“SPORTS”

Max Verstappen beats Leclerc to victory in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Formula One champion a record-extending 19th victory of the campaign and 54th overall to move into third on the all-time list. Max Verstappen’s outstanding season ended with a comfortable victory at the Abu Dhabi. Verstappen finished ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes driver George Russell, and also collected a bonus point for the fastest lap. His 54th career win moved him one ahead of former Red Bull great Sebastian Vettel, with only Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (103) left ahead of him.

 “DEFENCE”

NATPOLREX-IX: Indian Coast Guard’s Pollution Response Exercise

The 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) was carried out by the Indian Coast Guard on November 25, 2023, off Vadinar, Gujarat. This event aimed to assess the readiness and coordination of various agencies in responding to a marine oil spill, as per the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).

“BOOK & AUTHOR”

Irish author Paul Lynch wins 2023 Booker Prize

Paul Lynch who is an Irish author won the 2023 Booker prize for his fifth novel ‘Prophet Song’ beating London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo’s debut novel “Western Lane”, at a ceremony in London last night.  After being honoured with the award. The novel, Lynch’s fifth, seeks to show the unrest in Western democracies and their indifference towards disasters such as the implosion of Syria. The author receives £50,000 and was presented with his trophy.

The book, titled ‘Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers’ by Sharmishtha Mukherjee

The book, titled ‘Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers’ authored by Sharmishtha Mukherjee. The book is being brought out by Rupa Publications. The book is also a mirror to the father-daughter relationship between Pranab Mukherjee and Sharmishtha. This and other nuggets of Mukherjee’s life from an unprepossessing village in West Bengal’s Birbhum district to a roller-coaster career thereafter are the highlights of an about-to-be-released biography penned by his daughter, classical dancer Sharmishtha Mukherjee. Among the other details Sharmishtha Mukherjee has been able to glean from her father’s personal diaries as well as memories of her conversations with him include his unfulfilled ambition to become prime minister because of his inability to emerge as the ‘number one person’ to earn Sonia Gandhi’s trust, the personality cult around the Nehru-Gandhi family, Rahul Gandhi’s lack of charisma and political understanding, and Mamata Banerjee’s opposition to his nomination as the presidential candidate.

“APPOINTMENT”

Rajat Kumar Jain Xerox India And Walt Disney India’s Ex-MD Appointed As Fino Payments Bank Chairman

Mumbai-based Fino Payments Bank has recently received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the appointment of Rajat Kumar Jain as Part-time Chairman. The approval is effective from November 24, 2023, until November 01, 2025, signifying a crucial development for the bank. This move is expected to bring valuable experience and expertise to Fino Payments Bank as it continues to strengthen its digital ecosystem and pursue growth opportunities.

Indian-Origin Ex-MP Dave Sharma wins Australian Senate Seat

Dave Sharma, the trailblazing Indian-origin politician, has secured a significant political comeback by winning the New South Wales Liberal Senate race. This victory marks a pivotal moment in Sharma’s political career, as he replaces the retired former foreign minister, Marise Payne. Sharma, who initially made history in 2019 as the first Indian-origin lawmaker in Australian Parliament, brings a wealth of diplomatic and foreign policy expertise to the Senate.

Geert Wilders New PM of Dutch

Geert Wilders, leader of the Freedom Party (PVV), secured a landmark win in the recent Dutch elections, signaling a growing shift towards far-right ideologies in Europe. Wilders, known for his anti-immigration stance and admiration for leaders like Donald Trump and Viktor Orban, is eyeing the position of the Netherlands’ next prime minister.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

UK Detects First Human Case Of H1N2 Pig Virus

On Monday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) disclosed the first human case of H1N2, or the pig virus, discovered through routine national flu surveillance. The affected individual experienced mild illness and fully recovered, raising questions about potential pig-to-human transmission. The UKHSA detected the case through routine flu surveillance, highlighting the unidentified source of infection. Despite uncertainties, the agency reported the individual’s recovery from a mild illness. This marks the first human instance of H1N2 in the UK, underscoring the virus’s mysterious origin.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is set to become the second home for Asiatic lions

After Gir National Park and Sanctuary, the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWLS) is set to become the second home to Asiatic lions. The Gujarat Forest Department presented its proposal to make BWLS the second home to the lions as part of “Project Lion @ 2047”.