Ruchira Kamboj, India's first woman Permanent Representative to the UN, has retired after 35 years of service. A 1987-batch IFS officer, Kamboj served as envoy in Bhutan, South Africa, and UNESCO. She navigated crucial discussions at the UN during the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars. Kamboj was the first woman to top the Civil Services and Foreign Service batches in 1987. She was fluent in three languages and began her diplomatic career in Paris. Kamboj's tenure at the UN saw her deal with issues like peacekeeping, Security Council reform, and the Middle East crisis.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has brought back 100 tonnes of gold, worth around ₹4,000 crore, from the UK to its vaults in India. This is the first such move since 1991, when India faced a foreign exchange crisis. The central bank has been storing gold in vaults in Mumbai and Nagpur, and decided to diversify its storage locations. The RBI started buying gold a few years ago and has been reviewing its storage options. More gold is expected to be brought back to India in the coming months. This move is seen as a sign of India's growing economic strength.

A 9-year-old girl from Kerala, India, is in critical condition after a drive-by shooting in east London. She was dining with her family at a restaurant on Kingsland High Street when a motorbike passenger opened fire, also injuring three men outside. The girl's condition is life-threatening, while the men's injuries are stable, but potentially life-changing. Police believe the victims were innocent bystanders and are appealing for information to identify the perpetrators. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.

Professor Amit Patel, a renowned Indian-origin NHS Consultant Haematologist, died due to a botched medical procedure, a UK coroner has ruled. Patel, admitted with suspected HLH, underwent a procedure based on incomplete information, resulting in his death in October 2021. The coroner noted Patel's lack of informed consent and failures in his care, deeming his death avoidable. Described as brilliant and deeply loved, Patel's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust vowed to learn from the case to improve patient safety and care quality.              

In a significant breakthrough, Sri Lankan Police have arrested Osman Pushparaja Gerard, a 46-year-old terror suspect and handler of four ISIS terrorists taken into custody in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Gerard in Colombo, following a high-level investigation involving multiple intelligence agencies. Sri Lanka Police had offered a cash reward for information leading to Gerard's capture. Six suspects have been arrested in Sri Lanka, including those who prepared an ISIS flag, took an oath, and handled financial transactions. The arrests have uncovered a significant ISIS network operating in the region.

Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old Indian-American from Florida, won the Scripps National Spelling Bee by spelling 29 words correctly in 90 seconds. Soma, who previously placed 163rd in 2022 and 74th in 2023, won $50,000. His final word was "abseil." He beat Faizan Zaki, who spelled 20 words correctly. Soma’s father is originally from Telangana. This year’s Bee had eight finalists, including five Indian-Americans. The Scripps National Spelling Bee, started in 1925, is the country's longest-running educational competition. Soma's win highlights his exceptional memory and spelling skills.

Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old Indian-American student, scripted history by winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee. He correctly spelled 29 words in 90 seconds, including complex ones, in the lightning round. Soma's championship word was "abseil". In the tiebreaker, he answered 29 out of 30 words correctly, beating Faizan Zaki. Soma's achievement breaks the standing spell-off record set by Harini Logan in 2022. With his remarkable memory and spelling skills, Soma has made history, taking home $50,000 in cash and other prizes. His win is an inspiration to many young students across the country.

Major Radhika Sen, an Indian woman peacekeeper, has been awarded the prestigious 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres presented the award, hailing her as a "true leader and role model." Major Sen served with the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, commanding the Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to gender equality and women's empowerment. This honor highlights her dedication and commitment to peacekeeping and gender advocacy.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Indian Army Major Radhika Sen as a "true leader and role model" while presenting her with the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Major Sen, serving in the Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), was honored for her exemplary service, particularly in engaging with conflict-affected communities. She expressed gratitude on behalf of her colleagues and emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive peacekeeping. Major Sen is the second Indian Peacekeeper to receive this honor, highlighting India's significant contribution to UN peacekeeping efforts, with nearly 2,000 Indian personnel serving in MONUSCO.

India expressed deep concern over the loss of civilian lives in a recent Israeli airstrike on a displacement camp in Rafah, Gaza. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized, "The heartbreaking loss of civilian lives in the displacement camp in Rafah is a matter of deep concern for us." Jaiswal further stated, "We have consistently called for protection of the civilian population and respect for international humanitarian law in the ongoing conflict." India reiterated its support for a two-state solution, recognizing Palestine's sovereignty and independence.