Updated Current Affairs January 2012 World

CURRENT AFFAIRS JANUARY 2012

Jan2012

“The Chinese government has confirmed a 39-year-old man’s death in southern China due to bird flu, which is showing signs of resurfacing after an 18-month gap.” — Jan 01, Times of India

“The Obama administration has maintained that the bill under no circumstances results in suspension of US military aid to Pakistan; as being interpreted by the Pakistani media.” — Jan 02, Times of India

“The Taliban today confirmed they had come to an “initial agreement” to open a political office overseas as part of peace talks with the United States.” — Jan 03, Hindustan Times

“South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak will visit China next week for talks with his counterpart Hu Jintao as the two nations deal with North Korea’s leadership transition, Lee’s office said today.” — Jan 04, Hindustan Times

“Tourism is Nepal’s golden goose. The country has been named as one of the best countries for adventure destination (National Geographic) and one of the 50 places to see before you die (BBC Holiday).” — Jan 05, Hindustan Times

“Iran is to hold fresh military exercises in and around the strategic Strait of Hormuz within weeks, the naval commander of its powerful Revolutionary Guards was quoted as saying on January06, 2012.” — Jan 06, Hindustan Times

“UNITED NATIONS: UN leader Ban Ki-moon called Friday for “peaceful” efforts to ease tensions between Iran and Western nations but stressed that Iran must prove its nuclear program is not aimed at producing weapons.” — Jan 07, Times of India

“Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said today that he was prepared to go to jail as he geared up for last-ditch rallies on the eve of a trial verdict that threatens his political career.” — Jan 08, Hindustan Times

“A strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake on Monday struck the Santa Cruz islands, part of the Pacific’s Solomons group, the USGS said, but there was no threat of a widespread tsunami, according to officials.” — Jan 09, Hindustan Times

“The US has voiced concern over reports of new wave of self-immolations in Tibet by Buddhist monks, noting that these events reflect the deep frustration among the Tibetans.” — Jan 10, Hindustan Times

“Indian and other non-European immigrants arriving in Britain took away at least 160,000 jobs that would otherwise have gone to “native” Britons between 2005 and 2010, a government agency said in a report published on Tuesday.” — jan11, Hindustan Times

“North Korea declared Feb 16 the “Day of the Shining Star” to commemorate the birthday of late “Great Leader” Kim Jong-il, using the same name as a long-range rocket developed under his trademark songun, or military first, policy.” — Jan 12, Hindustan Times

“The United States won key support from Japan Thursday for tough oil sanctions against Iran over a nuclear program that the West suspects is geared to developing atomic bombs.” — Jan 13, Times of India

“Prime Minister Julia Gillard has reiterated that Australia will not agree to export uranium to Pakistan, which is imploring Canberra to make a similar policy change as done recently for India.” — January 14,2012, Times of India

“India ranked second last among the 73 countries that participated in a programme conducted annually to evaluate education systems worldwide by OECD.” — Jan 15, Times of India

“Doomed Russian Phobos-Grunt Mars probe spacecraft, which had been stuck in Earth orbit for two months, crashed down in the Pacific Ocean late Sunday.” — Jan 16, Times of India

“External affairs minister S M Krishna today met Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo and is understood to have discussed a host of bilateral issues, including the ways to evolve a political solution to resolve the Tamil problem.” — Jan17, Hindustan Times

“The Coast Guard officer who ordered the captain of the capsized Italian cruise ship to go back aboard unwittingly became an instant hero on Wednesday, credited with saving the national honour on one of its darkest nights.” — Jan 19, Times of India

“Charged with contempt of court for failing to pursue corruption charges against President Asif Ali Zardari, the PM won a two-week reprieve for himself.” — Jan 20, Times of India

“The United States has urged China to press North Korea’s new leader to exercise restraint, saying that South Korea would face “enormous pressure” to respond to any provocations.” — Jan 21, Hindustan Times

“The United States has urged China to press North Korea’s new leader to exercise restraint, saying that South Korea would face “enormous pressure” to respond to any provocations.” — Jan 22, Hindustan Times

