Prime Minister Modi started his speech at the United Nations General Assembly by highlighting India's campaign against the use of single-use plastic.

Addressing the UNGA PM Modi said, "While I was coming here, I read on the walls of the United Nations 'No more single-use plastic'. I am delighted to inform you that we are running a big campaign in India to free the country of single-use plastic.

Further talking about the country's cleanliness programme, PM Modi said, "When a developing nation successfully carries out the biggest cleanliness drive of the world and provides more than 11 crore toilets to its people just within 5 years, that system gives a message of inspiration to the entire world".

The Prime Minister also highlighted how India plans to increase its renewable energy capacity to 450 GW in the coming years, a point which was already highlighted by the leader during his Monday's address.

He also invited countries to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was launched by India during his address at the UN Climate Action Summit which was held on Monday.

While India's contribution to global warming is low, India is one of the leading countries in the fight against climate change, he said, highlighting how India has initiated the International Solar Alliance.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Modi started his speech at the United Nations General Assembly by highlighting India's campaign against the use of single-use plastic. Addressing the UNGA PM Modi said, "While I was coming here, I read on the walls of the United Nations 'No more single-use plastic'.

Prime Minister Modi started his speech at the United Nations General Assembly by highlighting India's campaign against the use of single-use plastic. Addressing the UNGA PM Modi said, "While I was coming here, I read on the walls of the United Nations 'No more single-use plastic'. I am delighted to inform you that we are running a big campaign in India to free the country of single-use plastic. Further talking about the country's cleanliness programme, PM Modi said, "When a developing nation successfully carries out the biggest cleanliness drive of the world and provides more than 11 crore toilets to its people just within 5 years, that system gives a message of inspiration to the entire world". The Prime Minister also highlighted how India plans to increase its renewable energy capacity to 450 GW in the coming years, a point which was already highlighted by the leader during his Monday's address. He also invited countries to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was launched by India during his address at the UN Climate Action Summit which was held on Monday. While India's contribution to global warming is low, India is one of the leading countries in the fight against climate change, he said, highlighting how India has initiated the International Solar Alliance.

We are running a big campaign to free the country of single-use plastic: PM Modi at UNGA

Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday.&nbsp;

"Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats. 15 to 18 seats will be given to small alliance partner," sources in the Shiv Sena told ANI.&nbsp;

The discussion for the post of Deputy Chief Minister from the Shiv Sena will take place later, sources added.

Talking to ANI, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "Yes, we are in an alliance and will fight the state election together."

On seat-sharing formula, he said, "Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections both Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackrey, agreed on 50-50 seat-sharing formula but now the BJP leaders are holding closed doors meeting in Delhi over seat-sharing."

"Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also there in the meeting and he must have gone back to Mumbai with a formula," added Raut.

He further said, "Shiv Sena believes in giving rather than taking. Considering Aditya Thackeray as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra is baseless. Thackrey family never runs behind power."

On the other hand, BJP sources have indicated that almost everything is final and both parties will fight elections together.&nbsp;

BJP will retain the big brother status in the alliance and is expected to get around 20 more seats than the Shiv Sena, they said.

BJP has called the crucial Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Sunday to finalise the name of party candidates for Haryana and Maharashtra candidates.

The NCP and the Congress have already announced a seat-sharing agreement for Maharashtra polls, where both the parties would be contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly.&nbsp;

Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday. "Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats.

Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra Assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday. "Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats. 15 to 18 seats will be given to small alliance partner," sources in the Shiv Sena told ANI. The discussion for the post of Deputy Chief Minister from the Shiv Sena will take place later, sources added. Talking to ANI, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "Yes, we are in an alliance and will fight the state election together." On seat-sharing formula, he said, "Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections both Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackrey, agreed on 50-50 seat-sharing formula but now the BJP leaders are holding closed doors meeting in Delhi over seat-sharing." "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also there in the meeting and he must have gone back to Mumbai with a formula," added Raut. He further said, "Shiv Sena believes in giving rather than taking. Considering Aditya Thackeray as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra is baseless. Thackrey family never runs behind power." On the other hand, BJP sources have indicated that almost everything is final and both parties will fight elections together. BJP will retain the big brother status in the alliance and is expected to get around 20 more seats than the Shiv Sena, they said. BJP has called the crucial Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Sunday to finalise the name of party candidates for Haryana and Maharashtra candidates. The NCP and the Congress have already announced a seat-sharing agreement for Maharashtra polls, where both the parties would be contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly.

