D Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion at 18
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest world chess champion at the age of 18. He triumphed over the reigning title-holder, Ding Liren of China, in the 14th and final game of their thrilling showdown in Singapore. Gukesh secured the necessary 7.5 points, edging out Liren, who scored 6.5 points, after winning the last classical time control game, which had seemed destined for a draw for most of the match. Before Gukesh, the title of the youngest
Red Alert Issued for Heavy Rainfall in Three Kerala Districts
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts due to a low-pressure system over the Gulf of Mannar. The Central Meteorological Department has also declared a high alert for central and southern Kerala. An orange alert is in effect for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Thrissur districts, while a yellow alert has been issued for all other districts, excluding Kannur and Kasargod.
Biden Grants Clemency to 1,500 and Pardons 39 for Nonviolent Crimes
Clemency Announcement and Scope: President Joe Biden has announced the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history, commuting the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals who had been released from prison and placed under home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision applies to those who have served at least one year on home confinement after their release. The move aims
Cabinet Approves "One Nation, One Election" Proposal Amid Debate
The long-debated concept of "One Nation, One Election" has taken a significant step forward as the central cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal for simultaneous elections across India. The government plans to introduce a bill in the ongoing winter session of Parliament to implement the plan. The proposal has sparked differing opinions among political parties. While over 30 parties support the idea, Congress has raised concerns about the practi
YSR Congress Faces Crisis as Key Leaders Resign After 2024 Defeat
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, has been thrown into turmoil following a crushing defeat in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh elections, where the party secured only 11 out of 175 seats. This electoral setback, at the hands of the NDA coalition led by Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, has escalated into an existential crisis for the party, compounded by a series of defections. Two prominent former MLAs, Avanthi Srinivas and Grandhi Srinivas, resigned from the party
Russia and Reliance Sign $13 Billion Energy Deal for Crude Supply
In a landmark energy agreement, Russia’s state oil company Rosneft has committed to supply 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day to India’s Reliance for the next 10 years, worth approximately $13 billion annually. This deal represents about 0.5% of global oil supply and strengthens energy relations between India and Russia, especially as Russia faces intense Western sanctions due to its invasion of Ukraine. The deal is set to begin in January and will involve monthly deli
Efforts to Secure Release of 14 Indian Fishermen Detained in Pakistan
Efforts are underway to secure the early release and repatriation of 14 Indian fishermen, including seven from Tamil Nadu, who have been detained in a Pakistani jail since January. Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin about the ongoing diplomatic efforts. This followed a letter from Stalin, dated November 20, urging swift action for the fishermen’s release. Jaishankar stated that the Indian government had raised the matte
India-Pakistan Dispute Threatens 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is currently in turmoil due to the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly stated that it will not send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns and political issues. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has threatened to boycott future ICC events if India does not agree to the proposed hybrid model, where India’s matches are played in Dubai, while the rest of the tournament tak
India May Benefit from US Tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico
In light of US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariff measures on China, Canada, and Mexico, India is poised to capitalize on potential shifts in global manufacturing. With Trump’s plan to impose tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China, manufacturers may seek alternative locations to bypass the 60% levy on Chinese goods. India, with its low-cost labor, skilled workforce, and growing tech sector, is an attractive destination for this shift. Invest
India's Inflation Drops to 5.48% in November Amid Rising Food Prices
India's inflation rate, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), moderated to 5.48% in November, down from 6.21% in October, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This easing, however, is still above the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target of 4%, with food prices continuing to drive inflationary pressure. The food inflation rate surged by 9.04%, continuing its trend of high costs. Economists had forecast a median inflation estimate of 5.5% fo