World at a glance
GT keeps the newswire ticking by bringing you news from around the globe
1. Venezuela
Maduro not ruling out civil war as an option
In a TV interview, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has said that he is not ruling out the possibility of a civil war as pressure mounts on him to stand down after opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared himself as interim President and won the backing of USA and various European countries. Maduro has retained the support of the military as Guaidó aligns himself with Air Force.
2. USA
Plans to deploy 3750 troops for the border
USA plans to send nearly 4000 soldiers to its border shared with Mexico, making the number of active duty forces to be around 4350. The deployed forces are to provide additional support to the border security and customs agencies, and will be working towards constructing new a barrier of 241 km of barbed wires.
3. UAE
The historic visit by Pope Francis
Pope Francis, being the first ever Pontiff to visit an Arabian Peninsula, landed in Abu Dhabi to be greeted by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. Taking part in an interfaith conference, he also held Mass, which was attended by approximately 135,000 people.
4. Australia
Once-in-a-century flood in Townsville
Australia had to deploy its military services in the city of Townsville and neighbouring areas to help with the on-going flood that has inundated homes, schools, and airports, forcing many to flee the country’s northeast region. Receiving more than 3.3 ft. of rain in just a week, it has beaten the previous record set in 1998. More than 1100 people have called in the emergency services for help and around 400 Townsville residents had to find another shelter.
5. Ghana
New visa restrictions over deportee argument
The citizens of Ghana will have to deal with newer and stricter visa restrictions to visit USA after their country refused to accept the return of 7000 Ghanaian nationals that US wanted to deport. The country has accused USA of inhumane treatments of the deportees and not giving them enough time to confirm their nationalities. On the other hand, USA blames Ghana for not living up to its obligations under international law.
6. Hong Kong
World War I grenade found in factory
A German hand grenade from World War I era was found in a shipment of potatoes delivered from France to Calbee crisp-making factory in the eastern Sai Kung district in Hong Kong. The grenade, 8 cm wide, was in unstable conditions as it was once discharged but failed to detonate. It was defused using a high-pressure water firing technique by a bomb squad.
7. Russia
New missile systems by 2021
In response to USA’s planned exit from a landmark nuclear arms control pact, Russia, too, is aiming to develop two new missile launch systems before 2021. The military will work on created land-based launch systems for an existing ship-launched cruise missile and one for longer-range hypersonic missiles which travel at least five times the speed of time. President Vladimir Putin says that the decision has been taken after US violated its obligations under the INF treaty.
8. Britain
Karl Marx’s tomb vandalised
In a targeted attack, the marble plaque on Karl Marx’s tomb in London was repeatedly hit with a blunt metal instrument. The lettering and stonework of the tomb was singled out and damaged. The plaque, the monument’s oldest and most fragile part, carried the names of Marx and his family. The 12 feet tall tomb, topped with a bronze bust of Marx, was funded in 1956 by the Communist Party of Great Britain.
9. China
Welcoming the year of the pig
Greeting the Year of the Pig with open arms, the Chinese community of the world celebrated the Lunar New Year with prayers, family gatherings and shopping extravaganza. Hundreds of millions of people travelled back to their hometown in mainland China in the world’s largest annual migration. Pig symbolizes good fortune and wealth in Chinese culture, and with the new year, people hope for a better fortune.
10. India
Himalayan glaciers melting away
According to a study by Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment, two-third of the Himalayan glacier, the world’s “third pole”, could melt away by 2100 if global emissions are not kept in check. Even if Paris agreement goals are kept up-to-date, it still does not guarantee a success. 36% of the glaciers in the range will definitely disappear by the said year.
11. Egypt
More than 40 ancient mummies discovered
Over 40 mummies were unveiled nine metres underground at a burial site in the centre of the country. They are said to be more than 2000 years old, dating back to Ptolemaic era, but remain in good condition. There are 12 children and 6 animals and the rest have been discovered to be adult men and women.
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