News Capsule for the Month of December 2023

Kerala, India, World, Sports, Technology, Business and Finance, Israel-Palestine, Ukraine-Russia War

Article of the month

Kerala

• ‘Unwarranted Intervention Of Kerala Govt’: Supreme Court Quashes Re-Appointment Of Kannur University Vice-Chancellor.
• Kerala Varma College polls: SFI candidate wins by 3 votes in recounting, setback for KSU.
• IYC is marred with fake voter ID allegations.
• CPIM leader interrupts the rise of the K-SWIFT bus.
• Supreme Court Stays HC Order Holding That Land Over 25 Cents Can Be Converted By Paying Fee Under Section 27A, Kerala Paddy Land Act.
• Kerala High Court Berates Cyber Bullying Of LGBTQ Community.
• Former IAS Officer Dr Christy Fernandez passed away.
• 7 tourists from Kerala killed in Zojila Pass road accident: Report.
• CPI(M), CPI ask Rahul Gandhi not to contest polls from Kerala again.
• Movie Director Jeo Baby stopped at Farook College.
• C Raghunath quits Congress and joins BJP.
• Cardinal Major Arch Bishop stepped down.
• Wimpy Kid Jeff Kinney comes to Kochi.
• Ariyil Shukoor murder: Kerala HC quashes P Jayarajan’s defamation case against IUML’s KM Shaji.
• Local body bypolls: UDF sweeps 15 wards, LDF wins 12.
• HC stays Guv Khan’s appointment of 4 student reps to the Kerala University Senate.
• SFI shows black flags, posters and banners against the governor.
• The 13-year-old male tiger attacked and killed a youth in Wayanad; the search continues.
• Vandiperiyar Rape & Murder Of Minor Girl: Kerala Court Acquits Sole Accused Citing Lack Of Evidence, Defects In Investigation.
• ‘Hadiya Living Freely, Not Under Illegal Detention’: Kerala High Court Dismisses Hadiya’s Father’s Habeas Corpus Petition.
• BJP to take Wayanad seat from coalition partner BDJS.
• Kerala High Court Quashes Devaswom Board Order Permitting Use Of Temple Premises For ‘Nava Kerala Sadas’.
• Nava Kerala Sadas was completed successfully in a month and a half amidst protests, use of violence and controversies.
• Senior CPI leader Kanam Rajendran passed away.
• Man-eating tiger caged in Wayanad 10 days after dairy farmer’s death.
• Congress leader K Sudhakaran justifies Sangh Parivar’s appointments only to retract it later.
• Kerala High Court orders handover of convention centre.
• Ganesh Kumar and Ramachandran Kadanapally MLAs to become Ministers.
• Restrictions imposed on Cochin Carnival on New Year’s eve.

