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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 in his UNGA speech said that the country is committed to eradicating Tuberculosis by 2025 while noting that the dateline is five years ahead of that set by the United Nations under its sustainable development goals.

PM Modi said that his government is running a major campaign to free the country from the single-use plastic.

"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," Modi said during his address at the United Nations General Assembly session.

Modi said that it is an honour for him to address the UN General Assembly once again.

"The world's largest democracy voted for my govt &amp; me. We came back to power with a bigger majority and because of this mandate I am here today," Modi said.

This was the Prime Minister's maiden speech at the UN General Assembly after assuming office for the second term. He had last addressed the gathering four years ago, with former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj representing India at the world body during the interim years.

The 69th session of the UNGA had witnessed the Indian Prime Minister calling for the early adaptation of the Comprehensive Convention on Global Terrorism, highlighting that it was a matter that had been pending for long. He had made it clear that India wanted to pursue bilateral talks with Pakistan in an environment of peace, free from the shadow of terror.

Modi's address at the UN comes on the final day of his week-long visit to the US. The leader had a packed agenda of bilaterals amongst other engagements, beginning with the mega "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston event that witnessed him sharing the stage with US President Donald Trump before a crowd of more than 50,000 Indian-Americans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UNGA speech said that the country is committed to eradicating Tuberculosis by 2025 while noting that the dateline is five years ahead of that set by the United Nations under its sustainable development goals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UNGA speech said that the country is committed to eradicating Tuberculosis by 2025 while noting that the dateline is five years ahead of that set by the United Nations under its sustainable development goals. PM Modi said that his government is running a major campaign to free the country from the single-use plastic. "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," Modi said during his address at the United Nations General Assembly session. Modi said that it is an honour for him to address the UN General Assembly once again. "The world's largest democracy voted for my govt & me. We came back to power with a bigger majority and because of this mandate I am here today," Modi said. This was the Prime Minister's maiden speech at the UN General Assembly after assuming office for the second term. He had last addressed the gathering four years ago, with former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj representing India at the world body during the interim years. The 69th session of the UNGA had witnessed the Indian Prime Minister calling for the early adaptation of the Comprehensive Convention on Global Terrorism, highlighting that it was a matter that had been pending for long. He had made it clear that India wanted to pursue bilateral talks with Pakistan in an environment of peace, free from the shadow of terror. Modi's address at the UN comes on the final day of his week-long visit to the US. The leader had a packed agenda of bilaterals amongst other engagements, beginning with the mega "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston event that witnessed him sharing the stage with US President Donald Trump before a crowd of more than 50,000 Indian-Americans.

Modi at UNGA: PM recounts India's achievements in health sector, says country committed to eradicating Tuberculosis

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

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.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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

India, Brazil and South Africa on Thursday pledged to promote the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation in all relevant multilateral fora and international organisations and reiterated their commitment to working together to prosecute persons sought for corruption and economic crimes.

The commitment was made by the IBSA member states -- India, Brazil and South Africa, which was attended by the foreign ministers of the respective countries.

"At a time of significant and pressing global challenges, India, Brazil and South Africa acknowledge our common objectives and shared responsibility to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous world. The right to development and equality of opportunities are critical means to achieve such goals," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

It noted that there is a need for the reformation of the multilateral system, so as to ensure that it works effectively for all states and its peoples.

"As large democracies and vibrant nations, we believe that people should be placed at the centre of inclusive international governance. We are committed to reforming the multilateral system in order to meet the needs and expectations of our peoples, as well as to respond to increasing global challenges," the statement said.

"We reaffirm our commitment to enhance the voice and representation of emerging and developing economies, especially those in Africa, in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions," it added.

The member countries also said they remain committed to working together for the expansion of membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories in the UN Security Council, stressing that it remains a crucial international undertaking.

"The comprehensive reform of the United Nations (UN) system, including that of the UN Security Council, remains a crucial international undertaking. As we welcome, inter-alia, the cooperation between the United Nations and IBSA countries, as well as with regional organisations and institutions, such as the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), in the promotion of international peace and security, we remain committed to working together for the expansion of membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories for achieving a more representative, inclusive and equitable UN Security Council," the statement outlined.

It also said that IBSA member states remained concerned with the slow pace of inter-governmental negotiations on UN Security Council reform, which have not produced tangible progress in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"With the onset of the 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020, we urge redoubling of efforts to achieve progress on this issue, with a view to an early comprehensive reform of the Security Council," the statement said.

The IBSA members outlined that the reform of the international economic governance architecture, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the international financial institutions, should also be a priority.

"IBSA countries have contributed meaningfully in making the international economic governance architecture more representative and democratic, and will continue to work together to advance an agenda that promotes sustainable development and inclusive growth," the statement said.

"The process of WTO reform must keep development at its core, promote inclusiveness and non-discrimination, build trust and address the inequalities and asymmetries in existing agreements. It should take into account the diversity of interests and concerns of the whole Membership, including developing Members, in particular, LDCs. IBSA countries recognise the central role played by the WTO in promoting the interests of developing countries on issues such as agriculture," it stressed.

The statement noted that strengthening the global financial safety net, with a strong, quota-based, and adequately resourced International Monetary Fund (IMF) at its centre, is essential.

The member nations reiterated their commitment to working together on strengthening cooperation to prosecute persons sought for corruption and other economic crimes, including through international organisations and institutions such as the G20, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and others.

"We underscore the need for continuing consultations and exchange of views between the IBSA countries in order to build partnerships in multilateral fora," the statement said.

