International News - Channel 5 Belize

Will “Demure” Be a Thing Left in 2024?

What is one word you’ve heard people say one too many times this year? Well, according to the site Dictionary.com, the Word of the Year 2024 is the one that went viral over the summer: “demure.”

The word took off in popularity earlier this year after TikToker and beauty influencer Jools Lebron popularised the phrase, “very demure, very mindful.” In an announcement on Monday, the site said that the word “demure” saw a huge increase of 1,200% from January to August.

“Demure” has historically been used to describe ‘discrete’ and ‘reserved behaviour,’ but “a new usage has spread through social media,” Dictionary.com said. Even celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and RuPaul used the phrase to promote their brands.

Dictionary.com stated that choosing “demure” for this year was based on a thorough look at social media trends, news stories, and words that moved beyond online discussions.

The word “demure” was also shortlisted for Oxford’s Word of the Year 2024 but didn’t take the top spot. Instead, Oxford University Press announced “brain rot” as the Word of the Year.

Oxford’s decision to choose “brain rot” follows a public vote that amounted to over 37,000 participants from around the world. President of Oxford Languages, Casper Grathwohl, said, “Brain rot speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life and how we are using our free time.”

The term has become widely used, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and is often seen in reference to viral internet culture. Experts have pointed out that it is “fascinating” how younger generations have both embraced and created the very content associated with “brain rot.”

Other words that made Oxford’s shortlist this year include “lore,” “demure,” “dynamic pricing,” “slop,” and “romantasy.”

UN Orders Venezuela to Preserve Presidential Election Data

The United Nations Human Rights Committee has directed Venezuela to “refrain from destroying” voting tallies from the contentious presidential election held in July.

These tallies, which provide a detailed breakdown of votes at each polling station, are at the heart of the dispute over the election’s outcome. While the National Electoral Council (CNE), aligned with the government, declared incumbent President Nicolás Maduro the winner, it failed to release the detailed voting data to substantiate its claim.

The opposition, led by presidential candidate Edmundo González, has shared over 80% of the voting tallies through accredited election witnesses. The opposition asserts that these documents demonstrate González’s decisive victory.

The Human Rights Committee, comprising 18 independent UN experts, is investigating allegations of electoral fraud based on a complaint filed by a Venezuelan voter with the assistance of IHR Legal, an international law firm. As part of this probe, the committee has demanded that Venezuela preserve all detailed voting data from the election held on July 28.

Pressure has mounted on the CNE, which is dominated by government loyalists, to release the official voting tallies. However, the council has yet to do so, citing an alleged election-night computer hack as the reason for its failure to publish the data within the mandated 30-day period.

The opposition, meanwhile, has swiftly uploaded its collected tallies online. Independent observers and international media outlets, including The New York Times and CNN, report that the opposition’s tallies suggest Edmundo González won with 67% of the vote, compared to Maduro’s 30%.

President Maduro has dismissed the opposition’s data as fraudulent and continues to assert his victory. He is proceeding with plans to be sworn in for a third term on January 10, despite growing international opposition. Countries including the United States, Italy, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay have recognised González as Venezuela’s president-elect.

IHR Legal has called the UN committee’s involvement “historic” and suggested that it could lead to confirmation that Nicolás Maduro is not the legitimate president-elect. The ongoing case marks a pivotal moment in the international response to Venezuela’s disputed election.

South Korea’s President Declares Martial Law

In a shocking late-night television address on Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law as he accused the opposition Democratic Party of engaging in anti-state activities and harbouring pro-North Korea sympathies. This dramatic move has plunged the nation into political turmoil.

The declaration marks the first use of martial law in South Korea since 1980, during a student-led nationwide uprising. President Yoon justified the measure by citing recent actions by the opposition-controlled parliament, including attempts to impeach top prosecutors and reject the government’s budget proposal.

Yoon described these actions as “clear anti-state behaviour aimed at inciting rebellion” and accused the National Assembly of being a “den of criminals.” He defended martial law as essential for eliminating “shameless pro-North anti-state forces” and restoring order, pledging to “minimise its impact on the public.”

Despite the president’s assertions, South Korea’s parliament swiftly voted to block the martial law decree, with 190 of 300 lawmakers opposing the measure. Under South Korean law, the president must comply with the vote, but the immediate implications remain unclear.

The announcement has sparked panic and disbelief among South Koreans. In Seoul, residents rushed to join their families amid heightened anxiety, with reports of law enforcement warning citizens that arrests could now occur without warrants.

Even members of President Yoon’s own conservative People Power Party condemned the declaration. Party chief Han Dong-hoon, a former justice minister, labeled the move “wrong” and vowed to join rival lawmakers in opposing it.

