September Current Events 2024: World News
U.S. News | Disaster News | Science & Technology News | Current Events This Week
The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the World news events you need to know so far for September 2024.
- Brazil Bans X Following Failure To Comply With Court Order
- Three Libyan Oil Fields Given Permission To Resume Production
- Russian Authorities Locate Wreckage Of Far East Helicopter Crash
- Venezuela’s President’s Plane Seized By The United States
- Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Military Educational Facility, Killed Dozens
- Trudeau’s Party Losses The Support Of Canada’s NDP
- Fire Breaks Out In Boarding School In Kenya, Killing At Least 18 Boys
- Protesters Hit The Street Over President Macron's Choice Of Prime Minister
- Opposition Leader In Venezuela Lands In Spain Following Disputed Election
- Princess Of Wales Completes Her Chemotherapy
- United Kingdom And Other Allies Of Ukraine Step Up Sanctions Against Iran
- Former President Of Peru, Alberto Fujimori Dies At 86
- Russia Accuses Six British Diplomats Of Being Spies, Revokes Their Accreditation
- Train Collides In Egypt Killing Three People
- Deputy Prime Minister Of Italy Accused Of Blocking Immigrant Boat
- President Putin Orders Increase In The Army Size Of Russia By 180,000
- Hezbollah Promises Retaliation Following Pager Explosion That Killed Nine
- Musk Finds A Way To Get X Working Again In Brazil Following Ban
- Israel Airstrike In Berry Kills Senior Hezbollah Commander
- France President Names New Government Led By Michel Barnier
- Sri Lankan Elects Dissanayake As President With Hope To Fix Economy
- Russia’s Sarmat Ballistic Missile Blows Up During Launch
- Same-Sex Marriage Signed Into Law In Thailand Following The King’s Approval
- Mixed Reactions As China Conducted Rare Test Of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
Brazil Bans X Following Failure To Comply With Court Order
Friday, August 30, 2024 – The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has been banned in Brazil after failing to meet a Supreme Court deadline to appoint a new legal representative in the country. The ban, ordered by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, will remain in place until X complies with all court orders and pays outstanding fines.
The dispute started in April when the judge ordered the suspension of multiple X accounts for allegedly spreading disinformation, many of which were linked to supporters of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro. In response to the ban, X owner Elon Musk accused the judge of undermining free speech for political reasons.
X had previously closed its Brazilian office, citing threats of arrest against its representative. The head of Brazil’s telecommunications agency is enforcing the platform’s suspension, with Justice Moraes also ordering companies like Apple and Google to remove X from their stores.
Source: BBC
Three Libyan Oil Fields Given Permission To Resume Production
Saturday, August 31, 2024 – Libya’s Sarir, Messla, and Nafoura oilfields have been instructed to resume production after a standoff between rival political factions halted most of the country's oil output. The Arabian Gulf Oil Company, which operates the fields, issued the order without providing specific reasons, according to engineers at the sites.
The shutdown was triggered by a conflict over control of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), with western factions attempting to replace veteran governor Sadiq al-Kabir, leading eastern factions to halt oil production in protest. The eastern administration, which controls nearly all of Libya's oilfields, is demanding that Western authorities reverse their decision on the CBL leadership.
Libya’s National Oil Corporation reported that these closures have resulted in a 63% loss of the country’s total oil production, further exacerbating the crisis.
Source: CNN
Russian Authorities Locate Wreckage Of Far East Helicopter Crash
Sunday, September 1, 2024 – The Russian Emergency Ministry confirmed that the wreckage of a Russian Mi-8T helicopter, which went missing in the country's Far East, was discovered on Sunday, with none of the 22 people on board surviving. The helicopter, carrying 19 passengers and three crew members, disappeared on Saturday while flying near the Vachkazhets volcano in the Kamchatka peninsula.
By Sunday evening, 17 bodies had been recovered. The crash occurred in poor weather conditions, with low visibility, drizzle, and fog reported in the region. Preliminary reports suggest that the helicopter crashed into a hill due to crew error in the difficult weather conditions.
