International Issues February 2013

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INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL
US House of Representatives US House of Representatives US House of Representatives US House of Representatives US House of Representatives
passed the Defence Bill 2013 passed the Defence Bill 2013 passed the Defence Bill 2013 passed the Defence Bill 2013 passed the Defence Bill 2013
US (United States) House of
Representatives on 20 December
2012 passed the Defence Autho-
rization Act of 2013. The bill was
passed with a 315-107 vote amid
chaos over the fiscal cliff negotia-
tions and the threat of drastic de-
fense spending cuts. The Defence
Authorization Act of 2013 covers
the cost of ships, aircraft, weap-
ons and military personnel as well
as the war effort in Afghanistan. It
consists of 528 billion dollars for
the Defense Departments base
budget, 17 billion dollars for de-
fense and nuclear programmes in
the Energy Department and 88 bil-
lion dollars for the war in Afghani-
stan. The bill tightens sanctions on
Iran and increases security for U.S.
diplomatic missions after the at-
tack on U.S. Consulate in
Benghazi, Libya. It also requests
the Pentagon to report to Congress
regarding the conflict in Syria on
possible military options.
US (United States) House of
Representatives on 20 December
2012 passed the Defence Autho-
rization Act of 2013. The bill was
passed with a 315-107 vote amid
chaos over the fiscal cliff negotia-
tions and the threat of drastic de-
fense spending cuts. The Defence
Authorization Act of 2013 covers
the cost of ships, aircraft, weap-
ons and military personnel as well
as the war effort in Afghanistan. It
consists of 528 billion dollars for
the Defense Departments base
budget, 17 billion dollars for de-
fense and nuclear programmes in
the Energy Department and 88 bil-
lion dollars for the war in Afghani-
stan. The bill tightens sanctions on
Iran and increases security for U.S.
diplomatic missions after the at-
tack on U.S. Consulate in
Benghazi, Libya. It also requests
the Pentagon to report to Congress
regarding the conflict in Syria on
possible military options.
Parliament in Italy dissolved Parliament in Italy dissolved Parliament in Italy dissolved Parliament in Italy dissolved Parliament in Italy dissolved
President Giorgio Napolitano
on 22 December 2012 dissolved
Italys Parliament following the res-
ignation of Prime Minister Mario
Monti on 21 December 2012. The
Parliamentary elections are sched-
uled to be held on 24-25 February
2013. Since taking office in No-
vember 2011, the Prime Minister
and his non-party team of minis-
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28 28 28 28 28
ters implemented economic aus-
terity measures in the form of cuts
in spending and tax hikes. The
election was triggered after Silvio
Berlusconis party center-right
People of Freedom party (PdL)
withdrew support from Montis
government. Italian government
under the leadership of Mario
Monti brought forward a series of
austerity reforms backed by EU
and business leaders. Italys pub-
lic debt is increasing and economy
is in a kind of turmoil. But majority
of Italians, frustrated by benefit
cuts, tax hikes and unemployment,
do not appear convinced.
WHO approved Vaccine WHO approved Vaccine WHO approved Vaccine WHO approved Vaccine WHO approved Vaccine
Manufacturing Practices Manufacturing Practices Manufacturing Practices Manufacturing Practices Manufacturing Practices
The World Health
Organisation (WHO) in the third
week of December 2012 approved
the manufacturing practices being
adopted by the private vaccine
manufacturing pharmaceutical
companies of India. This approval
was given to Indian Pharmaceuti-
cal companies after an intensive
four days audit of the vaccine
manufacturing facilities across the
country was concluded by a 16-
member multi-nation team that
was headed by WHO officials. The
team comprised officials from
China, EU, the US FDA, Thailand,
Sweden and France. WHO gave
its clearance to the procedures
adopted by the Indian National
Regulatory Authority (NRA) or the
Drug Controller Generals Office
(DCGO). The audit team also
cleared that the procedures
adopted by the Central Drugs
Standard Control Organisation
(CDSCO) and institutions affiliated
to it meet the prescribed interna-
tional standards and the proce-
dures inculcated in production
were stringent enough to ensure
that the vaccines produced by In-
dian companies were safe, high in
quality and efficacious.
With this approval India be-
came the first country in 2012 to
pass the stringent levels of seven
indicators that is put forward by
the WHO that is made much more
stringent every time conducted by
a team of 12 international experts
headed by a member of
WHO. India at present is a major
vaccine producing country with 12
major vaccine manufacturing fa-
cilities and the vaccines formu-
lated and manufactured in India
are used in national and interna-
tional markets of nearly 150 coun-
tries of the world. In case of
measles every second child of the
world is vaccinated using the vac-
cine produced in India. At present
India manufactures 30 different
types of vaccines that include
Hepatitis, measles and polio. This
approval from WHO had made the
12 manufacturing units of India
eligible for supplying the vaccines
to international bodies like
UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, Gates
Foundation, Clinton Foundation,
and GAVI.
