the latter, even offering an extra $5,000 for a quick execution. The couple, who later faked an attempt on the life of one target, received $10,000 from Grayson. In July 2023, Grayson and her husband were indicted, and on October 31, 2024, she was sentenced to the maximum penalty of 120 months in prison. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 9 am

China's Coal Consumption to Peak by 2025: Report

China's coal consumption is projected to peak by 2025 as the nation intensifies its transition to clean energy, according to a report by think tanks CREA and ISETS. Despite being the world's largest coal consumer and greenhouse gas emitter, recent trends indicate a shift away from coal, with a significant 83% drop in coal power permits in the first half of this year and no new coal-based steel projects approved. Over half of the experts surveyed believe coal consumption may peak next year, with a growing number suggesting that carbon dioxide emissions could also plateau by 2025. While China's rapid expansion of renewable energy has exceeded targets, concerns remain about its emissions trajectory, which may continue to rise until 2030. The country aims to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2060, with an updated emissions reduction plan due in February. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 9 am

World Leaders Applaud Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Agreement

World leaders have expressed strong support for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, effective Wednesday at 0200 GMT. US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the deal as a protective measure for Israel against Hezbollah and a step towards lasting calm. They pledged to ensure its full implementation and support the Lebanese army. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Biden's role in securing the truce, emphasizing that its duration hinges on developments in Lebanon, while also allowing Israel to exert pressure on Hamas. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called the ceasefire a crucial step towards regional stability. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described it as a "ray of hope," and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged for it to lead to a sustainable political solution. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the news for enhancing Lebanon's stability, while a UN official stressed the need for commitment from both parties to make the agreement work. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 9 am

Trump Appoints Jamieson Greer as US Trade Envoy

Donald Trump has appointed Jamieson Greer as his trade envoy, a pivotal role in advancing the president-elect's economic agenda, which heavily relies on tariffs. Trump praised Greer's significant contributions during his first term, particularly in imposing tariffs on China and other nations to address unfair trade practices. Greer, who previously served as chief of staff to former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, was instrumental in the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Most recently a partner at King & Spalding law firm, Greer is expected to continue the tariff policies that characterized Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021, during which the administration imposed tariffs on billions of dollars in imports, especially from China. If confirmed by the Senate, Greer will be tasked with executing Trump's tariff strategy and negotiating new trade agreements. sources

Published:
Nov 27 2024, 7 am

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