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Donald Trump secured a massive victory in the Iowa caucuses, the first voting event of 2024. He defeated his rivals by a historic margin, confirming his status as the GOP frontrunner for a second term against Joe Biden [1].

A new study revealed that the US energy tax credit trading market has reached up to $9 billion in value, thanks to a 2022 law that made the credits more flexible and transferable. Renewable energy developers can sell their excess credits to other firms that need them to reduce their tax liabilities [2].

More than 900 Post Office branch managers who were falsely convicted of theft or fraud due to a faulty computer system are seeking justice and compensation in Britain. An inquiry into one of the country's worst injustices resumed on Thursday, as calls for clearing their names grew louder [3].

A volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland triggered a massive evacuation of the nearby town of Grindavik, where lava set houses on fire. Two volcanic fissures opened in the ground, spewing lava into the town. The eruption is the first in the area in 800 years [4].

Pope Francis is considering his first trip home as pontiff to Argentina, where he has not visited since his election in 2013. The pope said he wants to visit his homeland, which is suffering from economic and social crises, but he has not set a date yet [5].

A huge network of ancient cities has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest, challenging the idea that it was a pristine wilderness before European contact. Researchers used satellite imagery and lidar technology to map more than 400 settlements that date back to between 1200 and 1500 AD [6].

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A volcano has erupted in south-west Iceland, forcing residents of the nearby fishing town of Grindavik to evacuate for their safety. Two volcanic fissures opened in the ground, sending lava spilling into the town and setting houses on fire. The eruption is the first in the area since 1240 and is expected to last for weeks or months [1].

Iowa Republicans are casting the first votes of 2024 tonight in the state's caucuses, which are seen as a crucial test of the party's direction and candidates. Former President Donald Trump is eyeing a big victory in the state, as he bids for a rematch with Joe Biden. Other contenders include former UN ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis [2].

Denmark's Crown Princess Mary has become the world's first Australian-born queen, after her husband Frederik X ascended to the throne following the death of his father. The new monarch blinked back tears as he greeted the cheering crowds outside Christiansborg Castle. He promised to be a "unifying" king who would uphold Denmark's values and traditions [3].

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could hit 40% of jobs and worsen inequality in the world. The organization's managing director Kristalina Georgieva said policymakers should address the "troubling trend" by investing in education, social protection and infrastructure. She also urged countries to cooperate on digital taxation and data governance [4].

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Winter storms: A series of dangerous winter storms have impacted tens of millions of Americans across the country over the weekend, causing power outages, traffic accidents, flight cancellations and school closures. The storms have brought heavy snow, ice, rain and strong winds to various regions, from the West Coast to the East Coast.  [1]

Gilgo Beach killings: A suspect in the notorious Gilgo Beach killings on Long Island, New York, has been charged with a fourth count of murder. Rex Heuermann, a former carpenter and handyman, has already been charged in connection with the slayings of three women whose remains were found around the same time in Gilgo Beach in 2010 and 2011. [2]

Hot air balloon crash: Four people were killed and one was seriously injured when a hot air balloon crashed in Arizona on Sunday morning. The balloon hit a power line and caught fire before crashing into a field in Eloy, about 50 miles south of Phoenix. The victims were identified as two couples from Arizona and Illinois who were celebrating birthdays. [3]

Big cities sinking: A new study has revealed that large cities and population centers across the East Coast of the US are sinking due to soil subsidence. The study used satellite imagery to measure the changes in land elevation from 2003 to 2017 and found that some areas have sunk by more than an inch per year. Soil subsidence is very dangerous because it can damage building foundations and potentially cause collapse. [4]

China has announced that it will send three astronauts to its new space station, Tiangong, in June. The mission, called Shenzhou-13, will be the second crewed flight to the station, which was launched in April. [5]

A massive volcanic eruption in Tonga has triggered a tsunami that has hit several Pacific islands, including Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia. The eruption occurred on Saturday, sending a plume of ash and smoke into the sky that was visible from space. [6]

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Ukraine attacks Russian oil depot with drone, causing huge fire. The incident escalates the tension between the two countries, which have been at war since 2014.[1]

U.S. Congress probes ABB's China operations for security risks. The Swiss company is suspected of being influenced by Beijing, which has a strained relationship with the U.S. over trade and human rights. [2]

Israel's War Cabinet divided over Gaza war strategy. One member questions the plan for freeing hostages, while the defense minister faces backlash for his military decisions. [3]

Volcano erupts in Iceland, lava reaches town. The town of Grindavik is in danger as two fissures spew lava and ash. People have been evacuated for their safety.[4]

Denmark welcomes new king, Frederik X. The son of the late king takes the throne and kisses his wife in front of a jubilant crowd. He promises to be a unifying leader. [5]

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Germany's cheap vegetables come at a cost for Spain, where intensive farming is harming the environment and workers [1]

India's Modi opens a controversial Hindu temple in Ayodhya, built on the ruins of an ancient mosque, amid tensions with Muslims [2]

U.S. elections: Nikki Haley reacts to Ron DeSantis withdrawing from the race, saying it's now "one fella and one lady" [3]

China's population declines for the second straight year, raising concerns about its economic and social future [4]

Iceland's volcano eruption destroys buildings and forces evacuations in a fishing town [5]

Thailand sentences a man to a record 50 years in prison for insulting the monarchy on social media [6]

Russia hits Ukraine with missiles and drones, escalating the conflict [7]

North Korea tests underwater nuclear-capable drone, challenging US and allies [8]

France bans fishing in Biscay to protect dolphins, angering local fishermen [9]

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Ukraine vows to retaliate after Russian missile attacks kill 12 and injure over 100  