Since taking office in 2022, Yoon Suk Yeol’s presidency has been marked by challenges and controversy. A former prosecutor with no prior political experience, Yoon narrowly won election and succeeded liberal President Moon Jae-in. Yoon’s popularity has plummeted due to scandals and controversies, with hundreds of thousands of citizens previously calling for his impeachment.

Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on BRICS Nations

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they create a new currency to compete with the US dollar. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that these countries must commit to not creating a new currency or backing one to replace the dollar or face severe tariffs and lose access to the US market.

BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and new members like Iran and Egypt, has been exploring alternatives to the US dollar for trade. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed the idea, stating that the group is not currently focused on creating a common currency.

Donald Trump Wins 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Brazil’s President Lula proposed a South American currency in 2023 to reduce reliance on the US dollar, but economic and geopolitical differences make its adoption unlikely.

Trump’s threat follows his recent pledge to raise tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China as part of his “America First” policy.

Experts warn that Trump’s proposed tariffs could escalate global trade tensions, with potential consequences for inflation and international trade.

Mexico Threatens Retaliation Over Trump’s Proposed Tariffs

Earth’s Tilt Shifted by Over 31 Inches Due to Human Activity

Earth’s balance has been disrupted, and human activity is to blame. A study reveals that excessive groundwater pumping over less than two decades has caused Earth to tilt by 31.5 inches. This redistribution of water has contributed approximately 0.24 inches to sea-level rise, underscoring the profound impact of human consumption.

Groundwater lies hidden beneath Earth’s surface, filling voids in soil, sand, and rock formations. Derived from rainfall, it accumulates in aquifers, serving as a critical resource for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial processes.

However, this vital resource is being depleted at an alarming rate. Between 1993 and 2010, humans pumped an estimated 2,150 gigatons of groundwater, much of which ended up in the oceans, altering the planet’s balance.

The large-scale extraction of groundwater has shifted Earth’s rotational pole—a phenomenon known as polar motion. Significant water movement, particularly from regions like western North America and northwestern India, has been identified as a key driver of this shift.

These findings highlight the broader consequences of unsustainable water practices. To address these challenges, innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting, advanced irrigation systems, and global policies for equitable water distribution are imperative. Multidisciplinary efforts involving scientists, policymakers, and the public will be crucial to balancing human needs with environmental preservation.

Colombian Navy Seizes “Narco Subs” in Global Anti-Drug Operation

Six “narco submarines” loaded with cocaine were intercepted during an international anti-drug operation led by Colombia, officials announced Wednesday. The operation, which included 62 countries, seized over 1,400 metric tonnes of drugs between October 1 and November 14, according to Vice Admiral Orlando Enrique Grisales of the Colombian Navy.

Among the seized drugs were 225 metric tons of cocaine, including 5 tons found aboard a semi-submersible vessel on a route from Colombia to Australia. The vessel, equipped with enough fuel for the journey, was intercepted in Pacific waters, marking the third such capture along this route, Grisales revealed. “Thanks to the maps on board, we identified the route and began collaborating with Australian authorities,” he said.

The operation, dubbed “Orion,” resulted in more than 400 arrests across multiple nations. Officials said the discovery underscores growing ties between South American cartels and organized crime networks in Oceania. Australia, with some of the highest global cocaine prices, has become an increasingly lucrative target for traffickers. A kilogram of cocaine can fetch up to $240,000 in Australia, six times its value in the United States.

Smuggling routes to Australia are believed to have expanded due to the profitability of the market, where cocaine use per capita is among the highest globally. The semi-submersibles seized in the operation were all capable of making the long journey from Colombia without refueling. One vessel was intercepted 1,200 miles southwest of Clipperton Island, believed to have departed from Tumaco, a key smuggling port.

Mexican President Sheinbaum Warns Trump’s Tariff Threats Will Backfire, Hints at Retaliation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum cautioned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday about the severe economic repercussions of his proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports. Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum criticised the plan, warning it could spark a retaliatory cycle and endanger shared economic interests.

“To one tariff will follow another in response, and so on, until we put our common businesses at risk,” Sheinbaum said in a letter she read publicly, which she plans to send to Trump. She said that such measures would likely lead to inflation and widespread job losses on both sides of the border.

Sheinbaum also announced her intention to request a call with Trump and reach out to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss the issue.

Trump’s tariff proposal, announced on Monday, is intended to pressure Mexico and Canada into addressing illegal drug trafficking—particularly fentanyl—and curbing migrant crossings at the U.S. border.

Mexico currently stands as the United States’ top trade partner, accounting for 15.8% of total trade as of September, with Canada following at 13.9%. Sheinbaum argued that escalating tariffs would especially harm U.S. automakers with manufacturing facilities in Mexico, such as General Motors and Ford, and could disrupt Mexico’s critical automotive sector, which represents over 35% of its manufacturing exports.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal signed during Trump’s first term in 2020, could also be at risk of violation if such tariffs are imposed.

