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Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea Claims Over 170 Lives; Investigation Underway

Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea Claims Over 170 Lives; Investigation Underway

Jeju Air flight crashes at Muan International Airport, raising questions about the role of bird strikes and weather conditions.

More than 170 people have died after a tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning. The plane, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, crashed while attempting to land, leading to a catastrophic explosion.

The flight, 7C2216, was returning from Bangkok, Thailand, and was carrying 181 people, including 175 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft collided with a barrier after it overshot the runway, bursting into flames. While 179 people were confirmed dead, two crew members were rescued from the wreckage.

Authorities have suggested that a bird strike and adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the crash, although investigations are ongoing. The flight data and voice recorders have been recovered, but officials noted that the data may take up to a month to decode.

The crash occurred just minutes after the pilot reported a bird strike, declaring a “mayday” and attempting a go-around. However, the plane lost control, skidded off the runway, and collided with a wall. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by a series of explosions, as videos from the scene showed thick smoke and flames engulfing the wreckage.

While a bird strike is suspected, experts have expressed doubts about whether it alone could have caused the crash, as such incidents rarely lead to catastrophic outcomes. Geoffrey Thomas, an aviation safety expert, questioned the likelihood of a bird strike being the sole cause, suggesting that the combination of factors, including possible landing gear issues, might be at play.

The flight’s passengers included both Thai nationals and South Koreans, many of whom were returning from a holiday in Thailand. Tragically, the crash marks the deadliest aviation accident in South Korea’s history, with 179 fatalities confirmed, including five children under the age of 10.

In response to the disaster, authorities have launched a full-scale investigation and declared Muan a special disaster zone, allowing for central government support. Jeju Air, which has never had a fatal accident before, expressed its condolences and committed to fully cooperating with the investigation.

The South Korean government has ordered an emergency inspection of all domestic airlines, and a national period of mourning has been declared. With the nation in shock, New Year celebrations have been significantly scaled down in the wake of the tragedy.

2024 Marks the End of a ‘Decade of Extreme Heat’ as UN Urges Action to Combat Climate Change

2024 Marks the End of a ‘Decade of Extreme Heat’ as UN Urges Action to Combat Climate Change

António Guterres calls for immediate action to reduce emissions and support a sustainable future in his New Year message.

The world has just concluded a “decade of extreme heat”, with 2024 marking the final year of this record-breaking period, according to the United Nations. In his annual New Year’s address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted that the 10 hottest years on record have all occurred in the past decade, including 2024.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is set to release the official temperature data for the year in January, with early indications suggesting that 2024 will be the warmest year on record. This marks the culmination of a decade of exceptional heat, largely driven by human activity, and contributing to increasingly severe weather events. Greenhouse gas levels continue to rise, further exacerbating the situation by trapping more heat in the atmosphere.

Guterres warned that the world is facing a climate emergency. “We have just lived through a decade of deadly heat. The 10 hottest years have been in the last 10 years, including this one. This is climate collapse in real-time,” he said. He emphasised the urgency of taking action, stating that by 2025, nations must significantly reduce emissions and embrace renewable energy to steer the planet towards a safer future. “It is essential, and it is possible,” he concluded.

Celeste Saulo, the WMO’s Secretary-General, added that even a small rise in temperature can result in severe climate events, stressing that temperature alone does not fully capture the scope of the crisis. “This year, we witnessed record-breaking rainfall, floods, and devastating loss of life across the globe,” Saulo explained. “Tropical cyclones caused significant human and economic damage, and heatwaves affected numerous countries, with temperatures exceeding 50°C on multiple occasions.”

The WMO also pointed to a new report showing that climate change played a role in intensifying 26 out of 29 extreme weather events studied by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network in 2024, resulting in over 3,700 fatalities and displacing millions of people. The report also noted that climate change added 41 extra days of dangerous heat throughout the year.

As global temperatures continue to rise and extreme heat worsens, the WMO stressed the importance of international collaboration to address the escalating risks posed by heatwaves and other climate-related disasters.

Spending Review Looms as Government Faces Economic Stagnation and Rising Pressures

Spending Review Looms as Government Faces Economic Stagnation and Rising Pressures

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a tough road ahead with a spending review expected in June, as economic growth remains stagnant and public finances strain

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is bracing for a significant challenge as she prepares for the government’s upcoming spending review, set for June 2025. With the UK economy showing little to no growth, the review will be a crucial moment for the government to manage public finances and allocate resources efficiently.

The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that the UK economy contracted by 0.1% in October, following a similar decline in September. This marks the first instance of two consecutive months of economic contraction since the early months of the pandemic. The outlook for the final quarter of 2024 is equally grim, with the Bank of England forecasting zero growth for the period between October and December.

