AMERICA
Trump, Tornadoes, Movies, and Beyoncé in the Spotlight
1. Trump Backs Musk in Visa Dispute Amid Republican Rift
Donald Trump sided with Elon Musk on a debate regarding the H1-B visa program, which Trump supports, facilitating highly skilled workers into the U.S. Under his anti-immigrant policies, Trump, however, decried this “Musk-type” program, just like other tech leaders intend. Tension between Trump’s base and criticism from others for Musk’s influence on Trump’s policies arose out of such disagreement. This conflict provides yet more evidence of how divisive immigration reform is within the Republican Party.
2. Tornadoes Hit Texas and Mississippi, 2 Dead, 6 Injured
On December 28 in 2024, tornadoes tore through Texas and Mississippi, causing destruction. At least two deaths were recorded, and there were six injuries as houses and automobiles were destroyed. Those fatalities occurred in Liverpool, Texas, while some houses were damaged in Alvin and Hillcrest Village. Adams and Franklin counties in Mississippi witnessed much worse destruction with roofs ripped off buildings. The system continued towards eastern states, finally hitting Alabama and Georgia by the early hours of December 29, 2024. Thousands lost power, and rescue operations were the focus for the rescuers during that time. The storm path prompted early precautionary warnings due to the possibility of further tornadoes in other affected regions.
3. Most Anticipated Movies of 2025
Coming into 2025, the previews of movies to be will make every person want to watch no matter the type of viewer there may be, such as Avatar 3, Jurassic World Reborn, Superman, or The Fantastic Four. Some other highlights include Michael, a portraiture film on the life and times of Michael Jackson, as well as Wicked: for Good, a sequel of the fantasy musical. Also, Mickey 17 by Bong Joon Ho and Back in Action starring Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx, among others, are on the list. There is so much that awaits fans in terms of cinema experience.
4. Tina Knowles Defends Beyoncé Against Critics
Now in the wake of Beyoncé’s halftime performance on NFL Christmas Day, Tina Knowles hit back at those saying that her daughter was the most overrated music performer ever. Knowles went as far as calling those haters on Instagram because they watched and then criticized it after all that work people invested into saying they don’t like Beyoncé. She noted that there would always be negativity, regardless of the amount of talent.
ASIA
Plane Crashes, Sports Triumphs, and Health Initiatives: Key Global Updates
1. Jeju Air Plane Crash in South Korea Kills 179
At least 179 people died when the airliner Jeju Air crash-landed at the Muan International Airport, December 29, 2024, due to bird strike that caused the landing gears to fail in catastrophic fire accidents. Two crew members survived from the accident. The South Korean government declared seven days of national mourning.
2. Bumrah Shines, Australia Leads by 333 in Fourth Test
India’s On Day Four of the Test Match with Australia in Melbourne, India’s Jasprit Bumrah spectacularly took 4-56 figures to claim his 200th wicket at the Test level to demolish the middle order of Australia. The hosts collapsed dramatically to 91-6, but the tail trumped the performers, finishing at 228-9 with a 333-run lead. Earlier, Nitish Kumar Reddy made his debut in the ton club by scoring 114, as India posted a total of 369 in reply to 474 runs by Australia. The five-match rubber is thus leveled at 1-1, with the last Test commencing on January 3 in Sydney.
3. Azerbaijan Demands Russia Admit Guilt After Plane Crash
Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan, demands that Russia be held accountable for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane that killed 38 passengers onboard. Initial inquiries have revealed that while flying above Chechnya, the plane was damaged by a Russian surface-to-air missile. The president demands amends and punishes those responsible and compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in this demonic act. President Putin has already apologized, but this was considered during the active military operations in the region.
4. Dawood Global Foundation Launches Fund for Breast Cancer Patients
For the establishment of an endowment fund of 5 million Rupees, Dawood Global Foundation: The fund is aimed at helping and supporting breast cancer patients belonging to less privileged sections of society. Such people would receive aid in managing heavy expenses on costly treatments, as well as media advocacy programs on awareness. Survivors and experts from breast cancer underscored the value of early diagnosis and self-examination. The fund has been launched in the fifth Breast Cancer POWWOW event, supported by Sima Kamil, former Deputy Governor.
