In a new turn of events, the current week saw some of the biggest political, economic and social changes in recent times.

While the UN certified President Alassane Ouattara has been battling Laurent Gbagbo to surrender and give up his presidential powers, people in the north-eastern coast of Japan are struggling to overcome the after-effects of the second quake that hit the country on April 7, 2011.

On the political front as well, President Barack Obama and congressional leaders failed to reach a deal but narrowed their differences on Thursday in a bitter budget dispute that could lead to a government shutdown.

Get a glimpse of some of the latest political and cultural developments of the week below:

Barack obama Earthquake Barack obama Japan