1. Gaza Conflict Escalation
Israel intensified its military operations in southern Gaza, surrounding Khan Younis. Hamas, having lost control in the north, fortified its southern stronghold. Israeli airstrikes increased in the Palestinian area, following the breakdown of a ceasefire that lasted a week. America and Israel accused Hamas of violating the truce by not releasing hostages, launching rocket attacks, and conducting a fatal assault in Jerusalem. The ongoing conflict in shelter areas raised concerns about civilian safety, with reports of dwindling hospital resources.
2. US Sanctions on Israeli Extremists
The United States imposed visa restrictions on radical Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians in the West Bank. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Israeli government to hold these violent settlers accountable.
3. Putin's Middle East Diplomacy
Vladimir Putin made diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, discussing oil partnerships (with Russia being a major OPEC+ player) and business ventures (the UAE being a key Russian business center). Putin was also slated for a meeting with Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow, as Iran provides drones to Russia for the Ukraine conflict.
4. Niger Ends EU Military Partnership
Niger's military junta terminated its military alliance with the European Union, previously aiding in anti-jihadist efforts. The defense ministry expressed a preference for closer military ties with Russia.
5. East Africa Flood Catastrophe
Fatalities in Tanzania due to flooding have risen, with the region experiencing severe rains attributed to the El Niño climate phenomenon. The disaster has claimed about 300 lives across East Africa, including in Kenya.
6. Tragic Bombing Error in Nigeria
At least 85 civilians were killed in northern Kaduna, Nigeria, when the air force mistakenly bombed a religious event. The Nigerian government is actively combating jihadists and violent bandits in the region.
7. Venezuela's Controversial Referendum
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro conducted a referendum to consider annexing a large portion of neighboring Guyana, rich in oil reserves. The referendum, lacking an official opposition campaign, reported over 10 million votes amidst low polling station turnout. Brazil reacted by deploying troops and armored vehicles to its border with Venezuela.
8. El Salvador's Presidential Shuffle
Nayib Bukele withdrew from El Salvador's presidency to prepare for the February elections. Despite constitutional limits, a Supreme Court ruling—appointed by Bukele—allowed him to run again if he vacates the office six months before the next inauguration. His secretary temporarily assumes presidential duties.
9. Argentina's Presidential Transition
Libertarian economist Javier Milei, set to become Argentina's President on December 10th, announced key cabinet appointments. The selection of Luis Caputo as economy minister and Santiago Bausili as central bank chief indicates a pause in Milei's dollarization agenda.
10. Shrinking Republican Majority in US House
The Republican majority in the US House of Representatives narrowed following the expulsion of George Santos amid unlawful conduct charges. Kevin McCarthy, previously removed as speaker, announced his impending departure from his secure Californian seat.
11. US Senate Stalemate Over Ukraine Aid
American Senate Republicans blocked a bill for additional military support to Ukraine, linking it to tougher immigration measures opposed by Democrats. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky canceled a scheduled video address to Congress amid these disputes.
12. EU's Counter-Terrorism Concerns
The European Union’s fight against recession was marked by heightened concerns over potential terrorist attacks during the Christmas season. Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and EU Commissioner Johansson highlighted the risk, citing the conflict in Gaza and previous criminal activities of Ivana Trump as contributing factors.
13. US-Sweden Defense Agreement
The United States formalized a defense cooperation agreement with Sweden, commending its strong defense capabilities and adherence to NATO's values. Hungary and Turkey have yet to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership.
14. Russia's LGBT Movement Ban
The Russian Supreme Court declared the "international LGBT public movement" extremist, jeopardizing the few remaining active gay organizations in the country.
15. German Budget Crisis
Germany's coalition government faced a budget shortfall of €60 billion ($65 billion) following the Constitutional Court's rejection of their spending plan for increasing federal debt. Time is running short to present a revised budget.
2. US Sanctions on Israeli Extremists
The United States imposed visa restrictions on radical Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians in the West Bank. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Israeli government to hold these violent settlers accountable.
3. Putin's Middle East Diplomacy
Vladimir Putin made diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, discussing oil partnerships (with Russia being a major OPEC+ player) and business ventures (the UAE being a key Russian business center). Putin was also slated for a meeting with Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow, as Iran provides drones to Russia for the Ukraine conflict.
4. Niger Ends EU Military Partnership
Niger's military junta terminated its military alliance with the European Union, previously aiding in anti-jihadist efforts. The defense ministry expressed a preference for closer military ties with Russia.
5. East Africa Flood Catastrophe
Fatalities in Tanzania due to flooding have risen, with the region experiencing severe rains attributed to the El Niño climate phenomenon. The disaster has claimed about 300 lives across East Africa, including in Kenya.
6. Tragic Bombing Error in Nigeria
At least 85 civilians were killed in northern Kaduna, Nigeria, when the air force mistakenly bombed a religious event. The Nigerian government is actively combating jihadists and violent bandits in the region.
7. Venezuela's Controversial Referendum
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro conducted a referendum to consider annexing a large portion of neighboring Guyana, rich in oil reserves. The referendum, lacking an official opposition campaign, reported over 10 million votes amidst low polling station turnout. Brazil reacted by deploying troops and armored vehicles to its border with Venezuela.
8. El Salvador's Presidential Shuffle
Nayib Bukele withdrew from El Salvador's presidency to prepare for the February elections. Despite constitutional limits, a Supreme Court ruling—appointed by Bukele—allowed him to run again if he vacates the office six months before the next inauguration. His secretary temporarily assumes presidential duties.
