<p>The geopolitical ripples from the gavel hammered by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to announce the inclusion of African Union in Group of 20 nations held particular significance for 55 African nations that potentially transformed G20 into G21 on September 9, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hours before the unanimous adoption of New Delhi leaders' declaration, in his opening speech, Modi invited the chair of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, to take his seat as a permanent member of the league of world's wealthiest nations as other leaders applauded and looked on.&nbsp;<img alt="Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi African Union chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat in New Delhi as the 55-nation bloc became a permanent member of G20 | X/@narendramodi " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7db6477d-48b6-49ba-a0f3-7ddc52bbf8da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-10T141720.729.png" /></p>

<p><em>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraced African Union chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat in New Delhi as the 55-nation bloc became a permanent member of G20 on September 10, 2023| X/@narendramodi&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>Hailing it as a step towards "collaborative future" and G20's "collective commitment to global progress", Modi cheered the African Union's inclusion to the G20 as a move towards "a brighter future for the Global South."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is an honour to welcome the <a href="https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_AfricanUnion</a> to the G20 fold. India believes in a collaborative future and this step further solidifies our collective commitment to global progress. Here's to a brighter future for the Global South. <a href="https://t.co/HwIo29ROEo">https://t.co/HwIo29ROEo</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1700461943713362429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The African Union is a continental body consisting of 55 member states.</p>

<p>Up until G20 Bali summit in 2022, the African Union had been a guest invitee to one of the world’s most powerful geo-economic bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid calls for equitable representation for the countries of Global South, the African Union, however, continues to be a guest invitee in other major global organisations, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.</p>

<p>"It gives a fresh win to the idea of reformed and inclusive multilateralism. Just as India has actively supported the idea of bringing AU into G20, the world will some day soon recognise that India and Africa's representative states should also be included in the UN Security Council," said Rajiv Bhatia, a former Indian ambassador and Distinguished Fellow at Mumbai-based Gateway House.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indias-diplomatic-masterstroke-at-g20-summit-634433">India's diplomatic masterstroke at G20 Summit</a></strong></p>

<p>The expansion of G20 shows a larger 'desirability for inclusive multilateralism' in global governance bodies, he pointed out.</p>

<p>India has been campaigning to amend the UN Charter to create additional permanent seats at the UN Security Council.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;G20 Summit 2023: Joint declaration backs common framework for debt reduction</strong></p>

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<p>Since 2005, India is part of G-4, a political cooperative alliance comprising Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, who support each other's bids for permanent seats on the UNSC while calling for equitable representation and multilateral and global governance bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>African Union in G20: The China factor</strong></h2>

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence was widely deemed as a snub to India's G20 stewardship and a sign of geopolitical fissures preventing a joint declaration to prevail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But New Delhi's diplomats proved skeptics wrong by preceding the adoption of New Delhi leaders' declaration with African Union's inclusion in the G20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts say that China did not want to be a spoilsport just for the sake of it, and that while credit goes to India for pulling through African Union's successful inclusion, the unanimity of the decision implies that China also assented to the bloc's admission into G20.</p>

<p>"With other countries accepting most of the logic of what India was proposing, China would have been termed as a spoiler," Harsh Pant, the Vice President of Studies and Foreign Policy at New Delhi-headquartered Observer Research Foundation (ORF) told <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-china-agrees-to-delhi-declaration-what-does-it-mean-634379">WION's Heena Sharma on September 10</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't think China wanted to be out of the tent simply for the sake of it," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Rajiv Bhatia, who also&nbsp;served as Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) from 2012–2015, if it wasn't for India, the initiative to include African Union in G20 would have fallen flat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The credit would nevertheless go to India because India started the entire process and carried it forward till the end. And therefore, you know, Africans fruitfully appreciate that without India's and Prime Minister Modi's steadfast support, the initiative would have fallen flat as it did last year during Indonesia's presidency." he said.</p>

<p>"So now there is a big chance for the next two presidencies; Brazil and South Africa to build on this development and ensure that Africa's key concerns are built into G20 agenda," Bhatia added.</p>

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The geopolitical ripples from the gavel hammered by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to announce the inclusion of African Union in Group of 20 nations held particular significance for 55 African nations that potentially transformed G20 into G21 on September 9, 2023.

The geopolitical ripples from the gavel hammered by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to announce the inclusion of African Union in Group of 20 nations held particular significance for 55 African nations that potentially transformed G20 into G21 on September 9, 2023. Hours before the unanimous adoption of New Delhi leaders' declaration, in his opening speech, Modi invited the chair of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, to take his seat as a permanent member of the league of world's wealthiest nations as other leaders applauded and looked on. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraced African Union chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat in New Delhi as the 55-nation bloc became a permanent member of G20 on September 10, 2023| X/@narendramodi Hailing it as a step towards "collaborative future" and G20's "collective commitment to global progress", Modi cheered the African Union's inclusion to the G20 as a move towards "a brighter future for the Global South." It is an honour to welcome the @_AfricanUnion to the G20 fold. India believes in a collaborative future and this step further solidifies our collective commitment to global progress. Here's to a brighter future for the Global South. https://t.co/HwIo29ROEo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2023 × The African Union is a continental body consisting of 55 member states. Up until G20 Bali summit in 2022, the African Union had been a guest invitee to one of the world’s most powerful geo-economic bodies. Amid calls for equitable representation for the countries of Global South, the African Union, however, continues to be a guest invitee in other major global organisations, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. "It gives a fresh win to the idea of reformed and inclusive multilateralism. Just as India has actively supported the idea of bringing AU into G20, the world will some day soon recognise that India and Africa's representative states should also be included in the UN Security Council," said Rajiv Bhatia, a former Indian ambassador and Distinguished Fellow at Mumbai-based Gateway House. Also read | India's diplomatic masterstroke at G20 Summit The expansion of G20 shows a larger 'desirability for inclusive multilateralism' in global governance bodies, he pointed out. India has been campaigning to amend the UN Charter to create additional permanent seats at the UN Security Council. Also watch | G20 Summit 2023: Joint declaration backs common framework for debt reduction × Since 2005, India is part of G-4, a political cooperative alliance comprising Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, who support each other's bids for permanent seats on the UNSC while calling for equitable representation and multilateral and global governance bodies. African Union in G20: The China factor Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence was widely deemed as a snub to India's G20 stewardship and a sign of geopolitical fissures preventing a joint declaration to prevail. But New Delhi's diplomats proved skeptics wrong by preceding the adoption of New Delhi leaders' declaration with African Union's inclusion in the G20. Experts say that China did not want to be a spoilsport just for the sake of it, and that while credit goes to India for pulling through African Union's successful inclusion, the unanimity of the decision implies that China also assented to the bloc's admission into G20. "With other countries accepting most of the logic of what India was proposing, China would have been termed as a spoiler," Harsh Pant, the Vice President of Studies and Foreign Policy at New Delhi-headquartered Observer Research Foundation (ORF) told WION's Heena Sharma on September 10. "I don't think China wanted to be out of the tent simply for the sake of it," he added. According to Rajiv Bhatia, who also served as Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) from 2012–2015, if it wasn't for India, the initiative to include African Union in G20 would have fallen flat. "The credit would nevertheless go to India because India started the entire process and carried it forward till the end. And therefore, you know, Africans fruitfully appreciate that without India's and Prime Minister Modi's steadfast support, the initiative would have fallen flat as it did last year during Indonesia's presidency." he said. "So now there is a big chance for the next two presidencies; Brazil and South Africa to build on this development and ensure that Africa's key concerns are built into G20 agenda," Bhatia added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

