Russia sends warships to Philippines for first time
Russia has sent two warships to the Philippines in the first official navy-to-navy contact between the countries. The Russian crew will reportedly discuss and share tactics to help Philippines combat terrorism and piracy. This comes after Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said that he wants to end military ties with the US as he wants closer ties with Russia and China.
Indonesia suspends military cooperation with Australia
Indonesia has suspended military cooperation with Australia, which had been a close partner in the fight against terrorism, after material deemed offensive to Indonesians was found on an Australian military base. According to reports in the Indonesian news media, a laminated paper found at an Australian Special Forces base had insulted Pancasila, a state ideology that mandated belief in monotheism and unity among Indonesia’s 250 million people.
Jovenel Moise name Haiti Prez after poll fraud ruled out
Jovenel Moise was officially declared the President of Haiti in a re-run presidential election,after an electoral tribunal ruled out allegations of fraud during the November 2016 polls. Moise,who was elected with 55.6% votes, had also won the first-round selection in October 2015 which was later scrapped over fraud allegations. He is expected to take office by February 7.
China launches first freight train to London
China has launched its first freight train to London over 12,000 kms away as part of efforts by the world’s second largest economy to expand rail links to different areas across the globe to improve its dwindling exports and stabilise slowdown. The train departed from Chinas international commodity hub Yiwu in Zhejiang Province. It will travel for about 18 days and more than 12,000 kilometres before reaching its destination in Britain. It will pass through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Belgium and France before arriving in London,state- run Xinhua news agency reported.
Pak fires its 1st submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile
Pakistan has successfully test-fired its first Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up to 450km from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean,giving the country a “credible” second-strike capability.
The missile, Babur-3, was fired from an underwater, mobile platform and hit its target with precise accuracy, the Inter Services Public Relations. Babur-3, which has a range of 450km, is a sea-based variant of Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) Babur-2, which was successfully tested earlier in December, last year.
‘La La Land’ dominates awards count at Golden Globes
Director Damien Chazelle’s musical romance “La La Land” registered four early wins at the Golden Globes with its lead star Ryan Gosling bagging the best actor trophy in the musical or comedy category. The movie, which leads the nominees list with 7 nods, also saw Chazelle winning the best screenplay award. French film “Elle”, Isabelle Huppert, won the best foreign film. “Zootopia” was named the best animated movie.
Pak fires its 1st submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile
Pakistan has successfully test-fired its first Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up to 450km from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean, giving the country a “credible” second-strike capability.
The missile, Babur-3, was fired from an underwater, mobile platform and hit its target with precise accuracy, the Inter Services Public Relations. Babur-3, which has a range of 450km, is a sea-based variant of Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) Babur-2, which was successfully tested earlier in December, last year.
Europe’s first underwater museum opens in Lanzarote
Europe’s first underwater sculpture museum featuring over 300 life-sized figures has been inaugurated. The Lanzarote attraction, Museo Atlantico, took almost three years to complete and has 12 sprawling underwater installations by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. With the sculptures placed at 39 feet on the sea bed, divers can now tour the underwater museum off the coast of Bahia de Las Coloradas.
IBM becomes first company to get 8,000 US patents in a year
IBM received the most patents for the 24th year in a row and broke the US record in 2016. With 8,088 patents granted to its inventors over the 12 months covering areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive computing, cloud, health and cyber security, IBM became the first company to pass the 8,000 milestone in a single year.
China launches first commercial space mission with new Kuaizhou-1A rocket
China has successfully sent three satellites into space in its first commercial mission using an updated version of the low-cost Kuaizhou-1A rocket, amidst the Communist giant’s determined bid to expand its ambitious space programme.
The rocket, carrying the satellite JL-1 and two CubeSats XY-S1 and Caton-1, blasted off from northwestern China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province at around 12:11 pm Beijing Time, according to a statement from the center
US Researchers discover the function of human appendix
American researchers have discovered the true function of the appendix. The researchers say it acts as a safe house for good bacteria, which can be used to effectively reboot the gut following a bout of dysentery or cholera.
