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AstraZeneca announcing it will cease manufacturing and supplying its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, due to declining demand takes the centerstage among all global events which has happened over this week.
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Profit loss
Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, but Israel has rejected the deal, stating it does not meet its core demands. Despite this, Israel will continue negotiations in Cairo. The situation remains tense, with Israel conducting targeted strikes in Rafah and preparing for a potential invasion. The conflict, now seven months long, has devastated Gaza, and aid groups warn that an all-out assault on Rafah could be disastrous for the 1.4 million Palestinians taking refuge there.
Monday, 6 May, 2024
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas announced that the Cabinet has decided to formally recognize Palestine as a state. This move underscores The Bahamas' commitment to the United Nations Charter and the right of self-determination as outlined in the ICCPR and ICESCR. Having gained independence in 1973 through self-determination, The Bahamas supports the Palestinian people's right to determine their political, economic, social, and cultural development, aligning with the Caribbean Community's consensus and supporting the two-state solution per UN Resolution 242.
Tuesday, 7 May, 2024
AstraZeneca announced it will cease manufacturing and supplying its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, due to declining demand. The company had already initiated the withdrawal process in Europe, with the request submitted in March taking effect on May 7. This decision follows a significant drop in Vaxzevria's yearly sales and court documents acknowledging a rare side effect of blood clots and low platelet levels. However, AstraZeneca did not cite safety concerns as the reason for the withdrawal.
Wednesday, 8 May, 2024
Researchers at Google DeepMind have unveiled AlphaFold 3, an AI model capable of predicting the structure and interactions of various biological molecules, including proteins, DNA, RNA, and potential drugs. This model, available for non-commercial use through the AlphaFold server, represents a significant advancement in biological research. Announced by CEO Demis Hassabis, AlphaFold 3 builds on previous versions, extending capabilities to model interactions between nearly all molecular types.
Thursday, 9 May, 2024
The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Friday to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine and urged the Security Council to reconsider Palestine’s request for U.N. membership. The resolution, supported by 143 nations, with 9 against and 25 abstentions, highlights the broad international backing for Palestine's full membership. The U.S., Israel, Argentina, Czechia, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, and Papua New Guinea opposed the measure. This vote underscores global concern over the escalating conflict in Gaza and growing support for Palestinian rights.
Friday, 10 May, 2024
Amid record low birth rates and an aging population, Pope Francis urges Italians to have more children. The Italian government has expanded its campaign to encourage at least 500,000 births annually by 2033. Pope Francis emphasized the urgency of addressing the demographic crisis, stating, "The number of births is the first indicator of the hope of a people." He warned that without children and young people, a country's future is at risk. Premier Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government, with Vatican support, is pushing for policies to reverse the declining birth rate, which hit a record low of 379,000 births last year.
Saturday, 11 May, 2024
Egypt has announced it will support South Africa in the South Africa v Israel case, responding to Israel's intensified assault on Rafah in Gaza. Israel's attack on Rafah has strained Cairo, Gaza's only neighbor besides Israel. This conflict is also impacting U.S.-Israel relations, with growing dissent among young Democrats against President Biden's support for Israel. Egypt, which has maintained strict control over Rafah, fears a mass exodus from Gaza could revive jihadist insurgency in Sinai and undermine Palestinian statehood aspirations.
Sunday, 12 May, 2024