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1. Recently, Prime Minister Modi attended the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Vientiane, Laos, advocating for a development-oriented Indo-Pacific approach and expressing support for Nalanda University. He addressed global challenges such as terrorism and cyber threats, emphasizing dialogue for conflict resolution. Modi congratulated Malaysia on assuming the ASEAN Chair, highlighting India's support for ASEAN's leadership. The EAS, established in 2005, is a key leader-led forum comprising 18 countries, including ASEAN members and dialogue partners like the U.S., China, and India. Representing about 53% of the world’s population and 60% of global GDP, the EAS plays a crucial role in strategic dialogue, economic cooperation, and cultural ties, particularly through Buddhism. India's Act East Policy enhances connectivity and capacity-building initiatives with Southeast Asian nations.
2. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently banned Hizb-Ut-Tahrir under Section 35 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) of 1967. The organization was involved in radicalizing youth to join terrorist groups and funding their activities, holding 'Dawah' gatherings to encourage young individuals to commit terrorist acts. Its goal is to establish an Islamic state and caliphate globally, including in India, through jihad. Section 35 of the UAPA allows the government to declare an organization unlawful if it promotes terrorism or secession. Founded in 1953 in Jerusalem and headquartered in Lebanon, Hizb-Ut-Tahrir operates in over 30 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. With this ban, it becomes the 45th organization to be prohibited in India, joining groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
3. A new study titled "Implausibility of Radical Life Extension in Humans in the Twenty-First Century" highlights a slowdown in life expectancy growth, despite advancements in medicine and technology. Researchers analyzed life expectancy data from 1990 to 2019, focusing on regions like Australia, France, and South Korea, where life expectancy increased by only 6.5 years during that period. The study emphasizes the need for innovative medications targeting the aging process itself, rather than merely improving treatments for fatal conditions like heart disease and cancer. Current estimates show that girls have a 5.3% chance and boys a 1.8% chance of reaching 100 years old in these regions. Even with the eradication of common diseases, organ decline due to aging remains a significant barrier to extending lifespan. Some drugs, such as metformin, are under investigation for their potential to slow aging, with promising results seen in studies with male monkeys.
4. IPS officer Anita Roy, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Puducherry, has made history by becoming the first IPS officer to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth International Classic Bench Press Competition 2024, held in Sun City, South Africa. This prestigious event, organized by the Commonwealth Powerlifting Federation and affiliated with the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), promotes high-quality, drug-free powerlifting competitions across the Commonwealth. Established in 1972, the IPF serves as the global governing body for powerlifting, representing member federations from over 100 countries and recognized by the General Association of International Sports Federations. Roy’s achievement highlights the intersection of sports and public service.
5. The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, recognizing their efforts to achieve a nuclear-free world. Founded on August 10, 1956, Nihon Hidankyo, consisting of “Hibakusha” (bomb-affected people), has played a crucial role in advocating for nuclear disarmament by sharing their experiences to raise awareness of the bombings' devastating effects. The atomic bombings on August 6 and 9, 1945, by the U.S. resulted in over 100,000 immediate deaths in Hiroshima and at least 40,000 in Nagasaki. The organization seeks to promote Hibakusha welfare, eliminate nuclear weapons, and secure compensation for victims. Other notable Nobel Peace Prize recipients for disarmament include former Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).