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Republicans criticize Biden’s $770 one-time payment for LA fire victims, comparing it to $500m aid for Ukraine. White House defends the $5m cost, part of a larger relief effort. Victims can also claim $43,600 FEMA grants. Fema has $27bn for disaster relief. US has given $85bn to Ukraine since early 2022.
A ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas is close to being finalized, according to President Biden. Negotiators have made progress in brokering a truce after 15 months of conflict in Gaza. Secretary of State Blinken stated a deal is closer than ever. The White House is optimistic about reaching an agreement, with the release of hostages expected within 48 hours of the ceasefire announcement.
China’s December exports surged by 10.7% year-on-year, beating expectations, with a trade surplus of $104.8 billion. Analysts attribute the increase to frontloading due to Trump trade risks and Lunar New Year. Challenges remain, including potential US tariff hikes and unresolved disputes with the EU. Despite signs of recovery, China aims for around 5% economic growth in 2025 amid ongoing challenges.
Over 100 illegal miners in South Africa died of starvation and dehydration while trapped in an abandoned gold mine. More than 500 others remain trapped. Bodies were found wrapped in plastic underground. Rescue operations have recovered 18 bodies and 26 survivors. The miners had been stuck for months as police tried to remove them.
Disturbing videos reveal illegal miners living in dire conditions at a disused gold mine in South Africa. Some miners seen dead, others emaciated. Rescue operation ongoing after court order. Authorities previously blocked food and water supplies, vowing to “smoke them out.”
400 men are trapped in an abandoned South African gold mine, with reports suggesting at least 100 deaths. Rescuers have retrieved illegal miners and bodies from the mine near Stilfontein. A professional rescue company successfully brought up seven people and four bodies. Videos from rescued miners’ phones show numerous bodies underground. Police had previously tried to remove illegal miners from the site.
The Economist magazine has been criticized for its inaccurate coverage of Africa, with notable blunders like labeling the continent as “The Hopeless Continent” in 2000. Despite its insightful articles on America and Europe, its portrayal of Africa reflects biases of urban, developed world readers. The magazine failed to anticipate Africa’s economic growth driven by manufacturing and building, influenced by China and Asia’s resource extraction activities.
Africa’s importance is set to rise significantly in the coming years, with its share of the world’s population expected to reach 21% by 2030. The continent will become a key source of labor as the rest of the world ages, with over half of the young workforce in 2030 projected to be African. This demographic shift will have significant global implications.
The US president’s threats of military action and economic pressure on various countries raise concerns about imperialist tendencies. South Africa faces Agoa suspension due to its foreign policy alignment, risking preferential US market access. The Biden administration recently renewed South Africa’s Agoa eligibility, but uncertainties loom with Trump’s potential return to power.
The rand, previously strong, is now the second worst-performing emerging market currency, losing 1.75% against the US dollar. The local unit is being impacted by a stronger US dollar following positive job growth in the US economy.