India

• Counting for the Mizoram Assembly Elections was postponed to December 4.
• In the much-awaited assembly elections, BJP won in Chhatisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh; Congress was satisfied with Telangana and ZPM made a surprise in Mizoram.
• DY Chandrachud completes one year as CJI.
• Maratha communities stir for reservation.
• The second phase of Kashi Tamil Sangamam began on December 17
• “Mend Your Ways, Or Else Public Will Oust You”: PM Modi Warns Opposition.
• BJP’s sole Muslim leader in Rajasthan and rebel won as independent.
• Massive floods were reported in Chennai and parts of Tamil Nadu due to the Cyclone Michaung.
• CM Stalin spoke with PM Modi over the floods.
• ‘Teesri Baar Modi Sarkar’, ‘Baar Baar Modi Sarkar’: BJP MPs Raise Slogans in Parliament in PM Narendra Modi’s Presence After BJP Wins Hindi Heartland in Assembly Elections.
• ASI submits a report on the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi.
• To Ensure Judges Do Their Duty, One Must Not Merely Protect Them But Also Hold Them To Account: CJI DY Chandrachud.
• Review Cannot Be Disguised Appeal: Madras High Court Dismissed Plea Against Order Upholding Construction Of Mosque Near Temple
• PIL Moved In Allahabad High Court Challenging UP Govt’s Order Revising Wages Of Prisoners.
• ‘Leave It To Law Commission Of India’: Delhi High Court Closed Pleas Seeking Uniform Civil Code.
• Supreme Court Questions Tamil Nadu Governor For Referring Bills To President, Says He Can’t Do It After Withholding Assent.
• ‘No Power Taken Away From State Police’: Supreme Court Remarks On Punjab Govt’s Plea Against Expansion Of BSF Jurisdiction.
• ‘Political Outfits Of Different Hues Entitled To Level Playing Field’: Calcutta High Court Allows Public Meeting.
• Mere Delayed Compliance Of Section 52A NDPS Act No Ground For Bail: Delhi High Court.
• Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena chief shot dead in Jaipur.
• INDIA bloc meetings were held amidst confusion and chaos.
• Election Commission suspends Telangana DGP Anjani Kumar over violation of Model Code of Conduct: Report.
• Meitis and Kukis started talking about a Peace deal.
• ‘Shut down all roadside non-veg stalls’: Rajasthan BJP MLA after Assembly poll win.
• Parliament Passes Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Bill, J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill.
• Anti-militancy operations focus on forested areas of the Pir Panjal Valley.
• Rajasthan BJP sees massive rebellion in favour of Vasundhara Raje.
• PM Modi asks workers to call him Modi, not Modiji.
• Rajya Sabha passes the Post Office Bill to amend the 125-year-old Indian Post Office Act.
• Four died in an accident while taking a tour of Kashmir.
• K Chandrasekhar Rao was hospitalised after a fall.
• Union ministers attend overseas BJP events while on official trips: Jaishankar
• ZPM leader Lalduhoma takes oath as Mizoram Chief Minister.
• After the Congress’ election debacle in 3 states, Rahul Gandhi missed the Winter Session.
• New BJP CMs decided, surprise in all three states.
• Meenakshi Lekhi disowns MEA correction.
• BSP chief Mayawati names her nephew, Akash Anand, as her successor.
• Constitutional Validity Of Order Scrapping J&K Special Status Upheld by the Supreme Court.
• 4th National Lok Adalat Of 2023: 1.17 Crore Cases Resolved.
• CBSE releases dates for Class 10 and 12 Board exams.
• Amit Shah withdraws 3 Bills on criminal laws; introduces new draft legislations.
• Parliament passed the Bill On Appointment Of Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners.
• The three Criminal laws were passed in Parliament and became law.
