Local Round-up: India’s Historic Women’s World Cup Win, Kerala’s Poverty-Free Milestone, and Lucknow’s UNESCO Honour

From India’s women’s cricket triumph to Kerala’s social achievement and ISRO’s space success, the week was packed with historic firsts. Justice Surya Kant’s appointment, Lucknow’s global culinary recognition, and major social milestones defined the country’s news cycle alongside inspiring and unsettling developments that gripped national attention.

India Wins Maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Title Against South Africa

The Indian women’s cricket team made history by winning its first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final. India’s balanced performance saw strong batting displays and disciplined bowling, helping them clinch the title after years of near misses. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur credited teamwork and resilience for the victory, marking a watershed moment for women’s cricket in India and inspiring the next generation of players.

ISRO Successfully Launches CMS-03 Satellite on LVM3-M5 Rocket

ISRO successfully launched the CMS-03 communication satellite aboard its LVM3-M5 (GSLV-MkIII) heavy-lift rocket from Sriharikota. The satellite was injected into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and is designed to enhance telecommunications and broadband coverage across India. Scientists hailed the launch as another milestone in ISRO’s growing fleet of indigenous communication satellites, reinforcing India’s expanding presence in global space technology and connectivity infrastructure.

PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Digital Tribal Museum in Raipur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Digital Museum of Tribal Freedom Fighters in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The interactive space uses holograms, AI, and augmented reality to narrate stories of indigenous heroes and their role in India’s freedom movement. Officials described the museum as a modern platform that honours tribal legacies while making history accessible to younger generations through digital innovation and immersive learning.

Lucknow Earns UNESCO ‘City of Gastronomy’ Tag for Culinary Heritage

Lucknow has officially been included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a ‘City of Gastronomy,’ recognising its centuries-old Awadhi cuisine and cultural richness. The global honour celebrates the city’s traditional cooking practices, inclusivity in culinary traditions, and preservation of indigenous food heritage. The recognition places Lucknow alongside global gastronomic hubs like Chengdu and Lyon, highlighting India’s growing footprint in cultural diplomacy through its diverse food culture.

India Sets Three Guinness World Records Under ‘Swasth Nari’ Campaign

India achieved three Guinness World Records under the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ campaign, highlighting women’s health and empowerment. The records included the largest health awareness drive, maximum digital pledges for women’s wellness, and most blood pressure readings taken in a month. With over 3.2 crore women participating nationwide, the initiative reinforced India’s commitment to gender-sensitive public health programmes and collective community mobilisation for women’s wellbeing.

Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India

Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India and will take oath on 24 November. Known for his emphasis on judicial transparency and accessibility, Justice Kant succeeds CJI Gavai. His tenure is expected to focus on judicial reforms, backlog reduction, and the integration of technology in court processes, continuing efforts to modernise the Indian judiciary and ensure efficient case management.

Kerala Declares Itself India’s First ‘Extreme Poverty-Free’ State

Kerala has become India’s first state to declare itself free from extreme poverty, following a comprehensive social welfare campaign. The announcement came after the government verified that all eligible families had been covered under housing, healthcare, and livelihood schemes. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described it as a model for inclusive governance and sustainable development, reinforcing Kerala’s reputation for strong human development indicators and robust welfare systems.

Rohan Bopanna Announces Retirement After Two-Decade Tennis Career

Indian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement from professional tennis, ending a distinguished two-decade career. A former world number one in doubles, Bopanna’s achievements include a Grand Slam title and multiple ATP victories. His longevity and sportsmanship made him one of India’s most respected tennis figures. The 43-year-old said he plans to mentor young players and promote tennis at the grassroots level across the country.

Indian Sikh Pilgrims Granted Visas for Pakistan After A Year of Restrictions

In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistani authorities have issued visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Gurpurab celebrations, marking the first such allowance since bilateral travel was frozen in 2025. The move allows hundreds of devotees to visit Nankana Sahib and other sacred sites. Officials on both sides expressed optimism for continued religious and cultural exchange, signalling a small but symbolic thaw in strained India-Pakistan relations.

Seventeen Children Rescued After Hostage Crisis at Mumbai Studio

Seventeen children aged 12 to 15 were rescued after being held hostage for over three hours inside a studio in Mumbai’s Powai. The armed suspect, who used an airgun and inflammable spray, was overpowered by police and later died from self-inflicted injuries. The children were unharmed, though deeply traumatised. Authorities are investigating the man’s motives and reviewing safety protocols at private studios across the city.