1. Donald Trump Nominates Jared Isaacman as NASA Chief
In a significant political move, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Isaacman is recognized for his contributions to commercial spaceflight and his connections with prominent figures in the aerospace industry, including Elon Musk. His appointment is expected to influence NASA’s direction towards innovation and exploration, aligning with Trump’s vision for the agency.
2. Shark Bite Incident in Maldives
A snorkeler named Lilian Tagliari was bitten by a shark while swimming in the Maldives. The incident sparked a mix of reactions on social media, ranging from humor about the dangers of marine life to serious discussions regarding safety measures for swimmers and snorkelers in shark-populated waters.
3. Political Turmoil in South Korea
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced intense backlash after declaring martial law due to perceived threats from North Korea. The martial law lasted only six hours before being lifted amid widespread protests and calls for impeachment from opposition parties. This rapid escalation highlights the political instability currently affecting South Korea.
4. US H-1B Visa Cap Reached for FY2025
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has reached its cap for H-1B visas for fiscal year 2025, which includes 65,000 regular visas and an additional 20,000 for applicants with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. Non-selected candidates will be notified soon, but petitions exempt from this cap will continue to be accepted.
5. Hunter Biden’s Pardon Timing Raises Questions
The timing of Hunter Biden’s pardon has raised eyebrows among political analysts as it coincides with ongoing legal challenges facing him and his family. While some view it as politically advantageous for the Bidens amidst looming court proceedings, others see potential drawbacks for the Democratic Party.
6. Norway Oil Fund Divests from Israeli Company Bezeq
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund has decided to divest from Israel’s Bezeq due to its involvement in services related to West Bank settlements, reflecting growing concerns over ethical investment practices related to geopolitical issues.
7. India Votes at UN on Palestinian Territories
India supported a United Nations resolution calling for Israel’s withdrawal from Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, reinforcing its commitment to a two-state solution amidst ongoing global debates regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
These events reflect significant developments across various sectors including politics, international relations, environmental concerns, and immigration policy that are shaping today’s global landscape.
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