INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India Elected Unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026–28
• India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–28 term, marking its seventh tenure on the global rights body.
• The election results were declared on 14 October 2025, confirming India’s three-year term starting from 1 January 2026.
• Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, expressed gratitude to all member nations for their strong support in the election.
• India’s election highlights its consistent dedication to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms across the world.
• The UNHRC has 47 members, elected by the UN General Assembly on a regional representation basis for three-year terms.
• The Asia-Pacific region, which includes India, holds 13 seats on the council, alongside other regional groups like Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
• India earlier served on the UNHRC for six terms—2006–07, 2008–10, 2012–14, 2015–17, 2019–21, and 2022–24—taking a mandatory gap year before contesting again.
• In its first-ever election in 2006, India secured 173 out of 190 votes, reflecting its strong credibility and leadership in global human rights diplomacy.
India–Mongolia Strengthen Bilateral Partnership with New Agreements
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa held delegation-level discussions in New Delhi to deepen bilateral cooperation.
• The two nations signed several MoUs spanning areas such as humanitarian aid, heritage restoration, geology, minerals, immigration, cooperatives, and digital innovation.
• Commemorative stamps celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties between India and Mongolia were jointly unveiled.
• PM Modi announced the launch of free e-visa facilities for Mongolian nationals, aimed at enhancing people-to-people contact.
• India will also sponsor annual visits of young Mongolian cultural ambassadors, strengthening cultural exchange between the two countries.
• Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to shared spiritual and historical links, rooted in Buddhist heritage.
• Ancient institutions such as Nalanda University and Gandan Monastery were highlighted as enduring symbols of the India–Mongolia civilizational bond.
ECONOMY NEWS
IMF Raises India’s GDP Forecast Despite US Tariffs
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised India’s GDP growth for 2025–26 to 6.6%, up from the earlier projection of 6.4%.
• Despite the impact of US tariffs on Indian imports, the IMF expects India’s economy to maintain strong growth momentum.
• The revision reflects robust performance in the first quarter, which offset the negative effects of trade restrictions.
• For 2026–27, the IMF slightly lowered the forecast by 20 basis points to 6.2%, showing moderate caution ahead.
• Globally, the IMF projects real GDP growth at 3.2% in 2025, improving from the 3.0% forecast in July and 2.8% in April.
• The IMF observed that global markets have remained stable despite tariff tensions, though it warned about risks from renewed US–China trade disputes.
• For 2026, the global growth estimate remains unchanged at 3.1%, indicating steady but careful optimism about worldwide economic recovery.
India Sees Sharp Rise in Women’s Workforce Participation
• India’s female workforce participation has risen sharply to about 42% in 2023–24, compared to 23% in 2017–18.
• World Bank data highlights that India recorded the largest jump among BRICS nations in women’s labour participation over the last decade.
• The government’s inclusive policies have been key drivers, improving access to skill development, credit, and formal employment for women.
• Women candidates are exempted from exam fees in competitive tests, promoting greater representation in public services.
• Female government employees enjoy 730 days of Child Care Leave and 180 days of maternity leave, ensuring better work-life balance.
• The administration also prioritises spouse postings at the same station to support families and retain women in the workforce.
• Through various employment and skill training schemes, the government aims to empower women and make them pivotal contributors to India’s vision for 2047.
