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Lava from Iceland's latest volcanic eruption on Thursday has consumed the main parking lot of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a major tourist destination, as shown in dramatic images. The flow covered the area previously accommodating 350 cars and a luggage storage facility, but the spa's hot pools remain safe due to a defensive wall holding back the lava. Helga Arnadottir, head of operations at the Blue Lagoon, stated that the timeline for reopening is uncertain as officials assess the situation. The nearby fishing village of Grindavik was evacuated on Wednesday following the eruption in the Sundhnukagigar fissure, marking the seventh eruption in the area within a year. Most of Grindavik's 4,000 residents have been displaced since last year, with many homes sold to the state. Experts warn that volcanic activity in the Reykjanes peninsula has entered a new phase, with Iceland housing 33 active volcanic systems, more than any other European nation. 
Published: Nov 22 2024, 1 ameznews.inUS billionaire Elon Musk has criticized Australia's proposed legislation to ban social media access for children under 16, which includes hefty fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for companies that breach the law. Introduced by the centre-left government on Thursday, the bill aims to implement an age-verification system, marking one of the strictest regulatory measures globally, with no exemptions for parental consent or existing accounts. Musk, a self-proclaimed advocate for free speech, described the initiative as a "backdoor way to control access to the Internet" in response to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's announcement on social media platform X. While other countries have also proposed restrictions on youth social media use, Australia’s approach stands out for its rigor. Musk has previously clashed with the Australian government over its policies, labeling its misinformation law as "fascist" and facing legal challenges regarding content removal requests.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 6 ameznews.inUS antitrust regulators are facing potential legal hurdles in their efforts to break up Alphabet, particularly by proposing the sale of its Google Chrome browser, following a ruling that deemed Google to have illegally monopolized the search market. During a recent court hearing, the Department of Justice (DOJ) outlined several drastic measures, including sharing data with competitors and possibly divesting Android software. Alphabet's shares dropped significantly, reflecting investor concern over the implications of these proposals. Experts suggest that the DOJ's demands could be seen as excessive, with some arguing that a forced sale of Chrome would not effectively address the underlying monopoly issues. Additionally, the incoming pro-business administration of President-elect Donald Trump may alter the trajectory of the case, which could drag on for years. Critics of the DOJ's approach argue it could harm consumers and small businesses, while analysts caution that the proposed remedies face significant challenges in court.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 4 ameznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin declared on Thursday that the Ukraine conflict exhibits traits of a "global" war, suggesting potential strikes on Western nations. This statement followed Russia's test-firing of a new intermediate-range missile capable of carrying a nuclear payload, which Putin claimed was aimed at Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as a significant escalation by a "crazy neighbour," while the U.S. attributed the rising tensions to Russia's actions. The missile, with a range of up to 5,500 kilometers, raises concerns about Putin's threats against the West. In a defiant address, Putin warned of retaliation against Ukraine’s allies for supplying weapons, while Ukraine recently utilized U.S. and U.K. missiles against Russian targets. As Russia claims further territorial gains in Donetsk, the situation remains precarious, with fears of broader conflict intensifying amid the ongoing violence.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 4 ameznews.inIsraeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Thursday resulted in the deaths of 52 people, with significant casualties reported in the Baalbek district and southern regions. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that strikes targeted multiple locations, including a family home in Maqneh, killing a couple and their four children. Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed its most extensive attack on Israel in over a year, targeting the Hatzor air base with missile fire and engaging Israeli troops in the south. The ongoing conflict, which escalated in September amid the Gaza crisis, has led to extensive Israeli bombing campaigns and ground operations in southern Lebanon. As violence continues, Lebanon's health ministry reports at least 3,583 fatalities since October, with the UN also advocating for the protection of heritage sites amid the hostilities. In Israel, one man was killed by rocket fire from Lebanon, highlighting the cross-border nature of the conflict.