Home / Centerstage / 2024 / December / Week 4
Two separate Airline Crashes killing people in Azerbaijan and South Korea within this week, took centerstage among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
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Nissan and Honda announce a merger, creating the world’s third-largest carmaker, as Japan aims to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle market. Presidents Toshihiro Mibe and Makoto Uchida sign a memorandum to establish a holding company by August 2026, including alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors. The combined entity, valued over $50 billion, follows Nissan’s struggles since Carlos Ghosn’s 2018 arrest. Ghosn criticizes the move as "desperate," while the merger seeks to revitalize Nissan and compete with industry leaders Toyota and Volkswagen.
Monday, 23 December, 2024
Panamanians protest President-elect Donald Trump’s demand to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, burning his image and denouncing him as a "public enemy." Demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. embassy, chanting slogans and displaying banners rejecting Trump's remarks. The canal, handed to Panama in 1999 under treaties signed by Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos, is declared non-negotiable by Panamanian leaders. Trump criticizes canal fees and hints at China's influence, prompting widespread backlash affirming Panama’s sovereignty.
Tuesday, 24 December, 2024
At least 38 people are confirmed dead after an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, during an emergency landing. The flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, carried 67 people, including citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general’s office reports 32 survivors, with investigations underway. Authorities suggest a bird strike may have caused the crash. Azerbaijan Airlines suspends flights to Chechnya, and leaders from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia express condolences and pledge support to victims' families.
Wednesday, 25 December, 2024
Peru declares a 90-day environmental emergency after an oil spill by state firm Petroperu contaminated 10,000 square meters of Pacific seawater, affecting seven beaches and local wildlife. The spill, detected during loading at Talara refinery, has harmed birds, marine fauna, and the livelihoods of fishing and tourism-dependent communities. Authorities are conducting cleanup and recovery efforts, while an investigation into environmental contamination is underway. The spill covers up to 566 acres, prompting urgent remediation plans to mitigate its environmental and economic impact.
Thursday, 26 December, 2024
China approves the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, sparking concerns about community displacement in Tibet and environmental effects downstream in India and Bangladesh. Set to generate three times more energy than the Three Gorges Dam, Beijing promotes the project as ecologically safe and climate-focused. Critics, however, highlight risks to rich ecosystems, Tibetan communities, and downstream water flow. India is exploring countermeasures, including a large dam, amid fears of China's control over rivers critical to regional economies. Activists view the project as further exploitation of Tibetan land and rights.
Friday, 27 December, 2024
Thousands flee Mozambique to Malawi amid post-election violence following the confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in October. Around 11,000 people crossed the Shire River, with an additional 2,000 crossing the Ruo River into Malawi’s Nsanje district. Temporary shelters are overwhelmed, with officials calling the situation "dire" and urging humanitarian aid. In Mozambique, cities face widespread looting, vandalism, and transport disruptions. A prison riot in Maputo led to 1,500 inmate escapes, with at least 134 deaths reported since the unrest began.
Saturday, 28 December, 2024
A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok crash-landed at Muan Airport in southwestern South Korea on Sunday, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. The plane slid on its belly before hitting an embankment and erupting in flames, with only two crew members surviving. It is South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster since 1997. The cause remains unclear, with speculation about a bird strike or technical failure. Experts caution against premature conclusions as investigations continue.
Sunday, 29 December, 2024