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Myanmar's Rakhine state is on the brink of famine, with over two million people at risk of starvation, according to a United Nations report. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) highlights a significant decline in rice production due to shortages of seeds and fertilizers, severe weather, and widespread displacement of farmers. Aid agencies, including the Red Cross, are struggling to deliver assistance due to restrictions imposed by Myanmar's military government, which has been in power since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. The report notes a 60% increase in internally displaced persons since October 2023, with over 500,000 now relying solely on aid. Renewed violence in Rakhine, particularly since the collapse of a ceasefire last November, has exacerbated the situation, leading to a new wave of Rohingya refugees fleeing to Bangladesh. The UNDP warns that without urgent intervention, 95% of the population could fall into survival mode.
Published: Nov 09 2024, 8 ameznews.inScottish artist Jasleen Kaur has been awarded the prestigious Turner Prize, marking the 40th anniversary of the UK contemporary art award. Kaur received the accolade for her solo exhibition "Alter Altar," which features a striking installation of a Ford Escort adorned with a giant doily. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Tate Britain in London, where Kaur, 38, emerged victorious over fellow nominees Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, and Delaine Le Bas. She received a prize of £25,000, while the other shortlisted artists were awarded £10,000 each. The jury praised Kaur for her innovative ability to blend diverse voices through playful material combinations. In her acceptance speech, she called for a ceasefire in Gaza, stating, "Free Palestine." Established in 1984, the Turner Prize has previously celebrated notable artists such as Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor, often igniting debate and controversy in the contemporary art scene.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 8 ameznews.inPeruvian President Dina Boluarte has ignited controversy following the revelation that she underwent a rhinoplasty in summer 2023 without informing the public or delegating her powers during her recovery. The surgery, intended to address breathing issues, was confirmed by former Prime Minister Alberto Otarola during a congressional inquiry probing Boluarte's activities from June 28 to July 10, when she was absent from public view. Lawmakers are now questioning whether her actions constitute a constitutional violation, with some calling for her removal from office. Otarola defended Boluarte, stating that she managed her duties virtually during her recovery and that the procedure posed no major complications. Meanwhile, Boluarte faces ongoing scrutiny over allegations of accepting bribes and her role in the deaths of over 50 protesters during unrest in 2022. With a disapproval rating nearing 95%, Boluarte's presidency remains precarious as her term is set to conclude in July 2026.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 8 ameznews.inSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing potential impeachment after opposition lawmakers accused him of constitutional violations related to his recent declaration of martial law, which he rescinded within hours. The opposition-controlled parliament, led by the Democratic Party, has pledged to impeach Yoon, who currently lacks the necessary two-thirds majority, with 192 seats out of 300. If successful, the Constitutional Court will conduct a trial to determine the validity of the impeachment, which requires a vote from six of the nine justices. Should Yoon be impeached or resign, a new presidential election would occur within 60 days. This situation echoes past impeachments in South Korea, notably that of Park Geun-hye, the first democratically elected president to be ousted, and Roh Moo-hyun, who was impeached but later reinstated.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 9 ameznews.inMeta has announced its intention to source proposals from nuclear power developers to bolster its artificial intelligence and environmental initiatives, reflecting a growing interest in atomic energy among major tech firms amid rising power demands. The company aims to add between 1 to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity in the U.S. starting in the early 2030s, with typical nuclear plants generating around 1 gigawatt. Meta believes that nuclear energy is crucial for creating a cleaner and more reliable electric grid. As U.S. data center energy consumption is projected to triple by 2030, requiring an additional 47 gigawatts of power, other tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon are also exploring nuclear options. Meta is seeking developers skilled in community engagement and regulatory processes, considering both small modular reactors and larger traditional reactors, with proposals due by January 3, 2025.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 6 ameznews.inTensions erupted in South Korea as thousands of protesters filled the streets following President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law in response to escalating civil unrest. The announcement, aimed at restoring order amid widespread demonstrations, sparked further outrage among citizens, leading to a chaotic night of confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. As the situation intensified, the government faced mounting pressure, prompting a swift reversal of the martial law decree. Critics argued that the initial decision was an overreach of power, while supporters claimed it was necessary to maintain stability. The rapid developments highlight the deepening divisions within South Korean society, as citizens express their frustrations over various political issues. The government's attempt to quell dissent ultimately raised questions about civil liberties and the balance of power in the nation, reflecting a complex landscape of governance and public sentiment in South Korea.