Asia’s year in review: Who had it good — and who had it bad — in 2024

US President Donald Trump announced a two-week delay on potential US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict to allow for negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear capabilities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Trump's main focus is on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which she described as an existential threat to Israel, the US, and the global community. Need More Context? 🔎

Warming ocean waters are changing their colors, becoming greener at the poles and bluer at the equator due to shifting chlorophyll levels from phytoplankton, according to a study published in Science. This trend could disrupt marine food webs and impact fisheries, particularly in low to middle-income nations dependent on commercial fishing, as chlorophyll concentration is influenced by warming seas. Need More Context? 🔎

A British backpacker, Mirelle Radley, raised £18,000 to bring a stray dog, Paddington, back from Peru after he refused to leave her side during her travels with her cousin. After securing temporary care for Paddington to complete necessary vet checks, he is set to be flown to the UK in August, with any leftover funds from her GoFundMe campaign aiding other rescue dogs. Need More Context? 🔎

Michele Bear is fasting and staying at the Regina landfill, convinced it contains the remains of her daughter, Richele Bear, who was murdered in 2013. Clayton Bo Eichler, the convicted killer, pled guilty in 2016, but Richele's body has never been found, prompting Michele to insist on a search for her daughter's remains. Need More Context? 🔎

A high-level judicial panel's inquiry revealed that a fire at Justice Yashwant Varma's residence on March 14 was fueled by alcohol from a liquor cabinet, resulting in the burning of substantial amounts of cash, including Rs 500 notes. The report noted that Justice Varma was out of town during the incident, and access for firefighters was impeded, necessitating the breaking of a lock by security guards. Need More Context? 🔎

Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 71 Palestinians on Thursday, including many civilians seeking humanitarian aid. Since the escalation of violence in October 2023, over 55,700 Palestinians have been killed, with international bodies raising concerns about potential war crimes committed by Israeli officials. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Israeli soldiers hurt many people in Gaza, including those who just wanted food and help, and a...