♦ Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla leads the parliamentary delegation to the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, which will be held from 13 to 17 October 2024. All IPU statutory bodies, including the Governing Council, Standing Committees, Committees on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and on Middle East Questions, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young MPs, will meet on this occasion.

♦ The General Debate will focus on the overall theme Harnessing science, technology and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future and provide a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views and galvanize parliamentary action.

♦ The IPU has 180 member parliaments and 15 associate members. Members include parliaments from large countries like China, India, and Indonesia, as well as smaller countries like Cabo Verde, San Marino, and Palau.