No malfunctions were reported by the crew before the crash. Over 60 specialists, along with 15 units of search equipment, were deployed to locate the wreckage amidst challenging weather conditions.
Source: Reuters
Venezuela’s President’s Plane Seized By The United States
Monday, September 2, 2024 – The United States has seized a private jet that is said to be linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing illegal procurement and export. The plane, a Falcon 900EX, valued at $13 million, was seized in the Dominican Republic and later flown to Florida.
The Department of Justice of the United States claims that the aircraft was bought in violation of export control and sanctions laws, asserting that people connected to Maduro used a shell company to hide their involvement in its purchase from a Florida-based firm.
The jet was reportedly exported to Venezuela via the Caribbean in April 2023. Officials argue that the plane's sale violated sanctions placed on Venezuela, though it is expected that Maduro will dismiss these claims as foreign interference in Venezuela's internal matters. Dominican authorities played a key role in assisting the U.S. in seizing the plane.
Source: BBC
Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Military Educational Facility, Killed Dozens
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 – The office of the prosecutor general in Ukraine confirmed that a Russian missile strike on a military educational facility in Poltava, central Ukraine, resulted in the deaths of 51 people and injured over 200. This incident is one of the most lethal single attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that two ballistic missiles hit the facility and a nearby hospital, urging the international community to supply Ukraine with air defense systems. Rescue teams are still searching through the rubble, with up to 18 people feared to be trapped.
In addition to the facility, at least 10 residential buildings were damaged in the city. The head of the Poltava region's military administration, Filip Pronin, provided updates on the situation via Telegram, while Moscow has not officially commented on the attack.
Sources: CNN
Trudeau’s Party Losses The Support Of Canada’s NDP
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 – Canada's left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) has ended its two-and-a-half-year-old "supply and confidence" agreement with Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party, which had kept Trudeau’s minority government in power since March 2022. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh cited dissatisfaction with the Liberals' performance, saying they lack the strength to fight for Canadians.
Although the deal’s end does not immediately trigger a federal election, Singh warned that non-confidence votes could occur with every confidence measure, potentially leading to an early election before the scheduled October 2025 date.
The agreement had secured NDP support for the Liberals in key votes in exchange for progress on policies such as dental care for lower-income families and a national pharmacare program. Despite the breakup, Trudeau expressed confidence in continuing to lead, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre dismissed Singh's announcement.
Source: BBC
Fire Breaks Out In Boarding School In Kenya, Killing At Least 18 Boys
Friday, September 6, 2024 – A tragic fire at the Hillside Endarasha Academy, a boarding school in central Kenya, claimed the lives of at least 18 boys and left 27 others hospitalized. The fire broke out in the early hours of Friday, engulfing a dormitory that housed over 150 boys aged 10 to 14.
The vice president of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua, confirmed that 70 children remain unaccounted for, though some may have been taken home by their parents during the night. Officials reported that the bodies recovered were severely burned, and more might be found once the scene is fully processed.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but Kenya’s National Gender and Equality Commission highlighted overcrowding and safety violations as possible factors. President William Ruto expressed his devastation and vowed to hold those responsible accountable for the tragedy.
Source: The Guardian
Protesters Hit The Street Over President Macron's Choice Of Prime Minister
Saturday, September 7, 2024 – More than 100,000 people across France protested the appointment of Michel Barnier as prime minister, following a contested election. New Popular Front (NPF), which won the most seats, is upset that their candidate, Lucie Castets, was rejected by President Emmanuel Macron.
Trade unions and NPF members organized protests, claiming the decision undermined democracy. In Paris alone, 26,000 protested, though organizers claimed the number was as high as 300,000. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the radical France Unbowed party, called for mass mobilization, accusing Macron of a “coup” and citing "stolen election" as a rallying cry.
Mr. Barnier, the European Union’s former Brexit negotiator, has stated he is open to a broad coalition, but his potential reliance on far-right support for survival in a confidence vote has raised concerns.