G20 Summit: How diplomacy of Modi's 'Bharat' pulled off African Union's inclusion

<p>The representatives of G20 nations, right before the leaders' summit in New Delhi, were unable to resolve disagreements over the wording of the final communique on the war in Ukraine as of Friday (Sep 8), according to initial draft of the summit declaration which was circulated among the member nations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G20 summit: Is there an impasse on G20's overall positioning on Ukraine war?</strong></h2>

<p>The current situation is not that of an impasse since the resolution over disagreements on the war in Ukraine could possibly be reached during negotiations between the leaders of G20 nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-aiming-for-balanced-g20-statement-reflecting-russias-concerns-on-ukraine-633433">India aiming for balanced G20 statement reflecting Russia’s concerns on Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>India is aiming for a balanced G20 statement reflecting Moscow’s concerns on Ukraine while the West, especially the United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union, intends to remain "firm and united" in backing Kyiv in the face of Russian offensive.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G20 New Delhi summit communique: 'Geopolitical situation' paragraph left blank</strong></h2>

<p>In the 38-page draft that was circulated among member nations, the paragraph related to "geopolitical situation" was left blank.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the countries have agreed on 75 other paragraphs which included matters such as climate change, cryptocurrencies and reforms in multilateral developments.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;G20 Summit: Can India Pave The Way In A Polarised World? Top 5 Moves You Can't Miss</strong></p>

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<p>It is not yet clear how exactly the reforms in the principal organs of United Nations, especially the Security Council, find mention in the joint communique of New Delhi G20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the G-20 leaders summit, had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-sets-the-tone-for-un-security-council-reforms-before-hosting-g20-leaders-631947">called for reform of the United Nations to match the changing geo-economic realities of the world</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, India, Brazil, Germany and Japan -- who form G4 political cooperative alliance to support each other's bids for permanent seats on the UNSC -- are part of G20 too, and thereby form the bedrock of multilateral consensus to achieve reforms in the West-dominated UN Security Council.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G20 communique: Unanimous agreement required</strong></h2>

<p>A diplomat from the European Union was quoted as saying by Reuters that India was doing an "excellent" job as host to bring consensus towards wording of the final statement on paragraph concerning Ukraine war.</p>

<p>"But so far, Russia is blocking a compromise that is acceptable otherwise for everyone else."</p>

<p>According to another senior source in one of the G20 countries, the paragraphs on the war on Ukraine had been agreed by Western countries and was sent to Russia for its views.</p>

<p>The official said Russia had the option to accept the Western countries' views and give its dissent as a part of the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G20 Summit final statement: Consensus on which issues?</strong></h2>

<p>The draft document of final statement seen by Reuters showed that the group agreed to address debt vulnerabilities in low and middle-income countries "in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner".</p>

<p>The draft also accepted the proposal for tighter regulations of cryptocurrencies.</p>

<p>It also agreed that the world needs a total of $4 trillion low-cost financing annually for energy transition.</p>

<p>The retreating monsoon showers brought pleasant chills across the Indian national capital on Saturday morning as businesses, offices and schools were closed as part of security measures to ensure the smooth running of the summit.</p>

<p>New Delhi has been decked up for the gathering with a brand new summit venue, fountains, flowerpots and illumination along major thoroughfares, alongside thousands of armed security personnel standing guard.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, more than 100 Tibetan refugees staged a protest away from the city centre on Friday, demanding that the "occupation" of their country by China be discussed during the summit.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The representatives of G20 nations, right before the leaders' summit in New Delhi, were unable to resolve disagreements over the wording of the final communique on the war in Ukraine as of Friday (Sep 8), according to initial draft of the summit declaration which was circulated among the member nations.

The representatives of G20 nations, right before the leaders' summit in New Delhi, were unable to resolve disagreements over the wording of the final communique on the war in Ukraine as of Friday (Sep 8), according to initial draft of the summit declaration which was circulated among the member nations. G20 summit: Is there an impasse on G20's overall positioning on Ukraine war? The current situation is not that of an impasse since the resolution over disagreements on the war in Ukraine could possibly be reached during negotiations between the leaders of G20 nations. Also read | India aiming for balanced G20 statement reflecting Russia’s concerns on Ukraine India is aiming for a balanced G20 statement reflecting Moscow’s concerns on Ukraine while the West, especially the United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union, intends to remain "firm and united" in backing Kyiv in the face of Russian offensive. G20 New Delhi summit communique: 'Geopolitical situation' paragraph left blank In the 38-page draft that was circulated among member nations, the paragraph related to "geopolitical situation" was left blank. But the countries have agreed on 75 other paragraphs which included matters such as climate change, cryptocurrencies and reforms in multilateral developments. Also watch | G20 Summit: Can India Pave The Way In A Polarised World? Top 5 Moves You Can't Miss × It is not yet clear how exactly the reforms in the principal organs of United Nations, especially the Security Council, find mention in the joint communique of New Delhi G20. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the G-20 leaders summit, had called for reform of the United Nations to match the changing geo-economic realities of the world. Notably, India, Brazil, Germany and Japan -- who form G4 political cooperative alliance to support each other's bids for permanent seats on the UNSC -- are part of G20 too, and thereby form the bedrock of multilateral consensus to achieve reforms in the West-dominated UN Security Council. G20 communique: Unanimous agreement required A diplomat from the European Union was quoted as saying by Reuters that India was doing an "excellent" job as host to bring consensus towards wording of the final statement on paragraph concerning Ukraine war. "But so far, Russia is blocking a compromise that is acceptable otherwise for everyone else." According to another senior source in one of the G20 countries, the paragraphs on the war on Ukraine had been agreed by Western countries and was sent to Russia for its views. The official said Russia had the option to accept the Western countries' views and give its dissent as a part of the statement. G20 Summit final statement: Consensus on which issues? The draft document of final statement seen by Reuters showed that the group agreed to address debt vulnerabilities in low and middle-income countries "in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner". The draft also accepted the proposal for tighter regulations of cryptocurrencies. It also agreed that the world needs a total of $4 trillion low-cost financing annually for energy transition. The retreating monsoon showers brought pleasant chills across the Indian national capital on Saturday morning as businesses, offices and schools were closed as part of security measures to ensure the smooth running of the summit. New Delhi has been decked up for the gathering with a brand new summit venue, fountains, flowerpots and illumination along major thoroughfares, alongside thousands of armed security personnel standing guard. Meanwhile, more than 100 Tibetan refugees staged a protest away from the city centre on Friday, demanding that the "occupation" of their country by China be discussed during the summit. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

G20 Summit: Spotlight on India's 'excellent' efforts as Ukraine war draws blank in draft communique

<p>Hundreds of people have lost their lives in Morocco after a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the&nbsp;North African nation.&nbsp;Amidst the horrifying images and videos emerging from the disaster, one photo circulating on social media has left people bewildered.</p>

<p>The picture shows a shirtless man who, during the earthquake, abandoned all his possessions except for his PlayStation, which he carried with him out on the street. The photo captures him standing shirtless on the streets of Marrakesh, surrounded by many onlookers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morocco-rocked-by-powerful-earthquake-killing-dozens-633888">Morocco: Powerful earthquake kills 632; tremors felt till as far as Portugal</a></strong></p>