In response, Reeves has ordered a detailed line-by-line review of government spending. Departments are being tasked with identifying efficiency savings of 5% of their budgets. The Office for Budget Responsibility has projected modest growth of 2% for 2025, although independent forecasts suggest a lower figure of just 1.3%, which could affect government revenue and public spending.

Carl Emmerson, deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, has highlighted the difficult road ahead for the government. He praised Reeves’ focus on long-term investment, but warned that any failure to stimulate growth in the short term would lead to increasing pressure on tax policies and public finances. The lack of flexibility in the government’s fiscal targets could force tough decisions, especially in a time of economic uncertainty.

The upcoming spending review will need to strike a delicate balance, with many areas of public spending requiring attention. While Reeves has allocated substantial funds for areas like the NHS, climate change, and justice, critics argue that these areas do not directly address the immediate need for economic growth.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated the importance of ensuring that people feel the tangible benefits of growth, rather than just focusing on GDP figures. However, a report from the Resolution Foundation think tank suggests that the government’s strategy may not significantly improve living standards for many households, especially given the rising costs in housing and council tax, and the real-terms cuts to social security payments.

Mike Brewer, interim chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, noted that while non-pensioner households in the bottom half of the income distribution could see slight improvements in their real living standards, the wealthiest households would likely experience a decline. Additionally, the rising costs of living, including inflation which reached 2.6% last month, further exacerbate the challenges facing low- and middle-income families.

Despite the grim outlook, Reeves remains resolute, stating that the government’s plan for change, supported by increased investment and reforms, would ultimately lead to sustainable growth and improvements in public services, helping to address the long-standing neglect of the economy and public finances.

China to Construct the Largest Hydropower Dam in Tibet, Raising Environmental and Human Rights Concerns

China to Construct the Largest Hydropower Dam in Tibet, Raising Environmental and Human Rights Concerns

The massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river could have profound impacts on communities and ecosystems, with potential geopolitical implications for India and Bangladesh.

China has approved the construction of what will be the world’s largest hydropower dam, a project that has raised alarms over its social and environmental consequences. Situated along the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet, this ambitious infrastructure could generate three times the energy output of the Three Gorges Dam, currently the largest hydropower plant in the world.

State-run Chinese media have framed the dam as a project designed with ecological preservation in mind, claiming it will spur local economic growth and help achieve China’s climate neutrality goals. However, human rights organisations and experts have voiced strong objections, particularly regarding the displacement of local populations and the potential destruction of the delicate ecosystem in Tibet—home to some of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

This dam, which has been under discussion since 2020, is part of China’s broader strategy to exploit the hydropower potential of the Tibetan Plateau. Critics argue that it is another example of China’s exploitation of Tibetan lands and resources. Tibet, a region that has long been under Chinese control, has seen numerous development projects that activists claim suppress local rights and cultures. Protests against similar projects, such as the Gangtuo dam earlier this year, have been met with heavy repression, including arrests and physical abuse of protestors.

China maintains that the Yarlung Tsangpo dam will not have a significant environmental impact, but the scale of the project raises questions about its long-term effects. There is no clarity on the number of people who will be displaced, but experts note that the Three Gorges Dam required the relocation of over 1.4 million people. The construction involves drilling tunnels through the Namcha Barwa mountain, one of the most seismic-prone regions in the world, which could increase the risk of landslides and geological instability.

Another concern is the potential for China to control the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which crosses into India and Bangladesh. Both countries rely on this water source for agriculture and hydropower, and experts warn that Chinese control over the river could have serious economic and diplomatic consequences. A report by the Lowy Institute in 2020 highlighted the geopolitical risks, particularly for India, which has already expressed intentions to build a counter-dam to mitigate the impact of China’s hydropower projects.

In response to Indian concerns, China’s foreign ministry has defended its right to develop the river’s resources, insisting that it has taken downstream effects into account. Despite these reassurances, the dam’s potential to affect the water supply for millions in India and Bangladesh cannot be overlooked.

The cost of the project is estimated to reach up to one trillion yuan ($127 billion; £109.3 billion), and its completion would mark the latest in a series of large-scale hydropower projects China has undertaken in the region. However, its location in a tectonically active area presents significant engineering challenges, with the risk of earthquakes and landslides adding another layer of complexity to the dam’s construction.

As the world watches closely, this project represents not only a massive engineering feat but also a flashpoint for environmental and human rights debates in the region.

