At a time when we probably have to fold our hands to Mother Nature for teaching us an important lesson through COVID-19, the UGC thinks we ought to thank someone else. Oh you know who. The Aam Aadmi Party is playing the religion card ahead of the Punjab polls. And in France, the name Valeri Bacot now evokes sadness at the state of affairs of women all around the world.
Continue reading “June 22 – Thank You Modiji!”Quiz of The Week #1
Welcome to the first Sunday Quiz. After submitting your response, the screen may appear blank if you are using a mobile device, so please scroll up to see result.
Continue reading “Quiz of The Week #1”June 20- States, Heed Warning!
With quite a few states opening up their economies after two months of severe restrictions, the Centre has sounded a warning: it is “extremely important” to go for a calibrated approach. Vaccine politics, meanwhile is well and truly on with Palestine canceling the agreement with Israel after it found the shipment were too close to expiry, and US is “undermining” China by offering to supply to Taiwan. Iran has a new president after an election that saw a record low turnout with more than half not voting and many leaving their vote “blank”.
Continue reading “June 20- States, Heed Warning!”Runner Rests; Another Censorship Law
AS the world crosses another grim milestone in its fight against COVID-19, we ought to remember these are not just number but someone. Someone’s father, mother, friend, child and even, legends. Importantly, the same consideration should be extended to the living, including J-K where the political process to conduct polls has reportedly begun. In what is considered a “rarity” in the UN, countries have come together to call on the world to stop arms trade with Myanmar. Guess which is the most liveable Indian city?
Continue reading “Runner Rests; Another Censorship Law”June 18 – We Know Nothing, Jon Snow
EVERY time we think we have understood the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it comes around and smacks us in the face reminds us that we probably don’t. This time it is about whether natural immunity stays for a long time. Most studies we have seen so far suggested that we could have natural immunity even after six months, now we have one that says that is unlikely. In other news, the Delhi Police’s attempts to keep three JNU students long enough to “verify their addresses” has been quashed, and the US has a new holiday. It’s not every day that a minister admits for failing to protect women, read what UK’s Justice Secretary has to say.
Have a real hard look at the chocolate that you eat. How would you like to know that the ingredients from there came due to child slavery? Read on:
Continue reading “June 18 – We Know Nothing, Jon Snow”June 17 – When Two Great Powers Meet
Good morning everyone! Today’s list has a very disconcerting story on pregnant women and Covid-19 with many more deaths reported during the second wave. The GoI is going hammer and tongs against Twitter, and the Delhi Police is trying to keep a hold on the three student activists who were earlier given bail by the high court .
Continue reading “June 17 – When Two Great Powers Meet”June 16 – West Asia Boils, HC rips into Delhi Police
SO despite the change in government, the peace between Israel and Palestine is under threat once again with Israel striking in Gaza after an alleged provocation from Palestinians. A significant order from the Delhi high court brings into question excesses in the name of anti-terrorism. Find out how a fight over their flagship planemakers brought the US and the EU into locking horns over cheese and wine. After a brief lull, we are back to reporting concerning news today on the coronavirus.
Continue reading “June 16 – West Asia Boils, HC rips into Delhi Police”June 15: Inflation, Implosion and Expulsion
There are plenty of good news on the coronavirus front today with a new vaccine that India could probably fasttrack approvals for. Not so great news for Bihar leader and LJP chief Chirag Paswan who had only last year given Chief Minister Nitish Kumar plenty of headaches in the state elections. Now he is the one who has got a headache as his party MPs look to oust him from a key post. Consumer inflation is at an eight-month high thanks to the lockdowns and the second wave and this could remain a challenge as 2021 seems as difficult to predict as 2020.
Continue reading “June 15: Inflation, Implosion and Expulsion”G7: In Pics And Words
The 47th G7 meeting was held at Cornwall, Britain from June 11 to June 13 with the theme “Building Back Better”. The grouping consists of some of the richest nations who together have great influence on the world’s economy and political space. Many significant announcements were made. Here is a low down on them all. Also, we decided to use this ocassion to have some good fun.
Top Image: Leaders on inaugural day. Biden is the cutest.
Ram Temple Row, Israel’s New Dawn
CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Death toll: Covid deaths in all but four states have quadrupled in the last six weeks of the second wave. Only West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tribpura and the UT of Ladakh have not reported such a high rise.
INDIA NEWS
CBSE Class 12: Board is considering a proposal to evaluate Class 12 students based on their performance in Class 10 Boards, Class 11 exams, and Class 12 pre-final exams.
Ram ke Naam: AAP and SP have alleged major corruption by the Ram Temple Trust. They say that a certain plot was sold twice within minutes of each other. First, it was purchased at Rs 2 crore and then five minutes later it was purchased again for Rs 18 crore. Trust says no corruption.
Dead: Ziona Chana from Mizoram, believed to be head of world’s largest family with 38 wives and 89 children, is dead after complications due to diabetes and high blood pressure.
WORLD NEWS
New Dawn: Naftali Bennett is the new Israel prime minister. Netanyahu was replaced after 12 years.
Spanish Protest: Another protest has rocked the country with thousands of people flocking to Madrid against the govt’s move to pardon Catalan separatists. Even its Supreme Court opposes it.
Swiss No: Referendum votes narrowly (51-49) against a car fuel levy and extra charge on air tickets, which were moves to meet Switzerland’s Paris Agreement targets. Proposals to ban pesticides and give subsidies to farmers who refuse chemicals were also defeated.
BUSINESS/ECONOMY
Conflict of Interest: PNB Board has approved Rs 4,000 crore loan to investors led by private equity firm The Carlyle Group. Problem: Most of the Board members have links to Carlyle, including two are employed by it. PNB says the know about it and do not see any conflict.