Iran Declared Extracting Iran Declared Extracting Iran Declared Extracting Iran Declared Extracting Iran Declared Extracting
Complete Data from the Complete Data from the Complete Data from the Complete Data from the Complete Data from the
Captured US Drone Captured US Drone Captured US Drone Captured US Drone Captured US Drone
Iran declared on 5 December
2012 that it had extracted data
from the US intelligence drone
which was caught spying on its
military sites as well as oil termi-
nals. Iran had declared on 4 De-
cember 2012 that the US spying
drone was captured. US however
put down the claim on the
grounds that there were no evi-
dences to support this
assertion. Iran had announced
that it had captured the US
ScanEagle drone which was found
flying over the Gulf waters. The
incident further highlighted the
tensions in Gulf while Iran and US
are attracting attention to the mili-
tary capabilities in oil exporting
regions in an argument over the
disputed nuclear programme of
Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that
they had extracted the information
from the drone completely. IRGC
further also mentioned that this
drone was spying and gathering
the military information on trans-
fer of oil from the petroleum ter-
minals of Iran. The primary expert
terminal of Iran is located at Kharg
Island.
UN Approved New Debate on UN Approved New Debate on UN Approved New Debate on UN Approved New Debate on UN Approved New Debate on
Arm Treaty opposed by U.S. Arm Treaty opposed by U.S. Arm Treaty opposed by U.S. Arm Treaty opposed by U.S. Arm Treaty opposed by U.S.
Gun Lobby Gun Lobby Gun Lobby Gun Lobby Gun Lobby
The U.N. General Assembly
on 24 December 2012 voted over-
poweringly to restart negotiations
on a draft international treaty to
regulate the 70 billion dollar glo-
bal trade in conventional arms, a
pact the powerful U.S. National
Rifle Association has been lobby-
ing hard against. U.N. delegates
and gun control activists have
complained that earlier in July
2012 talks collapsed largely be-
cause U.S. President Barack
Obama feared attacks from Re-
publican rival Mitt Romney before
the 6 November 2012 election if
his administration was seen as
supporting the pact, charge U.S.
29 29 29 29 29
officials have denied. But after
Obamas re-election in November
2012, his administration joined
other members of a U.N. commit-
tee in supporting the resumption
of negotiations on the treaty. On
24 December 2012 the 193-nation
U.N. General Assembly voted to
hold a final round of negotiations
on March 18-28 in New York. The
foreign ministers of Argentina,
Australia, Costa Rica, Finland, Ja-
pan, Kenya and the United King-
dom - the countries that drafted
the resolution - issued a joint state-
ment welcoming the decision to
resume negotiations on the pact.
There were 133 votes in
favour, none against and 17 ab-
stentions. A number of countries
did not attend, which U.N. diplo-
mats said was due to the Christ-
mas Eve holiday. Among the top
six arms-exporting nations, Russia
cast the only abstention in last
months vote. Britain, France and
Germany joined China and the
United States in the disarmament
committee in support of the same
resolution approved by the Gen-
eral Assembly. The main reason
the arms trade talks are taking
place at all is that the United States
- the worlds biggest arms trader,
which accounts for more than 40
percent of global transfers in con-
ventional arms - reversed U.S.
policy on the issue after Obama
was first elected and decided in
2009 to support a treaty. Obama
administration officials have tried
to explain to U.S. opponents of the
arms trade pact that the treaty un-
der discussion would have no ef-
fect on gun sales and ownership
inside the United States because
it would apply only to exports.
About Arms Trade Treaty About Arms Trade Treaty About Arms Trade Treaty About Arms Trade Treaty About Arms Trade Treaty
The Arms Trade Treaty is the
name of a potential multilateral
treaty that would regulate the in-
ternational trade in conventional
weapons. The treaty was negoti-
ated at a global conference under
the support of the United Nations
from 2 July 27 July 2012 in New
York. Arms Trade Treaty is part
of a larger universal effort that be-
gan in 2001 with the adoption of a
non-legally binding program of
action at the United Nations Con-
ference on the Illicit Trade in Small
Arms and Light Weapons in All Its
Aspects in 2001. This program was
formally called the Programme of
Action to Prevent, Combat and
Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small
Arms and Light Weapons in All Its
Aspects (PoA).