"We commit ourselves to promoting the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation and coordination in all relevant multilateral fora and international organizations including the WTO and groupings of G20, BRICS, BASIC, and G-77," it further noted.

India, Brazil and South Africa on Thursday pledged to promote the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation in all relevant multilateral fora and international organisations and reiterated their commitment to working together to prosecute persons sought for corruption and economic crimes.

India, Brazil and South Africa on Thursday pledged to promote the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation in all relevant multilateral fora and international organisations and reiterated their commitment to working together to prosecute persons sought for corruption and economic crimes. The commitment was made by the IBSA member states -- India, Brazil and South Africa, which was attended by the foreign ministers of the respective countries. "At a time of significant and pressing global challenges, India, Brazil and South Africa acknowledge our common objectives and shared responsibility to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous world. The right to development and equality of opportunities are critical means to achieve such goals," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. It noted that there is a need for the reformation of the multilateral system, so as to ensure that it works effectively for all states and its peoples. "As large democracies and vibrant nations, we believe that people should be placed at the centre of inclusive international governance. We are committed to reforming the multilateral system in order to meet the needs and expectations of our peoples, as well as to respond to increasing global challenges," the statement said. "We reaffirm our commitment to enhance the voice and representation of emerging and developing economies, especially those in Africa, in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions," it added. The member countries also said they remain committed to working together for the expansion of membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories in the UN Security Council, stressing that it remains a crucial international undertaking. "The comprehensive reform of the United Nations (UN) system, including that of the UN Security Council, remains a crucial international undertaking. As we welcome, inter-alia, the cooperation between the United Nations and IBSA countries, as well as with regional organisations and institutions, such as the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), in the promotion of international peace and security, we remain committed to working together for the expansion of membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories for achieving a more representative, inclusive and equitable UN Security Council," the statement outlined. It also said that IBSA member states remained concerned with the slow pace of inter-governmental negotiations on UN Security Council reform, which have not produced tangible progress in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "With the onset of the 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020, we urge redoubling of efforts to achieve progress on this issue, with a view to an early comprehensive reform of the Security Council," the statement said. The IBSA members outlined that the reform of the international economic governance architecture, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the international financial institutions, should also be a priority. "IBSA countries have contributed meaningfully in making the international economic governance architecture more representative and democratic, and will continue to work together to advance an agenda that promotes sustainable development and inclusive growth," the statement said. "The process of WTO reform must keep development at its core, promote inclusiveness and non-discrimination, build trust and address the inequalities and asymmetries in existing agreements. It should take into account the diversity of interests and concerns of the whole Membership, including developing Members, in particular, LDCs. IBSA countries recognise the central role played by the WTO in promoting the interests of developing countries on issues such as agriculture," it stressed. The statement noted that strengthening the global financial safety net, with a strong, quota-based, and adequately resourced International Monetary Fund (IMF) at its centre, is essential. The member nations reiterated their commitment to working together on strengthening cooperation to prosecute persons sought for corruption and other economic crimes, including through international organisations and institutions such as the G20, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and others. "We underscore the need for continuing consultations and exchange of views between the IBSA countries in order to build partnerships in multilateral fora," the statement said. "We commit ourselves to promoting the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation and coordination in all relevant multilateral fora and international organizations including the WTO and groupings of G20, BRICS, BASIC, and G-77," it further noted.

India, Brazil, South Africa pledge to work together in prosecuting economic offenders, reforming of multilateral system

South Africa has lauded India's role in climate solutions and said the relationship between the two countries is strengthening. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York,&nbsp;South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said that&nbsp;India is&nbsp;certainly beginning to lead the way in key solutions to world problems. He also called Mahatma Gandhi&nbsp;a South African hero.

Below is the full transcript of the conversation

WION: What is the status of the ties between India and South Africa?

Naledi Pandor: The ties are extremely strong. India and South Africa are old friends, we have a lot&nbsp;of South Africans whose families originated in India. Their&nbsp;roots are still in India.

India also supported South Africa in the struggle for freedom. India has been a good friend of South Africa during the freedom [struggle], we continued to be partners in BRICS family and the relations are strengthening every year.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;WION exclusively speaks to South Africa's foreign Minister Naledi Pandor

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WION:&nbsp;India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. How do you&nbsp;see it?

Naledi Pandor:&nbsp;I think&nbsp;that it is very important for countries to&nbsp;commemorate leaders who have founded our democracies but who have also made an important contribution to the&nbsp;world political philosophy. Mahatma Gandhi, with his wonderful attention to non-violent&nbsp;struggle&nbsp;made a deep impression on our leaders like Nelson Mandela and in fact was a precursor to the concept of mass mobilisation which influenced much of the struggle for freedom in South Africa. So Mahatma&nbsp;stands for us as a great example and is&nbsp;remembered in South Africa as a hero of South Africa as much as he is considered a Mahatma in India.

&nbsp;

WION: India has been focusing on providing a solution to the climate change issue... how do you see India's role?

Naledi Pandor:&nbsp;Well, I think that India is&nbsp;certainly beginning to lead the way in showing what some solutions are and the speech that was made by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unga-today-pm-modi-to-lead-from-the-front-252332">Prime Minister Modi</a> during the&nbsp;Climate Change Summit in the UN was a very important speech where he reported on the steps being taken by the government of India in order to address what is a massive global challenge. Solar energy, renewable sources of energy of all kinds, are very important. We are using solar,&nbsp;renewable, as wells as biomass as new sources of energy and of course India is renowned in advances in innovation, so we look forward to our collaboration with India to build even more solutions to climate change challenges that confront us. India has agriculture as one of the core basis of its economy, and similarly, South Africa relies on agriculture. We have to look at land recovery, new technology and&nbsp;at how to best use our water resources in order to respond to the challenges of climate change.&nbsp;

WION: You met with BRICS foreign ministers. What was the focus?

