<p>The widespread belief that Vitamin D supplements can help prevent bone fractures in children has been challenged after a clinical trial found that this is not true. According to a research published in the journal Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, even if a child has a Vitamin D deficiency, the supplements do not increase bone strength or prevent bone fractures.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How the study was conducted?</strong></h2>

<p>The study, conducted in Mongolia, involved 8,851 schoolchildren aged 6 to 13 with 95.5 per cent having a vitamin D deficiency. Over three years, the children received weekly vitamin D doses, resulting in clinically normal vitamin D levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists found no change in fracture risk or increased bone strength.</p>

<p>"The absence of any effect of sustained, generous vitamin D supplementation on fracture risk or bone strength in vitamin D-deficient children is striking," Ganmaa Davaasambuu, associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in a statement.</p>

<p>Notably, the research excluded children with rickets, a condition resulting from severe and prolonged vitamin D deficiency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings, therefore, specifically apply to those without rickets.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The study underscores the necessity for continued research and nuanced approaches to addressing vitamin D deficiency and its impact on childhood bone health.</p>

<p>Since these results have emerged from a randomised clinical trial, the findings hold clinical relevance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some experts, such as Nick Bishop from the University of Sheffield, however, questioned the methodology's reliance on ultrasound for assessing bone strength.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/6-vitamind-sources-for-vegetarians-1692882416781">6 Vitamin-D Sources for Vegetarians</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"The study is very thorough in its design and execution although I don't think that the use of ultrasound to assess 'bone strength' is a widely accepted methodology; speed of sound will reflect bone size and so vary progressively with age," Bishop said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Breaking the myth of Vitamin D</strong></p>

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<p>But there still remains the need to promote vitamin D supplements and fortified foods, particularly during winters when sunlight-derived vitamin D is limited.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the bottom line?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The conventional wisdom about&nbsp;the role of vitamin D supplements in&nbsp;bone health during childhood now stands clinically disputed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The widespread belief that Vitamin D supplements can help prevent bone fractures in children has been challenged after a clinical trial found that this is not true.

The widespread belief that Vitamin D supplements can help prevent bone fractures in children has been challenged after a clinical trial found that this is not true. According to a research published in the journal Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, even if a child has a Vitamin D deficiency, the supplements do not increase bone strength or prevent bone fractures. How the study was conducted? The study, conducted in Mongolia, involved 8,851 schoolchildren aged 6 to 13 with 95.5 per cent having a vitamin D deficiency. Over three years, the children received weekly vitamin D doses, resulting in clinically normal vitamin D levels. Scientists found no change in fracture risk or increased bone strength. "The absence of any effect of sustained, generous vitamin D supplementation on fracture risk or bone strength in vitamin D-deficient children is striking," Ganmaa Davaasambuu, associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in a statement. Notably, the research excluded children with rickets, a condition resulting from severe and prolonged vitamin D deficiency. The findings, therefore, specifically apply to those without rickets. What does it mean? The study underscores the necessity for continued research and nuanced approaches to addressing vitamin D deficiency and its impact on childhood bone health. Since these results have emerged from a randomised clinical trial, the findings hold clinical relevance. Some experts, such as Nick Bishop from the University of Sheffield, however, questioned the methodology's reliance on ultrasound for assessing bone strength. Also read | 6 Vitamin-D Sources for Vegetarians "The study is very thorough in its design and execution although I don't think that the use of ultrasound to assess 'bone strength' is a widely accepted methodology; speed of sound will reflect bone size and so vary progressively with age," Bishop said in a statement. Also watch | WION Fineprint | Breaking the myth of Vitamin D × But there still remains the need to promote vitamin D supplements and fortified foods, particularly during winters when sunlight-derived vitamin D is limited. What is the bottom line? The conventional wisdom about the role of vitamin D supplements in bone health during childhood now stands clinically disputed. (With inputs from agencies)

How (in)effective are Vitamin D supplements in children? Biggest-ever clinical trial finds out

<p>Iran is now looking to capitalise on its restored ties with longtime rival, the Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia, as well as neighbouring Arab states at a time when Washington-Tehran ties are facing testing times.</p>

<p>Major General Mohammed Hossein Bagheri, chief-of-staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, called Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman&nbsp;to purportedly state Tehran's&nbsp;desire to promote military relations between the two West Asian powerhouses, among other regional matters, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).</p>

<p>The Saudi Defence Ministry also acknowledged the call, stating that "bilateral relations between the two countries in the military and defence field were reviewed, and a number of topics of common interest were discussed."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West</a></strong></p>

<p>A deal brokered in March by China saw Iran and Saudi Arabia restore relations after a seven-year rift.</p>

<p>Besides, Saudi Arabia has also looked to diversify its international relations, by forging closer ties with China and Russia; both of which share close ties with Iran. These bilateral convergences, in fact, have brought&nbsp;Tehran and Riyadh into diplomatic proximity as the latter has successfully dissociated itself from American belligerence in the region against Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The latest sign of Riyadh and Tehran's increasing proximity comes amid a&nbsp;flurry of Iranian diplomatic and defence activities playing out during an unprecedented blowout of&nbsp;regional tempers in the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia?</strong></p>

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<p>The US has heightened its force posture in the Persian Gulf as well as the Eastern Mediterranean in an attempt to deter the conflict from spreading as a growing number of militias, many with ties to Iran.</p>

<p>Iran has protested the presence of US ships operating in nearby waters, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it&nbsp;had sent drones in the Strait of Hormuz&nbsp;amid the operations of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and its strike group.</p>

<p>The incident was confirmed and described as "unsafe, unprofessional and irresponsible" in a statement issued Wednesday by US Naval Forces Central Command</p>

<p>The US carrier strike group was said to have been "conducting routine flight operations in the international waters of the Central Arabian Gulf when it detected an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)," which was "visually identified as Iranian."</p>

<p>The incident is the latest in a long history of confrontations between US and Iranian vessels operating in a strategic waterway that constitutes one of the world's most important chokepoints for maritime oil traffic.</p>


Iran is now looking to capitalise on its restored ties with longtime rival, the Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia, as well as neighbouring Arab states at a time when Washington-Tehran ties are facing testing times.

