Brief by Sorts91 Newsdesk / 10:09am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday India
A major security breach occurred in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday when two intruders disrupted proceedings – coincidentally shortly after Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatened to attack Parliament before December 13. While no direct connection has been established between the incidents, the timing raises concerns. Pannun recently claimed a foiled plot to kill him, and released a video featuring a poster alongside pictures of Afzal Guru and the words “Delhi bangea Khalistan.” As MPs panicked Wednesday, two other intruders were nabbed outside Parliament. Speaker Om Birla said belongings were seized from all four, but the breach provokes uneasy questions about a possible Khalistani link.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:27am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday India
After two intruders disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings, reports emerged that Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pratap Simha had issued a visitor's pass to Sagar Sharma, one of the men. Visuals showed Sharma's pass was obtained through Simha's office, raising suspicions the trespassers faked intentions while seeking entry. Apparently targeting the government with slogans, the men jumped from the visitor's gallery, set off yellow smoke, and tried approaching the Speaker's chair before being subdued. Later, two other protestors shouted identical slogans and activated smoke canisters at Vijay Chowk. The security breach provoked alarm across party lines over lapses allowing access to restricted areas. An investigation is underway into the passes' issuance through deception.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:55am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday Weather & Environment
United Nations climate negotiations approved a historic deal on transitioning away from fossil fuels, despite worries over loopholes. The COP28 summit's central accord directs the world to move from planet-warming fuels in line with climate science to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Although falling short of demands to "phase out" fossil fuels, the pact marks the first time they are explicitly targeted. It calls for emissions to peak by 2025 but allows wiggle room for nations like China. Critics say vague language still enables expansion. But the president dubbed it an "enhanced, balanced" breakthrough. Island states complained it lacks transformational change, as activists decried continued loopholes allowing major producers to keep increasing output.
#WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:10am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday India
Chaos erupted in Lok Sabha on Wednesday when two people carrying gas canisters jumped from the visitors' gallery into the House chamber. Initial reports said they released yellow smoke, causing panic on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. One intruder named Sagar sprayed an eye and lung irritant while shouting slogans before being overpowered by MPs, said witnesses like Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Karti Chidambaram. Trinamool's Kakoli Dastidar confirmed overhearing chants during the frightening security breach that sent lawmakers rushing out. The dramatic incident halted parliamentary proceedings pending an investigation into the alarming vulnerabilities.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:10am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday Politics
Today, 58-year-old Mohan Yadav took the oath as Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister, joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In a significant political move, Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla were sworn in as deputy chief ministers. The BJP's unanimous choice for the top role, Yadav, an OBC community member, visited a temple and BJP office before the ceremony. This decision marks a shift from Shivraj Singh Chouhan's longstanding leadership. Yadav, with a diverse academic background, including a PhD, LLB, and MBA, adds a unique dimension with his sword-fighting skills.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:44am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday India Global
In a strategic move, India's government plans to extend the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) globally, initially offering it to neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This integrated digital tool aims to streamline infrastructure planning globally. Already showcased to 30 countries in Central and Southeast Asia, the tool garnered interest from private companies seeking efficient project clearances. The PMGS-NMP, which digitizes land records and integrates economic planning, aligns with India's vision for regional and global infrastructure development, marking a significant step towards enhancing cross-border collaborations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:15am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday International
Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, opposed the UN General Assembly's resolution for an immediate Gaza ceasefire, asserting it requires Hamas to surrender weapons and release hostages. Erdan displayed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's office phone number, urging assembly members to call for a lasting ceasefire. Expressing disbelief in supporting a resolution without condemning Hamas, he emphasized Israel's commitment to self-defense. The resolution passed with 153 in favor, 10 against (including the US and Israel), and 23 abstentions. Erdan's direct appeal aimed to highlight conditions for what he deemed a "real ceasefire."
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:03am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday Tech Today
German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, proudly announces an improved visa service, highlighting the swift issuance of visas to Indian citizens. Ackermann notes a significant reduction in waiting times, ranging from two to five days for an appointment, a notable enhancement compared to the previous year. Expressing satisfaction with the current visa process, he anticipates further improvements in the coming year. Ackermann also reflects on the robust India-Germany relationship, citing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's two visits to India this year and the successful G20 Summit hosted by India. The envoy envisions continued growth in bilateral ties.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:51am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday India Global
Senior officials from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's team are in Delhi to boost negotiations for an India-UK free trade agreement. While no official confirmation exists, both countries aim to finalize the deal by February, strategically aligning with the upcoming elections in 2024. The trade agreement, initiated in January last year, has seen 13 rounds of negotiations. Despite challenges, officials express optimism, emphasizing the importance of a fair and balanced deal. The UK seeks a significant reduction in import duties, while India demands enhanced market access for skilled professionals and goods. Progress suggests a potential breakthrough.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:42am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday India Global
Walmart reveals the debut of the first "Made-in-India" bicycles in selected US stores, aligning with their commitment to triple exports by 2027. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India's envoy to the US, expresses delight, emphasizing the significance of "Make in India." Manufactured by Hero Ecotech, the cruiser-style bicycles use over 90% Indian raw materials. Walmart's Vriddhi initiative, launched in 2019, contributes to the Make in India initiative, empowering MSMEs. Andrea Albright, EVP of Sourcing at Walmart, highlights the partnership's role in strengthening global supply resilience and fostering economic growth. The move aligns with India's push for global manufacturing prominence.