Maharashtra polls: BJP-Shiv Sena to announce seat-sharing arrangement by Monday

As Pakistan continues to pursue its one-point agenda to internationalise the Kashmir issue at the UNGA, protesters have thronged the streets of New York against human rights violations in the South Asian country.

WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal reported on trucks stationed in New York, highlighting human rights abuses in Karachi.

"Not just this, across the New York City, there have been banners on human rights violations in Pakistan's Balochistan, Karachi," Sibal said in his ground report from New York.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi evaded questions on Pakistan's support to terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

Right outside the venue of SAARC foreign minister's meeting, Sidhant Sibal asked Qureshi why is Pakistan supporting Saaed only to meet with an evading Pak FM.

As Pakistan continues to pursue its one-point agenda to internationalise the Kashmir issue at the UNGA, protesters have thronged the streets of New York against human rights violations in the South Asian country.

As Pakistan continues to pursue its one-point agenda to internationalise the Kashmir issue at the UNGA, protesters have thronged the streets of New York against human rights violations in the South Asian country. WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal reported on trucks stationed in New York, highlighting human rights abuses in Karachi. "Not just this, across the New York City, there have been banners on human rights violations in Pakistan's Balochistan, Karachi," Sibal said in his ground report from New York. Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi evaded questions on Pakistan's support to terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Right outside the venue of SAARC foreign minister's meeting, Sidhant Sibal asked Qureshi why is Pakistan supporting Saaed only to meet with an evading Pak FM.

Protests against human rights abuse in Pakistan rock New York

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;hailed the government's flagship scheme, Ayushman Bharat&nbsp;while addressing&nbsp;the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.

Speaking at the UNGA, the PM Modi said:&nbsp; "When a developing country runs successfully the world's largest health insurance scheme, provides free health check-up of five lakh to around 50 crore people of the country,&nbsp;the arrangements made with it give a motivational message to the entire world."

During his speech, the Indian prime minister also stressed that the country will be free from&nbsp;tuberculosis by 2025.

"India will&nbsp;be tuberculosis free by 2025. We have opened 5,000 special pharmacies," he said.

"India has given insurance to 5,00,000 people. 500 million poor people have been given medical facilities. Around 800 varieties of vital medicines have been made available."

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Health Cover for 50 crore Indians! <a href="https://t.co/OLuUVPmHBu">pic.twitter.com/OLuUVPmHBu</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1177585853167620096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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AB-PMJAY is the flagship scheme of the government&nbsp;that provides cover of up to Rs 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10.74 crore vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries).

Last year on September 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched PM-JAY from Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the government's flagship scheme, Ayushman Bharat while addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the government's flagship scheme, Ayushman Bharat while addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. Speaking at the UNGA, the PM Modi said: "When a developing country runs successfully the world's largest health insurance scheme, provides free health check-up of five lakh to around 50 crore people of the country, the arrangements made with it give a motivational message to the entire world." During his speech, the Indian prime minister also stressed that the country will be free from tuberculosis by 2025. "India will be tuberculosis free by 2025. We have opened 5,000 special pharmacies," he said. "India has given insurance to 5,00,000 people. 500 million poor people have been given medical facilities. Around 800 varieties of vital medicines have been made available." Health Cover for 50 crore Indians! pic.twitter.com/OLuUVPmHBu — PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 27, 2019 × AB-PMJAY is the flagship scheme of the government that provides cover of up to Rs 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10.74 crore vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries). Last year on September 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched PM-JAY from Ranchi, Jharkhand.

PM Modi hails Ayushman Bharat scheme at UNGA

Four elephants were found dead Friday in central Sri Lanka, with police suspecting the animals were poisoned by angry villagers.

Nearly 200 elephants are killed every year on the island, many by farmers after the animals stray onto their land.

Marauding elephants also claim the lives of about 50 people annually, mostly by trampling through villages built near their habitats.

A pregnant female and a male were among the four carcasses found on Friday at a forest reserve near Sigiriya, a fifth-century rock fortress and UNESCO-protected heritage site, police said.

"We have called wildlife experts and vets to carry out autopsies," a police official in Sigiriya, 175 kilometres (110 miles) north of Colombo, said by telephone.

