INTERNATIONAL
NASA’s “Girl of the Year” doll
NASA, is collaborating with American Girl, a doll and book company, to inspire children to dream big and reach for the stars. The focus of the collaboration is the “Girl of the Year” doll for 2018, an 11-year-old aspiring astronaut named Luciana who wants to be the first person to put boots on Mars. NASA want to encourage girls and boys to pursue their dreams.
Nepal bans solo climbing on Mount Everest and other peaks
Nepal has banned solo climbers from scaling its mountains, including Mount Everest, in a bid to reduce accidents. The new safety regulations also prohibit double amputee and blind climbers from attempting to reach the summit of the world’s highest peak without a valid medical certificate. The law had been revised to make mountaineering safer and to decrease deaths. World-renowned Swiss climber Ueli Steck, who was known as the “Swiss Machine”, also died during a solo climb to a peak neighbouring Everest. Foreign climbers will have to be accompanied by a guide, according to the new regulations. The new rule also will help create more job opportunities for Nepali mountain guides.
Maiga appointed as the new PM of Mali
Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has appointed Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, a former defence and foreign minister and intelligence chief as the new Prime Minister. Maiga will form a new government. This is done after his predecessor Abdoulaye Idrissa Maiga and his entire cabinet’s resignation. The new government will be the fifth to serve under President Keita since his election in 2013.
Israel withdraws from UNESCO
Israel has formally notified UNESCO of its withdrawal from the education and science organization. Israel, which has been a member since 1949, has nine sites on the list, including the ancient Masada fortress next to the Dead Sea. Tensions had been bubbling since UNESCO controversially admitted Palestine as a member state in 2011 – a move opposed by the US and Israel.
China cuts the ribbon of its first solar highway which will charge the running electric vehicles
China didn’t stop to make the first solar road of the world despite many-sided the concept as impractically. The project will serve as a clean energy testbed to evaluate new technologies, with an overarching goal to reduce the amount of land needed for solar farms and transmission wires. The panels, covering 5,875 square meters, can generate 1 million kWh of power in a year, enough to meet the everyday demand of around 800 households. Electricity produced by the test section will be used to power highway lights, signboards, surveillance cameras, tunnel and toll gate facilities. Surplus power will be supplied to the state grid. Future functions to be developed include mobile charging for electric vehicles and providing internet connection.
China launches World’s Largest Human Genome Research Project
The world’s largest human genome research project of 100,000 people was launched by China to document their genetic makeup for a study that aims to help generate the precision medicines of the future. It is the country’s first large project detecting the genetic links between health and sickness and will involve 100,000 people from different ethnic backgrounds and regions. The project includes four stages – collecting, sequencing gene samples, gathering the data and sharing the findings.
US and Turkey open gates for visa services
The US embassy in Turkey announced it is resuming normal visa services for Turkish citizens, saying Turkish authorities fulfilled assurances no local staff would be detained or arrested for performing their duties. But Turkey swiftly denied having granted such assurances in the affair that has tested relations since the two local employees of the U.S. consulate in Istanbul were held on suspicion of ties to last year’s failed coup against President Tayyip Erdogan. The United States suspended visa services at its missions in Turkey in October and Turkey reciprocated.
China successfully tested its first Photovoltaic road
China successfully tested its first photovoltaic (solar) highway based on home-grown technology in country’s eastern Shandong province. With this, China became the second country in the world to construct a photovoltaic highway. China’s photovoltaic highway is constructed using solar panels which have a thin sheet of transparent concrete on top of them, protecting the surface.
Ex-footballer George Weah to become Liberia’s president
The former football star George Weah has won Liberia’s presidential election, defeating the vice-president, Joseph Boakai, in a runoff with 61.5% of the vote.
Prince Harry named President of African Conservation Group
Prince Harry has been named the president of African Parks, a conservation group that manages a dozen wildlife areas across the continent. As per the environmentalist organisation, Prince Harry will contribute to its effort to protect Africa’s natural heritage and support both wildlife and communities, who live in and around conservation areas.
