BIDEN AND XI JINPING ENGAGE IN HIGH-STAKES SUMMIT IN CALIFORNIA

In a significant meeting at the scenic Filoli country estate, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to ease tensions between their nations. Greeting each other with smiles and a handshake, the leaders engaged in closed-door talks covering sensitive topics such as Taiwan, sanctions, and trade. Emphasizing the need to avoid conflict, Biden stressed the importance of maintaining stable relations. Xi echoed this sentiment, stating that the superpowers cannot afford to turn their backs on each other. While major breakthroughs may be unlikely, discussions aim to bring predictability back to the strained US-China relationship, with a potential agreement on reinstating a hotline between their militaries.

ISRAELI FORCES RAID GAZA HOSPITAL, UNCOVER ARMS AND ALLEGED TERROR INFRASTRUCTURE

On Wednesday, Israeli forces conducted a ground operation in Gaza City's Al Shifa hospital, reportedly targeting Hamas militants. Witnesses observed troops searching the hospital's rooms and basement, raising concerns about the safety of civilians trapped inside. Israeli authorities claim that Hamas operates a key headquarters in tunnels beneath the hospital, an assertion denied by the militant group. Following a clash outside the hospital, Israeli forces reported uncovering unspecified weapons and "terror infrastructure" within the hospital compound. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the reach of Israeli forces, vowing to eliminate Hamas and recover hostages. Meanwhile, Qatari mediators are attempting to broker a deal between Hamas and Israel, potentially involving the release of civilian hostages, a three-day ceasefire, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

SUNAK TO PURSUE EMERGENCY LAW AFTER SUPREME COURT REJECTS ASYLUM SCHEME

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced plans for an emergency law following a significant setback from the UK's Supreme Court, which ruled his asylum scheme to send migrants to Rwanda as unlawful. In response to the court's decision, Sunak stated that he is working on a new treaty with Rwanda and intends to introduce urgent legislation designating the East African nation as a safe destination for migrants. The Prime Minister expressed impatience and determination to overcome obstacles, emphasizing the need for swift execution of the policy. The controversial scheme aimed to send tens of thousands of unauthorized asylum seekers to Rwanda to discourage Channel crossings. However, the Supreme Court ruled that Rwanda cannot be considered a safe third country, leading Sunak to explore alternative measures, including the possibility of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.

ISRAELI RAID ON GAZA'S MAIN HOSPITAL SPARKS GLOBAL CONDEMNATION

The Israeli Army's operation at Al-Shifa hospital, targeting what it claims is a Hamas command center beneath Gaza's largest medical facility, has triggered widespread international condemnation. Israel accuses Hamas of using Gaza hospitals as bases, digging tunnels under Al-Shifa, and using patients as human shields. The hospital houses an estimated 2,300 people, including patients, staff, and displaced Palestinians. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that Israel's subsequent aerial bombardment and ground offensive have resulted in the deaths of 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children. The White House voiced concerns for civilian safety, while the UN humanitarian chief called for immediate action to "rein in the carnage." The International Committee of the Red Cross expressed extreme concern, emphasizing the need to protect patients, medical staff, and civilians. UNICEF's executive director, after witnessing devastating scenes in Gaza, urged Israel and Hamas to "stop this horror." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for an end to the killing of civilians, and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez demanded an immediate ceasefire and strict compliance with international humanitarian law.

B’DESH SETS ELECTIONS FOR JAN 7 AMID PROTESTS

Dhaka : Bangladesh has scheduled a parliamentary election for January 7 amidst ongoing protests by opposition parties demanding the Prime Minister's resignation to establish a caretaker government. The chief election commissioner announced the date, urging political parties to engage in talks to address the crisis. The past two weeks have seen violent protests resulting in at least four deaths and hundreds of injuries. Opposition groups plan a nationwide strike in protest, warning of the potential for conflict. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in power since 2009, faces accusations of authoritarianism and electoral misconduct. The opposition, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), demands her resignation for a fair election conducted by a neutral caretaker government. The BNP, whose leadership is either jailed or in exile, boycotted the 2014 election and has threatened a similar move if Hasina doesn't step down. Despite concerns about democratic backsliding, Hasina is likely to secure a fourth term if the opposition boycott proceeds.

