- Centerstage Events

The Mars Express orbiter detecting enough water ice beneath Mars' equator to cover the planet in a shallow ocean if melted takes the centerstage among all global events which has happened over this week.
Picture Courtesy: Profit loss

Centerstage events of week 3

Nauru has switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, reducing...

Nauru has switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, reducing Taiwan's formal allies to 12. This move follows Taiwan's recent presidential election, in which the pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party was re-elected. China welcomed Nauru's decision, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations. Taiwan's foreign ministry expressed disappointment, noting China's strategic timing. During President Tsai Ing-wen's tenure, China pressured nine other nations to sever ties with Taiwan, making Nauru the tenth.

Sunday, 14 January, 2024

On 16 January 2024, Iran conducted missile and drone strikes...

On 16 January 2024, Iran conducted missile and drone strikes in Pakistan's Balochistan province, targeting the Iranian Baloch militant group Jaish ul-Adl. This followed similar strikes in Iraq and Syria against Mossad and terrorist strongholds, in response to the Kerman bombings by the Islamic State. The Pakistani government condemned the attack as an "unprovoked violation" of its airspace, noting the deaths of two children.

Monday, 15 January, 2024

Italy has deployed nearly 500 Cuban health workers across Calabria...

Italy has deployed nearly 500 Cuban health workers across Calabria to address a severe doctor shortage. In the operating theatre at a Calabrian hospital, Cuban surgeon Asbel Díaz Fonseca and his team prepare for abdominal surgery while debating the merits of Neapolitan vs. Calabrian pizza. Fonseca, who has worked in Polistena for a year, represents Italy's effort to revive its struggling health system with Cuban medical assistance.

Tuesday, 16 January, 2024

Tata Steel plans to close its blast furnaces in Port...

Tata Steel plans to close its blast furnaces in Port Talbot, resulting in 3,000 job losses across the UK, mostly by September. The Port Talbot steelworks will transition to a greener electric arc furnace. Unions called this decision a "crushing blow." The UK government promises support for affected employees and the local economy. Tata, employing 8,000 people, will invest £1.25bn, including a £500m government subsidy, to reduce carbon emissions and financial losses.

Wednesday, 17 January, 2024

The Mars Express orbiter has detected enough water ice beneath...

The Mars Express orbiter has detected enough water ice beneath Mars' equator to cover the planet in a shallow ocean if melted. The European Space Agency's probe found enough ice to create an ocean 4.9 to 8.9 feet deep. This discovery, made by the Mars Express mission, marks the largest amount of water ice detected near Mars' equator, matching previous findings of frozen water. Lead researcher Thomas Watters noted the radar signals resemble those from Mars' ice-rich polar caps.

Thursday, 18 January, 2024

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union...

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) have allocated over US$420,000 (1.6 million PGK) in grants to support sustainable development in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. These funds will aid initiatives against deforestation, improve food security, and adapt to climate change. The official handover occurred at a workshop in Wabag on January 17, 2024, involving key provincial figures and community representatives. Participants received guidance on project monitoring and implementation to ensure impactful results in sustainable land management. UNDP's Nicholas Booth stressed the need for communities to lead in balancing development with ecosystem preservation.

Friday, 19 January, 2024

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to "de-escalate the situation" and...

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to "de-escalate the situation" and enhance counter-terrorism coordination following recent military strikes in each other's territories. Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian discussed these issues via telephone, with Jilani expressing Pakistan's desire to "work with Iran based on mutual trust and cooperation," according to Pakistan's foreign office.

Saturday, 20 January, 2024