What made news last week?
What's the story
Things seem to be getting murkier within the Samajwadi Party, with the leadership assuring that all is well, while the Akhilesh-Shivpal spat continued unabated. The Tata-Mistry saga continues with fresh twists and more high-level resignations from Tata's board. The CBSE reintroduced Class 10 exams, scrapping the no-fail policy. Meanwhile, Donald Trump entertained the world by appropriating PM Modi's catchphrase "Ab ki baar Trump sarkaar."
26 Oct 2016
Class X board exams back, no-fail policy out
The Centre has decided to bring back Class X board examinations for CBSE students and also plans to re-introduce exams for students in elementary schools. The Class X CBSE exams are likely to begin again by 2018, while the elementary school examinations are likely to return by 2017. Human Resources Development Minister Prakash Javedekar said the move sought to improve educational quality in India.
Politics
SP's internal turbulence continues
The turbulence within the Samajwadi Party showed no signs of abating as Shivpal Yadav hinted at a possible pre-poll alliance, calling "all followers of Lohia, Chaudhary Charan Singh and Gandhi to come together." In addition, Ramgopal Yadav's political future became uncertain after his nameplate was removed from the SP's Delhi office. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav announced his campaign details independently, without a party announcement.
28 Oct 2016
CBI to question Rakesh Maria over Sheena Bora murder
The CBI has questioned senior officials from the Mumbai Police involved in the Sheena Bora investigation, including former Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria. Along with Maria, Joint Commissioner of Police Deven Bharti, and DCP Satyanarayan Chowdhury were also interrogated by CBI officials. Maria had allegedly shown personal interest in the case, leading the CBI to speculate that there may have been a conflict of interest.
World
Donald Trump appropriates 'Narendra Modi's' slogan
With the aim of appealing to Indian-Americans, Donald Trump has appropriated Narendra Modi's campaign slogan for 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Trump released a video in which he spoke a few words in Hindi and also said, "Abki Baar Trump Sarkar" (This time, Trump Government) to corner votes of Indian-Americans, a segment with whom PM Modi is exceptionally popular. Trump's video received a lukewarm reception.
30 Oct 2016
Samajwadi Party aide arrested for espionage
Farhat Khan, the personal assistant to SP Rajya Sabha MP Chaudhary Munawwar Saleem, has been arrested for spying for Pakistan's ISI. Authorities said Khan used to steal parliamentary documents to sell to Pakistan High Commission's Mehmood Akhtar, recently expelled from India after being caught buying classified documents. Police said Khan has been actively aiding the ISI for the last 20 years.
Sports
India smash New Zealand out of ODI series
India beat New Zealand 3-2 in the latest ODI series with a massive 190 run victory in the last match, the biggest margin India has ever defeated NZ by. The Indian bowling attack decimated the Kiwis who were bowled out for a mere 79 runs, with their last 8 wickets falling for just 16 runs. At 119.3, Virat Kohli recorded his highest ODI-series average.
Business
Ratan Tata to step back in as Tata Group Chairman
Tata Sons Board has removed Cyrus P. Mistry as its Chairman and Ratan Tata has been named as the interim Chairman; he will be stepping back at the helm for four months. The Board has set up a selection committee to identify a successor in four-months. Cyrus Mistry had been appointed Chairman of the Tata Group four years ago in December 2012.
Technology
Twitter to cut 9% workforce
In a bid to deliver profits and move away from driving growth, Twitter has decided to cut-back on 9% of its staff in sales, marketing and partnerships. Twitter also ended its Vine Video services as their third-quarter results showed dwindling growth and posted another $100 million loss. Analysts have recommended that the CEO, Jack Dorsey should switch focus to Twitter only, and not Square.