This week’s biggest stories from the global south: Argentines bid Pope Francis farewell, natural cure for baldness, China launches space station

FILE PHOTO: Argentine President Javier Milei visits Germany

FILE PHOTO: Argentine President Javier Milei looks on as he is received by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, June 23, 2024. REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen//File Photo

Source: REUTERS

Africa

Kenya's new superpower: AI X-rays are detecting TB in seconds

Kenyans no longer have to wait several hours or days to know if they may have tuberculosis (TB), thanks to a new computer-assisted chest scanning system that is helping doctors detect TB faster and more accurately. Read more here.

Africa must unite like China and India to compete globally, says top economist

Columbia University professor, Jeffrey Sachs- City University of Hong Kong, 2023.

Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, has called for greater African unity and long-term investment strategies to accelerate the continent’s economic growth. Read more here.

Tanzania finds natural cure for baldness, hair loss and skin ageing

Tanzanian researchers find natural cure for baldness and skin ageing

Scientists in Tanzania have discovered a natural cure that can help people regrow hair and make their skin look younger. Read more here.

Asia

China launches Shenzhou-20 mission to Chinese space station, state media reports

Astronauts attend a see-off ceremony for the Shenzhou-20 spaceflight mission at Jiuquan Satellite Launch — Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie attend a see-off ceremony for the Shenzhou-20 spaceflight mission at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center near Jiuquan, Gansu province, China April 24, 2025. China Daily via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. CHINA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN CHINA.

China sent three astronauts to its permanently inhabited space station on April 24 in its 15th crewed spaceflight and 20th overall in the Shenzhou program that started more than three decades ago. Read more here.

India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers, PM Modi says after Kashmir attack

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a joint press statement with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi — FILE PHOTO: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a joint press statement with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, February 28, 2025. REUTERS/Altaf Hussain

India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on April 24, two days after 26 men were killed in an attack on tourists by suspected militants in the Himalayan territory of Kashmir. Read more here.

Thailand makes digital arrival card a must for all foreign visitors

Thailand is bringing in a new rule for people visiting the country. From May 1, 2025, every foreign traveller must fill out a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering, regardless of whether they are arriving by land, sea, or air. Read more here.

Latin America

Argentine workers launch widespread 24-hour strike against Milei's austerity measures

Strike against the adjustment policy of Argentinian President Javier Milei's government, in Buenos Aires — A train is seen at Retiro train station, on the day of a 24-hour general strike against the adjustment policy of Argentinian President Javier Milei's government, in Buenos Aires, Argentina April 10, 2025. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Argentina's largest workers' unions kicked off a massive 24-hour strike on April 24, bringing trains, planes and ports to a halt as they protested against sweeping austerity measures from libertarian President Javier Milei's government. Read more here.

Venezuela inflation was 48% year-on-year in 2024, Maduro tells lawmakers

FILE PHOTO: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro addresses supporters during an event in Caracas, Venezuela February 27, 2025. REUTERS/Maxwell Briceno/File Photo

Venezuela inflation was 48% annually in 2024, the lowest in 12 years, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told lawmakers in an annual address to the national assembly and other officials on April 23, just days after he was inaugurated for a third term. Read more here.

Argentines bid poignant farewell to countryman Pope Francis at Vatican

Pope Francis lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican — Faithful display a representation of Argentina's flag near St. Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis lies in state, as seen from in Rome, Italy, April 25, 2025. REUTERS/Susana Vera

Argentines joined the world to bid farewell to one of their own, Pope Francis. From various points, they travelled to the St. Peter’s Basilica where the body of the first-ever Argentine pontiff was lying in state to join thousands of mourners who had gathered to pay their last respects. Read more here.

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