Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
USA – Santiago Paredes, a former aircraft quality inspector, alleged in interviews with the BBC and CBS that he frequently found serious defects in parts made for Boeing. Working at Spirit AeroSystems in Kansas between 2010 and 2022, Paredes claimed he discovered numerous issues such as missing or bent parts and missing fasteners, sometimes identifying up to 200 faults on items meant for shipment. His claim on addressing these defects earned him the nickname “showstopper” due to his impact on production speeds. Spirit AeroSystems has disputed Paredes’s claims.
Nigeria – Ifedayo Agoro, a former oil and gas executive from Nigeria, has had a major impact on social media with her platform, Diary of a Naija Girl (Dang). Starting as an Instagram page in 2006, Dang has evolved into a large online community with nearly a million followers. The platform enables open discussions on sensitive issues like gender-based violence, discrimination, mental health, body image, and reproductive rights. The page encourages authenticity and fearless sharing among its members. Agoro founded Dang to share her personal experiences openly, challenging the culture of shame.
Cambodia – In April, as temperatures soared to 38 degrees Celsius in Cambodia, schools like the one attended by 11-year-old Sek Seila in Phnom Penh faced disruptions due to the extreme heat. Sek Seila and his classmates, who suffer in poorly ventilated classrooms without air conditioning, use mini hand-held fans to try to stay cool during lessons. He said the experience was very uncomfortable, to the point of feeling like his skin was burning.
India – The small coastal town of Jamnagar in Gujarat, India, became the centre of attention in March, when one of Asia’s wealthiest businessmen, Mukesh Ambani, hosted a lavish pre-wedding celebration for his son. The event attracted the global elite, including billionaires and celebrities such as Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump. Rihanna and David Blaine performed at the function. Alongside Ambani, fellow billionaire Gautam Adani was also present, showing the influence both hold in India’s economic landscape.
Pictured above: Boeing.
Image source: Stock