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to retaliate after Russian missile attacks killed 12 people and injured over 100 in the cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv on Tuesday. Zelensky said that Ukraine would not remain silent and would defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity by all means. Russia has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, but has accused Ukraine of provoking a war by launching drone strikes on a gas terminal near St Petersburg on Monday. [1]

UK Parliament votes to reject Rwanda migration treaty amid human rights concerns 

The UK Parliament has voted to reject a migration treaty with Rwanda that would send asylum seekers to the African country, amid human rights concerns and legal challenges. The treaty, signed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in November 2023, was part of his plan to overhaul Britain's immigration system and deter migrants from crossing the English Channel. Under the deal, Britain would pay Rwanda to host asylum seekers while their claims are processed, and accept those who are granted refugee status. [2]

Japan’s ‘Moon Sniper’ mission resumes operations after power issue is resolved 

Japan’s ambitious lunar mission, dubbed ‘Moon Sniper’, has resumed operations after its lander experienced a power issue shortly after touching down on the moon’s surface on Monday. The mission, launched by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in December 2023, aims to collect samples from a crater near the moon’s south pole and return them to Earth for analysis. The lander, named Hakuto-R (meaning white rabbit), was supposed to deploy a rover that would drill into the crater and extract rocks that could contain water ice and other valuable resources. [3]

North Korea warns of ‘severe consequences’ for South Korea’s naval drills with US and Japan 

North Korea has warned of "severe consequences" for South Korea's participation in naval drills with the US and Japan in the East China Sea, calling it a "reckless provocation" that would escalate tensions in the region. The drills, which began on Monday and will last until Friday, involve three destroyers from each country and are aimed at enhancing their interoperability and readiness in response to potential threats. North Korea's state media said that the drills were a "grave challenge" to its sovereignty and security, and accused South Korea of betraying its commitment to improve inter-Korean relations. [4]

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Iran executes protester despite international outcry

He was arrested in September 2022, accused of killing a police officer. Activists say there’s no due process in Iran and no evidence to prove he committed that crime. [1]

European and US retailers adapt to supply chain disruptions

Carrying more stock, switching to suppliers nearer to consumers and reducing dependence on China are tactics European and U.S. retailers used to build more resilient supply chains following the Red Sea shock. [2]

North Korea fires cruise missiles into the sea

South Korea’s military says North Korea fired several cruise missiles into waters off its western coast, adding to a provocative run of weapons demonstrations in the face of deepening nuclear talks with the US. [3]

School dormitory fire kills 13 in China

At least 13 people, mostly students, died in a fire that broke out in a school dormitory in Henan province, China. The cause of the fire is under investigation. [4]

Israel rejects calls for Palestinian state amid Gaza war

Israel's war leader Naftali Bennett has challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's authority by saying that defeating Hamas is unrealistic and that there will be no Palestinian state under his watch. The war in Gaza has exposed a deepening global divide over the conflict. [5]

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The three threats that could spark World War Three

Ominous warnings from Russia, missile strikes in the Middle East and uneasy diplomacy in China – the threat of World War Three has never loomed larger. In a chilling speech earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that any country that crosses a "red line" with Russia will face "asymmetric" and "harsh" consequences. Meanwhile, Israel is waging a war against Hamas in Gaza, rejecting calls for a ceasefire and a Palestinian state. And in Asia, China is flexing its military and economic muscles, challenging the US and its allies in the South China Sea and Taiwan. How can these conflicts be resolved peacefully, or will they escalate into a global catastrophe?   [1]

Maine's top court dismisses appeal of judge's decision on Trump ballot status

Maine’s top court Wednesday evening declined to weigh in on whether former President Donald Trump can stay on the state's ballot, keeping intact a judge's decision that the U.S. Supreme Court must decide the issue. Trump, who lost the 2020 election to President Joe Biden, has refused to concede and has filed lawsuits in several states challenging the results. In Maine, he argued that he should be allowed to run for a second term in 2024, despite the constitutional limit of two terms. A lower court judge ruled that Trump's claim was "frivolous" and "moot", and that only the U.S. Supreme Court can interpret the Constitution. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court agreed, saying it had no jurisdiction over the matter.  [2]

Witness to fatal shooting of an American-Palestinian teen in the West Bank says it was unprovoked

The fatal shooting of an American-Palestinian teen driving a pickup truck in the West Bank was unprovoked, the sole passenger told The Associated Press, describing apparent Israeli fire hitting the vehicle as they drove through an intersection near their village. Mohammed Hamayel, 17, was killed Tuesday night when Israeli soldiers opened fire at his truck near Beita, south of Nablus. His cousin Nizar Banat, 25, who was sitting next to him, said they were on their way to buy groceries when they heard gunshots and saw sparks on the windshield. He said they did not see any soldiers or signs of clashes in the area. The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident, which it said occurred during "a violent riot" in which Palestinians threw stones and firebombs at troops.  [3]

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Boris Nadezhdin, a former lawmaker and journalist, has announced his intention to run for Russia's presidency in 2024, vowing to end the war in Ukraine and challenge Vladimir Putin's authoritarian rule . [1]

A Canadian study has found that the pollution from the tar sands industry in Alberta is up to 6,300% higher than reported by the companies, calling for them to "clean up their mess" . [2]

Women in Japan have been allowed to take part in the "naked festival" for the first time, a centuries-old tradition that involves men wearing only loincloths and competing for lucky sticks . [3]

The Australian of the Year 2024 award has gone to two pioneering melanoma researchers, Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, who have made breakthroughs in treating the deadly skin cancer . [4]

Several AFL clubs have called for Australia Day to be changed or abolished, saying that it causes pain to Indigenous people and does not reflect the country's diversity  [5].