“Divers on Saturday found a woman’s body in the wrecked cruise liner Costa Concordia, raising the death toll to 12, a police official said.” — Jan 23, Hindustan Times

“Mansoor Ijaz, the key witness in the memogate scandal, will not visit Pakistan over concerns about his safety, his lawyer said on Monday. Instead he requested the judicial commission probing the scandal to record his statements from either London or Zurich through teleconference.” — Jan 24, Times of India

“Tens of thousands of Egyptians rallied Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the country’s 2011 uprising, with liberals and Islamists gathering on different sides of Cairo’s Tahrir Square in a reflection of the deep political divides that emerged in the year since the downfall of longtime leader Hosni Mubarak.” — Jan 25, Times of India

“Against the backdrop of a re-election bid this year, US president Barack Obama made a commitment to maintaining America’s primacy in the world, warning China and Iran against confrontation, railing against US companies outsourcing jobs, and promising greater economic equality at home.” — Jan 26, Times of India

“Bill Gates rode to the rescue of a beleaguered health fund Thursday by pledging $750 million to fight three of world’s killer diseases.” — Jan 27, Hindustan Times

“The Kepler space telescope science team has confirmed the discovery of 11 star systems piled with 26 exoplanets. With this latest revelation, the number of known multi-planetary star systems has just tripled and the list of confirmed planets beyond our solar system has doubled.” — Jan 28, Hindustan Times

“The World Travel and Tourism Council this week announced its list of finalists for the prestigious Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, set to be presented in April.” — Jan 29, Hindustan Times

“IMF chief Christine Lagarde on Saturday warned that no one is immune to the European debt crisis that can have spillover effect on the global economy and called for “simple firewall” to contain the turmoil.Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, sheunderscored the need for euro zone members to “develop a clear simple firewall that can limit the contagion” and create trust in the region.” — Jan 30, Hindustan Times

“The United Nation Security Council will take up for discussion the European-Arab draft resolution on Syria today. The Arab League has sought UN support for the draft resolution on power transfer to end the crisis in Syria. More from our West Asia Correspondent.” — Jan 31, News On AIR

Feb2012

“French firm Dassault Aviation bagged India’s biggest-ever military contract for supplying 126 Rafale combat aircraft for the Air Force. It edged out European rival EADS in the deal. The French firm was declared as the lowest bidder. It will get the contract under India’s defence procurement procedure. The deal is worth our ten billion dollars.” — February 1, News On AIR

“India, Japan and China have entered into a pact to share data to achieve the most efficient use of Naval Forces present in the Indian Ocean Region. The initiative is known as the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Naval spokesperson Admiral Monty Khanna said that the initiative began functioning from first of last month.” — February 2, News On AIR

“United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has called on Israel to open the Gaza crossings and to lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, since 2006. At a press conference, after a visit to an United Nations Refugee Welfare Association housing project in the Gaza strip, he lamented that many projects are on hold due to closure of the crossings and ban on entry of necessary material by Israel. The UN Secretary General urged both Israel and Palestine to resume the stalled peace talks.” — February 3, News on AIR

“Prime Minister David Cameron has re-affirmed Britain’s decision to continue its aid programme to India, amidst a row sparked by some ruling Conservative MPs demanding an end to it, and reports that India did not need it.” — February 4, The Hindu

“The U.S. has closed its embassy in Syria and Britain recalled its ambassador to Damascus in a new Western push to get President Bashar Assad to leave power and halt the murderous grind in Syria now among the deadliest conflicts of the Arab Spring.” — February 5, The Hindu

“Prime Minister David Cameron has re-affirmed Britain’s decision to continue its aid programme to India, amidst a row sparked by some ruling Conservative MPs demanding an end to it, and reports that India did not need it.” — February 6, The Hindu

“Chasing a victory target of 234 set by Sri Lanka, India were 14 for 1 in 2.3 overs in the second one day international at Perth. Earlier, opting to bat, Sri Lanka scored 233 for eight in stipulated 50 overs at WACA Ground. Dinesh Chandimal made highest 64 runs and Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 48 runs for Sri Lanka. R Ashwin took 3 wickets while Zahir Khan claimed 2.” — February 8, News On AIR

