Jetliner Skids Off Runway, Kills 179 in South Korea

Reuters,

A tragic crash occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024, when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 plane skidded off the runway and slammed into a concrete fence, bursting into flames. The plane, arriving from Bangkok, was attempting to land when its landing gear failed to deploy. The crash claimed the lives of 179 people, with two survivors pulled from the wreckage, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed, and the incident is currently under investigation. Authorities are examining whether bird strikes contributed to the crash, and flight data recorders have been retrieved for further analysis.

Elon Musk Backs AfD Party in Controversial Opinion Piece

Reuters,

Elon Musk sparked controversy on December 28, 2024, by publishing a guest opinion piece in Germany’s Welt am Sonntag, endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In the piece, Musk dismissed the AfD’s portrayal as a right-wing extremist group, pointing out that its leader, Alice Weidel, has a same-sex partner. The piece has caused uproar, with some criticizing Musk for his support of a party that has been classified as extremist by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency. The controversy led to the resignation of the newspaper’s opinion section editor. The AfD is gaining momentum in polls as Germany heads towards elections, with Musk citing the party’s stance on issues like leaving the European Union and aligning more with Russia.

Donald Trump Accuses Democrats of Paying Celebrities to Endorse Kamala Harris

Hindustan Times,

Donald Trump raised allegations on December 29, 2024, accusing the Democratic Party of paying millions to celebrities like Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Al Sharpton to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for her presidential campaign. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, claimed that such endorsements violated the law. He also criticized the financial arrangements, claiming that Oprah did not do much for Harris while Sharpton’s National Action Network received $500,000 in donations. The allegations have added fuel to the political fire as the Democratic campaign continues its efforts to rally support for Harris.

Bitcoin Rally Driven by Trump Loses Steam as Year Ends

Bloomberg,

Bitcoin’s rally, which was sparked by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory in November 2024, has started to lose momentum as the year comes to a close. As of December 30, 2024, the digital asset is valued at approximately $93,085, about $15,000 below its mid-December record high. Smaller cryptocurrencies, including Ether and Dogecoin, have also struggled to maintain momentum. The slowdown in Bitcoin’s rally is attributed to a lack of concrete policies from Trump regarding cryptocurrency and market conditions as 2024 draws to a close. Investors are looking to the incoming administration for clearer signals on the regulatory future of digital assets.

U.S. and China Locked in Battle for Global Influence

Nikkei Asia,

The United States and China continue their fierce competition for global influence, with recent developments underscoring the growing geopolitical rivalry. On December 29, 2024, reports highlighted the ongoing power struggle, particularly in Africa and Asia, where both nations are vying for economic, military, and diplomatic supremacy. The U.S. has pushed for closer alliances with democratic nations, while China has sought to expand its reach through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. The tension between the two superpowers is expected to shape global politics for years to come, as both sides take bold steps to secure their strategic interests.

China’s Xi Jinping Calls for More Cooperation with Central Asia

Nikkei Asia,

On December 20, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged for stronger ties with Central Asian nations, stressing the need for greater cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, and security. Xi’s comments came during a key summit with leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other Central Asian countries. He called for increased economic collaboration and a united stance against terrorism and extremism. This initiative aligns with China’s broader strategic goals of consolidating its influence in Central Asia and ensuring its long-term energy and trade interests in the region. The Chinese government is expected to continue expanding its partnerships in the area, with projects already in progress across several countries.

Israel Detains Hospital Director in Northern Gaza Raid

CNN,

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was arrested during an Israeli military raid on December 27, 2024, which led to the closure of the region’s last functioning health facility. The Israeli military accused Dr. Abu Safiya of being a Hamas operative and claimed the hospital was used as a “command center” by the group, although no evidence was presented to substantiate these claims. The arrest followed a series of attacks on the hospital by Israeli forces, which have targeted the facility at least six times since October. Dr. Abu Safiya’s family has expressed concern for his safety, as reports indicate he is being held at the controversial Sde Teiman military base in Israel’s Negev Desert, known for its harsh conditions.