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Volt Typhoon, ICJ ruling & more!

Good Morning - While it may seem like Canada extends farther north, the majority of Canadians live closer to the southern border. Surprisingly, Seattle, located at 45 degrees latitude, is actually farther north than Toronto and Montreal. In simple terms, more than half of Canadians live south of Seattle.

Global Insights

Volt Typhoon disrupted

A U.S. government operation has disrupted the networks controlled by the Chinese hacking group known as "Volt Typhoon," according to recent reports. Intelligence agencies have expressed concern about the group's activities, indicating a larger effort to compromise critical Western infrastructure, including naval ports, internet service providers, and utilities. Analysts are particularly alarmed by the potential threat to U.S. readiness in case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Countries worldwide engage in intelligence gathering using hackers, but when these groups shift from intelligence gathering to digital sabotage, it raises significant concerns for these countries. Microsoft's assertion last year that Volt Typhoon was developing capabilities to disrupt critical communications infrastructure between the U.S. and Asia during future crises intensified worries, especially amid rising tensions over Taiwan.

The term "botnet" is crucial in this context, referring to a network of compromised digital devices controlled remotely. Volt Typhoon used this approach to hide downstream attacks on more sensitive targets. SecurityScorecard found vulnerabilities in Cisco Systems devices related to Volt Typhoon's activity. The use of such botnets is not new, and it's a method often employed to quickly target multiple victims or conceal the origin of attacks.

While China denies involvement in hacking, evidence of its cyberespionage campaigns has accumulated over the years. The Biden administration has prioritized addressing hacking threats, both due to concerns about foreign interference in U.S. elections and the increasing impact of ransomware attacks on American corporations in 2023. The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of cybersecurity and the need for international cooperation to address these evolving threats.

Overview of ICJ’s ruling on Israel

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has responded to the Israel-Gaza conflict with six emergency orders following South Africa's genocide case against Israel. Although the ICJ refrained from calling for a complete ceasefire, these measures target specific issues raised in the genocide allegations.

The ICJ asserted its jurisdiction to hear South Africa's case and instructed Israel to implement crucial measures. These include preventing acts outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention, ensuring the military refrains from specified actions, addressing direct incitement to commit genocide, delivering humanitarian aid, and preserving evidence of war crimes.

South Africa's lawsuit accuses Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention during the Gaza conflict. While the ICJ addressed some aspects, such as the prevention of genocide, other requests regarding military operations and escalation were left unaddressed in the provisional measures.

The ICJ's rulings are legally binding, but enforcing them poses challenges. The potential involvement of the UN Security Council faces obstacles, particularly due to historical US vetoes on resolutions concerning Israel.

Israel is required to submit a report on its actions by February 26, with South Africa given an opportunity to respond. The ICJ will assess compliance and may consider additional measures. Ongoing hearings will delve into evidence supporting South Africa's accusations and Israel's defense.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded stating “we decide and act according to what is required for our security.”

Trending

Trump leading swing states

A new poll indicates Donald Trump Is leading Joe Biden in all 7 swing states. In swing states, more than half of voters (51%) trust Trump over Biden to handle the U.S. economy, while 33% believe Biden would be better. On immigration, 52% think Trump would handle it better, while 30% favor Biden.

Settler Sanctions

The United States has imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers for attacking Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. The move comes with the allegation that these actions undermine stability and security in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. As a result, the sanctioned individuals will see their assets frozen in the U.S., and there will be restrictions on financial dealings with them.

The influx of migrants to Spain

In 2023, Spain experienced a significant increase in illegal migrant entries, totaling 56,852 individuals – an 82% rise compared to the previous year. The majority of these arrivals, numbering 39,910, occurred in the Canary Islands. This marked a substantial 154% increase from the previous year and exceeded the archipelago's previous record set in 2006 when 31,678 people arrived.

History & Culture - The Kings Guard

The King's Guard, also known as the Queen's Guard when a female monarch reigns, serves as sentry at Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace, organized by the British Army's Household Division

The Kings Guard, composed of soldiers from five elite British military regiments, is renowned for its stoic dedication to duty. Contrary to popular belief, these soldiers are allowed to move regularly, even on guard duty, and may react to hecklers or disruptive behavior. While stationed outside the King’s residences, they endure extreme weather and verbal abuse without flinching.

During their two-hour shifts, they remain composed even if they need to relieve themselves, instructed to perform their duties without outwardly showing embarrassment.

Despite their reputation for stoicism, the guards move every 10 minutes to prevent blood pooling in their legs and potential fainting. If a guard does faint, they are expected to do so while maintaining a standing-at-attention pose. Fellow guards will march over a fallen comrade if necessary, and medical personnel attend to them.

Guards can rarely react to tourists taking photos or making jokes, as they are specifically instructed to ignore such interactions.

Guards use bayoneted rifles for ceremonial purposes, and while they are usually not loaded, guards are authorized to use deadly force if necessary. The Queen's Guard has historically dealt with various disrespectful behaviors from the public, including pulling bearskins, putting objects in rifle butts, or attempting to untie shoelaces. Despite challenges, some people approach respectfully for photographs, and guards occasionally receive attention from women seeking a reaction or slipping phone numbers into their pockets.

Fast Facts

• 2024 is a leap year, so February will have 29 days. Why do leap years even exist? Maybe we will write about that soon. 366 days as opposed to 365 days in a normal year.

• Due To a shortage Of Metal, The Oscars Were Made Of Painted Plaster During World War II.

• Potato Chips Cause More Weight Gain Than Any Other Food

You don't reach the goal by chasing the goal, but by focusing on becoming the person who can get it done.

-@orangebook_ on X