Queen Elizabeth Became First Queen Elizabeth Became First Queen Elizabeth Became First Queen Elizabeth Became First Queen Elizabeth Became First
Peacetime British Ruler to Peacetime British Ruler to Peacetime British Ruler to Peacetime British Ruler to Peacetime British Ruler to
Attend Cabinet Meeting Attend Cabinet Meeting Attend Cabinet Meeting Attend Cabinet Meeting Attend Cabinet Meeting
On 18 December 2012,
Queen Elizabeth became first
peacetime British ruler ever since
1781, who attended the cabinet
meeting. Though she did not take
part in any deliberations, but she
participated in the cabinet meet-
ing as an observer and a listener.
Queen Elizabeth remained seated
on the chair which is usually oc-
cupied by the prime
minister. Historians believed that
Queen Elizabeth became the first
monarch in the history to attend
any cabinet meeting, after George
III did that. Factually, George I had
abandoned joining the cabinet in
1717. Nevertheless, Queen
Elizabeths father George VI had
attended the cabinet meeting dur-
ing World War II.
UK Prime Minister David
Cameron seated towards the right
side of Elizabeth and foreign sec-
retary William Hague seated to-
wards her left. George Osborne,
Chancellor of the Exchequer was
seated just opposite to her. In the
cabinet meeting, the PM first wel-
comed the Queen formally before
spelling out objectives of the cabi-
net meeting. The first agenda of
the meeting was about law
amendment on the succession to
royal chair. The agenda was basi-
cally allowing the first born girl to
be head of the state, even if she
had younger brother. Though
Queen Elizabeth had attended the
cabinet meeting, but academics
were of different viewpoints on
whether Queen should have at-
tended the meeting or not. At
present, Britain has a tradition of
monarch allowing a weekly audi-
ence to PM in order to receive pri-
vate as well as confidential brief-
ing. But actually, the Queen just
rubber stamps the ministerial de-
cisions, maybe sometimes in pres-
ence of the Privy Council.
China Held largest Air Force China Held largest Air Force China Held largest Air Force China Held largest Air Force China Held largest Air Force
Drill involving 100 Fighter Drill involving 100 Fighter Drill involving 100 Fighter Drill involving 100 Fighter Drill involving 100 Fighter
planes planes planes planes planes
China held one of its largest-
ever airforce drill involving about
100 multi-types fighter planes,
amid heightened tensions with
Japan over territorial dispute in
the East China Sea. East China Sea. East China Sea. East China Sea. East China Sea. The air com-
bat exercises were held under in-
formation conditions at an airport
30 30 30 30 30
in southwest China for 11 days in
the month of November 2012
which involved over 100 fighters
of over 10 different types and sup-
port staff.
In recent days, China is hold-
ing multi-military exercises involv-
ing land, air and naval forces on
variety of locations practicing cap-
turing islands and holding on to
them. Aircraft which took part in
the drill came from 14 separate
units and included Chinas most
modern jet fighters, the J-10 and
J-11, along with older models and
two-seater Sukhoi Su-30s Sukhoi Su-30s Sukhoi Su-30s Sukhoi Su-30s Sukhoi Su-30s which
was purchased from Russia. The
exercises are a clear demonstra-
tion of Chinas vastly improved
military capabilities that have
frightened other Asian nations and
are encouraging a changed US fo-
cus on the region. Chinas navy
also for the first time launched and
recovered aircraft from the
countrys first aircraft carrier, a re-
furbished Ukrainian craft that will
be armed wi th J-15 fighter- J-15 fighter- J-15 fighter- J-15 fighter- J-15 fighter-
bombers, bombers, bombers, bombers, bombers, a Chinese adaptation of
the Russian Sukhoi Su-33.
President Mohamed Morsi President Mohamed Morsi President Mohamed Morsi President Mohamed Morsi President Mohamed Morsi
signed Egypts Controversial signed Egypts Controversial signed Egypts Controversial signed Egypts Controversial signed Egypts Controversial
Constitution Constitution Constitution Constitution Constitution
Egyptian President
Mohamed Morsi on 25 December
registered voters participated. The
remaining 90 were appointed by
Mohamed Morsi, the Islamist
president. It was expected to draft
a law for legislative elections for
the dissolved lower house that
have to be held by the end of Feb-
ruary 2013. The National Salvation
Front opposition coalition said it
would vie for seats in the parlia-
ment, which has powers under the
new charter that could hamper
Morsis ability to govern.
European Union imposed Stiff European Union imposed Stiff European Union imposed Stiff European Union imposed Stiff European Union imposed Stiff
Sanctions on Trade with Iran Sanctions on Trade with Iran Sanctions on Trade with Iran Sanctions on Trade with Iran Sanctions on Trade with Iran
European Union (EU) im-
posed stiff sanctions on trade with
Iran in a move aimed at further iso-
lating it over the controversial
nuclear program. The fresh sanc-
tions directed against Irans bank-
ing, shipping and industrial sectors
came into effect from 22 Decem-
ber 2012. These are considered to
be the toughest EU measures and
include bans on financial transac-
tions, sales to Iran of shipping
equipment and steel, and imports
of Iranian natural gas in addition
to the existing ban on import of
Iranian crude oil.