Israel to name a station after Trump
Israel’s transport minister wants to dig a railway tunnel under Jerusalem’s Old City and name a station next to the Western Wall after US President Donald Trump. Yisrael Katz said he wanted to honour the US president for his decision to recognise the city as Israel’s capital. The Western Wall is the holiest site where Jews are permitted to pray.
Former Zimbabwe army chief sworn in as vice president of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s former army commander, Constantino Chiwenga, who led a military takeover that helped end Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule sworn in as one of the country’s two Vice Presidents. He is the most senior of a clutch of military figures to enter government. Chiwenga’s ascent to the country’s second most powerful job has further consolidated the military’s power in the political space of the southern African country.
Guatemala to move embassy to Jerusalem
Guatemala has decided to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, following US President Donald Trump’s decision in the holy city. It said that its decision to follow the US in shifting its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem was a “sovereign” matter that should not affect ties with other countries. Guatemala made this declaration after UNGA (United Nation General Assembly) rejected Trump’s decision to have the United States recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital with two-thirds of the majority.
WHO to add ‘gaming disorder’ as a mental condition in 2018
For the first time, WHO will add gaming disorder to its International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The ICD – a diagnostic manual that’s published by the WHO – was last updated 27 years ago, in 1990. The 11th edition of the manual is due in 2018, and will include gaming disorder as a serious health condition to be monitored.
UN Security Council imposes new sanctions on North Korea
The UN Security Council approved tough new sanctions against North Korea in response to its latest launch of a ballistic missile that Pyongyang says is capable of reaching anywhere on the US mainland. The resolution adopted by the council includes sharply lower limits on North Korea’s refined oil imports, the return home of all North Koreans working overseas within 24 months and a crackdown on ships smuggling banned items including coal and oil to and from the country. The resolution, adopted in response to North Korea’s sixth and strongest nuclear test explosion on 3 September 20717, banned North Korea from importing all natural gas liquids and condensates.
UN General Assembly rejects US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital
The United Nations General Assembly resolution declaring US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital as ‘null and void’, was passed with an overwhelming majority. The resolution moved by Turkey and Yemen was passed despite US President Donald Trump’s threats to cut funding to US and recipients who voted in favor. Overall, 128 nations including India voted in favour of the resolution, 9 voted against and 35 abstained from voting. The symbolic vote by the General Assembly is not, however, legally binding.
2017 may be among top 3 hottest years
The year 2017 will likely be among the three warmest years on global record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The first 11 months of 2017 were the third warmest on record, behind 2016 and 2015. 2017 may also be the warmest year without an El Nino – a climate phenomenon that causes global temperatures to shoot up.
France passes law to ban all Oil and Gas Production by 2040
France’s parliament has approved a law banning all exploration and production of oil and natural gas by 2040 within the country and its overseas territories. Under that law that passed a final vote, existing drilling permits will not be renewed and no new exploration licenses will be granted. The French government claims the ban is a world first.
UK govt extends pilot student visa scheme to 23 more universities
The UK announced extending a pilot student visa scheme to 23 more universities under which Indian and other non-EU students will get six months time to find a job after finishing their course. The scheme was introduced last year on a pilot basis in four British varsities — Oxford, Bath, Cambridge and Imperial College London.
Sebastian Pinera wins Chile’s Presidential Election
A conservative billionaire and former president, Sebastian Pinera, has won Chile’s presidential election run-off. With nearly all votes counted, Mr Pinera has polled more than 54%. Left-winger Alejandro Guillier was his closest opponent. Sebastian Pinera has replaced Michelle Bachelet.
Women to drive trucks, bikes in Saudi
After allowing women to drive, Saudi Arabia has now permitted females to drive trucks and ride bikes. Women involved in road accidents or who commit traffic violations will be dealt with at special centres that will be established and run by women. Saudi Arabia was the only country in the world where women were barred from receiving a driver’s license.
WHO certifies Gabon as polio free
The World Health Organisation has declared Gabon a “polio-free country”, given the lack of new reported or suspected cases in the central African country. Now the disease is endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the WHO recorded four cases this year – two in each country.
Sri Lanka accede to landmine ban treaty
Sri Lanka has become the 163rd nation to accede to the anti-personnel mine ban convention. By joining the Convention each state undertakes to destroy all stockpiled anti-personnel mines it owns or or control, not later than 4 years after the acceding to this treaty. The treaty, which came into force on March 1, 1999, prohibits use, stockpiling, production & transfer of antipersonnel mines.
