INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Uruguay Becomes First Latin American Nation to Legalise Euthanasia by Law

• On 15 October 2025, Uruguay’s Senate passed a historic bill decriminalising euthanasia, making it the first predominantly Catholic country in Latin America to do so through legislation.

• The law permits terminally or severely ill patients to seek medical assistance in ending their lives under strict professional supervision.

• The bill passed the Senate by 20–11 votes, following earlier approval by the lower house, concluding five years of intense debate and political effort.

• Euthanasia must be performed by doctors, while assisted suicide—where patients self-administer lethal medication—remains prohibited.

• Patients must be mentally competent and evaluated by two physicians, with minors excluded from eligibility.

• The reform underscores Uruguay’s progressive social outlook, aligning with earlier steps like legalising abortion, same-sex marriage, and recreational cannabis.

• With this move, Uruguay joins Colombia and Ecuador in recognising euthanasia, setting a regional legal precedent and sparking ethical debate over personal autonomy and end-of-life rights.

India Named Co-Chair of UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific Regional Committee

• India has been elected as the Co-Chair of the UN Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific for a three-year term till 2028.

• The decision was made during the 14th Plenary Meeting held in Goyang-si, South Korea, from 24–26 September 2025.

• The meeting was hosted by South Korea’s National Geographic Information Institute.

• This appointment highlights India’s growing leadership and expertise in global geospatial governance.

• UN-GGIM-AP functions as one of five regional arms of the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management.

• The body includes 56 member nations from across Asia and the Pacific, fostering regional cooperation in geospatial innovation.

• Its main goal is to advance the use of geospatial data to support economic, social, and environmental progress through shared knowledge and collaboration.

GOVERNMENT SCHEME

NITI Aayog and DP World Launch ‘We Rise’ to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

• On 17 October, NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World jointly launched the ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ initiative.

• The programme falls under WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) framework, focusing on mentorship, trade access, and global market readiness for women-led enterprises.

• A Statement of Intent was signed by Anna Roy, Mission Director of WEP, in the presence of B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, formalising the collaboration.

• Under this initiative, 100 women-led MSMEs will be mentored to strengthen export capabilities and meet international trade standards.

• DP World will help selected entrepreneurs showcase their products at India Mart in Dubai, a major B2B and B2C marketplace in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza).

• The marketplace will give Indian women entrepreneurs global exposure and access to international buyers.

• With over 90,000 women entrepreneurs already connected to WEP, this public–private partnership aims to expand trade opportunities and promote inclusive growth.

• The WEP, launched in 2018 and converted into a public–private partnership in 2022, continues to drive women-led economic empowerment through initiatives like ATR, launched in 2023.

NATIONAL NEWS

Concluding Ceremony of 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2025 in Dehradun

• The closing event of the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2025 will be held on 17 October at the Himalayan Cultural Centre, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

• The month-long campaign, launched on 17 September from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, was inaugurated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• This year’s theme, “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar,” emphasised improving the nutrition and health of women and children.

• The initiative encouraged community engagement through Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 to promote healthier lifestyles.

• Key focus areas included balanced diets, reducing sugar and oil intake, promoting local foods, and enhancing infant and young child feeding practices.

• The ceremony will honour Poshan and Mission Shakti Champions and highlight grassroots innovations in nutrition.

• The event, led by Union WCD Minister Annpurna Devi, will feature Smt. Savitri Thakur as Chief Guest, along with Anganwadi workers and helpers from across Uttarakhand.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

India Advocates Equitable Climate Action at G20 Meet in South Africa

• At the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting in South Africa on 16 October, India called for fair and balanced climate action.

• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stressed that the G20 should connect ambition with practical implementation.

• He underscored that each nation’s unique contribution and capacity must be acknowledged in global efforts.

• India reaffirmed its support for ecosystem-based, community-driven conservation of biodiversity.

• The minister warned against treating biodiversity as a commercial asset and urged deeper reflection on its value.

• He reiterated India’s commitment to equity and common but differentiated responsibilities in climate and development goals.

• Yadav also promoted pro-planet lifestyles and societal participation, echoing PM Modi’s vision of blending tradition with technology.

National Conclave on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan Held in New Delhi

• President Droupadi Murmu attended the National Conclave on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan in New Delhi on 17 October.

• The event was hosted by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the Viksit Bharat vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• It was organised alongside the PM JANMAN and Dharti Aba Abhiyan initiatives.

• Key participants included Union Minister Jual Oram, Ministers of State, senior officials, District Magistrates, Master Trainers, and Adi Sahyogis from across India.

• The conclave focused on “Tribal Village Vision 2030: From Ideas to Implementation”, aiming to finalise policy frameworks and strategies.

• Discussions drew insights from over 50,000 Village Action Plans, promoting greater tribal involvement in development efforts.

• Five thematic groups worked on major areas like education, health, livelihoods, infrastructure, and governance strengthening.

NSA Ajit Doval Attends 3rd India–Central Asia Security Officials’ Meeting in Kyrgyzstan

• National Security Adviser Ajit Doval participated in the third meeting of India–Central Asia Security Council officials held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

• The forum gathered NSAs and Security Council Secretaries to discuss emerging regional and global security challenges.

• Discussions centred on joint action against terrorism, drug trade, radicalisation, and extremism.

• Participants emphasised sustained dialogue and cooperation, especially to ensure stability in Afghanistan.

• The meeting underscored the need to enhance transport and digital connectivity between India and Central Asia.

• Members also agreed to expand collaboration in areas like AI, space technology, and digital infrastructure.

• During the visit, NSA Doval met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and held bilateral talks with security chiefs from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to boost strategic partnerships.