World's most notable events of the past week.

(Baonghean.vn) - Another week has passed with many shocking events in all fields. Baonghean.vn reviews the most outstanding news of the past 7 days.

1. The Russian ruble's value has fallen sharply, the biggest drop in 16 years.

Moscow residents stand next to an electronic display showing the exchange rate on December 16. Source: AP

On December 1st, the Russian ruble experienced its sharpest decline since the 1998 financial crisis. At one point, the currency fell by approximately 9% against the US dollar before closing the session down about 4%. By the end of the first trading day of December, the ruble had fallen 3.9% against the US dollar to 52.45 rubles per US dollar and 3.8% against the euro to 65.39 rubles per US dollar. Economists believe the ruble's sharp decline was due to the dramatic drop in oil prices. Specifically, Brent crude oil prices in London yesterday hit a five-year low of $69.6 per barrel. Although oil prices recovered strongly towards the end of the trading session, this recovery was not enough to improve the ruble's situation. The ruble's sudden and sharp drop in value is reviving fears of rising prices and an economic crisis that Putin has consistently tried to avoid.

2. Australia shaken by hostage crisis in Sydney.

Man Haron Monis. Source: EPA

At 10:00 AM (local time) on December 15th, two gunmen entered the Lindt cafe in Sydney, taking at least 13 hostages. At the same time, the famous Sydney Opera House was also sealed off and closed after reports of an explosive device being planted there. Images from the scene showed a woman crying and being forced to hold a flag resembling that of the Islamic State (IS) with the inscription: "There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." Australian police immediately launched a hostage rescue operation. After more than 15 tense hours, police finally completed the operation. However, at least three people were killed and four injured so far. The mastermind of the kidnapping, Man Haron Monis, an Iranian national currently facing multiple charges in Australia, was also killed by police during the hostage rescue operation.

3. The United States and Cuba normalize relations.

President Obama announced the rebuilding of relations with Cuba in the Cabinet Room at the White House. Source: Reuters

After 18 months of secret negotiations, backed by the Vatican and Canada, and via a phone call, Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro agreed on a prisoner exchange and the establishment of embassies. According to the BBC, in a televised address, Obama declared an end to what he called a rigid and outdated policy aimed at isolating Cuba but which had failed to bring about any change for the island nation. He also stated that these changes were the "most important" in Washington's policy toward Havana in over 50 years. The US also plans to open an embassy in Havana in the coming months. At the same time, President Castro welcomed the US moves in a televised address, saying it was something his country had long awaited and calling on Washington to lift the trade and economic embargo against Cuba.

4. Australia arrests mother in case of eight child murders.

Murder suspect Mersane Warria. Source: News

Within just one week, Australia experienced two events that shocked the world. Following the terrorist attack, a tragic incident occurred in Cairns, Queensland, where eight children, aged between 18 months and 15, were found dead in their home. Police immediately arrested Mersane Warria, the mother of seven of the eight children. Police said Mersane Warria is under police supervision in hospital after being admitted yesterday with multiple stab wounds. Prime Minister Tony Abbott condemned the incident as an "unspeakable crime" and said these are difficult days for Australia, as its citizens are still reeling from the hostage crisis in Sydney earlier this week, which left three people dead.

5. The South African beauty was crowned Miss World 2014.

Rolene Strauss at the moment of her coronation. Source: Missology

After more than two hours of the Miss World 2014 Grand Finale at the Excel Convention and Exhibition Centre in London, the title of Miss World 2014 was finally crowned. It was Rolene Strauss from South Africa. She is 22 years old, 1.77m tall, and was crowned Miss South Africa in April 2014. With her sweet beauty, captivating blue eyes, and alluring figure, Rolene was a top contender for Miss World this year. She also won the pre-final poll on the famous beauty pageant forum Missosology. Also in this competition, Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Loan impressed by making it into the top 25 in the final night.

6. Thailand won the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014.

Coach Kiatisuk with his championship trophy. Source: AFF

The 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup has officially concluded with Kiatisuk's team winning the championship. Thailand won 2-0 in the first leg, but in the second leg, they fell behind Malaysia 3-0. However, showing their resilience, the Thai players scored two consecutive goals to stage a spectacular comeback. With this championship, Thailand will reclaim the top spot in Southeast Asia when FIFA announces the next Southeast Asian team rankings.

7. Real Madrid won the Club World Cup.

Real Madrid won four trophies in 2014. Source: AFP

This past week, the football world also witnessed a new champion: Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, who easily defeated San Lorenzo 2-0 in the final. This victory extended Real's unbeaten streak across all competitions. This championship also marks the fourth title for the 'White Eagles' in 2014.

8. China sentences official to death for embezzling $55 million.

Zhang Xinhua at the court. Source: CNR

According to IB Times, Zhang Xinhua, 52, former general manager of Baiyun Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Joint Venture Company in Guangzhou, was sentenced on December 10th. Authorities also stripped him of his political rights and confiscated his illegally acquired assets. However, Zhang rejected the court's ruling and plans to appeal. He has been under investigation since June last year on charges of accepting bribes and embezzling 340 million yuan, equivalent to $55 million, during his tenure as head of the company from 1998 to 2013. This is considered the largest corruption case in Guangzhou. Currently, Zhou Yongkang is the highest-ranking Chinese official to be investigated for corruption since Beijing launched its "tiger and fly" anti-corruption campaign. The former Minister of Public Security and former Politburo Standing Committee member was arrested last week for accepting bribes and leaking state secrets.

Minh Nhat(Synthetic)