Naledi Pandor:&nbsp;Well, I think that BRICS is an extremely important grouping because&nbsp;it holds up the values of cooperation and of multilateralism. For me, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-pushes-for-early-adoption-of-comprehensive-convention-on-international-terrorism-252288">BRICS</a> is a progressive global forum of countries that have among the largest populations in the region and that play a very important role both in regional affairs as well as world affairs. I believe the work that is being done in BRICS&nbsp;is going to&nbsp;illustrate to the world the value of partnership and collaboration. Our deliberations as foreign ministers&nbsp;went very well today. We got a report from Brazil, which is the current BRICS chair and we will have the summit in November. We also got the&nbsp;indication from Russia, who will assume the chair in 2020 as to what their&nbsp;plans and thinking are for their year of chairing the BRICS family.

WION:&nbsp; What is your view on the Indo-Pacific concept?

Naledi Pandor:&nbsp;&nbsp;We are members of IORA which is the Indian Ocean Rim Association. South Africa has been playing the leadership role there, this brings many nations together and I think that whatever we do with the oceans, we need to understand that we are drawing together many nations because I think oceans are a shared resource and they don't&nbsp;belong to a particular country.&nbsp;Therefore, whatever we do, any alliance that we build&nbsp;must understand these needs to be inclusive alliances who are all surrounded by the ocean benefit from it.

South Africa has lauded India's role in climate solutions and said the relationship between the two countries is strengthening. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said that India is certainly beginning to lead the way in key solutions to world problems.

South Africa has lauded India's role in climate solutions and said the relationship between the two countries is strengthening. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said that India is certainly beginning to lead the way in key solutions to world problems. He also called Mahatma Gandhi a South African hero. Below is the full transcript of the conversation WION: What is the status of the ties between India and South Africa? Naledi Pandor: The ties are extremely strong. India and South Africa are old friends, we have a lot of South Africans whose families originated in India. Their roots are still in India. India also supported South Africa in the struggle for freedom. India has been a good friend of South Africa during the freedom [struggle], we continued to be partners in BRICS family and the relations are strengthening every year. Watch: WION exclusively speaks to South Africa's foreign Minister Naledi Pandor WION: India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. How do you see it? Naledi Pandor: I think that it is very important for countries to commemorate leaders who have founded our democracies but who have also made an important contribution to the world political philosophy. Mahatma Gandhi, with his wonderful attention to non-violent struggle made a deep impression on our leaders like Nelson Mandela and in fact was a precursor to the concept of mass mobilisation which influenced much of the struggle for freedom in South Africa. So Mahatma stands for us as a great example and is remembered in South Africa as a hero of South Africa as much as he is considered a Mahatma in India. WION: India has been focusing on providing a solution to the climate change issue... how do you see India's role? Naledi Pandor: Well, I think that India is certainly beginning to lead the way in showing what some solutions are and the speech that was made by Prime Minister Modi during the Climate Change Summit in the UN was a very important speech where he reported on the steps being taken by the government of India in order to address what is a massive global challenge. Solar energy, renewable sources of energy of all kinds, are very important. We are using solar, renewable, as wells as biomass as new sources of energy and of course India is renowned in advances in innovation, so we look forward to our collaboration with India to build even more solutions to climate change challenges that confront us. India has agriculture as one of the core basis of its economy, and similarly, South Africa relies on agriculture. We have to look at land recovery, new technology and at how to best use our water resources in order to respond to the challenges of climate change. WION: You met with BRICS foreign ministers. What was the focus? Naledi Pandor: Well, I think that BRICS is an extremely important grouping because it holds up the values of cooperation and of multilateralism. For me, BRICS is a progressive global forum of countries that have among the largest populations in the region and that play a very important role both in regional affairs as well as world affairs. I believe the work that is being done in BRICS is going to illustrate to the world the value of partnership and collaboration. Our deliberations as foreign ministers went very well today. We got a report from Brazil, which is the current BRICS chair and we will have the summit in November. We also got the indication from Russia, who will assume the chair in 2020 as to what their plans and thinking are for their year of chairing the BRICS family. WION: What is your view on the Indo-Pacific concept? Naledi Pandor: We are members of IORA which is the Indian Ocean Rim Association. South Africa has been playing the leadership role there, this brings many nations together and I think that whatever we do with the oceans, we need to understand that we are drawing together many nations because I think oceans are a shared resource and they don't belong to a particular country. Therefore, whatever we do, any alliance that we build must understand these needs to be inclusive alliances who are all surrounded by the ocean benefit from it.

'India showing way on climate change', says South African Foreign Minister; calls Gandhi a hero

A group of people affected by the cash withdrawal restrictions of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank has threatened to boycott the upcoming Assembly elections if the issue is not resolved.

Many PMC Bank account holders have put up a picture addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their social media accounts reading, "I will not vote on October 21 if the PMC bank crisis is not completely resolved in favour of the depositors."

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had, on Thursday, increased the withdrawal limit from Rs 1,000 to 10,000 after several account holders gathered outside the Sion branch of the bank in Mumbai.

"The relaxation has been granted with a view to reducing the hardship of depositors. The RBI is closely monitoring the position and will continue to take further steps as are necessary to safeguard the interest of depositors," RBI said in a statement.

On Monday, the central bank had restricted activities of PMC Bank for six months capping the withdrawals at Rs 1,000 per account and asked the bank to not grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment or incur any liability, including borrowing of funds and acceptance of deposits.