Iran is now looking to capitalise on its restored ties with longtime rival, the Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia, as well as neighbouring Arab states at a time when Washington-Tehran ties are facing testing times. Major General Mohammed Hossein Bagheri, chief-of-staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, called Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman to purportedly state Tehran's desire to promote military relations between the two West Asian powerhouses, among other regional matters, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The Saudi Defence Ministry also acknowledged the call, stating that "bilateral relations between the two countries in the military and defence field were reviewed, and a number of topics of common interest were discussed." Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West A deal brokered in March by China saw Iran and Saudi Arabia restore relations after a seven-year rift. Besides, Saudi Arabia has also looked to diversify its international relations, by forging closer ties with China and Russia; both of which share close ties with Iran. These bilateral convergences, in fact, have brought Tehran and Riyadh into diplomatic proximity as the latter has successfully dissociated itself from American belligerence in the region against Iran. What does it mean? The latest sign of Riyadh and Tehran's increasing proximity comes amid a flurry of Iranian diplomatic and defence activities playing out during an unprecedented blowout of regional tempers in the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas. Also watch | Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia? × The US has heightened its force posture in the Persian Gulf as well as the Eastern Mediterranean in an attempt to deter the conflict from spreading as a growing number of militias, many with ties to Iran. Iran has protested the presence of US ships operating in nearby waters, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Earlier this week, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had sent drones in the Strait of Hormuz amid the operations of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and its strike group. The incident was confirmed and described as "unsafe, unprofessional and irresponsible" in a statement issued Wednesday by US Naval Forces Central Command The US carrier strike group was said to have been "conducting routine flight operations in the international waters of the Central Arabian Gulf when it detected an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)," which was "visually identified as Iranian." The incident is the latest in a long history of confrontations between US and Iranian vessels operating in a strategic waterway that constitutes one of the world's most important chokepoints for maritime oil traffic.

Iran, Saudi Arabia discuss scope of improving military ties amid Israel-Hamas war

<p>The US on Thursday (Nov 30) praised India for taking note of Washington's 'very serious' concerns over an alleged plot to kill separatist Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, listed as a terrorist in India, over his espousal of separatism in the Indian state of Punjab for a separate Sikh state, a cause widely denounced in India.</p>

<p>The US arrested an Indian national who&nbsp;Washington alleged, hired someone in the United States to assassinate Pannun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An unnamed Indian official appeared in an indictment filed by federal prosecutors in a Manhattan court on Wednesday along with the said Indian national.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-high-level-panel-to-look-into-allegations-after-us-charges-indian-in-plot-to-kill-pannun-664615">India says high-level panel to look into allegations after US charges Indian in 'plot' to kill SFJ's Pannun</a></strong></p>

<p>"These allegations in this investigation, (we) take it very seriously. And we're glad to see that the Indians are too by announcing their own efforts to investigate this. And we've been clear that we want to see anybody that's responsible for these alleged crimes to be held properly accountable," John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, told reporters at a news conference.</p>

<p>The White House spokesperson, while referring to the strategic ties between Washington and New Delhi, said that the row&nbsp;will not have an impact on larger India-US ties.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India Responds To Pannun Murder Plot Charge | 'Not Our Policy...'</strong></p>

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<p>"I want to be careful here that I don't get ahead of the Department of Justice and talk about an ongoing investigation. I would just say two things. India remains a strategic partner and we're going to continue to work to improve and strengthen that strategic partnership with India. At the same time, we take this very seriously," Kirby said in response to a question.</p>

<p>The Department of Justice, in an indictment charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with conspiracy to commit murder for hire for his alleged role in the plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.</p>

<p>Gupta is accused of working with an Indian government employee to recruit and pay an assassin to carry out the killing.</p>

<p>The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee will now meet in the aftermath of the Nikhil Gupta case.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US on Thursday (Nov 30) praised India for taking note of Washington's 'very serious' concerns over an alleged plot to kill separatist Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, listed as a terrorist in India, over his espousal of separatism in the Indian state of Punjab for a separate Sikh state, a cause widely denounced in India.

The US on Thursday (Nov 30) praised India for taking note of Washington's 'very serious' concerns over an alleged plot to kill separatist Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, listed as a terrorist in India, over his espousal of separatism in the Indian state of Punjab for a separate Sikh state, a cause widely denounced in India. The US arrested an Indian national who Washington alleged, hired someone in the United States to assassinate Pannun. An unnamed Indian official appeared in an indictment filed by federal prosecutors in a Manhattan court on Wednesday along with the said Indian national. Also read | India says high-level panel to look into allegations after US charges Indian in 'plot' to kill SFJ's Pannun "These allegations in this investigation, (we) take it very seriously. And we're glad to see that the Indians are too by announcing their own efforts to investigate this. And we've been clear that we want to see anybody that's responsible for these alleged crimes to be held properly accountable," John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, told reporters at a news conference. The White House spokesperson, while referring to the strategic ties between Washington and New Delhi, said that the row will not have an impact on larger India-US ties. Also watch | Gravitas: India Responds To Pannun Murder Plot Charge | 'Not Our Policy...' × "I want to be careful here that I don't get ahead of the Department of Justice and talk about an ongoing investigation. I would just say two things. India remains a strategic partner and we're going to continue to work to improve and strengthen that strategic partnership with India. At the same time, we take this very seriously," Kirby said in response to a question. The Department of Justice, in an indictment charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with conspiracy to commit murder for hire for his alleged role in the plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta is accused of working with an Indian government employee to recruit and pay an assassin to carry out the killing. The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee will now meet in the aftermath of the Nikhil Gupta case. (With inputs from agencies)

US says row over Pannun murder 'plot' will not impact larger Washington-Delhi ties