Norway becomes 1st Nation to Shut National Broadcasts on FM
Norway became the world’s first country to shut down national broadcasts of its FM network by completing its transition to digital radio. The transition will allow for better sound quality, a greater number of channels and more functions, at a cost eight times lower than FM radio. The transition concerns only national radio channels.
WTO talks collapse, no agreement on food security
The 11th ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization hung in the balance after the US refused to budge on relaxations demanded by developing countries to provide for their food security programmes. The matter went into deadlock after India and China stuck to their stance. An outcome on the permanent solution is key, as this is the only mandated issue for the Buenos Aires meeting.
Russia and Egypt signed for Egypt’s first nuclear power plant
Russia and Egypt have signed an agreement for state-owned Rosatom to construct Egypt’s first nuclear plant. The Dabaa nuclear plant, with 4 reactor units and capacity of 5 gigawatts, is planned to be completed by 2029 at a total financing cost of $21bn. Moscow and Cairo in 2015 agreed to the nuclear plant initiative, including a loan from Russia.
Google to open AI research lab in China, first in Asia
In an apparent move to rebuild its presence in China, Google will open a research lab focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Beijing – its first such centre in Asia. The “Google AI China Centre” will join the other AI research groups that the company has in other parts of the world, including in New York, Toronto, London and Zurich.
UN releases World Economic Situation and Prospects 2018 Report
The United Nations (UN) has released the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2018 report in New York. As per the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2018, the current macroeconomic condition offer policy-makers greater scope to address some of the deep-rooted issues that hamper progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2017, World Economic growth reached 3 per cent, the highest growth since 2011. The global growth is expected to remain steady at 3 per cent in 2018 and 2019.
Sri Lanka formally hands over Hambantota Port to China for 99-Year Lease
Sri Lanka formally handed over its southern strategic port of Hambantota to China on a 99-year lease. Two Chinese firms managed by China Merchants Port Holdings Company (CM Port) and Sri Lanka Ports Authority will own port and the investment zone around it. Hambantota port is strategically located right in the middle of vital energy supply lines in the Indian Ocean, connecting the Middle East and East Asia.
Saudi Arabia to allow movie theaters
Saudi Arabia will allow movie theaters to open in the conservative kingdom next year, for the first time in more than 35 years. Movie theaters were shut down in the 1980’s during a wave of ultraconservatism in the country. It’s the latest move as part of the young crown prince’s efforts to socially reform the country. The first cinemas are expected to open in March 2018.
World’s largest automated container terminal opens in Shanghai
China started trial operations of the world’s biggest automated container terminal – the Shanghai Yangshan Deep Water Port – in the country’s commercial hub. The port will help consolidate Shanghai port’s standing as the world’s busiest container port and further support Shanghai’s efforts to become a world shipping centre.
US, South Korea, Japan started missile-tracking drill
The US, South Korea and Japan started joint exercises on 11 December to track missiles from North Korea. The two-day exercise – the sixth since June 2016 – kicked off in waters near the Korean peninsula and Japan. The exercise is being held as North Korea fired a powerful missile in November which could target the entire US mainland. Since then, the US and North Korea had enough angry exchange of words.
China starts World’s Biggest Floating Solar Project
A unit of China Three Gorges Corp. is building a 1 billion yuan ($151 million) floating solar power plant, the world’s biggest, in the nation’s eastern province of Anhui. China Three Gorges New Energy Co. started building the 150-megawatt project in July and part of the plant was connected to the grid. The project features panels fixed to floats on the surface of a lake that formed after a coal mine collapsed, according to the unit. The entire facility is expected to come online by May 2018.
US to recognise Jerusalem as capital
President Donald Trump will recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite intense Arab, Muslim and European opposition. In recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, US becomes the 1st country to do so since the foundation of the state in 1948. Israel has always regarded Jerusalem as its capital city, while the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Australian Govt passes Marriage Equality Law
Australia’s parliament has legislated for marriage equality, passing a bill almost unanimously to allow two people, regardless of sex, to marry. The House of Representatives passed a cross-party bill after an unprecedented national postal survey gave unstoppable momentum to legislate the historic social reform. Australia, which changed the law in 2004 to say that marriage is only between a man and a woman, now becomes the 25th country to recognize same-sex marriage.
