The U.N. human rights chief urged countries to work together to defeat threats such as war and pollution at an event marking 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, risking overshadowing by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Speaking in Geneva, Turk invoked the spirit that led to the adoption of the declaration in 1948, responding to what the document calls "barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind." Turk characterized the event as a "call to hope" and a "call to action," highlighting the declaration's historical impact, including the end of racial segregation
The United Nations has issued a plea for $46 billion in funding for 2024 to assist millions of people grappling with humanitarian crises worldwide. The Global Humanitarian Overview for 2024, released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) on December 11, highlights that nearly 300 million individuals will require humanitarian aid in the coming year due to conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic challenges.Of particular concern is East and Southern Africa, where 74.1 million people are affected, notably in crisis-ridden Sudan. "We will target for our spe
The UK government has announced Dr. Samir Shah, a distinguished Indian-origin media executive, as its preferred candidate for the position of BBC Chairman. Dr. Shah, originally from Aurangabad and a resident of England since 1960, boasts over 40 years of experience in TV production and journalism. Formerly the head of current affairs and political programmes at the BBC, Dr. Shah will succeed Richard Sharp, who resigned amid scrutiny of his communication with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. As the CEO and owner of Juniper, an independent television and radio production company, Dr. Sha
To enhance bilateral ties and facilitate travel, Saudi Arabia has announced a 96-hour stopover visa for Indian travelers, along with the issuance of regular visas within 48 hours. Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, shared this development during his visit to Delhi, where he addressed the media alongside Union Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan. Al-Rabiah revealed that Indian citizens can now undertake Umrah on business, tourism, and Umrah visas. The Umrah visa, valid for 90 days, allows hold
Gujarat's iconic Garba dance has been inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel shared this historic news, celebrating the cultural richness and inclusivity embedded in the traditional dance. This recognition, granted under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, marks the 15th element from India to join this distinguished list. Garba, a dance deeply rooted in ritualistic and devotional traditions, plays a pivotal role in promoting social and gender inclusivity. Union Cultu
Captain Geetika Koul of the Snow Leopard Brigade has become the first woman medical officer in the Indian Army to be deployed at Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, the Fire and Fury Corps announced on Tuesday. This achievement follows Captain Koul's successful completion of rigorous induction training at the esteemed Siachen Battle School. The training, considered a formidable test of physical and mental endurance, covers various aspects such as high-altitude acclimatization, survival techniques, and specialized medical procedures. In a social media post, the Fire and Fury Corp
The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district on the occasion of Navy Day. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the visionary leader of the Maratha empire, constructed several coastal and sea forts. The unveiling ceremony highlighted his significant contribution to India’s maritime history, with a special focus on the iconic Sindhudurg Fort. The prime minister paid homage to the legendary leader who is also known as the father of the Indian Navy. PM Modi attended the Navy Day 2023 celebrations in Sind
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the renaming of ranks in the Indian Navy during the Navy Day celebrations in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The decision reflects a commitment to honoring the legacy of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, credited for building the country's first modern Navy. Addressing the celebration, PM Modi highlighted the transformative ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating that India of today is moving forward abandoning the slavery mentality. The Prime Minister unveiled plans for the epaulettes worn by naval officers to prominently feat
Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter regulations for issuing visas for the recruitment of domestic workers from abroad. The Musaned recruitment platform, designed to streamline the domestic labor market, has outlined key criteria for employers seeking to bring in overseas domestic help. Under the new regulations, the minimum age for an individual employer to secure a visa for domestic workers has been set at 24 years. Under these rules, Saudi citizens, Gulf nationals, foreign wives of Saudi men, their mothers, and holders of Saudi premium residency permits can apply for visas to hire overs
The Indian Navy has appointed the first woman commanding officer in a naval ship in sync with its philosophy of 'all roles-all ranks' for female personnel, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Dec 1. The appointed officer, a qualified navigation instructor with a background in training observers, has successfully completed all requisite qualification processes and exams. Admiral Kumar highlighted that she will undergo pre-commissioning training before assuming command of the ship. Admiral Kumar also shared that the overall strength of women Agniveers has now crossed the 1,000-mark, a