Monday☕️

30 Dec 2024 — 4 min read

Trending:

Yesterday, December 29, 2024, around 80,000 people gathered in Valencia, Spain, to demand the resignation of Carlos Mazón, President of the Valencian Community, over his handling of the floods caused by DANA two months ago. The disaster left 223 people dead and caused widespread property damage. Protesters criticized Mazón for his delayed response, lack of support for affected areas, and insufficient transparency during the crisis.

This was the third large protest against Mazón’s administration since the floods. Farmers led the march with tractors through the city, highlighting their role in recovery efforts. Demonstrators called for faster aid, better infrastructure to prevent future disasters, and improved government accountability. The protests reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the regional government’s management and a demand for stronger leadership in handling crises.

Economics & Markets:

Geopolitics & Conflicts:

Recent satellite data confirms that the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) aircraft carrier is operating in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East, parts of North Africa, and Central and South Asia. The Truman is deployed alongside its carrier strike group, including Carrier Air Wing 1, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, and two guided-missile destroyers.

This deployment ensures the security of vital waterways such as the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and the Suez Canal, which are critical for global trade and regional stability. Many U.S. naval assets in the region are participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian, focusing on protecting ships from Houthi threats near Yemen. These forces also address other regional challenges, ensuring freedom of navigation and deterring potential aggression.
CENTCOM is one of several U.S. combatant commands, which include Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for Asia-Pacific, European Command (EUCOM) for Europe, Africa Command (AFRICOM) for Africa, Northern Command (NORTHCOM) for North America, Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) for Central and South America, and Space Command (SPACECOM) for space operations. These commands collectively maintain global security and respond to emerging threats.

Environment & Weather:

Today, December 30th, at 10:56 AM local time, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Bangui, Ilocos Norte, in the Philippines. The earthquake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located a 6 kilometers north of Bangui. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported the event and warned of possible aftershocks. The shallow depth likely intensified the shaking felt in the immediate area, but there have been no reports of significant damage or casualties. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and follow earthquake safety protocols.

Ilocos Norte lies within the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, a region marked by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to tectonic movements. The area’s proximity to the Manila Trench, where the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate converge, and the Philippine Fault Zone, which cuts across the country, makes it particularly prone to seismic events. These geological features generate significant tectonic stress, resulting in frequent earthquakes in the region. Ilocos Norte’s history of seismic activity highlights the importance of preparedness, as such events can pose risks of landslides, tsunamis, and structural damage.

Science & Technology:

Yesterday, China introduced its latest high-speed train prototypes, the CR450AF and CR450BF, designed to reach speeds of up to 400 km/h (249 mph). These trains are part of an ongoing effort to upgrade and expand the country’s high-speed rail network. The CR450 series incorporates several technological advancements, including a 10% reduction in weight and a 20% decrease in energy consumption. Additional improvements include a streamlined design that reduces drag by 22% and enhanced braking systems that improve safety.

The trains also offer updated interiors with seating options across multiple classes, including Second Class, First Class, Premium First Class, and Business Class. This development is aligned with China’s broader strategy to expand its high-speed rail infrastructure, which now spans over 47,000 kilometers. The CR450 series aims to reduce travel times between major cities and improve connectivity within the country.

Statistic: