AMERICA
Global Tensions, Controversial Statements, and Notable Losses: Key Headlines of 2024
1. China Warns US Over Taiwan Military Aid
The US should not increase military aid to Taiwan, China has cautioned, calling Washington “playing with fire.” Actions that threaten peace in the Taiwan Strait must stop, the Chinese administration demanded. The US continues to be Taiwan’s main source of armaments even if it does not formally recognise the island. China has increased political and military pressure on Taiwan, claiming it as part of its sovereignty.
2. Trump Threatens Panama Canal Control Over Fees
Donald Trump, the US president-elect, accused Panama of imposing “ridiculous” tariffs on US ships and threatened to regain control of the Panama Canal. He attacked the way Panama was run and cautioned against outside influence, particularly from China, over the crucial waterway. In 1999, following a period of joint management, the United States gave up control of the canal to Panama.
3. Biblically Accurate Angel Tops Christmas Tree
For their Christmas tree, Rev. Kira Austin-Young and her husband made a biblically accurate angel with six wings, dozens of eyes, and vibrant feathers. The design went viral because it was based on biblical descriptions of angels. Traditional representations of angels are being challenged by this movement, which substitutes many-eyed animals for the typical human-like forms. According to experts, it is a mirror of the bizarre and varied celestial imagery found in the Bible.
4. Famous Sports Stars Who Died in 2024
In 2024, a number of sports icons died, including marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, baseball great Willie Mays, NBA legend Jerry West, and football hero Franz Beckenbauer. These sportsmen made a lasting impression on their respective fields. Fans and upcoming generations of sportsmen around the world are still motivated by their legacy.
 ASIA
Global Crises: Friendly Fire, Plane Crashes, and Child Marriage Crackdowns
1. Friendly Fire Downs U.S. Warplane Over Red Sea
Over the Red Sea, friendly fire shot down an F/A-18 Super Hornet, ejecting two U.S. Navy pilots who were safely retrieved. The USS Gettysburg accidentally fired on the jet during airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The shootdown draws attention to the dangers in the area, where the Iranian-backed Houthis have intensified their continuing attacks on commerce.
2. Survivors Found After Kamchatka Plane Crash
After a plane crash left three people trapped for three days, two crew members and a passenger were rescued in the Kamchatka region of Russia. They used fuel to remain warm and snow to make drinking water in order to survive without food. Overloading and extreme cold caused the cargo-carrying An-2 aircraft to crash. The incident is being investigated, and the survivors are in the hospital.
3. India Child Marriage Crackdown Leads to 5,000 Arrests
Nearly 5,000 people have been arrested in Assam, India, as part of a crackdown against child marriages; in the most recent police sweep, 416 people were taken into custody. Since February 2023, the state has been waging a vigorous campaign to end child marriage, with the goal of doing so by 2026. Despite the fact that 18 is the legal marriage age in India, millions of children are being married off at a young age, which has serious negative social and health effects.
MENA
Friendly Fire, Displacement, Regime Reflection, and Gaza Strikes
1. US Navy Pilots Shot Down in Friendly Fire Incident
The US military claims that two US navy pilots were shot down in a friendly fire incident over the Red Sea. Although CENTCOM determined the event was not caused by hostile fire, Yemen’s Houthis made a fraudulent claim of blame, claiming they targeted the USS Harry S. Truman. One pilot had minor injuries, but both were found alive. Investigations are underway into the incident.
2. Living the Nakba: A Personal Story of Displacement
Journalist Asem Al Jerjawi, who lives in Gaza, recounts the traumatic experience of his family’s displacement, which is reminiscent of the 1948 Nakba. Decades later, Asem and his family are facing a similar destiny to that of his grandfather, who fled Bir al-Sabaa during the establishment of Israel. They have been struggling to survive in makeshift shelters in Gaza after Israeli bombings demolished their home, dealing with harsh conditions, scarce supplies, and ongoing dread. Asem considers how much more terrible the present devastation is than his grandparents’ pain.
3. Aleppo Residents Reflect on Assad’s Regime
Following Bashar Al-Assad’s overthrow, Aleppo residents are considering the atrocities of his reign. With the help of Russian forces, the city was ravaged by years of indiscriminate bombardment, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Millions of refugees endured terrible conditions in the regime’s prisons, where many were tortured or killed. Investigations exposing the crimes committed by Assad’s dictatorship give Syrians hope now that he is in exile.
4. Israeli Strikes Kill 22 in Gaza
At least 22 individuals, including five children, were murdered by Israeli bombs on Gaza overnight. Eight individuals were murdered in a hit on a Gaza City school that housed displaced persons, and eight more were killed in a strike near Deir al-Balah. Although Israel claims that their strikes are directed at Hamas militants, civilians are nevertheless frequently the victims. Over 45,000 people have died in Gaza as a result of the conflict, which has also caused extensive destruction and displacement.
EUROPE
Global Tensions: Putin’s Retaliation, Slovak PM’s Visit, EV Efficiency, and Saudi Doctor’s Charges
1. Putin Vows Retaliation After Kazan Drone Attack
A Ukrainian drone strike on residential structures in Kazan, Tatarstan, has prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to pledge harsh reprisal. Putin warned that Ukraine would face further destruction in retaliation for the attack, which inflicted some damage but no reported casualties. Six drones struck buildings during the Saturday raid, while one drone targeted an industrial location.
2. Slovak PM Fico Visits Putin Amid Gas Dispute
On December 22, 2024, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico became the third European Union leader to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A disagreement with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy over the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine—which is vital for Slovakia—followed Fico’s visit. Fico warned of possible economic damage to the EU and chastised Zelenskyy. This visit carries on a trend of few encounters between Putin and European leaders.
3. EVs in Winter: How to Maximize Efficiency
EV battery capacity is decreased by cold temperatures, which results in a shorter range and slower charging. Use preconditioning, heated seats and appropriate tyre pressure to reduce these impacts. Certain versions can function better in the winter thanks to sophisticated thermal systems and heat pumps. Additionally, new battery technologies are enhancing EVs’ performance in colder climates, providing increased efficiency all year long.are also improving EVs’ cold weather performance, offering better efficiency year-round.
4. Saudi Doctor Charged in Germany Christmas Market Attack
In connection with the Christmas market incident in Magdeburg, Germany, a Saudi physician has been accused with both murder and attempted murder. He was the subject of several tips to authorities, who described him as an Islamophobe and an AfD supporter. He had no violent past despite earlier warnings. He is still being held while the inquiry is ongoing.
