Democracy stir turns violent in Hong Kong
Thousands of people have remained on the streets of Hong Kong for another day of pro-democracy protests, defying tear gas and ignoring appeals to leave. Overnight, riot police advanced on crowds who ignored official warnings that the demonstrations were illegal. Protesters are angry at Chinese government plans to vet candidates in Hong Kong's 2017 elections.
Back ground:
Hong Kong, a former British colony, was handed back to China in 1997 following a 1984 agreement between China and Britain. China agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principle of "one country, two systems", where the city would enjoy "a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs" for 50 years.
As a result, Hong Kong has its own legal system, and rights including freedom of assembly and free speech are protected. Its leader, the chief executive, is currently elected by a 1,200-member election committee. A majority of the representatives are viewed as pro-Beijing.
Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, says that "the ultimate aim" is to elect the chief executive "by universal suffrage". The Chinese government has promised direct elections for chief executive by 2017. But in August 2014 China's top legislative committee ruled that voters will only have a choice from a list of two or three candidates selected by a nominating committee.
This committee would be formed "in accordance with" Hong Kong's largely pro-Beijing election committee. Any candidate would have to secure the support of more than 50% of the nominating committee before being able to run in the election. Democracy activists believe China will use the committee to screen out candidates it disapproves of.
Occupy Central, led by academic Benny Tai, organised the unofficial referendum on political reform which was held from 20 to 29 June 2014. Voters were asked to choose from three proposals for the 2017 election, all of which involved allowing citizens to choose who to nominate as a candidate for the top job. A total of 792,808 voters cast ballots. Activists claimed the high turnout - about one in five registered voters - showed they had strong backing from the public.
Shortly after the vote, tens of thousands of protesters took part in what observers say was Hong Kong's largest pro-democracy rally in a decade. The demonstration took place on 1 July, which marked the day Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997
Pro-Beijing groups, such as Silent Majority for Hong Kong and Caring Hong Kong Power have emerged, criticising pro-democracy activists for "endangering" the city. They argue that continued civil disobedience and opposition to Beijing would only damage the city's reputation and economy, as well as its relationship with China.
Thousands of people have remained on the streets of Hong Kong for another day of pro-democracy protests, defying tear gas and ignoring appeals to leave. Overnight, riot police advanced on crowds who ignored official warnings that the demonstrations were illegal. Protesters are angry at Chinese government plans to vet candidates in Hong Kong's 2017 elections.
Back ground:
Hong Kong, a former British colony, was handed back to China in 1997 following a 1984 agreement between China and Britain. China agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principle of "one country, two systems", where the city would enjoy "a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs" for 50 years.
As a result, Hong Kong has its own legal system, and rights including freedom of assembly and free speech are protected. Its leader, the chief executive, is currently elected by a 1,200-member election committee. A majority of the representatives are viewed as pro-Beijing.
Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, says that "the ultimate aim" is to elect the chief executive "by universal suffrage". The Chinese government has promised direct elections for chief executive by 2017. But in August 2014 China's top legislative committee ruled that voters will only have a choice from a list of two or three candidates selected by a nominating committee.
This committee would be formed "in accordance with" Hong Kong's largely pro-Beijing election committee. Any candidate would have to secure the support of more than 50% of the nominating committee before being able to run in the election. Democracy activists believe China will use the committee to screen out candidates it disapproves of.
Occupy Central, led by academic Benny Tai, organised the unofficial referendum on political reform which was held from 20 to 29 June 2014. Voters were asked to choose from three proposals for the 2017 election, all of which involved allowing citizens to choose who to nominate as a candidate for the top job. A total of 792,808 voters cast ballots. Activists claimed the high turnout - about one in five registered voters - showed they had strong backing from the public.
Shortly after the vote, tens of thousands of protesters took part in what observers say was Hong Kong's largest pro-democracy rally in a decade. The demonstration took place on 1 July, which marked the day Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997
Pro-Beijing groups, such as Silent Majority for Hong Kong and Caring Hong Kong Power have emerged, criticising pro-democracy activists for "endangering" the city. They argue that continued civil disobedience and opposition to Beijing would only damage the city's reputation and economy, as well as its relationship with China.
