State of Global Water Resources report 2024

The 2024 edition of the State of Global Water Resources report has highlighted an extraordinary year marked by record-breaking heat, climate extremes, and widespread water-related crises. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2024 was the hottest year in 175 years of observation, with global surface temperatures averaging 1.55 °C above pre-industrial levels. At the start of the year, strong El Niño conditions intensified droughts in South America and southern Read More …

U.S. Flags India, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan in Major’s List on Drug Trafficking

In its latest submission to the U.S. Congress, President Donald Trump identified 23 countries as significant sources and/or transit points for illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, which he described as a major threat to the American people. The list, known as the Major’s List, includes India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. The Major’s List is issued annually to highlight regions where geography, commerce, or industry play a role in the movement of Read More …

International Standard Classification of Occupations

The Government of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to collaborate on the development of the International Reference Classification of Occupations. The initiative is expected to enhance global skill comparability and expand employment opportunities for Indian youth. Follow-Up to G20 CommitmentThis collaboration comes nearly two years after G20 leaders under India’s presidency in 2023 pledged to work towards creating regular and skills-based Read More …

India Hosts IEC General Meeting for Fourth Time

The 89th International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) General Meeting was held in New Delhi in September 2025. This is the fourth time India has hosted the prestigious event, earlier occasions being in 1960, 1997, and 2013. India Joins Select Group on Legal Metrology During the meeting, India achieved a significant milestone by becoming the 13th country worldwide to issue the OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) pattern approval certificate, strengthening its Read More …

India Gets Global First Exploration Contract in Carlsberg Ridge

India has secured an exploration contract from the Jamaica-based International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphide nodules in the Carlsberg Ridge, located in the northwest Indian Ocean. Signed in New Delhi on September 15, 2025, this is the first licence granted globally for exploration in this region. What Are Polymetallic Sulphides?Polymetallic sulphide nodules are deep-sea rock concentrations rich in high-value minerals including manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper. These resources Read More …

Exercise Pacific Reach 2025

The Indian Navy’s indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar has joined the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 being held in Singapore. The biennial exercise, which commenced today, will see participation from over 40 nations. Focus on Submarine RescueAccording to the Defence Ministry, INS Nistar, serving as the mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), will take part in multinational submarine rescue drills and Subject Matter Expert Read More …

India Moves to Nominate Chhath Mahaparva for UNESCO Recognition

The Union Ministry of Culture has initiated the process to nominate Chhath Mahaparva for inclusion in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The recognition is granted to living traditions and cultural practices sustained by communities worldwide. Multinational Nomination ProcessThe Ministry held a meeting with senior diplomatic representatives of the UAE, Suriname, and the Netherlands to seek their cooperation Read More …

4th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS)

At the 4th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) held in Rome, Italy, from September 11-12, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing global maritime governance and positioning itself as a key partner for safer, cleaner, and more secure seas. India to Host 5th CGGS in 2027 ICG announced its intention to bid for the Presidency of the 5th CGGS, which is planned to be hosted in Read More …

Albania Inducts World’s First AI Minister

Albania has become the first country to induct an AI minister, not to be confused with a minister for artificial intelligence. The nation has unveiled Diella (meaning sun), a virtual minister made of code and pixels, who will oversee public procurement. Launch by Prime Minister Edi Rama On September 11, 2025, Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced Diella during the Socialist Party’s assembly in Tirana. She is the only non-human member Read More …

India Backs UNGA Resolution on Palestine, Endorses Two-State Solution

On 12 September 2025, India voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution endorsing the New York Declaration on peacefully resolving the Palestine issue through a two-state solution. The resolution, introduced by France, received overwhelming support with 142 nations in favour, 10 against, and 12 abstentions. Nations Opposing the Resolution Countries voting against the resolution included Israel, the United States, Argentina, and Hungary. Call for Urgent Action Read More …

Gen Z Movement in Nepal

Thousands of Nepal’s youth, largely from Generation Z, poured onto the streets on September 8, 2025, in unprecedented protests against a sweeping government ban on major social media platforms. Violence Erupts After Peaceful Start Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent, leading to at least 19 deaths and more than 400 injuries as clashes broke out between protesters and security forces. Political Fallout – PM Oli Resigns In the wake of Read More …

48th Annual Conference on Oceans Law & Policy (COLP48)

Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, delivered the keynote address at the 48th Annual Conference on Oceans Law & Policy (COLP48), held under the theme “Developing World Approaches to Ocean Governance: Perspectives from the Indian Ocean Rim.” Focus on Inclusive Ocean Governance The conference brought together global stakeholders and policymakers to deliberate on pathways for sustainable and inclusive marine governance, with special emphasis on the developmental priorities of Read More …

11th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region

Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla, who is the Chairperson of the CPA India Region, inaugurated the 11th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region at the Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, on 11 September 2025. The Agenda Topic of this Conference is “Debates & Discussions in the Houses of Legislature: building people’s trust, meeting people’s aspirations.” The three-day event (11–13 September) is being hosted by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Read More …