India has fallen two spots to 129th place in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap index. Iceland remains in the top position, while Pakistan ranks last among neighboring South Asian countries. Despite some improvements, the global gender gap remains significant, with parity still five generations away at the current rate of progress.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a case of human infection with the H9N2 bird flu virus in a four-year-old child in West Bengal, India. The child had been exposed to poultry and had severe respiratory issues, high fever, and abdominal cramps. This is the second human case of H9N2 bird flu in India, with the first being in 2019. Meanwhile, in Australia, supermarket chain Coles has imposed a limit of two cartons of eggs per day per customer due to the spread of avian influenza virus. The H7N3 strain of avian influenza has been detected at a fifth farm in Victoria, leading to the euthanization of over half a million chickens and the destruction of around 450,000 eggs daily. Worldwide, cases of bird flu have been reported in Mexico and the US.
Manu Bhaker becomes the only shooter to qualify for two individual events at the upcoming Olympics. The team consists of eight rifle and seven pistol shooters, with an emphasis on trial results. The squad is currently in France for acclimatization and training before returning for a break. India secured a record 21 out of 24 possible quotas, including eight each in rifle and pistol events. Despite fielding large teams in Tokyo and Rio, India has yet to win a medal in shooting at the Olympics.
Amidst international efforts to reclaim looted antiquities, Oxford University has agreed to return a 500-year-old bronze sculpture of a Hindu poet and saint, Tirumankai Alvar, to India. The sculpture, allegedly looted from a temple, will be repatriated following a claim by the Indian High Commission in the UK four years ago. This repatriation is part of a broader push by foreign governments and Indigenous peoples to regain lost artifacts acquired during the British colonial era.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to messages from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former Premier Nawaz Sharif, emphasizing India’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and security of its citizens. Nawaz Sharif had congratulated Modi for his third consecutive election victory and urged for a focus on hope and progressive ideas. Modi’s response referenced India’s stance that talks with Pakistan cannot take place in the presence of terrorism emanating from its territory. This was the first time that Pakistan had delayed sending a congratulatory message following a Modi election victory. Other leaders from neighboring countries, including Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, attended Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s congratulatory message on his election victory. India looks forward to working with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect for each other’s concerns. The two nations’ relationship has been strained due to Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in a separatist killing. India has dismissed these allegations, while maintaining concerns over pro-Khalistani elements operating from Canada. Recent developments include India’s request for Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence and concerns raised regarding diplomat security.
Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on Monday. This meeting took place after the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina expressed her desire to work with the new Indian government to strengthen ties between the two countries. She also invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation for the congratulatory message from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates following his third consecutive term as India’s Prime Minister. Modi recalled their previous conversation regarding the impact of technology in governance and healthcare, as well as India’s commitment to combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. Gates had praised Modi’s contributions to India’s innovation in health, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and digital transformation. The Prime Minister also mentioned their shared goal of improving the lives of people in India and worldwide.
Stay updated with the latest news from around the globe, covering important political developments, economic reports, business highlights, and breaking news alerts. Don’t miss out on the comprehensive and timely coverage of domestic and international affairs. This platform brings you real-time updates, expert insights, and instant analysis on all the latest happenings. In the recent news, as Narendra Modi takes oath as the Prime Minister for the third time, Bill Gates expresses hopes for a continued partnership, emphasizing the strengthening of India.
On March 26, 2024, the container ship Dali crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, United States, resulting in a tragic loss of life and significant property damage. The accident, captured on video, raised concerns about the competence and certification of Indian seafarers who make up a substantial portion of the global shipping workforce. While the investigation is ongoing, the Indian government has acted quickly to protect the reputation of its seafarers by becoming a Substantially Interested State in the investigation. This action ensures that Indian officials will have a chance to review the final report and contest any unfair damage to Indian seafarer reputation.