“In Pakistan, four people were killed in a drone attack in North Waziristan in the wee hours today. Geo News reported the unmanned aircraft continue hovering over the North Waziristan. Yesterday, ten people were killed and several others injured in the drone strike in NWA.” — February 9, News on AIR

“In Syria, at least 126 people killed in violence across the country.” — February 10, News on AIR

“New Maldives President rejects calls by his predecessor for snap elections to end political stand-off.” — February 11, News on AIR

“India-born Nobel laureate Amartya Sen selected for the 2011 US National Humanities Medal.” — February 12, News On AIR

“India and the UK will seek to deepen bilateral ties during a five-day visit of the British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Jeremy Browne, to New Delhi beginning today. Mr Browne, who will be on his second trip to India since assuming office in May 2010, will discuss current bilateral and international priorities during his visit.” — February 13, News on AIR

“The U.S state department says that the United States and North Korean officials will meet on 23 February to discuss Pyongyang ‘s controversial nuclear programme.” — February 14, News on AIR

“Russian authorities say three police were killed and six injured in a clash with militants in the mountains near the Chechnya-Dagestan provincial border in southern Russia.” — February 15, Hindustan Times

“India and Saudi Arabia to set up Joint Working Group on Defence co-operation.” — February 16, News on AIR

“US President Barak Obama is sending his top advisor Tom Donilon to Israel at a time when speculation is rife about a possible Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.” — February 17, News on AIR

“As the US imposed new sanctions against Iran, Washington said it was talking to India, Pakistan, Russia, and China about what they can do, particularly to wean themselves from Iranian crude” — February 18, Hindustan Times

“In Pakistan, at least eight people were killed and several others injured in a blast that hit the country’s north-west tribal area of Khyber Agency, bordering Afghanistan, this morning. A local Urdu TV channel has reported this. The nature of the blast is not yet known.” — February 19, News on AIR

“Eurozone finance ministers meet in Brussels today with time running out if they are to close a new 230-billion-euro ($300 billion) bailout package for Greece and avert a chaotic default.” — February 20, Hindustan Times

“Tehran is considering extending an oil embargo on France and Britain to other European countries, a semiofficial Iranian news agency reported today.” — February 21, Hindustan Times

“Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has been questioned by French police as a suspect in a prostitution ring inquiry, a prosecutor has said.” — February 22, Hindustan Times

“The Indo-Russian pair of Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina storms into the quarterfinals of Women’s Doubles main draw event in the Dubai Open Tennis Tournament.” — February 23, News on AIR

“Diplomats from the US and North Korea held talks on issues like disarmament here today resuming bilateral talks for the first time since the death of Kim Jong Il in December.” — February 24, Hindustan Times

“Syrians are to vote on Sunday on a new constitution that could end five decades of single-party rule, although the opposition has called a boycott amid a bloody crackdown on dissent.” — February 25, Hindustan Times

“NATO decides to withdraw its security personnel deployed at Afghan Ministries following killing of two US officers in Kabul.” — February 26, News on AIR

“Syria holds referendum on new constitution amidst killing of 34 people; Opposition and Western nations call the opinion poll a farce.” — February 27, News on AIR

“European Union slaps fresh sanctions on Syria; Referendum for a new constitution draws overwhelming response.” — February 28, News on AIR

“Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could be classified as a war criminal, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said as the United Nations announced more than 7,500 civilians had been killed by his forces since the start of the revolt.” — February 29, Hindustan Times


March 2012 World Current Affairs – Latest Current Affairs March 2011 – Major World Events

“India and China to have maritime cooperation.” — March 1, News On AIR

“India and China have decided to have maritime cooperation to build confidence. This was decided at the talks between the External Affairs Minister S. M Krishna and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi in New Delhi yesterday.” — March 2, News On AIR

“Voting is now on in the Russian Presidential Elections; Trends put Vladimir Putin ahead of others.” — March 3, News on AIR

“India and Egypt have agreed to carry forward their relations to a new level. External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna met the top Egyptian leaders in Cairo and said India will provide all possible assistance to Egypt in its rebuilding efforts.” — March 4, News on AIR