RBI said the directions were necessitated on account of major financial irregularities, failure of internal control and systems of the bank and wrong or under-reporting of its exposures under various off-site surveillance reports.

The RBI has also sacked the bank`s board of directors under sub-sections 1 and 2 of Section 36 AAA read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949.&nbsp;

An administrator has been appointed to take charge.

PMC Bank is a multi-state scheduled urban cooperative bank with operations in Maharashtra, New Delhi, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

With a network of 137 branches, it ranks among the top 10 cooperative banks in the country.&nbsp;

A group of people affected by the cash withdrawal restrictions of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank has threatened to boycott the upcoming Assembly elections if the issue is not resolved.

A group of people affected by the cash withdrawal restrictions of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank has threatened to boycott the upcoming Assembly elections if the issue is not resolved. Many PMC Bank account holders have put up a picture addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their social media accounts reading, "I will not vote on October 21 if the PMC bank crisis is not completely resolved in favour of the depositors." The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had, on Thursday, increased the withdrawal limit from Rs 1,000 to 10,000 after several account holders gathered outside the Sion branch of the bank in Mumbai. "The relaxation has been granted with a view to reducing the hardship of depositors. The RBI is closely monitoring the position and will continue to take further steps as are necessary to safeguard the interest of depositors," RBI said in a statement. On Monday, the central bank had restricted activities of PMC Bank for six months capping the withdrawals at Rs 1,000 per account and asked the bank to not grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment or incur any liability, including borrowing of funds and acceptance of deposits. RBI said the directions were necessitated on account of major financial irregularities, failure of internal control and systems of the bank and wrong or under-reporting of its exposures under various off-site surveillance reports. The RBI has also sacked the bank`s board of directors under sub-sections 1 and 2 of Section 36 AAA read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949. An administrator has been appointed to take charge. PMC Bank is a multi-state scheduled urban cooperative bank with operations in Maharashtra, New Delhi, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. With a network of 137 branches, it ranks among the top 10 cooperative banks in the country.

Affected by PMC bank restrictions, many threaten to boycott upcoming Assembly polls

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modis-week-long-us-visit-to-end-with-unga-address-on-friday-252137">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> attended his first UNGA session in 2014, he stressed the need for bilateral talks with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-called-out-by-us-for-staying-mum-over-chinas-treatment-of-muslims-252323">Pakistan</a>. The only disclaimer, Pakistan must create an environment for talks by addressing anti-India terrorism.

"I am prepared to engage in a serious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/differing-narratives-while-pm-modi-ticks-all-boxes-at-un-pak-pm-harps-on-kashmir-252145">bilateral dialogue with Pakistan</a> in a peaceful atmosphere, without the shadow of terrorism, to promote our friendship and cooperation. However, Pakistan must also take its responsibility seriously to create an appropriate environment," PM Modi had said at UNGA in 2014.

In 2015, PM Modi addressed the UN sustainable development forum while the late former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke at the UNGA.

Watch: D-day at United Nations General Assembly

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Again, India's message to Pakistan was articulate and could not be missed - 'talks and terror cannot go together'.

A year later in 2016, PM Modi skipped the UNGA meeting, but India kept the heat on Pakistan. During the session, former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif eulogised Kashmir-based terrorist Burhan Wani as a martyr and the "symbol of the latest Kashmiri Intifada" and in response, India highlighted the oppression of minorities in Pakistan.

The last two UNGA sessions saw India taking the pole position on several global issues.

But this year is not any other year. Pulwama terror attacks, Balakot airstrikes, the re-election of PM Modi and then the decision to abrogate Article 370 Kashmir.

Watch:&nbsp;Countdown to PM Modi's speech at UNGA begins, slotted to speak at 8.30 pm IST

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Pakistan is shaken, Imran Khan is running from pillar to post to find that elusive support while India is on the front-foot from the word go.

Prime Minister Modi is leading India from the front this time.

He started the UNGA week by addressing the United Nations Climate Change Summit where he highlighted the government's climate action policies and called for a global movement to bring about change.

PM Modi in the third US-India bilateral meeting with Trump set a trade target of 60 billion dollars.

So far, PM Modi has conducted bilateral meetings with more than ten global leaders including US President Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Modi also reached out to small Island countries at the India Pacific Island meet and the 1st India Caribbean Summit to strengthen ties and improve cooperation.

Considering all this, PM Modi is expected to thwart Imran Khan's misinformation campaign. The Indian PM has already taken the attack to Pakistan.

The prime minister kicked-off his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/howdy-america-key-highlights-of-pm-modis-us-visit-252166">US visit</a> by sharing the stage with US President Donald Trump at the 'Howdy, Modi' event during which he said, "whether it is the perpetrators of the 9/11 terrorist attack or the 26/11 in India, where were the plotters of these attacks found?"

PM Modi also exposed Pakistan's unhealthy obsession with terrorism in the global arena.

"Some people, who are not able to govern their own country, have a problem with what India is doing," PM Modi had said, adding, "now the time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and those who encourage terrorism."

