Current Affairs - Politics

Omar Abdullah, a prominent leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Coming from a political family, Omar Abdullah follows the legacy of his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, and his father, Farooq Abdullah, who both held leadership roles in the region. With prior experience as a Union Minister and a Member of Parliament, Omar Abdullah's leadership represents a continuation of his family’s influence in the region's politics.

Claudia Sheinbaum made history as Mexico’s first female president, succeeding outgoing president Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Her rise to leadership is a significant milestone, reflecting Mexico’s progress in gender equality in politics. Previously serving as the first female mayor of Mexico City, Sheinbaum’s presidency continues the progressive agenda of the Morena party, emphasizing social justice and political reform.

Shigeru Ishiba, the former defence minister, is poised to become Japan's next prime minister after securing victory in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership vote. This win comes after the resignation of Fumio Kishida, whose tenure was marred by scandals. With the LDP's majority in the lower house, Ishiba's ascension to the prime ministerial role is nearly assured. Known for his independent views and experience in various ministerial roles, he plans to tackle significant issues such as inflation, wage improvement, and nuclear energy reliance, marking a new chapter in Japan's political landscape.

Harini Amarasuriya has made history by being sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to assume this role since Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 2000. Known for her activism and contributions to social justice and education, Amarasuriya's appointment reflects a commitment to progressive leadership and reform within the National People’s Power party. She is the third woman to serve in this capacity in Sri Lanka, and her responsibilities include key portfolios such as Justice, Education, and Health, underscoring her influential position in the government.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as Sri Lanka’s new president, receiving 42% of the votes in the first election since the country’s economic collapse in 2022. Leading the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition, Dissanayake defeated his main opponent, Sajith Premadasa, who secured 23% of the vote. The election was marked by a significant voter turnout of 76%, reflecting the public's engagement in shaping the country's future. Following his victory, the outgoing Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena resigned, marking a notable shift in Sri Lanka's political landscape and governance.