“The website of Russia’s Central Election Commission came under hacker attack from within Russia and abroad during the presidential election, a top official said.” — March 5, Hindustan Times

“Iran’s new parliament will be largely dominated by conservatives who support supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to latest results Monday of last week’s election.” — March 6, Hindustan Times

“Pakistani forces have killed at least 17 suspected Taliban militants in Upper Orakzai tribal region in the northwest of the country, officials said on Wednesday.” — March 7, Times of India

“Obama congratulates Russia’s president-elect Putin” — March 8, Times of India

“Some foreign companies in China exploit their workers by forcing them to do overtime or underpaying them, the labor minister said on Wednesday, as controversy swirls over working conditions at a plant that makes Apple Inc’s iPhones and iPads.” — March 9, Times of India

“A surge in technology-industry hiring is helping to spearhead a jobs-market revival as demand swells for computer-software applications and data.” — March 9, Times of India

“Leading software and technology companies pressed President Barack Obama’s administration for quick action on a new Indian government policy that they said threatens exports to the fast-growing economy.” — March 10, Times of India

“Asia Cup 2012 Tournament begins in Dhaka today; inaugural match to be played between host Bangladesh and Pakistan.” — March 11, News on AIR

“The UN Special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan has arrived in the Qatar Capital Doha on the next leg of his peace mission. Annan held second round of talks with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus yesterday.” — March 12, News On AIR

“International Cricket Council calls as baseless and misleading the claim by a British newspaper that the 2011 Cricket World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan was fixed.” — March 13, News on AIR

“In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree setting 7th May as the date for parliamentary elections even as 45 people including 23 members of the security forces were killed in violence on Tuesday.” — March 14, News on AIR

“Iran offers to hold talks with permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany over its disputed nuclear programme.” — March 15, News On AIR

“North Korea announced Friday it plans to launch a long-range rocket mounted with a satellite next month, a surprise move that comes weeks after it agreed to nuclear concessions including a moratorium on long-range missile tests.” — March 16, Hindustan Times

“UN Special envoy Kofi Annan says situation in Syria needs to be handled carefully to avoid destabilization of the region.” — March 17, News on AIR

“Pakistan win the toss and elect to bat against India in the last league match of the Asia Cup Cricket at Mirpur in Dhaka.” — March 18, News on AIR

“US authorities have complained to Pakistan’s foreign office about the alleged harassment of American diplomatic staff and expressed concern at “inaction” on an earlier complaint lodged two years ago.” — March 19, Hindustan Times

“A suspected serial killer shot dead three children and a teacher at a Jewish school in France on Monday, in what was branded an anti-Semitic attack, plunging the nation into shock.” — March 20, Hindustan Times

“A Pakistani Parliamentary commission on Tuesday demanded an end to CIA-operated drone strikes and a civil nuclear deal similar to the Indo-US agreement besides 38 other demands.” — March 21, Hindustan Times

“UN chief Ban Ki-moon said today he hoped a new statement approved by the Security Council on the Syria crisis will prove a “turning point” in world efforts to bring about a lasting peace.” — March 22, Hindustan Times

“China on Thursday praised Sri Lanka on the progress its government had made in post-war reconciliation and opposed the US-sponsored resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that called Colombo to address allegations of human rights violations.” — March 23, Hindustan Times

“At least three soldiers were killed after dozens of Taliban militants stormed a check post in Pakistan’s northwest tribal region near the Afghan border, officials said on 24th March.” — March 24, Hindustan Times

“Egyptian Parliament elects an Islamist Dominated Panel to draft the new constitution.” — March 25, News on AIR

“Second Nuclear Security Summit begins in South Korean capital Seoul today; Reducing the risk of nuclear terrorism to dominate the agenda at the two-day summit.” — March 26, News on AIR

“Israel not to allow UN team to enter West Bank to probe Jewish settlement; Snaps ties with United Nations Human Rights Council.” — March 27, News on AIR