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 7 ameznews.inIn a significant humanitarian initiative, US President Joe Biden announced over $1 billion in aid for individuals displaced by drought and conflict across 31 African nations during his visit to Angola on Tuesday. This funding aims to tackle urgent food insecurity and support refugees, internally displaced persons, and affected communities, as highlighted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Biden emphasized the severe drought impacting southern Africa, described as potentially the worst in a century, which has devastated crops and livestock. The USAID statement underscored the pressing humanitarian needs driven by armed conflict, extreme weather, and natural disasters. With nearly 300 million Africans facing hunger in 2023, the US aid is part of a broader commitment, as nearly $6.6 billion in humanitarian assistance was allocated to sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 fiscal year.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 7 ameznews.inOutgoing US President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for any federal crimes committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024, amid ongoing legal issues related to tax violations and firearms charges. This decision has reignited discussions about the presidential pardon power enshrined in the US Constitution, which allows presidents to grant clemency for federal offenses, excluding impeachment cases. Historically, this power has been a contentious aspect of the presidency, with notable examples including George Washington's forgiveness of Whiskey Rebellion participants and Gerald Ford's controversial pardon of Richard Nixon. Other presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, have used pardons to foster national reconciliation. In contrast, the Indian President's pardon power is more restricted, requiring Cabinet advice, and is often invoked in cases involving severe sentences like the death penalty.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 7 ameznews.inA seven-year-old girl in Ohio, Oaklynn, pleaded with her father during a tense standoff with police, expressing her fear of dying as he threatened to end their lives. On November 11, 2024, Charles Ryan Alexander, 43, abducted Oaklynn from her grandmother's home, prompting a police chase that ended in Medina County. Despite attempts by law enforcement to negotiate, including 911 dispatchers urging Alexander to consider his daughter's safety, the situation escalated, leading to an officer-involved shooting that resulted in Alexander's death. Oaklynn, although physically unharmed, witnessed the traumatic event. She has since been safely returned to family members, sparking community support, including a GoFundMe campaign aimed at providing for her care and mental health needs. The Medina County Sheriff's Office confirmed her recovery, highlighting the tragic nature of the incident and the ongoing support for the young girl.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 7 ameznews.inIn a heated exchange at the United Nations on Tuesday, Russia and the United States accused each other of supporting terrorism amid escalating violence in Syria, particularly following the capture of Aleppo by Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the U.N., Robert Wood, condemned the offensive, highlighting HTS's designation as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and the U.N., while also criticizing the Assad regime and Russia for civilian casualties in their military actions. In response, Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the U.S. of failing to address terrorist attacks against civilians, expressing satisfaction with the current geopolitical divide. Wood countered that Russia supports regimes that harbor terrorism, asserting that the U.S. remains committed to combating terrorism globally. The exchange underscores the deepening rift between the two nations over the ongoing Syrian conflict.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 6 ameznews.inSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted martial law just hours after declaring it, an unprecedented move in over 40 years that sparked alarm among allies, including the United States. In a late-night address, Yoon accused the opposition of "anti-state activities" that he claimed threatened democracy, leading to a six-point decree that banned political activities and ordered striking medical staff back to work. However, lawmakers swiftly rejected the declaration, and protests erupted outside the National Assembly. Following this, Yoon announced the withdrawal of military forces and the lifting of martial law, citing the need to protect democracy amid a budget dispute with the opposition. The backlash has intensified, with calls for Yoon's resignation and a general strike from labor unions. Internationally, reactions ranged from relief in Washington to concern in Europe, while China and Russia expressed alarm over the situation.
Published: Dec 04 2024, 6 am
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