Other elephants may also have died but no further remains have yet been found.

He said there had been a spate of incidents involving wild elephants storming villages and destroying crops in the area.

"We suspect the elephants may have been poisoned. We are investigating," the officer said.

He said the four animals appeared to be aged between 15 and 25 years old.

Killing an elephant is in theory punishable by death in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's elephant population has dwindled to just over 7,000, according to the latest census, down from an estimated 12,000 at the beginning of the last century.

Four elephants were found dead Friday in central Sri Lanka, with police suspecting the animals were poisoned by angry villagers. Nearly 200 elephants are killed every year on the island, many by farmers after the animals stray onto their land.

Four elephants were found dead Friday in central Sri Lanka, with police suspecting the animals were poisoned by angry villagers. Nearly 200 elephants are killed every year on the island, many by farmers after the animals stray onto their land. Marauding elephants also claim the lives of about 50 people annually, mostly by trampling through villages built near their habitats. A pregnant female and a male were among the four carcasses found on Friday at a forest reserve near Sigiriya, a fifth-century rock fortress and UNESCO-protected heritage site, police said. "We have called wildlife experts and vets to carry out autopsies," a police official in Sigiriya, 175 kilometres (110 miles) north of Colombo, said by telephone. Other elephants may also have died but no further remains have yet been found. He said there had been a spate of incidents involving wild elephants storming villages and destroying crops in the area. "We suspect the elephants may have been poisoned. We are investigating," the officer said. He said the four animals appeared to be aged between 15 and 25 years old. Killing an elephant is in theory punishable by death in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's elephant population has dwindled to just over 7,000, according to the latest census, down from an estimated 12,000 at the beginning of the last century.

Four Sri Lankan elephants found dead of suspected poisoning

The Foreign Ministers of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations on Thursday stressed on the need for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) during their annual meeting on the margins of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed, as per the joint statement released following the meeting.

"They expressed their conviction that a comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure an effective fight against terrorism. They urged concerted efforts to counter terrorism in accordance with the international law and under UN auspices and stressed in this regard the need for early adoption of a CCIT," the statement said.

India has used the international platform to push for the early adoption of its proposed convention.

Recalling the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, the Foreign Ministers also reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of the developing countries so that it can adequately respond to global challenges.

"China and Russia reiterated the importance they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN," the statement added.

The BRICS leaders also welcomed the special focus of the high-level segment of the UNGA on sustainable development and the holding of the Climate and SDG Summits and high-level events on Health and Financing for Development.

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and called for redoubled efforts for its timely implementation.

The Ministers also stressed the need for more effective international action on climate change and reaffirmed their commitment towards the full implementation of the Paris Agreement.

"They urged developed countries to support developing countries, including through honouring their financial commitments and the transfer of technology, which are the most critical enablers for climate action," it also said.

During the meeting, the foreign ministers also reiterated the urgent need to strengthen and reform the multilateral system, including the UN, the WTO, the IMF, and other international organizations.

"The Ministers further reiterated their commitment to transparent, non-discriminatory, open, free and inclusive international trade and noted that protectionism and unilateralism run counter to the rules and the spirit of the WTO," the statement further highlighted.

Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful solutions, the Foreign Ministers expressed their concern over continued conflicts in several regions around the globe, which undermine international security and stability.

They commended the African Union for its efforts aimed at resolving and managing conflicts on the continent and welcomed the strengthening of the cooperation between the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council.

"They further commended the African Union's commitment to "Silencing the Guns by 2020" and reiterated support for efforts to strengthen the African Peace and Security Architecture," the statement added.

The 11th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in Brasilia in November 2019. A stand-alone meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations is also supposed to be held in Russia next year.

 
&nbsp;

