A recent Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) report highlights that among major economies, only India, Indonesia, the UK, and Switzerland are on course to achieve their 2030 Paris Agreement objectives. This report underscores a substantial disparity in global climate action. Major economies are falling short in accounting for their historical emissions and in recognizing the distinct responsibilities of affluent and developing nations in the pursuit of common climate goals. The 2030 Paris Agreement targets serve as a critical milestone in the global effort to combat climate change, with these countries showing promising progress toward fulfilling their commitments.

The proposed India-UK free trade agreement should benefit India's labour-intensive sectors like apparel, footwear, carpets, and cars through the elimination of import duties, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). However, the overall impact on India is anticipated to be limited since a substantial portion of Indian goods already enters the UK with low or zero tariffs. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India's exports to the UK were valued at $11.41 billion, with roughly $6 billion worth of goods (including petroleum products, medicines, diamonds, machine parts, airplanes, and wooden furniture) enjoying duty-free access. The FTA is expected to have a more pronounced effect on products with moderate tariffs, such as textiles, apparel, and footwear.  

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho made a surprise appearance at the Sreebhumi Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata, West Bengal. The iconic athlete, known for his mesmerizing skills on the pitch, joined the festivities of Durga Puja, a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm. Durga Puja, honoring the goddess Durga's victory over evil, features stunningly crafted idols, colorful processions, cultural performances, and delectable feasts. Ronaldinho's visit added a touch of international glamour to the event, as he immersed himself in the rich culture and traditions of India, delighting fans and attendees alike.

Students in India are set to receive their own unique identification numbers, provided their parents give consent. The Government of India, as part of its 'National Education Policy 2020,' is preparing to establish a single ID system called the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) for each student, from pre-primary to higher education. This ID will maintain a lifelong record of a student's academic journey and achievements. The government assures that data obtained through the ID will remain confidential, and parents who have given consent will be free to withdraw it at any time. Students can digitally archive all their educational accomplishments and, eventually, use their credit score for higher education or employment.

The trailer for 'Tiger 3' starring Salman Khan dropped Monday, featuring the superstar back in his popular spy role. The third film in the 'Tiger' franchise sees Khan's character battling a menacing Emraan Hashmi to protect his family. Khan is shown aggressively fighting Hashmi's villainous character in the high-octane trailer filled with large-scale action sequences. 'Tiger 3' continues the story from previous films as well as 'War' and 'Pathaan'. Produced by Yash Raj Films, the movie sees Katrina Kaif reprising her role as Pak spy Zoya, now married to Tiger. Fans are set for an adrenaline-filled ride when the film hits theaters.

Cricket was voted as an Olympic sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Games along with baseball-softball, lacrosse, squash and flag football in a historic decision by the International Olympic Committee on Monday. The 5 sports were confirmed as a package with minimal opposition among 90 IOC members at a session in Mumbai, India. Cricket returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1900, getting a spot in one of the sport's hotbeds. Baseball-softball, lacrosse and squash also return to the program. Flag football will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles. The slate was proposed by LA officials last week.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of "destroying the idea of Manipur" while addressing a poll rally in Mizoram on Monday. He claimed Manipur is now like "two states" after months of deadly ethnic clashes that erupted over a proposed reservation policy change. Gandhi slammed PM Modi for not visiting Manipur where at least 175 people have died and 50,000 displaced since violence broke out in May. He alleged Modi cares more about Israel than the crisis in Manipur where homes were burnt, businesses lost and the internet cut. The Congress chief said women were molested and babies killed but Modi doesn't find Manipur important enough to travel there.

As Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion of Gaza, Iran warned against further Israeli "aggressions" saying regional tensions could spiral out of control. With over 2,670 Palestinians killed, including 700 children, Iran's foreign minister said "hands are on the trigger" for armed conflict. He called for an immediate halt to attacks on Gaza civilians. Israel cut utilities to Gaza but restored southern water supply. The U.S. voiced concern about the war expanding, given Iran's support for Hamas. Israel sent forces to the Lebanon border after fire from Iran-backed Hezbollah. Iran warned no one can prevent the conflict's escalation if Israeli attacks persist.

Two Israeli women security officers of Indian origin were killed in the recent attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas, officials and community members confirmed. Lieutenant Or Moses, 22, and Inspector Kim Dokraker were among the Israeli defense personnel killed in the October 7 attack. So far, over 330 Israeli soldiers and officers have died. One survivor, 24-year-old Shahaf Talker, shared her harrowing account of being shot at while trying to flee with a friend. The Indian-origin community in Israel continues to mourn even as the identification of victims and search for missing persons continues. The unprecedented Hamas strike has claimed a huge toll on the country's defense forces.

A 71-year-old Illinois man was charged with a hate crime for allegedly stabbing a 6-year-old Muslim boy to death and seriously injuring the boy's mother. Police say the suspect targeted the victims due to their Islamic faith and as a response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The attack comes amid heightened alert for hate crimes against Jews and Muslims. The boy, identified as Palestinian-American Wadea Al-Fayoume, was stabbed dozens of times. The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the "worst nightmare" crime and cited text messages showing the attacker's anti-Muslim remarks.