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After Azerbaijan, Turkey, formally requests to join BRICS on Monday, 2 September, 2024 and this event takes the centerstage of all global events which happened on Week 36 of 2024.
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Turkey has formally requested to join BRICS, aiming to strengthen its global influence and develop ties beyond its Western allies. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's administration believes the geopolitical focus is shifting from developed economies. Turkey, frustrated by stalled EU accession talks, sees BRICS as an alternative. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that BRICS includes diverse civilizations and may offer substantial benefits. Erdogan also expressed interest in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Council and fostering relationships with both Eastern and Western organizations.
Monday, 2 September, 2024
Switzerland reopened its embassy in Baghdad after 33 years of closure following the Gulf War. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry emphasized the move aims to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between Iraq and Switzerland. Switzerland cited improved security as the main reason for reopening the embassy. The Swiss embassy had been closed since 1991, when the Gulf War broke out to remove Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait. Both countries look forward to enhancing partnership and dialogue.
Tuesday, 3 September, 2024
Firefighters managed to reduce a massive wildfire that destroyed 20% of the National Forest of Brasilia after two days of burning. The blaze, suspected to be started by arsonists, occurred during Brazil's dry season when high temperatures allowed it to spread quickly. Efforts to protect nearby orchards were ongoing as wind and sparks complicated the situation. The forest, already reduced for urban development, faced additional challenges due to a record drought exacerbated by climate change and El Niño.
Wednesday, 4 September, 2024
The European Union, United States, United Kingdom, and others signed an international treaty on AI use, marking the first legally binding global agreement on AI systems. The Council of Europe emphasized that the treaty sets a legal framework for AI's lifecycle, aiming to promote innovation while addressing risks to human rights and democracy. Despite praise, some experts criticized the treaty's broad language and national security exemptions. Other signatories include Iceland, Israel, Norway, and several other nations.
Thursday, 5 September, 2024
Shanghai opened the world’s largest indoor ski resort on Friday, offering 90,000 square meters of skiing space. The launch occurred during China's hottest August in 60 years, with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) outside. The resort is part of a state-supported winter sports investment following the 2022 Winter Olympics. Located in Pudong, it includes shops, hotels, and a future water park. Amid climate change affecting northern ski resorts, China aims to boost indoor skiing facilities, catering to an expanding middle class.
Friday, 6 September, 2024
Boeing’s Starliner capsule returned from the International Space Station on Friday after nearly three months in space. The spacecraft, nicknamed "Calypso," flew back to Earth with no crew on board, leaving NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams behind on the station. The Starliner completed a six-hour free flight before facing the intense pressure and heat of reentry, where temperatures on the exterior exceeded 3,000°F (1,649°C). The capsule successfully completed this critical phase, marking an important step in its testing.
Saturday, 7 September, 2024
Algeria's incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 78, has been re-elected with a significant majority. According to the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE), Tebboune secured 94.65 percent of the vote, with over 5.3 million out of 5.63 million voters casting their ballots for him. Despite some allegations from Hassani Cherif’s campaign regarding issues at polling stations, the electoral authority insisted that the election process was transparent and fair. Voter turnout was reported as around 48 percent, though precise details were not provided.
Sunday, 8 September, 2024