AMERICA
US Political and Legal Actions: Protests, Sanctions, and Appointments
1. Prisoners at Red Onion State Prison Set Themselves on Fire in Protest
Using makeshift tools, inmates at Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison have set themselves on fire in protest of bigotry and mistreatment there. Six inmates were involved, some of whom needed medical attention for burns, according to the Virginia Department of Corrections. The instances raise questions about structural problems in American jails. The affected inmates have received mental health support.
2. Trump Signs Transition Memo with Biden White House
In order to start preparing for his second term, President-elect Donald Trump’s team signed a memorandum with the Biden administration that, according to Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles, is a step forward because it allows outgoing and incoming officials to coordinate ahead of Trump’s January 20 inauguration. The agreement circumvented ethics requirements, including donor disclosures and vetting for high-level government positions.
3. Trump Nominates Jay Bhattacharya to Head NIH
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be led by Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a healthcare economist and professor at Stanford University who became well-known as a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which opposed COVID-19 lockdowns. He has made criticism of the Biden administration’s pandemic response a central part of his public image.
4. US Imposes Sanctions on Venezuelan Officials Over Election Crackdown
After the controversial July election, 21 Venezuelan officials were sanctioned by the United States for their role in quelling protests. In the course of the raid, over 2,400 people were arrested and at least 25 protesters were killed. The United States charges Maduro’s regime with suppressing opposition, but Venezuela says the sanctions are a “desperate act.”
ASIA
Global Tensions and Unrest: Protests, Arrest Warrants, and Extreme Weather
1. PTI Faces Setback After Islamabad Protest Raid
When security forces dispersed the protest in Islamabad, resulting in both protester and law enforcement losses, Imran Khan’s PTI suffered a significant defeat. Party leaders, including Bushra Bibi, withdrew from the demonstration, which advocated for Khan’s release and the revocation of constitutional amendments. The PTI’s future is questionable because none of their demands were fulfilled despite its call for action.
2. ICC Seeks Arrest Warrant for Myanmar Military Chief
For crimes against humanity connected to the persecution of the Rohingya minority, the ICC prosecutor has asked for an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing, the military leader of Myanmar. The probe on the crackdown that forced 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh in 2016–17 includes this request. Hlaing is held accountable by the prosecutor for the persecution and deportation that occurred during the violence.
3. Pakistan Police Crackdown on Imran Khan Supporters
Following a four-day lockdown, Pakistan’s security services arrested thousands of people and declared Islamabad safe after expelling Imran Khan’s supporters. Security forces and demonstrators calling for Khan’s release battled, resulting in injuries; Khan’s party reported multiple fatalities. Deadly fights preceded the crackdown, and officials temporarily halted protests. Since Friday, more than 4,000 people have been arrested, and in certain places, internet and cellphone services have been restored.
4. Seoul Hit by Record November Snowfall
Seoul experienced its highest November snowfall in over a century, with 20 cm (7.8 inches) falling. The severe weather, which also resulted in power outages and traffic issues, forced the cancellation of more than 200 flights. At least two people lost their lives in traffic accidents, and falling debris injured pedestrians. The storm affected a large portion of South Korea, and more snow is expected.
MENA
Middle East Crisis: Ceasefire, Humanitarian Efforts, and International Arms Deal
1. Middle East Humanitarian Crisis: November 27, 2024
Due to prolonged fighting and restricted access to help, humanitarian conditions have gotten worse in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. 540,000 people have fled Lebanon to Syria, while more than 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. Over 283,000 Palestinians in Gaza have received medical care from International Medical Corps, which also continues to assist displaced persons in Syria and Lebanon. Food, medical supplies, and basic services are severely lacking in the area.
2. Biden Approves $680M Arms Sale to Israel Amid Gaza Ceasefire Push
A $680 million armament package, which includes precision-guided munitions and bombs, has been tentatively approved by President Biden for Israel. The decision follows a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, and the U.S. is looking to revive ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Biden is criticised for failing to use American military might to compel peace negotiations, even while he backs Israel.
3. Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Begins, Displaced Civilians Return
After 14 months of cross-border fighting, a truce between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect on November 27, 2024. Despite Israeli military warnings, tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese residents began to return to southern Lebanon. The agreement was announced by President Biden, who referred to it as a permanent cease of hostilities. The speaker of the Lebanese parliament called on all displaced people, including those living overseas, to return home.
4. UN Chief Hails Lebanon Ceasefire as Hope Amid Conflict
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon was referred to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres as a “first ray of hope amid darkness” in the ongoing battle. The world community is closely monitoring the ceasefire as it is a major step towards peace.
 EUROPE
Global Tensions: Russia-Ukraine War, Military Spending, EU Instability, and ICC Immunity
1. Key Developments in Russia-Ukraine War on Day 1,007
On Day 1,007 of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukraine launched ATACMS missile attacks against Russian soldiers, while Russian forces took control of the Kharkiv hamlet of Kopanky. Russia carried out its biggest drone strike, seriously impairing Ternopil’s power systems. While Ukraine requests additional military assistance from South Korea, NATO and the G7 reiterated their support for Ukraine and denounced Russia’s nuclear bluster.
2. Russia Approves Record Military Budget
A 30% increase in military spending for 2025 was authorised by Russian MPs, bringing the total to a record 13.5 trillion rubles ($125 billion). This hike, which comes after a comparable one in 2024, backs Russia’s continued conflict with the West and war in Ukraine. With the exception of classified security funding, the military budget will exceed the combined spending on welfare and education. President Putin must give his final assent to the budget.
3. EU Commission Approval Marks Historic Instability
With the lowest-ever vote of 54%, the EU Parliament adopted Ursula von der Leyen’s new European Commission. The Commission was only supported by 51% of MEPs, suggesting volatility over the next five years. The small majority indicates that it may be challenging for political factions to come together in a stable coalition.
4. France Says Netanyahu Has Immunity from ICC Arrest Warrant
France’s foreign ministry declared that because Israel is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is immune from the court’s arrest request. The warrant accusing Netanyahu and others of war crimes during Israel’s war in Gaza was issued by the ICC. Despite criticism from human rights organisations for its position, France stressed that it will continue to work with Netanyahu to advance peace in the Middle East.
