Iraq began its first nationwide population census in decades, a step aimed at modernising data collection and planning in a country long impacted by conflict and political divisions.
The act of counting the population is also contentious. The census is expected to have profound implications for Iraq's resource distribution, budget allocations and development planning.
The census is being carried out with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), would reveal "the reality of Iraq in its smallest details", enabling authorities to pinpoint gaps in health, education and housing provision.
India Drops Two Spots in Global Climate Index
India ranked 10th on a list of over 60 countries assessed for efforts to fight climate change despite dropping two spots compared to last ago, thanks to its low per capita emissions and rapid deployment of renewable, according to a report.
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) report, released at the annual UN climate conference, left the first three places empty followed by Denmark (fourth place) and the Netherlands while the largest two emitters, China and the US, remain very low at 55th and 57th place, respectively.
Published by think tanks Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International, the CCPI tracks the progress of the world's largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewable, and climate policy.
Bangladesh Forms New Election Commission
In Bangladesh, the interim government formed a new election commission. Former secretary AMM Nasir Uddin was appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), while four Election Commissioners are former additional secretary Md Anwarul Islam Sarker, former district and sessions judge Abdur Rahman Masud, former joint secretary Begum Tahmida Ahmed and Brigadier General (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed all the five in line with Section 118 (1) of the constitution of Bangladesh.
'One Day One Genome' Initiative Unveiled to Unlock India's Microbial Potential
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) launched the 'One Day One Genome' initiative to map and highlight India's microbial wealth. Announced by India's G-20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, the initiative aims to showcase the critical role of unique bacterial species in India's environment, agriculture, and human health. This project will leverage genome sequencing to explore and unlock the microbial world's immense potential for various advancements.
Finland-based telecom gear maker Nokia won a "multi-year, multi-billion" extension deal by Bharti Airtel to deploy 4G and 5G equipment across key Indian cities and states.
Nokia will also help Airtel modernise its existing 4G network with multiband radios and baseband equipment, which can support 5G.
Airtel will also use Nokia's MantaRay Network Management for network monitoring and management that uses artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools covering digital deployment, optimisation, and technical support.
Kenya Cancels Airport, Energy Deals with Adani Group
The Kenyan government scrapped its airport and energy deals with the Adani Group, hours after the conglomerate's chairperson Gautam Adani was indicted in New York over his role in an alleged multibillion-dollar bribery and fraud scheme.
Kenyan President William Ruto directed the relevant agencies to "immediately cancel" the ongoing procurement process related to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and a state-owned electricity service with Adani Group.
RBI, Maldives Monetary Authority Sign Pact to Promote Use of Local Currencies
The RBI and the Maldives Monetary Authority signed an MoU in Mumbai for establishing a framework to promote the use of local currencies — the Indian Rupee and the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) for cross-border transactions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Governor of Reserve Bank of India Shaktikanta Das and Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority Ahmed Munawar.
Use of local currencies in bilateral transactions will eventually contribute to promoting trade between India and Maldives as well as deepen financial integration and strengthen the economic relations between India and Maldives.
Kolkata's Eden Gardens to Have a Stand Named after Legendary Jhulan Goswami
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) dedicated a stand at Eden Gardens stadium to legendary women's cricketer Jhulan Goswami. The Block B gallery of Eden Gardens will be renamed in honour of the former Indian women's team captain. Jhulan became the third person to have a stand named after her at this iconic cricket venue in Kolkata, following former BCCI and ICC President Jagmohan Dalmiya and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly.
Nandan Kumar Jha Elected President of International Mind Sports Association (IMSA)
India's Nandan Kumar Jha was elected as the president of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), a global body for the governance and promotion of mind sports.
The announcement on Jha's election was made during IMSA's annual general assembly in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The IMSA, which has over 200 member countries, works with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other affiliate global sports federations to integrate mind sports into mainstream global sports.
