The mosque’s interior has been completely restored. (Photo courtesy of BBC News)
Ferhad Pasha mosque in Bosnia re-opens
The Ferhad Pasha, a 16th-century mosque that was blown up 23 years ago during Yugoslav civil war, was finally re-opened after 14 years of rebuilding. Despite tight security, many people from across the country visited the re-opening. Part of the rebuilding was funded by Turkey and its Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that the new building sent a message of peace. Many were joyous and celebrated the re-opening of the mosque.
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“Bizarre” reptile is discovered by new fossil evidence
New fossil findings along with a model of the Atopodentatus. (Photo courtesy of National Museums Scotland)
According to recently found specimens in China, the first vegetarian marine reptile was a crocodile-sized creature that lived 242 million years ago. It is named Atopodentatus and is one of the few marine reptiles species that were herbivores. Scientists say that its hammer-shaped skull helped it eat marine plants. The first fossils of Atopodentatus were discovered a few years ago, but new fossils unearthed in Yunnan, China show a more detailed picture of the animal’s unique skull. Scientists also used clay and toothpicks to model how the jaw of the animal worked.
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Sadiq Khan – London’s first Muslim mayor
Sadiq Khan, first Muslim mayor of London (Photo courtesy of Jankata Reporter)
On 6 May, Sadiq Khan broke the reign of prestigious, aristocratic mayors in London. Being the son of a Pakistani bus driver and seamstress, Khan was initially not considered the best representative of the stereotypical London demographic. However, due to the fast-changing city, his popularity rose. Before his campaign, Khan was a human rights lawyer. Though he was accused by his competitors of having links to the Islamic extremists, Khan beat the odds and gained the support of the people. His promises include freezing bus fares for his entire four-year term. Khan is the first ethnic minority and Muslim elected mayor of London.
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The newly created engines are about 60nm in diameter. In comparison the average hair is 100 000nm. (Photo courtesy of News DIscovery)
Groundbreaking progress in Nanorobotics
It’s easy to say that technology is quickly progressing, especially with the development of the smallest engine – which could be an efficient power source of nanorobots. The engine, powered by light, is composed of tiny particles of gold of only 60 nanometers in diameter glued together with a special gel. The most difficult aspect of creating the smallest engine was generating power with previous attempts lacking strength, speed, and control. This engine could one day power microscopic robots small enough to enter living cells, leading to breakthroughs in medical science.
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Greece’s economic tension rises with IMF threats
Greek union workers protest pension cuts. (Photo Courtesy of Mishtalks)
In a message leaked just three days before the discussion of how to resurrect the bleak economy of Greece, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declared a withdrawal of their support unless Greece’s debt structure was redesigned. Trapped in a vicious cycle of deficit, bailouts and increased debt, the government has reduced various pension plans for union workers. As a result, controversial strikes have occurred – further worsening the situation. The country’s disability to achieve financial targets due to discord has stalled and created conflict over creditors. With an inability to create a pathway out of the economic paralysis, the IMF based in Washington refuses to provide aid, unwilling to help a country that may find itself back where it started.
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Saudia Arabia’s veteran oil minister is removed
Saudi Arabia’s former Oil Minister, Ali al-Naimi. (Photo courtesy of Reuters)
As part of a government overhaul, Ali al-Naimi, the oil minister of Saudi Arabia of more than 20 years and who has been regarded as the most powerful figure in the global oil industry, has been replaced by former health minister Khaled al-Falih. Ali al-Naimi’s refusal to cut oil production caused a large excess amount of oil to be on the market, resulting in falling oil prices, and decreasing Saudi Arabia’s profits from the oil industry. Inevitably, the country’s economy was severely impacted. The country is trying to reform its economy to end its dependence on oil.
Source and more information can be found here.