<p>Indian national Nikhil Gupta who is accused of hiring an individual as part of an alleged 'plot' to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, does have a criminal record, the police confirmed on Thursday (Nov 30).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US law enforcement authorities allege that Gupta agreed to the 'plot' to kill Pannun after he was assured by the Indian government official directing him that a purported Gujarat case against him will be taken care of.</p>

<p>The Gujarat Police reportedly scanned Gupta's record and said they did not find a record against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-row-over-pannun-murder-plot-will-not-impact-larger-washington-delhi-ties-664872">US says row over Pannun murder 'plot' will not impact larger Washington-Delhi ties</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have inquired about the person named Nikhil Gupta and the prima facie inquiry did not find any case against him after I confirmed with all the four commissionerates in Gujarat. All the DCPs from the city confirmed that they did not know who Nikhil Gupta was," Gujarat Director General of Police Vikas Sahay was quoted as saying by the Times of India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Release from the office of Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York who has filed the Nikhil Gupta case. Says,'Gupta, 52, of India, has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.." <a href="https://t.co/6x92CZqsZK">https://t.co/6x92CZqsZK</a> <a href="https://t.co/d2PET9dfPc">pic.twitter.com/d2PET9dfPc</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1730469310110503005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the US federal authorities, the Indian official allegedly assured Gupta that "your Gujarat (case) has been taken care of" and "nobody will ever bother you again".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;'Indian govt employee' directed foiled plot to kill khalistani leader Pannun: US</strong></p>

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<p>He further offered to arrange a meeting between Gupta and a "DCP" (Deputy Commissioner of Police), according to the federal authorities.</p>

<p>The newspaper also cited sources in Gujarat Police to suggest that they did not even find a suspicious person named Nikhil Gupta in any case related with arms or drugs smuggling or peddling.</p>

<h2><strong>The case in the US against Indian national Nikhil Gupta</strong></h2>

<p>The US has branded Gupta as an individual with involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking in his communications with the purported Indian government official described as CC-1 in the US Justice Department papers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In or about May 2023, CC-1 recruited Gupta to orchestrate the assassination of the Victim in the United States," the state department has alleged, in which case the so-called victim is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gupta is charged with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Each count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian national Nikhil Gupta who is accused of hiring an individual as part of an alleged 'plot' to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, does have a criminal record, the police confirmed on Thursday (Nov 30).

Indian national Nikhil Gupta who is accused of hiring an individual as part of an alleged 'plot' to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, does have a criminal record, the police confirmed on Thursday (Nov 30). The US law enforcement authorities allege that Gupta agreed to the 'plot' to kill Pannun after he was assured by the Indian government official directing him that a purported Gujarat case against him will be taken care of. The Gujarat Police reportedly scanned Gupta's record and said they did not find a record against him. Also read | US says row over Pannun murder 'plot' will not impact larger Washington-Delhi ties "We have inquired about the person named Nikhil Gupta and the prima facie inquiry did not find any case against him after I confirmed with all the four commissionerates in Gujarat. All the DCPs from the city confirmed that they did not know who Nikhil Gupta was," Gujarat Director General of Police Vikas Sahay was quoted as saying by the Times of India. Release from the office of Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York who has filed the Nikhil Gupta case. Says,'Gupta, 52, of India, has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.." https://t.co/6x92CZqsZK pic.twitter.com/d2PET9dfPc — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 1, 2023 × According to the US federal authorities, the Indian official allegedly assured Gupta that "your Gujarat (case) has been taken care of" and "nobody will ever bother you again". Also watch | 'Indian govt employee' directed foiled plot to kill khalistani leader Pannun: US × He further offered to arrange a meeting between Gupta and a "DCP" (Deputy Commissioner of Police), according to the federal authorities. The newspaper also cited sources in Gujarat Police to suggest that they did not even find a suspicious person named Nikhil Gupta in any case related with arms or drugs smuggling or peddling. The case in the US against Indian national Nikhil Gupta The US has branded Gupta as an individual with involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking in his communications with the purported Indian government official described as CC-1 in the US Justice Department papers. "In or about May 2023, CC-1 recruited Gupta to orchestrate the assassination of the Victim in the United States," the state department has alleged, in which case the so-called victim is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta is charged with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Each count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. (With inputs from agencies)

Pannun killing 'plot' row: No 'Gujarat case' against Nikhil Gupta, Indian police say

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the surge in respiratory infections among children in China, Maria Van Kerkhove, acting director of the WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kerkhove reasoned that the surge is being attributed to the antibiotic resistance to certain common infections such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, adenovirus, and other seasonal pathogens.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-another-pneumonia-epidemic-alarms-who-nearly-four-years-since-covid-was-first-detected-661753">China: Another pneumonia 'epidemic' alarms WHO nearly four years since Covid was first detected</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are following up with our clinical networks and working with clinicians in China to better understand resistance to antibiotics, which is a problem across the world but is a particular problem in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia region," Van Kerkhove added.</p>

<p>Experts attribute the increase in infections among children to China's rigorous anti-Covid measures, which were lifted last December after nearly three years.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US CDC reacts</strong></h2>

<p>The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen in a statement to US House lawmakers said that the rise in respiratory infections is not alarming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US CDC has said that known pathogens such as the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and mycoplasma are responsible for the kind of outbreak being reported from China.</p>

<h2><strong>What does Science suggest?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the US CDC, China's Covid lockdowns disrupted the usual circulation of respiratory viruses, leaving children vulnerable without adequate immunity defences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A peer-reviewed study from 2022 found rates of M. pneumoniae drug resistance in China have remained high since 2000—around 80 per cent, Newsweek reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-closely-monitoring-chinas-influenza-outbreak-amid-mild-covid-scare-662356">India is 'closely monitoring' China's influenza outbreak amid mild Covid scare</a></strong></p>

<p>While the US CDC, as well as the World Health Organization, has expressed a degree of confidence towards Chinese assessment, some US House members have urged caution, given Beijing's record of denial of information related to the Covid pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Undiagnosed Pneumonia outbreak in China, reports eerily similar to 2019 Covid outbreak | WION</strong></p>

