IMPORTANT DAYS
World Day for International Justice 2025 observed on July 17.
• World Day for International Justice 2025 observed annually on 17 July, the day affirms international commitment to justice and victims' rights.
• Known also as International Criminal Justice Day, it commemorates the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998.
• The Rome Statute laid the foundation for the creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• The ICC began functioning in 2002, prosecuting individuals for crimes like genocide and war crimes.
• The court is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
• As of October 2024, 125 countries are part of the ICC, reflecting widespread global support.
• The ICC aims to bring justice in cases where national courts fail to act.
• Judge Tomoko Akane currently presides over the ICC, leading its mission for global justice.
RANKING AND REPORTS
Indian Cities Rise in QS Student Cities Rankings 2026
• Delhi was named the world’s most affordable student city in the latest QS Best Student Cities report.
• QS evaluated 150 global cities, with Seoul, Tokyo, and London taking the top spots.
• Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai showed marked improvement in their 2026 rankings.
• Mumbai rejoined the top 100, moving up 15 places to 98th; Delhi ranked 104th, and Bengaluru 108th.
• Chennai climbed 12 positions to claim the 128th spot globally.
• Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru were ranked among the top 15 globally for affordability.
• Delhi and Mumbai entered the global top 50 in employer activity, while Bengaluru soared 41 spots to 59th.
• Over the last ten years, India saw a 390% rise in universities featured in QS global rankings.
South Asia’s Immunization Progress: 2024 Marks a Breakthrough Year
India reduced its number of zero-dose children by 43%, dropping from 1.6 million to 0.9 million within a year.
• According to WHO and UNICEF, South Asia achieved its highest-ever vaccination coverage in 2024.
• Regional DTP3 coverage hit 92%, surpassing both 2023 figures and pre-pandemic levels.
• Nepal significantly cut its zero-dose population, while Pakistan reached a national high of 87% DTP3 coverage.
• Afghanistan recorded the region’s lowest immunization rate with a slight decline from last year.
• Measles coverage improved—93% received the first dose, and 88% got the second.
• Bangladesh vaccinated over 7.1 million girls with the HPV vaccine, with strong participation from Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
• Despite progress, over 2.9 million South Asian children remain unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.
AWARDS
President Murmu Celebrates Cultural Icons and Literary Contributions in Odisha
• President Droupadi Murmu presented the 2024 Kalinga Ratna Award to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• The ceremony coincided with the 600th birth anniversary of Sarala Das, the revered Odia translator of the Mahabharata.
• Organized by Sarala Sahitya Sansad, the event was held at Cuttack’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
• The President honored Sarala Das’s contribution to regional literature and language.
• She praised the Sansad for preserving India’s literary heritage and recognizing influential writers.
• Shri Bijaya Nayak was awarded the Sarala Samman for his literary work.
• Murmu emphasized the importance of regional interpretations of Indian epics.
• The Kalinga Ratna acknowledges excellence in public life, literature, education, and cultural service.
Leila Aboulela Honoured with 2024 PEN Pinter Prize for Literary Excellence
• Sudanese-British author Leila Aboulela received the 2024 PEN Pinter Prize for her deep exploration of migration, faith, and identity.
• The award honors authors who mirror Harold Pinter’s commitment to truth and social awareness in literature.
• Living in Aberdeen since 1990, Aboulela’s storytelling draws from her Sudanese roots and lived experience.
• Her acclaimed works include The Translator, Elsewhere, Home, and River Spirit (2023).
• Her writing is praised for dignifying Muslim women’s lives and navigating themes of cultural displacement.
• The award ceremony will be held at the British Library, London, on 10 October.
• Aboulela will also present the 2024 Writer of Courage Award during the event.
• The PEN Pinter Prize is awarded annually to authors from the UK, Ireland, Commonwealth, or former Commonwealth nations.
Deepika Wins Global Hockey Award for Stunning Goal
• Indian forward Deepika earned the 2024–25 Poligras Magic Skill Award for a brilliant solo goal against the Netherlands.
• Her goal, scored in the 35th minute during a Pro League match in Bhubaneswar, helped level the match 2–2.
• India later clinched the win via shootout at Kalinga Stadium.
• The award, based on fan voting from July 4–13, recognizes extraordinary hockey skills.
• Deepika's move involved swift dribbling past defenders and a precise finish from a narrow angle.
• She beat out entries from Spain’s Patricia Alvarez and Australia’s women’s team.
• On the men’s side, Belgium’s Victor Wegnez was recognized for a well-executed team goal against Spain.
• The award celebrates individual brilliance in international hockey.
