What in the World? Weekly Quiz – May 3-9, 2021

Last week THIS nation launched the first module for its space station, the CSS, which will be manned by “Taikonauts” (space sailors) in coming missions.

On April 26^th Japan approved THIS trade agreement, the world’s largest, signed by 15 Asia-Pacific nations. The pact, expected to go into effect later this year, will eliminate tariffs on 91 percent of goods and sets investment and intellectual property rules in a zone covering about 30 percent of global GDP. It groups the 10 ASEAN members -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- plus Japan, China, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

The Morena Party of THIS President of Mexico voted to extend the term of the Supreme Court chief justice drawing criticism that he was attempting to control the independent judiciary. The move marks another instance where the President has “challenged institutions created as part of Mexico’s transition to a pluralistic democracy,” according to “Daily Chatter.” [“Daily Chatter” Question of the Week]

“Russian ships and trains are moving back the tens of thousands of troops massed on [THIS] border because, Russia’s defense minister said last week, their “surprise inspection” had “demonstrated their ability to ensure the reliable defense of the country.” In reality, the Kremlin stood down after its saber-rattling failed to unnerve the [THIS country]—and after President Biden warned President Vladimir Putin directly to drop the military threat, effectively calling the Russians’ bluff,” according to Dr. Donald Jensen at USIP. [USIP Question of the Week]

President Cyril Ramaphosa of THIS nation is set to testify against former President Jacob Zuma, a member of his own party, charged with corruption. Ramaphosa said the African National Congress (ANC) party should have done more to address Zuma’s graft.

Ninety-three police officers were injured in Berlin during May Day rallies that turned violent. May Day is known as a spring festival but it also marks THIS.

The deadliest civil catastrophe in the history of THIS nation struck last week when a stampede at a religious festival left 47 dead at Mount Meron. The aftermath has opened charges by former police officials that ultra-orthodox religious leaders ignore the authority of the state to regulate assemblies.

Palestinians were set for parliamentary voting on May 22^nd – the first elections in 15 years -- but THIS leader of the Palestinian Authority announced a suspension over lack of guarantees for votes coming in from East Jerusalem. Israel has not yet indicated if it will allow Palestinians there to vote.