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<p>The WHO officially requested more epidemiological, clinical, and lab data on the infections in northern China last week. The global watchdog noted that the infections were occurring at a higher rate than in the same period during the last three years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the surge in respiratory infections among children in China, Maria Van Kerkhove, acting director of the WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the surge in respiratory infections among children in China, Maria Van Kerkhove, acting director of the WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention said. Kerkhove reasoned that the surge is being attributed to the antibiotic resistance to certain common infections such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, adenovirus, and other seasonal pathogens. Also read | China: Another pneumonia 'epidemic' alarms WHO nearly four years since Covid was first detected "We are following up with our clinical networks and working with clinicians in China to better understand resistance to antibiotics, which is a problem across the world but is a particular problem in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia region," Van Kerkhove added. Experts attribute the increase in infections among children to China's rigorous anti-Covid measures, which were lifted last December after nearly three years. US CDC reacts The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen in a statement to US House lawmakers said that the rise in respiratory infections is not alarming. The US CDC has said that known pathogens such as the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and mycoplasma are responsible for the kind of outbreak being reported from China. What does Science suggest? According to the US CDC, China's Covid lockdowns disrupted the usual circulation of respiratory viruses, leaving children vulnerable without adequate immunity defences. A peer-reviewed study from 2022 found rates of M. pneumoniae drug resistance in China have remained high since 2000—around 80 per cent, Newsweek reported. Also read | India is 'closely monitoring' China's influenza outbreak amid mild Covid scare While the US CDC, as well as the World Health Organization, has expressed a degree of confidence towards Chinese assessment, some US House members have urged caution, given Beijing's record of denial of information related to the Covid pandemic. Also watch | Undiagnosed Pneumonia outbreak in China, reports eerily similar to 2019 Covid outbreak | WION × The WHO officially requested more epidemiological, clinical, and lab data on the infections in northern China last week. The global watchdog noted that the infections were occurring at a higher rate than in the same period during the last three years. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO wants more information on China's pneumonia outbreak; US CDC reacts

<p>Multiple schools in southern India's Bengaluru received bomb threats via email on Friday (Dec 1), stoking an evacuation at as many as 15 schools.</p>

<p>Over 5,000 students are enrolled in the schools where the bomb threats were made.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The emails received on Friday were sent from various addresses by masking the IP address of origin, The Indian Express reported, while citing police&nbsp;sources.</p>

<p>At the time of filing this report, police were searching all the schools which reported such threats. So far, nothing suspicious has been found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayanand said: "Several schools have received threatening mail. The city is now on alert as per law enforcement. Even before, such calls were received by us but when we inspected, they all turned out to be fake calls. We have sent bomb squads everywhere. The probe will be conducted."</p>

<p>A message from the NEEV School to the parents stated on Friday (Nov 30):&nbsp;"We are encountering an unexpected situation at school today. The school has received a security threat from unknown sources. As we hold the safety of our children at utmost priority, we have decided to disperse the students immediately."</p>

<p>"Kids are being sent home as per the advice of the bomb squad. We are evaluating the threat...," the school message said.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, many schools in Bengaluru had received similar kinds of email threats&nbsp;that turned out to be hoax.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On April 8, 2022, as many as 16 schools in Bengaluru received hoax bomb threat emails between 11 am and 2.30 pm. The email read: "A very powerful bomb has been planted in your school, attention is not a joke, this is not a joke, a very powerful bomb has been planted in your school, immediately call the police and sappers, hundreds of lives may suffer including yours, do not delay, now everything is only in your hands."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Multiple schools in southern India's Bengaluru received bomb threats via email on Friday (Dec 1), stoking an evacuation at as many as 15 schools. Over 5,000 students are enrolled in the schools where the bomb threats were made.

Multiple schools in southern India's Bengaluru received bomb threats via email on Friday (Dec 1), stoking an evacuation at as many as 15 schools. Over 5,000 students are enrolled in the schools where the bomb threats were made. The emails received on Friday were sent from various addresses by masking the IP address of origin, The Indian Express reported, while citing police sources. At the time of filing this report, police were searching all the schools which reported such threats. So far, nothing suspicious has been found. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayanand said: "Several schools have received threatening mail. The city is now on alert as per law enforcement. Even before, such calls were received by us but when we inspected, they all turned out to be fake calls. We have sent bomb squads everywhere. The probe will be conducted." A message from the NEEV School to the parents stated on Friday (Nov 30): "We are encountering an unexpected situation at school today. The school has received a security threat from unknown sources. As we hold the safety of our children at utmost priority, we have decided to disperse the students immediately." "Kids are being sent home as per the advice of the bomb squad. We are evaluating the threat...," the school message said. Earlier this year, many schools in Bengaluru had received similar kinds of email threats that turned out to be hoax. On April 8, 2022, as many as 16 schools in Bengaluru received hoax bomb threat emails between 11 am and 2.30 pm. The email read: "A very powerful bomb has been planted in your school, attention is not a joke, this is not a joke, a very powerful bomb has been planted in your school, immediately call the police and sappers, hundreds of lives may suffer including yours, do not delay, now everything is only in your hands." (With inputs from agencies)

India: Multiple Bengaluru schools receive bomb threat emails, over 5,000 students evacuated

Sam Manekshaw and Indira Gandhi, and That One Cabinet Meeting

April 1971. In the erstwhile East Pakistan, it was the reign of 'Butcher of Bangladesh', Pakistan Army's General Tikka Khan. Tikka Khan's ferocious killing spree forced millions of refugees into India. New Delhi was alarmed. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi called a cabinet meeting. Army chief General Sam Manekshaw was the invitee in top focus.