Sheinbaum highlighted Mexico’s efforts to combat the U.S. fentanyl epidemic, reduce migrant apprehensions at the border, and halt caravan arrivals. However, she criticised the lack of accountability for U.S. weapons flowing into Mexico, fuelling violence.

Trump Threatens New Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, Sparking Global Concerns

President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled plans to impose sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after taking office, a move aimed at curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The proposed measures mark a sharp escalation in trade tensions with three of the United States’ largest trading partners and have prompted warnings of economic repercussions.

Trump announced he would sign an executive order on January 20, 2025, imposing a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. The tariffs will remain until both countries “clamp down” on fentanyl production and illegal border crossings. Simultaneously, Trump plans a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, which he says will pressure Beijing to take stronger action against fentanyl smuggling.

The proposed tariffs could significantly disrupt trade, as the three nations account for nearly 40% of the $3.2 trillion in goods imported by the U.S. annually. Critics warn that the tariffs may backfire, raising costs for American consumers and straining supply chains.

Mexico’s finance ministry emphasised the economic interdependence of the two countries, noting that more than 80% of Mexico’s exports go to the U.S. Similarly, Canada, which sends about 75% of its exports to its southern neighbour, expressed concerns. Meanwhile, Trump’s additional tariff on China comes as Beijing faces economic challenges, including a property crisis and rising debt. Chinese officials rebuffed the accusations, with a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy stating, “No one will win a trade war or a tariff war.”

Economists have criticised Trump’s reliance on tariffs, arguing that they function as a domestic tax that often raises prices for consumers. Studies from his first term showed the economic burden of tariffs fell largely on U.S. businesses and households.

Adding to the controversy, the planned measures may violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal Trump himself signed into law in 2020, which preserved largely duty-free trade among the three countries.

Thousands of Migrants Head to US Border Ahead of Trump Presidency

Thousands of Central American migrants departed southern Mexico on November 20, seeking to reach the US border before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office in January.

The group aims to avoid potential immigration restrictions and take advantage of the CBP-ONE asylum system while it remains in place. Trump has pledged to enforce stricter immigration policies and mass deportations upon taking office, fuelling urgency among the migrants.

The caravan is requesting free movement through Mexico to facilitate their journey north. However, as seen with past caravans, many participants may disperse before reaching the US border.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has vowed to implement sweeping immigration measures, including slashing both legal and illegal immigration and ramping up deportations from Day 1 of his presidency. These promises have sparked widespread panic among immigrant communities, with many racing to secure their status before the crackdown begins.

Immigration lawyers report being overwhelmed as foreign-born residents flood their offices and jam phone lines. Nonprofits hosting information sessions are seeing record attendance, while immigrants take urgent steps to protect themselves. Those with green cards are rushing to apply for citizenship, while individuals with tenuous legal status are filing for asylum to shield themselves under current protocols. Some couples are expediting marriages to qualify for green card applications.

Trump’s hardline rhetoric echoes his first term, during which he deported approximately 1.5 million people. This time, his top adviser, Stephen Miller, has proposed mass detention centres as “staging areas” for large-scale deportations. Trump’s plans also include workplace raids and targeting individuals with criminal records or outstanding deportation orders.

Germany Plans Mass Shelter Expansion as Tensions with Russia Escalate

Germany is preparing a list of bunkers that could provide emergency shelter for civilians in the event of conflict escalation. The country’s interior ministry revealed that basements, subway stations, and private properties might be converted into shelters, with a special app detailing their locations. Currently, there are 579 public shelters with a capacity for around 480,000 people. According to the most recent data obtained in December of 2023, Germany’s population is 84,669,326.

This move comes as a result of growing tensions with Russia and rising calls for faster expansion of civil protection measures.

According to NATO’s Admiral Rob Bauer, Russia’s army has grown in size, but its overall quality has deteriorated. “The quality of those forces has gone down,” he said, citing poor training and outdated equipment. The comments came after reports of up to 12,000 North Korean combat troops being sent to assist Russia.

Arsalan Bilal, a hybrid warfare expert, warned that Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics against the West are “very real” and have long-lasting effects. He explained that Russia has been combining military and non-military strategies to weaken Western security, using methods like sabotage. “The damage is very real,” Bilal said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed possible paths to end the war in Ukraine. Erdogan has previously mediated peace talks, including the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, and proposed a peace plan this month, which was rejected by Russia.

Five European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, are increasing their support to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The move follows the growing involvement of North Korean troops in the war and a shift in U.S. policy to allow Ukraine to use longer-range missiles against Russia.

Netanyahu Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hezbollah