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The Philippines order to close all public schools due to an extreme heatwave takes the centerstage among all global events which has happened over this week.
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Maldives voters have backed President Mohamed Muizzu’s shift towards China, with his People’s National Congress (PNC) winning a parliamentary super-majority in a landslide election. The PNC secured 66 of the first 86 declared seats, signaling support for Muizzu’s plan for closer economic ties with China, including building apartments on reclaimed land. This election marks a pivot from India, highlighted by sending home Indian troops and awarding infrastructure contracts to Chinese firms. The pro-India Maldivian Democratic Party faced a significant defeat.
Monday, 22 April, 2024
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted narrowly on Tuesday to ban nearly all noncompete agreements, which prevent workers from joining competing businesses or starting their own. FTC Chair Lina Khan highlighted worker stories of being trapped in abusive workplaces due to noncompetes. The FTC estimates that about 30 million workers are affected by noncompetes, and the ban could increase wages by nearly $300 billion annually. The ban, effective later this year, excludes noncompetes for senior executives. The vote was 3-2 along party lines, with dissenting commissioners predicting court challenges.
Tuesday, 23 April, 2024
In a rare Saturday session, the US House of Representatives approved $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies, with bipartisan support following months of resistance. The package includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, $8 billion for Indo-Pacific allies, and $9 billion in humanitarian aid for war zones like Haiti, Sudan, and Gaza. Speaker Mike Johnson, who helped pass the package, expressed confidence in its historical significance. The bill also includes Republican-endorsed measures, such as seizing Russian assets, imposing sanctions on Iran, Russia, and China, and requiring TikTok's Chinese owner to sell its stake.
Wednesday, 24 April, 2024
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned that NATO nuclear facilities in Poland would become primary military targets for Russia if deployed. He criticized NATO’s nuclear sharing missions as destabilizing and threatening, especially near Russian borders. Ryabkov emphasized that such deployments would not enhance Poland's security but would instead make the facilities key targets in Russia's military planning. This follows Polish President Andrzej Duda's statement about Poland's readiness to host NATO nuclear weapons if needed.
Thursday, 25 April, 2024
Thousands gathered in downtown Budapest on Friday, led by Peter Magyar, a former government insider now challenging Prime Minister Viktor Orban, to demand child-protection reform. The protesters waved flags and chanted, “We’ve had enough.” Magyar, who entered the political scene in February amid a child sex abuse scandal that led to President Katalin Novak's resignation, accused Orban's government of failing to protect children and widespread corruption. In response to the scandal, ruling party Fidesz proposed stricter penalties for child sexual abuse. Despite the unrest and upcoming elections, Orban's Fidesz remains Hungary’s most popular party.
Friday, 26 April, 2024
Iraq’s parliament passed a law on Saturday criminalizing same-sex relationships, imposing up to 15 years in prison for such acts. The law also mandates at least seven years for promoting homosexuality or prostitution and one to three years for changing biological gender or dressing effeminately. Backed by conservative Shi'ite Muslim parties, the law aims to uphold religious values and protect society from moral depravity. Major parties have intensified criticism of LGBT rights, with frequent protests against rainbow flags. Globally, over 130 countries legalize same-sex acts, while more than 60 criminalize them.
Saturday, 27 April, 2024
The Philippines will close all public schools on Monday and Tuesday due to an extreme heatwave. Temperatures in Manila soared to a record 38.8 degrees Celsius (101.8 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, surpassing the previous high from May 1915. The Department of Education decided on the closures in response to the intense heat and a nationwide Jeepney transport strike. Meanwhile, Thailand's power demand hit a record high as temperatures reached up to 44 degrees, prompting extreme heat warnings in Bangkok.
Sunday, 28 April, 2024