MISCELLANEOUS NEWS of MARCH 2013

MARCH 2013 MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

SAUDI KING GRANTS WOMEN SEATS ON ADVISORY COUNCIL

Saudi Arabia's king granted women seats on the country's top advisory council for the first time early in January, 2013, giving them a long-awaited toehold in the ultraconservative kingdom's male-dominated political system.

SINGAPORE’S 1ST WOMAN SPEAKER OF INDIA’S ORIGIN

Indian-origin politician Halimah Yacob scripted history on January 14, 2013 by becoming the first woman Speaker of Singapore's Parliament, replacing Michael Palmer who was forced to quit over extra-marital affair.
She assumed charge at the start of the sitting of the House.
The 58-year-old Halimah, an Indian-origin Muslim, resigned on January 13, 2013 as Minister of State for ministry of social and family development. She filled the position vacated by Palmer, former  People's Action Party MP who stepped down on December 12, 2012.

Halimah was nominated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien

Loong to be elected as speaker. Halimah, a former labour lawyer, is a member of Parliament from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).

OBAMA CLEARS $ 633 BILLION DEFENCE BUDGET

US President Barack Obama has signed into law a $ 633 billion defence bill that authorizes spending on the war in Afghanistan and enhanced security for missions worldwide. Obama said he was signing it to ensure that the US will continue to have the "strongest military in the world."

RUSSIA PLANS UNMANNED MOON MISSION IN 2015

The Russian Space Agency says it will send an unmanned spacecraft to the moon in 2015 from a new launch pad in the country's Far East. Roscosmos Head Vladimir Popovkin told Russian news agencies on January 15, 2013 that the rocket booster would deliver a 500-kilogram space exploration vehicle with up to 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of scientific equipment that would search for water and take soil samples.

UN CALLS FOR PROBE INTO N.KOREA’S RIGHTS CONDITIONS

The United Nations human rights commissioner Navi Pillay has called for an international investigation into decades of serious human rights abuses in North Korea. In a rare statement on the country, Pillay said it had 'one of the worst - but least understood and reported-human right situations in the world'. She said that there had been no sign of progress under new leader Kim Jong-un.

PAK DEVELOPING SMALLER, LIGHTER N-WARHEADS

Expanding its nuclear arsenal at a rapid pace, Pakistan is now aiming to develop smaller and lighter atomic warheads more suitable for use on missiles, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientist has said. Pakistan is expected to surpass Britain's nuclear stockpiles in a decade, the journal said. "Pakistan has shown clear signs of its intention to grow its nuclear arsenal.

Most recently the country has begun to increase its plutonium production capabilities, with two new plutonium production reactors under construction, as well as a new chemical reprocessing facility" the journal said.

become judges in Kuwait

NOW WOMEN CAN BECOME JUDGES IN KUWAIT

Women empowerment in Kuwait has been given a major boost after the justice ministry accepted applications from women for the position of prosecutors.

CHINA  TO OFFER FIVE-YEAR VISAS TO ATTRACT TALENTED FOREIGNERS

In a bid to attract talented foreigners, China will start issuing multiple-entry visas, valid for up to five years instead of the present one year. The move which was endorsed by five ministry-level departments in September, stipulates that four groups of international professionals can benefit from the new long-term visa. All foreigners working in China are issued one year 'permanent resident' visas.

SLENDER WIN FOR NETANYAHU

Israel's hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on January 23, 2013 won a narrow victory at the polls with his position practically secure for the time being but stunning results have seen his right wing bloc's strength severely diminished. He will have to scramble for support outside his natural allies.