Source: BBC
Opposition Leader In Venezuela Lands In Spain Following Disputed Election
Sunday, September 8, 2024 – Venezuelan opposition leader, Edmundo Gonzalez fled to Madrid, following an arrest warrant issued against him in Venezuela, accusing him of terrorism, conspiracy, and other charges linked to the disputed presidential election in July. Gonzalez, his wife, and Spanish officials arrived at the Torrejon de Ardoz military air base, where he is expected to seek asylum in Spain.
The election, which declared incumbent Nicolas Maduro as the winner with 51% of the vote, has been contested by the opposition and several Latin American leaders, as opposition tallies indicated Gonzalez had won. Widespread protests erupted in Venezuela which led to mass arrests.
Gonzalez had been staying at Spain’s embassy in Caracas as a voluntary refugee before being allowed to leave for Spain. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated that Gonzalez’s departure was permitted to ensure political peace.
Source: CNN
Princess Of Wales Completes Her Chemotherapy
Monday, September 9, 2024 – The Princess of Wales, Catherine, shared that she is focusing on staying cancer-free after completing preventive chemotherapy. In a video message from Kensington Palace, she expressed relief at finishing the challenging nine-month treatment, describing it as an “incredibly tough” and “scary” period for her and her family.
Although she acknowledged a long path to full recovery, she remains determined to take each day as it comes. Catherine also mentioned that life can change unexpectedly, and her family has had to navigate the rough patches and the uncertainty ahead.
While recovering, she has begun working on projects from home and plans to resume limited public engagements for the rest of the year. Her message of resilience and hope reflects her commitment to both personal well-being and public service during this difficult time.
Source: The Guardian
United Kingdom And Other Allies Of Ukraine Step Up Sanctions Against Iran
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 – The United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany have imposed new sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with ballistic missiles intended for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These sanctions include travel bans, asset freezes on key Iranian individuals involved in military support, and restrictions on Iran Air’s flights to the UK and Europe.
Secretary of State of the United States, Antony Blinken, during a visit to London, revealed that Russians had received training from Iranian forces on how to use the Fath-360 ballistic missile system.
Blinken highlighted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been increasingly dependent on military support from both Iran and North Korea in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the supply of these missiles is a dangerous escalation.
Source: BBC
Former President Of Peru, Alberto Fujimori Dies At 86
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 – Former Peruvian President, Alberto Fujimori, a figure with a deeply controversial legacy, has passed away at 86 after battling cancer. His daughter, Keiko Fujimori, announced his death, asking for prayers for his soul.
Fujimori was the President of Peru from 1990 to 2000, during a time of severe economic instability and social turmoil. His administration is credited with stabilizing Peru’s economy and defeating the terrorist group, Shining Path, which had plagued the nation. However, he was later convicted of human rights violations and corruption, including the use of security forces to silence and persecute political opponents.
Despite his significant role in rescuing the country from crisis, his tenure remains polarizing, with many Peruvians remembering both his achievements and his abuses of power. Fujimori's health had deteriorated in recent years, and he had been diagnosed with a malignant tumor earlier in 2023.
Source: CNN
Russia Accuses Six British Diplomats Of Being Spies, Revokes Their Accreditation
Friday, September 13, 2024 – Russia revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of espionage amid growing tensions over Ukraine. Moscow’s FSB spy agency claimed that the Foreign Office of the United Kingdom was involved in coordinating an escalation of the political and military situation in Ukraine.
However, the Foreign Office dismissed the claims, stating that the diplomats had already left Russia weeks earlier as part of an ongoing diplomatic retaliation. A Foreign Office spokesperson labeled the accusations as baseless and emphasized the UK's commitment to protecting national interests.
This diplomatic clash coincided with British opposition leader Keir Starmer's visit to Washington to discuss Ukraine's potential use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles against Russia. Starmer met with US President Joe Biden, who downplayed threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Source: The Guardian
Train Collides In Egypt Killing Three People
Saturday, September 14, 2024 – The Ministry of Health in Egypt has confirmed that a train collision in the country has resulted in the deaths of at least three people and injuries to 49 others. The accident occurred in Zagazig, the capital of Al Sharkia governorate.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with 30 ambulances and medical teams dispatched. The victims who were injured were taken to local hospitals, and five of them are reported to be in critical condition.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern in Egypt’s aging railway system, which has seen numerous deadly accidents over the past two decades. In 2021, 32 people died in a similar train collision, and 25 people were killed in a fire at Cairo’s Ramses station in 2019.
