Britain’s Prince William and wife Catherine are expecting their first child. The announcement was made earlier than planned after the Duchess was admitted into hospital for complications. It is thought she is less than 12 weeks into the pregnancy.
Space food
China has developed plans for its astronauts to farm vegetables on Mars and the Moon. Chinese media reports test harvests were done in pods where scientists were able to control climate, water and light conditions. It would provide nutrients for astronauts while on missions.
Tunnel collapse
A highway tunnel collapse west of Tokyo has killed at least nine people. Japanese authorities believe the concrete roof fell on cars on Sunday morning after structure gave way due to age. The tunnels operators are being investigated.
Judges control
Egyptian judges say they will take control of a referendum on the country’s new constitution. It comes after it was pushed through the parliament and President
Mohamed Morsi expanded his powers to put him beyond judicial review until the constitution is ratified.
UN leaves
Security concerns have seen the United Nations suspend its operation in Syria. Non-essential staff will be removed from the country immediately. The announcement came as US president Barack Obama warned his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad there would be “consequences” for using chemical weapons.
Typhoon damage
Parts of south-eastern Philippines have experienced flooding and landslides after the region was struck by Typhoon Bopha. While there have been no reported casualties, three people were struck by falling trees and 41,000 have been left homeless by the damage.
Rocket threat
Russia has encouraged North Korea to scrap it’s plans for a rocket launch later this month. The launch would contravene a UN resolution aimed at stopping its nuclear enrichment program.
Japan has threatened to shoot down the long-range rocket.
Ship death
Two Mexican men have been charged over the killing of a US Coast Guard. The 34-year-old died after the two drug smugglers rammed the patrol boat off the US coast. Terrell Horne hit his head and later died of brain injuries after the dispute on Saturday.
Company fined
A Chinese-government owned company has admitted smuggling high-performance coatings from a US nuclear plant to Pakistan. Huaxing admitted to breaching a US ban in 2006 and 2007. The US Justice Department said the company had been fined $3 million.
Ceasefire deal
Congolese troops have returned to the key city of Goma after 11 days after it was seized by M26 rebels. The militants left after a neighbouring countries arranged a ceasefire. A leaked UN report claimed Rwanda and Uganda backed the rebels’ efforts to take control of the city from the Congolese government.
Peace disturbed
The Colombian military says it killed 20 FARC separatist rebels in an operation last weekend, in its biggest mission since the two sides entered peace talks in October. The government said the raid on camps took place because the group was keeping prisoners despite previous denials.
Settlement fallout
European governments have reacted angrily to Israel’s planned new settlements in Gaza. Israeli ambassadors were summoned in London, Stockholm, Paris and Copenhagen. The move came after a UN vote afforded the Palestinian territory Non-Member State status.
Post published in: World News