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended his first UNGA session in 2014, he stressed the need for bilateral talks with Pakistan. The only disclaimer, Pakistan must create an environment for talks by addressing anti-India terrorism.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended his first UNGA session in 2014, he stressed the need for bilateral talks with Pakistan. The only disclaimer, Pakistan must create an environment for talks by addressing anti-India terrorism. "I am prepared to engage in a serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan in a peaceful atmosphere, without the shadow of terrorism, to promote our friendship and cooperation. However, Pakistan must also take its responsibility seriously to create an appropriate environment," PM Modi had said at UNGA in 2014. In 2015, PM Modi addressed the UN sustainable development forum while the late former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke at the UNGA. Watch: D-day at United Nations General Assembly Again, India's message to Pakistan was articulate and could not be missed - 'talks and terror cannot go together'. A year later in 2016, PM Modi skipped the UNGA meeting, but India kept the heat on Pakistan. During the session, former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif eulogised Kashmir-based terrorist Burhan Wani as a martyr and the "symbol of the latest Kashmiri Intifada" and in response, India highlighted the oppression of minorities in Pakistan. The last two UNGA sessions saw India taking the pole position on several global issues. But this year is not any other year. Pulwama terror attacks, Balakot airstrikes, the re-election of PM Modi and then the decision to abrogate Article 370 Kashmir. Watch: Countdown to PM Modi's speech at UNGA begins, slotted to speak at 8.30 pm IST Pakistan is shaken, Imran Khan is running from pillar to post to find that elusive support while India is on the front-foot from the word go. Prime Minister Modi is leading India from the front this time. He started the UNGA week by addressing the United Nations Climate Change Summit where he highlighted the government's climate action policies and called for a global movement to bring about change. PM Modi in the third US-India bilateral meeting with Trump set a trade target of 60 billion dollars. So far, PM Modi has conducted bilateral meetings with more than ten global leaders including US President Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Modi also reached out to small Island countries at the India Pacific Island meet and the 1st India Caribbean Summit to strengthen ties and improve cooperation. Considering all this, PM Modi is expected to thwart Imran Khan's misinformation campaign. The Indian PM has already taken the attack to Pakistan. The prime minister kicked-off his US visit by sharing the stage with US President Donald Trump at the 'Howdy, Modi' event during which he said, "whether it is the perpetrators of the 9/11 terrorist attack or the 26/11 in India, where were the plotters of these attacks found?" PM Modi also exposed Pakistan's unhealthy obsession with terrorism in the global arena. "Some people, who are not able to govern their own country, have a problem with what India is doing," PM Modi had said, adding, "now the time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and those who encourage terrorism."

At UNGA today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead from the front

Joint Commissioner of Police (CP) Vinay Choubey and a team of police on Friday arrived at the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's residence ahead of his visit to Enforcement Directorate's (ED) office in connection with a money laundering case.

A police team along with sniffer dogs also reached the NCP office in Mumbai.

<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 are well equipped to take care of any eventuality. Section 144 is in place in the whole area. We have taken sufficient precautions. If any violation occurs, we are well equipped to handle that," said DCP Sangram Singh Nishandar, DCP Zone 1, Mumbai Police.

The Mumbai Police on Thursday imposed prohibitory orders in Mumbai's Ballard Estate area in view of Pawar's visit to the ED office.

Ahead of the ED questioning, NCP leader Nawab Malik also reached for meeting Pawar at his residence.

Speaking to media persons he said: "Police are detaining NCP workers in Mumbai and in other parts of the state, it is not right. Sharad Pawar will definitely go to the ED office at 2 pm today. BJP government is misusing Enforcement Directorate."

"From last night itself, the police began the process of detaining NCP workers. We think that this sort of action against the party workers is not at all right. Sharad Pawar did request the party workers not to come but the party workers will definitely assemble at the party office. We don't want any sort of violence," he added.

NCP workers had earlier staged protests after Sharad Pawar along with party leader Ajit Pawar and others were named in an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in Rs 5,000 crore Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) scam case.

Pawar had earlier stated in a tweet that he would appear before the ED on Friday. He also appealed to the party leaders and supporters not to gather outside the agency's premises.

"Keeping our tradition to honour the constitution and respect for institutions, I request your co-operation to the police and other government agencies," he stated.

Joint Commissioner of Police (CP) Vinay Choubey and a team of police on Friday arrived at the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's residence ahead of his visit to Enforcement Directorate's (ED) office in connection with a money laundering case.

Joint Commissioner of Police (CP) Vinay Choubey and a team of police on Friday arrived at the residence of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's residence ahead of his visit to Enforcement Directorate's (ED) office in connection with a money laundering case. A police team along with sniffer dogs also reached the NCP office in Mumbai. "We are well equipped to take care of any eventuality. Section 144 is in place in the whole area. We have taken sufficient precautions. If any violation occurs, we are well equipped to handle that," said DCP Sangram Singh Nishandar, DCP Zone 1, Mumbai Police. The Mumbai Police on Thursday imposed prohibitory orders in Mumbai's Ballard Estate area in view of Pawar's visit to the ED office. Ahead of the ED questioning, NCP leader Nawab Malik also reached for meeting Pawar at his residence. Speaking to media persons he said: "Police are detaining NCP workers in Mumbai and in other parts of the state, it is not right. Sharad Pawar will definitely go to the ED office at 2 pm today. BJP government is misusing Enforcement Directorate." "From last night itself, the police began the process of detaining NCP workers. We think that this sort of action against the party workers is not at all right. Sharad Pawar did request the party workers not to come but the party workers will definitely assemble at the party office. We don't want any sort of violence," he added. NCP workers had earlier staged protests after Sharad Pawar along with party leader Ajit Pawar and others were named in an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in Rs 5,000 crore Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) scam case. Pawar had earlier stated in a tweet that he would appear before the ED on Friday. He also appealed to the party leaders and supporters not to gather outside the agency's premises. "Keeping our tradition to honour the constitution and respect for institutions, I request your co-operation to the police and other government agencies," he stated.

Maharashtra: Police teams reach Sharad Pawar's residence, NCP office ahead of ED questioning

The India Meteorological Department (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-schools-to-remain-shut-as-indian-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-mumbai-250483">IMD</a>) on Friday said that isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.