Russia amend laws to provide spares support to India
Russia has amended its laws, allowing long-term contracts for spares and support for military equipment supplied to India. This will address long-standing concerns on the serviceability of the imported equipment. India is also discussing the possibility of Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) allowing licence-manufacture of spares locally by Indian vendors.
Afghanistan bans Pakistanis from entering without visa
Afghan authorities at the Torkham international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan announced that Pakistani nationals without a valid passport and visa will not be permitted to enter Afghanistan starting January 1, 2017. This comes after Pakistan ordered border control measures to prevent the arrival of alleged terrorists from Afghanistan.
Russia begins withdrawing troops from Syria
Russia began withdrawing its forces from Syria in a move that will leave the Syrian government to fend for itself to a much greater extent — but with a greatly strengthened hand in negotiations over the country’s future. The first group of Russian planes left Hmeymim air base in Syria.
UN declares 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared the year 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The declaration recalls the potential of tourism sector to advance the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It will promote tourism sector’s role in five key areas:
• Inclusive and sustainable economic growth
• Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction
• Cultural values, diversity and heritage
• Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change
• Mutual understanding, peace and security
Norway to become first country to switch off FM radio
Norway is set to become the first nation to start switching off its FM radio network, in a risky and unpopular leap to digital technology. Sixty-six percent of Norwegians oppose switching off FM, with just 17 percent in favor and the rest undecided, according to an opinion poll published by the daily Dagbladet last month. Switzerland plans a similar shift from 2020, and Britain and Denmark are among those also considering such a switch.
Giant iceberg set to break away from Antarctica: Scientists
A 5,000-square-kilometre iceberg is poised to break away from Antarctica. Just 20 kilometres of ice is preventing iceberg Larsen C from floating away, as a rift growing for over a decade has suddenly widened. Scientists say that the break-off, expected to be among the ten largest ever recorded, is not driven by climate change.
Europe’s first underwater museum opens in Lanzarote
British artist Jason DeCaires Taylor has created what is the first underwater museum in Europe. An exhibition of 300 works of art, all in concrete have been taken to their new ‘home’ the Atlantic Museum Lanzarote.
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe signs 1 trillion yen aid package to Philippines
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has signed a 1-trillion yen (about $8.7 billion) aid package over the next five years to the Philippines, meant to improve economic and political relations between the two island nations. The package is focused on infrastructure and energy.
UAE, Britain launch joint military drills
Joint military exercises between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and British forces started in the Gulf Arab state. Dubbed “Sea Dagger 2017”, the exercises were held “within the framework of cooperation, coordination and exchange of experiences and military information” between the two sides. The joint military drill was part of a “unified strategy to strengthen military cooperation between the UAE armed forces and their British counterparts.
India, US ink MoU for collaboration in third world countries
India and the US have signed an MoU to collaborate in the fields of developmental activities and aid in third world countries. The MoU has been signed between the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and Development Partnership Administration (DPA) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India..
Lady Liberty portrayed as a black woman for the first time
The United States is set to issue a commemorative $100 gold coin that depicts Lady Liberty — a national symbol generally portrayed as a white woman as an African American for the first time.
The 24-karat gold piece will be released in honor of the United States Mint’s 225th anniversary,one of a series of coins that will feature a racially diverse array of Lady Liberties.
Tesla Gigafactory to get world’s largest rooftop solar array
Tesla has big plans for its big roof in Nevada. The electric automaker/energy company has said from the beginning that its Gigafactory (which, as future plans have expanded, has come to be known as ‘Gigafactory 1’) would be a net-zero-energy production facility powered by renewables. Electrek reports that on a recent tour for investors, though, Tesla said just how massive onsite solar power generation capacity would be 70 megawatts.
US lifts 20-year economic embargo on Sudan
The United States has announced the end of a 20-year economic embargo on Sudan, lifting trade and financial sanctions in an effort to foster ties with the Sudanese government. The announcement made by outgoing President Barack Obama’s administration has comes after an executive order to permanently repeal a range of sanctions as a result of Sudan’s efforts to improve security in the region.
