China Approves $137-Billion Mega Dam Near Indian Border
China approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) in Tibet, close to the Indian border. Estimated at $137 billion, this project raises strategic and environmental concerns for India and Bangladesh. The massive hydropower dam, located at a tectonic boundary prone to earthquakes, has been touted as safe by Chinese authorities, who emphasise ecological protection and advanced engineering techniques.
Dec 28, 2024
Trump Announces Kevin Marino Cabrera as the Ambassador to Panama
US President-elect Donald Trump announced that Miami-Dade county commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera will serve as the ambassador to Panama.
The announcement came after Trump's threat to reassert the control of the United States over the Panama Canal. The US administered the canal for several decades and then handed it over to the Central American country in 1999.
Before becoming the Miami-Dade county commissioner, Cabrera was the director of Trump's 2020 re-election campaign in Florida.
Dec 27, 2024
Tonga Government Elects 'Aisake Valu Eke as New Prime Minister
Tonga's government elected a new leader, two weeks after the previous Premier resigned abruptly after a power struggle with the Pacific nation's royal family.
Veteran politician 'Aisake Valu Eke was voted Prime Minister by secret ballot in parliament, securing sixteen votes to his opponent Viliami Latu's eight.
Eke was first elected to parliament in 2010 and served as Finance Minister between 2014 and 2017.
Dec 25, 2024
Bald Eagle Officially Becomes National Bird of US
The bald eagle, a symbol of the power and strength of the United States for more than 240 years, earned an overdue honour as it officially became the country's national bird.
President Joe Biden signed into law legislation sent to him by Congress that amends the United States Code to correct what had long gone unnoticed and designated the bald eagle, familiar to many because of its white head, yellow beak and brown body, as the national bird.
Three Indians in Forbes' 2024 Power Women List
Forbes unveiled its 21st annual list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, a prestigious ranking that celebrates influential figures across business, entertainment, politics, philanthropy, and policymaking. This year (2024), three Indian women made their mark on the global stage with remarkable achievements in their respective fields. They include Nirmala Sitharaman, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, whose contributions to their industries have earned them prominent spots on the list.
The top 10 Women in the list (2024) are: 1. Claudia Sheinbaum – President of Mexico, 2. Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission, 3. Christine Lagarde – President of the European Central Bank, 4. Giorgia Meloni – Prime Minister of Italy, 5. Mary Barra – CEO of General Motors, 6. Abigail Johnson – CEO of Fidelity Investments, 7. Julie Sweet – CEO of Accenture, 8. Melinda French Gates – Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 9. MacKenzie Scott – Philanthropist and 10. Jane Fraser – CEO of Citigroup.
Dec 24, 2024
Macron Names New French Government
French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new government following the collapse of the previous Cabinet.
The newly appointed Prime Minister, François Bayrou, formed the government, which includes a mix of members from the previous conservative-led team and new figures from centrist and left-leaning backgrounds.
Eric Lombard, a banker, was named as the new Finance Minister. Bruno Retailleau will continue in his role as Interior Minister, while Sébastien Lecornu remains in charge of defence. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also retains his position.
The reshuffle introduced two former Prime Ministers into the Cabinet. Manuel Valls was appointed minister for overseas affairs, and Élisabeth Borne took over the education portfolio. Additionally, former Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin was named Justice Minister.