- Centerstage Events

Millions in southern Africa facing the worst food crisis in decades according to WFP took centerstage on Tuesday, 15 October 2024 among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
Picture Courtesy: Profit loss

Centerstage events of week 2

The Nobel Prize in Economics this year is awarded to...

The Nobel Prize in Economics this year is awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their research on how institutions shape prosperity. They demonstrated that societal institutions introduced during colonization explain differences in countries' wealth. While inclusive institutions foster long-term prosperity, extractive institutions provide short-term benefits to those in power, hindering economic reforms. The laureates explain that entrenched political systems prevent improvements, trapping countries in low economic growth.

Sunday, 13 October, 2024

Millions in southern Africa are facing the worst food crisis...

Millions in southern Africa are facing the worst food crisis in decades due to severe drought, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Five countries—Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—have declared a state of disaster, with Angola and Mozambique also severely affected. Around 21 million children are malnourished, and the WFP aims to provide food and cash aid to over 6.5 million people until the next harvest in March but has only received a fifth of the $369 million required.

Monday, 14 October, 2024

Since Monday, at least 19 Indian flights have been targeted...

Since Monday, at least 19 Indian flights have been targeted with hoax bomb threats, causing significant delays and flight diversions. On Wednesday, an Air Akasa flight bound for Bengaluru was diverted to Delhi due to a bomb threat. On Tuesday, Singapore's Air Force escorted an Air India Express plane after a similar threat. Earlier, an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago made an emergency landing in Canada as a precautionary measure. These incidents have caused widespread disruptions in air travel.

Tuesday, 15 October, 2024

The South African government has requested Taiwan...

The South African government has requested Taiwan to relocate its representative office from the capital, Pretoria, by the end of October, reportedly due to pressure from China, as confirmed by Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday. MOFA is attempting to reverse the decision, highlighting that it could harm bilateral relations in areas such as trade, education, and technology. Relations between South Africa and China have strengthened since last year, with Beijing persistently pressuring South Africa to suppress Taiwan diplomatically.

Wednesday, 16 October, 2024

Switzerland has officially joined the European...

Switzerland has officially joined the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), becoming its 15th member, the government confirmed on Friday. ESSI, initiated by Germany in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, aims to create a unified air and missile defense system across Europe. By joining, Switzerland enhances its international cooperation opportunities, particularly in procurement, training, and logistics for ground-based air defense. The current focus is on medium-range defense, with potential for future cooperation in short- and long-range air defense systems.

Thursday, 17 October, 2024

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Israeli government...

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Israeli government reported that a drone targeted the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as neither Netanyahu nor his wife were at the house at the time. This incident occurred amid ongoing escalations, with sirens sounding across Israel due to projectile fire from Lebanon. The attack coincided with Iran's supreme leader pledging continued support for Hamas following the killing of the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attack.

Friday, 18 October, 2024

Moldovans vote on Sunday, October 20...

Moldovans vote on Sunday, October 20, in a presidential election and a referendum to amend the constitution, committing Moldova to joining the European Union (EU). Around 2 million citizens, including the 200,000-strong diaspora, are asked to choose between outgoing president Maia Sandu, who strongly supports EU integration, and 10 other candidates with varying degrees of support for Russia.

Saturday, 19 October, 2024