“A BRICS development bank will be very useful, particularly to Africa, but a major challenge that may come on its way is aligning the interest of the member countries, said experts.” — March 28, Hindustan Times

“Fourth Summit of Heads of State of BRICS countries to be held in New Delhi today; Energy Security, situation in Syria, developments in West Asia and economic situation likely to be discussed.” — March 29, News on AIR

“North Korea fired two short-range missiles off its west coast on Thursday believed to be part of a test to upgrade capabilities, said news reports published on Friday, quoting South Korean military officials.” — March 30, Hindustan Times

“A new satellite imagery appears to show preparations beginning for a long-range rocket launch in North Korea despite international objections.” — March 31, Hindustan Times

Apr2012

“United States asks Syria to implement the UN peace plan or face serious consequences.” — April 1, News on AIR

“A Russian passenger plane with 43 people on board crashed in Siberia on Monday, killing at least 16 people while 12 survivors were rescued, an emergency official said.” — April 2, Hindustan Times

“India and UK pitch for reforms and increasing funds for the International Monetary Fund for a meaningful role to mitigate global economic problems.” — April 3, News on AIR

“The Russian-origin nuclear power submarine Nerpa, rechristened INS Chakra, is being inducted into the Indian Navy today, for the next 10 years.” — April 4, News on AIR

“The US charged the self-proclaimed mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Khaled Sheikh Mohammed, along with four alleged plotters today, vowing to seek the death penalty in a much-awaited military trial.” — April 5, Times of India

“Britain has imposed new immigration regime today which includes tighter rules for students, limits on skilled professionals and new restrictions on the settlement of migrants who are already in the country.” — April 6, News on AIR

“A massive earthquake under the sea, strikes Indonesia; Tremors felt in southern and eastern parts of India; Centre rules out Tsunami threat to Indian coasts.” — April 11, News on AIR

“Syrian Government to halt all military operations against rebels today.” — April 12, News on AIR

“North Korea launches long range rocket; US, South Korea and Japan claim that the launch failed.” — April 13, News on AIR

“Thousands of US soldiers will begin nearly two weeks of war games in the Philippines on Monday as the two nations look to strengthen their military alliance amid concerns over China’s rising power.” — April 14, Hindustan Times

“After several days of closed-door haggling, the UN Security Council is hoping to adopt a statement today condemning North Korea’s botched rocket launch, council diplomats said” — April 16, News on AIR

“In Norway, Anders Behring Breivik today defended his massacre of 77 people last year, insisting that he would do it again.” — April 17, News on AIR

“Egypt’s Election Commission has confirmed disqualification of candidates from Presidential elections.” — April 18, News on AIR

“Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has called for the demilitarisation of the Siachen glacier area in the Himalayas, an area known as the world’s highest battlefield.” — April 19, News on AIR

“Syria and the United Nations have signed an agreement on the terms of a ceasefire monitoring mission. A statement to this effect was issued by the office of the UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan yesterday.” — April 20, News on AIR

“In France, socialist Francois Hollande wins the first round of presidential election.” — April 23, News on AIR

“China has allowed the imports of Basmati rice from India. This comes as a big boost to Indian exporters for exporting 4.5 million tonnes of aromatic rice to huge markets of of 1.3 billion Chinese populations.” — April 24, News on Air

“Kofi Annan expressed serious concern at the reports that Syrian troops entered Hama after the UN Observers left there and killed a significant number of people.” — April 25, News on Air

“British PM David Cameron has been sent scurrying for cover following revelations made by media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s son, James, about the closeness between News Corp and the minister for culture, media and sport.” — April 26, Times of India

“France has said that the UN Security Council should consider military action in Syria if the Annan peace plan fails to halt the violence there.” — April 27, News on Air

“President Mrs. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil is on a nine day state visit to Seychelles and South Africa.” — April 28, News On Air

“Pakistan releases 72 of the 85 Indian fishermen taken captive in the Arabian sea, off Gujarat coast on Thursday.” — April 29, News On Air

“The Taliban resumes talks with the United States in Qatar to find a political solution to the decades old conflict in Afghanistan.” — April 30, News On Air
Source: DNA