Ecuador takes chair of UN group of 134 developing countries
Ecuador has taken over from Thailand as chair of the Group of 77 which promotes the interests of the 134 developing countries it represents at the United Nations, including China. Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa told handover ceremony that the group will continue promoting “social and economic equality.” New Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the G-77 is his “preferred forum” to implement his vision including seeing the new goals become reality and reforming UN operations.
Pepsico sells land parcel to Wadhwa Group for Rs.190 cr
American snack and beverage giant PepsiCo India has sold a 2.5 acre land parcel in the Central suburb Chembur to The Wadhwa Group for ₹ 190-200 crore. Pepsi had bought the land parcel from Videocon in 1996 to set up a bottling plant for their beverage Duke’s. The factory has been defunct since 2014. Industry watchers said that several key developers were eyeing the marquee land parcel for its strategic location. Wadhwa Group had outbid players such as Godrej Properties, K Raheja Corp, Mahindra Lifespace among others.
Beijing sets 2017 air pollution goal at double of WHO limit
Beijing’s air quality target for 2017 is more than double the acceptable standard set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the mayor announced in the wake of weeks of hazardous air pollution in the Chinese capital.
The acceptable PM 2.5 annual average set by the WHO is 20-25 micrograms per cubic metre.Beijing’s air quality likely improved 9.9 percent in 2016, the municipal government said in a document, and PM 2.5 likely sat at an annual average of 73, better than the 2016 target of around 76.6.
Japan and Indonesia agree to deepen defence ties
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to cooperate on maritime security and deepen defence ties, even as both countries continue to have tense relations with China over the South and East China sea territory dispute. Widodo and Abe also discussed the opportunities for large infrastructure projects including a medium-speed rail line and a key port.
South Korea named world’s most innovative economy
South Korea is still the world’s most innovative economy, according to the 2017 Bloomberg Innovation Index.
Bloomberg’s proprietary index ranks countries according to research and development spending, value-added manufacturing, patent activity, high-tech density, higher education, productivity, research concentration and other factors.
China hands over two ships to Pakistan Navy for Gwadar Port security
China has handed over two ships to the Pakistan Navy to safeguard the strategic Gwadar port and trade routes under the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a move likely to raise alarm in India.
China handed over the two ships to the Pakistan Navy for joint security along the sea route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Gwadar port in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province has been developed under CPEC linking western China through Pakistan with the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
Obama transfers $500 million to Green Climate Fund
The outgoing Barack Obama administration announced a contribution of half a billion dollars to the UN Green Climate Fund, just three days before Donald Trump takes over the White House.
The $500 million payment, announced by State Department spokesperson John Kirby in a statement, is the second from the United States to support the United Nations Green Climate Fund, which aims to mitigate the effects of climate change in the world’s poorest countries.
Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong becomes role model for cleanliness
Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya has become a role model for other states in maintaining cleanliness and also tourists’ hotspot. It is also claimed as Asia’s cleanest village. Over 500 tourists from across the country and abroad visit the village daily.
Through cleanliness, the villagers have created opportunities to earn money as the village has become tourists’ prime destination in North East.
World witnesses hottest year on record in 2016: UN
The world has just witnessed the hottest year on record, surpassing the exceptionally high temperatures of 2015, the United Nations weather agency reported highlighting new records in indicators of human-caused climate change, as well as loss of Artic sea ice.
The globally averaged temperature in 2016 was about 1.1 degree Celsius higher than the preindustrial period, according to a consolidated analysis by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), continuing the trend in which 16 of the 17 hottest years on record will have been during this century (1998 is the outlier).
First goods train from China to Britain arrives in London
The first China-to-Britain freight train arrived in London on Wednesday after a 7,500-mile journey, marking a milestone in China’s push to build commercial links across Europe and Asia.
The train pulled in to Barking, east London after an 18-day journey from Yiwu, a wholesale market town in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang.
It had passed through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Belgium and France, finally crossing under the English Channel into Britain.
Israel deploys ‘Star Wars’ missile killer system
Israel’s upgraded ballistic missile shield became operational in a “Star Wars”-like extension of its capabilities to outer space where incoming missiles can be safely destroyed.
The Defence Ministry said the US-funded Arrow 3 system, jointly developed by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries and US firm Boeing Co., was handed over to the Israeli Air Force.
