Current Events Around the World - March 2014

This is a quick recap of major current events throughout the world. Of course, keep up to date with news via your favorite channel, website, or newspaper.

CHINA — Fox Business reports that the world's largest cellular phone carrier, China Mobile, saw a profit reduction which has not happened since 14 years ago.

ETHIOPIA — Bloomberg reports that the East African country will soon generate hydroelectricity from the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam. Djibouti and Sudan already receive power from Ethiopia, and countries like Kenya, South Sudan, and even Yemen may receive power from the dam. However, Egypt fears that the project will reduce the Nile River's flow.

FIJI — The South Pacific Ocean country comprised of many islands beat South Africa to win the Tokyo Sevens rugby tournament. South Africa was last year's champion.

MALAYSIA — Satellite images from Australia and China showing possible airplane debris are being examined in hopes to pinpoint the location of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which had over 200 passengers on board.

RUSSIA and UKRAINE — Russia still has military forces in Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, and Russia declared that it annexes Crimea.

SOUTH AFRICA — Oscar Pistorius, the inspirational Olympian in the London 2012 Olympics, is still on trial for possibly murdering his girlfriend. CNN reports that he sold his Pretoria home in order to pay for ongoing court costs.

UNITED STATES — Washington state had a landslide near the town of Darrington; unfortunately, there were deaths and injuries.

VENEZUELA — Deaths and injuries have occurred because of protests and clashes between President Nicholas Maduro's supporters and opponents. The recent calamities have happened in Mérida and San Cristobal.

WORLDWIDE — March 21 was Worldwide Down Syndrome Day, which raises awareness about Down Syndrome and celebrates the lives of those who are overcoming this ailment. Rock Your Socks, in which people wear wildly colorful socks, is a fun way to raise awareness about Down Syndrome. Events occurred around the world on March 21st (like the flash mob at the Indianapolis International Airport, for example) and are still ongoing.