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Countries worldwide agreed to phase out mercury-containing dental amalgams by 2034 under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. This decision aims to protect human health and the environment from mercury pollution, marking a significant step towards safer dental practices globally.
The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court has upheld the criminal conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro and six other defendants for their involvement in an alleged coup plot. The court's decision was unanimous, with all four justices voting to reject the appeal filed by Bolsonaro's legal team. This ruling comes after Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for his role in attempting to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election. The former president is currently under house arrest, but could soon be transferred to a federal prison to begin serving his sentence. The case has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally, with implications for Brazil's political landscape.
The U.S. and UK have lifted sanctions on Syrian President Salah and Interior Minister Khattab, following a UN Security Council resolution. China abstained, citing terrorism concerns, while Russia supported the move. The decision aligns with Trump's efforts to improve relations with Salah, who is set to visit the White House next week.
The global cryptocurrency market has experienced a significant downturn, erasing nearly all yearly gains in just over a month. The total market cap fell from a high of $4.4 trillion to around $2.5% year-to-date gain, with Bitcoin dropping below key support levels and experts warning of further potential declines amid broader market concerns.
During his visit to Mexico, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized U.S. military actions against alleged drug ships in Latin American waters, emphasizing the importance of respecting national sovereignty. He stated that while combating drug trafficking is a shared responsibility, all nations must respect each other's sovereignty.
During his visit to the White House, Hungarian President Viktor Orbán successfully negotiated a one-year sanctions exemption with U.S. President Donald Trump, allowing Hungary to continue purchasing Russian oil. Orbán emphasized the critical necessity of these imports for Hungary's economy and energy security.
The U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index fell to a five-month low of 50.3 in November, driven by concerns over employment and inflation. Current economic conditions and consumer expectations both declined sharply compared to previous readings. The ongoing government shutdown has added to economic uncertainty, with potential implications for future spending patterns.
Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The charges relate to military actions and the interception of a humanitarian flotilla. Israel has strongly denied the allegations, calling them a public relations stunt.
The Trump administration has introduced new conditions requiring countries receiving U.S. health assistance to share pathogen data within five days of an outbreak. This approach raises concerns over global equity and potential bypassing of WHO, exacerbating existing inequalities in access to disease-fighting tools.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that no American officials will attend the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, citing ongoing human rights concerns, particularly regarding the treatment of the Afrikaner community. Tensions between Trump and South Africa have escalated over land reform policies and Israel-related issues.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has warned that up to 20% of flights could be cut if the government shutdown continues. Already, 40 major airports have reduced domestic flights by 10%, affecting airlines like American Airlines and Delta. Over 2,000 flights were canceled or delayed on Friday alone due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers.
The Dutch Electoral Council announced the results of the parliamentary elections, with Democrats 66 narrowly leading as the largest party. D66 secured 26 seats, closely followed by the Party for Freedom. Rob Jetten is poised to become the new Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for a broad centrist coalition to address key issues such as housing, immigration, and climate change.
The United Nations reports a surge in kidnappings and forced disappearances in Syria, with at least 97 cases since January. The ongoing instability and security challenges exacerbate the difficulty in tracing missing individuals, raising serious human rights concerns.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's absence from a key Kremlin meeting and lack of public schedule have fueled speculation about his relationship with President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has denied any tension, confirming Lavrov remains in his role.
Iranian President Peymaneh Zadeh has reiterated Tehran's resolve to maintain its nuclear and missile programs, while expressing openness to international dialogue. Zadeh criticized double standards in global dealings and emphasized that Iran will not accept coercive terms. The comments come amid heightened regional tensions following recent conflicts and suspended nuclear talks.
Germany has received its first P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft, part of an eight-plane order to replace outdated patrol planes. The aircraft will enhance maritime surveillance capabilities, with potential additional purchases under consideration to address growing security threats.