The Foreign Ministers of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations on Thursday stressed on the need for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) during their annual meeting on the margins of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Foreign Ministers of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations on Thursday stressed on the need for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) during their annual meeting on the margins of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. The Ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed, as per the joint statement released following the meeting. "They expressed their conviction that a comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure an effective fight against terrorism. They urged concerted efforts to counter terrorism in accordance with the international law and under UN auspices and stressed in this regard the need for early adoption of a CCIT," the statement said. India has used the international platform to push for the early adoption of its proposed convention. Recalling the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, the Foreign Ministers also reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of the developing countries so that it can adequately respond to global challenges. "China and Russia reiterated the importance they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN," the statement added. The BRICS leaders also welcomed the special focus of the high-level segment of the UNGA on sustainable development and the holding of the Climate and SDG Summits and high-level events on Health and Financing for Development. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and called for redoubled efforts for its timely implementation. The Ministers also stressed the need for more effective international action on climate change and reaffirmed their commitment towards the full implementation of the Paris Agreement. "They urged developed countries to support developing countries, including through honouring their financial commitments and the transfer of technology, which are the most critical enablers for climate action," it also said. During the meeting, the foreign ministers also reiterated the urgent need to strengthen and reform the multilateral system, including the UN, the WTO, the IMF, and other international organizations. "The Ministers further reiterated their commitment to transparent, non-discriminatory, open, free and inclusive international trade and noted that protectionism and unilateralism run counter to the rules and the spirit of the WTO," the statement further highlighted. Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful solutions, the Foreign Ministers expressed their concern over continued conflicts in several regions around the globe, which undermine international security and stability. They commended the African Union for its efforts aimed at resolving and managing conflicts on the continent and welcomed the strengthening of the cooperation between the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. "They further commended the African Union's commitment to "Silencing the Guns by 2020" and reiterated support for efforts to strengthen the African Peace and Security Architecture," the statement added. The 11th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in Brasilia in November 2019. A stand-alone meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations is also supposed to be held in Russia next year.

BRICS pushes for early adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism

Speaking from the lectern at the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, the president of the Palestinians, Mahmoud Abbas, took the opportunity to dive right into Israel's ongoing political jockeying.

Abbas has appeared to see Israel's coalition drama as an opportunity for his government in the occupied West Bank to announce election plans. Abbas told reporters outside Norway's parliament that he would issue a decree for elections across the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem when he returns to the Palestinian Territories following the UN General Assembly in New York.

And he said he will not cede to an emboldened Israeli stance.

"A week before the recent Israeli elections, Israel's Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu came out to arrogantly announce that should he prevail in the elections he would annex and apply Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley, Northern Dead sea and Israel's colonial settlements despite the fact that all these areas are occupied Palestinian territory," he said. "We reject entirely and completely this plan."

Despite a long rift with Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas, Abbas said his Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, would be ready to accept a Hamas victory "because Hamas is a part of our people, we cannot exclude Hamas."&nbsp;

Abbas was elected president in 2005 and Hamas won a 2006 parliamentary election, plunging Palestinian politics into a bitter power struggle from which it has not emerged.

He also came out against stances backed by the US administration of Donald Trump, saying they run the risk of hardening divisions.

In referring to the decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem, Abbas said "it has jeopardized the two-state solution."

He said stances are hardening. "Now many wonder, if the two state solution has become impossible? Can we have a one state solution? Where everyone can live equally. Some are starting to wonder."

Speaking from the lectern at the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, the president of the Palestinians, Mahmoud Abbas, took the opportunity to dive right into Israel's ongoing political jockeying.

Speaking from the lectern at the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, the president of the Palestinians, Mahmoud Abbas, took the opportunity to dive right into Israel's ongoing political jockeying. Abbas has appeared to see Israel's coalition drama as an opportunity for his government in the occupied West Bank to announce election plans. Abbas told reporters outside Norway's parliament that he would issue a decree for elections across the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem when he returns to the Palestinian Territories following the UN General Assembly in New York. And he said he will not cede to an emboldened Israeli stance. "A week before the recent Israeli elections, Israel's Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu came out to arrogantly announce that should he prevail in the elections he would annex and apply Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley, Northern Dead sea and Israel's colonial settlements despite the fact that all these areas are occupied Palestinian territory," he said. "We reject entirely and completely this plan." Despite a long rift with Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas, Abbas said his Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, would be ready to accept a Hamas victory "because Hamas is a part of our people, we cannot exclude Hamas." Abbas was elected president in 2005 and Hamas won a 2006 parliamentary election, plunging Palestinian politics into a bitter power struggle from which it has not emerged. He also came out against stances backed by the US administration of Donald Trump, saying they run the risk of hardening divisions. In referring to the decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem, Abbas said "it has jeopardized the two-state solution." He said stances are hardening. "Now many wonder, if the two state solution has become impossible? Can we have a one state solution? Where everyone can live equally. Some are starting to wonder."

Palestine president Mahmoud Abbas points finger at Netanyahu, Trump administration at UNGA

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank.

