Home / Centerstage / 2024 / September / Week 2
On Friday 13 September, China comes with a rule to raise its retirement age starting next year. This event takes the centerstage among of all global events which happened across the world for the week of 37 2024.
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Authorities in Guinea-Bissau have seized 2.63 tonnes of cocaine from a plane arriving from Venezuela at the capital’s airport. This is the largest drug seizure in the country's history. The plane, registered in Mexico, had five crew members from various countries, all of whom were detained. Guinea-Bissau, often called a "narco-state," is a known transit point for global drug trafficking. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and a European anti-narcotics organization. Authorities are now working to dismantle the drug trafficking network.
Monday, 9 September, 2024
The Court of Justice of the European Union fines Google €2.4 billion (US$2.7 billion) for prioritizing its own shopping search results over competitors'. Additionally, the court orders Apple Inc. to pay €13 billion (US$14.3 billion) to the Republic of Ireland, ruling that the tech giant benefited from extraordinarily low taxes imposed by the Irish government, which violated EU state aid rules. Both rulings highlight the EU's ongoing efforts to ensure fair competition and regulate corporate tax practices.
Tuesday, 10 September, 2024
Over 130 Afghan women have gathered in Albania for the All Afghan Women summit, aiming to form a unified voice to represent Afghan women and girls against the Taliban's ongoing human rights violations. Despite travel barriers, participants from various countries attended. The summit, hosted by Albania after other regional rejections, seeks to strategize on making the Taliban accountable and improving women's conditions in Afghanistan. The organizers hope to release a set of demands for the international community at the summit's conclusion.
Wednesday, 11 September, 2024
The British Embassy in Amman has informed Jordan’s Foreign Ministry about suspending visa-exempt status for Jordanian travelers to the UK, due to ongoing violations. The decision impacts the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program, which previously simplified visa processes for Jordanians and other Gulf nationals. The UK Home Office attributed the suspension to a rise in asylum claims from Jordanians. Future discussions may address the issue, while broader changes to the UK’s visa process are expected in 2025, impacting other countries.
Thursday, 12 September, 2024
China raises its retirement age starting next year, addressing its aging workforce and shrinking population. The current retirement age is 60 for men and 50-55 for women, but it will gradually increase to 63 for men and 55-58 for women, depending on their jobs. This policy, to be phased in over 15 years, aims to ease pressure on China's pension fund, which faces financial strain due to a rapidly growing elderly population.
Friday, 13 September, 2024
This year, wildfires have burned 93 million acres in Brazil, an area similar to that of entire Japan which is 93 million acres and more than twice the yearly average from 2012–2023. Over 50,000 fires are currently active, affecting the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal regions. Smoke is impacting nearby towns, and major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are at risk. Experts attribute a third of the fires to human activities, with deforestation and drought playing significant roles.
Saturday, 14 September, 2024
Mexico's judicial reform, allowing voters to elect judges, officially takes effect after being published in the government gazette today. Championed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the reform marks a significant legislative win in his final weeks. While Lopez Obrador claims the reform benefits ordinary citizens, critics argue it compromises judicial independence and investor confidence. The reform sets the stage for Mexico's first judicial elections, including Supreme Court justices, scheduled for next June. Lopez Obrador signed the decree alongside his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum.
Sunday, 15 September, 2024