World at a glance

GT keeps the newswire ticking by bringing you news from around the globe

Canada

Unexplored cave discovered in wilderness
A massive unexplored cave has been discovered in the Canadian wilderness by a government survey team which initially set out to count the Caribou population. The cave promises to open a new chapter in the story of Canadian cave exploration. The entrance of the cave is 100m long and 60m wide.

USA

George H W Bush passes away
The 41st President of the United States of America and father of the 43rd President, George Bush passed away at the age of 94 due to health issues. He died in less than 8 months after the death of his wife, Barbara Bush. Referred to as a part of the new generations of Republicans, he was regarded as the most successful one-term president.

France

Prime Minister to halt fuel tax rise
The increase in tax on petrol and diesel which was supposed to be in effect from next month, saw national demonstrations and protests. The violent protests have made the french government take some measures such as not raising taxes.

Poland

COP24 summit begins
Nations gathered in Poland for the climate summit where Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, warned everyone to act now or else face dire consequences. The summit mainly focussed on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Russia

Roscosmos successfully launches Soyuz rocket
Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, launched a manned Soyuz rocket which carried astronauts to International Space Station. This was the first successful attempt after the mission was aborted mid-air in October. NASA’s Anne McClain, Russia’s Oleg Kononenko and Canada’s David Saint-Jacques were aboard the ship which docked at ISS three minutes ahead of schedule.

Ukraine

Army reservists called over invasion fears
Ukraine’s President, Petro Poroshenko has summoned reservists to strengthen their defence over fears of a Russian invasion. A martial law, declared at the end of November calls for a special training of the military units to deal with the ongoing tension between the neighbouring countries. He has also requested Germany to boost their naval presence.

Kenya

First East Africa albino beauty pageant held
More than 30 people took part in the first Mr and Mrs Albinism East Africa beauty pageant held at Nairobi, Kenya. The pageant was held to instill confidence and raise voice for the inclusion of albinine people, who face discrimination in Africa due to a belief that they possess magical powers. Emmanuel Silas Shedrack, 20, and Maryanne Muigai, 19, were crowned winners.

Israel

Rare gold coins found in Caesarea
24 gold coins, believed to be hidden 900 years ago, were discovered by archaeologists in the ancient Israeli city of Caesarea. The 11th century coins, along with a single gold earring were found in a bronze pot hidden between stones present inside an old well.

India

GSAT-11 launched successfully
Indian Space Research Organisation has reported that GSAT-11, the heaviest, largest and the most powerful satellite ever built by India was successfully launched by an Ariane space rocket. It weighs 5854 kg and is expected to boost broadband services in the country. Also referred to as ‘Big Bird’, the satellite was launched from the French space port of Kourou in South America.

China

African swine fever burst on farms
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in China confirmed a new African swine fever outbreak on farms in Beijing, Shaanxi and Heilongjiang. The outbreak in Beijing affected 9835 pigs, 17 out of which died. In Heilongjiang, 77 out of 375 animals died and 79 out of 205 in Shaanxi. The ministry has called for strict actions and necessary precautions to stop the epidemic.

Sri Lanka

Court barred Rajapaksa as PM
A Sri Lankan court barred Mahinda Rajapaksa from acting as the Prime Minister of the country. The decision has been noted as a major setback to President Maithripala Sirisena who elected him in place of Ranil Wickremesinghe. Because of this decision, the country has been witnessing a major political crisis since October 26. Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claim to be the PM.