Rights, rhinos and Olympic revelry: Uplifting stories from 2024

Cyrielle CABOT

31 December 2024 at 1:28 am·1-min read

A collage of images shows the horned rhinoceroses, a recovering species, signs held up by climate change protesters, and the Northern Lights as seen at the Joshua Tree National Park, California, US.

It was another turbulent year from start to end, dominated by wars still raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. But 2024 also witnessed some breakthroughs in medical research, space exploration and human rights, while the Paris Games gave the host country and viewers around the world a summer to remember. FRANCE 24 looks back at some of the positive stories that lifted our spirits over the past 12 months.

Northern Lights lit up the sky

They put on an exceptional show, decorating the sky with shades of green, yellow and violet. 2024 was a fantastic year for observing the Northern Lights. Some appeared in regions where they are very rarely seen, such as the US state of Arizona, Spain, Namibia and France, allowing lucky people to see them directly from their windows.

The unusual phenomenon is a result of the Sun entering a period of peak activity, which happens every 11 years or so. During such periods, the smouldering ball of gas is in turmoil, spewing out particles and matter. It is these so-called solar eruptions that cause the aurora borealis (scientific term for the Northern Lights) on Earth. And the good news for those who missed them this time is that they should reappear in 2025. So look up.

Europa mission looks for signs of life near Jupiter

The year that passed has brought a number of breakthroughs in the medical field as well.

Australian Associated Press
Trump criticised for 'purge' of independent watchdogs
Democrats and others criticise President Donald Trump for firing independent watchdogs at multiple government agencies in a letter citing "changing priorities".
Australian Associated Press
Kane back in the goals as Bayern go clear in Bundesliga
Harry Kane has scored for the first time from open play since November as Bayern Munich moved six points clear in Germany with a 2-0 win at Freiburg.
Australian Associated Press
Djokovic hits back at 'experts' who queried his injury
Tennis great Novak Djokovic has posted a scan of his hamstring injury on social media in a pointed riposte to his critics and doubters.
Australian Associated Press
One in ten road crash drivers on ice, study shows
New research indicates 17 per cent of drivers involved in road crashes have drugs or alcohol in their system.
Australian Associated Press
Salah's 100th Anfield league goal as Liverpool march on
Mohamed Salah has scored his 100th Anfield league goal as they thrashed Ipswich 4-1 to stay six points ahead of Arsenal, who won 1-0 at Wolves, in the EPL.
Australian Associated Press
Elon Musk joins German far right party event by video
Elon Musk made a cameo at a German far right political party's campaign event, while tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Berlin against extremist views.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie Scrivener roars into Euro tour event contention
Jason Scrivener has burst from nowhere into third place in the European tour's Ras Al Khaimah Championship in the UAE after a brilliant third-round 65.
Australian Associated Press
Call for stationing EU troops in Greenland
A top European Union military official is in favour of stationing European Union soldiers in Greenland.
Australian Associated Press
Nine-year-old boy allegedly murdered in Townsville
Police are investigating the alleged murder of a nine-year-old boy in far north Queensland.
Australian Associated Press
Tilak Varma drags India to narrow T20 win over England
Tilak Varma has almost single-handedly won the day against England, scoring an unbeaten 72 in India's two-wicket victory in the second T20 international.
Australian Associated Press
Fortune favours the brave as Madison finds the Keys
Madison Keys has credited her close-knit team for believing in her when she didn't after breaking through to claim her first grand slam title at Melbourne Park.
Australian Associated Press
Senate confirms Noem as Trump's homeland security chief
The Senate has confirmed Kristi Noem as homeland security boss, putting the South Dakota governor in charge of an agency set to clamp down on illegal migration.
Australian Associated Press
Macarthur expecting more January transfer movement
Macarthur boss Mile Sterjovski says the club's long-term strategy is now bearing fruit with several young Australians netting moves overseas.
Australian Associated Press
MND advocate Neale Daniher named Australian of the Year
AFL legend Neale Daniher has been awarded the 2025 Australian of the Year for his tireless advocacy for a cure for motor neurone disease.
Australian Associated Press
Campaigners and Olympians recognised in honours list
More than 450 people have been recognised for their achievements in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List.
Australian Associated Press
Aussies set sights on heaping more Ashes pain on Poms
Australia's women's cricketers are planning to display their ruthless streak in their highly-anticipated Ashes Test match against England.
Australian Associated Press
Fowler scores a beauty in Man City win at Aston Villa
Mary Fowler has lit up Manchester City's 4-2 win at Aston Villa in the Women's Super League, scoring a superb curler and assisting on an even better goal.
Australian Associated Press
Wimbledon champs add Open doubles to their trophy haul
Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten have claimed the Australian Open doubles title in an epic three-hour final against Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori.
Australian Associated Press
Italy to resume controversial Albania migrant transfer
Italy is gearing up to send migrants, who are rescued in the Mediterranean Sea, to Albania.
Australian Associated Press
Only person with a functioning pig organ is thriving
An Alabama woman is thriving following a record 61 days and counting after receiving a pig kidney.

Northern Lights lit up the sky

Europa mission looks for signs of life near Jupiter

Latest stories