Netanyahu, who is trying to form a new government following a deadlocked election, pledged before the vote to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea which account for one-third of the West Bank.

The promise was widely condemned, including by UN chief Antonio Guterres who warned it would violate international law.

"Our response, if any Israeli government is to proceed with this plan, is that all signed agreements with the government of the occupation and any obligations therein will be terminated," said Abbas.

"And it is our right to defend our rights by all possible means, regardless of consequences, while remaining committed to international law and combating terrorism," he warned.

Abbas made a similar vow in July, but did not follow through.

In the early 1990s, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, then headed by Yasser Arafat, signed a number of peace agreements under US sponsorship.

The agreements were supposed to be for a transitional five-year period, but a longer-term deal proved elusive and a second bloody Palestinian intifada, or uprising, broke out in 2000.

Abbas, 84, also renewed a pledge to hold fresh parliamentary elections, which last took place in 2006.

Those elections, which were surprisingly won by Islamist movement Hamas, eventually led to a dramatic split, with Hamas seizing control of Gaza in 2007.

"Upon my return to the homeland, I will call for regular local elections in the West Bank, in the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and anyone who opposes these elections will be held accountable before God and the international community," said Abbas, likely referencing Hamas.

Abbas has made similar promises before, most recently in December 2018 Abbas when he said he would hold parliamentary elections within six months.

Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz later told the assembly his country "wants peace with all its neighbors."

He added: "We call on the Palestinian Authority to stop incitement. To stop encouraging and financing terrorism. And to recognize the right of the Jewish People to its own state."

Katz also called on the Palestinians to come back to direct negotiations "without any pre-conditions."

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank. Netanyahu, who is trying to form a new government following a deadlocked election, pledged before the vote to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea which account for one-third of the West Bank. The promise was widely condemned, including by UN chief Antonio Guterres who warned it would violate international law. "Our response, if any Israeli government is to proceed with this plan, is that all signed agreements with the government of the occupation and any obligations therein will be terminated," said Abbas. "And it is our right to defend our rights by all possible means, regardless of consequences, while remaining committed to international law and combating terrorism," he warned. Abbas made a similar vow in July, but did not follow through. In the early 1990s, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, then headed by Yasser Arafat, signed a number of peace agreements under US sponsorship. The agreements were supposed to be for a transitional five-year period, but a longer-term deal proved elusive and a second bloody Palestinian intifada, or uprising, broke out in 2000. Abbas, 84, also renewed a pledge to hold fresh parliamentary elections, which last took place in 2006. Those elections, which were surprisingly won by Islamist movement Hamas, eventually led to a dramatic split, with Hamas seizing control of Gaza in 2007. "Upon my return to the homeland, I will call for regular local elections in the West Bank, in the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and anyone who opposes these elections will be held accountable before God and the international community," said Abbas, likely referencing Hamas. Abbas has made similar promises before, most recently in December 2018 Abbas when he said he would hold parliamentary elections within six months. Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz later told the assembly his country "wants peace with all its neighbors." He added: "We call on the Palestinian Authority to stop incitement. To stop encouraging and financing terrorism. And to recognize the right of the Jewish People to its own state." Katz also called on the Palestinians to come back to direct negotiations "without any pre-conditions."

All agreements off if Israel annexes territory: Palestine President Mahmud Abbas warns at United Nations

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday a held a meeting with leaders of United States, and Japan on maritime security and connectivity int he Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

Along with Jaishankar, the meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Japanese politician Toshimitsu Motegi.

"Positive meeting with @MarisePayne, @DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open #IndoPacific, denuclearisation of #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to promote regional stability," Pompeo wrote on Twitter after the talks.

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Positive meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/MarisePayne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarisePayne</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/moteging?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moteging</a>. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndoPacific</a>, denuclearization of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NorthKorea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NorthKorea</a>, and joint efforts to promote regional stability. <a href="https://t.co/BBwS6EOukq">pic.twitter.com/BBwS6EOukq</a>
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1177313176532258817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of the State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), Alice Wells, tweeted, "Thrilled to join @SecPompeo and foreign ministers of #Australia, #India, and #Japan to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the #IndoPacific."&nbsp;