• Right To Personal Liberty Includes Not Only the Right To Travel Abroad but Also To Possess a Passport: Telangana High Court.
• FBI director visits NIA HQs, highlights need to take partnership to next level to counter-terrorism.
• Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain PIL To Set Up Commission To Resolve Differences Between Ethnic Groups
• Breaking: Delhi High Court Refuses To Grant Divorce To Omar Abdullah From Estranged Wife Payal Abdullah.
• Indian parliament attack occurred from the visitor’s gallery where youth unleashed smoke canisters.
• Parliament breach: all accused nabbed, all unemployed; charged under UAPA.
• Lok Sabha secretariat suspends 7 personnel for Parliament security lapse.
• A total of 141 Opposition MPs from both houses of Parliament were suspended.
• Parliament Passes Bill Proposing To Establish Central Tribal University In Telangana.
• Supreme Court Dismisses Bail Plea Of Saumya Chaurasia, Former Chhattisgarh CM’s Dy Secretary, In Money Laundering Case.
• BJP to seek explanation from Karnataka MLAs S T Somashekar, Shivaram Hebbar for attending Congress dinner.
• Supreme Court Asks D Roopa IPS To Delete Social Media Posts Against Rohini Sindhuri IAS.
• Delhi Riots: Court Denies Bail To Shahrukh Pathan Who Pointed Gun At Cop.
• Supreme Court(2:1 Majority) Suspends Conviction Of BSP MP Afsal Ansari; Dissenting Judge Says Impact On Electorate Can’t Be Considered.
• Karnataka says it won’t release the Caste census.
• Parliament Security Breach Conspiracy Planned Since Last Two Years, Accused Wanted To Create Anarchy: Delhi Police To Court.
• Anti-Terror Agency Raids 19 Locations Across 4 States In ISIS Network Case.
• PM Modi is in Varanasi for various inaugurations.
• Law Can’t Look Away From Discrimination In Private Spaces: CJI DY Chandrachud.
• Parliament Passes Key Bills Proposing To Extend Women’s Reservation To Puducherry, Jammu And Kashmir Assemblies.
• Congress party to start Donate for Desh crowdfunding only to be hijacked by BJP.
• INDIA alliance met in Delhi for the parliamentary session.
• Congress starts for 2024 campaign with a massive rally from Nagpur.
• PM Modi innaugerates Kashi Tamil Sangamam.
• Gyanvapi-Kashi Title Dispute: ‘Civil Suits Not Barred By Places Of Worship Act’, Allahabad HC Rejects Masjid Committee’s Challenge.
• Bombay High Court Grants Bail To Gautam Navlakha In Bhima Koregaon Case.
• 39 people held in crackdown on foreigners illegally settled in Jammu: police.
• CISF set to take over Parliament security.
• Terror strike in J&K’s Rajouri: 4 soldiers killed in ambush.
• IIT Kanpur professor dies of cardiac arrest while giving speech at alumni meet.
• ‘We Recall the Noble Teachings of Lord Christ’: PM Narendra Modi Extends Greetings to People on Christmas 2023.
• PM holds special Christmas celebrations with Christian leaders.
• CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury turns down the Ayodhya Ram Temple Invite on behalf of the party.
• Congress announces Bharat Nyaya Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai.
• C Raghjvan leaves Congress for BJP; Major Ravi joins BJP.
• Ram Mandir to have 70 Acre Green Cover.
• Karnataka passes a law to have 60% of the board in Kannada.
• Vigilante groups and Mobs have started to destroy banners and boards of companies and businesses in Bangalore.
• Centre bans Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) under UAPA.
• India formally asks Pakistan to extradite 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
• PM Modi inaugurates Ayodhya Airport and Railway Station.
• Five people missing for six years in Karnataka were found dead at their home.
• Mumbai receives bomb threats for the new year.

