Austrian lawmakers elected for the first time a far-right politician as parliament President despite the Jewish community criticising the nominee for having paid hommage to Nazi criminals.
The far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) won national polls for the first time last month (September), gaining almost a third of the votes, though it has been unable to find partners to form a government.
But as the strongest party, it nominated lawmaker Walter Rosenkranz a lawyer and a former presidential candidate, as the parliament's President.
Rosenkranz, who has been widely criticised for being a member of a far-right student fraternity known for its strident pan-German nationalism, was elected in a secret ballot.
Heavy Rains Lash Bengal as Severe Cyclone 'Dana' Batters Odisha Coast (26)
Heavy rains packed with gusty winds lashed parts of southern West Bengal as the severe cyclonic storm 'Dana' tore through the Odisha coast.
The state administration evacuated over 2.5 lakh people in anticipation of the severe cyclonic storm 'Dana.' Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state had identified more than 3.5 lakh people for evacuation from low-lying areas. Banerjee, along with senior officials, camped at the state secretariat overnight to monitor the situation.
Thirteen battalions from the state's disaster management force and 14 battalions from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed in the coastal regions.
JP Morgan Chase India Appoints Pranav Chawda as New CEO
Pranav Chawda was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JP Morgan Chase India for a term of three years. Previously heading the commercial banking unit of the US-based JP Morgan, Chawda's appointment came after receiving the necessary approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). His leadership is expected to drive the bank's growth and strategic initiatives in the Indian market.
Chawda has over 20 years of experience in the banking sector, including various roles in credit, product, business development, and sales.
Former India Hockey Captain Rani Rampal Announces Retirement (26)
Former India women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal announced her retirement, marking an end of a 16-year-old career.
She made her international debut in 2008 and has scored 205 goals for India in 254 appearances. She was also honoured the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020 and was also a recipient of the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award, in the same year.
WFI withdraws India from World Championship
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) withdrew the Indian team from the World Championship, conveying to world governing body, UWW, that the sports ministry is interfering with its autonomy. The senior World Championship in 12 non-Olympic categories is scheduled to be held in Tirana, Albania from October 28. The WFI was suspended by the Sports Ministry on December 24 soon after the polls were conducted to elect the new office-bearers.
The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) announced the appointment of Himanshu Pathak as the Director General-designate of the esteemed institute. The announcement was made by Governing Board Chair Professor Prabhu Pingali during an all-staff event held at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad.
ICRISAT is a pioneering international organisation dedicated to improving dry land farming and agri-food systems, addressing hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation affecting 2.1 billion people in dryland regions of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.
It was founded on March 28, 1972, through a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the CGIAR (Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres).
Indian Army's International Seminar 'Chanakya Defence Dialogue'
The second edition of the flagship international seminar of the Indian Army, 'Chanakya Defence Dialogue', was held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
The two-day seminar, with the theme 'Drivers in Nation Building: Fuelling Growth Through Comprehensive Security' saw discussions on integrating security dynamics within national and international policymaking. The event aimed to craft visionary strategies for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Policymakers, strategic thinkers, academics, defence personnel, veterans, and scientists from India and abroad are attended the event.
The dialogue explored India's strategic pathways towards 'Viksit Bharat @2047', focusing on the role of comprehensive security in national development.
Actor Darasing Khurana Wins Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Award in UK
Indian actor and philanthropist Darasing Khurana was honoured with the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Award for his impactful work in raising awareness about mental health issues, particularly in his role as the 'Commonwealth Year of Youth Champion.
Khurana was awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Award at the University of Oxford's Ashmolean Museum.
JNU Professor Mazhar Asif New Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Prof Mazhar Asif as Jamia Millia Islamia's Vice-Chancellor, as per an official notification by the Ministry of Education.
The move came nearly a year after JMI's former V-C Najma Akhtar completed her tenure and vacated the seat. Akhtar's tenure ended on November 12, 2023.
Mazhar is a professor at the Centre of Persian and Central Asian Studies at JNU's School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies. Some of his administrative-level responsibilities include being a member of the drafting committee for the National Education Policy and of the National Monitoring Committee for Education, MHRD.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announced Australia as the 'Country of Focus' for the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled to take place in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2024. This special recognition celebrates Australia's dynamic contributions to the global film industry, showcasing its rich storytelling traditions, vibrant cinema culture, and innovative cinematic techniques.
Founded in 1952, the International Film Festival of India is one of Asia's most significant film festivals.
It serves as a platform for filmmakers worldwide to present their works and engage in meaningful exchanges.
Held annually in Goa, IFFI attracts directors, producers, actors, and film enthusiasts, fostering an appreciation of world cinema.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna Appointed Next Chief Justice of India
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the 51st Chief Justice of India.
Justice Khanna, who will take oath on November 11, will succeed CJI D. Y. Chandrachud who is due to retire on November 10.
Justice Khanna will have a relatively short tenure of just six months as he is due to retire on March 13, 2025.
A graduate of Delhi University's Campus Law Centre, he enrolled as an advocate in 1983 and primarily practised before the Delhi High Court. He was elevation as judge of Delhi High Court in June 2005.
In January 2019 Justice Khanna was elevated to the Supreme Court.