Source: CNN
Deputy Prime Minister Of Italy Accused Of Blocking Immigrant Boat
Sunday, September 15, 2024 – Italian prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence for Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini over his 2019 decision to prevent a migrant boat from docking. The boat, operated by the Open Arms charity, was held at sea for nearly three weeks with 147 migrants aboard before a court ordered it to dock on the island of Lampedusa.
Salvini, then serving as interior minister, faces charges of kidnapping and dereliction of duty but denies any wrongdoing, arguing that his actions were intended to protect Italy from becoming a "refugee camp for all of Europe."
Salvini implemented a "closed ports" policy to curb human trafficking, but the migrants' conditions aboard the vessel deteriorated, leading to a scabies outbreak. A verdict is expected next month, and if convicted, Salvini could be barred from holding office. Salvini maintains that defending Italy was not a crime.
Source: BBC
President Putin Orders Increase In The Army Size Of Russia By 180,000
Monday, September 16, 2024 – The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase of 180,000 military troops, raising Russia's total military personnel to nearly 2.4 million, including 1.5 million active soldiers. This expansion, set to take effect in December, marks Putin's third increase since his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The decree follows a Ukrainian attack on Russia’s southern Kursk region, the first such foreign invasion of Russian territory since World War II. In response, Russia has intensified efforts to repel Ukrainian forces from Kursk and push towards Pokrovsk in the Donbas region.
Prior expansions included the addition of 137,000 troops in 2022 and a partial mobilization of military reservists. This mobilization allowed for the conscription of citizens with prior military experience. Putin’s recent actions demonstrate continued escalation in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Source: CNN
Hezbollah Promises Retaliation Following Pager Explosion That Killed Nine
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel after an unprecedented attack in which pagers used by its members exploded across Lebanon, killing at least nine and wounding close to 3,000. The blasts occurred amid growing tensions in the Middle East, following Israel’s expanded military efforts against Hezbollah along the Lebanese border.
While Israel has not commented on the explosions, the attack came after a series of targeted assassinations by Israel on senior Hezbollah leaders. Lebanon’s health minister reported a 10-year-old girl among the dead and more than 200 critically injured.
The attack raises fears of further escalation in the region, with the United States' efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran being challenged. Iran’s ambassador to Beirut was also reportedly injured, increasing concerns of potential retaliation and the broader implications for the Middle East.
Source: The Guardian
Musk Finds A Way To Get X Working Again In Brazil Following Ban
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 – Users of X (formerly Twitter) in Brazil have regained access to the platform after it was banned on August 30. The change occurred when X switched its services to Cloudflare servers, which use dynamic IPs that constantly change, making it more difficult for authorities to block.
This shift came after X failed to comply with a court order to appoint a legal representative in the country, a move tied to a conflict between Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and X owner Elon Musk. The dynamic IP system also affects other critical services in Brazil, such as digital payment platforms like PIX, complicating efforts to block the app without disrupting other services.
While X’s response to the ban remains unclear, experts suggest that Cloudflare’s cooperation could either help enforce the ban or make it more difficult to manage.
Source: BBC
Israel Airstrike In Berry Kills Senior Hezbollah Commander
Friday, September 20, 2024 – An Israeli airstrike targeted Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut, killing at least 31 people, including Ibrahim Aqil, a high-ranking commander in Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force. This strike dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah, already grappling with Israeli attacks.
Aqil was accused by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) of plotting to raid communities in Galilee, northern Israel. The United States had placed a $7 million bounty on Aqil for his alleged role in the 1983 bombings of the United States Embassy and Marine barracks in Beirut.
The IDF claimed the strike targeted Hezbollah commanders hiding beneath a residential building in the Dahiyeh neighborhood, accusing them of using civilians as shields. The airstrike, which also killed 16 Hezbollah operatives, flattened a multistory building, making it the deadliest strike since the October 7 attacks.
