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Myanmar's generals pardon over 9,000 prisoners, including 114 foreign nationals has taken the centerstage of all the global events which has happened over the last week.
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A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck central Japan, killing at least one person, destroying buildings, and causing power outages. A tsunami warning was issued, later downgraded. The quake triggered waves along Japan's west coast and South Korea. Thousands evacuated to shelters, with army personnel aiding rescue operations. In Ishikawa, an elderly man died. The quake, Japan's strongest in over 40 years, led to significant damage and widespread panic.
Monday, 1 January, 2024
South Korea’s main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is recovering after being stabbed in the neck during a visit to Busan. He underwent vein reconstruction surgery and is in intensive care. The attacker, a man in his sixties, was arrested on the scene. President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned the violence, and Democratic Party officials urged calm. The attack, captured on live television, is considered a serious threat to democracy.
Tuesday, 2 January, 2024
Hilda Heine is sworn in as President of the Marshall Islands for her second term on January 3, 2024, following a narrow victory of 17 votes to 16 in the 33-seat Parliament. The dramatic secret ballot vote occurs during the opening ceremony of the new Parliament. Brenson Wase is elected as the new Speaker, and Issac Zackhras, a newcomer elected last November, becomes the new Vice-Speaker.
Wednesday, 3 January, 2024
Myanmar's generals pardon over 9,000 prisoners, including 114 foreign nationals, to mark Independence Day. Families gather outside Insein Prison in Yangon as releases begin. The amnesty, part of an annual release, comes amid the military's struggles against ethnic armed groups and anti-coup fighters. Military chief Min Aung Hlaing is absent from subdued celebrations. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, view the release as a facade of progress on human rights. Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned.
Thursday, 4 January, 2024
The U.S. Supreme Court grants a writ of certiorari for former president Donald Trump's appeal of the Colorado Supreme Court ruling in Anderson v. Griswold regarding his presidential eligibility and schedules oral arguments for February 8.
Friday, 5 January, 2024
The FDA has approved Florida's importation of millions of dollars worth of medications from Canada at lower prices, despite longstanding objections from the pharmaceutical industry. This marks a major policy shift in the U.S. Supporters hope it will help reduce drug prices. While individuals can already buy from Canadian pharmacies, states have sought to purchase medicines in bulk for Medicaid programs, government clinics, and prisons from Canadian wholesalers.
Saturday, 6 January, 2024
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has signed the "Ease of Paying Taxes Act" into law, aiming to simplify tax procedures and increase revenue for infrastructure spending. The law modernizes tax administration, strengthens taxpayer rights, and allows electronic or manual tax return filing with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and authorized agents. It also permits non-residents to register, attracting foreign investors and facilitating business operations in the Philippines.
Sunday, 7 January, 2024