Taiwan shoots down China’s merger plan
Taiwan has rejected Chinese president Xi Jinping's call for merger with mainland China. "Regarding mainland China's comments related to 'one country, two systems,' our government has no way of accepting them," Taiwan government's mainland affairs council said.
The council, which is apparently encouraged by the US, said more than 70% of Taiwanese people consider the Chinese Communist Party leader's idea "unfit" for their democratic, self-ruled island, it said. The US is a major supplier of arms, including missiles, to Taiwan.
Taiwan split from Mainland China amid civil war in 1949, and went on to practise a democratic system. But China continues to regard it as one of its provinces, and makes it difficult for any country to have a diplomatic mission in Taipei.
Taiwan has rejected Chinese president Xi Jinping's call for merger with mainland China. "Regarding mainland China's comments related to 'one country, two systems,' our government has no way of accepting them," Taiwan government's mainland affairs council said.
The council, which is apparently encouraged by the US, said more than 70% of Taiwanese people consider the Chinese Communist Party leader's idea "unfit" for their democratic, self-ruled island, it said. The US is a major supplier of arms, including missiles, to Taiwan.
Taiwan split from Mainland China amid civil war in 1949, and went on to practise a democratic system. But China continues to regard it as one of its provinces, and makes it difficult for any country to have a diplomatic mission in Taipei.
Transfer of power in Afghanistan
Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai was sworn in 29th September as Afghanistan's new president, replacing Hamid Karzai in the country's first democratic transfer of power since the 2001 US-led invasion toppled the Taliban. After a six-month election season that ended with marathon negotiations that gave the newly created position of chief executive to his challenger Abdullah Abdullah. Karzai had been Afghanistan's only leader since 2001.
US officials have said they expect Ghani Ahmadzai to sign a security agreement with the US shortly after his inauguration to allow about 10,000 American troops to stay in the country after the international combat mission ends on December 31.
About Ashraf Ghani
Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai was sworn in 29th September as Afghanistan's new president, replacing Hamid Karzai in the country's first democratic transfer of power since the 2001 US-led invasion toppled the Taliban. After a six-month election season that ended with marathon negotiations that gave the newly created position of chief executive to his challenger Abdullah Abdullah. Karzai had been Afghanistan's only leader since 2001.
US officials have said they expect Ghani Ahmadzai to sign a security agreement with the US shortly after his inauguration to allow about 10,000 American troops to stay in the country after the international combat mission ends on December 31.
About Ashraf Ghani
Previously an academic in the US, and worked
for the World Bank
Served as finance minister from 2002-2004 under
President Hamid Karzai
He fell out with President Karzai in 2004 and
became Chancellor of Kabul University, where he was seen as an effective
reformer
He has been a vocal critic of the way
international aid money has been wasted in Afghanistan
A380 files world’s longest route
The world’s largest passenger aircraft on 29th September flew non-stop on the world’s longest route with Qantas, the Australian airlines, launching the A380 between Sydney and Dallas. The plane will fly for almost 16 hours. Of the increased services to the US planned by Qantas, about half are operated by the A380 and the other half by B747s with A380-style interiors.
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by Airbus. It is the world's largest passenger airliner, and the airports at which it operates have upgraded facilities to accommodate it. It was initially named Airbus A3XX and designed to challenge Boeing's monopoly in the large-aircraft market. The A380 made its first flight on 27 April 2005 and entered commercial service in October 2007 with Singapore Airlines.
The world’s largest passenger aircraft on 29th September flew non-stop on the world’s longest route with Qantas, the Australian airlines, launching the A380 between Sydney and Dallas. The plane will fly for almost 16 hours. Of the increased services to the US planned by Qantas, about half are operated by the A380 and the other half by B747s with A380-style interiors.
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by Airbus. It is the world's largest passenger airliner, and the airports at which it operates have upgraded facilities to accommodate it. It was initially named Airbus A3XX and designed to challenge Boeing's monopoly in the large-aircraft market. The A380 made its first flight on 27 April 2005 and entered commercial service in October 2007 with Singapore Airlines.
Afghan and US security pact
Afghanistan and the United States signed a security pact on 30th September to allow U.S. forces to remain in the country past the end of year. The deal, will allow about 10,000 American troops to stay in the country after the international combat mission ends on December 31.