Indira Gandhi Asked Manekshaw to 'Walk Into East Pakistan'


Manekshaw disapproved the idea of immediate attack in April 1971. "I have only 30 tanks and two armoured divisions with me. The Himalayan passes will be opening anytime. What if the Chinese give an ultimatum? The rains will start now in East Pakistan. When it rains there the rivers become oceans. I guarantee 100 per cent defeat," Manekshaw told Indira Gandhi, according to Andrew S. Grove's 'Only The Paranoid Survive'.

Given that Manekshaw had single-handedly disapproved the proposition of war that had come from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi herself, he offered to resign. But pragmatism prevailed. Indira Gandhi gave her army chief the time to plan India's victory over Pakistan, eight months later, in December 1971.

The Tale of a Motorcycle Pakistani Ruler Never Paid For


Pakistani ruler during 1971 war, General Yahya Khan, and India's General Sam Manekshaw were colleagues at military operations directorate of British Indian Army before partition. On August 13, 1947, General Yahya Khan who became Pakistan's ruler during 1971 war had promised to pay ₹1000 for Manekshaw's James Motorcycle. "I never received the ₹1000, but he gave me the whole of East Pakistan," Manekshaw recalled after war. The anecdote particularly charmed Indira Gandhi about Manekshaw, her biographer Pupul Jayakar wrote later. 


How Sam Manekshaw Remembered Indira Gandhi

General Manekshaw remembered Indira Gandhi for her fits of anger. Without focusing on her characteristic paranoia that came to define her peak of power, he often recalled Gandhi for her pragmatism during 1971 war while cleverly diverting political questions such as her decision to return 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war.

Sam Manekshaw did not agree to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's proposition to intervene in present-day Bangladesh in April 1971.

<p>Henry Kissinger, former US secretary of state and one of the most controversial Americans of the twentieth century, has died at the age of 100 in Connecticut. Kissinger's death was reported by Kissinger Associates, Inc in a statement. Kissinger's legacy remains intertwined with the death toll of several million during America's humiliating defeat in the Vietnam War and his ability to establish Washington-Beijing ties through an astute blend of people-to-people ties and covert interactions of unprecedented natures in the early 1970s.</p>

<p>Kissinger died at his home in Connecticut, Kissinger Associates said. He was awarded Nobel Peace Prize "for jointly having negotiated a cease-fire in Vietnam in 1973".</p>

<p>Kissinger was active during his last months and attended meetings in the White House, where he was revered even in unofficial capacities. In July 2023, he made a surprise visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, a diplomatic opening he helped open up nearly five decades ago, in one of the most significant geopolitical events of the twentieth century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scholar-turned-diplomat advised a dozen US Presidents, from John F. Kennedy to the current President Joe Biden. A German-Jewish refugee in the United States, Kissinger is celebrated, reviled, and denounced in different parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kissinger often trampled upon the purported American values, Washington officially advocated during and even after the Cold War, to meet American interests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kissinger deployed ambition and intellect to remake the American relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His ability to put the notion that 'America has no permanent friends or enemies' into the geopolitical vogue of the twentieth century continues to mark Washington's present-day worldview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is hailed as an ultra-realist who, for better or worse, transformed every diplomatic equation he touched. Between Kennedy and Biden, and from Vietnam to Iraq to Afghanistan, Kissinger's role remained indispensable to Washington's corridors of power,&nbsp;in every war waged by the US.</p>


Henry Kissinger, former US secretary of state and one of the most controversial Americans of the twentieth century, has died at the age of 100 in Connecticut. Kissinger's death was reported by Kissinger Associates, Inc in a statement.

Henry Kissinger, former US secretary of state and one of the most controversial Americans of the twentieth century, has died at the age of 100 in Connecticut. Kissinger's death was reported by Kissinger Associates, Inc in a statement. Kissinger's legacy remains intertwined with the death toll of several million during America's humiliating defeat in the Vietnam War and his ability to establish Washington-Beijing ties through an astute blend of people-to-people ties and covert interactions of unprecedented natures in the early 1970s. Kissinger died at his home in Connecticut, Kissinger Associates said. He was awarded Nobel Peace Prize "for jointly having negotiated a cease-fire in Vietnam in 1973". Kissinger was active during his last months and attended meetings in the White House, where he was revered even in unofficial capacities. In July 2023, he made a surprise visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, a diplomatic opening he helped open up nearly five decades ago, in one of the most significant geopolitical events of the twentieth century. The scholar-turned-diplomat advised a dozen US Presidents, from John F. Kennedy to the current President Joe Biden. A German-Jewish refugee in the United States, Kissinger is celebrated, reviled, and denounced in different parts of the world. Kissinger often trampled upon the purported American values, Washington officially advocated during and even after the Cold War, to meet American interests. Kissinger deployed ambition and intellect to remake the American relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His ability to put the notion that 'America has no permanent friends or enemies' into the geopolitical vogue of the twentieth century continues to mark Washington's present-day worldview. He is hailed as an ultra-realist who, for better or worse, transformed every diplomatic equation he touched. Between Kennedy and Biden, and from Vietnam to Iraq to Afghanistan, Kissinger's role remained indispensable to Washington's corridors of power, in every war waged by the US.

Henry Kissinger, America's most controversial and equally influential diplomat, dies at 100

<p>NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, in its 22nd year on the Red Planet, recently captured spectacular clouds and dust on Martian skies, along with one of its two moons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The view is akin to the one you see when one sees the curvature of the Earth below the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The stunning view of Mars will help scientists all over the world gain new insights into the Martian atmosphere. It shows the Martian surface below the layers of cloud and dust.</p>

<h2><strong>Mars from top: From where the images were captured?</strong></h2>

<p>The spacecraft took images in May from an altitude of about 250 miles (400 km). Notably, this is the same altitude at which the International Space Station flies above Earth.<img alt="NASA JPL image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f6ba56-0dfa-47f4-a7c6-309de4c420e2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-30T061627.145.png" /></p>

<p data-block-key="t16y4"><em>This unusual view of the horizon of Mars was captured by NASA’s Odyssey orbiter using its THEMIS camera | Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU</em></p>

