TODAY NEWS ON December 08, 2024

News Headlines for CAT, CLAT and IPM aspirants

Source: The HINDU 

Syrian rebels celebrate in captured Homs, set sights on Damascus

Syrian rebels announced they gained full control over the key city of Homs early on Sunday (December 8, 2024) after only a day of fighting, leaving President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule dangling by a thread as insurgents marched on the capital, Damascus.

Defence Minister Rajnath on three-day visit to Russia

The first of two stealth guided missile frigates, Tushil, under construction in Russia is set to be commissioned during the three-day visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh beginning on Sunday (December 8, 2024) for the 21st meeting of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). The visit comes ahead of the planned visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India early next year for the annual summit level meeting.

Notre Dame reopens five years after fire

The archbishop of Paris re-opened Notre Dame cathedral on Saturday (December 7, 2024) by symbolically knocking on the doors and entering the 12th-century landmark which has been restored after a devastating fire in 2019 .Wearing new designer vestments and carrying a staff cut from one of the roof beams that survived the inferno, Laurent Ulrich joined hundreds of VIPs inside the Gothic masterpiece for a two-hour ceremony.

U.P. invokes ESMA, imposes six months ban on protests

Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (December 7, 2024) invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), banning strikes by government employees in all State government departments, corporations and authorities for a period of six months.

Indigenous nuclear attack submarine design to take 4-5 years, another five years for construction

The design phase of the indigenous nuclear attack submarines (SSN) will take four to five years and another five years for the construction of the first one building on the experience of the ballistic nuclear missile submarine programme (SSBN), officials in the know said. Meanwhile, the third SSN leased from Russia is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy in 2028 after delays.

The Hindu journalist’s reporting on Manipur wins accolades at IPI India Awards

The Hindu journalist Vijaita Singh’s reporting on the ethnic strife in Manipur, under way for over 18 months now, won accolades at the International Press Institute India Award for Excellence in Journalism, 2024 on Saturday (December 7, 2024).

SC constitutes Special Bench headed by CJI to hear challenges to Places of Worship Act

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has constituted a Special Bench to hear petitions challenging the validity of the Places of Worship Act (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, a statute that protected the identity and character of religious sites as they existed on August 15, 1947. The Bench of three judges would be headed by Chief Justice Khanna, Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan. The hearing is scheduled on December 12 at 3.30 p.m.

South Korean President Yoon’s impeachment vote fails after ruling party boycotts it

A South Korean legislative push to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law fell through on Saturday after most lawmakers from his conservative governing party boycotted the vote. The defeat of the motion is expected to intensify public protests calling for Mr. Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the President’s impeachment.

Samajwadi Party decides to leave MVA after Babri Masjid demolition post by Uddhav’s aide

The Samajwadi Party announced on Saturday (December 7, 2024) that it would walk out of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s close aide hailed the demolition of Babri mosque and a related newspaper advertisement. The Samajwadi Party has two MLAs in Maharashtra.

India vs Australia second Test: Travis Head’s hundred, bowlers put Australia on top against India

The faithful, who congregated at the Adelaide Oval, relished the local hero’s exploits. Travis Head, back in his city, and against a familiar rival, turned on his aggressive mode. The southpaw’s blistering hundred held Australia in good stead as the second Test swung the host’s way in Adelaide on Saturday (December 7, 2024).

World Chess Championship 2024 Game 10: Gukesh plays out easy draw against Ding Liren, scores remain tied at 5-5

Indian challenger D. Gukesh yet again proved equal to the task with defending champion Ding Liren of China as the 10th game of the World Chess Championship match between them ended in a draw without much excitement in Singapore on Saturday (December 7, 2024). It was by far the easiest of the game with black pieces for Gukesh as the position played itself out of a London system game wherein Ding Liren took no risks and was also apparently happy with the drawn result.

Defence Minister Rajnath on three-day visit to Russia, to oversee commissioning of frigate Tushil

The first of two stealth guided missile frigates, Tushil, under construction in Russia is set to be commissioned during the three-day visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh beginning on Sunday (December 8, 2024) for the 21st meeting of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC). The visit comes ahead of the planned visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India early next year for the annual summit level meeting.

President Droupadi Murmu lays foundation for three new railway lines in Odisha

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday (December 7, 2024) laid the foundation for six projects in Odisha, including three new railway lines, worth a total of ₹6,400 crore. Bangriposi-Gorumahisani, Buramara-Chakulia and Badampahar-Keonjhargarh are the railway lines for which the foundation stones were laid by Ms. Murmu in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, among others.

Mahindra changes electric SUV brand name to BE 6; to contest brand rights of BE 6e in court

Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M) has announced to change the brand name of its electric origin SUV to BE 6 from BE 6e to avoid delays in product introduction owing to legal challenges by InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo) which could drag on for years. But the company has decided to contest the brand right of BE 6e in court.

Pope Francis’s visit to India likely after Jubilee year 2025, says Union Minister George Kurian

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian on Saturday (December 7, 2024) said the much-awaited visit of Pope Francis to India is likely to happen after 2025, which has been announced as the “Jubilee Year” by the Catholic Church. He noted that India had already invited the Pope officially and Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly extended him the invitation.