Bihar Cabinet Approves Rs. 225 crore for 'Mahila Samwad' Programme
The Bihar Cabinet gave its nod for allocation of Rs. 225 crore for 'Mahila Samwad', an ambitious programme under which CM Nitish Kumar, ministers and top officials would visit districts to inform women about the ongoing policies of the state government for their empowerment.
As per reports, the interaction programme will be held at district and block level with the chief minister, likely to attend a number of these, while his cabinet colleagues and top officials would chip in at other places.
India, Australia Firm Up Air-to-Air Refuelling Arrangement for Military Aircraft
India and Australia firmed up an arrangement to enable the air forces of the two countries to carry out air-to-air refuelling, a move expected to increase the Indian military's reach in the Indo-Pacific region. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Pat Conroy MP announced the arrangement at a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a regional security conclave in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.
Under the arrangement, the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) air-to-air refuelling aircraft -- the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport -- will be able to refuel Indian military planes.
Shivangi Desai Crowned Miss Charm India 2024 Set to Represent India on the Global Stage
Shivangi Desai, a law student in her final year at the prestigious Indian Law School (ILS) Pune, achieved the remarkable milestone of winning the national title of Miss Charm India 2024. This esteemed title, organised under the aegis of the Glamanand Group, led by visionary founder Nikhil Anand, positions Shivangi to represent India on the global stage at Miss Charm 2024, to be held in Vietnam this December.
Shivangi's journey into the pageant world began at the tender age of 16 when she claimed the May Queen title in 2018 at the RSI Army Institute in Pune. This early victory paved the way for her stellar career, including prestigious accolades such as Miss Teen India North at Miss Teen Diva, Miss NDA, and 1st Runner-Up at Miss Universe Gujarat, among others.
University of Melbourne Appoints Muthupandian Ashokkumar as Director of their Global Centre in Delhi
The University of Melbourne announced the appointment of Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar as Director of the Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi. Professor Ashokkumar was earlier the assistant deputy vice-chancellor of international (India), head of the school of Chemistry, acting director and CEO of the Australia India Institute, and associate dean of international at the university's faculty of science.
He has experience in international education and organisational leadership. In his new role, he will lead the University's strategic initiatives, outreach, and collaborations within India, fostering partnerships with governmental bodies, industry leaders, and other sector-specific entities to reinforce the commitment to the India-Australia bilateral relationship, as per a statement by the University of Melbourne.
Samsung, IIT Bombay Collaborate for Research in Digital Health, AI
Samsung R&D Institute, Noida (SRI-Noida), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). As a part of this collaboration, SRI-Noida and IIT Bombay will explore breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, and other critical areas.
The five-year partnership will facilitate joint research projects, providing IIT Bombay students and faculty an opportunity to collaborate with Samsung engineers.
Through this partnership, Samsung and IIT Bombay are setting the foundation for a sustained exchange of expertise that will push the boundaries of next-generation technologies and inspire future breakthroughs.
Japan was announced as the country partner for the upcoming Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, alongside Wales, which was previously confirmed as a partner country. This decision was made after Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other senior officials met with representatives from the Japanese Embassy in India, including Takashi Ariyoshi and Mayumi Tsubakimoto.
The Hornbill Festival, also known as the "Festival of Festivals," is an annual celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland. This year's (2024) festival, scheduled to take place from December 1 to 10 at Kisama near Kohima, promises to be an exciting event with Japan's participation in various sectors, including cultural performances, capacity building, and workshops on handicrafts and bamboo products.
Justice D. Krishnakumar New Chief Justice of Manipur High Court
The Central Government, via the Ministry of Law and Justice, notified the appointment of Justice D. Krishnakumar as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur. This decision followed the superannuation of Justice Siddharth Mridul, the Chief Justice of Manipur HC. The appointment was made following recommendations by the Supreme Court Collegium, which emphasized Justice Krishnakumar's legal acumen and integrity.
Prior to his elevation, Justice Krishnakumar was a practicing advocate specializing in civil, constitutional, and service matters, particularly constitutional law, at the Madras High Court.
His career highlights include his extensive legal experience and notable reputation for integrity.