Discovering the Hidden Prehistoric Landscape Beneath the North Sea

Discovering the Hidden Prehistoric Landscape Beneath the North Sea

Stone Age artefacts uncovered by archaeologists shed light on a lost world submerged by rising seas.

Archaeologists have recently made groundbreaking discoveries beneath the North Sea, revealing traces of a long-lost prehistoric landscape. Using specialised dredging equipment, they have recovered over 100 flint artefacts, which date back between 15,000 and 8,000 years. These artefacts, including small cutting tools and flint flakes from tool production, were found in three locations off the southern coast of what was once a vast, now-submerged landmass.

The artefacts were located around 20 metres underwater, near the sites of ancient estuaries that existed before the area was overtaken by the sea. These sites, positioned 12 to 15 miles off the Norfolk coast, are expected to yield hundreds more artefacts, providing new insights into the lives of the people who inhabited this lost land. It is believed that the economy of these prehistoric inhabitants was centred on hunting wild boar and red deer, as well as gathering shellfish.

The discovery of these ancient sites is significant, as much of Britain’s early human history has been destroyed by later human activity. Over time, settlements, roads, and agriculture have obliterated much of the prehistoric landscape. In contrast, the North Sea has remained largely undisturbed since it submerged the land between 10,000 and 7,500 years ago. As a result, parts of the Stone Age landscape have remained well-preserved beneath the water.

Professor Vince Gaffney, leader of the North Sea archaeological project and head of the Submerged Landscapes Centre at the University of Bradford, explained that the research offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of Stone Age culture in what is now Britain and surrounding regions. He pointed out that the underwater sites provide a rare glimpse into a time before the rise of agriculture and permanent settlements, when hunter-gatherers roamed the land.

However, the submerged land also tells a sobering story. Over a span of just 1,500 years, from around 8,000 BC to 6,500 BC, the land was gradually swallowed by rising sea levels, caused by a period of intense global warming. In 8,000 BC, roughly 80,000 square miles of land that is now part of the North Sea was dry. By 6,500 BC, only about 5,000 square miles remained. This catastrophic loss of land, at an average rate of 50 square miles per year, forced the Stone Age population to abandon their coastal hunting grounds, which were gradually submerged by the encroaching sea.

The discovery of these artefacts also carries a timely warning for modern society. The dramatic sea-level rise that took place thousands of years ago may provide a preview of what could happen to low-lying coastal regions around the world due to contemporary global warming. As sea levels continue to rise, communities around the globe may face similar threats to those experienced by the prehistoric inhabitants of the North Sea.

The ongoing archaeological investigation is a collaborative project between the University of Bradford and the Flemish Marine Institute of Belgium. It is being conducted in partnership with the North Sea’s wind farm initiatives and Historic England’s Marine Planning Department. The research not only helps us understand the past but also serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on coastal populations.

Professor Gaffney added, “As we explore the past, we are becoming increasingly aware of the potential consequences of future sea-level rise. Our work with the wind farm industry is part of the UK’s broader efforts to combat global warming and reach net zero emissions.”

Assad Supporters Kill 14 in Ambush, Challenging New Syrian Authorities

Assad Supporters Kill 14 in Ambush, Challenging New Syrian Authorities

The clash marks the first direct confrontation with forces loyal to Syria’s former president, following his ouster by rebel factions.

Supporters of the ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have killed 14 personnel from the newly established Interior Ministry forces in an ambush. The attack took place on Tuesday near the port city of Tartous, an area with strong ties to Assad’s Alawite Muslim sect. In addition to the fatalities, 10 more soldiers were injured in the fighting.

This skirmish represents the first direct challenge to the authority of Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader following Assad’s removal. Just over two weeks ago, Assad’s regime collapsed when rebel forces, led by al-Sharaa’s faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized control.

The Syrian government launched a security operation in Tartous on Thursday, aiming to “restore stability and civil peace,” according to the state news agency Sana. Reports indicate that earlier, the security forces had been ambushed while attempting to arrest a former officer linked to the infamous Saydnaya prison near Damascus.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group, reported that three “armed men” were also killed in the clashes, though their identities were not revealed. Reinforcements were later dispatched by the security forces.

In a separate incident, the authorities imposed a curfew in Homs, central Syria, following unrest triggered by a video allegedly showing an attack on an Alawite shrine. The Interior Ministry clarified that the footage was old, dating back to late November during a rebel assault on Aleppo, and that the violence was committed by unknown groups. The SOHR confirmed that one protestor was killed and five others injured during the unrest in Homs.