9. Argentina's Presidential Transition
Libertarian economist Javier Milei, set to become Argentina's President on December 10th, announced key cabinet appointments. The selection of Luis Caputo as economy minister and Santiago Bausili as central bank chief indicates a pause in Milei's dollarization agenda.
10. Shrinking Republican Majority in US House
The Republican majority in the US House of Representatives narrowed following the expulsion of George Santos amid unlawful conduct charges. Kevin McCarthy, previously removed as speaker, announced his impending departure from his secure Californian seat.
11. US Senate Stalemate Over Ukraine Aid
American Senate Republicans blocked a bill for additional military support to Ukraine, linking it to tougher immigration measures opposed by Democrats. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky canceled a scheduled video address to Congress amid these disputes.
12. EU's Counter-Terrorism Concerns
The European Union’s fight against recession was marked by heightened concerns over potential terrorist attacks during the Christmas season. Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and EU Commissioner Johansson highlighted the risk, citing the conflict in Gaza and previous criminal activities of Ivana Trump as contributing factors.
13. US-Sweden Defense Agreement
The United States formalized a defense cooperation agreement with Sweden, commending its strong defense capabilities and adherence to NATO's values. Hungary and Turkey have yet to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership.
14. Russia's LGBT Movement Ban
The Russian Supreme Court declared the "international LGBT public movement" extremist, jeopardizing the few remaining active gay organizations in the country.
15. German Budget Crisis
Germany's coalition government faced a budget shortfall of €60 billion ($65 billion) following the Constitutional Court's rejection of their spending plan for increasing federal debt. Time is running short to present a revised budget.
Philippine police suspect Islamic State supporters were behind a bombing at a Catholic mass in Marawi, resulting in four deaths. This follows a 2017 siege where an IS-affiliated group took control of Marawi for months.
17. Indonesian Volcano Tragedy
The eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Marapi led to at least 22 climbers' deaths, emitting a massive ash cloud over nearby areas.
18. Conservative Party's Rwanda Bill Crisis
The UK's ruling Conservative Party faces internal strife as the immigration minister resigned over a bill proposing Rwanda as a safe destination for illegal migrants. The minister argued the bill was insufficient in deterring migration, while the government maintained it addressed recent Supreme Court concerns. There's speculation the bill might lead to a government confidence vote.
19. ByteDance's Buyback Offer
ByteDance, the owner of TikTok and Douyin, reportedly proposed a stock buyback valuing the company between $260 billion and $268 billion, slightly below its valuation from a year ago. As the world's most valuable startup, ByteDance has considered listing on the Hong Kong stock market multiple times.
20. Montana's TikTok Ban Injunction
A federal judge halted Montana's statewide TikTok ban, questioning the focus on China's alleged influence and stating foreign policy isn’t a significant state interest. TikTok and free-speech advocates challenged the ban, which Montana sees as an interim issue in a broader legal battle.
21. China’s Nuclear Milestone
China commenced operations of the world's first "fourth-generation" nuclear reactor. This high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor in Shandong province represents a significant addition to China's nuclear portfolio, which has grown substantially over the past decade.
22. British American Tobacco’s Impairment Charge
British American Tobacco plans to write down £25 billion ($31.5 billion) from its cigarette assets over 30 years, pivoting towards smokeless products. Brands like Dunhill, Kent, and Lucky Strike are part of this strategic shift.
23. Procter & Gamble’s Gillette Write-Down
Procter & Gamble is taking a $1.3 billion impairment charge on Gillette, acquired nearly two decades ago. This follows an $8 billion write-down in 2019, as Gillette faces stiff competition from newer brands like Dollar Shave Club and Harry’s.
24. Disney's Board Battle with Peltz
Disney is defending its strategy against Nelson Peltz's Trian Partners, which launched a renewed proxy fight for a board seat. Disney argues that it is undergoing a significant transformation, countering Peltz's claim of a $70 billion shareholder value loss since February.
25. Bitcoin’s Surge and Gold’s High
Bitcoin’s price soared past $44,000, its highest in 20 months, amid investor expectations of interest rate cuts by central banks. Concurrently, gold reached a record high of $2,135 a troy ounce, benefiting from the anticipated rate cuts.
26. Bullish Stock Markets
Optimism over potential interest rate cuts led to a surge in stock markets, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones reaching yearly highs on December 1st. The NASDAQ also showed significant growth, despite recent fluctuations.
27. Australia's Economic Growth
Australia's economy grew 2.1% annually in the third quarter but showed only a 0.2% increase from the previous quarter, the slowest pace in a year. Inflation, interest rates, and tax changes have impacted household spending.
28. Spotify’s Job Cuts
Spotify announced its largest lay-off round this year, cutting 1,500 jobs. The company acknowledged overhiring during 2020 and 2021 and thanked departing employees for their contributions.
29. Warnings Against AI-Washing
The US Securities and Exchange Commission warned companies against falsely claiming AI usage in their products, a practice known as "AI-washing." Legal requirements mandate truthful disclosures about AI applications, with recent cases illustrating the consequences of deceptive claims.
30. Renewed Focus on Authentic AI Usage
After concerns about "greenwashing," companies are now cautioned against "AI-washing" – asserting AI integration in products or services without factual basis. Gary Gensler, head of the U.S. SEC, reminded businesses of their legal obligation for accurate AI usage disclosures, citing examples of misleading practices resulting in investor losses.