<p>People on social media said that since the convention goes that people save during tragedies what's most valuable to them, it might be the case that the PlayStation meant the world to the Moroccan man.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Morocco earthquake PlayStation taker: Netizens point out 'rookie mistake'</strong></h2>

<p>"It might be the only thing that makes him happy. Man must save what’s more valuable to him after all," a user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Taking the console without the controller, rookie mistake," another user wrote.</p>

<p>"Most likely he was playing when the Earthquake happened and he had no time to get anything else including his clothes, move out with what was in his hands," a third user wrote on the Elon Musk-owned microblogging platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I've often thought about this scenario and my PS5 is always on my priority list," a fourth user reflected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey has declared this earthquake to be the most powerful tremor to hit this region of North Africa in over a century.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Morocco Earthquake: Magnitude 7.2 quake kills over 600, injures many</strong></p>

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<p>The epicenter of the earthquake was located 71 kilometres southwest of Marrakesh, and its effects were felt in coastal cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira. Outside Morocco, the tremors were felt till as far as Portugal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A resident of Essaouira, located 200 km west of Marrakech, described the chaotic scene during the tremor, with people gathering in squares and cafes, choosing to sleep outdoors due to the fear of falling debris from building facades.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, leaders across the world came out in support of the Moroccan authorities and offered all possible assistance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is stewarding the G20 Summit in New Delhi, took to X, and expressed condolences to the lives lost in Morocco.</p>

<p>"Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

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Hundreds of people have lost their lives in Morocco after a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the North African nation. Amidst the horrifying images and videos emerging from the disaster, one photo circulating on social media has left people bewildered.

Hundreds of people have lost their lives in Morocco after a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the North African nation. Amidst the horrifying images and videos emerging from the disaster, one photo circulating on social media has left people bewildered. The picture shows a shirtless man who, during the earthquake, abandoned all his possessions except for his PlayStation, which he carried with him out on the street. The photo captures him standing shirtless on the streets of Marrakesh, surrounded by many onlookers. Also read | Morocco: Powerful earthquake kills 632; tremors felt till as far as Portugal People on social media said that since the convention goes that people save during tragedies what's most valuable to them, it might be the case that the PlayStation meant the world to the Moroccan man. Morocco earthquake PlayStation taker: Netizens point out 'rookie mistake' "It might be the only thing that makes him happy. Man must save what’s more valuable to him after all," a user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Taking the console without the controller, rookie mistake," another user wrote. "Most likely he was playing when the Earthquake happened and he had no time to get anything else including his clothes, move out with what was in his hands," a third user wrote on the Elon Musk-owned microblogging platform. "I've often thought about this scenario and my PS5 is always on my priority list," a fourth user reflected. Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey has declared this earthquake to be the most powerful tremor to hit this region of North Africa in over a century. Also watch | Morocco Earthquake: Magnitude 7.2 quake kills over 600, injures many × The epicenter of the earthquake was located 71 kilometres southwest of Marrakesh, and its effects were felt in coastal cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira. Outside Morocco, the tremors were felt till as far as Portugal. A resident of Essaouira, located 200 km west of Marrakech, described the chaotic scene during the tremor, with people gathering in squares and cafes, choosing to sleep outdoors due to the fear of falling debris from building facades. Meanwhile, leaders across the world came out in support of the Moroccan authorities and offered all possible assistance. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is stewarding the G20 Summit in New Delhi, took to X, and expressed condolences to the lives lost in Morocco. "Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time," Modi said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Morocco man sets his priorities right, holds on to PlayStation amid earthquake chaos

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while helming the stewardship of G20 Summit, invited the&nbsp;Head of the African Union to formally take its seat at the summit, as the 55-nation bloc&nbsp;became a permanent member of the G20 in New Delhi on September 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this, African Union, quite literally, got the seat at the global high table at New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, the G20 summit's venue in New Delhi.</p>

<p>The expansion of G20 bloc marks&nbsp;a major multilateral victory for the administration of India's Prime Minister Modi, whose&nbsp;principal name plate at the first session of G20 summit read 'Bharat', the indigenous name of the Indian republic.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South. <a href="https://t.co/fQQvNEA17o">pic.twitter.com/fQQvNEA17o</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1700390847693402198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi&nbsp;called upon the leaders to "transform the global trust deficit into one one of trust and reliance".</p>

<p>"This is the time for all of us to move together," Modi said.</p>

<p>"In this time, the mantra of '<em>Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas</em>' can be the torch bearer for us," added Modi while referring to the key slogan of his Bharatiya Janata Party which translates into cooperation of all, development of all, trust of all and effort of all.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Be it the divide between North and South, the distance between East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we will have to find a solid solution to this for future generations," Modi said.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi throws spotlight on 'trust deficit' caused by war</strong></h2>

<p>India's Prime Minister Modi said that the 21st&nbsp;century is an important time to show the world a new direction.</p>

<p>"This is the time when old problems are seeking new solutions from us and that is why we should move ahead fulfilling our responsibilities with a human-centric approach...If we can defeat COVID-19, we can also triumph over the trust deficit caused by the war," Modi said, in an indirect reference to war in Ukraine and Russia's relentless offensive in the region.</p>

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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while helming the stewardship of G20 Summit, invited the Head of the African Union to formally take its seat at the summit, as the 55-nation bloc became a permanent member of the G20 in New Delhi on September 9.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while helming the stewardship of G20 Summit, invited the Head of the African Union to formally take its seat at the summit, as the 55-nation bloc became a permanent member of the G20 in New Delhi on September 9. With this, African Union, quite literally, got the seat at the global high table at New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, the G20 summit's venue in New Delhi. The expansion of G20 bloc marks a major multilateral victory for the administration of India's Prime Minister Modi, whose principal name plate at the first session of G20 summit read 'Bharat', the indigenous name of the Indian republic. Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South. pic.twitter.com/fQQvNEA17o — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2023 × Modi called upon the leaders to "transform the global trust deficit into one one of trust and reliance". "This is the time for all of us to move together," Modi said. "In this time, the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' can be the torch bearer for us," added Modi while referring to the key slogan of his Bharatiya Janata Party which translates into cooperation of all, development of all, trust of all and effort of all. "Be it the divide between North and South, the distance between East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we will have to find a solid solution to this for future generations," Modi said. Modi throws spotlight on 'trust deficit' caused by war India's Prime Minister Modi said that the 21st century is an important time to show the world a new direction. "This is the time when old problems are seeking new solutions from us and that is why we should move ahead fulfilling our responsibilities with a human-centric approach...If we can defeat COVID-19, we can also triumph over the trust deficit caused by the war," Modi said, in an indirect reference to war in Ukraine and Russia's relentless offensive in the region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

G20 Summit: Modi helms expansion of G20 with African Union as permanent member

<p>An earthquake of the magnitude 7.2 struck central Morocco late on Friday (Sep 8) killing hundreds of people and injuring many others.</p>

<p>At least 820 people confirmed to have died so far, most in remote mountainous areas. In a statement, Morocco's interior ministry said&nbsp;672 people were injured, including 205 in critical condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tremors were&nbsp;felt as far as Spain and Portugal. The epicenter of the earthquake is reported to be at Morocco's High Atlas mountains.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5">Morocco's geophysical centre said the quake struck in the Ighil area of the High Atlas with a magnitude of 7.2. But the US Geological Survey put the quake's magnitude at 6.8 and said it was at a relatively shallow depth of 18.5 km (11.5 miles).<br />
<br />
Videos&nbsp;which went viral on social media showed&nbsp;significant damage to buildings.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">Residents of Marrakech, the nearest major city to the epicentre, said some buildings had collapsed in the old city.<br />
<br />
Marrakech's old city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the top attractions for tourists in the country.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">A local television news footage showed pictures of a fallen mosque minaret with rubble lying on smashed cars.</p>

