Home / Centerstage / 2024 / March / Week 4
The second annual International Day of Zero Waste, highlighting the importance of sustainable consumption and production takes the centerstage of all global events which have happened over this week.
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Profit loss
The UN Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with the US not vetoing the measure, marking a shift from its previous stance. The resolution also demands the unconditional release of all hostages. This is the first such call since the war began in October, highlighting a growing rift between the US and Israel over Gaza. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the US for abandoning its previous position linking ceasefire to hostage release, and canceled meetings with US officials.
Monday, 25 March, 2024
The UK's High Court has allowed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to appeal against his extradition to the US on espionage charges. In March, the court asked the US for assurances of a fair trial and no death penalty for Assange, who faces 18 charges related to the 2010 release of confidential military and diplomatic files. Supporters argue the prosecution aims to punish Assange for exposing US military misconduct in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Tuesday, 26 March, 2024
For the first time in Malta’s history, a two-thirds parliamentary majority was required to elect the President, achieved through a cross-party agreement on Tuesday. Both major parties agreed to appoint former PN minister Francis Zammit Dimech. Prime Minister Robert Abela presented a motion thanking outgoing President George Vella for his service. Subsequently, parliament unanimously voted to appoint Myriam Spiteri Debono as Malta’s 11th President, succeeding Vella after his five-year term.
Wednesday, 27 March, 2024
A Russian-backed propaganda network spreading anti-Ukraine stories and paying European politicians has been dismantled, according to authorities in several countries. The network allegedly used the Voice of Europe website to influence European politics, paying politicians from Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Hungary. Czech intelligence linked pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk and Artyom Marchevsky to the network. Poland's intelligence agency seized significant funds during searches. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo revealed that Members of the European Parliament were among those paid.
Thursday, 28 March, 2024
Harvard University has removed the human skin binding from a 19th-century book, "Des Destinées de l'Ame," housed at Houghton Library since the 1930s. In 2014, scientists confirmed the binding was human skin. The university cited ethical concerns for its decision, aiming to restore dignity to the woman whose skin was used. The book, a meditation on the soul by Arsène Houssaye, was gifted to Dr. Ludovic Bouland, who bound it with skin from an unclaimed female patient. Harvard is researching the patient's background and ensuring respectful disposition of the remains.
Friday, 29 March, 2024
Today marks the second annual International Day of Zero Waste, highlighting the importance of sustainable consumption and production while promoting zero waste initiatives globally. Waste pollution disrupts ecosystems, wellbeing, and economic growth, with 2.1 to 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste generated annually, of which only 61-62% is managed properly. There are more companies whch are moving towards cyclic economy for revenue generation by giving low quality products in devoloping and underdeveloped nations. The world stands to move them to circular economy with reduced waste and move towards net zero.
Saturday, 30 March, 2024
The Schengen zone, allowing travel in Europe without border controls, has partially welcomed Romania and Bulgaria. As of Sunday, travelers can move between these two countries and most of the EU without border checks for air and sea routes. However, due to Austria's veto, land routes remain excluded over migration concerns. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the move as a significant success, enhancing Europe's unity. The Schengen area now includes 23 EU members and non-EU states like Switzerland and Norway.
Sunday, 31 March, 2024