International Headlines
Dec 16: No Nuclear Weapons
The 12-year investigation into whether Iran is developing nuclear weapons has ended: a key step towards lifting the United Nations, European Union and United States sanctions on Iran. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the Vienna-based global nuclear watchdog, found no evidence that Iran has conducted nuclear weapons-related research since 2009. Iran has strongly denied pursuing a clandestine nuclear weapons programme.
Dec 15: Dogs to the Rescue
The little penguin – the smallest penguin in the world at just 30-40 cm tall – lives on tiny Australian Middle Island. Ten years ago foxes had all but wiped out the colony, reducing it from 800 to just four. Then a local farmer lent one of his Maremma dogs to protect the birds and since then, no penguin has been killed by foxes and the population has risen to around 200.
Dec 14: Votes for Women
At least four women were elected to municipal councils in Saudi Arabia: the first time women have taken part in elections as voters and candidates. Councils have limited powers but the vote is being seen as a landmark. 978 women registered as candidates in the poll and about 130,000 women registered to vote. Women are still not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia.
Dec 13: COP21 Success
The climate change summit in Paris has struck a deal to attempt to limit the rise in global temperatures to less than two degrees Centigrade, which has been agreed by all of the nearly 200 countries there after two weeks of negotiations. The pact commits all countries to cut carbon emissions, and includes a five yearly review and $100 (£66) billion a year for developing countries to enable them to honour the agreement.
Dec 11: Trump in Trouble
Donald Trump, the American Republican presidential candidate, has postponed his planned trip to Israel because of the political embarrassment his recent outspoken proposal that America close its borders to all Muslims would have caused for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured). Trump's comments met with worldwide indignation and in the United Kingdom nearly 420,000 people have called for him to be banned from entering Britain.
Dec 10: Taliban Attack
The Taliban have attacked a heavily fortified civilian and military airfield in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, killing at least 37 people, including many children. A number of hostages were seized but the Afghan army says it has now regained control. It is the latest in a series of ambitious raids by Taliban fighters which describes its fighters as "martyrdom seekers".
Dec 9: Ringleader Evaded Capture
Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the suspected ringleader of the recent Paris terror attacks, evaded capture in Greece last January. The Greek police believed he was running the Belgian cell terrorist attacks by mobile phone from Athens, but their operation to capture him then failed. Abaaoud was killed by French police five days after the Paris attacks that killed 130 people.
Dec 8: Germany’s Open Door
Germany is on target to give refuge to one million new asylum-seekers this year, having registered 964,574 in the first 11 months of the year. The number of migrants arriving has not slowed despite the winter cold. Germany has registered more asylum-seekers than any other nation in Europe, although at about 1% of its population, less per capita than several smaller nations.
Dec 7: Climate Deal?
As the COP21 Climate Conference draws to a close in Paris, Ministers from all over the world are gathering to try and agree a new global climate compact. They will attempt to formulate a deal from a draft text produced after four years of negotiation, and signed off at the conference last weekend. There is now five days to turn that text into a deal acceptable to all 195 parties.
Dec 3: Chennai Floods
Life in Tamil Nadu’s capital Chennai is crippled as the city is facing the worst rainfall in a century. The rainfall has left the city submerged and airports and railway stations flooded. India Meteorological Department has predicted three more days of torrential downpour. Indian Prime Minister Modi has ordered rescue teams and paramilitary forces to launch a relief and rescue operation.
Dec 2: Mass Shooting
In San Bernardino, California, at least 14 people were killed and 17 wounded in a mass shooting by heavily armed attackers. The attack took place in a social service centre and is considered to be the nation’s worst mass shooting since the assault on an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, nearly three years ago. Two suspects were killed in a subsequent police manhunt, and a third is reportedly detained.
Nov 26: The Pope in Africa
Pope Francis is on a three-nation tour and made his first stop in Kenya. The Pope celebrated mass with thousands of people at the University of Nairobi. He spoke about abortion, corruption and the need for a caring society. He urged young Kenyans to build a society which is more just, inclusive and respectful of human dignity. He will be also visiting Uganda and the Central African Republic
Nov 25: Nirbhaya Gangrape
The juvenile who is believed to be the most brutal among the gang who raped the student Nirbhaya in December 2012 is to be free this month having completed his three year sentence. Nirbhaya's family have pleaded with the authorities to reveal the identity of the man for others' safety. Nirbhaya was gangraped in a moving bus and left to die in a case which led to international protest.
Nov 24: China’s Internet Surveillance
The Chinese government is cutting the mobile services of residents in Xinjiang who use software to evade internet filters. From last week, internet services are cut if people have downloaded foreign software, reports the New York Times. One of the affected people received text message that reads, “Due to police notice, we will shut down your cellphone number within the next two hours in accordance with the law.”
Nov 23: Violence Against Women
Republic of Peru President Humala has initiated legal measures to end violence against women. He argues that full respect for women is essential for a truly democratic society. Humala has asked Peruvians to end cultural practices that often condone domestic violence against women. According to the government, 74 women have been killed this year, and 148 saved from dying.