US-Iran Peace Deal Reopens Strait of Hormuz; India's Serum HPV Vaccine to Join Immunization Program After 2027; India-Slovakia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Partnership

WEF Global Gender Gap Index 2026: India Ranked 131st with 64.5% Parity, Iceland Leads at 93%

The World Economic Forum released its 2026 Global Gender Gap Index, covering 145 economies. India retained 131st rank with 64.5% parity, below global average of 69.2%. Iceland tops with 93% parity for the 17th consecutive year. Key dimensions: Economic Participation (61.7%) and Political Empowerment (22.1%) remain widest gaps.

India Gets First Disease-Modifying Alzheimer's Drug Leqembi After CDSCO Nod

Eisai's Leqembi (lecanemab), India's first disease-modifying therapy for early Alzheimer's, has been launched after CDSCO approval. This marks a shift from symptomatic to disease-modifying treatment, but challenges of early diagnosis, biomarker infrastructure, and affordability remain significant.

US DHS Proposes Scrapping 60-Day Grace Period for H-1B Visa Holders; 71% from India

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period that allows H-1B visa holders to stay in the US and find a new sponsor after losing their job. This directly impacts over 71% of H-1B recipients who are Indian nationals, potentially disrupting careers, families, and even the US tech sector. For UPSC/Banking aspirants, this is a critical live issue linking US immigration policy, India's skilled workforce, and bilateral economic ties.

Israel Rejects 15-Point Gaza Peace Plan; Netanyahu Refuses Withdrawal Without Full Disarmament

Israel's rejection of the U.S.-backed 15-point peace plan reveals its intent to subjugate Gaza rather than seek a ceasefire. With 1,300 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire, the plan proposed phased Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, but Netanyahu insists on full disarmament before any withdrawal. The conflict involves ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu, ICJ genocide proceedings, and US domestic political pressures.

India Deepens Engagement with Taliban: No Diplomatic Recognition, but High-Level Visits & Aid Continue

India has significantly upgraded its official engagement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, marked by the Taliban Foreign Minister's visit to New Delhi and Taliban-appointed diplomats attending high-level Indian events. While still withholding formal diplomatic recognition, India's strategic shift is driven by protecting its $2-3 billion investment, exploiting the fractured Taliban-Pakistan ties, and countering Chinese influence in the region, raising critical questions for UPSC on the balance between realpolitik and human rights.

UN CERD Flags Human Rights Violations in India, Urges Suspension of NRC in Assam

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has accused India of systematic racial discrimination against Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam under the NRC process. It urges suspension of the NRC, review of the legal framework, and action against hate speech and extrajudicial killings. This is critical for UPSC prelims (UN bodies, NRC) and mains (citizenship, human rights, federalism).

India Rejects UNCERD Report Alleging Discrimination Against SCs, STs, Rohingya; Cites Constitutional Safeguards

India has officially rejected the UNCERD report that alleged racial discrimination against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Rohingya refugees. The report also criticized the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. This news is crucial for understanding India's stance on international human rights obligations and domestic citizenship issues.

UNGA Adopts Resolution Declaring Nov 27 International Day Against Child Marriage; India Co-Sponsors

India co-sponsored a UNGA resolution declaring November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. The resolution, adopted by consensus on Sept 4, 2026, aims to galvanize global action against child marriage. This aligns with India's 'Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat' campaign launched on Nov 27, 2024, targeting a child marriage-free India by 2030.