In a significant political development, Indian-origin economist Tharman Shanmugaratnam emerged victorious in Singapore's presidential election. This victory is especially noteworthy as it came after a gap of ten years, marking the country's first contested presidential polls since 2011.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam secured a substantial majority in the presidential elections, receiving a resounding 70.4 per cent of the votes. His victory was achieved against two other contenders of Chinese origin, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian, who garnered 15.7 percent and 13.88 per cent of the votes, respectively.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the president-elect, entered the realm of politics in 2001.
Shanmugaratnam, aged sixty-six, previously held the position of Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister from 2011 to 2019. His political journey began in 2001, and he has also made significant contributions in the public sector, holding various ministerial positions.
US State Georgia Officially Declares October as 'Hindu Heritage Month'
In a significant move, Governor Brian Kemp of the U.S. state of Georgia officially declared that the month of October will be celebrated as 'Hindu Heritage Month' within the state. This proclamation aligns Georgia with several other states across the United States that have taken similar steps to honour and commemorate Hindu heritage, culture, values, and traditions.
Georgia joined a growing list of states that have recognized the importance of Hindu heritage and culture. These states include Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Minnesota, Virginia, and others. The declaration of 'Hindu Heritage Month' serves as a way to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions and significance of Hinduism in American society.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Rated 'A+' In Global Finance Central Banker Report 2023
Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das is among three central bank chiefs to earn an "A+" grade in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2023.
The grades are based on a scale from A to F for success in inflation control, economic growth goals, currency stability and interest rate management. An "A" grade represents an excellent performance down through an "F" for outright failure.
Global Finance's annual Central Banker Report Cards celebrate those bank governors whose strategies outperformed their peers through originality, creativity and tenacity.
The other two central bank chiefs who earned "A+" grades along with Das are -- Thomas J. Jordan (Switzerland) and Nguyen Thi Hong (Vietnam).
Sep 03, 2023
Grant Shapps Becomes New UK Defence Minister After Ben Wallace Resigns
Grant Shapps was named as the UK's new Defence Secretary, replacing the long-serving Ben Wallace.
Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who last month announced he would step down in the next UK government cabinet reshuffle, has resigned, the Prime Minister's office said.
Sep 02, 2023
Gabon Coup Leaders Name Gen Brice Oligui Nguema as New Leader
Army officers who seized power in a coup in Gabon named Gen Brice Oligui Nguema as the country's transitional leader.
The deposed President, Ali Bongo called on his friends all over the world to speak up in his favour. The former French colony is one of Africa's major oil producers.
In another development, the African Union has suspended Gabon's participation in all of its activities following the military takeover, condemning it strongly.
Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan Join India to Reject China's New Map
Governments in the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan joined India in rejecting China's new national map, issuing strongly worded statements accusing Beijing of claiming their territory.
China published a new version of its national map to correct what Beijing has in the past referred to as problematic maps that it claims misrepresent its territorial borders.
The Philippine government slammed China's 2023 edition of its so-called standard map that still shows swaths of Philippine features in the West Philippine Sea.
Aug 30, 2023
Indian Mission at Bahrain Launches New Mobile App to Ease Consular Access
The Embassy of India in Bahrain hosted an open house session, under the guidance of Ambassador Designate Vinod Kurian Jacob. The event marked the introduction of the novel mobile application, EoIBh-Connect, designed to facilitate online appointment booking for a spectrum of consular and visa services, accessible through both the Indian Embassy at Manama, Bahrain.
Having made its debut in August 2023, the app has swiftly broadened its capabilities, now enabling users to conveniently schedule appointments with IVS Global. This unified approach directs users to the appropriate service provider based on their chosen service, simplifying the process.
Aug 29, 2023
India Hands Over B20 Presidency to Brazil to Host G20 in 2024
India handed over the B20 presidency to Brazil to host G20 in 2024. B20 India Chair N. Chandrasekaran said that India's B20 Presidency under its G20 Presidency worked under the theme of Vasaudeva Katumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future).
Chandrasekaran said during India's B20 presidency India worked on nine important themes which included empowerment of women and youth, transition towards an Artificial Intelligence world, building a global resilient supply chain and financing for the global economic recovery.
Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa Re-elected for 2nd and Final Five-year Term
Emmerson Mnangagwa secured a second term as Zimbabwe's preSident in a poll marred by electoral malpractice.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared Mnangagwa the winner, with 52.6% of the vote, beating Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC), who trailed at 44%.
The election comes six years after longtime ruler Robert Mugabe was removed from power in a military coup.