India’s D. Gukesh, at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest World Chess Champion took centerstage on Thursday, 12 December 2024 among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
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Centerstage events of week 2
Australia and Nauru sign a security treaty...
Australia and Nauru sign a security treaty, bolstering Australia's influence in the Pacific amid concerns over China's growing presence. The treaty grants Australia a veto over Nauru’s security partnerships, mirroring a similar deal with Tuvalu. In return, Australia provides AU$100 million for Nauru’s economic stability and AU$40 million for security and policing. This agreement follows Nauru's recent diplomatic shift toward China, addressing Australia’s regional security priorities and increasing integration with Pacific nations.
Monday, 9 December, 2024
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announces...
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announces that his country now hosts Russian nuclear weapons and will prepare facilities for deploying Moscow’s advanced hypersonic ballistic missile, the Oreshnik. Following a recent security pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarus gains nuclear guarantees and shared control over target selection for deployed missiles. With Cold War-era facilities and manufacturing capabilities for missile launchers, Belarus strengthens its role as Russia’s key ally, extending Moscow’s nuclear reach amid heightened tensions with NATO and the West.
Tuesday, 10 December, 2024
In a landmark decision following a husband's suicide...
In a landmark decision following a husband's suicide and his note, the Indian Supreme Court revises alimony guideline, emphasizing flexibility over rigid rules. The court identifies eight factors for determining permanent alimony: spouses' financial and social status, the wife’s and children’s basic needs, both spouses’ qualifications and employment, the applicant’s income or assets, the wife’s marital standard of living, job sacrifices for family, litigation costs for unemployed wives, and the husband’s financial capacity, earnings, and liabilities. This sets a precedent for a more nuanced approach to alimony cases.
Wednesday, 11 December, 2024
India’s D. Gukesh, at just 18 years old, becomes...
India’s D. Gukesh, at just 18 years old, becomes the youngest World Chess Champion, breaking Garry Kasparov’s record. Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren in the 14th round to clinch the 2024 title in Singapore. Despite an opening-round loss, he leveled the final in the third round and gained momentum. After a tense back-and-forth, Gukesh sealed victory in the final round. He earned his spot in the championship by winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.
Thursday, 12 December, 2024
Angola’s government amends the General Electricity Law...
Angola’s government amends the General Electricity Law, ending the state monopoly on electricity transmission and opening the sector to private investment. This reform, approved by parliament, aims to accelerate national electrification, attract private investors, and enhance regional energy connections. By enabling public service concession agreements, the amendments promote market competitiveness and transparency while reducing public financial burdens. The government targets electricity access for half the population by 2027, modernizing energy infrastructure and boosting efficiency through these landmark changes.
Friday, 13 December, 2024
The 12-day COP16 meeting of the United Nations...
The 12-day COP16 meeting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ended on December 14, 2024, a day later than scheduled, without a binding agreement on tackling drought. Hosted by Saudi Arabia, the talks focused on addressing the worsening global drought crisis but fell short of expectations. A press release stated that countries made "significant progress" toward establishing a global drought regime, with plans to finalize it at COP17 in Mongolia in 2026.
Saturday, 14 December, 2024
Britain officially joins the Comprehensive and Progressive...
Britain officially joins the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), becoming its 12th member on Sunday. This marks a significant step in strengthening post-Brexit trade ties with the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement lowers tariffs with eight members, including Japan and New Zealand, starting immediately, with Australia following on December 24 and Canada and Mexico after ratification. Britain estimates the pact could be worth £2 billion annually in the long term, making it a key milestone in its global trade strategy.
Sunday, 15 December, 2024
