PM Modi Meets Jamaican PM, Haryana Elections: Weekly News Highlights (29 September - 5 October)

PM Modi Meets Jamaican PM : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness met to discuss the strong ties between their countries, highlighting the role of cricket in building friendships. Holness praised India’s cricket skills and Jamaica’s excellence in track and field, noting the potential for collaboration.

2. IMD Warns of Harsh Winter Ahead

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a harsh winter for India due to emerging La Nina conditions. These conditions may lead to severe cold waves, especially in northwest and central India. The monsoon season has ended with 8% more rainfall than average, but its withdrawal has been delayed until about 17 October.

3. India Calls for Peace Amid Israel-Iran Tensions

As tensions rise in West Asia, India expressed concern over the security situation after Iran launched missiles at Israel. The Ministry of External Affairs urged all parties to engage in dialogue to prevent the conflict from escalating further.

4. Shah Rukh Khan Wins Best Actor at IIFA 2024

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan received the Best Actor award for his role in "Jawan" at the IIFA 2024 awards held in Abu Dhabi. His heartfelt moment with filmmaker Mani Ratnam, where he touched his feet and embraced composer AR Rahman, has gone viral on social media.

5. Five Languages Granted Classical Status

The Indian government has officially recognized five more languages—Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali—as classical languages. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that this decision reflects a commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage.

6. Centre's Stance on Marital Rape Case

The Indian government informed the Supreme Court that issues surrounding marital rape require a comprehensive approach due to their significant social and legal implications. An affidavit was filed emphasizing the need for careful consideration of these matters.

7. Update on Indians in War-Torn Countries

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that flights from affected areas are still operating. Currently, around 3,000 Indians are in Lebanon, 10,000 in Iran, and 30,000 in Israel, with no immediate evacuation plans in place.

8. Jaishankar to Visit Pakistan for SCO Summit

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will lead an Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad on 15-16 October. This visit marks the first high-level interaction between India and Pakistan in nearly a decade.

9. PM Modi Addresses Economic Conclave

At the Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi, PM Modi stated that India's economy is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at sustaining high growth. He acknowledged the global impact of ongoing conflicts in regions like Russia-Ukraine and West Asia on energy security.

Also read: Indian Minister to Visit Pakistan for SCO Summit

10. Haryana Assembly Elections Begin

Elections for the Haryana assembly are underway, with around 1,031 candidates, including Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, contesting for 90 seats. The ruling BJP aims for a third consecutive win, while the Congress hopes to return to power after a decade in opposition. Votes will be counted on 8 October.