Tue Dec 31 00:52:00 UTC 2024: ## ISRO Launches Successful Space Docking Experiment, Other Top News in Brief (Dec 31, 2024)

**New Delhi, Dec 31 (The Hindu):** India’s space program achieved a significant milestone yesterday with the successful launch of the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The PSLV-C60 rocket, carrying two small satellites and 24 payloads, lifted off from Sriharikota.

Domestic news also dominated headlines. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced plans to map demographic data along the Myanmar border to combat infiltration and confirmed the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime between India and Myanmar. An analysis revealed significantly less time spent on Private Members’ Bills in the Lok Sabha compared to the Rajya Sabha during the 17th and 18th sessions. A new report ranked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu as the richest in India, while West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee was ranked the poorest.

Security forces in Manipur destroyed four and occupied three militant bunkers following clashes. Meanwhile, a Punjab bandh called by protesting farmers, demanding the implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan formula for MSP, among other things, reportedly saw widespread participation. A Mahila Court in Allikulam sentenced D. Sathish to death for the murder of college student M. Sathya.

In other developments, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹2,867 crore for Scorpene-class submarine upgrades. Internationally, a U.S. appeals court upheld a $5 million award against Donald Trump in a sexual abuse case, and the ex-husband of Gisèle Pelicot will not appeal his 20-year sentence for rape and facilitating the rape of his ex-wife.

Read More