The weather forecast agency also predicted that heavy rains are also likely to fall over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab.<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>

"Heavy to very <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-monsoon-rains-above-average-for-third-straight-week-imd-250421">heavy rainfall</a> very likely at isolated places over Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Saurashtra, Kutch, Konkan and Goa," stated IMD in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is also very likely to occur at isolated places over Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim and Odisha, as per weather forecasting agency.

Squally weather is likely to prevail over Gujarat coast.

The organisation had advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. The weather forecast agency also predicted that heavy rains are also likely to fall over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. The weather forecast agency also predicted that heavy rains are also likely to fall over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Saurashtra, Kutch, Konkan and Goa," stated IMD in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is also very likely to occur at isolated places over Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim and Odisha, as per weather forecasting agency. Squally weather is likely to prevail over Gujarat coast. The organisation had advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat likely to receive heavy rainfall: IMD

&nbsp;Social media platforms will observe a voluntary code of ethics during "the ongoing Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls" as well as in all future elections, the Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday.

"The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on behalf of its members has agreed to observe the voluntary code of ethics during all future elections including the ongoing general elections to the Haryana and Maharashtra Legislative Assemblies and various bye-elections being held simultaneously," an official statement said.

"This came into immediate effect from the day it was presented to the Commission on March 20. During the election period, social media platforms took action on 909 violative cases, reported by the EC," the statement added.

Under it, social media platforms have created a high priority dedicated grievance redressal channel for taking prompt action on the cases reported by the electoral body. The social media platforms and the Commission have developed a notification mechanism by which poll panel can notify the platforms for potential violations of electoral laws, said the statement.

The platforms will ensure that all political advertisements on their platforms are pre-certified from the media certification and monitoring committees of the EC. Besides, they will voluntarily undertake information, education and communication campaigns to build awareness related to electoral laws and other related instructions, the statement said.

The social media platforms and the EC have developed a notification mechanism and by this, the electoral body can notify the relevant platforms of potential violations of Section 126 of the R.P. Act, 1951, and other electoral laws.

Platforms will ensure that all political advertisements are pre-certified from the media certification and monitoring committees as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Participating platforms are committed to facilitate transparency in paid political advertisements, including utilizing their pre-existing labels/disclosure technology for such advertisements.

Social media platforms will observe a voluntary code of ethics during "the ongoing Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls" as well as in all future elections, the Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday.

Social media platforms will observe a voluntary code of ethics during "the ongoing Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls" as well as in all future elections, the Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday. "The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on behalf of its members has agreed to observe the voluntary code of ethics during all future elections including the ongoing general elections to the Haryana and Maharashtra Legislative Assemblies and various bye-elections being held simultaneously," an official statement said. "This came into immediate effect from the day it was presented to the Commission on March 20. During the election period, social media platforms took action on 909 violative cases, reported by the EC," the statement added. Under it, social media platforms have created a high priority dedicated grievance redressal channel for taking prompt action on the cases reported by the electoral body. The social media platforms and the Commission have developed a notification mechanism by which poll panel can notify the platforms for potential violations of electoral laws, said the statement. The platforms will ensure that all political advertisements on their platforms are pre-certified from the media certification and monitoring committees of the EC. Besides, they will voluntarily undertake information, education and communication campaigns to build awareness related to electoral laws and other related instructions, the statement said. The social media platforms and the EC have developed a notification mechanism and by this, the electoral body can notify the relevant platforms of potential violations of Section 126 of the R.P. Act, 1951, and other electoral laws. Platforms will ensure that all political advertisements are pre-certified from the media certification and monitoring committees as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Participating platforms are committed to facilitate transparency in paid political advertisements, including utilizing their pre-existing labels/disclosure technology for such advertisements.

Social media platforms to observe voluntary code of ethics during elections: Election Commission

The local police&nbsp;on Thursday took over the control of the St Mary's Church and evicted scores of Jacobites, who were protesting outside the worship place in Piravom.

A group of Jacobite priests, including priests at St&nbsp;Mary's Church, were arrested by the police.

Supporters of the Jacobite faction had assembled at the church yesterday, to prevent Orthodox priests from offering prayers there.

"We have taken the key of the church. We will consult legal experts for further action. Whatever has been done till now is as per the directions of the court," said Ernakulam Collector S Suhas.

The Orthodox and Jacobite factions have been caught in a tussle over the possession of the church.

Recently the apex court passed an order directing that the place of worship should be given to the Orthodox group.

On Thursday, scores of agitated Jacobite priests and its followers had locked themselves within the premises of the place of worship and not allowing the other group to enter.&nbsp;

The local police on Thursday took over the control of the St Mary's Church and evicted scores of Jacobites, who were protesting outside the worship place in Piravom.

The local police on Thursday took over the control of the St Mary's Church and evicted scores of Jacobites, who were protesting outside the worship place in Piravom. A group of Jacobite priests, including priests at St Mary's Church, were arrested by the police. Supporters of the Jacobite faction had assembled at the church yesterday, to prevent Orthodox priests from offering prayers there. "We have taken the key of the church. We will consult legal experts for further action. Whatever has been done till now is as per the directions of the court," said Ernakulam Collector S Suhas. The Orthodox and Jacobite factions have been caught in a tussle over the possession of the church. Recently the apex court passed an order directing that the place of worship should be given to the Orthodox group. On Thursday, scores of agitated Jacobite priests and its followers had locked themselves within the premises of the place of worship and not allowing the other group to enter.