As Syria’s new leadership grapples with the task of maintaining security, it faces the challenge of addressing the rights of people from diverse backgrounds and delivering justice for victims of the Assad regime’s brutal rule. This includes dealing with the repercussions for the Alawite community, many of whom were complicit in the atrocities committed under Assad’s presidency.

Protests have also been reported in Alawite-majority cities, such as Tartous, Latakia, and Qardaha, Assad’s birthplace. The Alawite community is fearful of retaliation, with many members blamed for war crimes. There have been calls for a general amnesty, though such a move seems unlikely given the gravity of the accusations against them.

Despite efforts to strengthen security in these areas, al-Sharaa’s forces face a delicate balance between maintaining order and avoiding further destabilisation of the country. The legacy of torture and death in Syrian prisons remains a pressing issue, with countless families seeking justice for lost loved ones.

Syria’s former rebels, now in control, promise to protect the rights of the country’s diverse minorities, but they must first navigate the complex political and ethnic tensions left in the wake of the Assad regime. Meanwhile, protests continue, driven by public demands for accountability and the protection of all citizens, particularly the minorities.

In an additional blow to the fragile state of the nation, protests erupted on Tuesday over the burning of a Christmas tree, with renewed calls for the new authorities to safeguard minority groups in Syria.

Christmas Eve Travel Disruptions as American Airlines Grounds All US Flights

Christmas Eve Travel Disruptions as American Airlines Grounds All US Flights

Airline cites technical issues for nationwide halt, affecting passengers’ holiday plans

American Airlines has caused major disruptions to Christmas Eve travel plans after grounding all flights across the United States due to a technical fault. The airline confirmed the issue, stating that it had led to an hour-long stoppage affecting both domestic and international journeys.

The airline assured passengers on X (formerly Twitter) that the safety of travellers remained its top priority, adding that efforts were underway to resolve the problem as swiftly as possible. “We’re currently experiencing a technical issue with all American Airlines flights. Once rectified, we will ensure you reach your destination safely,” the airline stated in response to one passenger’s query.

Although no specific timeline was given, American Airlines promised to resolve the issue quickly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a nationwide ground stop order for American Airlines flights at the airline’s request, according to an advisory notice.

Passengers, many of whom were looking forward to spending the holidays with loved ones, took to social media to express their frustration with the delays. One passenger reported being asked to leave their plane at Pittsburgh International Airport. In response, the airline said, “We’re doing our best to get things back on track. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.”

UK Set to Experience One of Its Warmest Christmases in Years, Met Office Predicts

UK Set to Experience One of Its Warmest Christmases in Years, Met Office Predicts

Mild weather front brings unseasonably high temperatures for Christmas Eve, with some areas reaching up to 15°C

The UK is on track to enjoy one of its warmest Christmases in history, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures up to 6°C higher than usual for the season in some regions. A wave of unusually mild weather arrived just in time for Christmas Eve, and it is expected that automated weather stations across Britain will record temperatures between 13°C and 14°C, with some areas, like north-east Wales, potentially seeing 15°C.

Although Christmas Day itself is expected to be slightly cooler, the temperature will still be significantly higher than the usual 6-7°C for this time of year, bringing it closer to the warmest Christmas on record. That record was set in 1920 when a temperature of 15.6°C was recorded in Killerton, Devon.

Aidan McGivern, a meteorologist with the Met Office, commented on the warm Christmas Eve, calling it “remarkably mild,” and pointed out that such weather has become increasingly common during Christmas in the UK. While the warm front, which originates from the Atlantic, has brought a blanket of cloud over the country, breaks in the cloud will allow some sunshine to peek through. The weather pattern results from a pressure system where a low pressure area to the north generates anticlockwise winds, and a high pressure to the south creates clockwise winds.

With these unseasonably warm temperatures, the Met Office has ruled out the possibility of a white Christmas for the UK this year, marking the end of a four-year streak from 2020 to 2023 when some snow had fallen. For the Met Office to declare a white Christmas, at least one snowflake must be observed by an official observer or an automated weather station. No snow was recorded on Christmas Day in the UK in either 2018 or 2019.

The tradition of expecting a white Christmas dates back to a colder period between 1550 and 1850, when the UK and the northern hemisphere experienced a “Little Ice Age” that saw more frequent snowfalls. During some particularly cold Januaries, Londoners even held frost fairs on the River Thames, complete with football games, food stalls, and temporary pubs.

However, since the Industrial Revolution, global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions has increased average temperatures, further diminishing the chances of a white Christmas. Nowadays, most of the UK is at the beginning of the snow season, so snow is more likely in January and February. A typical December in the UK sees an average of three days of settled snow, with that number rising to 3.3 days in January and 3.4 days in February.