Britain would Pull Half of its Britain would Pull Half of its Britain would Pull Half of its Britain would Pull Half of its Britain would Pull Half of its
Troops from Afghanistan Troops from Afghanistan Troops from Afghanistan Troops from Afghanistan Troops from Afghanistan
The Prime Minister of Britain,
David Cameroon on 19 December
2012 announced that Britain has
planned to withdraw more than
half of its troops back from Af-
ghanistan by 2013 and all-foreign
2012 signed into law a new Islam-
ist-drafted constitution which will
help end political disorder and al-
low him to focus on fixing the
weak economy. Mohamed Morsi
signed a declaration enforcing the
charter late after the official an-
nouncement of the result of a ref-
erendum approving the basic law,
Egypts first constitution since
Hosni Mubaraks overthrow. The
passing of the constitution meant
Egypt could now move to a new
stage that should bring security
and stability for the people. The
body, known as the Shura coun-
cil, will temporarily be able to pass
laws until a new parliament has
been elected within the next few
months, after the adoption of an
election law. Two-thirds of the
members of the 270-seat council
were elected earlier this year in a
vote in which only 12 per cent of
31 31 31 31 31
forces of the country would be
pulled out by 2014. The Prime Min-
ister informed to the commons
that 3800 troops, who were de-
ployed at Helmand Province
would be back by end of the year
2013 leaving 5200 troops behind.
Overall, 9500 troops from Britain
are out of home out of which 500
are waiting to be back to home
before the Christmas of 2012. The
troops would be returning home
in relatively two even steps in 2013
and 2014. The decision was made
because of the success that the
British Forces and the Afghan Na-
tional security Forces accom-
plished in the region. By the time
the British forces are pulled out,
the Afghani Forces would have
been mentored from the battalion
level to the Brigade level by 2013.
The Prime Minister also an-
nounced that even after the final
withdrawal of the British Forces a
small number of there force would
remain operational into the region
to have a check on returning of
equipments and to deal with the
logistics. Philip Hammond, the
Defence Secretary of Britain in-
formed about the long-term plans
of the British Forces following the
commitment that it made to the
Afghani people. The British Gov-
ernment also informed that at the
end of 2014 reduction in the num-
ber of troops on a large scale with
immediate effect would not occur.
The troops would be withdrawn
gradually following the plans of its
ISAF [International Security Assis-
tance Force] partners as well as
the advice offered by its army
commanders. A small number of
U.K. Forces would remain func-
tional for operations in Afghani-
stan counterparts till the time the
combat operations doesnt come
to a cease completely by 2014.
Maldives took over Charge of Maldives took over Charge of Maldives took over Charge of Maldives took over Charge of Maldives took over Charge of
Male Airport scrapping Male Airport scrapping Male Airport scrapping Male Airport scrapping Male Airport scrapping
Agreement with GMR Agreement with GMR Agreement with GMR Agreement with GMR Agreement with GMR
Maldives took charge of Male
airport from GMR. Maldives gov-
ernment had scrapped the agree-
ment with GMR on first December
2012, saying that the agreement
was not in the interest of the coun-
try. Singapore Supreme Court had
upheld the right of Maldives to ter-
minate the 25 year contract. There
will be a three-week transition
period starting 7 December 2012
at the end of which GMR will stop
operating the airport. Maldivian
Airport Company Limited, which
will run the airport, has agreed to
retain all staff, including Indian
nationals, on the same terms.
Beijing was 14th Safest City in Beijing was 14th Safest City in Beijing was 14th Safest City in Beijing was 14th Safest City in Beijing was 14th Safest City in
China China China China China
A survey conducted
by China Academy of Social Sci- China Academy of Social Sci- China Academy of Social Sci- China Academy of Social Sci- China Academy of Social Sci-
ences (CASS) ences (CASS) ences (CASS) ences (CASS) ences (CASS) which is a govern-
ment owned body, revealed that
the capital of China, Beijing is less
safer than other cities of the coun-
try. The safest place is the capital
of Tibet, Lhasa, followed by
Shanghai. When analysed in
terms of safety, the Chinese capi-
tal city was ranked 14th, inspite of
huge network of the security cam-
eras as well as constant police
force on the lanes and roads.
Other major cities of China were
ranked much safer than Beijing
and these safe cities included
Xiamen, Ningbo, Changchun,
Chongqing, Shanghai, Tianjin,
Dalian, Hangzhou and Nanjing.
