19 March 2022 • The Week Junior 7
Seoul, South Korea
New president elected
South Korea elected Yoon Suk-yeol as its new president
in elections on 9 March. Yoon, of the People Power Party,
defeated the Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung in a close
result, with Yoon winning by 1% of the vote. Around 77%
of voters took part in the election. In his victory speech
Yoon said he would “pay attention to people’s livelihoods”.Dhaka, Bangladesh
Forgotten fabric returns
A delicate fabric made in 18th century Dhaka (the capital
of modern Bangladesh) is being revived. More than 200
years ago Dhaka muslin was worn by rich Europeans and
South Asian royalty. The rare cotton plant that was woven
into the famously fine threads was recently rediscovered
and Dhaka muslin workshops have sprung up once again.Tokyo, Japan
Strict school uniform rules scrapped
Schools in Tokyo, Japan’s capital, have agreed to drop strict
rules that include telling pupils which colour hair they
must have. Following pressure from students and teachers,
around 200 public high schools will scrap five rules, including
a ban on a certain hairstyle. The rules even asked curly-
haired students to prove that their curls are natural.Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tributes to elephant
Declared a “national treasure” by the
president of Sri Lanka, a 68-year-old
elephant named Raja has been given
a state funeral. Raja was known for
carrying Buddhist relics (important
religious items) at an annual parade.
This role is given to an elephant with
special features, such as curved tusks.
Raja carried out these duties for more
than a decade. His body will be stuffed
and put in a museum.Nepal
High tea on Everest
A group of adventurers have set a
Guinness World Record for the highest
tea party ever held. The tea party took
place at 6,495 metres above sea level on
the slopes of Mount Everest in Nepal. It
was organised by Andrew Hughes, from
the US, and involved hauling supplies
such as homemade cookies and tea
across frozen waterfalls. Hughes hopes
the feat will “inspire others to seek their
own dreams, no matter the heights”.Around the world
National
treasure, Raja.Dhaka muslin
made today.Strict uniform rules
are changing.Yoon
Suk-yeol