International/World

• COP 28 was held in UAE amidst multiple controversies.
• Paul Lynch wins the Booker Prize.
• A suspected bomb blast kills at least 3 Christian worshippers in southern Philippines.
• Mohamed Muizzu’s India-out policy, Turkey makes inroads into Maldives.
• Queens, New York: Four killed including two children in stabbing attack.
• UK to ban foreign care workers from bringing dependents; imposes higher salary threshold for visas but the decision is currently paused.
• The US is refilling its Crude Oil Reserves.
• Representative George Santos was removed from the House through an Impeachment Vote.
• U.S. Charges Four Russians With War Crimes in Ukraine.
• Donald Trump claims he will be a dictator on one day in an interview.
• UNLV shooting: Police say three dead in University of Nevada shooting.
• 4th Republican party debate was held in Mississippi.
• Pearl Harbour anniversary observed.
• UNLV gunman shot dead.
• Hunter Biden faces charges for tax fraud case.
• Tom Suozzi is the candidate for the special election against Rep. George Santos.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin said he will seek re-election.
• Jubilant Agri & Consumer Products CEO Manu Ahuja passes away.
• Hong Kong voters turn their backs on the ‘patriots only’ election with record low turnout.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights, marked its 75th anniversary.
• FBI chief in India following explosive US assassination plot indictment.
• Pakistan Terror Attack: 23 Killed After Suicide Bombers Storm Security Compound In Dera Ismail Khan.
• Delhi HC allows Nimisha Priya’s mother to travel to Yemen.
• A new draft of the deal on fossil fuels was released after hours of wrangling during COP28.
• Emmy-winning actor Andre Braugher died following a brief illness.
• West Africa bloc to negotiate with Niger junta on return to democracy.
• Ex-premier Imran Khan and his aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi were indicted in a cipher case.
• The House approved an annual defense policy bill, authorizing $886 billion in defense spending.
• Kuwait Sheikh Amir Navas Ahmed Al Jabbar Al Sahab passed away,
• Trump in his speech says Immigrants are poisoning the country’s blood.
• Mexico shootings: 16 killed after gunmen attack people returning from Christmas party in Guanajuato.
• Italy’s Giorgia Meloni says no place for Islam in Europe: ‘Distant from our values’.
• EU Launches Formal Probe Into Musk’s X Over Illegal Content.
• Pope authorised same-sex marriages.
• Serbia’s elections held under ‘unjust conditions’, say international observers.
• The ruling alliance under Alexander Vucic wins the election.
• Russia conducted its biggest-ever airstrike on Ukraine.
• Earthquake strikes China, this time with a magnitude of 5.5 in the Xinjiang region.
• A volcano erupts on the islands of Iceland.
• British people have changed their stance on Brexit and several other issues.
• The US forms a country alliance to keep the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden safe from allies.
• US intel confirms Russia has lost 87% of its troops.
• Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy media tycoon facing a national security trial in Hong Kong.
• Donald Trump is barred from the Primary ballot from Colorado.
• He is also barred from Maine by the Secretary of State.
• Michigan court allows Trump to stay on the ballot.
• Six of the American detainees were deemed wrongfully detained and were released by Venezuela.
• 15 dead in the University of Prague shooting.
• Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy after judge rules Georgia election workers can collect $148m.
• Supreme Court declines to fast-track Trump immunity case.
• Protesters resume long march to Islamabad against alleged extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.
• Flight with 300 Indians grounded in France over suspected ‘human trafficking’.
• Ukraine celebrates its first Christmas on 25th December.
• Kremlin critic Alexi Navalny found missing from his Jail.
• An Israeli airstrike in Syria kills a high-ranking Iranian general.
• Turkish Parliament passes a law giving Sweden permission to join NATO.
• US conducts Air strikes on Iranian militias in Iraq for attack on US base facility.
• South Africa files genocide case against Israel at International Court of Justice.
• China removes nine PLA generals from top legislature in sign of wider purge.
• Federal judge accepts redrawn Georgia congressional and legislative districts that will favour GOP.
• Ohio’s Republican governor vetoes trans care restriction and sports ban.
• Argentina pulls out of plans to join Brics bloc.
• Qatar court removes the death penalty for Indian servicemen in the spying case.

Israel-Palestine

• Both sides started fighting again after a fragile truce.
• Two Hamas gunmen opened fire at a Jerusalem bus stop, killing three.
• Deadly Israel strikes rock Gaza after truce collapses.
• ‘There’s Not Market Place Of Facts’ : CJI DY Chandrachud Expresses Concerns About Online Disinformation & Hate Speech.
• US State Department says it will impose travel bans on extremist Jewish settlers implicated in a rash of attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
• New British Foreign Minister David Cameroon visits Israel.
• The UN Secretary-General calls for a ceasefire under Art 99 of the charter.
• The US vetoes the call for a ceasefire in the UNSC.
• A Reuters journalist killed by an Israeli tank was caught on camera.
• Article 99 of the UN Charter, was invoked amid Israel’s military attacks on the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas threatens to kill all remaining hostages if demands are not met.
• India votes in favour of UNGA resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire.
• Israel says it mistakenly killed three hostages in the Gaza campaign.
• Israel claims its strike on refugee camp was a mistake.
• ‘Incompetent dumpster fire’: Michigan GOP rocked by financial turmoil and infighting.
• UN Approves Resolution on Gaza Aid; UN Chief Says Israel Creating Distribution ‘Obstacles’
• Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations were cancelled.
• On Christmas day IDF air raided Bethlehem.
• Netanyahu says no peace until Hamas is destroyed and that war could go on for months.
• Israel widens offensive in central Gaza after flattening much of the north.
• US shoots down two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles, the second such incident in a week.

