Taiwan was rocked by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that killed nine people and injured over 1,000. The earthquake struck Hualien County on April 3, BBC News reported. The earthquake was the largest to hit Taiwan in 25 years and caused tsunami alerts in Japan and the Philippines. In September 1999, the island was struck by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that killed 2,400 people.
South Korea’s healthcare system faces a significant upheaval as doctors continue their strike, demanding better pay and working conditions. The ongoing protest has raised concerns about the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for millions of citizens.
The strike started in early February in response to a government proposal to increase the admissions quota for medical schools, The New York Times reported. The government had aimed to address the shortage of doctors in key professions; however, doctors have fiercely criticized the move, saying that it does not address the long-standing structural problems of the medical field, according to Euronews Health.
After weeks of international speculation about her whereabouts and well-being, Catherine, Princess of Wales, also known affectionately by the public as Princess Kate, announced her cancer diagnosis, The New York Times reported.
In a video recorded by BBC Studios, the princess explained that after undergoing surgery in January, doctors discovered cancer growths. Since then, she has begun preventative chemotherapy. She did not specify the type of cancer she was diagnosed with and asked for privacy for her and her family to navigate these circumstances.
On June 2, 2024, millions of Mexicans will vote for their new government leaders.
With departing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ineligible for reelection, the stage is set for a showdown between his protégée, Claudia Sheinbaum — who most recently served as mayor of Mexico City — and the representative of the conservative coalition, Xóchitl Gálvez.
In recent weeks, the United States has faced criticism both from the international community and from U.S. citizens for its stance on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. On Feb. 20, 2024, the United States vetoed the Algerian draft proposal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire at the U.N. Security Council vote, NPR reported.
Pakistan’s 12th national election has left the country with a new coalition government as independent candidates won the majority of parliamentary seats. According to AP News, this election was unlike any other in Pakistan’s history, as it was met with delays in results, mobile shutdowns and violence.
Despite recently being placed on the throne after the death of his mother, King Charles III’s health may be putting him at risk of losing said throne.
On Feb. 6, 2024, Buckingham Palace announced in a statement that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the statement from Buckingham Palace shared.
A Kenyan court ruling just damaged the prospects for a peacekeeping mission to Haiti. On Friday, Jan. 26, the High Court of Kenya blocked the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers intended to take part in a peacekeeping mission to Haiti on the basis that Kenya’s government did not follow the correct procedure to authorize the mission, The New York Times reported.
Former U.S. Ambassador Manuel Rocha has been arrested after allegedly spying for Cuba’s General Directorate of Intelligence for more than 40 years. On Dec. 4, 2023, the Justice Department publicized the charges against Rocha, which directly cite him as being a “clandestine agent,” The Washington Post reported.
Javier Milei surprised many by winning Argentina’s run-off presidential election in a victory over opponent Sergio Massa, according to BBC News. However, The New York Times reported that while Milei captured a large sector of the youth vote, his campaign faced a considerable enemy: Taylor Swift fans — Swifties for short.
