Lokesh Proposes to Revive Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Junior Colleges
In its ongoing efforts to reform public policies, the NDA government has now turned its focus on the education sector. Following changes in policies related to sand and liquor, the government is now preparing to revive an initiative aimed at reducing student dropouts in government junior colleges. IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has announced plans to reinstate a government-funded mid-day meal scheme, initially introduced by the TDP in 2018. The program was designed to encoura
Yoon Declares Emergency Martial Law Amid Budget Dispute
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing opposition lawmakers of undermining the state and threatening the stability of the nation’s governance. This move comes amid a fierce parliamentary conflict over the budget bill for the next fiscal year. The opposition Democratic Party has slashed key portions of the budget, including funds for national security, law enforcement, and Yoon's office, in a dispute that has paralyzed the legislative
Biden Administration Approves $1.17 Billion Sale of Helicopters to India
On Monday, the Biden administration informed Congress about its decision to approve the sale of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and related equipment to India, valued at approximately $1.17 billion. This move is aimed at boosting India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, enabling the country to better deter current and future security threats. The sale includes advanced systems such as Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS), infrared
India-China Ties Improve After 2020 Ladakh Clash, Says Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, providing an update on the current state of India-China relations, which have seen improvement following the tensions that arose from the 2020 military clash in eastern Ladakh. The clash, which resulted in fatalities on both sides, marked a significant deterioration in the two countries' ties, making the situation "abnormal" until recent diplomatic efforts led to progress. Jaishankar explained
IIM Calcutta to Release CAT 2024 Provisional Answer Key Today
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta is expected to release the provisional answer key for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 today. Once available, candidates can visit the official website, iimcat.ac.in, to download the answer key. The objection management window will be open from December 3 at 6 pm to December 5, 2024, at 11:55 pm, allowing candidates to raise any objections. After evaluating the objections, IIM Calcutta will announce the final results, expected by the secon
Hoax Bomb Threat to Taj Mahal Found to Be False
On Tuesday, a bomb threat email was sent to the regional office of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, claiming a danger to the iconic Taj Mahal. The authorities swiftly responded by deploying a bomb disposal squad, a dog squad, and other security personnel to thoroughly inspect the area. After an extensive search, no suspicious objects or threats were discovered, confirming that the email was a hoax. ACP Sayed Areeb Ahmad, who oversees Taj Mahal's security, reassured the public that the sit
Trump Jokes About Making Canada the 51st State During Dinner with Trudeau
During a meeting at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, President-elect Trump reportedly joked with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about making Canada the 51st state of the United States. The two leaders were discussing serious issues, including trade imbalances and border security, which had become a focal point for the incoming administration. Trump had previously threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods if Canada did not address issues like illegal immigra
China Bans Exports of Key Materials to U.S. Amid Escalating Trade Tensions
In a significant escalation of trade tensions, China announced on Tuesday that it would ban the export of several key materials, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the United States. These materials are vital for high-tech applications, including advanced electronics and military technologies. The Chinese Commerce Ministry's decision follows a recent expansion of the U.S. “entity list,” which now includes 140 Chinese companies—many based in China, though some
Lashkar-e-Taiba Commander Junaid Bhat Killed in Kashmir Gunfight
Junaid Ahmed Bhat, a senior commander of the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was killed by security forces in a gunfight in the Dachigam hills near Srinagar. The encounter began on Monday night when the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Indian Army launched a cordon-and-search operation (CASO) in the Dachigam-Tral area. This was prompted by intelligence reports indicating the presence of a group of militants in the region. During the ongoing
Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy After Security Incident in Tripura
Bangladesh summoned India's High Commissioner to Dhaka after the closure of its visa and consular services in Tripura, India, due to a security incident involving a protest in Agartala. The protest, which occurred against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, led to about 50 people entering the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission's premises. The Bangladeshi government expressed concerns over the lack of local police action to contain the situation, which left mission staff fe