On its 79th anniversary, the United Nations continues to face scrutiny for its effectiveness in promoting peace and resolving conflicts. However, the organisation has played a pivotal role in shaping the world order over the past decades, particularly in the creation of Israel and the Korean War. From the UN Special Committee on Palestine to the adoption of Resolution 181, the organisation's decisions have had lasting impacts on the Middle East. Similarly, the UN's condemnation of North Korea's invasion of South Korea played a crucial role in the Korean War. Despite facing criticism for its handling of these conflicts, the UN's decisions continue to have a profound impact on global politics.
Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations
Eleanor Roosevelt was a prominent American diplomat and activist who served as the United States delegate to the United Nations General Assembly from 1948 to 1952. She was a strong advocate for human rights and social justice, and her work at the UN helped to shape the organization's mission and goals.
Roosevelt was born in 1884 into a wealthy New York City family. She married Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1905, and they had six children together. After her husband was elected president in 1932, Roosevelt became involved in politics and social work. She was particularly concerned with the rights of women and children, and she worked to improve conditions for the poor and disadvantaged.
In 1948, Roosevelt was appointed by President Harry Truman to be the United States delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. She was the first woman to serve in this role, and she quickly became one of the organization's most respected and influential members.
As a delegate, Roosevelt worked to promote human rights and social justice. She was a strong advocate for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. She also worked to improve the status of women and children, and she helped to establish the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Roosevelt served as a UN delegate until 1952. After her tenure at the UN, she continued to work for human rights and social justice. She was a founding member of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and she served as a member of the American Civil Liberties Union board of directors.
Roosevelt died in 1962. She is remembered as a pioneer for human rights and social justice, and her work at the United Nations helped to shape the organization's mission and goals.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What was Eleanor Roosevelt's role at the United Nations? Eleanor Roosevelt was the United States delegate to the United Nations General Assembly from 1948 to 1952. She was the first woman to serve in this role, and she quickly became one of the organization's most respected and influential members.
2. What were some of Roosevelt's accomplishments at the UN? Roosevelt was a strong advocate for human rights and social justice. She worked to promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and she helped to establish the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
3. Why was Roosevelt such an influential figure at the UN? Roosevelt was a respected diplomat and activist. She had a deep understanding of international affairs, and she was a passionate advocate for human rights and social justice.
4. What is Roosevelt's legacy? Roosevelt is remembered as a pioneer for human rights and social justice. Her work at the United Nations helped to shape the organization's mission and goals, and her advocacy for human rights continues to inspire people around the world.
5. How can I learn more about Eleanor Roosevelt? There are many resources available about Eleanor Roosevelt. You can find books, articles, and online materials about her life and work. You can also visit the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York.
President Donald Trump is meeting with leaders of five Central Asian countries to discuss their vast reserves of rare earth metals, while also addressing a key point of friction in ongoing trade negotiations with China. The meeting comes on the heels of Trump's talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where China agreed to delay their new export restrictions on rare earth elements. The U.S. is now seeking new ways to secure critical minerals, and the region is hoping for investment to develop their resources further.
US President Donald Trump has expressed concern over the tone of incoming New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's victory speech, calling it "angry" and advising him to adopt a more cooperative approach. In response, Mamdani has urged Trump to "turn the volume up" and vowed to hold "bad landlords" accountable, citing Trump as an example. Trump has hinted at offering limited federal help to New York under Mamdani's leadership, but has also expressed doubt towards the mayor-elect's left-leaning policies. This clash between the two leaders marks a tense beginning to their relationship.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar flagged off 14 participants from 7 countries as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme 2025 to witness voting in the Phase-I of the Bihar Assembly Elections. The participants attended an inaugural session and were provided with a demonstration of the EVMs and a presentation on various aspects of elections in India. The participants will then embark on a two-day tour of Bihar to visit EVM dispatch centers and witness the actual polling on November 6. Since 2014, the IEVP has been showcasing the strengths of India's electoral system and sharing best practices with international election management bodies. The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, featuring 121 constituencies and over 3 crore voters, will be held on November 6.
The recent police raid in Brazil, which resulted in one of the deadliest operations in Rio's history, has sparked outrage and protests. Families of the victims claimed that their loved ones were executed by the police, while the government celebrates it as a win against crime. Shocking images of bodies lined up in the street have led to widespread protests and accusations of police brutality. However, official reports and videos of victims' bodies suggest that the deaths were not a result of armed conflict, raising questions about the excessive use of force by the police.
Four people have died and 11 have been injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. All flights in and out of the airport have been suspended as police and emergency services are attending the scene. Kentucky governor Andy Beshear has described the accident as "catastrophic" and is urging residents to obey any shelter-in-place orders.
Eight people have been killed and numerous others injured after a passenger train collided with a goods train in Chhattisgarh. The accident occurred in the afternoon, halting train services on the route and prompting the cancellation or diversion of multiple trains. Emergency teams have been dispatched to the scene, with rescue operations ongoing and medical treatment being provided to the injured passengers. Helpline numbers have been issued for convenience, and the railway authorities have assured that all efforts are being made to assist those affected by the tragedy.
Today, 5 November 2025, marks the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. As we celebrate this sacred and highly revered festival, let us remember and spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which promote compassion, humility, and love for all. To commemorate this occasion, indianexpress.com has compiled heartfelt wishes and messages to share with friends and family, wishing everyone endless happiness, peace, and prosperity.
During the Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave, PM Modi announced the launch of the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund. This fund, under the Department of Science and Technology, aims to encourage private sector investments in R&D to drive India's vision of becoming an innovation-driven nation. With this fund, India's R&D expenditure has doubled in the last decade and the country now has the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. PM Modi also highlighted how India's domestic capability has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its successful digital public infrastructure.
A stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh has left 10 dead and two injured. The temple had recently reopened and was experiencing high footfall due to a festival. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has ordered a thorough investigation into the causes of the tragedy and has promised strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
India and the United States have strengthened their already strong ties by signing a 10-year framework for their major defense partnership. The agreement, signed during a bilateral meeting between the two countries' defense ministers, emphasizes the importance of this partnership in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This marks a significant step in solidifying the bond between India and the US in the defense sector.