Schools close in Thailand because of excessive pollution
Thailand Ministry on Education officials announced closure of hundreds of schools in Bangkok due to harmful chemical pollution at air quality index between 160-175. These levels of pollution may impact respiratory health and cognitive ability. In an attempt to reduce these levels, driving restrictions have been placed across the city and water canons are being sprayed to reduce smog. Additionally, schools have been closing to reduce traffic. Citizens are questioning whether or not this is a good plan for their children’s education.
At least 65 dead in southeast Brazil dam collapse
At least 65 people lost their lives and hundreds are still missing after a dam owned by Vale mining company collapsed Jan. 25. The collapse was deemed avoidable, and five people — three Vale employees and two contractors — were arrested. The dam break has had an environmental impact, polluting the Paraopeba River and covering the surrounding area in grime. This is the second dam collapse associated with the Vale company.
Tensions in Venezuela rising further
Venezuela stands divided as self-proclaimed, U.S.-backed interim president Juan Guaidó challenges the power of official president Nicolás Maduro. On Jan. 30, Venezuelan protesters took to the streets to back the rightfully-elected Guaidó. Their signs pointed out the poor healthcare standards, economic state and living conditions Maduro has maintained in his time leading the country. Maduro has not given in to local protests or international opposition to his power, and in effort to restrict his power, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil. Regional countries that have recognized Guaidó’s legitimacy are Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Canada, Peru, Columbia, Paraguay, Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama.
Pakistan upholds blasphemy acquittal
On Jan. 29, Pakistan upheld its decision to acquit Christian woman, Asia Bibi, of blasphemy charges of 2010. She was originally charged when she and her coworkers had an argument over drinking from a bucket of water, and they accused her of insulting the Prophet Mohammed. She was sentenced to death but acquitted because the witnesses’ testimonies were contradictory and since her acquittal, she will leave the country. Her clearance has sparked outrage in radical Islamists who have called for her death over the years, and a Punjab governor and Christian minister who publicly supported Bibi were killed. This case has also provoked national attention: Amnesty International has called for reexamination of Pakistani blasphemy laws