CASS also revealed that around 40
percent of the 25000 respondents
of survey from 38 cities of China
felt unsafe to go out during night-
time. Residents of Guiyang, the
capital of Guizhou province
marked it lowest in terms of safety.
It was also found out that people
in the coastal cities of East China
as well as municipalities were
safer than other parts of country.
Ireland to legalise Abortions Ireland to legalise Abortions Ireland to legalise Abortions Ireland to legalise Abortions Ireland to legalise Abortions
Ireland on 18 December 2012
announced that it will legalise
abortions when the mothers life
is at risk, weeks after the death of
Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar
who died after being refused an
abortion in the European country.
The decision comes after a huge
public outcry over the death of 31-
year-old Savita, who died on 28
October 2012 at Galway University
Hospital. She had been 17-week
pregnant and was found to be mis-
carrying. Savita Halappanavar
asked repeatedly for a termination
of pregnancy but was refused and
was told the foetal heartbeat was
still present and this is a Catholic
country.
Global Telecom Treaty without Global Telecom Treaty without Global Telecom Treaty without Global Telecom Treaty without Global Telecom Treaty without
Net Control Signed by 89 Net Control Signed by 89 Net Control Signed by 89 Net Control Signed by 89 Net Control Signed by 89
Nations Nations Nations Nations Nations
A controversial new global
treaty on telecom regulations was
32 32 32 32 32
signed on 14 December 2012 by
89 International Telecommunica- International Telecommunica- International Telecommunica- International Telecommunica- International Telecommunica-
tion Union tion Union tion Union tion Union tion Union member states out of
a possible 144 Countries regard-
less of US objections to prospec-
tive regulation of the Internet. Over
150 nations met in Dubai, under
the support of the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU)
to update a set of telecom rules of
1988, before the Internet and mo-
bile phones transformed commu-
nications. But they failed to draw
a conclusion which will lead to a
new fight over cyberspace. Fifty-
five countries did not sign the
treaty that enters effect in January
2015.
A US-led bloc advocated a
tolerant approach to the Internet,
while Russia, China and much of
Africa and the Middle East wanted
greater governmental oversight of
cyberspace.
The treaty that is the first up-
date to the International Tele- International Tele- International Tele- International Tele- International Tele-
communication Regulations communication Regulations communication Regulations communication Regulations communication Regulations
(ITRs) (ITRs) (ITRs) (ITRs) (ITRs) agreed in 1988, stimulated
controversy as Internet operators,
activists and countries led by the
United States objected to refer-
ence to the Internet deemed to be
paving the way for government
control. The United States on 13
December 2012 opposed the
treaty saying that the proposed
text opened the door to govern-
ment regulation of the Internet. As
per the treaty, the non-binding
resolution on the Internet
recognises, among other things,
that all governments should have
an equal role and responsibility for
international Internet governance
and for ensuring the stability, se-
curity and continuity of the exist-
ing Internet and its future devel-
opment and of the future Internet.
As in a previous version, the Inter-
national Telecom Regulations spell
out guidelines on technical issues
such as how carriers charge each
other for incoming international
phone calls, as well as taxation and
accounting.
Countries that sign the treaty
are supposed to be guided by its
principles, although these have no
force of law. US lawmakers had
voted unanimously to oppose any
efforts to give the United Nations
new authority to regulate the
Internet, and a variety of Internet
activists and US firms, led by
Google, also warned against new
regulations. Google had asserted
that governments taking part in the
meeting in Dubai proved that they
wanted increased censorship, and
it supported countries rejecting
the treaty.
Israels Jewish Population Israels Jewish Population Israels Jewish Population Israels Jewish Population Israels Jewish Population
Passed Crucial 6 Million Mark Passed Crucial 6 Million Mark Passed Crucial 6 Million Mark Passed Crucial 6 Million Mark Passed Crucial 6 Million Mark
Israels Central Bureau of Sta-
tistics (CBS) in the last week of De-
cember 2012 revealed that the
Jewish population of Israel passed
the crucial mark of 6 million for
first time. This is equal to the Jews
killed in Holocaust. According to
the Israels CBS the overall popu-
lation of Israel was 7.98 million out
of which 75.4 percent were Jew-
ish. The Arab population of Israel
accounted for 20 percent and 4
percent were defined as
others. However it was made
clear that the position of Jews
worldwide was the same. Before
Holocaust, the number of Jews
across the world was 18 million.
After it, the number was just a little
more than the mark of 13 million.
Even now, the population is just a
little more than 13 million. Never-
theless, the population of Jews in
Israel is somewhere near half the
population of Jewish nations
across the world, which would put
Israel in central place.
