2020 marks a brand-new decade which many of us has been looked forward to with an optimistic mindset and willing to begin a new lease of life. However, 5 months have passed, and many are wondering if this year could be worse and whether there will be more unprecedented things yet to happen.
A list of major historic events that kick start the year seems to be a bad sign as beginnings. Here are the 10 news that happened in the world from January to May 2020 that you might have missed out.
1. Australia Bushfire
Photo Source: Independent
On 2nd January 2020, bushfires have threatened the south coast of the country leading to an announcement of emergency in New South Wales, Australia.
The fire has destroyed an estimated 25.5 million hectares (an area around the size of South Korea), 2779 homes, and 34 people. An estimated one billion animals- mammals, reptiles, and birds have lost their lives in the blaze, and also the fire has driven some endangered species to the door of extinction.
There are 25,000 koalas killed in Kangaroo Island and the smoke from the bushfire has become a major hazard to the environment.
2. The World Health Organization in China was Notified on COVID-19 on January 7, 2020
Photo Source: Jonathan Borba
While coronavirus pandemic has been on the news every day today, no one has expected it to be a global pandemic at the start of 2020, including WHO.
It is interesting to note that even though there are cases reported since early November, WHO China has only been officially informed by the China government on 7th January. COVID-19 is believed to be originated from a wet market in Wuhan, which is located in the Hubei province of China.
Clearly, some countries did not expect the duration and intensity from the power of the virus which leads to the situation nowadays.
3. The Iran Plane Crash
Photo Source: The Atlantic
A Ukrainian plane crashes in Tehran Iran with 176 passengers on board. The devastating news has left the world in aghast with innocent civilians being killed in a blink of an eye by a missile when Iran launched an attack on US troops.
Iran has admitted for the mistakes and labeled is “human error” and “unintentional”. This accidental event is a glaring example of how the war between the US and Iran can affect the people and changes everything.
4. The Step Down of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The royal couples have announced their resignation from duties as senior royals in Buckingham Palace. The rumors have been speculated for months before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to put it to rest.
On a statement released on January 13, Queen Elizabeth II has expressed her full support for their decision.
“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family. Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives.” In the future, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will split their time between North America and the United Kingdom.
5. First Lockdown In The World
Photo Source: Business Insider
The virus which has said to be originated from Wuhan, China, has caused the city to face an unprecedented lockdown on 23rd January 2020. The lockdown has caused a major economic standstill as the transportation for in and out of the city is shut down, affecting 11 million residents.
After 11 weeks of arduous lockdown, the city has reopened on 8th April 2020.
6. The Tragic Death of Kobe and Gigi Bryant
NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven other passengers were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on January 26. The father and daughter are on the way to NBA star's Mamba Sports Academy training facility in their private helicopter.
The loss of NBA legend has left our hearts in grief, and he will be remembered through the ages as one of our greatest heroes of all time.
7. Brexit Is Official
After years of discussion and political debate, the United Kingdom finally left the European Union officially on 1st February 2020.
There are mixed reviews of the event as celebrations and protests are held by the citizens. Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister mentioned, “The most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end but a beginning, this is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act. It is a moment of real national renewal and change."
8. Coronavirus Is Officially A Pandemic
Photo Source: Ashkan Forouzani
In 12th March 2020, after the spread of more than 100 countries globally, the WHO has finally declared the respiratory disease, coronavirus as a pandemic.
To date, the virus has nearly 6 million confirmed cases with more than 300,000 reported death worldwide. The declaration has officially marked the start of the fight with the disease, with many lockdowns in different countries, social distancing, and the beginning of the new normal.
9. Tokyo Olympics Postponed to 2021
After much consideration, the postponed was announced on 24th March 2020 as a result of coronavirus pandemic. The Olympics were originally scheduled to take place in July 2020 in Tokyo, Japan has been deferred to 23rd July 2021.
10. The Spike of Vitamin C Prices
Photo Source: FeedNavigator
COVID-19 pandemic has put a lot of pressure into the pharmaceuticals market, including the demand for health supplements- Vitamins.
In Singapore, the demand for Vitamin C and multivitamins has increased 5 folds in 2 weeks since February 2020. With the rise in confirmed cases, people are getting more health-conscious and are desperate to improve their immune system. Hence, as the pandemic continues, we are likely to see that the consumption of Vitamin C as a new normal in supplementing our diet.
Cover Photo: WWF || theroyalfamily
