15 December 2014 Current Affairs
US Senate Confirms Indian-American Physician Vivek Murthy As Surgeon General
Indian-American physician Vivek Hallegere Murthy has been confirmed as the 19th Surgeon General of America by US Senate. He is youngest person and first person of Indian-origin to hold the post. The upper house of US Congress confirmed Murthy’s nomination by 51 votes to 43 more than year after President Barack Obama had nominated him to this top administration post on public health issues in November 2013 which saw a strong opposition from the powerful pro-gun lobby National Rifle Association (NRA).
Steve Smith Named As Australia’s Test Captain
Steve Smith has been named as Australia’s 45th Test captain after Michael Clarke was ruled out of the rest of the four-Test series against India.Steve Smith is an all-rounder and he was appointed vice-captain of the Australian Test team by Cricket Australia (CA) and will thus lead the Australian side in the absence of Michael Clarke. Current vice-captain Brad Haddin, who led the Australian side on the final day of the Adelaide Test, will serve as Smith’s deputy in Brisbane. He will thus become Australia’s 45th Test captain and at the age of 25 will also be one of country’s youngest captains.
Maleeha Lodhi Appointed As Pakistan Ambassador To The United Nations
Veteran journalist-turned-diplomat Maleeha Lodhi was appointed as 16th Pakistan Ambassador to the United Nations (UN). Lodhi succeeded incumbent Ambassador Masood Khan. Lodhi will join the office as Pakistan’s representative to the UN in February 2015.