Hong Kong withdraws visa-free facility for Indians
Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, has withdrawn the visa-free facility for Indians who will have to complete a pre-arrival registration. The Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals will be implemented on January 23. The online service for Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals is now open.
Indian nationals must apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before they can visit or transit the HKSAR visa-free (if seeking to enter the HKSAR during transit).Prearrival registration is not required for Indian nationals in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area.
Nepal launches 10-year-plan to cut reliance on vegetable imports from India
Nepal government has launched a 10-year-plan to cut dependence on vegetable imports from India and make the land-locked country self-reliant in food. Vegetable imports from India have continued to increase even despite the far-western region seeing a rise in commercial vegetable farming. According to the report, the region imports vegetables worth 55 billion rupees every year from India. Exports volume, however, was negligible.
Surya Namaskar Yajna Recognised in US Congress
The annual “Surya Namaskar Yajna” or “Health for Humanity Yogathon” has been recognised in the US House of Representative on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Surya Namaskar integrates simple yoga postures in ten steps that along with teaching easy breathing techniques, can provide immense health benefits to both the body and the mind.
The 16-day event will raise awareness about yoga and its advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
China Develops World’s Biggest Solar Park
China has built up world’s largest solar farm in Qinghai province which will generate 850 MW of energy which is enough to light up more than 200,000 houses in China. Longyangxia Dam Solar Park is the world’s largest solar park which spreads upto 27 suqare kilometers and costs around 6 billion Yuan. The construction of this solar park began in 2013. This solar park has the caliber of producing 850 MW of power.
US President Trump orders 2,000-mile wall to be built on Mexico border
President Donald Trump has ordered construction of a U.S.-Mexican border wall and punishment for cities shielding illegal immigrants while mulling restoring a CIA secret detention program as he launched broad but divisive plans to reshape U.S. immigration and national security policy.
A draft executive order seen by Reuters that Trump is expected to sign in the coming days would block the entry of refugees from war-torn Syria and suspend the entry of any immigrants from Muslim-majority Middle Eastern and African countries Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Yemen while permanent rules are studied.
Insurance coverage offered for worker from Nepal to India by Nepal Government
Nepalese workers going to India would be provided mandatory insurance cover under an ambitous plan unveiled by Prime Minister Prachanda for the welfare of people working in foreign countries. The government is to regulate Nepali migrant workers going to India, issuing them permission letters and provide insurance and other facilities such as are enjoyed by migrant workers in other countries.
India UK Join Hands to Launch Project to Tackle Delhi Air Pollution Risks
India has partnered with the British experts (UK) over a project that aims to study the air pollution level in Delhi and health problems associated it. The project ASAP-Delhi an Integrated Study of Air Pollutant Sources in the Delhi National Capital Region’ would be led by University of Birmingham and would also involve experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, the Indian National Physical Laboratory and the University of Surrey
‘Instant Apps’ Google’s new apps can be used without downloading is begins testing
Google has rolled out the Instant Apps feature for Android smartphone users, but currently, it is in a limited testing phase. The Instant Apps was announced by Google in its yearly I/O conference in 2016.he main feature of the Android Instant Apps is that the user does not need to download it in order to use it.
This essentially means that Google Play provides the user only that portion of the app which is required at one particular point of time and runs the link through the application.This means that you will get to use an ‘app’ without having to download the actual app.
1st military communications satellite of Japan launched
Japan has launched its first military communications satellite to boost the broadband capacity of its Self Defence Forces as they reinforce an island chain stretching along the southern edge of the East China Sea.
The satellite lifted off from Japan’s Tanegashima space port aboard an H-IIA rocket at 0744 GMT and successfully entered orbit, said a spokesman for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which builds the launcher.
World record set by Chinese man by wheeling 20.8 kilometres in 46 minutes
A China-made quadruped robot has walked its way on to the pages of the Guinness World Records book for covering over 134-km in 54 hours, beating a previous record held by an American robot.
Four-legged robot ‘Xingzhe No 1’, made by a research team in southwest China’s Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, circled an indoor track from October 24 to 27, taking 340,000 steps before it had to stop and recharge