<p>"If there were astronauts in orbit over Mars, this is the perspective they would have," said Jonathon Hill of Arizona State University, according to an official NASA readout. Hill is the operations lead for Odyssey’s camera, called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, or THEMIS. "No Mars spacecraft has ever had this kind of view before."</p>

<h2><strong>Why is this Martian view unique?</strong></h2>

<p>This is because the mission had to capture a more expansive view of the atmosphere. The capture of the Martian landscape was aimed to help scientists improve upon the existing models of the Martian atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-can-now-produce-oxygen-on-mars-all-thanks-to-an-ai-powered-robot-chemist-658247">Scientists can now produce oxygen on Mars, all thanks to an AI-powered robot chemist</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think of it as viewing a cross-section, a slice through the atmosphere,” said Jeffrey Plaut, Odyssey’s project scientist at JPL. "There’s a lot of detail you can’t see from above, which is how THEMIS normally makes these measurements."</p>

<p>Besides, the THEMIS cannot make angular movements. Therefore, to adjust the angle of the camera, the whole spacecraft had to be readjusted. Here, the team rotated the orbiter about 90 degrees while ensuring that Sunlight fell on the spacecraft's solar panels.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars</strong></p>

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<p>The Odyssey mission hopes to take similar images in the future, capturing the Martian atmosphere across multiple seasons.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, in its 22nd year on the Red Planet, recently captured spectacular clouds and dust on Martian skies, along with one of its two moons.

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, in its 22nd year on the Red Planet, recently captured spectacular clouds and dust on Martian skies, along with one of its two moons. The view is akin to the one you see when one sees the curvature of the Earth below the International Space Station. What does it mean? The stunning view of Mars will help scientists all over the world gain new insights into the Martian atmosphere. It shows the Martian surface below the layers of cloud and dust. Mars from top: From where the images were captured? The spacecraft took images in May from an altitude of about 250 miles (400 km). Notably, this is the same altitude at which the International Space Station flies above Earth. This unusual view of the horizon of Mars was captured by NASA’s Odyssey orbiter using its THEMIS camera | Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU "If there were astronauts in orbit over Mars, this is the perspective they would have," said Jonathon Hill of Arizona State University, according to an official NASA readout. Hill is the operations lead for Odyssey’s camera, called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, or THEMIS. "No Mars spacecraft has ever had this kind of view before." Why is this Martian view unique? This is because the mission had to capture a more expansive view of the atmosphere. The capture of the Martian landscape was aimed to help scientists improve upon the existing models of the Martian atmosphere. Also read | Scientists can now produce oxygen on Mars, all thanks to an AI-powered robot chemist "I think of it as viewing a cross-section, a slice through the atmosphere,” said Jeffrey Plaut, Odyssey’s project scientist at JPL. "There’s a lot of detail you can’t see from above, which is how THEMIS normally makes these measurements." Besides, the THEMIS cannot make angular movements. Therefore, to adjust the angle of the camera, the whole spacecraft had to be readjusted. Here, the team rotated the orbiter about 90 degrees while ensuring that Sunlight fell on the spacecraft's solar panels. Also watch | Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars × The Odyssey mission hopes to take similar images in the future, capturing the Martian atmosphere across multiple seasons. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top

<p>Just like our solar system in the Milky Way has eight (sorry Pluto, it's not nine) planets revolving around Sun, a planetary system a bit far from us has six worlds orbiting their star in&nbsp;perfect harmony, resembling to an extent our own solar system.</p>

<p>Notably, both these systems are in our Milky Way itself.</p>

<h2><strong>Chain of resonance for HD 110067</strong></h2>

<p>The Sun and eight planets revolving around it are in a phenomenon called chain of resonance. Simply put, their revolutions are in sync with one another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this case, each of the six planets exhibit a chain of resonance. They orbit around the bright star HD 110067.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Aliens lurking at the heart of the Milky Way?</strong></p>

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<p>"We think only about one percent of all systems stay in resonance," astrophysicist Rafael Luque of the University of Chicago said in an interview. "It shows us the pristine configuration of a planetary system that has survived untouched."</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Scientists say that orbital resonances are neither uncommon nor unexpected. They occur when two bodies orbiting a third body exert a gravitational influence on each other, in such a way that their orbital periods line up.</p>

<p>The HD 110067 is only&nbsp;the third known system with six exoplanets in a chain of resonance.</p>

<p>The star around which these exoplanets are revolving were&nbsp;formed over a billion years ago, scientists add.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/its-all-in-the-shape-science-reveals-what-makes-milky-way-unique-664255">It's all in the shape: Science reveals what makes Milky Way unique</a></strong></p>

<p>"The current delicate configuration of the planetary orbits in HD 110067 rules out any violent event over the billion-year history of the system, making it a rare 'fossil' to study migration mechanisms and the properties of its protoplanetary disk in a pristine environment," the researchers write in their paper published in the Nature journal.</p>

<p>"The combination of host-star brightness and the inferred presence of extended atmospheres in most of its planets makes HD 110067 the most favorable multiplanetary sub-Neptune system to be observed in transmission spectroscopy with the James Webb Space Telescope. HD 110067 offers a chance to gain insight into the nature of sub-Neptune planets and where, how and under what conditions resonant chains form and survive."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Just like our solar system in the Milky Way has eight (sorry Pluto, it's not nine) planets revolving around Sun, a planetary system a bit far from us has six worlds orbiting their star in perfect harmony, resembling to an extent our own solar system.

