Saturday, November 30
Japan raises concerns over North Korea's recent ICBM launch, which is capable of reaching any part of the United States. The missile traveled approximately 1,000 km towards North Korea's east coast. It reached a maximum altitude of over 6,000 km, confirming it as an ICBM. The launch site near Pyongyang's international airport is suspected to house a missile assembly facility. The United States and South Korea have intensified their joint military drills in response. South Korea denounces the launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. North Korea defends its actions as self-defense.
In an attempt to overcome an 'unspoken ban' on public gatherings and rallies, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) organised a "virtual power show" on Sunday through social media to energise its supporters ahead of the upcoming polls, Dawn reported. However, the online event encountered disruptions, with users reporting difficulties accessing social media platforms in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad after 8 pm. Internet services were also reported to be slow, the report added.
Indian-American leader and Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy engages in a rigorous campaign with 42 stops, surpassing his competitors. Reflecting on his work style, Ramaswamy attributes his motivation to the "energy of the crowds" in Iowa. Despite logistical challenges, the Ohio-based entrepreneur emphasizes his caffeine-free campaign approach, staying connected with the people. Ramaswamy prefers engaging with caucusgoers and Pizza Ranches, highlighting the influence of his parents' values and hard work. Running his campaign like his businesses, Ramaswamy maintains a demanding schedule as he strives to achieve something significant for the country.
Elon Musk criticized Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as "propaganda words," despite Tesla's efforts to promote such initiatives. Tesla, with headquarters in Austin and factories in California, Nevada, Texas, and New York, published its first DEI report in December 2020. The company has held hiring events targeting women and students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions. In February 2022, California's civil rights agency sued Tesla for "rampant racism" on behalf of Black workers, and in September, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also sued Tesla for racial harassment. Tesla encourages employees to join Employee Resource Groups.
Harvard College received 17% fewer applications for early admission from high school seniors this year, the lowest total in four years, due to incidents of antisemitism on campus in the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Applications were due November 1, before university President Claudine Gay gave widely derided testimony on antisemitism and free speech at a congressional hearing December 5. Harvard received 7,921 applications this year for non-binding early admissions, compared with 9,553 last year.
Indian-origin truck driver Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, responsible for the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Canada, failed in his attempt to avoid deportation to India. Sidhu, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges, saw his bid to remain in Canada dismissed by a judge. The devastating crash resulted in 16 fatalities and 13 injuries. Sidhu, who received an eight-year prison sentence, had been employed for less than a month before the accident. Despite arguments emphasizing his clean criminal record, the Federal Court upheld the decision.
The US State Department has approved a USD 300 million sale of equipment to help maintain Taiwan's tactical information systems. The sale will provide follow-on life cycle support to maintain Taiwan's Command, Control, Communications, and Computers capabilities, enhancing operational readiness and maintaining secure flow of tactical information. Taiwan's defense ministry expects the sale to "take effect" in one month and expresses gratitude to the United States. The sale comes as Taiwan complains of repeated Chinese military activity near the island, and as Taiwan prepares for upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
Matthew Thomas Krol, a self-professed militia leader, was sentenced to over four years in prison for attacking law enforcement officers during the Jan 6, 2021, US Capitol riot. Krol, from Michigan, assaulted officers with a stolen police baton, causing injuries. He was captured on video swinging the baton at Capitol Police Sgt Aquilino Gonell. Krol is associated with the Wolverine Watchmen paramilitary group and had communications with members involved in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Internet and telephone lines went down Thursday evening and were still inaccessible Saturday morning, according to internet access advocacy group NetBlocks.org, hampering aid deliveries and rescue efforts as Israel's war against Gaza's ruling militant group Hamas stretched into the 11th week. The offensive, triggered by the unprecedented October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, has flattened much of northern Gaza and driven 85% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million from their homes. Displaced people have squeezed into shelters mainly in the south in a spiraling humanitarian crisis.