Administration takes control of St Mary's Church in Kochi; Jacobite priests arrested

Two of the oldest allies of the National Democratic Alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will contest the forthcoming Haryana Assembly polls against each other.&nbsp;

Talks on a possible alliance between the two allies, who are part of a coalition in the Narendra Modi government at Centre, have fallen as both have decided to go their own way.

Confirming the decision to contest election alone and not in alliance with BJP, SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema informed ANI, "SAD to contest elections in Haryana on its own."Manjinder Singh Sirsa, national spokesperson, Akali Dal too confirmed that Akali will contest elections on its own.&nbsp;

The clarity came after sitting SAD lone Kalanwali MLA Balkaur Singh joined BJP earlier in the day.&nbsp;

The SAD core committee condemned the BJP for using political muscle power to make Balkaur Singh join the saffron party and said that this act was against the principle of coalition `dharma`.

"The core committee noted that the BJP had not only betrayed the SAD but also backtracked from the commitments it had made vis a vis the Haryana assembly elections. Viewing the decision to co-opt Akali MLA Balkaur Singh into the BJP as an "undesirable" act not expected from an old ally," it said.

"The SAD has always stood through thick and thin with the BJP in the national interest. It is condemnable that the BJP has chosen to ignore the steadfast support of the SAD and decided to induct an Akali MLA into its fold", read the statement issued by SAD.

The Akalis said they trusted Khattar as he had in a press confrence committed to the alliance when the state was going for Lok Sabha polls.

Sources stated that the alliance could not be stitched as BJP has decided against allowing seats to its ally SAD as it wants to contest on all seats.&nbsp;

It is learnt that the SAD was demanding up to five for itself in the forthcoming contest. ANI was first to report that there is uncertainty over the talks of the alliance.

A senior BJP leader in Haryana said that BJP has repeatedly maintained that it can get a majority on its own.&nbsp;

"This feeling that BJP can win on its own has ensured that the party should go alone in the state. Though it was felt that the Akalis do enjoy an influence on about half a dozen seats bordering Punjab and areas where the Sikh population is high," sources added.&nbsp;

In 2014 Assembly polls, BJP and SAD had decided to go in for contest separately following which, the latter had chosen to support Om Prakash Chautala-led Indian National Lok Dal (INLD)The Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on October 21 and results will be announced on 24.&nbsp;

Two of the oldest allies of the National Democratic Alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will contest the forthcoming Haryana Assembly polls against each other.

Two of the oldest allies of the National Democratic Alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will contest the forthcoming Haryana Assembly polls against each other. Talks on a possible alliance between the two allies, who are part of a coalition in the Narendra Modi government at Centre, have fallen as both have decided to go their own way. Confirming the decision to contest election alone and not in alliance with BJP, SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema informed ANI, "SAD to contest elections in Haryana on its own."Manjinder Singh Sirsa, national spokesperson, Akali Dal too confirmed that Akali will contest elections on its own. The clarity came after sitting SAD lone Kalanwali MLA Balkaur Singh joined BJP earlier in the day. The SAD core committee condemned the BJP for using political muscle power to make Balkaur Singh join the saffron party and said that this act was against the principle of coalition `dharma`. "The core committee noted that the BJP had not only betrayed the SAD but also backtracked from the commitments it had made vis a vis the Haryana assembly elections. Viewing the decision to co-opt Akali MLA Balkaur Singh into the BJP as an "undesirable" act not expected from an old ally," it said. "The SAD has always stood through thick and thin with the BJP in the national interest. It is condemnable that the BJP has chosen to ignore the steadfast support of the SAD and decided to induct an Akali MLA into its fold", read the statement issued by SAD. The Akalis said they trusted Khattar as he had in a press confrence committed to the alliance when the state was going for Lok Sabha polls. Sources stated that the alliance could not be stitched as BJP has decided against allowing seats to its ally SAD as it wants to contest on all seats. It is learnt that the SAD was demanding up to five for itself in the forthcoming contest. ANI was first to report that there is uncertainty over the talks of the alliance. A senior BJP leader in Haryana said that BJP has repeatedly maintained that it can get a majority on its own. "This feeling that BJP can win on its own has ensured that the party should go alone in the state. Though it was felt that the Akalis do enjoy an influence on about half a dozen seats bordering Punjab and areas where the Sikh population is high," sources added. In 2014 Assembly polls, BJP and SAD had decided to go in for contest separately following which, the latter had chosen to support Om Prakash Chautala-led Indian National Lok Dal (INLD)The Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on October 21 and results will be announced on 24.

Two oldest allies, BJP and SAD to contest Assembly polls against each other in Haryana

It's been three days since the United Nations General Assembly debates kicked off in New York. All through the week — Pakistan has been trying to raise an alarm over Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Imran Khan has been making nuclear threats. Pakistani diplomats have been trying to whip up some support from the international community.

Islamabad wanted to unleash a major diplomatic campaign against India. Imran Khan wanted to shine a spotlight on India's Kashmir decision.

But Pakistan's anti-India campaign has failed to make even a minor dent. It has failed to garner the support of the world body on Kashmir.

Pakistan tried every trick in its playbook. In New York, Imran khan played the victim card before the press. He even raised the nuclear bogey again.&nbsp;

“This is just the beginning and it is going to get worse. There is a potential that two nuclear-armed countries would come face to face, so hence, I felt it is extremely important that we highlight what is happening in Kashmir amongst the world leaders and a forum like the united nations general assembly," said Imran.

Despite these efforts, the world leaders are not buying the nuclear threat. So far, Pakistan has been able to secure the support of only a few nations.

Turkey is perhaps the only prominent name on that list. Beyond that — the rest of the world leaders is leaning towards India.