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Thrilled to join <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> and foreign ministers of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Japan</a> to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndoPacific</a>. Look forward to meeting again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November. AGW <a href="https://t.co/w9JF6eQ2xw">pic.twitter.com/w9JF6eQ2xw</a>
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/State_SCA/status/1177319419372023808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The meeting took place on the margins of the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The trio is expected to meet once again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday a held a meeting with leaders of United States, and Japan on maritime security and connectivity int he Indo-Pacific region.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Thursday a held a meeting with leaders of United States, and Japan on maritime security and connectivity int he Indo-Pacific region. Along with Jaishankar, the meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Japanese politician Toshimitsu Motegi. "Positive meeting with @MarisePayne, @DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open #IndoPacific, denuclearisation of #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to promote regional stability," Pompeo wrote on Twitter after the talks. Positive meeting with @MarisePayne, @DrSJaishankar, and @moteging. We discussed our shared interest in building a free and open #IndoPacific, denuclearization of #NorthKorea, and joint efforts to promote regional stability. pic.twitter.com/BBwS6EOukq — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 26, 2019 × Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of the State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), Alice Wells, tweeted, "Thrilled to join @SecPompeo and foreign ministers of #Australia, #India, and #Japan to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the #IndoPacific." Thrilled to join @SecPompeo and foreign ministers of #Australia, #India, and #Japan to deepen our partnership on connectivity, maritime security, and cyber in the #IndoPacific. Look forward to meeting again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November. AGW pic.twitter.com/w9JF6eQ2xw — State_SCA (@State_SCA) September 26, 2019 × The meeting took place on the margins of the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The trio is expected to meet once again on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November.

Jaishankar, Mike Pompeo, Japan's Motegi hold talks on maritime security, connectivity in Indo-Pacific region

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baloch-activists-hold-anti-pakistan-protest-outside-un-office-seek-intervention-250262">Baloch activist</a> has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself.

He also accused the Pakistani establishment of kidnapping children of the Baloch community.

<iframe data-google-container-id="5" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>"We aim to expose the real face of Pakistan before the&nbsp;world&nbsp;and let the&nbsp;world&nbsp;know that Pakistan is a blot on humanity. Pakstan is the biggest enemy of Islam. Pakistan was created for Islam and now it has become the biggest enemy of that religion," Shams Baloch, Central Council Member of Free Balochistan Movement.

"Pakistan gained control over Balochistan. Pakistan is a virus not just for India, Afghanistan or Balochistan, but for the entire&nbsp;world&nbsp;&amp; humanity," he added.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in the country.

Islamabad is also reportedly discriminating against its religious minorities, which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-demand-suspension-of-paks-membership-from-unhrc-165497">Various activists</a> belonging to the Baloch, Pashtuns, and Sindhi communities have been holding protests in Geneva to expose Pakistan over its illegal occupation and suppression of the minorities.

For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue.

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014.

Most of them are still unresolved.

Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher.

Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a Baloch activist has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself.

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a Baloch activist has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself. He also accused the Pakistani establishment of kidnapping children of the Baloch community. "We aim to expose the real face of Pakistan before the world and let the world know that Pakistan is a blot on humanity. Pakstan is the biggest enemy of Islam. Pakistan was created for Islam and now it has become the biggest enemy of that religion," Shams Baloch, Central Council Member of Free Balochistan Movement. "Pakistan gained control over Balochistan. Pakistan is a virus not just for India, Afghanistan or Balochistan, but for the entire world & humanity," he added. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in the country. Islamabad is also reportedly discriminating against its religious minorities, which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Various activists belonging to the Baloch, Pashtuns, and Sindhi communities have been holding protests in Geneva to expose Pakistan over its illegal occupation and suppression of the minorities. For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved. Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Pakistan is blot on humanity, virus for entire world: Baloch activist

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz praised US President Donald Trump in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.

"I want to thank the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for his historic and brave decision to recognise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jerusalem-attack-in-pictures-361">Jerusalem</a>, the eternal capital of the Jewish people," Katz told the gathering.

In 2017 Trump broke with longstanding US policy when he recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/360-wion-what-makes-jerusalem-so-holy-to-muslims-3557">Jerusalem</a> as the capital of Israel, imperilling Middle East peace efforts and upsetting the Arab world and Western allies alike.

"I call on all countries to follow the United States and to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. No one can separate the Jewish people from our historical homeland, and no one can separate us from Jerusalem, our eternal capital," he added.