Newly appointed Afghan national security adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar and U.S. Ambassador James Cunningham signed the actual document. A second agreement allowing NATO troops to stay in the country was also signed during the same ceremony.
NATO’s follow-up mission, which will take over on January 1, will be made up of 9,800 U.S. troops and about 3,000 soldiers from Germany, Italy and other member nations. The new mission — named Resolute Support — will focus on training and assisting Afghan forces as they take on the Taliban, in parallel with U.S. counter-terrorism operations.
Afghanistan and the United States signed a security pact on 30th September to allow U.S. forces to remain in the country past the end of year. The deal, will allow about 10,000 American troops to stay in the country after the international combat mission ends on December 31.
Newly appointed Afghan national security adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar and U.S. Ambassador James Cunningham signed the actual document. A second agreement allowing NATO troops to stay in the country was also signed during the same ceremony.
NATO’s follow-up mission, which will take over on January 1, will be made up of 9,800 U.S. troops and about 3,000 soldiers from Germany, Italy and other member nations. The new mission — named Resolute Support — will focus on training and assisting Afghan forces as they take on the Taliban, in parallel with U.S. counter-terrorism operations.
California bans plastic bags
California became the first U.S. state on 30th September to ban single-use plastic bags, as Governor Jerry Brown signed the measure into law. Under the legislation, single-use bags will disappear from grocery stores and pharmacies from July 1, 2015, and then from convenience and liquor stores from July 1, 2016.
California became the first U.S. state on 30th September to ban single-use plastic bags, as Governor Jerry Brown signed the measure into law. Under the legislation, single-use bags will disappear from grocery stores and pharmacies from July 1, 2015, and then from convenience and liquor stores from July 1, 2016.
Japan’s bullet train turns 50
Japan’s bullet train has completed 50 years of its launching. The bullet train was introduced between Tokyo and Osaka 50 years ago. The Shinkansen, as it’s called in Japan, gave a boost to train travel in Europe and Asia at a time when the rise of the automobile and the airplane threated to eclipse it. It was inaugurated on October 1st, 2014. The first bullet train, travelled from Tokyo to Osaka in four hours, which are 513 km away to each other.
Japan started building a high-speed line during World War II, but construction was halted in 1943 as funds ran out. The idea was revived in the 1950s, but many questioned undertaking such a costly project, particularly with the expansion of air travel and highways. Criticism turned to pride when construction, financed partly by an $80 million World Bank loan, was completed in time for the Tokyo Olympics in October 1964.
The first Shinkansen had a maximum speed of 210 kilometres per hour. The fastest trains previously, in Europe, could reach 160 kph. At present bullet trains, in Japan and elsewhere, have reached and in some cases exceeded 300 kph. By average speed, China has the fastest train in the world, averaging 284 kph on a route between Shijiazhuang and Zhengshou Dong, according to a biennial World Speed Survey by Railway Gazette.
In Europe, Asia too:
The Shinkansen renewed interest in high-speed rail elsewhere, notably in Europe. France and Spain are among the leaders in Europe, and Turkey last year became the ninth country to operate a train at an average speed of 200 kph, according to Railway Gazette. South Korea and Taiwan also operate high—speed systems in Asia. The United States is an exception, though there are proposals to build lines in California and Texas. The fastest train in the U.S., Amtrak’s Acela Express, averages 169 kph on a short stretch between Baltimore and Wilmington, Delaware, the speed survey says.
Shanghai launched a German-built maglev train in 2004 on a 30-kilometre route between the city and the airport. It can hit 430 kph. A Japanese maglev train in development has topped 500 kph in tests. If built, it could reduce the travel time between Tokyo and Osaka to just over one hour. With speed, though, some of the romance is lost. A faster Shinkansen has eliminated its dining car. “The problem is that Japan is such a small country,” said Araki, the retired engineer. “If you go too fast, you’ll get there in no time. No time to enjoy an onboard meal.”
Bullet train in India:
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor is an approved high-speed rail corridor in India connecting the cities of Mumbai and Ahmadabad. If built it will be India's first high speed rail line. The project is estimated to cost between Rs 35,000 to Rs 60,000 crore
Japan’s bullet train has completed 50 years of its launching. The bullet train was introduced between Tokyo and Osaka 50 years ago. The Shinkansen, as it’s called in Japan, gave a boost to train travel in Europe and Asia at a time when the rise of the automobile and the airplane threated to eclipse it. It was inaugurated on October 1st, 2014. The first bullet train, travelled from Tokyo to Osaka in four hours, which are 513 km away to each other.
