The past week witnessed significant events shaping India’s political landscape and international relations. From bilateral engagements to warnings of potential natural calamities, here’s a roundup of the key news stories from September 29th to October 5th.
Cricket Diplomacy and India-Jamaica Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Jamaican counterpart, Andrew Holness, celebrated the strong bond between their nations, emphasizing the role of ‘cricket diplomacy.’ During their meeting on Tuesday, both leaders acknowledged how cricket’s soft power has fostered strong people-to-people connections. Holness lauded India’s prowess in cricket and Jamaica’s excellence in track and field, highlighting the potential for mutual exchange and collaboration.
La Nina and the Threat of a Harsh Winter
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of a potentially harsh winter due to the emergence of La Nina conditions by October-November. This could bring severe cold waves to northwest and central India. The southwest monsoon season, which ended on Monday with a rainfall surplus, is experiencing a delayed withdrawal and is expected to be completed by October 17th.
India Calls for Dialogue Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, India has urged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the security situation, reiterating the need for restraint and protection of civilians. India emphasized that the conflict should not escalate into a wider regional crisis, advocating for peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
Shah Rukh Khan Wins Best Actor Award at IIFA 2024
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan won the Best Actor award for his performance in ‘Jawan’ at the IIFA 2024 awards ceremony held in Abu Dhabi. His acceptance speech, where he paid tribute to filmmaker Mani Ratnam and warmly hugged AR Rahman, went viral on social media.
Five Languages Granted Classical Language Status
The Indian government has granted classical language status to five additional languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that this decision reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Indian languages. With this addition, the list of classical languages now includes Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
Marital Rape: Centre’s Stance in Supreme Court
The Indian government has informed the Supreme Court that matters related to marital rape have far-reaching socio-legal implications and require a comprehensive approach rather than a strictly legal one. This statement was made in an affidavit filed by the Centre in response to ongoing legal proceedings.
Update on Indians Stuck in War-Torn Countries
In light of escalating tensions in West Asia, the MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that India hasn’t initiated any immediate evacuation plans. Flights are currently operating as per schedule, giving individuals the option to leave if they choose. The MEA is in contact with families of Indians in the region, but no evacuation process is underway at this time.
Jaishankar to Attend SCO Summit in Pakistan
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead a delegation to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad on October 15th and 16th. This will be the first high-level visit from India to Pakistan in approximately ten years.
India’s Economy: Modi’s Optimistic Assessment
Prime Minister Modi addressed the Kautilya Economic Conclave, stating that India’s economy is undergoing a transformational change to sustain high growth. He acknowledged the global economic challenges arising from the Russia-Ukraine and West Asia conflicts, emphasizing their impact on energy security.
Haryana Election 2024
The 90-member Haryana assembly elections commenced on Saturday, with the fate of 1031 candidates, including Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Vinesh Phogat, hanging in the balance. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks a third consecutive victory, while the Congress aims to reclaim power after a decade in opposition. Other parties like AAP, JJP, and INLD are also vying for a stake in the state’s governance. The votes will be counted on October 8th.