Technology

• Fleet electrification to tackle urban pollution.
• CUSAT Prof S Bijoy Nandan is to be appointed as VC in charge of Kannur University.
• New protocol for Anganwadi workers to track children with disabilities.
• India looking to build Sovereign AI as per the IT minister.
• Spotify to reduce staff by 17% in second layoff this year.
• Rs 379 Cr allocated for Kochi Metro Phase II.
• Global Technology Summit by Carnegie India was held.
• India launched its first X-ray polarimeter Satellite.
• Negatively Affects Access To Justice: Manipur High Court Says Statewide Mobile Internet Ban Cannot Be Continued.
• Seven Bihar workers lose lives while trapped in Vijayapura warehouse; check details.
• Isro brings back the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module to Earth Orbit and shows off tech to return from the Moon.
• Zerodha faces multiple outages; CEO Nithin Kamath reveals the reason behind tech issues.
• Al Gore slams COP28 summit.
• Kochi Metro Tripunithra Terminal trial run begins.
• All of the Ospreys flown by the Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy are grounded.
• NCRB data reveals Bengaluru registered nearly 75% of all cyber crime cases among metro cities in 2022.
• Most airports, including those under the public-private bloc, made a loss; Kozhikode, Kochi earned a profit.
• AICTE to regulate BBA, and BCA from now on.
• Digital economy to contribute 20% of India’s GDP by 2026: Union minister Chandrasekhar.
• FDA approves cure for sickle cell disease, the first treatment to use gene-editing tool CRISPR.
• Las Vegas to Los Angeles high-speed railway to be completed for 2028 Olympics.
• The GTA 6 trailer was released based on Florida.
• India Infrastructure Report 2023 delves into digital transformation and public-private partnerships.
• Health Ministry launches nationwide campaign to train people to give life-saving CPR.
• Google Gemini as an alternate to Chat GPT released.
• Google DeepMind’s AI breakthrough could revolutionise chip and battery development.
• EU ‘historic’ deal becomes the world’s first law on regulating AI propose
• Kerala High Court Directs Facebook-India To File Compliance Affidavit On Removal Of Offensive Post Against Asianet News Editor.
• Karnataka wins legal tussle against Kerala over the use of ‘KSRTC’.
• Maldives to not renew 2019 water survey pact with India.
• OSRTC Turnaround Becomes IIM-A Case Study.
• Malappuram District Commission Holds Vivo & Its Retailer Liable For Failure To Provide Free Service Within Warranty Period, Orders Refund & Compensation.
• Telecommunications Bill 2023 is passed in the Parliament.
• Water Metro trial to new routes start.
• Pornhub, Stripchat, XVideos to face EU’s tough new regulation.
• With 200 lasers scientists recreate nuclear fusion.
• Internet, and social media in Pakistan face disruption ahead of PTI online rally.
• Drone that hit tanker ship off Gujarat coast ‘fired from Iran’: US Pentagon.
• Special Vande Bharat service held from Chennai to Kozhikode on Christmas day.
• ‘1 nation, 1 student ID’ to be extended to schools.
• MPhil is no longer a valid degree declares UGC.
• India to develop Lucknow as India’s first AI.
• 40% of US electricity is now emissions-free.