Rather than a white Christmas, the Met Office predicts a grey Christmas for the UK, with mild temperatures expected to continue until Friday. After that, conditions are forecast to become more unsettled, leading into the final weekend of the year.

Lord Mandelson Willing to Collaborate with Nigel Farage to Strengthen Ties with Trump

Lord Mandelson Willing to Collaborate with Nigel Farage to Strengthen Ties with Trump

Former Labour cabinet minister seeks Farage’s help as UK’s new ambassador to the US amid trade concerns.

Lord Mandelson has reportedly shown openness to working with Nigel Farage in his capacity as the UK’s new ambassador to the United States, with the aim of improving relations with President-elect Donald Trump. Farage, a long-time ally of Trump since his 2016 election campaign, has offered to serve as a liaison to the president-elect, if it benefits the UK’s interests.

The move comes in the wake of fears over a potential trade war following Trump’s comments about imposing tariffs of up to 20 per cent on all foreign goods, including a 60 per cent tariff on Chinese imports. Lord Mandelson is said to be considering engaging with Farage to help prevent such tariffs targeting Britain.

Despite concerns from senior figures within the Labour Party about working with someone like Farage, who leads the Reform UK party, sources close to Mandelson argue that engaging with key figures is essential for managing UK-US relations effectively. A Labour ally of Mandelson explained that the goal is to conduct diplomacy in the best interests of the UK, even if it means working with figures deemed controversial.

Lord Mandelson had previously urged the UK government to “swallow its pride” and not disregard Farage, stressing the importance of building good relations with Trump.

Farage’s offer to assist Mandelson is particularly noteworthy, as he has been one of Trump’s closest supporters. His proposal comes at a time when Mandelson’s previous critical remarks about Trump—whom he once called a “white nationalist and racist”—could complicate efforts to build strong ties with the incoming president.

Trump’s senior adviser, Chris LaCivita, mocked Mandelson’s appointment, calling him an “absolute moron.” Meanwhile, the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to Washington was confirmed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who described it as a “great honour.”

On the US side, President Trump has appointed Warren Stephens as the new US ambassador to the UK and Mark Burnett, the British TV producer behind The Apprentice, as his special envoy to the UK. Burnett played a significant role in boosting Trump’s profile in the US but distanced himself from the president in 2016, denouncing the divisive nature of Trump’s campaign.

Lord Mandelson has yet to comment on the situation.

Blake Lively Receives Support from Fellow Hollywood Stars Amid Legal Battle

Blake Lively Receives Support from Fellow Hollywood Stars Amid Legal Battle

Co-stars Ferrera, Tamblyn, and Bledel stand by Lively after allegations against “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni.

Blake Lively has gained public backing from her Hollywood peers, including America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, after filing a legal complaint against her “It Ends With Us” co-star, Justin Baldoni. The complaint, lodged over the weekend, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and a concerted effort to ruin her reputation.

Baldoni’s legal representatives have denied the allegations, labelling them “categorically false.” However, Ferrera, Tamblyn, and Bledel, who starred alongside Lively in the 2005 film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, voiced their support through a joint Instagram post, declaring their solidarity with Lively.

In her statement, Lively’s lawyers detailed the legal complaint, revealing that it follows a meeting earlier this year where concerns about “repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behaviour” were raised against Baldoni, who also served as a producer on the film. The meeting involved Lively, Baldoni, other members of the production team, and Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, aiming to address the hostile working environment on set.

Lively’s close friends and co-stars expressed their anger over the alleged retaliation she faced, pointing out that the abuse of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence her was especially appalling. They also condemned the hypocrisy in the treatment of a strong and successful woman like Lively, emphasizing her courage in fighting back for a safer workplace.

Meanwhile, Colleen Hoover, author of It Ends With Us, also extended her support, praising Lively’s character and resilience. Hoover shared her thoughts on Instagram, linking to a New York Times article about Hollywood’s smear tactics and reposting Ferrera, Tamblyn, and Bledel’s statement, which she found inspiring.

The legal filing further details Lively’s requests for changes on set, which included addressing previous inappropriate behaviour from Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath. Among the demands were requests for no mention of Baldoni’s alleged pornography addiction and a halt to sexually explicit content being added to the film without Lively’s consent.

Lively’s legal team also accuses Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios of a deliberate, retaliatory effort to destroy her reputation. Baldoni’s lawyer, however, responded by accusing Lively of making threats and causing disruptions on set, ultimately attempting to sabotage the film’s success.

Lively herself has expressed hope that her legal action will expose such retaliatory tactics, encouraging others to speak out against misconduct without fear of being silenced.