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 4 ameznews.inNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un has intensified his rhetoric against the United States, claiming that the Korean peninsula faces unprecedented risks of nuclear war, according to state media KCNA. Speaking at a military exhibition in Pyongyang, Kim criticized U.S. policies as "aggressive and hostile," asserting that past negotiations have only revealed Washington's unwillingness to coexist peacefully. He warned of a dangerous confrontation that could escalate into thermonuclear conflict, stating, "We have already gone as far as we can on negotiating." Kim's remarks come amid heightened military cooperation with Russia, including the deployment of over 10,000 North Korean troops to support Moscow's efforts in Ukraine. He emphasized the need for North Korea to advance its military capabilities and described the current geopolitical climate as the "worst phase in history." This speech follows a period of stalled diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and North Korea during Donald Trump's presidency.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 4 ameznews.inThe International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, citing accusations of crimes against humanity and war crimes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This decision was met with condemnation from Israel and its allies, including the United States, which argued the ICC lacks jurisdiction. Netanyahu likened the ruling to the Dreyfus affair, claiming it is anti-Semitic. Conversely, Turkey and various human rights organizations welcomed the warrants as steps towards justice. The European Union emphasized the court's independence, while several countries, including Argentina and Italy, expressed reservations about equating Israeli leaders with Hamas. The Palestinian Authority viewed the ICC's action as a hopeful sign for international law, urging member states to enforce the warrants.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 2 ameznews.inBrazilian police have called for the indictment of former President Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged coup plot aimed at preventing Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from assuming office in 2022. The investigation concluded that Bolsonaro and 36 others conspired to violently overthrow the democratic state. The police report, submitted to the Supreme Court, seeks charges for coup d'état and criminal organization, with potential prison sentences of up to 12 years. Bolsonaro, who has been declared ineligible for office until 2030 due to claims of electoral fraud, denounced the allegations as persecution and criticized the Supreme Court judge overseeing the case. The plot reportedly involved a decree from Bolsonaro to arrest the judge, Alexandre de Moraes, who validated Lula's election. Investigations continue into the January 2023 insurrection in Brasilia, echoing the January 6 Capitol riots in the U.S., as Bolsonaro draws parallels to Donald Trump’s political struggles.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 2 ameznews.inThe UN nuclear watchdog's Board of Governors has adopted a resolution demanding Iran enhance its cooperation with the agency, with a comprehensive report on the country's nuclear activities expected by spring. The resolution, supported by Western nations, aims to compel Iran to engage in negotiations regarding new restrictions on its nuclear program. However, uncertainties loom over the future of such talks, particularly with the upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, whose stance on diplomatic engagement remains unclear. Historically, Iran has reacted negatively to resolutions directed against it, raising questions about the effectiveness of this latest move.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 3 ameznews.inDr Mathew Varghese, a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon known for his groundbreaking work in reconstructive surgeries for polio patients, has been honoured as 'The One International' at a gala event in Hong Kong. The One Humanitarian Award, initiated in 2012 by David Harilela and Rotary International District 3450, highlights individuals dedicated to alleviating suffering and poverty, with over HK$2.5 million awarded to notable figures from Africa, India, and Hong Kong. Bill Gates praised Dr Varghese on social media, calling him "my inspiration and my real-life hero" for his commitment to polio eradication in India. The event also recognised Father John Wotherspoon for his work with drug addicts and the homeless. Other finalists included Dr Satish Gogulwar and Dr Paul Thistle, while local nominees included Elli Fu Nga-nei and Morgan Lam Kai-fai. The One has celebrated 74 heroes and impacted over 300,000 lives globally, contributing more than US$3.3 million to humanitarian efforts.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 12 ameznews.inGary Gensler, the chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a notable critic of cryptocurrency, has announced he will resign on January 20, coinciding with Donald Trump's inauguration as president. Gensler's departure allows Trump to appoint a successor, despite his term officially lasting until 2026. Since taking office in April 2021, following the volatility surrounding the "meme stock" phenomenon, Gensler has advocated for stricter regulations on digital currencies, treating them akin to traditional securities. His tenure has seen the SEC file lawsuits against major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance and Coinbase. As Bitcoin reached a record high of $98,473.64 on Thursday, Gensler's aggressive regulatory stance has faced criticism, especially as Trump’s campaign garnered significant support from cryptocurrency advocates. Gensler expressed gratitude to the Biden administration, asserting that the SEC has fulfilled its mission to enforce the law impartially.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 1 am
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