Business and Finance

• Amitabh Bachchan’s ₹2800+ Crore Property To Be Equally Split Between Abhishek And Shweta as Per Reports
• Plan to bring shipbuilding under MSME, says Minister Gadkari.
• Charlie Munger helped Warren Buffett build the $785 billion investment giant Berkshire Hathaway.
• Nifty and Sensex touch record highs.
• US Markets also ended at a new high.
• No CAG Performance Audit of MGNREGA for 10 Years Poses Serious Questions.
• Malleshwaram Krishna Bhavan in Bangalore is now closed.
• BCCI claims Byju’s has defaulted payment of Rs 158 crore.
• The Monetary Policy Committee of India to leave the repo rate unchanged.
• The U.S. has imposed sanctions on a Belgian involved in procuring electronics for the Russian military, his companies and a group of Belarusian firms and people tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Israeli investors were interested in making profits ahead of 7/10 as per the regulators.
• From ‘Hindu’ to ‘Hindutva Growth Rate’: BJP MP jabs Congress over India’s GDP.
• Most airports, including those under the public-private bloc, made a loss; Kozhikode, Kochi earned a profit.
• Dunzo fails to pay Nov salaries to its present employees: Report.
• Moody’s cut China’s economic outlook to ‘negative’.
• RBI increases UPI transaction limit for education and healthcare to Rs 5 lakh.
• Zerodha founders record Rs 72 Cr. salary each.
• One Investor Cannot Accuse Another Investor Of Cheating If Business Runs Into Losses: Karnataka High Court.
• Persons Not Affected By Order Challenged In Revision Petition Not Necessary Parties, Cannot Seek Recourse To Section 401(2) CrPC: Delhi HC.
• Tim Cook is risking his legacy on a pricey product in an unproven market.
• Inflation has fallen significantly from a peak of about 9% last summer in the US.
• Epic Games wins case against Google over Play Store ‘monopoly’.
• Kerala Court Grants ₹10 Lakh Compensation To Renowned Psychologist In Defamation Suit.
• Kerala Govt Moves Supreme Court Against Centre Limiting State’s Borrowing Capacity, Alleges Violation Of Fiscal Federalism.
• Kerala High Court Records ED’s Submission On Withdrawal Of Summons Issued To KIIFB, Thomas Isaac.
• Words Of Common English Usage Can’t Be Registered As Trademark, No Monopoly Can Be Claimed By Anyone: Delhi High Court.
• Infosys Employees get up to a 10% salary hike.
• Investments Made Through Banking Channels Can’t Be Disbelieved, Onus On Revenue To Prove Otherwise: Allahabad HC.
• Google to pay $ 700 million to U.S. consumers, states in Play store settlement.
• Madhya Pradesh High Court Allows Recovery Of Excess Pension Paid To Retd Teacher, Says Not Notifying Bank Of Excess Amount Was Breach Of Trust.
• 2570 acres of land allotted for Sabarimala Airport.
• Garlic prices are up and will stay high for some time.
• Crisis-hit Kerala gets Rs 1404.50 cr from centre ahead of the festivities.
• Cochin International Airport handles 10 million passengers in a calendar year.
• Gujarat allows liquor to be sold in GIFT city.
• NGO’s food kit distribution for AIDS patients resumes in Kochi.
• Biden administration upholds ban on smartwatches.
• ‘Export of basmati rice could be affected by Red Sea attacks’.

Sports

• Loss for Al Nassar Club.
• UEFA Euro 2024 Draw Ceremony in Germany Interrupted by Sex Noises, Popular YouTube Prankster Jarvo69 Claims Responsibility.
• Vijay Hazare trophy matches are held.
• IPL Auctions for 2024 held. Michael Starc is the most expensive player.
• Lionel Messi was named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year.
• BCCI Plans To Launch IPL-like New League In T10 Format In 2024.
• The NBA Hall of Famer had surgery after falling at a concert in Los Angeles.
• Payment Under IPL Playing Contract, CESTAT Quashes Service Tax Demand Against Cricketer R. Ashwin.
• India’s Wresting Federation is suspended.
• Indian Wrestlers return their awards and medals as a sign of protest.
• India’s Women’s Team wins massive against Australia.
• The purchase of Hardik Pandya during the trade window by Mumbai Indians. He’s made captain of MI as well.
• A new proposal for the European Super League was released after a court in Luxembourg ruled in favour of them over FIFA and UEFA. This league currently consists of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
• Wrestler Sakshi Malik ends her career in wrestling.
• Earlier this league had Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, and Liverpool. But these clubs backed out four days after the announcement in 2021.
• This will be a huge turning point for clubs that are looking to split the media rights attained from this competition through a closed league system.

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