Other figures were released
by Palestinian Central Bureau of
Statistics and it was found that the
overall population of Arabs in Pal-
estine and Israel would be equiva-
lent to that of Jews by 2016. It was
also revealed that the population
of Arabs would exceed that of
Jews by 2020. Jewish population
in Israel increased by ten times
since the declaration of this state
in May 1948 when the number of
Jewish citizens was just 660000.
What is Holocaust? What is Holocaust? What is Holocaust? What is Holocaust? What is Holocaust?
Holocaust is said to be the
bureaucratic, systematic and
state-sponsored murder of around
six million Jews by Nazi regime as
well as collaborators. Holocaust is
the Greek-origin word which
means sacrifice by fire. Nazis ac-
quired power in January 1933 in
33 33 33 33 33
Germany and considered Jews as
racially inferior. This genocide oc-
curred during the Second World
War.
Republic of Kosovo recognised Republic of Kosovo recognised Republic of Kosovo recognised Republic of Kosovo recognised Republic of Kosovo recognised
by Pakistan by Pakistan by Pakistan by Pakistan by Pakistan
Government of Pakistan on
24 December 2012 officially
recognised Kosovo as an indepen-
dent state, almost five years after
it declared independence from
Serbia on 17 February 2008.
The decision was made in ac-
cordance with the aspirations of
the people of Kosovo. With this
Pakistan became the 98th sover-
eign state among 193 UN-member
states recognising Kosovo. The
government of Pakistan has also
decided to at the same time to ac-
credit its ambassador to the Re-
public of Turkey in Ankara as am-
bassador of the Islamic Republic
of Pakistan to the Republic of
Kosovo. Kosovo declared full full full full full
i ndependence i ndependence i ndependence i ndependence i ndependence in September
2012 after the western powers
overseeing Kosovo announced the
end of their supervision of this
Balkan nation. The unilateral dec-
laration of independence by
Kosovo was seen as an example
for resolving ethnic conflicts on
considerations other than territo-
rial integrity of countries. It was
also feared that the Kosovo prin-
ciple could at a successive stage
be applied to other separatist
movements.
About Republic of Kosovo About Republic of Kosovo About Republic of Kosovo About Republic of Kosovo About Republic of Kosovo
Kosovo is a small south east
European state lies between
Albania, Macedonia, Serbia
and Montenegro. The capital
of the Republic is Prishtina, a
city of around 500000 people.
The population of Kosovo ex-
ceeds 2 million.
Kosovo is a democratic, multi-
ethnic and secular Republic
that incorporates into its Con-
stitution the UN Special En-
voy, Martti Ahtisaari, Compre-
hensive Proposal for Kosovo
Status Settlement. This plan
ensures that the Constitution
of the Republic protects and
guarantees rights for all of
Kosovo citizens. The support
of this proposal by Kosovar
people shows readiness to
move on, forgive and build.
Kosovo has historically, cultur-
ally and socially been part of
Europe. The ancient kingdoms
that stood there were at the
center of European history
well over 3,000 years ago.
Later on, as new world pow-
ers emerged and the world
changed, again the nations of
south east Europe forged the
future of this continent.
In more modern times,
Kosovo ended up as the least de-
veloped part of Yugoslavia, slowly
moving towards high unemploy-
ment and unequal opportunities
for Kosovar Albanians. This,
coupled with nationalistic policies
that broke up Yugoslavia, culmi-
nated in the Kosovo - Serbia war
of 1997-199
First Woman President of South First Woman President of South First Woman President of South First Woman President of South First Woman President of South
Korea Korea Korea Korea Korea
Park Geun-hye was elected
as the president of South Korea on
19 December 2012, the first
woman who acquired this post.
Park Geun-hye is the daughter of
longest ruling dictator of South
Korea. After the counting of
votes, it was declared by the Na-
tional Election Commission that
Park had enjoyed clear victory
with 51.64 percent votes in com-
parison to 47.93 percent votes for
Moon Jae-in, who is the former
lawyer of human rights. Moon Jae-
in was also imprisoned at some
point of time for standing in op-
position with the authoritarian rule
of her father.
Moon Jae-in accepted the
defeat because clearly her lead
was impossible. Election of Park
Geun-hye, 60, is said to be the
milestone for South Korean soci-
ety which has remained mainly
male-dominated. Dictator Park
Chung-hee, the father of Park
Geun-hye ruled the country from
1961 to 1979 and left behind po-
litical repression, something that
is still dividing the country. While
in office, Lee intensified several
problems such as dwindling job
opportunities, political corruption
as well as increasing tensions with
North Korea. While campaigning,
Park had said that being a female
would help her in a lot of ways.
She never got married. Reputation
of Park in South Korea is that of a
steely as well as principled leader.
