AMERICA
Trump’s 100-Day Agenda, FBI Nomination, December OTT Releases, and US Holiday Shopping Surge
1. Trump and Republicans Plan 100-Day Agenda
Tax cuts are the first goal in the ambitious 100-day plan that Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are putting together. The agenda seeks to address national policy, crime, and economic improvements. Current events include those concerning Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Joe Biden. The Hindustan Times staff unedited this live blog, which was created by AI.
2. Trump Nominates Kash Patel as FBI Director
The appointment of loyalist Kash Patel as the new FBI director by President-elect Donald Trump suggests that he intends to succeed current director Christopher Wray. Trump’s goal to change the agency’s leadership is reflected in this action. In the upcoming weeks, Patel’s nomination is anticipated to come under close scrutiny.
3. Upcoming OTT Releases in December 2024
HBO Max offers the spooky action series Creature Commandos, while Disney+ premieres Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which explores a dangerous galaxy. Beautiful woodlands throughout the world are featured in National Geographic’s Inside the Enchanted Forests. Viewers may expect a variety of entertainment from these interesting offerings.
4. Holiday Shopping Surge in the US
The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that in November and December of 2024, Americans would spend almost $1 trillion on holiday shopping. An estimated 2.5% to 3.5% increase in spending is anticipated, bringing the total to between $979.5 billion and $989 billion. A large amount of this development is anticipated to be driven by online shopping.
ASIA
US Arms Sale to Taiwan, North Korea-Russia Support, and Qatar’s Motorsport Visionary
1. US Approves $385M Arms Sale to Taiwan
With delivery beginning in 2025, the US has authorised a $385 million arms deal to Taiwan that includes replacement parts for fighter jets and radar equipment. China is enraged by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te’s journey to Pacific allies, which includes stops in Hawaii and Guam. China opposes US arms shipments and asserts its territorial claims over Taiwan. The agreement attempts to keep Taiwan’s F-16 fleet operationally ready in the face of escalating hostilities.
2. North Korea Supports Russia’s War Effort
During discussions with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged his full support for Russia’s operations in Ukraine, citing self-defence against U.S. aggression. Pyongyang sent troops to support Russia’s war efforts and promised to maintain military ties with Moscow. Growing geopolitical tension in the area is reflected in this strengthened relationship.
3. Amro Al-Hamad: Qatar’s Motorsport Visionary
The CEO of Lusail International Circuit and endurance racer Amro Al-Hamad was instrumental in establishing Qatar as a major player in the world of motorsport. He assisted in securing Qatar’s spot on the Formula 1 calendar in his capacity as President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation. Al-Hamad is committed to developing the nation’s young and female racing talent through a number of development initiatives.
MENA
Israeli Strikes in Gaza and Lebanon, Ceasefire Analysis, and Gaza’s Hunger Crisis
1. Israeli Strike Kills WCK Workers in Gaza
The US-based nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK) halted operations after three of its employees and two others were murdered in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. It targeted a “terrorist,” according to the Israeli military, but WCK denied any involvement. In more than 13 months of conflict, more than 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, and there have been serious interruptions to supplies. Tens of thousands were injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and there is a severe lack of humanitarian aid.
2. Israeli Strikes in Southern Lebanon Kill Two, Injured Six
Israeli air and drone attacks in southern Lebanon killed two persons and injured six others in spite of a ceasefire. A kid was hurt in one of the attacks, which targeted communities including Rab el-Thalathine and Majdal Zoun. Israel said it targeted military hardware and infrastructure used by Hezbollah.
3. Analysis: Can the Hezbollah-Israel Ceasefire Hold?
Despite charges of violations by both parties, the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which was mediated by the United States and France, remains in place. The deal, which demands Hezbollah’s removal north of the Litani River and Israel’s pullout from southern Lebanon, is in conflict with Israel’s attacks within Lebanon. UN forces and the Lebanese military are expected to keep an eye on the region. As infractions appear on both sides, tensions are still high.
4. Gaza Faces Severe Hunger Crisis Amid Conflict
Israeli soldiers have damaged food sources in Gaza, causing starvation to ravage the region for more than a year. Once able to produce its own food, the area now depends only on help, which is frequently stolen or prevented from getting to those in need. In October, the situation deteriorated further, with widespread famine affecting Gaza as a whole. The world has not yet taken substantial action to address the situation, despite previous multilateral responses.
EUROPE
Russia-Ukraine War, Kosovo Arrests, Georgian Unrest, and Poland’s Border Strengthening
1. Key Events on Day 1,010 of the Russia-Ukraine War
As Russia intensified its attacks, Ukraine fortified eastern frontlines, focussing on energy infrastructure and causing more than a million people to lose power. A new ground forces commander was selected by President Zelenskyy, and Ukraine lost a sizable portion of its territory in the Kursk area of Russia. NATO talks on Ukraine’s membership and military talks between Russia and North Korea increased diplomatic tensions. As regional threats increased, Germany and Poland strengthened NATO security.
2. Kosovo Arrests Eight Over Canal Explosion
After a blast destroyed a canal that supplied water to the nation’s two main power facilities, eight persons were taken into custody by Kosovo police. Accusing Serbia of complicity in the incident, Kosovo called it a “terrorist act.” The accusations were rejected by Serbia, which described them as “baseless.” 15–20 kg of explosives were used in the explosion, which happened close to Zubin Potok.
3. Georgian President Calls Government Illegitimate Amid Unrest
Citing contested elections and purported Russian meddling, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has denounced the Georgian Dream party’s cabinet as illegitimate. In order to regain legitimacy, she highlights the expanding public demonstrations and demands fresh elections. Additionally, Zourabichvili wants the European Union to strongly assist Georgia’s constitutional reform and pro-Western future.
4. Poland Strengthens Border with Russia
Donald Tusk, the prime minister of Poland, toured the “East Shield” project’s upgraded military defences along the Kaliningrad region’s border with Russia. This 800-kilometer strategic defence project, which has cost more than 2.35 billion euros, is intended to thwart Russian assault. Tusk underlined the significance of protecting Belarus and Ukraine as well as the eastern EU and NATO borders. Additionally, the project will include anti-drone defences, reconnaissance devices, and anti-tank barriers.
