10 events in 2016 that could define the world order

By Harshmeet Singh

2015 was a year of political turbulence at the international level. With multiple terror attacks, civil wars, international negotiations, and a migrant crisis, the year 2015 had no dearth of activity in the international scene.

And if the past couple of months are anything to go by, it would be surprising if 2016 doesn't take the same path of hectic international diplomacy. To give you a heads up, NewsGram brings forth the 10 most awaited events of 2016 that could define the world order.

January 1: Deadline for the peace talks between Syrian Government and opposition

The second half of 2015 was mostly filled with news related to Syria. After the loss of thousands of lives in the war zone at the hands of the foreign forces, the two sides have agreed to call a truce, or so it seems.

January 9: Sri Lanka's parliament to take form of a constituent assembly

On the day when President Maithripala Sirisena will kick off his second year in the office, the country's parliament will be converted into a constituent assembly to frame a new constitution that will replace the 1978 constitution. There is a growing demand within the country to rewrite the constitution to seek a solution to the ethnic issue persisting in the country.

February 1: US Presidential primaries and caucuses commence

With the US presidential debates getting unprecedented International coverage due to the presence of billionaire Donald Trump, this year's presidential elections will be a keenly followed event. The primaries and caucuses will decide the candidates who will eventually run for the President.

February 26: Parliamentary elections in Iran

Iran's nuclear deal with the P5+1 seems to have brought a new confidence in the country, which is seeking to play an active role in the regional politics. This makes the 2 simultaneous elections in Iran all the more interesting. The country will witness elections for the national parliament (Majlis) where the elected members serve a four-year term and for the Assembly of Experts, where members get an eight-year term.

April/May: West Bengal goes to polls

The current term of the Mamata Banerjee government ends on 20^th May 2016. After the unexpected loss in Bihar, the BJP will look to come back to the winning ways and shoot up its strength in the upper house of the Parliament to avoid any future disruptions.

June 1: World's longest and deepest traffic channel opens

The Gotthard Base Tunnel, with a route length of about 57 km, will open on June 1. It is the first flat low-level route which passes through the Alps Mountains. 2016 will also see China start the construction of an undersea tunnel which will be more than double the length of the Gotthard Base Tunnel and connect the Chinese cities of Dalian and Yantai.

July 4: NASA's Juno to arrive on Jupiter

If all goes to plan, NASA's spacecraft Juno will complete its five-year journey and land on Jupiter on July 4. Juno is expected to provide critical information about Jupiter, such as its gravitational field, magnetic field, mass distribution, winds circulation, etc.

August 5: The Rio Olympics starts

Over 10,500 athletes representing 206 national Olympics will compete for the honors to be called the best in the world. This year's Olympics will also feature sports like golf and rugby seven. The closing ceremony is scheduled for 21 August.

November 8: US Presidential and Congressional elections begin

The elections for the next 'most powerful man in the world' will take place this year.

December 31: Foreign forces to withdraw from Afghanistan

A long and punishing war in Afghanistan will come to an end with the ending of 2016. The last Australian, British and American troops are expected to withdraw from Afghanistan on the last day of the year.