Global News Summary 5 June 2009
Zuma announces half a million new jobs by December 2009
In his state of the nation address this week, South African President Jacob Zuma has promised half a million jobs. He announced to Parliament that fighting poverty was his priority, but at the same time money had to be spent wisely. He has warned there is no quick fix to the financial slump they find themselves in, but Zuma has to balance his actions between his union allies and his investors.
Pigs offer new cell source
Chinese scientists have announced they have come a step closer to breeding animals for human organ transplants. In recent studies the scientists have discovered that cells from adult pigs have the ability to turn into any tissue in the body. According to lead researcher Dr Lei Mao, this discovery will have a number of applications for both human and animal health.
Australia able to avoid recession
In the first three months of 2009 – due to an increase in exports and greater consumer spending – the Australian economy reportedly grew by 0.4%. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd claimed they are now the only advanced economy not to be facing recession. This has been achieved through a billion dollar ‘stimulus package’ of which some of the strategies include keeping the interest rates low and increased infrastructure spending along with cash handouts.
New penguin colonies discovered in Antarctic survey
By using satellite images, patches of guano have revealed ten new emperor penguin colonies. According to the British Antarctic survey, the guano patches – pieces of excrement-stained ice – cover such an area they can be picked up by the satellites in space. The penguins themselves can not be seen via the satellite but, during breeding season, the colony stays together on land for eight months making their presence easier to monitor.
Services rise may signal end to UK recession
Described as the ‘engine room’ of the economy, the service sector has been seen growing in the previous month for the first time in over a year. It has raised hopes that the worst of the recession is over, but the results from the monthly barometer of services conditions from CIPS/MARKIT will be closely studied by the Bank of England. However, some warning has been issued with the findings as other surveys have produced contradictory results.
Obama reaches out to the Muslim world
On his recent trip to Cairo, Egypt, to deliver a keynote speech, President Obama called for a ‘new beginning’ in ties with Muslim communities. In his speech at Cairo University he stressed the need for America and Israel to find a common ground and, through a sustained effort from both sides, learn to respect each other. At the end of the speech, President Obama received a standing ovation.
Clinton calls on China to release Tiananmen prisoners
On June 4 1989, army tanks moved into the centre of Beijing killing hundreds. Twenty years later, thousands lit candles in remembrance of those lost. The anniversary of this event in Tiananmen Square has re-ignited rows between the US and China over the fate of the victims. Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of the State, urged Beijing authorities to name the unfortunate victims of the awful massacre and release those who were imprisoned due to the student-led demonstration.
First Canadian space tourist
Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil, is to be the first Canadian space tourist – and also the seventh private citizen – to visit the international space station. He will be launched into space with a Russian cosmonaut and an American astronaut on 30 September. The trip will reportedly cost Guy around US$35 million, although he is under a confidential agreement preventing him from revealing the full amount.
Bollywood strike finally ends
In a dispute that has carried on for two months, an agreement over revenue sharing has finally been met in India. The argument was between Bollywood producers and Multiplex owners and has meant that no new movie has been shown in the Multiplexes since 4 April – missing the holiday releases.
China’s hi-tech answer to cheating
Over the next three days, more than 10 million students will sit national college entrance exams in China. Over the years, students have been caught cheating, and recently tiny radio receivers and other sophisticated means of cheating have become more common. The exams are seen as potentially life-altering as many students’ futures rely on getting ahead in these exams. To stop the cheating, video surveillance and metal detectors will be in operation during the exams as well as the armed police and the state for protection of confidential documents.
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