Mahesh Kumar Khichi Elected as Delhi’s New Mayor
Mahesh Kumar Khichi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate, has been elected as the new Mayor of Delhi. In a closely contested election, Khichi secured 133 votes, narrowly defeating BJP’s Kishan Lal, who received 130 votes. This victory comes after a significant delay in the election process, with Khichi set to serve a shortened five-month term. The election saw some unexpected cross-voting, with eight AAP councillors voting in favor of the BJP candidate. Despite these challenges, Khichi’s win marks a notable achievement for the AAP ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
PM Modi to Unveil Development Projects in Bihar on Birsa Munda’s Birth Anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter. In honor of this milestone, PM Modi will unveil and inaugurate a series of development projects worth Rs 6,640 crore aimed at uplifting tribal communities. These initiatives include the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkras Abhiyan, which focuses on improving infrastructure and living conditions in tribal villages, the construction of 11,000 new homes under the PM-Janman scheme, and the deployment of mobile medical units to enhance healthcare access in remote areas. Additionally, special commemorative coins and postal stamps will be released to celebrate Birsa Munda’s enduring legacy.
India’s Outward FDI Surges to $3.7 Billion in October 2024
India’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) experienced a significant surge in October 2024, reaching a total commitment of $3.7 billion. This figure represents a substantial increase compared to $2.55 billion in October 2023, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The growth was largely driven by a sharp rise in debt commitments, which escalated to $1.24 billion, a dramatic leap from $248.4 million in the same period last year. Despite a slight month-over-month decline from $3.77 billion in September 2024, the upward trend indicates robust financial commitments abroad.
Successful Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Rocket System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed flight tests of the guided Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) on November 14, 2024. This marks a significant step towards the system’s induction into the Indian Army. The tests assessed various parameters, including range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in salvo mode. The guided Pinaka system, which is entirely indigenous, is expected to enhance India’s long-range rocket artillery capabilities.
Australia Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-16s
The Australian government has announced plans to introduce legislation that will restrict social media access for children under 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the initiative as a world-leading package aimed at safeguarding children online. The proposed law will hold social media platforms accountable for enforcing the age restriction, with strict penalties for non-compliance. The legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament later this month and will take effect one year after it is passed.
PM Modi to Inaugurate First Bodoland Mohotsov in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the inaugural Bodoland Mohotsov on November 15 at 6:30 PM at the SAI Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. This two-day festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community, featuring traditional dance performances, exhibitions of Bodo cultural instruments, and stalls showcasing Bodo GI-tagged items. The event aims to promote unity, peace, and a stronger bond within the Bodo community, connecting Bodo communities across Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and other northeastern border regions.
Tim Southee to Retire from International Cricket Post World Test Championship
Tim Southee, New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker, has announced his retirement from international cricket following the conclusion of the current ICC World Test Championship campaign. The 35-year-old fast bowler, who has been a stalwart of New Zealand cricket, will play his final series against England, marking a full circle as he made his debut against the same team in 2008. Southee has an impressive record with 385 Test wickets across 104 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in Test cricket, behind only Sir Richard Hadlee.