Japan started building a high-speed line during World War II, but construction was halted in 1943 as funds ran out. The idea was revived in the 1950s, but many questioned undertaking such a costly project, particularly with the expansion of air travel and highways. Criticism turned to pride when construction, financed partly by an $80 million World Bank loan, was completed in time for the Tokyo Olympics in October 1964.
The first Shinkansen had a maximum speed of 210 kilometres per hour. The fastest trains previously, in Europe, could reach 160 kph. At present bullet trains, in Japan and elsewhere, have reached and in some cases exceeded 300 kph. By average speed, China has the fastest train in the world, averaging 284 kph on a route between Shijiazhuang and Zhengshou Dong, according to a biennial World Speed Survey by Railway Gazette.
In Europe, Asia too:
The Shinkansen renewed interest in high-speed rail elsewhere, notably in Europe. France and Spain are among the leaders in Europe, and Turkey last year became the ninth country to operate a train at an average speed of 200 kph, according to Railway Gazette. South Korea and Taiwan also operate high—speed systems in Asia. The United States is an exception, though there are proposals to build lines in California and Texas. The fastest train in the U.S., Amtrak’s Acela Express, averages 169 kph on a short stretch between Baltimore and Wilmington, Delaware, the speed survey says.
Shanghai launched a German-built maglev train in 2004 on a 30-kilometre route between the city and the airport. It can hit 430 kph. A Japanese maglev train in development has topped 500 kph in tests. If built, it could reduce the travel time between Tokyo and Osaka to just over one hour. With speed, though, some of the romance is lost. A faster Shinkansen has eliminated its dining car. “The problem is that Japan is such a small country,” said Araki, the retired engineer. “If you go too fast, you’ll get there in no time. No time to enjoy an onboard meal.”
Bullet train in India:
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor is an approved high-speed rail corridor in India connecting the cities of Mumbai and Ahmadabad. If built it will be India's first high speed rail line. The project is estimated to cost between Rs 35,000 to Rs 60,000 crore
U.S.-Indonesia debt-for-nature swap
The United States has struck a deal to reduce Indonesia’s debts in exchange for Jakarta pledging about $12 million for programmes to protect endangered species and their habitats on Sumatra island, conservationists said on 3rd October. The agreement, which was inked this week, will provide additional funds for environmental groups to improve programmes aimed at protecting the Sumatran low-land rainforests as well as efforts to increase populations of threatened animals.
The forests of Sumatra, a huge island in western Indonesia, are one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet and are home to critically endangered Sumatran rhinos and tigers.
The United States has struck a deal to reduce Indonesia’s debts in exchange for Jakarta pledging about $12 million for programmes to protect endangered species and their habitats on Sumatra island, conservationists said on 3rd October. The agreement, which was inked this week, will provide additional funds for environmental groups to improve programmes aimed at protecting the Sumatran low-land rainforests as well as efforts to increase populations of threatened animals.
The forests of Sumatra, a huge island in western Indonesia, are one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet and are home to critically endangered Sumatran rhinos and tigers.
Sweden to recognize state of Palestine
Sweden's new centre-left government will recognize the state of Palestine in a move that will make it the first major European country to take the step, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said on 3rd October. The UN general assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in 2012 but the European Union and most EU countries, have yet to give official recognition.
For the Palestinians, Sweden's move will be a welcome boost for its ambitions. With its reputation as an honest broker in international affairs and with an influential voice in EU foreign policy, the decision may well make other countries sit up and pay attention at a time when the Palestinians are threatening unilateral moves towards statehood.
The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza, with its capital in East Jerusalem. While Gaza's boundaries are clearly defined, the precise territory of what would constitute Palestine in the West Bank and East Jerusalem will only be determined via negotiations with Israel on a two-state solution, negotiations which are currently suspended.
Sweden's new centre-left government will recognize the state of Palestine in a move that will make it the first major European country to take the step, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said on 3rd October. The UN general assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in 2012 but the European Union and most EU countries, have yet to give official recognition.
