BRICS Summit and Philippine Flooding
BRICS Summit and Philippine Flooding
It’s Sunday, October 27th, 2024. This week, we're covering a new currency being unveiled at the BRICS Summit, a deadly storm in the Philippines, and Israel’s recent strikes on Iran.
Top Story
New Currency Unveiled in Anti-West BRICS Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, solidifying the bloc’s position as a growing counterweight to Western influence. The grouping of countries originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanding to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. A key highlight of the three-day event was the unveiling of the BRICS currency bill, a potential game-changer that could challenge the global dominance of the U.S. dollar. Additionally, the Russo-Ukrainian War loomed large over the summit. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a “just peace” during his first visit to Russia in two years. The alliance also made a joint declaration denouncing Western sanctions and pledged financial cooperation and the reduction of trade barriers.
Africa
124 Killed in RSF Attack on Village in Sudan
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has been accused of killing at least 124 people in a village in El Gezira State on Friday. This brutal attack is believed to be retaliation for the surrender of high-ranking RSF officer Abuagla Keikal to the Sudanese army (SAF) last Sunday. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has had devastating consequences. Over 11 million people have been displaced, and large parts of the country are facing severe food shortages and famine. The conflict has also drawn in foreign powers, who have provided military and financial support to both sides. The UAE, Russia, and Libya have been strong backers of the RSF, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have supported the SAF.
Middle East
Israel Hits Iran With Retaliatory Strikes
Israel launched three waves of airstrikes targeting military installations in Iran early Saturday, citing “months of continuous attacks” by Iran and its allies, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The strikes,hitting sites in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam, reportedly killed four Iranian soldiers, Iran’s air defense downplayed the attack as mostly intercepted, causing “limited damage.” While the U.S. was informed beforehand, it did not participate, and a senior U.S. official commented that this “should be the end” of direct exchanges between Israel and Iran. Iran, while condemning the strikes, stated it remains committed to regional stability, indicating no immediate escalation.
Asia
Flooding and Landslides Kill 126 in the Philippines
The death toll from Tropical Storm Trami in the Philippines has reached 85, with 41 still missing, as emergency teams work to reach isolated areas, officials reported Saturday. Trami, which left devastation in its wake before moving away Friday, caused severe flooding and landslides across several provinces. In the hard-hit town of Talisay, emergency responders, assisted by backhoes and sniffer dogs, continued search efforts, recovering one of the two remaining missing villagers. Over 5 million people were impacted by the storm, with nearly half a million taking shelter in emergency facilities. The death toll is expected to climb as more reports come in.
Latin America
Brazil Reaches $23 Billion Settlement with Mining Companies Over 2015 Environmental Disaster
The Brazilian government has reached a landmark settlement worth 132 billion reais ($23 billion) with mining companies Vale and BHP, responsible for the catastrophic 2015 dam collapse in Minas Gerais state. The toxic mining waste released from the collapsed dam inundated entire villages, killing 19 people, and contaminated the Doce River, polluting waterways and coastal areas for hundreds of miles. The scale of the disaster was immense, with enough toxic sludge to fill over 13,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. Victims will receive 35,000 reals ($6,150) each, and fishermen and farmers will be paid 95,000 reais ($17,000) total over four years.
Europe
Protests Erupt in Portugal Over Police Violence
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Lisbon on Saturday to protest police brutality, sparked by the fatal shooting of a 43-year-old man, Odair Moniz, by a police officer. The incident, which occurred in the Amadora suburb on Monday, has ignited widespread anger and calls for police reform. The protest, organized by the rights group Vida Justa, drew a diverse crowd demanding justice for Moniz, a Cape Verde-born Portuguese resident.
Election Watch
Georgian Dream Claims Victory Amid Accusations of Electoral Fraud
Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has declared victory in a contentious election after preliminary results showed it leading with 54% of the vote. However, opposition leaders claim the results were manipulated, with Tina Bouchard of the United National Movement calling the election “stolen from the Georgian people.” The opposition views this vote as a choice between aligning with Europe or continuing close ties with Russia. Observers reported significant violence, voter intimidation, and alleged vote tampering during the duration of the election.
Extra, Extra
Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Linked to McDonalds, Leaving 75 Sick
Pizzeria Apologizes After Customers Unknowingly Consume THC-Infused Pizza
Quiz Yourself
What concern did Georgian opposition leaders raise about the recent election?
Foreign interference by Western powers
Vote manipulation and voter intimidation
Disputes over voter ID requirements
Low voter turnout across key cities
What was a major outcome of the recent BRICS Summit?
BRICS announced new trade tariffs on Western imports
A BRICS currency bill was introduced
Brazil was chosen as the next summit host
The bloc was expanded to South America
Roughly how many people were affected by Tropical Storm Trami?
1 million
3 million
5 million
7 million
Answers: B, B, C