UAE and Saudi Arabia form new group, separate from GCC
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have formed new economic and partnership group named Joint Cooperation Committee, separate from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This move that could undermine six-member GCC amid Saudi led Arab countries diplomatic crisis with Qatar as half of countries members are boycotting Qatar, accusing it for supporting and funding terrorism. The new committee is assigned to cooperate and coordinate between UAE and Saudi Arabia in all military, political, economic, trade and cultural fields, as well as others in the interest of the two countries. It will be headed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s deputy prime minister and minister of presidential affairs, will serve as the Deputy Chairman of the committee.
ILO releases World Social Protection Report 2017-2019
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has released the World Social Protection Report 2017-2019. The World Social Protection Report depicts that only 45 per cent of the global population is effectively covered by at least one social benefit, while the remaining 55 per cent that is 4 billion people are left unprotected.
UAE, UK, US and French Armies hold Joint Exercises in Abu Dhabi
UAE Armed Forces along with the UK, US and French armies are participating in joint exercises in Abu Dhabi. The drill code is named as “Flag4″. The two-week long joint exercise aims to increase combat efficiency, gain more field expertise, and work to unify military concepts among participating parties.
US Supreme Court allows full enforcement of President Trump’s travel ban
The United States Supreme Court ruled that the travel ban imposed on six Muslim countries by President Donald Trump can now go fully into effect. Out of the bench of nine justices, seven justices lifted the ban imposed by lower courts on the policy. Only justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor asserted that the President’s order should remain blocked. However, the directive against travellers from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen still faces legal challenges. The new ban also bars travellers from North Korea and Venezuela, but they were not affected by the injunctions.
US pulls out of UN’s migrant and refugee pact
The United States has withdrawn itself from a United Nations pact to improve the handling of migrant and refugee situations deeming it ‘inconsistent’ with its policies. The announcement was made by the US Mission to the United Nations in a statement, in which it informed the UN Secretary-General about US’s intention of ending its participation in the Global Compact on Migration.
South Korea, US launches largest Air Exercise
South Korea and the United States launched their largest-ever joint aerial drills. The annual US-South Korean drill, called Vigilant Ace, will run for 5-days, with six F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to be deployed among the more than 230 aircraft taking part. Around 12,000 US service members, including from the Marines and Navy, have joined South Korean troops.
Iranian President inaugurates First Phase of Chabahar Port
The first phase of Chabahar port was inaugurated by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The port, located in Iran’s southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan Province, was inaugurated in the presence of representatives from India, Afghanistan and several other countries of the region. The port will open up a new strategic transit route between Iran, India and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. The port is likely to ramp up trade between India, Afghanistan and Iran in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi for trade with the two countries.
Kenyatta sworn in as President of Kenya
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has been sworn in for a second and final five-year term, a month after winning a bitterly disputed election rerun marked by delays and boycott. Kenyatta, 55, won 98 percent of the votes cast in October’s poll, which was boycotted by the main opposition leader, Raila Odinga, who alleged the poll wouldn’t be free and fair.
World’s largest propeller plane lands at UK airport
The world’s largest propeller plane, Antonov AN-22, landed at the Manchester Airport in England. The heavy military transport aircraft drew a large crowd of aviation enthusiasts to witness its landing. The aircraft has a 211-foot wingspan and is capable of carrying cargo weighing up to 80,000 kilograms.
Russia to create ‘Independent Internet’ for BRICS Countries
The Russian Security Council has asked the Russian government to develop a separate infrastructure for BRICS countries’ internet needs while still being linked to the World Wide Web, which they claim will continue services in the event of a global internet infrastructure collapse. The plan has a deadline set for August 1, 2018.
Read more: Current Affairs December 2017 Study Material | FreeJobAlert.com http://currentaffairs.freejobalert.com/december-2017-current-affairs-study-material/31686/#ixzz5UrGfdO4e
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