The candidates former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi of Argentina, UN trade and development head Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and former Senegalese president Macky Sall are set to participate in hours-long hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday in a process aimed at increasing transparency in the selection of the UN’s top official.

The public dialogues, introduced in 2016, allow member states and non-governmental organizations to question candidates directly. However, the final decision will rest with the 15-member UN Security Council, where the five permanent members the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France hold veto power.

The selection comes at a time when the United Nations faces significant operational strain, including what officials describe as a severe budget shortfall linked to delayed or withheld contributions, particularly from the United States. Washington’s envoy to the UN has indicated that the next secretary-general must align with U.S. priorities, underscoring the geopolitical stakes involved in the appointment.

Bachelet, 74, brings decades of political and diplomatic experience, having served as Chile’s first female president and later as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her tenure at the rights body drew criticism from some member states, including China, following reports addressing alleged abuses against Uyghur populations.

Grossi, 65, has led the IAEA since 2019 and has played a central role in navigating nuclear-related tensions involving Iran and the conflict in Ukraine, including concerns surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. His candidacy places him under scrutiny from both Western powers and Russia, reflecting the sensitivity of his portfolio.

Grynspan, 70, currently heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development and has been credited with facilitating the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which enabled grain exports amid the Ukraine conflict.

She has emphasized multilateral cooperation and her personal background as the daughter of Holocaust survivors in articulating her commitment to the UN Charter.Sall, 64, stands as the only candidate outside Latin America, a region many member states argue should produce the next secretary-general under informal rotation practices.

His candidacy has faced resistance within Africa, including from segments of the African Union, and criticism related to his handling of political unrest during his presidency.All four candidates have pledged to restore confidence in the United Nations and address divisions among member states, as conflicts and economic pressures test the institution’s capacity to respond effectively.

The hearings are expected to shape diplomatic negotiations in the coming months as Security Council members weigh competing priorities before recommending a candidate to the General Assembly.

Machado made the remarks at a news conference in Madrid, where she said Trump had “risked the lives of his country’s citizens for Venezuela’s freedom,” referring to a U.S. military operation earlier this year that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The opposition leader had presented the medal to Trump during a January meeting at the White House, shortly after the operation in Caracas. The gesture drew international attention, particularly as Trump has long expressed interest in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee clarified at the time that while a medal can change hands, the Nobel Peace Prize itself cannot be transferred, revoked, or shared, and remains formally awarded to Machado.

Machado said the U.S. intervention was something “Venezuelans will never forget,” adding that her decision to give Trump the medal was deliberate. “Consequently, no, I have no regrets,” she said.

She also confirmed ongoing coordination with Washington regarding her planned return to Venezuela, describing the relationship as based on “mutual respect and understanding.” Machado added that she sees the United States as central to advancing a democratic transition in the country.

Her comments come as Venezuela’s opposition calls for new presidential elections following Maduro’s removal from power. Machado, who was barred from running in the 2024 election, has not yet confirmed whether she would contest any future vote.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) presented its findings during a closed-door parliamentary session, with lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties saying the agency’s conclusion was based on collected intelligence rather than circumstantial inference.

Briefings indicated the imagery of Ju Ae operating military equipment was intended to project capability and address doubts surrounding the prospect of a female successor.

North Korea’s state-run KCNA last month released photographs showing Kim and his daughter driving a new tank, adding to earlier images of her participating in weapons training, including firing a rifle and handling a handgun. Lawmakers said the pattern of exposure suggested a deliberate effort to embed her within the country’s military narrative.

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Sun-won said the public appearances echoed those of Kim Jong Un in the early 2010s, when he was being prepared to succeed his father, describing the imagery as a form of symbolic continuity in leadership grooming. The NIS assessment marks a progression from earlier evaluations that Ju Ae was being prepared for a future role, with her current prominence indicating a more accelerated succession framework.

Lawmakers have previously cited the agency as viewing Ju Ae as effectively the second-ranking figure in North Korea’s leadership hierarchy. People Power Party lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun said the NIS dismissed suggestions that Kim Yo Jong might oppose the development, noting she does not exercise independent authority within the system.

Some analysts urged caution in interpreting the developments as definitive confirmation of succession. Hong Min of the Korea Institute for National Unification said the available imagery alone did not establish that Ju Ae had been formally designated as heir, noting she continues to appear alongside her father rather than independently, unlike Kim Jong Un during his own transition period.

North Korea has not publicly confirmed any succession plan, and state media has not explicitly identified Ju Ae as a future leader.

Shah, 35, was appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel after his Rastriya Swatantra Party won nearly two-thirds of seats in the 275-member House of Representatives in the March 5 polls, giving him a strong parliamentary mandate.