<h2 data-testid="paragraph-1"><strong>Morocco earthquake: Casualties and scale of devastation</strong></h2>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">Pan-Arab al-Arabiya news channel reported that five people were killed from one family.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">The local Goud.ma news publication reported up to 50 people had died, citing unnamed officials in the earthquake-hit region.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">"The earth shook for about 20 seconds. Doors opened and shut by themselves as I rushed downstairs from the second floor," said Hamid Afkir, a teacher in a mountainous area west of the epicenter near Taroudant, adding there had been aftershocks, Reuters reported.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-9">Another Marrakech resident, Brahim Himmi, told Reuters that he saw ambulances coming out of the old town and many building facades damaged.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-9">He said people were frightened and were staying outside in case of aftershocks.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-10">People in the capital Rabat, about 350 km (220 miles) north of Ighil, and in the coastal town of Imsouane, about 180 km to its west, also fled their homes, fearing a stronger quake, according to Reuters.</p>

<h2 data-testid="paragraph-10"><b>Morocco earthquake: India's PM Modi reacts</b></h2>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is stewarding the G20 Summit in New Delhi, took to X, and expressed condolences to the lives lost in Morocco.</p>

<p>"Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi, while inaugurating the first session of G20 leaders, expressed solidarity with Moroccan authorities as locals in the North African nation scrambled to rescue its citizens stuck under rubble in remote mountainous areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-10"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An earthquake of the magnitude 7.2 struck central Morocco late on Friday (Sep 8) killing hundreds of people and injuring many others. At least 820 people confirmed to have died so far, most in remote mountainous areas.

An earthquake of the magnitude 7.2 struck central Morocco late on Friday (Sep 8) killing hundreds of people and injuring many others. At least 820 people confirmed to have died so far, most in remote mountainous areas. In a statement, Morocco's interior ministry said 672 people were injured, including 205 in critical condition. The tremors were felt as far as Spain and Portugal. The epicenter of the earthquake is reported to be at Morocco's High Atlas mountains. Morocco's geophysical centre said the quake struck in the Ighil area of the High Atlas with a magnitude of 7.2. But the US Geological Survey put the quake's magnitude at 6.8 and said it was at a relatively shallow depth of 18.5 km (11.5 miles). Videos which went viral on social media showed significant damage to buildings. Residents of Marrakech, the nearest major city to the epicentre, said some buildings had collapsed in the old city. Marrakech's old city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the top attractions for tourists in the country. A local television news footage showed pictures of a fallen mosque minaret with rubble lying on smashed cars. Morocco earthquake: Casualties and scale of devastation Pan-Arab al-Arabiya news channel reported that five people were killed from one family. The local Goud.ma news publication reported up to 50 people had died, citing unnamed officials in the earthquake-hit region. "The earth shook for about 20 seconds. Doors opened and shut by themselves as I rushed downstairs from the second floor," said Hamid Afkir, a teacher in a mountainous area west of the epicenter near Taroudant, adding there had been aftershocks, Reuters reported. Another Marrakech resident, Brahim Himmi, told Reuters that he saw ambulances coming out of the old town and many building facades damaged. He said people were frightened and were staying outside in case of aftershocks. People in the capital Rabat, about 350 km (220 miles) north of Ighil, and in the coastal town of Imsouane, about 180 km to its west, also fled their homes, fearing a stronger quake, according to Reuters. Morocco earthquake: India's PM Modi reacts India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is stewarding the G20 Summit in New Delhi, took to X, and expressed condolences to the lives lost in Morocco. "Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time," Modi said. Prime Minister Modi, while inaugurating the first session of G20 leaders, expressed solidarity with Moroccan authorities as locals in the North African nation scrambled to rescue its citizens stuck under rubble in remote mountainous areas. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Morocco: Powerful earthquake kills over 800; tremors felt till as far as Portugal

<p>The G20 Summit invitation cards that gave rise to speculations that the government is intending to drop 'India' as one of the official names of the world's largest democracy and replace it with just 'Bharat', have given rise to a crucial concern in the domain of internet identity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speculation about the Indian republic dropping one of its official names, 'Bharat', for India have been driven by recent instances like a G20 dinner invitation using "President of Bharat" and a state document naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of Bharat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republic-of-bharat-chorus-grows-for-india-to-be-renamed-as-bharat-632507">'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India as it was known in ancient times</a></strong></p>

<p>Indian media reports citing unnamed sources claimed the upcoming special session of parliament will address the potential name change row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such a shift could pose challenges, particularly concerning domain names and internet identity.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Concern about .IN domain</strong></h2>

<p>The .IN domain, like India's +91 dialing code, represents the country's online presence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It's managed by INRegistry, associated with the National Internet Exchange of India. Specific subdomains like 'gov.in' and 'mil.in' serve distinct purposes for government and military respectively with added levels of online security.</p>

<p>Top Level Domains (TLDs) might not be crucial today. But historically, TLDs with two letters identified a website's origin. For example .US for the United States, .IN for India&nbsp;and .UK for the United Kingdom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If India becomes Bharat, a new TLD might be needed, but many options are already allocated to other countries. Diplomacy could help secure these TLDs, but success isn't guaranteed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Bharat or India: President's G20 Dinner Invite Stirs Debate | Name Change On The Cards?</strong></p>

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<p>Alternatively, India could create new TLDs like .BHARAT or .BHRT to establish a distinct online identity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, careful planning and coordination would be essential to avoid domain naming conflicts in case of&nbsp;such a transition.</p>

<p>Article 1 of the India's Constitution declares that 'India, that is Bharat' is a 'Union of States'. Thereby, the name India and Bharat are used rather interchangeably without any perception of imprecision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inaugural article of India's constitution further defines India's territory as well as its nomenclature-related aspects.</p>

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The G20 Summit invitation cards that gave rise to speculations that the government is intending to drop 'India' as one of the official names of the world's largest democracy and replace it with just 'Bharat', have given rise to a crucial concern in the domain of internet identity.

The G20 Summit invitation cards that gave rise to speculations that the government is intending to drop 'India' as one of the official names of the world's largest democracy and replace it with just 'Bharat', have given rise to a crucial concern in the domain of internet identity. Speculation about the Indian republic dropping one of its official names, 'Bharat', for India have been driven by recent instances like a G20 dinner invitation using "President of Bharat" and a state document naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of Bharat. Also read | 'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India as it was known in ancient times Indian media reports citing unnamed sources claimed the upcoming special session of parliament will address the potential name change row. Such a shift could pose challenges, particularly concerning domain names and internet identity. Concern about .IN domain The .IN domain, like India's +91 dialing code, represents the country's online presence. It's managed by INRegistry, associated with the National Internet Exchange of India. Specific subdomains like 'gov.in' and 'mil.in' serve distinct purposes for government and military respectively with added levels of online security. Top Level Domains (TLDs) might not be crucial today. But historically, TLDs with two letters identified a website's origin. For example .US for the United States, .IN for India and .UK for the United Kingdom. If India becomes Bharat, a new TLD might be needed, but many options are already allocated to other countries. Diplomacy could help secure these TLDs, but success isn't guaranteed. Also watch | Gravitas: Bharat or India: President's G20 Dinner Invite Stirs Debate | Name Change On The Cards? × Alternatively, India could create new TLDs like .BHARAT or .BHRT to establish a distinct online identity. However, careful planning and coordination would be essential to avoid domain naming conflicts in case of such a transition. Article 1 of the India's Constitution declares that 'India, that is Bharat' is a 'Union of States'. Thereby, the name India and Bharat are used rather interchangeably without any perception of imprecision. The inaugural article of India's constitution further defines India's territory as well as its nomenclature-related aspects. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

What will happen to .IN websites if Parliament drops India as official name of the nation?

