ECI Revises Voter Form, Astronaut Anil Menon Heads to ISS: July 13 Roundup
The Election Commission of India has revised Form 6 for new voter registration, adding a section that asks applicants whether their parents were covered under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This change introduces additional verification requirements aimed at streamlining the enrolment process.
In a major achievement for India's space sector, Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set to head to the International Space Station (ISS). His mission underscores the growing collaboration between India and the United States in space exploration.
India has condemned an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, where one Indian national is missing. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with international partners.
On the environmental front, India is set to launch its first hydrogen-powered train, marking a significant milestone in the country's push towards cleaner and more sustainable railway transport. The move aligns with India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Internationally, Typhoon Bavi battered parts of China and Taiwan, triggering heavy rainfall, large-scale evacuations, and disruptions to train and flight services. India expressed solidarity with affected regions.
In trade, India has sought a review of a US investigation into alleged forced labour concerns, raising the issue amid ongoing bilateral commercial discussions. The government emphasised that its labour practices comply with international standards.
In sports, Argentina forward Julián Álvarez emerged as a standout performer in the FIFA World Cup, guiding his team into the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, India named Prince and Ravi Bishnoi as injury replacements for Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of their upcoming international assignment.
In business news, caller identification platform Truecaller backed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) proposal to whitelist 140 and 1600 series numbers, stating that the move could help reduce spam and fraudulent calls. Separately, the Ministry of Power is considering an advisory to ensure adequate electricity supply amid uncertainty over El Niño conditions and potential weather-related disruptions.
In education, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati awarded 2,265 degrees during its 28th Convocation, covering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. The International Baccalaureate reported a 10% increase in the number of IB students in India over the past three years, with average scores remaining above the global average.