A political outsider popularly known as Balen, Shah faces the immediate challenge of addressing widespread dissatisfaction with Nepal’s traditional political parties, which voters have blamed for entrenched corruption and prolonged instability.

He rose to prominence during the September unrest that brought down the government, aligning himself publicly with largely youth-led protests that reflected growing generational discontent, although he did not directly participate in demonstrations.

The oath-taking ceremony in Katmandu incorporated Hindu and Buddhist rituals, reflecting Nepal’s religious traditions. The ceremony included “shankhnaad,” or the blowing of conch shells, alongside chanting by priests and lamas, as Shah took office with members of his newly appointed cabinet.

Religion and astrology continue to influence public life in Nepal, where auspicious timing is often observed for major events, including political ceremonies.

Trained as a structural engineer, Shah first gained national attention as a rap artist before entering politics and winning the mayoral election in Katmandu.

His rise from cultural figure to national leader has reshaped Nepal’s political landscape, particularly among younger voters.

According to the report, some officials in the White House view Ghalibaf as a pragmatic figure who could engage in negotiations with Washington as the conflict with Iran enters a new phase.

The report said discussions remain preliminary and are being conducted quietly within the administration. Ghalibaf is seen by certain policymakers as a figure capable of navigating Iran’s political structure while maintaining enough authority to enter into talks with the United States.

There was no immediate comment from the White House on the report.Context of rising tensionsThe deliberations come amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, including ongoing military exchanges and heightened regional instability.

The conflict has drawn in multiple actors across the Middle East, increasing the risk of broader escalation.Uncertainty over Tehran’s stanceIt remains unclear how such considerations would be received in Tehran.

Iranian officials have publicly rejected claims of engagement with Washington, with Ghalibaf himself recently denying that any negotiations with the United States have taken place.

Following Varun Berry’s successful decade, Britannia embraces fresh leadership and renewed innovation under new CEO Rakshit Hargave.

Britannia Industries, one of India’s most trusted and iconic food brands, is stepping into a new phase of progress and innovation. The leadership transition marks the continuation of its legacy of excellence, following the remarkable decade-long journey under Varun Berry, who helped transform the company into a dynamic packaged foods powerhouse.

Under Berry’s visionary leadership, Britannia achieved phenomenal growth and diversification. The company expanded its portfolio beyond biscuits into dairy, breads, and snack foods — all while maintaining its core strength in quality and taste. This diversification helped Britannia become one of India’s leading packaged food companies, known for consistency and consumer trust.

During his tenure, Berry also emphasized operational efficiency, sustainable business practices, and a stronger focus on health-oriented products. His strategies not only boosted revenues but also enhanced Britannia’s reputation as a forward-thinking and consumer-centric brand.

Over the past decade, Britannia’s share price surged significantly, reflecting investor confidence and market appreciation for its performance. The company’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics became a benchmark for India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

As Britannia moves forward, the appointment of Rakshit Hargave as the new CEO signals a continuation of its ambitious growth plans. Hargave, with his extensive experience in leadership and brand management, is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to further strengthen Britannia’s market position.

The leadership transition is a sign of the company’s maturity and resilience. It demonstrates Britannia’s focus on smooth succession planning and its readiness to embrace new opportunities in India’s evolving food and beverage sector.

Britannia remains committed to delivering high-quality, affordable, and nutritious products to millions of households. The company’s customer-first approach and deep understanding of Indian consumer preferences continue to be the foundation of its success.

The new phase under Rakshit Hargave’s leadership is expected to see greater innovation, especially in healthier food categories and digital transformation. Britannia’s strong distribution network and brand legacy provide the ideal base for the next wave of sustainable growth.

Moreover, the company’s ongoing investments in technology, product innovation, and sustainability reflect its long-term vision of being a leader in India’s packaged food ecosystem. Its focus on modernizing production and supply chains is helping it stay ahead of market trends and consumer expectations.

As the FMCG industry navigates changing consumer habits and new regulatory frameworks, Britannia’s adaptable business model ensures it remains well-positioned for continued success. The company’s ability to innovate while staying true to its values gives it a unique edge in the competitive market.

The market reaction to leadership change is seen as short-term, while the company’s fundamentals remain strong and promising. With a renewed leadership vision, Britannia aims to accelerate its growth trajectory, expand into new categories, and continue creating value for its shareholders and customers alike.

Britannia’s story remains one of transformation, innovation, and enduring trust. The seamless leadership transition ensures that its strong foundation will support future expansion across India and international markets.

As Britannia enters this new era, it continues to symbolize excellence in quality, taste, and trust — a brand that has stood the test of time while continuously evolving with the nation’s changing food culture. The future looks bright as the company gears up for its next chapter of success and innovation under fresh leadership.