Mozambique achieved a significant milestone in its fight against cervical cancer by launching a statewide HPV vaccination campaign, which was sponsored by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organisation. The initiative now protects approximately three million girls aged 12 to 18 in all eleven provinces, demonstrating the country's commitment to women's health. The vaccine, which was introduced into Mozambique's national immunisation program in 2019, represents a sustained effort to prevent adolescent girls from the human papillomavirus (HPV), the major cause of cervic
Dubai has accomplished another significant milestone in its sustainability path by gaining Gold Certification from the United Nations SDG Cities Programme. The award recognises cities that have made substantial progress towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through data-driven policies and inclusive governance. The announcement was made during the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors' Forum 2025 at Expo Dubai, when the city was praised for its visionary leadership, innovative infrastructure, and people-centred approach to urban growth. Dubai has been recognised as on
India is set to expand its world-class higher education network with the establishment of the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in West Africa, which will open in Nigeria by 2026. The program is a big step forward in India's global education outreach under the National Education Policy 2020, which pushes Indian universities to create worldwide campuses and strengthen cross-border collaboration. Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Nigeria's Minister of Education, announced the development after meeting with India's High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, in Abuja. The planned IIT
Japan's parliament elected Sanae Takaichi as the country's first female prime minister, a historic event in Japanese politics. The conservative leader promised to strengthen national defence and deepen the Japan-US alliance ahead of President Donald Trump's visit next week. Takaichi replaced outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered major electoral losses. Her emergence followed a coalition agreement between the LDP and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, which resulted in a weak governing alliance that lacked a majority in both parliamenta
Indonesia has been named the partner nation for this year's Bali Yatra, Odisha's largest maritime trade and cultural festival, which will be held in Cuttack from November 5 to 12. The Cuttack district administration announced that it would celebrate ancient Kalinga's long-standing maritime relations with the Indonesian islands of Bali, Java, and Sumatra. Officials stated that Indonesia was chosen as the first partner nation due to its long-standing historical and cultural ties to Odisha. The collaboration represents the revival of trade and cultural exchanges that formerly existed between
Singapore celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations with India with a brilliant sunflower exhibition at Gardens by the Bay. The event, known as "Sunflower Surprise," was launched by India's High Commissioner to Singapore, Dr Shilpak Ambule, in the presence of Singaporean Minister Indranee Rajah and other dignitaries. The 105-hectare urban park was transformed into a sea of golden blooms, with over 3,000 sunflowers from 20 different types carefully nurtured and displayed for the public. According to Dr Ambule, the sunflower, recognised for its warmth and joy, represents India and Singapor
Dubai's real estate market set a record in the third quarter of 2025, with sales of AED170.7 billion ($46.5 billion). During this period, the Dubai Land Department and DXBinteract certified 59,228 property transactions, representing a 17.2% increase in volume and 19.9% increase in value over the previous year. From January to September 2025, Dubai had 158,200 transactions of AED498.8 billion ($136 billion), a more than 20% increase over the previous year. Apartments dominated Q3, selling 49,370 units for AED94.3 billion ($25.7 billion). Plot and commercial property transactions also increa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Sanae Takaichi on becoming Japan's first female Prime Minister, expressing hope for more bilateral collaboration. He emphasised the importance of India-Japan relations, claiming that their growing partnership helps significantly to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed his best wishes and reaffirmed India's commitment to building the Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan. Sanae Takaichi, the 64-year-old head of the Liberal Democratic Party, was chosen by
The fifth edition of the bilateral naval exercise Samudra Shakti between India and Indonesia began on October 14 in Visakhapatnam, hosted by the Indian Navy. The exercise, which is scheduled for four days, aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and operational interoperability between the two countries. The drills include both professional engagements onshore and operational exercises at sea. The participating vessels include INS Kavaratti, an Eastern Fleet anti-submarine warfare corvette, and KRI John Lie, an Indonesian corvette carrying a helicopter. The Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Comm
India and the EU completed their first joint counter-terrorism exercise, which focused on tackling threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and improving the security of important infrastructure and soft targets. The three-day programme, which ended on Wednesday, involved senior officers, instructors, and technical experts from India's National Security Guard and the EU's High Risk Security Network. The exercise focused on advanced UAS operations, counter-drone tactics, and the development of procedures for integrated UAS and counter-UAS missions. The training, held at NSG's Manes