Earlier in the day, in his address to the General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Trump to rescind his decisions recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and cutting aid to the Palestinians, which he said had undermined the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.

Katz also singled out Trump's hard line policy towards Iran, saying, "I call on the international community to support President Trump's "maximum pressure policy' against Iran. This is the way to stop them. We must stop Iran today, in order to prevent war tomorrow," he added.

The US-Iranian confrontation has ratcheted up since last year, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy to force Tehran to renegotiate the pact.

Iran refuses to hold any talks with the United States unless Washington lifts sanctions on Tehran.

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz praised US President Donald Trump in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. "I want to thank the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for his historic and brave decision to recognise Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people," Katz told the gathering.

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz praised US President Donald Trump in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. "I want to thank the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for his historic and brave decision to recognise Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people," Katz told the gathering. In 2017 Trump broke with longstanding US policy when he recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, imperilling Middle East peace efforts and upsetting the Arab world and Western allies alike. "I call on all countries to follow the United States and to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. No one can separate the Jewish people from our historical homeland, and no one can separate us from Jerusalem, our eternal capital," he added. Earlier in the day, in his address to the General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Trump to rescind his decisions recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and cutting aid to the Palestinians, which he said had undermined the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. Katz also singled out Trump's hard line policy towards Iran, saying, "I call on the international community to support President Trump's "maximum pressure policy' against Iran. This is the way to stop them. We must stop Iran today, in order to prevent war tomorrow," he added. The US-Iranian confrontation has ratcheted up since last year, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy to force Tehran to renegotiate the pact. Iran refuses to hold any talks with the United States unless Washington lifts sanctions on Tehran.

Israeli foreign minister Katz praises Trump on Jerusalem move in UNGA speech

Indian shares closed lower on Friday, pressured by auto and metal stocks, as investors hoped for more stimulus to revive the economy.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.51 per cent lower at 11,512.40, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.43 per cent at 38,822.57.

For the week, however, the markets managed to end higher. The NSE Nifty rose 2.11 per cent and the BSE Sensex gained 2.13 per cent, their best week since week-ending May 24, mainly helped by the government`s move to cut corporate taxes last week.

Among sub-indexes, metals slid 2.64 per cent, pharma closed down 2.06 per cent, while auto declined 1.38 per cent. Meanwhile, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) index managed to stay flat.

Mining conglomerate Vedanta Ltd fell 5.33 per cent to top the NSE blue-chip losers.

Among gainers, Bharti Airtel rose about 1.5 per cent.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd clocked gains of 16.3 per cent for the week, marking its best week since week-ending Jun. 6, 2014.

India's Strides Pharma Science Ltd hit their lowest since March 2014 at 298.25 rupees, after the company halted sales of its heartburn drug Ranitidine in the US market, as it conducts tests to identify possible cancer-causing impurities in the tablets.

Meanwhile, Lakshmi Vilas Bank fell nearly 5 per cent after Indian police opened a probe into the directors of the lender over misappropriating funds.

Indian shares closed lower on Friday, pressured by auto and metal stocks, as investors hoped for more stimulus to revive the economy. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.

Indian shares closed lower on Friday, pressured by auto and metal stocks, as investors hoped for more stimulus to revive the economy. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.51 per cent lower at 11,512.40, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.43 per cent at 38,822.57. For the week, however, the markets managed to end higher. The NSE Nifty rose 2.11 per cent and the BSE Sensex gained 2.13 per cent, their best week since week-ending May 24, mainly helped by the government`s move to cut corporate taxes last week. Among sub-indexes, metals slid 2.64 per cent, pharma closed down 2.06 per cent, while auto declined 1.38 per cent. Meanwhile, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) index managed to stay flat. Mining conglomerate Vedanta Ltd fell 5.33 per cent to top the NSE blue-chip losers. Among gainers, Bharti Airtel rose about 1.5 per cent. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd clocked gains of 16.3 per cent for the week, marking its best week since week-ending Jun. 6, 2014. India's Strides Pharma Science Ltd hit their lowest since March 2014 at 298.25 rupees, after the company halted sales of its heartburn drug Ranitidine in the US market, as it conducts tests to identify possible cancer-causing impurities in the tablets. Meanwhile, Lakshmi Vilas Bank fell nearly 5 per cent after Indian police opened a probe into the directors of the lender over misappropriating funds.

Sensex, Nifty end lower; metals, autos drag

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