India woke up to a day of significant developments across various sectors, from politics and finance to technology and the automotive industry. Let’s delve into the top news stories shaping the nation’s narrative on December 11th.
Karnataka in Mourning: A State Honors its Former Leader
The state of Karnataka is observing a day of mourning for former Chief Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, who passed away on December 10th after a prolonged illness. As a mark of respect, the Karnataka government has declared a public holiday, closing all government offices, schools, and colleges. This gesture reflects the profound impact Mr. Krishna, who also served as the Governor of Maharashtra, had on the state’s political landscape. A three-day state mourning period has been announced, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings, and official entertainment programs are suspended. His last rites will be performed with full state honors in his hometown of Somanahalli, Mandya district.
New RBI Governor Takes the Helm
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) welcomes its 26th Governor, IAS officer Sanjay Malhotra. His appointment, announced by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, marks the beginning of a three-year term, effective December 11th, 2024. Malhotra, a 1990 batch IAS officer with a computer science degree from IIT Kanpur and a Master’s in Public Policy from Princeton University, brings a wealth of experience across diverse sectors, including finance, IT, power, mines, and taxation. His extensive background in both state and central government finance positions him well to lead the nation’s central bank, succeeding Shaktikanta Das.
Innovation Takes Center Stage: PM Modi at Smart India Hackathon
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually engage with the bright minds participating in the Smart India Hackathon 2024. Scheduled for 4:30 pm today, this video conference will connect the Prime Minister with over 1,300 student teams across 51 centers nationwide. These teams are tackling challenges posed by ministries, departments, and industries, or contributing their innovative ideas under 17 themes related to national priorities. This event underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement among the nation’s youth.
Toyota Camry’s Ninth Generation Arrives in India
Car enthusiasts in India eagerly anticipate the arrival of the ninth-generation Toyota Camry. Imported as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit, this latest iteration promises a significant design upgrade from its predecessor. Expect a bolder front grille, more angular headlights, and rear styling inspired by Lexus models, elevating the Camry’s premium appeal. While the current model retails around ₹46.17 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Camry is expected to see a slight price increase, potentially reaching the ₹50 lakh mark. This strategic move to local assembly aims to enhance price competitiveness within the Indian market.
IPO Frenzy: Three Companies Enter the Market
The Indian stock market is buzzing with activity as three companies – Mobikwik, Vishal Mega Mart, and Sai Life Sciences – launch their Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) today. This signifies investor confidence and provides further opportunities within the Indian financial landscape.