FRANCE ISSUES ARREST WARRANT FOR SYRIAN PRESIDENT

French judicial authorities on Wednesday issued international arrest warrants for Syrian President Bashar Assad, his brother and two Army generals for their alleged involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity, including a 2013 chemical attack on rebel-held Damascus suburbs, lawyers for Syrian victims said.

In addition to Mr. Assad, the arrest warrants were issued for his brother, Maher Assad, the commander of the 4th Armored Division, and two Syrian Army generals, Ghassan Abbas and Bassam al-Hassan.

TRUDEAU FACES CALLS TO EXIT AS PARTY TRAILS IN POLLS

Facing a significant dip in polls and public dissatisfaction over housing and inflation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure, even from within his own party, to step down. While Trudeau has a power-sharing agreement that could keep him in office until 2025, the growing discontent among his caucus members and the Canadian desire for change may force him to resign or face leadership challenges. Polls indicate the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is ahead by 10 to 15 points, marking Trudeau's lowest standing in his eight years in power. Poilievre has capitalized on public frustration over the rising cost of living, labeling it "Justinflation." Despite Trudeau's intention to stay, whispers about his future within the party have intensified, with some suggesting that a new leader could enhance the party's chances of reelection. The ongoing challenges, foreign controversies, and personal matters have made 2023 a difficult year for Trudeau, leading to increased calls for change within the Liberal Party.

‘GREENHOUSE GASES HIT RECORD HIGH IN 2022’

Greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere hit new record highs in 2022, with no end in sight to the rising trend, the United Nations warned on Wednesday.

The UN’s World Meteorological Organization said levels of the three main greenhouse gases — the climate-warming carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide — all broke records last year.

‘Wrong direction’

Such levels of heat-trapping gases will mean further temperature increases, more extreme weather and higher sea levels, the WMO said in its 19th annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin.

“Despite decades of warnings from the scientific community, thousands of pages of reports and dozens of climate conferences, we are still heading in the wrong direction,” WMO chief Petteri Taalas said.

The 2015 Paris Agreement saw countries agree to cap global warming at “well below” 2o C above average levels measured between 1850 and 1900 — and 1.5o C if possible.

The global mean temperature in 2022 was 1.15o C above the 1850-1900 average — and Mr. Taalas said it was all but certain that 2023 would be the warmest year on record.

CYPRUS TO PROBE RUSSIA SANCTION-BUSTING CLAIMS

Nicosia : Cyprus has pledged to investigate allegations of being a hub for Russian money-laundering, enabling oligarchs to circumvent sanctions, following an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and 67 media partners. The probe, titled "Cyprus Confidential," reveals that the east Mediterranean island "plays an even bigger role than was commonly known in moving dirty money for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other brutal dictators." Leaked internal records dating from the mid-1990s to April 2022 include confidential background checks, financial statements, and email messages. President Nikos Christodoulides assured that all information would be investigated within a specified timeframe, emphasizing the importance of the country's reputation and credibility. Cyprus has faced similar allegations in the past and has taken measures against those accused of aiding Russian oligarchs in evading sanctions.

US WOMAN WITH RARE DOUBLE UTERUS EXPECTING BABIES IN BOTH

It’s double trouble, with a unique twist: A 32-year-old woman from Alabama who was born with two uteruses is now pregnant in both. Kelsey Hatcher, who is documenting her story on her Instagram account “doubleuhatchlings,” knew from the age of 17 she has “uterus didelphys,” a rare condition thought to affect 0.3% of females. It was during a routine eight-week ultrasound visit in May that the mother-of-three learned not only that she was having twins, but that a fetus was present in each of her uteruses. “We were kind of blown away! During that first ultrasound we had LOTS of laughs,” she said on Instagram. Pregnancies in both uteruses are exceedingly rare — Hatcher said she was told the odds were 1 in 50 million — with the last widely known case occurring in Bangladesh in 2019 when Arifa Sultana, then 20, gave birth to healthy twins 26 days apart.

‘HALLUCINATE’ IS CAMBRIDGE DICTIONARY’S WORD OF THE YEAR

Cambridge Dictionary has announced ‘hallucinate’ as the Word of the Year for 2023. The news follows a year-long surge in interest in generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard and Grok. AI tools have proven capable of generating plausible prose, but they often do so using false, misleading or made-up ‘facts’. They ‘hallucinate’ in a confident and sometimes believable manner. AI hallucinations, also known as confabulations, sometimes appear nonsensical. But they can also seem entirely plausible — even while being factually inaccurate.