MENA
Elections, Tragedies, Environmental Insights, and Diplomatic Efforts: Global Headlines
1. Chad Holds First Parliamentary Elections in Over a Decade
Chad held its longstanding parliamentary regional and municipal elections, having delayed from years of authoritarian rule with the family of Deby. Repressions and unfair conditions were cited by opposition parties while restraining rights organizations blamed the poor spread of inclusion. The ruling Patriot Salvation Movement (MPS) is to enjoy the majority, hence further consolidating its dominance. Journalists protested against government restrictions on the media during the elections and called for press freedom.
2. Israeli Strike on Gaza Hospital Kills 7, Baby Freezes to Death
Israeli military strikes at the upper al-waffaa Hospital in Gaza City killed at least seven people and critically injured others. A baby also died in central Gaza due to this strike making it five newborn deaths from hypothermia due to the continuing crisis.
3. Whales Helping Uncover Climate Change Secrets
The southern right whales from South Africa, which once came nearly extinct, are now on their way to have new threats from climate change. Researchers who attach both satellite and CTD tags used in learning about their behaviors reveal possible shifts in feeding with a drop in body weights due to changing sea conditions. Thus, it can be realized that these whales “sentinels” are quite important evidence of the changes in environment due to anthropogenic actions in the Anthropocene era. Present-day technology, such as AI, benefits better whale monitoring and climate research.
4. Italy Negotiates for Release of Journalist Cecilia Sala from Iran
Italy’s Foreign Minister confirmed that journalist Cecilia Sala is in good health following her detention in Tehran on December 19. Negotiations to secure her release continue while the Iranian Foreign Ministry is providing her basic necessities. Sala, who is a contributor to various Italian media outlets, had obtained a valid journalistic visa to report in Iran. All this occurs within the context where Iran has a long track record of detaining citizens for purposes of bargaining in international negotiations.
 EUROPE
Global Political Changes, Legal Moves, Disputes, and Elections Make Headlines
1. Political Crisis in Georgia: New President Sworn In Amid Controversy
With protests flaring up, Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn to office as president of Georgia, while the outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili would not concede the legitimacy of his presidency. The parliamentary elections were declared fraudulent by Zourabichvili, insisting on holding another round of elections. The ruling Georgian Dream party had given support to Kavelashvili, who was accused by the opposition of setting the country in a direction along with Moscow instead of pursuing its aspiration of becoming a member of the EU.
2. Belarus Pardons 20 Political Prisoners Ahead of Elections
Ahead of presidential elections in January 2025, the Belarusian president has pardoned about 20 political prisoners. Out of the received 20 political prisoners, 11 are female prisoners. Human rights organizations have condemned the pardons and termed the move a politically motivated act under the prevailing conditions of repression. Although released, more than 1250 political prisoners have remained in prisons, including many prominent opposition figures. It is expected that the seventh consecutive term is to be secured by Lukashenko.
3. Magnus Carlsen Quits Chess Tournament Over Dress Code Dispute
Magnus Carlsen, the world chess grandmaster from Norway, withdrew from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York after he refused to change ordinary jeans he was wearing, which was a violation of the prescribed dress code at the event. The International Chess Federation fined him 192 euros, but Carlsen was unyielding about changing his outfit, resorting to principle over practicality. Fellow player Ian Nepomniachtchi was similarly fined for failing to follow the dress code, but would eventually comply with the requirement.
4. Croatia’s Presidential Election: Milanovic Seeks Re-election
Croatia’s President Zoran Milanovic, the anti-Western military president, faces seven opponents in the presidential race. Pre-election polls say he will go all the way to a second-round runoff with Dragan Primorac, amid political tensions with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Milanovic has chastised NATO and the EU for their support of Ukraine, and Primorac also supports Croatia’s continuing entry into the West.
