Current Affairs December 2019 - Resignations

1 - PM Adel Abdul Mahdi of Iraq resigned

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi hassubmitted his resignation to Parliament amid ongoing anti-government protests across the country.The formal resignation came after an emergency cabinet session in which ministers approved the document.

More than 400 people have been killed in Iraq since early October with thousands of people taking to the streets in Baghdad and southern part of the country over corruption, poor services, lack of jobs and calling for an end to the post-2003 political system.

2 - England Cricketer Laura Marsh announced retirement

England spinner Laura Alexandra Marsh announced her retirement from cricket. She played 103 ODIs, 67 T20Is and 9 Tests and took 217 wickets across all formats, in her 13-year career. She is known to be best spinner in the history of English women's cricket and third-highest wicket-taker in ODI.

Laura is one of those few, who have won three World Cups. Laura was awarded a full central contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for 2019.

3 - Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg stepped down

Boeing's chief executive officer and board member Dennis Muilenburg resigned from his position, following the months-long fallout from the two fatal 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people. He will be replaced by Chairman David Calhoun effective January 13, 2020. Dennis became the CEO of the world’s largest aerospace company in July 2015.

The Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide. The company also provides leasing and product support services.

4 - South African cricketer Vernon Philander announced retirement

South African all-rounder Vernon Philander announced international retirement from all forms of cricket. South Africa’s fast bowler Vernon Philander played 97 matches across all three formats and scored 261 wickets with 1784 runs in his international career. His international career lasted for more than 12 years. He was known for spell of 5 for 15 on his Test debut against Australia that had the visitors bowled out for 47 in their second innings at Newlands.

Vernon was honored with 2012 SA Cricketer of the Year for record-breaking 51 wickets in his first seven Test matches.

5 - Leander Paes announced retirement from Tennis

Indian tennis ace Leander Paes has announced that 2020 will be his last year as a professional tennis player. Leander, who made his Olympic debut in 1992, will look for one final flourish at Tokyo Olympics 2020. Leander has made 7 appearances in a row at the Olympics making him the only tennis player ever to do so. Leander Paes has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.

Leander was honored with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award (1996-97), Arjuna Award (1990), Padma Shri award (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2014).