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World news letter — January 12, 2024

2 mins read
January 12, 2024

A focused recap of international news stories by Newsendip: Hot cars limited in Rio, a computer glitch supposedly leads to a state of emergency in Papua New Guinea, and more.

  1. A sudden trade deficit with China
  2. Nigeria’s suspension of diplomas from several countries
  3. Drug carriers allowed to remain near playgrounds
  4. A company with no hierarchy
  5. No extra fee for rides with air conditioning
  6. A pay dispute that leads to a state of emergency
  7. Ecuador’s escalation of violence
Stack of phones, built using electronic components
South Korea has consistently got the better of China in the electronics field, until now | © Gabriel Freytez

Korea’s sudden trade deficit with China

South Korea should record a trade deficit in 2023 with its largest trading partner, China, for the first time in 31 years. But since 2022, the Chinese market has evolved to meet its own electronic needs. Companies in China, particularly electronics and semiconductor manufacturers, have been able to fill the void that South Korea used to fulfill.


Nigeria’s suspension of foreign degrees

Nigeria suspended the accreditation of Beninese and Togolese diplomas over suspicion of fraud, following a media investigation revealing a four-year university degree from Benin could be obtained in just two months, as well as from several American and English universities based in Nigeria. The education minister also announced he wanted to suspend the recognition of Kenyan and Ugandan diplomas. Neighboring countries have become destinations of choice for Nigerians who wish to get shorter schooling times. In Benin alone, 15,000 Nigerian students would be affected by the decision.


Drug carriers allowed to remain near playgrounds

The Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada, found that blocking drug users from public spaces was associated with more overdoses, which could cause “irreparable harm.” Drug carriers with 2.5 grams or less of opioids, crack, methamphetamines and MDMA can legally approach playgrounds, pools and skate parks until the end of March at least.


AXA Switzerland with no hierarchy

Axa insurance group, which insures 40% of Swiss companies, is the first major company in Switzerland to remove titles from its organizational charts, abandoning the hierarchical structure of its employees. The French subsidiary’s aim is to develop a work organization in which everyone meets “as equals,” regardless of their rank. Instead of hierarchies, there will now be “levels of responsibility.” But this form of management can also have limits.


No extra fee for rides with air conditioning

Air-conditioning surcharges on ride-sharing services, considered abusive by the consumer protection service, are no longer legal in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Drivers have been activating air conditioning only when users book their trip in a higher category and, therefore, at a higher cost. Last November, the felt air temperature reached 58.5°C (137F) in Rio.


A pay dispute that leads to a state of emergency

A 14-day state of emergency was declared throughout Papua New Guinea this week after a series of riots, which left at least 16 people dead. The unrest began when police and other public servants held a protest strike outside the Parliament building after learning that their wages had been reduced by up to 50 percent in their latest paychecks. The issue was compounded by social media posts and rumors of a new tax. Prime Minister James Marape claimed the reduced pay was due to a “computer glitch,” which had also mistakenly added a US$100 tax to their checks. The situation, which led six members of Parliament to resign, highlights ongoing problematic domestic issues.


Ecuador’s escalation of violence and fight against organized crime

This week, a state of exception was set off in Ecuador by the escape of a major drug kingpin from prison, and ensuing prison riots. On Tuesday, a television news broadcast was taken over by armed men where employees were held hostage on live TV. Murders have spiked nationally in recent years, and several governments have been trying to use the Armed Forces against organized crime since 2022. Military and the national police are now given full authority to neutralize gangs that President Daniel Noboa called “terrorist groups” as they are now “military targets.”

Clément Vérité

Clément is the executive editor and founder of Newsendip. He started in the media industry as a freelance reporter at 16 for a local French newspaper after school and has never left it. He later worked for seven years at The New York Times, notably as a data analyst. He holds a Master of Management in France and a Master of Arts in the United Kingdom in International Marketing & Communications Strategy. He has lived in France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

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