<p>The Gujarat High Court in western India has declared it an "illegal act" for parents to compel children under the age of three to attend preschool.</p>

<p>The court made this statement while rejecting a bunch of petitions that challenged the state government's decision to establish six years as the minimum age requirement for Class One admission in the 2023-24 academic year.</p>

<p>A group of parents, whose children had not yet turned six by June 1, 2023, aimed to contest the state government's notification from January 31, 2020, which specified the age limit for admission to Class 1 in the 2023-24 academic year.</p>

<p>The petitioners requested the court to allow children who completed three years in preschool but hadn't yet reached the age of six by June 1, 2023, to be admitted for the current academic year.</p>

<p>They argued that denying admission would violate their right to education.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the court say?</strong></h2>

<p>The Gujarat High Court said that it's illegal on the part of parents to force their kids to attend preschool below the age of three.<br />
<br />
"Forcing children to go to a preschool below the age of three years is an illegal act on the part of the parents who are petitioners before us," the court observed.<br />
<br />
The court said that petitioners "cannot seek any leniency as they are guilty of a violation of the mandate of the Right to Education Rules (RTE), 2012 of the Right to Education Act, 2009", while referring to the law that gives all Indian children above the age of six right to study.<br />
<br />
The court said: "The right conferred upon a child by the constitutional provision of Article 21A and Section 3 of the RTE Act, 2009 begins after completion of the age of six years."</p>

<h2><strong>What does the rule say?</strong></h2>

<p>In accordance with the New Education Policy 2020&nbsp;— described as one of the most groundbreaking reforms in the Indian education system by Prime Minister Modi's administration&nbsp;—&nbsp;kids are supposed to be&nbsp;admitted at three years for nursery, four years for Lower Kindergarten (LKG), and five years for Upper Kindergarten (UKG).</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India gets new education policy after 34 years | Explainer | MHRD</strong></p>

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<p>This implies that children must complete a three-year foundation before entering Class 1 at the age of six.</p>

<p>However, reports have claimed that many preschools in Gujarat and beyond&nbsp;still adhere to the older criteria, where nursery class admission criteria stood&nbsp;at 2.5 years.</p>

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The Gujarat High Court in western India has declared it an "illegal act" for parents to compel children under the age of three to attend preschool. The court made this statement while rejecting a bunch of petitions that challenged the state government's decision to establish six years as the minimum age requirement for Class One admission in the 2023-24 academic year.

The Gujarat High Court in western India has declared it an "illegal act" for parents to compel children under the age of three to attend preschool. The court made this statement while rejecting a bunch of petitions that challenged the state government's decision to establish six years as the minimum age requirement for Class One admission in the 2023-24 academic year. A group of parents, whose children had not yet turned six by June 1, 2023, aimed to contest the state government's notification from January 31, 2020, which specified the age limit for admission to Class 1 in the 2023-24 academic year. The petitioners requested the court to allow children who completed three years in preschool but hadn't yet reached the age of six by June 1, 2023, to be admitted for the current academic year. They argued that denying admission would violate their right to education. What did the court say? The Gujarat High Court said that it's illegal on the part of parents to force their kids to attend preschool below the age of three. "Forcing children to go to a preschool below the age of three years is an illegal act on the part of the parents who are petitioners before us," the court observed. The court said that petitioners "cannot seek any leniency as they are guilty of a violation of the mandate of the Right to Education Rules (RTE), 2012 of the Right to Education Act, 2009", while referring to the law that gives all Indian children above the age of six right to study. The court said: "The right conferred upon a child by the constitutional provision of Article 21A and Section 3 of the RTE Act, 2009 begins after completion of the age of six years." What does the rule say? In accordance with the New Education Policy 2020 — described as one of the most groundbreaking reforms in the Indian education system by Prime Minister Modi's administration — kids are supposed to be admitted at three years for nursery, four years for Lower Kindergarten (LKG), and five years for Upper Kindergarten (UKG). Also watch | India gets new education policy after 34 years | Explainer | MHRD × This implies that children must complete a three-year foundation before entering Class 1 at the age of six. However, reports have claimed that many preschools in Gujarat and beyond still adhere to the older criteria, where nursery class admission criteria stood at 2.5 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's Gujarat High Court observes forcing kids below three to attend pre-school is illegal

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the&nbsp;Ukrainian capital Kyiv on a day when Russia was accused of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-russian-strike-kills-at-least-16-in-east-ukraine-market-632988">attacking a market town in the contested Donetsk region</a> which Russia claims to have taken over from Ukrainian control. Blinken's visit comes&nbsp;during Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive against Russian forces which has failed to give required dividends.</p>

<p>In Kyiv's corridors of power, Blinken's visit attained significance after the head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council&nbsp;Aleksey Danilov claimed that&nbsp;a third world war is already underway.</p>

<p>"If somebody thinks that World War III hasn’t started then it’s a huge mistake. It has already begun. It had been underway in a hybrid period for some time and has now entered an active phase," he said at the Kiev Security Forum on Tuesday, September 5.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Blinken's Ukraine visit: What is expected?</strong></h2>

<p>During his two-day stay, Blinken is expected to unveil a new US wartime aid package of at least $1 billion, according to a senior state department official cited by Reuters.</p>

<p>Blinken engaged in discussions with foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba and had a meeting scheduled with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Blinken visits Ukraine: As counteroffensive in Ukraine continues, Blinken announces aid for Kyiv</strong></p>

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<p>"We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs not only to succeed on the counteroffensive, but [also] in the long term,"&nbsp;Blinken said while speaking to the journalists alongside Kuleba.</p>

<p>Reports in the media have mentioned unidentified US officials criticising the sluggish pace and flawed tactics of Ukraine's counteroffensive, sparking tensions and prompting Kuleba to respond bluntly.</p>

<h2><strong>Kremlin's reaction</strong></h2>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed skepticism about US aid impacting Russia's offensive.</p>

<p>Opposition to aid for Ukraine has risen, leading to the dismissal of Ukraine's defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov, who was replaced by Crimean-origin&nbsp;Rustem Umerov as his successor.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-inside-ukrainian-shake-up-that-forced-zelensky-to-replace-his-defence-minister-632101">Explained: Inside Ukrainian shake up that forced Zelensky to replace his defence minister</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite 'unwavering' US support for Ukraine since Russia began its offensive in February 2022, some Republican presidential candidates, especially former President Donald Trump&nbsp;have questioned the level of aid, raising concerns about future support as the 2024 U.S. election campaign approaches.</p>

<p>So far, the US has supplied more than $43 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, with a new security aid package set to be announced soon, as per Reuters.</p>