Just like our solar system in the Milky Way has eight (sorry Pluto, it's not nine) planets revolving around Sun, a planetary system a bit far from us has six worlds orbiting their star in perfect harmony, resembling to an extent our own solar system. Notably, both these systems are in our Milky Way itself. Chain of resonance for HD 110067 The Sun and eight planets revolving around it are in a phenomenon called chain of resonance. Simply put, their revolutions are in sync with one another. In this case, each of the six planets exhibit a chain of resonance. They orbit around the bright star HD 110067. Also watch | Aliens lurking at the heart of the Milky Way? × "We think only about one percent of all systems stay in resonance," astrophysicist Rafael Luque of the University of Chicago said in an interview. "It shows us the pristine configuration of a planetary system that has survived untouched." What does it mean? Scientists say that orbital resonances are neither uncommon nor unexpected. They occur when two bodies orbiting a third body exert a gravitational influence on each other, in such a way that their orbital periods line up. The HD 110067 is only the third known system with six exoplanets in a chain of resonance. The star around which these exoplanets are revolving were formed over a billion years ago, scientists add. Also read | It's all in the shape: Science reveals what makes Milky Way unique "The current delicate configuration of the planetary orbits in HD 110067 rules out any violent event over the billion-year history of the system, making it a rare 'fossil' to study migration mechanisms and the properties of its protoplanetary disk in a pristine environment," the researchers write in their paper published in the Nature journal. "The combination of host-star brightness and the inferred presence of extended atmospheres in most of its planets makes HD 110067 the most favorable multiplanetary sub-Neptune system to be observed in transmission spectroscopy with the James Webb Space Telescope. HD 110067 offers a chance to gain insight into the nature of sub-Neptune planets and where, how and under what conditions resonant chains form and survive." (With inputs from agencies)

Another solar system in Milky Way? Scientists discover six unique exoplanets

<p>Two kiwi chicks have hatched in the wild near New Zealand's Wellington, a first in over a century.&nbsp;This milestone comes a year after the reintroduction of the national bird to New Zealand's capital. People of New Zealand&nbsp;are also known as Kiwis across the world in a unique pattern of colloquial-becoming-global.</p>

<p>But human activities resulted in near-extinction of the fluffy, flightless creatures and very few Kiwis exist in the wild.</p>

<p>The kiwi holds a significant status among New Zealand's avian species. Conservationists suggest the species has been absent from the capital for multiple generations.</p>

<h2><strong>Spotlight on Capital Kiwi Project</strong></h2>

<p>The Capital Kiwi Project was initiated six years ago by Paul Ward, the creator of the nature app Wild Eyes.</p>

<p>As part of the Capital Kiwi Project, in November 2022, 11 kiwis were released in Makara, a vast hilly farmland west of Wellington. Subsequent releases brought the total to 52 birds, with plans for an additional 200 over the next five years.</p>

<p>The project's triumph is attributed to strong community involvement.</p>

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<p>More than 100 landowners were granted permission for the installation of 4,600 stoat traps, forming the country's most extensive stoat trapping network.</p>

<p>The two chicks are not named individually. This is because the project intends to foster a mass of wild kiwi population and not limited individual groups.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-bird-that-pukes-and-have-bizarre-mating-rituals-won-bird-of-the-year-title-after-john-oliver-campaign-658730">Voter fraud in Bird of the Year contest in New Zealand? Apparently, it happened</a></strong></p>

<p>Kiwi, once numbering around 12 million, faced a decline due to introduced predators and habitat loss.</p>

<p>Initiatives like the Capital Kiwi Project are gradually reversing this trend.</p>

<p>While adult kiwi can fend off larger predators with their formidable claws, chicks, especially vulnerable to stoats, require careful monitoring.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Birds learning to adapt to climate change</strong></p>

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<p>"These chicks now need to fend for themselves in the wild. The coming months are vitally important as they grow and put on weight to the point that they can fend off stoats with their big claws," Paul Ward was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The project aims not only to boost kiwi numbers but also to educate the public about the birds' resilience.</p>

<p>"But we have to admit, they are ridiculously cute."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two kiwi chicks have hatched in the wild near New Zealand's Wellington, a first in over a century. This milestone comes a year after the reintroduction of the national bird to New Zealand's capital.

Two kiwi chicks have hatched in the wild near New Zealand's Wellington, a first in over a century. This milestone comes a year after the reintroduction of the national bird to New Zealand's capital. People of New Zealand are also known as Kiwis across the world in a unique pattern of colloquial-becoming-global. But human activities resulted in near-extinction of the fluffy, flightless creatures and very few Kiwis exist in the wild. The kiwi holds a significant status among New Zealand's avian species. Conservationists suggest the species has been absent from the capital for multiple generations. Spotlight on Capital Kiwi Project The Capital Kiwi Project was initiated six years ago by Paul Ward, the creator of the nature app Wild Eyes. As part of the Capital Kiwi Project, in November 2022, 11 kiwis were released in Makara, a vast hilly farmland west of Wellington. Subsequent releases brought the total to 52 birds, with plans for an additional 200 over the next five years. The project's triumph is attributed to strong community involvement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Capital Kiwi Project (@capital.kiwi) × More than 100 landowners were granted permission for the installation of 4,600 stoat traps, forming the country's most extensive stoat trapping network. The two chicks are not named individually. This is because the project intends to foster a mass of wild kiwi population and not limited individual groups. Also read | Voter fraud in Bird of the Year contest in New Zealand? Apparently, it happened Kiwi, once numbering around 12 million, faced a decline due to introduced predators and habitat loss. Initiatives like the Capital Kiwi Project are gradually reversing this trend. While adult kiwi can fend off larger predators with their formidable claws, chicks, especially vulnerable to stoats, require careful monitoring. Also watch | WION Climate Tracker: Birds learning to adapt to climate change × "These chicks now need to fend for themselves in the wild. The coming months are vitally important as they grow and put on weight to the point that they can fend off stoats with their big claws," Paul Ward was quoted as saying by The Guardian. The project aims not only to boost kiwi numbers but also to educate the public about the birds' resilience. "But we have to admit, they are ridiculously cute." (With inputs from agencies)

Kiwi chicks born in New Zealand capital for first time in over a century

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the world leaders to embody 'humanitarianism over hostility' at a time when the world is gripped by the crisis in West Asia that was triggered by&nbsp;Palestinian group Hamas's attack on&nbsp;Israel on October 7. In an article for the Indian Express on the completion of a year of India's G20 presidency, Modi wrote that "terrorism and the senseless killing of civilians are unacceptable, and we must address them with a policy of zero tolerance".</p>

