Author: Virgin News

San Francisco, December 16, 2024 – The global music community mourns the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the tabla maestro who transformed Indian classical music into a universal language. The legendary musician passed away at the age of 73 due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His family confirmed that he had been undergoing treatment in a San Francisco hospital for the past two weeks before his condition deteriorated. Zakir Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era for the tabla Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era for the tabla, an instrument he elevated to unparalleled prominence on…

Sanjay Malhotra assumes charge as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India amidst calls for rate cuts and economic recalibration.December 9 began as a routine day in the corridors of the Finance Ministry, with bureaucrats preparing answers for the Lok Sabha session. But for keen followers of the Indian economy and financial markets, the spotlight was on a pivotal question: Who would take over the helm of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)? Shaktikanta Das, the outgoing Governor, had just wrapped up his sixth year in office with a monetary policy announcement that left the government dissatisfied due…

India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah once again delivered a match-winning performance, bagging a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first innings of the third Test against Australia on Sunday, December 15, 2024. His fiery bowling rattled the Australian batting lineup and turned the tide in India’s favor. Bumrah started by breaking the crucial partnership between Steve Smith and Travis Head, who had been steady at the crease. He dismissed Smith, who had scored a composed 65 off 149 balls, and followed it up by removing Mitchell Marsh and the in-form Travis Head, who had earlier scored a magnificent 103 off 118…

In India, the challenge is particularly acute. With a vast coastline, numerous rivers, lakes, and ponds, the country witnesses thousands of drowning incidents every year resulting into Drowning Dilemma. Urban and rural areas alike are impacted, with children and fishermen among the most vulnerable groups. Coastal cities like Visakhapatnam have erected warning boards near popular beaches, but accidents continue to occur as locals and tourists underestimate the dangers of strong currents and deep waters. The report emphasizes that drowning is not only a public health issue but also a socio-economic challenge, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Many victims are primary breadwinners,…

New Delhi, December 14, 2024 – With India accounting for nearly 58,000 snakebite deaths annually—almost half of the global total—the Supreme Court has called for urgent action to address this alarming crisis. A Bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan issued notices to the Union and State governments on Friday, seeking their response to a petition demanding the widespread availability of anti-venom and snakebite treatment facilities across health centres, hospitals, and medical colleges. The petition, filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, urged the court to direct the government to initiate a “Snakebite Prevention Health Mission” and implement public awareness…

Seoul, December 14, 2024 – South Korean President suspended as parliament has impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial martial law order, an unprecedented political decision that has plunged the nation into uncertainty. The motion, which passed overwhelmingly with a 204-85 vote, marks a turning point in the country’s democratic journey, sparking jubilant celebrations and heated debates alike. President Yoon’s powers have been suspended following the impeachment, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed temporary presidential duties. The Constitutional Court now faces the task of deciding whether to permanently remove Mr. Yoon from office or reinstate his authority. This…

Constitutional Amendment Bill Aims to Roll Out Simultaneous Elections The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the introduction of two pivotal bills in the Lok Sabha on December 16, 2024, as part of the government’s ambitious push for the “One Nation, One Election” initiative. This significant legislative step seeks to synchronize the schedules of Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce electoral expenditure. Key Legislation Scheduled for Introduction Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will present The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill in the Lower…

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Prem Thakkur, the owner of the Galle Marvels team in the Lanka T10 cricket league, was arrested on Thursday in connection with match-fixing allegations. Thakkur, an Indian national, was taken into custody by the Sri Lanka Sports Police Unit at a hotel in Kandy, where the tournament is being held. Sri Lanka has been proactive in tackling Match-Fixing The arrest came after a foreign player reported a fixing approach allegedly made by Thakkur. Following his apprehension, Thakkur was presented before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Friday and has been remanded until December 16. Thakkur’s arrest was…

A day after Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to take stringent action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the national capital, a widespread crackdown was launched across the city on Wednesday. The operation targeted areas suspected of harbouring undocumented migrants, including Kalindi Kunj, Uttam Nagar, Shaheen Bagh, and Jamia Nagar. The move follows a high-level meeting between the Lieutenant Governor and a delegation of ulemas (clerics) and Muslim leaders, where concerns were raised about security risks and the treatment of minority communities in Bangladesh. Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants: Operation Highlights Police teams conducted checks in slums, footpaths, and…

On December 13, 2024, the Lok Sabha initiated a two-day debate commemorating the 75 Years of Constitution adoption . This discussion, held on December 13 and 14, was a collaborative effort between the government and opposition parties to reflect on the Constitution’s enduring significance. Initiation of the Debate on 75 Years of Constitution Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opened the debate, emphasizing that the Constitution embodies India’s civilizational values and is not the product of any single political entity. He criticized the Congress party for allegedly attempting to monopolize credit for the Constitution and accused it of undermining constitutional principles during…