LEGAL NEWS
Supreme Court Clarifies Applicability of Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
• The Supreme Court ruled that age limits under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 will not apply to couples who had frozen embryos or begun surrogacy before January 25, 2022.
• The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 governs surrogacy in India and bans all forms of commercial surrogacy.
• The Act aims to protect women from exploitation and regulate surrogacy through registered medical clinics.
• Only altruistic surrogacy is allowed, where the surrogate mother receives no monetary benefit apart from medical and insurance costs.
• Clinics must be registered under the Act to conduct or assist in any surrogacy-related activity.
• The law forbids abortions during surrogacy without written consent from both the surrogate mother and certified medical professionals.
• A certificate of essentiality is mandatory before beginning any surrogacy process.
• The surrogate mother must be a married woman aged 25–35, have one biological child, and cannot donate her own gametes or be a surrogate more than once.
• The intended couple must be Indian citizens, married for at least five years, and childless, with the woman aged 23–50 years and the man 26–55 years; the child born through surrogacy is granted the same rights as a biological child.
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Mental Health Day 2025: Focus on Care During Crises
• World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10th October to spread awareness and promote mental well-being globally.
• The day encourages open conversations about mental health and seeks to reduce stigma around psychological issues.
• The 2025 theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” highlights the need for mental health support during disasters, wars, and pandemics.
• The campaign calls for inclusive and accessible mental health services even in crisis conditions.
• In India, the observance is led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) along with NIMHANS and various NGOs.
• As per the National Mental Health Survey (2016), around 13.7% of Indians are affected by mental health disorders.
• A WHO (2023) report revealed that India contributes nearly 18% to the global mental health burden.
• The day serves as a reminder to strengthen mental health systems and ensure help reaches those in need, especially in times of crisis.
AWARDS
Maria Corina Machado Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize
• Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
• She was honoured for her relentless fight to restore democracy and uphold human rights in Venezuela.
• Widely known as Venezuela’s “Iron Lady,” Machado symbolizes courage and resilience in Latin America’s democratic struggle.
• Her leadership has inspired a nationwide movement advocating peaceful political transition.
• She was also featured in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2025.
• The Nobel Peace Prize carries a reward of 11 million Swedish crowns (about $1.2 million).
• The prize ceremony will be held in Oslo on December 10, marking Alfred Nobel’s death anniversary.
• The award continues Nobel’s legacy of honouring individuals advancing peace and freedom worldwide.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES
India to Host 8th International Solar Alliance Assembly in New Delhi
• India will host the 8th edition of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly from October 27 to 30 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The gathering will unite global partners to advance cooperation in solar energy development.
• The main focus is on promoting affordable, clean, and sustainable solar solutions worldwide.
• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted that the event will push efforts toward universal access to solar power.
• India has achieved 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of target.
• The country ranks as the world’s third-largest solar energy producer and second-largest renewable energy market.
• Delegates from 124 nations, including over 40 energy ministers, are expected to attend the Assembly.
• The ISA, with 124 Member and Signatory countries, continues to champion solar energy for a carbon-neutral future.
ECONOMY NEWS
WTO Lowers 2026 Global Trade Growth Forecast to 0.5%
• The World Trade Organization (WTO) has slashed its 2026 global trade growth projection to 0.5%, down from the earlier 1.8%, citing delayed effects of new U.S. tariffs.
• For 2025, the WTO raised its trade growth outlook to 2.4% from 0.9%, supported by strong U.S. imports and booming AI-related product demand.
• Despite the revision, trade expansion remains below the 2.8% growth recorded in 2024.
• The sharp slowdown in 2026 is linked to tariff hikes introduced by the U.S. in August on imports from several countries.
• A new U.S.–EU deal includes a 15% duty on most European goods entering the American market.
• Global merchandise trade growth is projected to move from 2.8% (2024) → 2.4% (2025) → 0.5% (2026).
• WTO also expects global GDP growth to ease slightly from 2.7% in 2025 to 2.6% in 2026.
• In 2025’s first half, global trade volumes rose 4.9%, driven by a 20% surge in AI-linked exports, with Asia and Africa leading growth while Europe and North America lag behind.
NATIONAL NEWS
Purple Festival 2025 Promotes Inclusion and Empowerment in Goa
• Union Minister Dr. Ramdas Athawale inaugurated the third International Purple Festival in Panaji, Goa.
• The event celebrates inclusivity and highlights the achievements of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
• Dr. Athawale noted that over the past 11 years, the government has advanced welfare initiatives for Divyangjan, senior citizens, SCs, and STs.
• The Purple Festival, which began on 9 October, is India’s first global inclusive event dedicated to Persons with Disabilities.
• It aims to strengthen accessibility, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all participants.
• The festival also encourages greater social participation and awareness of disability rights.
• Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar commended the Goa government for hosting a high-standard, inclusive festival.
• He stressed that the active involvement of PwDs is vital to ensuring India’s holistic national development.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Palau Hosts World’s First Underwater Live Interview to Promote Ocean Conservation
• Palau created history by conducting the world’s first live underwater interview to highlight the importance of marine protection.
• President Surangel Whipps Jr participated in the event alongside Estonian Olympian and ocean activist Merle Liivand.
• The duo used an innovative LiFi Talking Mask, which enables underwater communication using light waves.
• The initiative aimed to draw global attention to the impact of climate change and rising sea levels on island nations.
• Palau, an island country of about 340 islands, lies east of the Philippines with its capital at Ngerulmud.
• President Whipps cautioned that some of Palau’s atolls risk disappearing due to rising sea levels.
• The underwater interview follows similar symbolic actions by other leaders, including Maldives’ underwater cabinet meet (2009) and Seychelles’ ocean speech (2019).
• The event showcased Palau’s leadership in marine advocacy and its commitment to protecting the world’s oceans.