Source: CNN
France President Names New Government Led By Michel Barnier
Saturday, September 21, 2024 – The President of France, Emmanuel Macron has appointed a new government led by conservative Prime Minister Michel Barnier, signaling a shift to the right following an inconclusive parliamentary election. Barnier, internationally recognized for leading the EU’s Brexit negotiations, faces the immediate challenge of drafting a 2025 budget plan to address France’s serious financial situation.
His cabinet selection must navigate potential opposition, as leftwing politicians have already announced plans to challenge it with a no-confidence motion. The New Popular Front (NFP) secured the most seats in the July parliamentary election but fell short of a majority.
Macron, arguing the left would struggle to form a stable government, turned to Barnier to lead a coalition. Barnier's leadership is now crucial in navigating the ongoing political challenges in France, but protests against his appointment have already surfaced.
Source: The Guardian
Sri Lankan Elects Dissanayake As President With Hope To Fix Economy
Sunday, September 22, 2024 – Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist-leaning politician, was elected as Sri Lanka's new president on Sunday, promising to tackle corruption and drive the country’s fragile economic recovery. Dissanayake, 55, with no notable political lineage, led the vote count from start to finish, defeating incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.
He secured 42.3% of the votes, a significant increase from the 3% he garnered in the 2019 presidential election. Premadasa finished second with 32.8%, while Wickremesinghe, who had overseen Sri Lanka's economic recovery, came third with 17%.
Dissanayake's victory marked a referendum on Wickremesinghe's austerity measures, which angered the voters even though it was criticism of the recovery of the country’s economy. The election was historically decided through a second tally, as no candidate secured the mandatory 50% majority in the first round.
Source: Reuters
Russia’s Sarmat Ballistic Missile Blows Up During Launch
Monday, September 23, 2024 – Satellite images have revealed that Russia's Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, also known as Satan II, suffered a significant failure during a test launch. Images taken by Maxar showed a large crater, approximately 60 meters wide, at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, indicating a "catastrophic failure."
The RS-28 Sarmat missile is a crucial part of Russia's nuclear arsenal modernization efforts and is designed to reach distant targets in the United States and Europe. However, its development has faced ongoing delays and test failures.
Experts have analyzed the damage, concluding that the failure likely occurred during or shortly after ignition. Pavel Podvig, a nuclear analyst, and Timothy Wright from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, both suggest a possible issue with the missile's first-stage booster. The Russian defense ministry is yet to comment on the incident, leaving the specifics of the failure unclear.
Source: The Guardian
Same-Sex Marriage Signed Into Law In Thailand Following The King’s Approval
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – Thailand officially legalized same-sex marriage on Tuesday, making it the third country in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to pass such legislation. The law, now published in the Royal Gazette after receiving King Maha Vajiralongkorn's endorsement, will come into effect in 120 days, allowing LGBTQ+ couples to legally wed by January next year.
This historic bill grants equal legal, financial, and medical rights to marriage partners, regardless of gender. It passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate with ease in April and June.
Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the milestone on social media, marking it as a significant achievement for love and equality. While Thailand has long been known for its inclusivity, LGBTQ+ individuals have faced societal discrimination, and the road to passing this bill was difficult due to conservative values within the government and broader society.
Source: CNN
Mixed Reactions As China Conducted Rare Test Of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 – China recently conducted a rare test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking its first such launch into international waters in over 40 years. Beijing described the test as routine and not targeted at any country, noting that it had notified "relevant countries." However, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand expressed concerns, with Japan stating it had received no warning.
Analysts see the test as a significant display of China’s growing long-range nuclear capabilities, contributing to escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The ICBM fired on Wednesday morning, carried a dummy warhead, and landed in the South Pacific.
While China typically tests its missiles domestically, this international test signals a shift in its approach, highlighting its ongoing nuclear modernization. The United States has previously warned of China's expanding nuclear arsenal, though China's stockpile remains much smaller than that of the United States or Russia.
Source: BBC
Are you interested in the world around you? Check out our World Overview page to discover more. And if you enjoyed this article, why not drop a line to let us know, or share it with others who might be interested in Wor
About the author
Trending
Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