Her role models are Queen Eliza-
beth and British PM Margaret
Thatcher.
34 34 34 34 34
Immigration to Britain Immigration to Britain Immigration to Britain Immigration to Britain Immigration to Britain
Witnessed Biggest Fall in 20 Witnessed Biggest Fall in 20 Witnessed Biggest Fall in 20 Witnessed Biggest Fall in 20 Witnessed Biggest Fall in 20
Years Years Years Years Years
Immigration into Britain saw
the deepest dip in 20 years, the
official figures revealed. In 2011,
536000 foreigners migrated to live
in UK, which is 42000 lower than
in 2010. This drop is said to be the
biggest and deepest because im-
migration dropped down by
61000 during the recession of
1991. Numbers of people enter-
ing UK were lowest since the year
2004 when thousands of European
workers were permitted to work
here. The basic reason why this
number sank was because of the
dramatic reduction in the number
of people coming on student vi-
sas. In terms of percentage, the net
immigration figure went down by
25 percent from 242000 to 183000.
The number of students who
come for joining courses in UK
colleges sank by 67 percent. In the
meanwhile, the students coming
down for English Language
schools dropped by 76 percent.
Nevertheless, the foreign students
who go to UK varsities increased
by 1 percent. Ministers of UK
called this drop as a crucial step
towards achieving the aim of gov-
ernment in reducing immigration
to what it was in 1990s.
Paper Money to be replaced Paper Money to be replaced Paper Money to be replaced Paper Money to be replaced Paper Money to be replaced
with Plastic Banknotes in UK with Plastic Banknotes in UK with Plastic Banknotes in UK with Plastic Banknotes in UK with Plastic Banknotes in UK
Britain planned to replace
the paper money with plastic
banknotes, which are said to be
more durable as well as water-
proof. Another advantage of these
plastic banknotes is that they are
difficult to be forged. Paper money
has been used in Britain for over
300 years. The radical renovation
in Britain might see polymer ster-
ling currency in circulation in just
three years time. The Bank of En-
gland already publicised the 1 bil-
lion pounds tender from 2015 for
the process of printing of these
notes at the press in Debden,
Essex. Bidders are expected to
cope up with this change from
paper currency to plastic right
from the beginning of the contract
as the part of this process. The
contract since 2003 was held by
De La Rue, which is one of the only
two polymer notes makers. Ini-
tially, the Bank would produce
lower denominations like fiver
(five-pound note). De La Rue
prints over 150 currencies and re-
cently it had produced new plas-
tic banknotes for Pacific island of
Fiji. The first country to introduce
plastic notes was Australia where
the currency was introduced in
1988 as a step to curtail counter-
feiting. Some of the other coun-
tries that might issue polymer
notes include Vietnam, Mexico,
Papua New Guinea, New Zealand
and Romania. Plastic fiver was in-
troduced in Northern Ireland in
1999 for indicating the mark of a
Millennium.
Why plastic notes can be Why plastic notes can be Why plastic notes can be Why plastic notes can be Why plastic notes can be
beneficial than paper currency? beneficial than paper currency? beneficial than paper currency? beneficial than paper currency? beneficial than paper currency?
Plastic notes are more du-
rable than the paper notes. Also,
these polymer notes prove to be
more hygienic because they at-
tract fewer bacteria and do not
form crease or tear. Apart from
being waterproof, the plastic
notes are also easier to be used for
vending machines. The primary
feature of plastic notes is that they
offer clear window which also
contains optical variable device
through which light can be split
easily into the component colours.
This makes it very difficult for any-
one to counterfeit the currency.
These notes are eco-friendly as
well as recyclable. However, the
cost of producing these notes is a
bit higher than the paper currency.
Also, the initial cost needs to be
invested so that the vending ma-
chines as well as ATMs can adapt
to them.
North Korea Launched Long North Korea Launched Long North Korea Launched Long North Korea Launched Long North Korea Launched Long
Range Unha-3 Rocket Range Unha-3 Rocket Range Unha-3 Rocket Range Unha-3 Rocket Range Unha-3 Rocket
North Korea launched a long-
range rocket Unha-3 Unha-3 Unha-3 Unha-3 Unha-3 on 12 De-
cember 2012 despite international
opposition and growing tensions
in the region successfully deliver-
ing a scientific satellite
Kwangmyongsong-3 into orbit.
