NATIONAL NEWS
DRDO successfully flight tests High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) Abhyas
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the indigenously developed High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) Abhyas from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast, Odisha.
Prime Minister Modi asks for high-level alertness at all levels amid Omicron concern
PM Modi during a high-level meeting with the officials on the current Omicron scare in the country has asked to take stock of public health measures for the management and containment of COVID-19. He also directed to strengthen the health infrastructure at the state level.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launches National Highway Projects in Uttar Pradesh
The Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of National Highway Projects in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. The 240 km highway projects are worth Rs. 9,119 crores.
Contemporary messaging app ‘ASIGMA’ launched by Indian Army
A contemporary messaging app ‘ASIGMA’ has been launched by the Indian Army. ASIGMA is a new generation, state-of-the-art, web-based application that has been developed entirely in-house by a team of officers.
Night Curfew imposed by Madhya Pradesh Govt
The state government of Madhya Pradesh has imposed a night curfew till further orders. The decision has been taken in view of the rising cases of COVID-19 in the state. The night curfew in MP will remain in force from 11 PM to 5 AM.
High-Speed HEAT Abhyas flight tested
Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully tested indigenously developed High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) Abhyas. HEAT Abhyas demonstrated a high subsonic speed trajectory at a very low altitude with high endurance during the flight test. The latest development will provide a major boost to India’s defence prowess.
Karnataka anti-conversion bill
The controversial anti-conversion bill has been passed by the Karnataka legislative assembly amid long debates. The bill seeks to curb illegal religious conversions. Former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah said that the anti-conversion bill is anti-Constitution and anti-human being.
Indian bowler Harbhajan Singh retired from all forms of cricket
Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh has announced retirement from all forms of cricket. Harbhajan Singh was the first Indian bowler to bowl a hat-trick in Test cricket. He also has the fourth-highest number of Test wickets by an off-spinner after India’s Ravichandran Ashwin and Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath.
New restrictions for Omicron in Odisha
Odisha Government has released a new list of restrictions for Christmas and New Year. The decision has been taken amid the recent rise in cases of the Omicron COVID variant. The State Government has restricted Christmas and New Year celebrations as well. As per the restrictions, all social gatherings including rallies, celebrations, orchestras in hotels, restaurants, clubs, and parks have been banned.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
United States expands interview waivers for H-1B, L-1 visas
Amid the growing concern of Coronavirus surge, the US has decided to temporarily drop the in-person interview requirement for some work-visa categories- H-1B, L-1, and O-1. The applicants for H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas applying from abroad will not be required to do an in-person interview at a consulate. It is the final step before a visa is issued.
Belgium to close all its nuclear power plants
The Belgian Government has agreed in principle to close all its nuclear power plants by the year 2025. However, the government has decided to leave open the possibility of extending the life of two reactors if it will not be able to otherwise ensure the energy supply. The country has decided to phase out nuclear power plants while using gas as a bridge towards sustainable energy sources.
US President signs a bill banning goods from China’s Xinjiang
The President of the United States Joe Biden has signed a bill that bans imports from the Xinjiang region of China. The step has been taken over the concerns about forced labour further provoking an angry Chinese condemnation. The Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act is part of the United States’ pushback against China’s treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in the country, which the US has labeled as genocide. However, China has denied any form of abuse in the Xinjiang region. It is a major cotton producer and it also supplies much of the world’s materials for solar panels.
