Home / Centerstage / 2024 / May / Week 2
The James Webb Telescope discovering two merging galaxies and their massive black holes from when the universe was 740 million years old takes the centerstage among all global events which has happened over this week.
Picture Courtesy:
Profit loss
U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill banning imports of Russian uranium starting August 11. Russia supplies nearly half the world’s enriched uranium and provides a quarter of the U.S.’s supply, essential for its 94 nuclear reactors. The ban also unlocks $2.72 billion in federal funding to expand the U.S. uranium industry. While waivers are available to prevent reactor shutdowns, they will end by January 1, 2028. This move aims to secure a domestic nuclear fuel supply.
Monday, 13 May, 2024
Argentina's monthly inflation rate dropped to 8.8% in April, the first single-digit rate in six months, following President Javier Milei's severe austerity measures. This decrease from 11% in March and a peak of 25% last December supports Milei's economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy. Despite praise from the IMF and market analysts, Milei's cost-cutting efforts have strained families, with annual inflation reaching 289.4%. Nonetheless, recent economic indicators show positive trends, including rising Argentine bonds and a new $800 million IMF loan.
Tuesday, 14 May, 2024
Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will be sworn in today as the nation’s fourth Prime Minister, succeeding 72-year-old Lee Hsien Loong. Wong, a 51-year-old US-trained economist, rose to prominence while leading the fight against COVID-19 in the country of six million. Lee's resignation marks the end of a family dynasty started by his father, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first leader. Lee will remain as a senior minister, following the tradition of former premiers. Since its independence in 1965, Singapore has had only three Prime Ministers, all from the ruling People’s Action Party.
Wednesday, 15 May, 2024
The European Union has launched a formal investigation into Meta for potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA) related to child safety on Facebook and Instagram. The European Commission expressed concerns that the platforms' algorithms might exploit children's vulnerabilities and encourage addictive behaviors, potentially leading users to disturbing content. The investigation will also scrutinize Meta's age-assurance and verification methods. Thierry Breton, the EU’s internal market commissioner, emphasized that Meta may not have sufficiently complied with DSA obligations to protect the physical and mental health of young Europeans.
Thursday, 16 May, 2024
The James Webb Telescope has discovered two merging galaxies and their massive black holes from when the universe was 740 million years old, with one black hole being 50 million times more massive than the Sun. These findings shed light on how massive black holes influenced galaxy development from the universe's inception. The discovery indicates that supermassive black holes, found in many large galaxies including the Milky Way, grew rapidly and early in the universe's history, suggesting significant early growth.
Friday, 17 May, 2024
Around 500 protesters marched peacefully through Lima, Peru's capital, demanding the repeal of a new law that classifies transgender individuals as having a mental illness to access health benefits. Demonstrators carried banners reading "No more stigmas" and "My identity is not a disease." The law, approved by President Dina Boluarte's government, labels transgender identities and other gender disorders as illnesses qualifying for mental health services. Critics, including activist Gahela Cari Contreras, argue that gender identities should not be pathologized. The health ministry insists the law ensures comprehensive health coverage and respects human rights.
Saturday, 18 May, 2024
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader secured re-election with 59% of the vote in the 2024 general election, winning decisively in the first round. Preliminary results showed Abinader leading significantly, prompting rivals Leonel Fernandez and Abel Martinez to concede. Abinader's victory is seen as an endorsement of his economic management and strict migration policies. Declaring victory, the 56-year-old president pledged unity and impartial leadership, promising to serve all citizens of the Dominican Republic.
Sunday, 19 May, 2024