For the Palestinians, Sweden's move will be a welcome boost for its ambitions. With its reputation as an honest broker in international affairs and with an influential voice in EU foreign policy, the decision may well make other countries sit up and pay attention at a time when the Palestinians are threatening unilateral moves towards statehood.
The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza, with its capital in East Jerusalem. While Gaza's boundaries are clearly defined, the precise territory of what would constitute Palestine in the West Bank and East Jerusalem will only be determined via negotiations with Israel on a two-state solution, negotiations which are currently suspended.
North, South Korea agree on dialogue
South Korea — South and North Korea agreed on 4th October to resume high-level talks this year, raising hopes for a thaw in the long-tense relations on the divided Korean Peninsula. A statement from South Korea did not specify what would be discussed. But South Korea had proposed in August that senior officials meet to discuss a new round of reunions of family members separated by the Korean War six decades ago, a program that has proceeded in fits and starts for years as inter-Korean relations have fluctuated.
The North had rejected the August overture, insisting that Seoul first stop activists in the South from sending balloons into North Korea bearing antigovernment propaganda.
But a breakthrough appeared to come on 4th October, when top South Korean policy makers met with a North Korean delegation visiting Incheon for the closing ceremony of the Asian Games, a surprise visit that South Korea announced just an hour before the officials’ arrival. The delegation included three of the most trusted aides of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un.
The North Korean delegation’s visit and the agreement to resume talks were all the more unexpected, given the North’s recent vitriol toward the South Korean president, Park Geun-hye. On Thursday, the North called Ms. Park “a rabid dog” after she vowed that pressing the North to end human rights abuses would be a key goal of her government.
The two Koreas have technically been at war since the Korean War ended in 1953 with a truce rather than a peace treaty, and their relationship has been particularly sour during the past few years. But signs of a possible thaw have emerged in recent months.
South Korea — South and North Korea agreed on 4th October to resume high-level talks this year, raising hopes for a thaw in the long-tense relations on the divided Korean Peninsula. A statement from South Korea did not specify what would be discussed. But South Korea had proposed in August that senior officials meet to discuss a new round of reunions of family members separated by the Korean War six decades ago, a program that has proceeded in fits and starts for years as inter-Korean relations have fluctuated.
The North had rejected the August overture, insisting that Seoul first stop activists in the South from sending balloons into North Korea bearing antigovernment propaganda.
But a breakthrough appeared to come on 4th October, when top South Korean policy makers met with a North Korean delegation visiting Incheon for the closing ceremony of the Asian Games, a surprise visit that South Korea announced just an hour before the officials’ arrival. The delegation included three of the most trusted aides of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un.
The North Korean delegation’s visit and the agreement to resume talks were all the more unexpected, given the North’s recent vitriol toward the South Korean president, Park Geun-hye. On Thursday, the North called Ms. Park “a rabid dog” after she vowed that pressing the North to end human rights abuses would be a key goal of her government.
The two Koreas have technically been at war since the Korean War ended in 1953 with a truce rather than a peace treaty, and their relationship has been particularly sour during the past few years. But signs of a possible thaw have emerged in recent months.
Independence Referendum for Catalonia
Spanish region Catalonia on 27 September 2014 announced to hold independence referendum on 9 November 2014. The President of Catalonia Artur Mas signed a decree calling for a Scottish style referendum on independence. Earlier on 19 September 2014, Catalonian lawmakers voted by a margin of 106 to 28 in favor of authorizing the referendum. However, Spain quickly denounced the move and called the plan unconstitutional. It repeatedly insists that any regional vote on independence would be illegal, pointing out that the country's 1978 constitution means major questions must be put to all Spaniards and that only they can call a referendum.
Spanish region Catalonia on 27 September 2014 announced to hold independence referendum on 9 November 2014. The President of Catalonia Artur Mas signed a decree calling for a Scottish style referendum on independence. Earlier on 19 September 2014, Catalonian lawmakers voted by a margin of 106 to 28 in favor of authorizing the referendum. However, Spain quickly denounced the move and called the plan unconstitutional. It repeatedly insists that any regional vote on independence would be illegal, pointing out that the country's 1978 constitution means major questions must be put to all Spaniards and that only they can call a referendum.
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