<p>In August, the US President Joe Biden sought congressional approval for approximately $40 billion in additional spending, including $24 billion for Ukraine and other international needs.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on a day when Russia was accused of attacking a market town in the contested Donetsk region which Russia claims to have taken over from Ukrainian control.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on a day when Russia was accused of attacking a market town in the contested Donetsk region which Russia claims to have taken over from Ukrainian control. Blinken's visit comes during Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive against Russian forces which has failed to give required dividends. In Kyiv's corridors of power, Blinken's visit attained significance after the head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Aleksey Danilov claimed that a third world war is already underway. "If somebody thinks that World War III hasn’t started then it’s a huge mistake. It has already begun. It had been underway in a hybrid period for some time and has now entered an active phase," he said at the Kiev Security Forum on Tuesday, September 5. Blinken's Ukraine visit: What is expected? During his two-day stay, Blinken is expected to unveil a new US wartime aid package of at least $1 billion, according to a senior state department official cited by Reuters. Blinken engaged in discussions with foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba and had a meeting scheduled with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Also watch | Blinken visits Ukraine: As counteroffensive in Ukraine continues, Blinken announces aid for Kyiv × "We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs not only to succeed on the counteroffensive, but [also] in the long term," Blinken said while speaking to the journalists alongside Kuleba. Reports in the media have mentioned unidentified US officials criticising the sluggish pace and flawed tactics of Ukraine's counteroffensive, sparking tensions and prompting Kuleba to respond bluntly. Kremlin's reaction Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed skepticism about US aid impacting Russia's offensive. Opposition to aid for Ukraine has risen, leading to the dismissal of Ukraine's defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov, who was replaced by Crimean-origin Rustem Umerov as his successor. Also read | Explained: Inside Ukrainian shake up that forced Zelensky to replace his defence minister Despite 'unwavering' US support for Ukraine since Russia began its offensive in February 2022, some Republican presidential candidates, especially former President Donald Trump have questioned the level of aid, raising concerns about future support as the 2024 U.S. election campaign approaches. So far, the US has supplied more than $43 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, with a new security aid package set to be announced soon, as per Reuters. In August, the US President Joe Biden sought congressional approval for approximately $40 billion in additional spending, including $24 billion for Ukraine and other international needs. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US State Secretary Antony Blinken visits Kyiv amid Ukraine's faltering counteroffensive

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar&nbsp;credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s changed attitude at international fora, and a&nbsp;reason for India finding its place at the high table of diplomacy.</p>

<p>In an interview with ANI, Jaishankar said, "It is a different world, a different India. It is a different Prime Minister. It is a different government. And that is why you have all that you haven't seen in the past."</p>

<p>When asked about a consensus on G-20 joint communique, Jaishankar said that&nbsp;G-20 is a collective exercise.</p>

<p>"We will deal with it in that. Look, we are India. You know we are India. We know how to handle the world. Believe me, especially in the last ten years we have shown how we can handle the world," Jaishankar told news agency ANI ahead of G-20 summit in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov's comment that Russian wanted Ukraine crisis to be included in the declaration, and if it's the muscle flexing before the summit, Jaishankar said:&nbsp;"Well, that may be the way you would characterise it. I mean, for me, anybody would try to put across their national position, try to maximise their negotiating position if you would. I think you should wait and see what actually happens in the negotiation, not prejudge it purely in terms of what may be said on one occasion. And what the media interpretation of what was said on one occasion."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;G20's role in shaping the future of global trade</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking on India taking up the voice of the Global South to G20, the minister said that no other presidency had aimed at getting developing countries together.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No other G-20 presidency has tried to get together developing countries who are not on the table and say -- please come, sit with us, tell us what are your concerns. And we will distil those concerns and place them before the G-20. That is a unique exercise," the foreign affairs minister said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Jaishankar said that India has a special responsibility in this changing world scenario.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"I see it more for India as a responsibility, that we have the responsibility today in a very difficult world. How do you bring people together? How do you make everybody understand that we all have a bigger responsibility and therefore please, can we kind of get our act together here and do what is right by the world," he said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The External Affairs minister said he hoped that the G20 nations would understand their responsibilities to other countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-stresses-g20-summit-to-be-defined-by-positions-taken-not-leaders-attendance-632671">Jaishankar says G20 Summit to be defined by positions taken, not leaders' attendance</a></strong><br />
<br />
"India has a reputation of being a constructive player. Someone who bridges&nbsp;divides, who kind of somewhere helps to fix problems. I am confident that every one of the G20 nations coming to Delhi will understand the responsibility that they bear. That the other 180 countries of the world are looking to them to set directions and that they cannot afford to fail them," he said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The minister said that the participation of every citizen of the country in some way in the summit was assuring.<br />
<br />
"One of the big pluses of the G20 is really how much more interested the people of India, especially the young people of India, have got about foreign policy and they need it because look, this is a globalised era," he said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s changed attitude at international fora, and a reason for India finding its place at the high table of diplomacy.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s changed attitude at international fora, and a reason for India finding its place at the high table of diplomacy. In an interview with ANI, Jaishankar said, "It is a different world, a different India. It is a different Prime Minister. It is a different government. And that is why you have all that you haven't seen in the past." When asked about a consensus on G-20 joint communique, Jaishankar said that G-20 is a collective exercise. "We will deal with it in that. Look, we are India. You know we are India. We know how to handle the world. Believe me, especially in the last ten years we have shown how we can handle the world," Jaishankar told news agency ANI ahead of G-20 summit in New Delhi. Asked about Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov's comment that Russian wanted Ukraine crisis to be included in the declaration, and if it's the muscle flexing before the summit, Jaishankar said: "Well, that may be the way you would characterise it. I mean, for me, anybody would try to put across their national position, try to maximise their negotiating position if you would. I think you should wait and see what actually happens in the negotiation, not prejudge it purely in terms of what may be said on one occasion. And what the media interpretation of what was said on one occasion." Also watch | G20's role in shaping the future of global trade × Speaking on India taking up the voice of the Global South to G20, the minister said that no other presidency had aimed at getting developing countries together. "No other G-20 presidency has tried to get together developing countries who are not on the table and say -- please come, sit with us, tell us what are your concerns. And we will distil those concerns and place them before the G-20. That is a unique exercise," the foreign affairs minister said. Jaishankar said that India has a special responsibility in this changing world scenario. "I see it more for India as a responsibility, that we have the responsibility today in a very difficult world. How do you bring people together? How do you make everybody understand that we all have a bigger responsibility and therefore please, can we kind of get our act together here and do what is right by the world," he said. The External Affairs minister said he hoped that the G20 nations would understand their responsibilities to other countries. Also read | Jaishankar says G20 Summit to be defined by positions taken, not leaders' attendance "India has a reputation of being a constructive player. Someone who bridges divides, who kind of somewhere helps to fix problems. I am confident that every one of the G20 nations coming to Delhi will understand the responsibility that they bear. That the other 180 countries of the world are looking to them to set directions and that they cannot afford to fail them," he said. The minister said that the participation of every citizen of the country in some way in the summit was assuring. "One of the big pluses of the G20 is really how much more interested the people of India, especially the young people of India, have got about foreign policy and they need it because look, this is a globalised era," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘We know how to handle the world,’ says EAM Jaishankar on delivering consensus-based G20 statement

