Table of Contents
International News
Moldova’s President Maia Sandu Wins Second Term Amid Russian Interference Claims
Moldova as pro-Western President Maia Sandu won a second term in a highly contested presidential runoff. With the country divided over its future alignment—whether closer to the European Union or maintaining ties with Russia—the election was marred by allegations of interference, vote-buying, and intimidation. Sandu’s victory is seen as a decisive push toward Moldova’s EU integration, but the result reflects deep-seated geopolitical tensions and internal divisions. Maia Sandu secured 55% of the vote against her Russia-aligned opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who garnered 45%, according to Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission (CEC). Sandu’s victory comes as a relief for Moldova’s pro-European government, which fully supported her re-election bid to accelerate Moldova’s path toward European Union membership.
Switzerland’s Burqa Ban Law to Take Effect in 2025
Switzerland is set to enforce its controversial “burqa ban” starting January 1, 2025, following approval in a closely contested 2021 referendum. The law, which prohibits facial coverings in public spaces, has sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly from Muslim associations.
Zimbabwe Launches ZIMSAT-2 to Advance Space Programme
Zimbabwe has launched its second satellite, ZIMSAT-2, from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia, a major milestone in the country’s growing space programme. This satellite, equipped with a high-resolution multispectral camera, will aid in agriculture, resource exploration, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. It follows the successful launch of Zimbabwe’s first satellite, ZIMSAT-1, in November 2022, marking continued progress in space technology and innovation.
Economy News
Cabinet Approves ₹10,700 Crore Equity Infusion for FCI
In a significant financial boost, the Union Cabinet approved an equity infusion of ₹10,700 crore for the Food Corporation of India (FCI) on Wednesday. This move is expected to reduce FCI’s dependency on high-interest debt for funding its large-scale food distribution efforts. It aligns with the government’s ongoing strategy to enhance food security and minimize subsidy burdens.
Banking News
Deutsche Bank Infuses ₹5,113 Crore to Boost India Operations
Deutsche Bank has injected ₹5,113 crore into its Indian operations, marking its largest capital infusion into the country in recent years. This move, aimed at funding growth and expanding services across corporate, investment, and private banking, demonstrates the bank’s long-term commitment to India. With this fresh capital, Deutsche Bank’s regulatory capital for its India branches has increased by 33% to nearly ₹30,000 crore, tripling in the last decade. The bank plans to leverage India’s strategic position in global trends like digital transformation and infrastructure development to drive future growth.
Business News
IFC Invests $400 Million in Bajaj Finance for Climate and Women Empowerment
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a strategic partnership with Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL), committing $400 million as part of a $1 billion fundraising initiative to enhance access to climate finance in India. This investment is aimed at expanding financing for electric vehicles (EVs), energy-efficient consumer goods (EECG), and women-owned micro-enterprises, aligning with India’s climate goals and promoting financial inclusion.
Science & Technology News
World’s First Wooden Satellite, LignoSat
Japanese scientists launched the world’s first wooden satellite, named LignoSat, marking a pioneering experiment in sustainable space technology. Developed by Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, this satellite aims to explore the potential of timber as a material for future space habitation and structures. The innovative project, which uses honoki wood, is designed to test the resilience of wood in the extreme conditions of space, possibly paving the way for long-term human settlements in space with renewable resources.
Schemes News
Cabinet Approves PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme for Higher Education
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme on November 6, 2024, aimed at providing financial support to meritorious students seeking higher education. The scheme ensures collateral-free, guarantor-free loans for students enrolling in top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) across India, covering tuition fees and other educational expenses. With an outlay of ₹3,600 crore, this scheme targets to benefit 22 lakh students annually, empowering them to pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers.
State News
Ningol Chakkouba Festival Celebrated with Joy Across Manipur
Ningol Chakkouba, one of the most significant festivals of the Meitei community in Manipur, was celebrated across the state with immense religious fervor and joy. Traditionally held on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyangei in the Meitei calendar, the festival symbolizes family bonds and togetherness.
UP Cabinet Clears ₹3,706 Cr HCL-Foxconn Semiconductor Project
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a major semiconductor manufacturing project led by Vama Sundri Investment, a subsidiary of HCL Tech, in partnership with Foxconn. This ambitious facility, to be set up along the Yamuna Expressway, involves an investment of ₹3,706 crore and aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor production capabilities.
Telangana Launches Statewide Caste Census
On November 6, 2024, Telangana’s Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar officially launched a statewide door-to-door survey at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) office in Hyderabad. Conducted by the State Planning Department, the survey aims to gather comprehensive data on the social, economic, political, caste, and educational status of all households across Telangana.
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan Form Joint Panel for Cheetah Project
In response to recent incidents of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh straying into neighboring Rajasthan, a joint corridor management committee has been established between the two states. The committee’s primary focus will be on the conservation of these felines, ensuring the development of suitable habitats, and facilitating the future relocation of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
Bihar’s Sultanganj Station Gets New Name Ajgaibinath Dham
Sultanganj railway station in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district is set to be renamed in honor of the revered Hindu shrine, Ajgaibinath Dham. The announcement was made by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader, Samrat Choudhary. He revealed that the proposal to rename the station has been approved by the municipal council of Bhagalpur.
Agreements News
$200 Million Deal Signed to Enhance Uttarakhand’s Green Mobility and Urban Infrastructure
The Indian government has signed a $200 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance urban infrastructure and improve essential services in Uttarakhand. The initiative aims to modernize water supply systems, sanitation, urban mobility, and other key public amenities, thereby fostering sustainable development in the state.
Sports News
Max Verstappen’s Triumph at Brazil Grand Prix 2024
Max Verstappen’s phenomenal win at the Brazil Grand Prix has left the Formula 1 world in awe. Despite starting in 17th place, Verstappen stormed to victory under challenging rain-soaked conditions at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit. His remarkable drive, skill, and resilience not only impressed fans but also earned admiration from Formula 1’s multiple world champions, including Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. This victory inches Verstappen closer to his fourth straight world championship, placing him among the greatest drivers in F1 history.
Books and Authors
Ramachandra Guha Latest Book, Speaking with Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism
Renowned historian and public intellectual Ramachandra Guha is widely celebrated for his profound insights into Indian history and society, especially as the biographer of Mahatma Gandhi. However, his contributions extend well beyond biography and history; he is a pioneering figure in Indian environmentalism. His latest book, Speaking with Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism, is a testament to his commitment to exploring India’s unique ecological heritage. In this work, Guha challenges traditional Western perspectives on environmentalism and highlights India’s deep-rooted environmental consciousness, which has evolved in response to socio-economic and cultural necessities.
Miscellaneous News
4th LG Cup Horse Polo-2024 Tournament Inaugurated in Ladakh
Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, inaugurated the much-awaited 4th LG Cup Horse Polo-2024 Tournament at the newly constructed Polo Stadium at Goshan, Drass. This event, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, marked a significant milestone for the region as it showcased not only the traditional sport of horse polo but also the growing emphasis on youth development and sports infrastructure in Ladakh.
21st December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
20th December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
19th December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
