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Thai Activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom Dies After Hunger Strike Protesting Reform of Thailand’s Lèse-Majesté Law
On May 14, political activist Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom went into cardiac arrest while in pre-trial detention after a months-long hunger strike. She passed away at 11:22 AM GMT at the age of 28.
The Doomsday Clock: Humanity’s Countdown
It is 90 seconds from midnight. Last changed in 2023, this is the closest the Doomsday Clock has been to midnight since its inauguration in 1947.
World's First Malaria Vaccine
The first ever World Health Organization (WHO) approved malaria vaccine is the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine — commercially as Mosquirix. It was officially launched in Cameroon on Jan. 22, after successful drug trials were held in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi from 2019 to 2021.
Bitcoin ETF Approved: What Now?
On Jan. 10, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made a historic decision to approve the spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) for 11 investment management firms. This decision is a significant step towards the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies.
King Charles Has Cancer
On Feb. 5, Buckingham Palace announced in an official statement that doctors had identified a form of cancer in King Charles’ system, without revealing which type had affected him. They discovered this while treating him for an enlarged prostate that, in itself, was noncancerous.
How DALL-E is Shaping the Future of A.I.
With the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms such as OpenAI, a new world has been opened up for AI artistic exploration. OpenAI is a San Francisco-based company that has launched AI programs that can write content and produce artistic visuals.
Here’s where the Russo-Ukraine War Stands
In February 2022, just over two years ago, Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed it was a “special military operation” to demilitarize and “denazify” Ukraine, alleging that they have observed Nazi behaviors in the Ukrainian government.
Unravelling Evergrande: the Chaotic Collapse of China’s Property Behemoth
On Jan. 29, the Hong Kong court ordered the liquidation of Evergrande Group, China's once-dominant real estate titan. With debts totaling over $300 billion USD, Evergrande's downfall has been years in the making — fueled by a combination of unregulated borrowing and stringent regulatory crackdowns on the real estate sector by the Chinese government.
Texas Border Standoff
On Jan. 10, Texas authorities — in an attempt to tackle the current illegal migrant crisis in Texas — used gates and razor wire to block US Federal Border Patrol from accessing a 2.5 mile stretch in Eagle Pass known as Shelby Park. Eagle Pass, a Texas border city sitting on the US side of the Rio Grande river, has become a major corridor for illegal immigration in recent years.
Gobi Bear? Or Nowhere? Soon to be Extinct in Mongolia
The Gobi bear is a unique species of brown bear living exclusively in the Mongolian Gobi Desert. The cute but scraggly-looking bear, also known to the Mongolians as “Mazaalai”, is critically endangered, with less than 40 individuals left in the wild.
Safety Declaration Signed At First International AI Safety Summit
The United Kingdom government hosted the first international artificial intelligence safety summit in Bletchley Park on Nov. 1 and 2.
Europe’s New Digital Identity Wallet
On Nov. 8, the EU’s Internal Market Commissioner, Thierry Breton, announced a deal with Members of European Parliament (MEPs) for a European "digital identity wallet". According to Breton, this initiative promises every EU citizen “a secured e-identity for their lifetime”.
After the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes: Six Months of No Work
On May 2, the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) strike began. On July 14, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined the writers, leading to a combined strike that lasted until Nov. 9.
Jewish and Muslim Canadians Unsatisfied with Trudeau’s Response to Israel–Hamas War
As the Israel–Hamas war enters its third month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and senior cabinet members have been struggling to deliver messaging that will please a divided public and slow rising antisemitic and Islamophobic violence, while providing support for the dozens of Canadians still in Gaza.
Venice Stays off World Heritage Danger List
Venice stayed off the United Nations Environmental, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Heritage in Danger list during Sept. 14’s UN agency meeting.
Wildfires in Maui
On Aug. 7-8, a wildfire burned down parts of Maui and the historical town of Lahaina. It was considered to be the largest fire in the United States in the past century, and led to 97 confirmed deaths and 31 missing people.
Hollywood Strikes 2023: An Overview of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes
Since May 2023, strikes in Hollywood have halted the production of upcoming movies and TV shows. There are two main strikes occurring: the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
Apple Unveils New iPhone 15
On Sept. 12, Apple announced the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max at an event. These new phone models were officially launched to the public on Sept. 22.