<p>A day after the US First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for Covid, President Joe Biden tested negative for the virus&nbsp;— meaning that Biden will be able to visit&nbsp;India as per schedule on September 7 for G20 summit. India's lunar glory's photographic symbolism continues to elevate its scientific legend after NASA orbiter spotted Vikram Lander about 600km from Moon's south pole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news, pop star Joe Jonas and <em>Game of Thrones </em>fame Sophie Turner&nbsp;— whom Indians identify as their homegrown international star Priyanka Chopra's sister-in-law or&nbsp;<em>jethaani</em> — have filed for divorce.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-tests-covid-negative-all-set-to-visit-india-for-g20-632768"><strong>US President Joe Biden tests Covid negative, all set to visit India on Sept 7 for G20 Summit</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/06/377799-biden-2.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden will be travelling to India for the upcoming G20 Summit in the capital New Delhi as he has tested negative for COVID-19, the White House has confirmed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-image-of-indias-vikram-lander-on-moon-spotted-by-its-lunar-orbiter-632774"><strong>NASA shares image of India's Vikram lander on Moon spotted by its lunar orbiter</strong></a><br />
<br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/06/377804-untitled-design-2023-09-06t094818722.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission is as significant as it is beloved by over a billion Indians after its Vikram lander achieved a successful Moon landing near the lunar south pole on August 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the world celebrated as India became the first nation to achieve a successful soft landing near the moon's south pole. Now a NASA spacecraft in lunar orbit captured a captivating top-down view of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-california-lawmakers-outlaw-caste-discrimination-632760"><strong>In a first, California lawmakers outlaw caste discrimination</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/06/377795-caste.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>California lawmakers have passed a bill that outlaws caste-based discrimination in the state. If the legislation becomes law, then it will become the first US state to enforce such a rule that has traditionally existed in South Asian communities.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-cleared-of-wrongful-rape-conviction-after-47-years-man-hugs-judge-cries-im-free-632763"><strong>Watch | Cleared of wrongful rape conviction after 47 years, man hugs judge, cries 'I'm free'</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/06/377796-copy-of-untitled.png?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Receiving the gift of a lifetime on his birthday, 72-year-old&nbsp;Leonard Mack, a South Carolina resident was finally exonerated on Monday (September 5) after being wrongfully convicted of raping a Westchester County teenage girl, nearly five decades ago.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fact-check-did-mh370-crash-in-cambodian-jungle-as-viral-reports-claim-632745"><strong>Fact check: Did MH370 crash in Cambodian jungle as viral reports claim?</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/06/336941-untitled-design-2023-03-06t102301300.png?imwidth=1920" /><br />
<br />
A latest conspiracy theory about the disappearance of MH370 has claimed that the Malaysian Airlines-operated plane has been found in the dense forests of Cambodia. Over the weekend, British tabloids&nbsp;published a video producer's claims&nbsp;that he found a plane in the Pursat Province of the East Asian nation while scanning through satellite imagery on Google Maps.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-joe-jonas-and-sophie-turner-officially-file-for-divorce-ending-four-year-marriage-632740"><strong>Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner officially file for divorce, ending four-year marriage</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/06/377785-joe-jonas-sophie-turner.png?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner have officially filed for divorce after four years of marriage. The news came as a shock to many fans who had followed the couple's journey from their initial meeting through social media to the birth of their two daughters. According to documents obtained by People, the divorce filing states that "the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken," marking the end of a four-year union that had captured the public's attention. It appears that they have a prenuptial agreement in place, which could potentially simplify the division of assets and property.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-colombo-to-remain-host-for-remaining-super-four-games-and-final-as-scheduled-632766"><strong>Asia Cup: Colombo to remain host for remaining Super Four games and final as scheduled</strong></a><br />
<br />
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/01/15/233822-jay-shah.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The five matches of Super Four stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 will be hosted in Colombo as originally scheduled. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, seems to be miffed with the decision and the manner in which the decision was taken by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The PCB, nonetheless, has agreed to the decision.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A day after the US First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for Covid, President Joe Biden tested negative for the virus — meaning that Biden will be able to visit India as per schedule on September 7 for G20 summit.

A day after the US First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for Covid, President Joe Biden tested negative for the virus — meaning that Biden will be able to visit India as per schedule on September 7 for G20 summit. India's lunar glory's photographic symbolism continues to elevate its scientific legend after NASA orbiter spotted Vikram Lander about 600km from Moon's south pole. In other news, pop star Joe Jonas and Game of Thrones fame Sophie Turner — whom Indians identify as their homegrown international star Priyanka Chopra's sister-in-law or jethaani — have filed for divorce. Click on the headlines to read more: US President Joe Biden tests Covid negative, all set to visit India on Sept 7 for G20 Summit US President Joe Biden will be travelling to India for the upcoming G20 Summit in the capital New Delhi as he has tested negative for COVID-19, the White House has confirmed. NASA shares image of India's Vikram lander on Moon spotted by its lunar orbiter India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission is as significant as it is beloved by over a billion Indians after its Vikram lander achieved a successful Moon landing near the lunar south pole on August 23. Most of the world celebrated as India became the first nation to achieve a successful soft landing near the moon's south pole. Now a NASA spacecraft in lunar orbit captured a captivating top-down view of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander. In a first, California lawmakers outlaw caste discrimination California lawmakers have passed a bill that outlaws caste-based discrimination in the state. If the legislation becomes law, then it will become the first US state to enforce such a rule that has traditionally existed in South Asian communities. Watch | Cleared of wrongful rape conviction after 47 years, man hugs judge, cries 'I'm free' Receiving the gift of a lifetime on his birthday, 72-year-old Leonard Mack, a South Carolina resident was finally exonerated on Monday (September 5) after being wrongfully convicted of raping a Westchester County teenage girl, nearly five decades ago. Fact check: Did MH370 crash in Cambodian jungle as viral reports claim? A latest conspiracy theory about the disappearance of MH370 has claimed that the Malaysian Airlines-operated plane has been found in the dense forests of Cambodia. Over the weekend, British tabloids published a video producer's claims that he found a plane in the Pursat Province of the East Asian nation while scanning through satellite imagery on Google Maps. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner officially file for divorce, ending four-year marriage Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner have officially filed for divorce after four years of marriage. The news came as a shock to many fans who had followed the couple's journey from their initial meeting through social media to the birth of their two daughters. According to documents obtained by People, the divorce filing states that "the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken," marking the end of a four-year union that had captured the public's attention. It appears that they have a prenuptial agreement in place, which could potentially simplify the division of assets and property. Asia Cup: Colombo to remain host for remaining Super Four games and final as scheduled The five matches of Super Four stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 will be hosted in Colombo as originally scheduled. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, seems to be miffed with the decision and the manner in which the decision was taken by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The PCB, nonetheless, has agreed to the decision. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Morning brief: Biden all-cleared to visit India for G20, NASA shares image of Vikram lander, and more

<p>China ordered government officials to not use Apple iPhones and other foreign-brand devices for work or bring them to the office, the Wall Street Journal reported while citing people familiar with the matter.<br />
<br />
The step is the latest under the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party led by Xi Jinping&nbsp;to purportedly limit flows of sensitive information outside of China’s boundaries.</p>

<p>The extent of distribution for these orders remains unclear, but similar messages were conveyed to employees within certain central government regulatory bodies, the report added.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
China is one of Apple's biggest markets and it accounts for 19 per cent of the company's overall revenue.</p>

<h2><strong>China iPhone ban: Limited ban was already in place</strong></h2>

<p>It must be noted that for years, Beijing had restricted government officials in specific agencies from using iPhones for work. But the Wall Street Journal reported that now&nbsp;these restrictions have expanded, reflecting Beijing and Washington's tit-for-tat&nbsp;actions over technology products and development.</p>

<p>China's restrictions align with similar bans in the US such as those against Huawei and Chinese-owned TikTok, as both Beijing and Washington&nbsp;grapple with concerns over data security amid a thaw in bilateral ties.</p>

<p>Amidst escalating rivalry with the US, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has cited national security as the&nbsp;reason to expand&nbsp;state oversight of data and digital activities.</p>

<p>In July, China initiated an extensive update to its anti-espionage legislation.</p>

<p>Beijing has been encouraging its agencies and state-owned enterprises to replace foreign technology, including computers, operating systems, and software, with domestically produced alternatives deemed secure and controllable.</p>

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China ordered government officials to not use Apple iPhones and other foreign-brand devices for work or bring them to the office, the Wall Street Journal reported while citing people familiar with the matter.

