Author: Virgin News

December 8, 2024 Morning: Chaos in the Capital Midday: Assad’s Escape Evening: Rebel Declaration A Rebel holds an AK-47 and flashes the victory sign in a hall of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s presidential palace in Damascus, Syria, on December 8, 2024. | Photo Credit: AP The Fall of Damascus Factors Leading to Assad’s Downfall 1. Military Overextension Years of war had drained Assad’s military capacity. Despite significant support from Russia and Iran, his forces were overstretched, leaving critical areas like Homs vulnerable. Rebel forces exploited these weaknesses through surprise attacks and superior coordination. 2. Economic Collapse Sanctions, corruption, and war-related…

New Delhi, December 6, 2024 (PTI): In a notable development, U.S. investment banking giant JP Morgan has assigned an ‘overweight’ rating to four Adani Bonds issued by the Adani Group, citing the conglomerate’s robust ability to scale operations and generate growth through internal cash flows, which mitigates potential credit risks. According to JP Morgan’s report, three of the bonds rated ‘overweight’ were issued by Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone (SEZ), while the fourth is associated with Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd, a subsidiary of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. However, the report maintained a neutral stance on five other bonds from…

As the release of Pushpa 2: The Rule inches closer, Malayali fans of Telugu superstar Allu Arjun are in a frenzy of celebration and anticipation. For his admirers in Kerala, “Aallu Arjun” is not just an actor but an emotion, a symbol of hope, positivity, and sheer cinematic joy. Fans laud him as a “brother figure” whose films inspire courage and offer a sense of belonging. A Personal Connection with the Icon Star-Pushpa 2 For fans like Sujith Thomas from Sulthan Bathery, Allu Arjun is more than a screen idol; he is a beacon of hope and resilience. Sujith, a…

India’s antitrust regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has declined Apple’s request in Apple Antitrust Case to suspend an investigation report alleging that the tech giant violated competition laws. The decision allows the proceedings to move forward, according to an internal CCI order obtained by Reuters. Apple Antitrust Case: Background of the Case Background of the Case The dispute dates back to 2021, when Apple was accused of exploiting its dominant position in the app store market on its iOS platform thereby with the result of Apple Antitrust Case. The allegations were brought forward by the Indian non-profit organization,…

Adelaide, December 7, 2024 – The second day of India vs Australia the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s second Test at the Adelaide Oval saw Australia seize control, courtesy of a stellar performance by Travis Head, who smashed a scintillating century to give the hosts a significant lead of 157 runs. India, trailing 1-0 in the five-match series, now face an uphill task to wrestle back momentum. Head’s Masterclass Anchors Australia’s Innings in India vs Australia Resuming the day at 86/1 in India vs Australia, Australia faced early resistance from the Indian bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj kept a tight leash on…

The Rajya Sabha witnessed unprecedented drama on December 6, 2024, when a wad of ₹500 currency notes was found under a seat assigned to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The startling revelation by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar not only disrupted proceedings but also escalated into a fierce political row between the ruling BJP and the Opposition, bringing the House to a standstill. Discovery During Anti-Sabotage Check in Rajya Sabha The incident unfolded during a routine anti-sabotage check in Rajya Sabha conducted after the House adjourned the previous day. Security personnel discovered ₹500 notes, totalling approximately ₹50,000, neatly tucked under seat number…

Delhi experienced its chilliest night of the winter season on Thursday, with the mercury plummeting to 8.5 degrees Celsius, marking a sharp decline from 12.5 degrees Celsius the previous night. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the minimum temperature may drop further to around 7 degrees Celsius in the coming days.  This steep four-degree dip in 24 hours set a new seasonal low, surpassing the second-coldest night of this winter on November 26, when the temperature hit 9.5 degrees Celsius. Historical comparisons reveal that last year, Delhi recorded a minimum of 9.5 degrees Celsius on November 29, while…

In a landmark move to modernize higher education in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations, 2024. These proposed guidelines aim to redefine the admission process, academic structure, and evaluation methods for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs, aligning them with global standards while promoting flexibility and inclusivity. Key Highlights of the Proposed Changes The draft introduces sweeping reforms to empower students, increase flexibility in education pathways, and encourage multidisciplinary learning. Below are the notable shifts proposed: Vision Behind the Reforms UGC Chairman…

Sriharikota, December 5, 2024 – In another monumental achievement for Indian space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the PSLV-C59 rocket carrying the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on Thursday. The mission, initially scheduled for December 4, was rescheduled to December 5 due to a last-minute anomaly in the propulsion system. “Mission Success! The PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission has successfully achieved its launch objectives, deploying ESA’s satellites into their designated orbit with precision,” ISRO announced on X. PSLV-C59 – A Mission Redefining Space Collaboration A Mission Redefining Space Collaboration The PSLV-C59…

Mumbai, December 5, 2024 – Maharashtra CM Oath Ceremony witnessed a historic moment today as Devendra Fadnavis took the oath as the Chief Minister for the third time, leading the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to another promising tenure of governance. The grand ceremony held at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers of several NDA-ruled states, marking a new chapter in the political history. Maharashtra CM Oath Ceremony: A Day of Celebration and Unity The swearing-in ceremony was a magnificent affair, drawing thousands of supporters and dignitaries. Devendra…