UNGA Elects 18 New Members to Human Rights Council for 2025-2027 Term
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) elected 18 new members to the 47-member Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term. This decision was made through a secret ballot held, with countries like Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Qatar, and Thailand among the newly elected. The newly elected members will begin their three-year terms on January 1, 2025. The Human Rights Council, based in Geneva, plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights globally. The elections reflect a commitment to staggered terms, ensuring continuity within the Council's composition.
The Human Rights Council, established in 2006, aims to address human rights violations and promote fundamental freedoms. The recent elections continue the practice of rotating membership, with approximately one-third of the Council's 47 members changing annually. This system is designed to maintain a diverse representation of countries, promoting equitable geographical distribution.
Iceland Heads for Early Elections after Three-party Coalition Government Falls Apart
Iceland's three-party coalition government, in power since November 2021, collapsed due to disagreements on policy issues, with new elections to be held in November, Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson announced.
Benediktsson, the head of the conservative Independence Party, said that tensions had mounted within the coalition in recent months on a range of issues, from foreign policy to asylum seekers and energy matters.
The coalition comprised of the Independence Party, the Left-Green Movement, and the centre-right Progressive Party.
Pakistan Secures $10 Million for Innovative Climate Solutions
Pakistan made a significant stride in its climate resilience efforts by securing USD 10 million in funding from the Adaptation Fund. This financial support, approved by the Adaptation Fund Board, will be directed towards the Sustainable Actions for Ecosystems Restoration in Pakistan (SAFER) project, a collaborative initiative led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination in partnership with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
The SAFER project aims to address critical challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and youth. These communities are often disproportionately affected by climate-induced crises. By focusing on these demographics, the project seeks to enhance resilience and promote sustainable practices that can withstand the adverse impacts of climate change.
The funding aligns with Pakistan's broader national strategies, including its National Adaptation Plan and the Living Indus Initiative. These frameworks advocate for nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation approaches to safeguard and restore vital ecosystems across the Indus Basin.
Adani Energy Signs Pact to Operate Electricity Transmission Lines in Kenya
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani-led conglomerate signed a pact to build and operate key electricity transmission lines in Kenya for 30 years.
Adani Energy Solutions Ltd signed a project agreement with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (Ketraco).
This agreement marks the beginning of a transformative initiative to develop, finance, construct, operate, and maintain key transmission lines and substations across Kenya.
Noel Tata New Chairman of Tata Trusts
Ratan Tata's successor as Tata Trusts chairman was announced less than 48 hours after the patriarch passed away at the age of 86. Putting an end to all speculation around succession, Noel Naval Tata, half brother of Ratan Tata, was named chairman of Tata Trusts and all trusts covered under it.
The unanimous decision, which came into immediate effect, was made at an hour-long meeting of the trustees of Tata Trusts. There was no discussion on any other contender for the top post at Tata Trusts, which has a 66 per cent stake in Tata Sons, the parent company of the $165-billion salt-to-software conglomerate.
HAL Becomes 14th Maharatna Company
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was upgraded to the status of Maharatna, making it the 14th Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to receive this prestigious classification from the Government of India. This announcement enhances HAL's operational autonomy and financial capabilities, allowing it to invest up to 15% of its net worth in projects and up to Rs. 5,000 crore in foreign ventures without government approval.
Mumbai Indians Reappoint Mahela Jayawardene as Head Coach
Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians reappointed former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene as the Head Coach. He was has previously in the role from 2017-2022, a period in which MI won three IPL trophies.
In 2022 Jayawardene was moved from Head Coach's position to Global Head of Cricket for the MI franchise overseeing the expansion in franchise leagues across various countries.
Global Chess League: Triveni Continental Kings Crowned Champions
In two hard-fought, nerve-wracking games, Triveni Continental Kings stunned PBG Alaskan Knights with a 13-7 victory as Black in the first match and followed it up with a 9-7 win as White in the second and successfully retained the championship as well as the top prize of 500,000 US dollars.
Former Women's World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk emerged as the hero of the day. Her victory over Tan Zhongyi in the decisive game of the second match denied PBG a chance at tiebreaks. For her remarkable performance, she was named Player of the Match.
Jannik Sinner Wins Season's 7th Title
Jannik Sinner secured his seventh title of a remarkable year with victory over Novak Djokovic in the final of the Shanghai Masters.
The Italian bettered the 24-time Grand Slam champion 7-6(4) 6-3 in an hour and 37 minutes and never faced a break point.
Sinner became the first man to win more than six titles in a season since Andy Murray won nine in 2016.
Centre Revokes President's Rule in J&K as UT Braces for New Govt
The Centre issued a notification, informing that President's rule was revoked in Jammu and Kashmir before the appointment of the Chief Minister.
In an order, issued the President of India Droupadi Murmu, said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution of India, the Order dated the 31st October, 2019 in relation to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall stand revoked immediately before the appointment of the Chief Minister under section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019."