<p>Modi's piece comes as India is nearing the end of its term as president of the Group of Twenty (G20) nations, and more than two months after India successfully stewarded the New Delhi G20 Leaders Summit.</p>

<p>"Today marks 365 days since India assumed the G20 presidency. It is a moment to reflect, recommit, and rejuvenate the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “One Earth, One Family, One Future”," Modi wrote.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi puts focus on alternative to world's existing status quo</strong></h2>

<p>India's Prime Minister Modi, who is set to seek a record third consecutive term in power in 2024, said that while assuming the G20 chair, India sought to offer the world an alternative to the status quo, "a shift from a GDP-centric to human-centric progress."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India aimed to remind the world of what unites us, rather than what divides us. Finally, the global conversation had to evolve — the interests of the few had to give way to the aspirations of the many. This required a fundamental reform of multilateralism as we knew it," Modi wrote, in what appears to be a reference to the West-led global order that has impeded the evolution of a multipolar global polity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhi-delivers-as-the-voice-of-global-south-634649"><strong>The Capitals: Delhi delivers as the voice of Global South</strong></a></p>

<p>"Inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive — these four words defined our approach as G20 president," Modi wrote, adding that "the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD), unanimously adopted by all G20 members, is testimony to our commitment to deliver on these principles."</p>

<p>The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration was adopted on the first day of the Delhi G20 summit itself, in stark contrast to the assertions in Western Media that India would struggle to adopt a declaration due to polarising global opinions over the Russian offensive in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;G20 Summit 2023: Indian PM Modi hands over G20 Presidency to Brazil Prez Lula Da Silva</strong></p>

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<p>"The New Delhi Declaration embodies a renewed spirit of collaboration across these key priorities, focusing on policy coherence, reliable trade, and ambitious climate action. It is a matter of pride that during our presidency, G20 achieved 87 outcomes and 118 adopted documents, a marked rise from the past," Modi wrote.</p>

<p>While referring to the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 forum, Modi wrote,&nbsp;"inclusivity has been at the heart of our presidency".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-how-diplomacy-of-modis-bharat-pulled-off-african-unions-inclusion-634443">G20 Summit: How diplomacy of Modi's 'Bharat' pulled off African Union's inclusion</a></strong></p>

<p>"The first-of-its-kind 'Voice of the Global South Summit', convened by India in two editions, heralded a new dawn for multilateralism. India mainstreamed the Global South’s concerns in the international discourse and has ushered in an era where developing countries take their rightful place in shaping the global narrative," Modi wrote, in relation to two Voice of Global South Summits, organised virtually, first in January 2023 and the second earlier this month in New Delhi's bid to focus on inclusion of developing world into multilateral order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As we hand over the G20 presidency to Brazil, we do so with the conviction that our collective steps for people, planet, peace, and prosperity, will resonate for years to come," Modi wrote.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the world leaders to embody 'humanitarianism over hostility' at a time when the world is gripped by the crisis in West Asia that was triggered by Palestinian group Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the world leaders to embody 'humanitarianism over hostility' at a time when the world is gripped by the crisis in West Asia that was triggered by Palestinian group Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7. In an article for the Indian Express on the completion of a year of India's G20 presidency, Modi wrote that "terrorism and the senseless killing of civilians are unacceptable, and we must address them with a policy of zero tolerance". Modi's piece comes as India is nearing the end of its term as president of the Group of Twenty (G20) nations, and more than two months after India successfully stewarded the New Delhi G20 Leaders Summit. "Today marks 365 days since India assumed the G20 presidency. It is a moment to reflect, recommit, and rejuvenate the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “One Earth, One Family, One Future”," Modi wrote. Modi puts focus on alternative to world's existing status quo India's Prime Minister Modi, who is set to seek a record third consecutive term in power in 2024, said that while assuming the G20 chair, India sought to offer the world an alternative to the status quo, "a shift from a GDP-centric to human-centric progress." "India aimed to remind the world of what unites us, rather than what divides us. Finally, the global conversation had to evolve — the interests of the few had to give way to the aspirations of the many. This required a fundamental reform of multilateralism as we knew it," Modi wrote, in what appears to be a reference to the West-led global order that has impeded the evolution of a multipolar global polity. Also read | The Capitals: Delhi delivers as the voice of Global South "Inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive — these four words defined our approach as G20 president," Modi wrote, adding that "the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD), unanimously adopted by all G20 members, is testimony to our commitment to deliver on these principles." The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration was adopted on the first day of the Delhi G20 summit itself, in stark contrast to the assertions in Western Media that India would struggle to adopt a declaration due to polarising global opinions over the Russian offensive in Ukraine. Also watch | G20 Summit 2023: Indian PM Modi hands over G20 Presidency to Brazil Prez Lula Da Silva × "The New Delhi Declaration embodies a renewed spirit of collaboration across these key priorities, focusing on policy coherence, reliable trade, and ambitious climate action. It is a matter of pride that during our presidency, G20 achieved 87 outcomes and 118 adopted documents, a marked rise from the past," Modi wrote. While referring to the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 forum, Modi wrote, "inclusivity has been at the heart of our presidency". Also read | G20 Summit: How diplomacy of Modi's 'Bharat' pulled off African Union's inclusion "The first-of-its-kind 'Voice of the Global South Summit', convened by India in two editions, heralded a new dawn for multilateralism. India mainstreamed the Global South’s concerns in the international discourse and has ushered in an era where developing countries take their rightful place in shaping the global narrative," Modi wrote, in relation to two Voice of Global South Summits, organised virtually, first in January 2023 and the second earlier this month in New Delhi's bid to focus on inclusion of developing world into multilateral order. "As we hand over the G20 presidency to Brazil, we do so with the conviction that our collective steps for people, planet, peace, and prosperity, will resonate for years to come," Modi wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi repeats 'this is not an era of war' call as India nears end of its G20 presidency

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