Weekly Roundup: Political Expulsions, COP28 Summit Tensions, and Cyclone Michaung Aftermath

This week has been a rollercoaster of events, from political expulsions to global climate discussions and natural disasters. Here's a summary of the key highlights that have shaped the news landscape over the past few days.

In the political arena, the Lok Sabha witnessed the expulsion of TMC leader Mahua Moitra during the Winter session. The Ethics Committee's report on the cash-for-query controversy led to her dismissal, sparking debates about parliamentary procedures and ethics.

Tragedy struck in Jaipur with the murder of Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena president Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi. The assailants, still unidentified, left Gogamedi dead and two others injured, raising concerns about security and political violence.

Meanwhile, the political landscape in Rajasthan remains uncertain as the delay in selecting the next Chief Minister continues. The BJP, amidst speculations of "resort politics," sees key leaders like Vasundhara Raje and Yogi Balaknath in contention, adding an element of suspense to the state's political future.

Internationally, tensions flared at the COP28 summit in Dubai, where disagreements emerged over a potential agreement to phase out fossil fuels. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia insisted on focusing on reducing climate pollution rather than specifically addressing fossil fuel use, jeopardizing global efforts to combat climate change.

The aftermath of Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc in Chennai and surrounding regions, leading to intense rainfall, flooding, and loss of lives. Chief Minister Stalin, in response, conducted a high-level meeting to assess the damage and announced increased compensation for rain-affected crops.

On the economic front, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its policy rates and stance in the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, aligning with market expectations. The decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5 percent reflected a cautious approach amid economic uncertainties.

In the financial sector, the net inflow to equity mutual funds saw a dip in November, falling to ₹15,536 crore from ₹19,957 crore in October. However, the silver lining was the SIPs hitting a new high, surpassing ₹17,000 crore for the first time.

As we wrap up the week, these events have left an indelible mark on the political, environmental, and economic landscapes. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate through the dynamic currents of global events.