Current Affairs - Dec 2015 (Part 1): International

China Consolidated in Africa following $ 60 Billion Pledge

China is set to expand Investments in Africa j that would help absorb its excess manufacturing capacity as part of an effort to re-engage with the continent and integrate it within its Belt and Road connectivity framework, In this regard, the two-day summit was held from December 4 j to 5, 2015 where over 50 African countries were participated.
In tunc with the meeting in Johannesburg, of the Forum on Chlna-Africa Cooperation (F0CAC), which President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma are co-chairing, China, has elaborated on its collective approach towards Africa.
President Xi announced a $ 60 billion package that will benefit Africa in 10 major areas : industry, agriculture, infrastructure, financial services, green development, trade and investment facilitation, poverty reduction and public welfare, public health, j people-to-people exchanges, and peace and security.

Australia Passed Anti-Terrorism Law to Strip Citizenship

Australia’s Parliament has passed legislation to strip dual nationals of their citizenship on December 3, 2015 if they are convicted of terrorism offences or found to have fought with banned groups overseas, despite concerns about deporting jihadists.
According to Attorney-General George Brandis, the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill, passed, updated existing law to reflect ‘the new age of terrorism’.
The legislation will strip Australian citizenship from dual citizens who are involved in terrorist conduct overseas or convicted of a terrorism offence in Australia.
Canberra has been increasingly concerned about the flow of fighters to Iraq and Syria to join extremist groups such as Islamic State, with some 110 Australians currently fighting in the region. As many as 45 have died in the conflict.

German Cabinet Approved Mandate for Anti-terror Military Aid

The German Cabinet has-approved a mandate offering military assistance in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria on December 1, 2015.
According to the mandate, the German armed forces will provide aid in the areas of military reconnaissance and logistics by making available reconnaissance satellite and reconnaissance planes as well as tanker aircraft.
In addition, a frigate will be sent as escort for the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which has been deployed to participate in operations against the IS. In total, Germany plans to send up to 1200 troops to support the international alliance in its anti-terror actions.
Berlin’s decision to join the coalition came after France requested aid in combating the IS following deadly attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015 that claimed 130 lives. The IS claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Saudi Arabian Women Allowed to Vote in Elections

For the first time in history, Saudi Arabian women will be allowed to caste their, vote in the Municipal elections on December 12, 2015 that j will be held in Saudi Arabian towns and cities. In September, 2011, King Abdullah had granted Saudi Arabian women the right to vote and i stand in 2015 Municipal elections.
As per the reports, already 979 women are standing for this year’s j elections and campaigning for 284 municipal councils. In total, 6917 candidates have registered for elections. Municipal elections were last held in 2011, which were actually supposed to be held in 2009, but were delayed.
The first Municipal elections were held in mid-twenties in Hijaz cities .of Mecca, Medina, Yanbu, Taif and Jeddah. King Abdulaziz ibn Saud held elections since he wanted to establish his local government, replacing Ottoman and Hashemite rule.

Russia Imposed Economic Sanctions against Turkey

Moscow slapped economic sanctions on Turkey on November 28, 2015 as part of its latest retribution forthe Russian Sukhoi 24 warplane getting shot down by Turkish F-16s.
The sanctions includes a ban on hiring Turkish citizens, an end to chartered flights between the two nations and restrictions on imported Turkish products.
In this regard, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree adopting a series of retaliatory economic measures against Turkey with an effect from January 1, 2016. Turkey, a NATO member on November 24, 2015 had shot down Russian Sukhoi 24 (Su-24) warplane escalating crisis in bilateral relations of both countries.

No Foreign Naval Base in the Sri Lankan Soil

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranii Wickremesinghe announced on November 23, 2015 that Sri Lanka will not allow other countries to set-up naval bases in its territory.
The announcement came in the light of China’s alleged bid to set-up a naval base in Sri Lanka as part of its plan to establish its ‘String of Pearls’ -through naval bases and civilian ports across Asia.
According to Sri Lanka, there are concerns raised by China, about a US-Indian strategic vision for the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region.
The adoption of a Chinese strategy of soft diplomacy in Asia and East Africa, along with the construction of new ports such as Hambantota and the String of Pearls Theory, has raised concerns, of a possible Chinese long term plan to extend its sea power to the Indian Ocean.

International Current Affairs December 2015 (Part 1)