Unha-3 is the second version
of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3
which is successfully lifted off
from the Sohae Space Center by
carrier rocket. The North Ameri- North Ameri- North Ameri- North Ameri- North Ameri-
can Aerospace Defense Com- can Aerospace Defense Com- can Aerospace Defense Com- can Aerospace Defense Com- can Aerospace Defense Com-
mand (NORAD) mand (NORAD) mand (NORAD) mand (NORAD) mand (NORAD)reported that the
North Korean missile deployed an
object that appeared to achieve
orbit, which would fall in line with
Pyongyangs claims about the na-
ture of the launch. The debris of
the rocket fell into waters off the
Philippines at 10:05 a.m. local time
after passing over Okinawa. The
launch is a message from North
35 35 35 35 35
Korea to prove they are not lag-
ging behind in terms of technol-
ogy.
However, The UN Security
Council had condemned North
Koreas rocket launch in a short
statement following an emergency
meeting, saying that an appropri-
ate response is now being con-
sidered.
The United States evacuated its The United States evacuated its The United States evacuated its The United States evacuated its The United States evacuated its
Embassy in the Central African Embassy in the Central African Embassy in the Central African Embassy in the Central African Embassy in the Central African
Republic Republic Republic Republic Republic
The United States of America
evacuated its embassy in the Cen-
tral African Republic, reflecting
growing fears that the capital,
Bangui, may fall to rebel forces
called Saleka. The countrys Presi-
dent Francois Bozize sought
French and American help against
the insurgents, who have been
making rapid territorial gains.
France, however, rejected any in-
tervention.
Seleka consists of breakaway
factions from three former armed
groups. It accuses Bozize of fail-
ing to honour a 2007 peace deal,
under which fighters were meant
to be paid who laid down their
arms.
The rebels want to depose
Bozize in case he fails to negoti-
ate with them. The rebels started
their campaign in November 2012
and have captured several towns
in their advance towards the capi-
tal.
No Religion Described Third No Religion Described Third No Religion Described Third No Religion Described Third No Religion Described Third
Largest World Group Largest World Group Largest World Group Largest World Group Largest World Group
In a study entitled The Glo- The Glo- The Glo- The Glo- The Glo-
bal Religious Landscape bal Religious Landscape bal Religious Landscape bal Religious Landscape bal Religious Landscape which
was issued by Pew Forum on Reli-
gion and Public Life on 18 Decem-
ber 2012, it was found that people
under the affiliation of no no no no no
religion religion religion religion religion accounted for 3rd largest
global group only after Christians
and Muslims. No Religion No Religion No Religion No Religion No Religion group
stood just before the Hindus. The
study is based on the data for
2010. It indicated that Hinduism
and Islam are two religions that are
likely to grow larger in future,
while the weakest growth oppor-
tunities were that of Jews.
The most consistently
spreading religion was Christian-
ity which is said to be present in
almost all regions of world. Hin-
duism, on the other hand, has its
concentration in one country, In-
dia with around 94 percent popu-
lation following the religion. The
study found out that comprehen-
sively, 84 percent of the popula-
tion of the world (around 6.9 bil-
lion) identified itself with a reli-
gion.
In the unaffiliated category or
no religion category were the
people who did not profess any
religion or are atheists and agnos-
tics or have no link with the estab-
lished faith. The study also indi-
cated that belief in higher power
or God was shared by 7 percent
unaffiliated Chinese adults, 68 per-
cent unaffiliated US adults and 30
percent unaffiliated French
adults. Age breakdown was also
focused in the study and it was
found out that lowest median age
was 23 years among Muslims in
comparison to 28 years in the
population of the world. Median
age is the highlighter of the popu-
lation bulge at that point where 50
percent population is above and
50 percent is below the number.
Breakdown Breakdown Breakdown Breakdown Breakdown
According to the study,
Christianity was largest faith with
31.5 percent world population fol-
lowing the religion. Roman Catho-
lic Church accounts for 50 percent
of the total.
The Muslim population was
1.6 billion or 23 percent of the
population of the world. 87-90
percent Muslims are Sunnis and
around 10-13 percent are Shia. Out
of the 1.1 billion unaffiliated popu-
lation of the world, more than 700
million or around 62 percent live
in China.
Second comes Japan with 72
million or 57 percent unaffiliated
population. Thereafter comes US
with 51 million people having no
link with any established
faith. Hindu population is found
mainly in India, Nepal and
Bangladesh. 50 percent of the
Buddhists of the world live in
China, followed by Thailand and
Japan. 405 million world popula-
tion or around 6 percent followed
their folk religions.
This kind of population was
found in Africa as well as China
apart from Australian aboriginals
and Native Americans. 58 million
population came from other reli-
gion category which includes
Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Tenrikyo,
Wicca, Jainism and Taoism. This
population was concentrated in
Asia-Pacific region. The study in-
dicated that Christians were in
majority in 157 countries of the
world, Muslims in 49 countries of
the world and with sharp contrast,
Hindus were in majority only in
Nepal, India and Mauritius.
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