China ordered government officials to not use Apple iPhones and other foreign-brand devices for work or bring them to the office, the Wall Street Journal reported while citing people familiar with the matter. The step is the latest under the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party led by Xi Jinping to purportedly limit flows of sensitive information outside of China’s boundaries. The extent of distribution for these orders remains unclear, but similar messages were conveyed to employees within certain central government regulatory bodies, the report added. China is one of Apple's biggest markets and it accounts for 19 per cent of the company's overall revenue. China iPhone ban: Limited ban was already in place It must be noted that for years, Beijing had restricted government officials in specific agencies from using iPhones for work. But the Wall Street Journal reported that now these restrictions have expanded, reflecting Beijing and Washington's tit-for-tat actions over technology products and development. China's restrictions align with similar bans in the US such as those against Huawei and Chinese-owned TikTok, as both Beijing and Washington grapple with concerns over data security amid a thaw in bilateral ties. Amidst escalating rivalry with the US, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has cited national security as the reason to expand state oversight of data and digital activities. In July, China initiated an extensive update to its anti-espionage legislation. Beijing has been encouraging its agencies and state-owned enterprises to replace foreign technology, including computers, operating systems, and software, with domestically produced alternatives deemed secure and controllable. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China bans Apple iPhone, foreign-brand smartphones for government officials at work: Report

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar addressed the controversy surrounding the G-20 invitation cards that gave rise to speculations that the government is intending to drop 'India' as one of the official names of the world's largest democracy and replace it with just 'Bharat', the ancient name that came to identify much of the modern-day India.</p>

<p>"India, that is Bharat - it is there in the Constitution. I would invite everybody to read it," Jaishankar told news agency ANI ahead of New Delhi G-20 summit.</p>

<p>"When you say Bharat, in a sense, a meaning and an understanding and a connotation comes with it and I think that is reflected in our Constitution as well," he added.</p>

<p>The invitation cards stirred huge&nbsp;controversy on September 5, with the Opposition suggesting that the Modi government might be considering dropping 'India' and using only 'Bharat' as the country's name.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">G20 dinner invite for 9th September from President of Bharat <a href="https://t.co/pGMICzoZqF">pic.twitter.com/pGMICzoZqF</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1698950911840919781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sources cited by the Press Trust of India&nbsp;claimed that 'Bharat' has been intentionally used in certain G20-related documents.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republic-of-bharat-chorus-grows-for-india-to-be-renamed-as-bharat-632507">'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India as it was known in ancient times</a></strong></p>

<p>The eye of the storm involved reports that claimed that the&nbsp;issue of purportedly changing the country's name&nbsp;— a claim deemed imprecise because both Bharat and India are the country's official names&nbsp;—&nbsp;might be discussed during the upcoming five-day special session of Parliament, starting September 18.</p>

<p>Article 1 of the Indian Constitution&nbsp;declares that 'India, that is Bharat' is a 'Union of States'.</p>

<p>Thereby, both Bharat and India are used interchangeably in official communiques as well as colloquial dispatches and interactions by people all over the world.</p>

<p>The inaugural article of India's constitution further defines India's territory as well as its nomenclature-related aspects.</p>

<h2><strong>Important for India to develop sharper global awareness: Jaishankar</strong></h2>

<p>Jaishankar also spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's&nbsp;efforts to hold G20 events in different parts of the country and said it is essential that today's India develops sharper global awareness.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;G20 Summit will confront rising food prices in global trade</strong></p>

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<p>"Different cities, different states, different professions and generations, a sense of participation and ownership. And this is not restricted to the G20. It is a larger mindset. It could be in terms of today how you elect or select your political leaders, it could be about how economic benefits and social benefits are given," he said.</p>

<p>"It could be about educational access, health access, I think the country in the last ten years has become much more democratised. That it isn't in the capital, it isn't only in the metropolitan cities, it isn't only even in the big cities, you've taken it out, anything good which has happened in this country has been taken out to the entirety of this country."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar addressed the controversy surrounding the G-20 invitation cards that gave rise to speculations that the government is intending to drop 'India' as one of the official names of the world's largest democracy and replace it with just 'Bharat', the ancient name that came to identify much of the modern-day India.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar addressed the controversy surrounding the G-20 invitation cards that gave rise to speculations that the government is intending to drop 'India' as one of the official names of the world's largest democracy and replace it with just 'Bharat', the ancient name that came to identify much of the modern-day India. "India, that is Bharat - it is there in the Constitution. I would invite everybody to read it," Jaishankar told news agency ANI ahead of New Delhi G-20 summit. "When you say Bharat, in a sense, a meaning and an understanding and a connotation comes with it and I think that is reflected in our Constitution as well," he added. The invitation cards stirred huge controversy on September 5, with the Opposition suggesting that the Modi government might be considering dropping 'India' and using only 'Bharat' as the country's name. G20 dinner invite for 9th September from President of Bharat pic.twitter.com/pGMICzoZqF — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 5, 2023 × Sources cited by the Press Trust of India claimed that 'Bharat' has been intentionally used in certain G20-related documents. Also read | 'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India as it was known in ancient times The eye of the storm involved reports that claimed that the issue of purportedly changing the country's name — a claim deemed imprecise because both Bharat and India are the country's official names — might be discussed during the upcoming five-day special session of Parliament, starting September 18. Article 1 of the Indian Constitution declares that 'India, that is Bharat' is a 'Union of States'. Thereby, both Bharat and India are used interchangeably in official communiques as well as colloquial dispatches and interactions by people all over the world. The inaugural article of India's constitution further defines India's territory as well as its nomenclature-related aspects. Important for India to develop sharper global awareness: Jaishankar Jaishankar also spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to hold G20 events in different parts of the country and said it is essential that today's India develops sharper global awareness. Also watch | G20 Summit will confront rising food prices in global trade × "Different cities, different states, different professions and generations, a sense of participation and ownership. And this is not restricted to the G20. It is a larger mindset. It could be in terms of today how you elect or select your political leaders, it could be about how economic benefits and social benefits are given," he said. "It could be about educational access, health access, I think the country in the last ten years has become much more democratised. That it isn't in the capital, it isn't only in the metropolitan cities, it isn't only even in the big cities, you've taken it out, anything good which has happened in this country has been taken out to the entirety of this country." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'When you say Bharat...': India's foreign minister Jaishankar reacts to India-Bharat name drop row

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