In 2018, then President Ram Nath Kovind imposed President's rule in the state after it had completed six months under Governor's rule. Kovind signed the proclamation for imposition of Central rule in the state, which plunged into a political crisis in June after the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government collapsed.
Former Cricketer Ajay Jadeja Declared Heir to Jamnagar Royal Throne
The maharaja of the erstwhile princely state of Nawanagar, known as Jamnagar, in Gujarat, declared his nephew and former cricketer Ajay Jadeja as his heir to the throne on the auspicious day of Dussehra.
The former cricketer, who played 196 ODIs and 15 test matches for India between 1992 and 2000, is a descendant of the Jamnagar royal family.
Maharaja of Jamnagar Shatrusalyasinh Jadeja is the cousin of Daulatsinghji Jadeja, the cricketer's father, a three-time Member of Parliament from Jamnagar from 1971 to 1984.
India Digital Agri Conference 2024
The India Digital Agri Conference 2024, co-organised by the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) and IIT Ropar TIF – AWaDH in New Delhi, marked a significant milestone in revolutionising Indian agriculture. The event focused on leveraging digital technologies like AI, IoT, drones, and data analytics to address challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable resource management. By modernizing farming practices, enhancing productivity, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, the conference laid the foundation for India's leadership in Agri-tech.
The conference highlighted the need to transition from traditional to digital farming, emphasising cutting-edge innovations and collaboration between farmers, researchers, and tech developers.
Centre Approves New Missile Testing Range in Andhra Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of a new missile testing range in Nagayalanka, Andhra Pradesh. This move is aimed at strengthening the country's defence capabilities, particularly in testing tactical missile systems.
As per reports, the new facility will support testing of surface-to-air missiles, anti-tank missiles, and other projects under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Observed annually on October 14, World Standards Day recognises the invaluable contributions of the thousands of experts who create voluntary standards to ensure that products and services meet expectations, making everyday life safer and more enjoyable.
World Standards Day traces its origins to 1946, when delegates from 25 countries met in London and decided to establish an international organisation dedicated to promoting standardisation. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) was formed the following year, but it wasn't until 1970 that the first World Standards Day was officially celebrated.
This year, the theme for World Standards Day is "Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for the Changing Climate." This theme focuses on the importance of collaboration to achieve shared goals, particularly in the matter of climate change.
Nihon Hidankyo Organisation Honoured with the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian Nobel Committee award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 to the Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo. This grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, received the Peace Prize for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again.
Nihon Hidankyo was founded in August 10, 1956.
Nihon Hidankyo is the only nation-wide organisation of A-bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Hibakusha).
It has member organisations in all 47 Japanese prefectures, thus representing almost all organized Hibakusha.
India Launches 'Study in India' Campaign at UAE Education Show
India officially launched its 'Study in India' campaign at the 20th International Education Show in Sharjah, aiming to attract international students to its universities. The initiative, organised by EdCIL under the Ministry of Education, is a significant step in positioning India as a global education hub. The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Ahmed Mohamed Obaid Al Naboodah from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Yatin Patil, Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai.
The 'Study in India' program highlights over 590 Indian universities, offering diverse courses along with benefits like fee waivers and scholarships. This initiative underscores India's commitment to providing quality education at affordable rates, particularly for students from developing countries.
Dr. B. Chandrashekhar, Executive Director of EdCIL, emphasised the importance of the Study in India portal, which streamlines the application process for international students. This centralised platform allows students to explore programs, apply to various institutions, and manage visas in one place. The program also encourages joint academic and research initiatives with international institutions.
The International Education Show, organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, is one of the fastest-growing higher education exhibitions, featuring over 100 universities from more than 20 countries. This event not only showcases educational opportunities but also highlights India's evolving role in global education.
French Institute Ecole Polytechnique Signs Agreements with Two IITs
A leading academic institution in France signed specific agreements with two IITs to foster a deeper exchange of knowledge between the two countries.
The agreements were signed during the visit of President and Director General of Ecole Polytechnique, Laura Chaubard, to India.
Ecole Polytechnique was founded in 1794 with the aim of providing the country with engineers trained to the highest level.
Ecole Polytechnique signed specific agreements with IIT-Delhi and IIT-Bombay.
Based on these agreements, Ecole Polytechnique reinforced its relationship with IIT-Delhi, and explored collaboration with IIT Bombay.
IIT Madras Launches Quantitative Research Lab
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) launched a new research lab focused on Quantitative Finance. AlphaGrep Securities, a quantitative trading and investment firm, is providing CSR Funding of Rs. 5.65 crore towards the establishment of this lab.
The 'AlphaGrep Quantitative Research Lab' will conduct Exploratory Research Projects in the areas of AI for quantitative finance, including research in financial markets and its microstructure, quantitative investment management and quantitative risk management, among other areas.
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