Bangladesh’s first Hindu Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, facing graft and money-laundering allegations, has resigned a month after he went on leave abroad amid a row with the government over a crucial Supreme Court Judgement.
First Meet to Work for Open Indo-Pacific Zone Held
India, the US, Japan and Australia resurrected their “quadrilateral” grouping from the ashes and gave a thumbs up for a “free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region” after the first meeting of officials on the sidelines of the Asean summit in Manila. The discussions focused on cooperation based on their converging vision and values for promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in an increasingly inter-connected region that they share with each other and with other partners.
The top items at the Quad dialogue included ways of maintaining the “rules-based order” in the Indo-Pacific theatre, a review of the happenings in the Indo-Pacific and North Korea. At the quadrilateral meeting, India was represented by Pranay Verma, joint secretary in charge of East Asia, and Vinay Kumar, joint secretary (south).
Morocco to Replicate Aadhar Success for Citizen-Centric Services
Morocco, Africa’s second biggest economy and Delhi’s key counterterror partner in North Africa, is keen to replicate India’s successes in linking Aadhaar to various services for citizens. Rabat recently sent a high-level delegation led by interior minister Noureddine Boutayeb to study the process.
In a major move, the Reserve Bank of India has decided not to pursue a proposal for the introduction of Islamic banking in the country. According to RBI, the decision was taken after considering “the wider and equal opportunities” available to all citizens to access banking and financial services.
Nearbuy and Little to be Acquired by Paytm
Two of the most well-funded daily-deals sites — Nearbuy (formerly Groupon India), and Bengaluru-based Little backed by SAIF Partners and Singapore’s GIC — are being acquired by the Vijay Shekhar Sharma-led Paytm in a distress sale. Both the companies had together raised more than $80 million in capital and are now being bought out for around $30 million in what is a mix of a cash-and-stock transaction. Both the companies offer deals across restaurants, movies, hotels, salons, gyms and spas.
Boeing Wins Order for 40 Dreamliners from Emirates
Boeing took a lead over European competitor Airbus on the first day of the Dubai Air Show by getting an order for 40 of its latest 787-10 Dreamliners from Emirates, the flag carrier of the city state. The order is worth $15.1 billion based on the list price.
Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani clinched his 17th world title on Sunday after defeating veteran Mike Russell of England in the IBSF World Billiards Championship. Advani won 6-2 (0-155, 150-128, 92-151, 151-0, 151-6, 151-0, 150-58, 150-21) to defend the 150-up format title he had won in Bangalore last year.
DNA Test for Team India
Keeping in sync with Virat Kohli’s uncompromising training regimen, the Indian cricketers are now undergoing DNA test that reveals the genetic fitness blueprint of an individual, raising the bar to a level hitherto unseen. The test helps a sportsman improve his speed, in fat burning, endurance, recovery time, and muscle building.
Haryana has been conferred with the ‘Champion of Change’ Award in the category of best state for engaging the maximum number of apprentices per lakh of population under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Haryana is the only state chosen for the award.
Major scam Unearthed in recruitment of Postmen
The vigilance department of the Department of Posts has unearthed a major scam in recruitment for over 2,400 vacancies in Maharashtra and Goa. The Mumbai police registered an FIR in August against Manipal Technologies Ltd (MTL), which had won a bid in 2015 to conduct the recruitment process for postmen, mail guards and other staffers in the postal department. Dubbing it a big scam, Justice A M Badar of the Bombay high court refused to grant prearrest bail to Mallya on November 3. Prima facie, it is seen that the company has breached the trust reposed by it and had shown nepotism and partiality in selecting candidates for obvious reasons.
Rajasthan to Make Sanskrit Compulsory in Schools
Rajasthan education department may make Sanskrit a compulsory third language from Classes IV-X in state board schools to ensure that students have access to “ancient wisdom regarding Bharat Varsha”. The decision will be implemented in both government and private schools.