Islamabad was hoping for some support from American president Donald Trump.

But the American president appeared less keen to intervene — when he met Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

Hidden agenda

While Pakistan continues to create a lot of noise on Kashmir — behind the scenes — it continues to execute its nefarious game plans.

At the united nations — Pakistan approached the security council with a request.&nbsp;

They wanted the world body to allow Hafiz Saeed access to his accounts.

And Pakistan got its way — the 26/11 mastermind will be allowed to withdraw up to 150 thousand Pakistani rupees monthly.

Hafiz Saeed is a un-designated global terrorist. His accounts were frozen due to un sanctions.&nbsp;

But Pakistan's diplomatic moves at the U.N. — have now given Hafiz Saeed a backdoor entry into his accounts.

Despite the repeated setbacks — Pakistani prime minister is still expected to raise the Kashmir issue during his speech at the general assembly.

In contrast — India has managed to create a different space for itself on the global stage.

India has been an active participant in debates around global issues of importance.

Prime Minister Modi has participated in various events. And outlined his vision on the global economy, the fight against terrorism and climate action.

He advocated for a closer alliance between India and the world. And that is the fundamental difference between India and Pakistan. India is trying to build bridges to boost global economic growth.&nbsp;

But, Pakistan — continues to push a destructive agenda, that the world is increasingly getting tired of listening.

It's been three days since the United Nations General Assembly debates kicked off in New York. All through the week — Pakistan has been trying to raise an alarm over Kashmir.

It's been three days since the United Nations General Assembly debates kicked off in New York. All through the week — Pakistan has been trying to raise an alarm over Kashmir. Imran Khan has been making nuclear threats. Pakistani diplomats have been trying to whip up some support from the international community. Islamabad wanted to unleash a major diplomatic campaign against India. Imran Khan wanted to shine a spotlight on India's Kashmir decision. But Pakistan's anti-India campaign has failed to make even a minor dent. It has failed to garner the support of the world body on Kashmir. Pakistan tried every trick in its playbook. In New York, Imran khan played the victim card before the press. He even raised the nuclear bogey again. “This is just the beginning and it is going to get worse. There is a potential that two nuclear-armed countries would come face to face, so hence, I felt it is extremely important that we highlight what is happening in Kashmir amongst the world leaders and a forum like the united nations general assembly," said Imran. Despite these efforts, the world leaders are not buying the nuclear threat. So far, Pakistan has been able to secure the support of only a few nations. Turkey is perhaps the only prominent name on that list. Beyond that — the rest of the world leaders is leaning towards India. Islamabad was hoping for some support from American president Donald Trump. But the American president appeared less keen to intervene — when he met Prime Minister Modi. Hidden agenda While Pakistan continues to create a lot of noise on Kashmir — behind the scenes — it continues to execute its nefarious game plans. At the united nations — Pakistan approached the security council with a request. They wanted the world body to allow Hafiz Saeed access to his accounts. And Pakistan got its way — the 26/11 mastermind will be allowed to withdraw up to 150 thousand Pakistani rupees monthly. Hafiz Saeed is a un-designated global terrorist. His accounts were frozen due to un sanctions. But Pakistan's diplomatic moves at the U.N. — have now given Hafiz Saeed a backdoor entry into his accounts. Despite the repeated setbacks — Pakistani prime minister is still expected to raise the Kashmir issue during his speech at the general assembly. In contrast — India has managed to create a different space for itself on the global stage. India has been an active participant in debates around global issues of importance. Prime Minister Modi has participated in various events. And outlined his vision on the global economy, the fight against terrorism and climate action. He advocated for a closer alliance between India and the world. And that is the fundamental difference between India and Pakistan. India is trying to build bridges to boost global economic growth. But, Pakistan — continues to push a destructive agenda, that the world is increasingly getting tired of listening.

Pakistan's bid to 'internationalise Kashmir' fails, world leans on India's side

National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, who was on a one and half day visit to the Kashmir Valley, chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar on Thursday.

The NSA reviewed the law and order situation, and position of essential services and supplies in the Valley.

He also asked security forces to be on high alert on the borders and strengthen the counter-infiltration grid in view of reports about large scale infiltration attempts.

On September 16, MHA officials had briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the current situation in Kashmir and also discussed the opening of mobile networks in different parts of Kashmir.

A detailed discussion was also held on the report by the intelligence agencies that over 200 Pakistani terrorists were waiting to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir, sources had shared.

Restrictions remain in some parts of Kashmir. However, the Home Ministry is expecting that soon normalcy will be completely restored in the entire region.

Earlier this month Doval had said that Article 370 was not about any special status but was a special discrimination against the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Central government had in August read down Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Centre also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, who was on a one and half day visit to the Kashmir Valley, chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar on Thursday. The NSA reviewed the law and order situation, and position of essential services and supplies in the Valley.

National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, who was on a one and half day visit to the Kashmir Valley, chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar on Thursday. The NSA reviewed the law and order situation, and position of essential services and supplies in the Valley. He also asked security forces to be on high alert on the borders and strengthen the counter-infiltration grid in view of reports about large scale infiltration attempts. On September 16, MHA officials had briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the current situation in Kashmir and also discussed the opening of mobile networks in different parts of Kashmir. A detailed discussion was also held on the report by the intelligence agencies that over 200 Pakistani terrorists were waiting to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir, sources had shared. Restrictions remain in some parts of Kashmir. However, the Home Ministry is expecting that soon normalcy will be completely restored in the entire region. Earlier this month Doval had said that Article 370 was not about any special status but was a special discrimination against the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Central government had in August read down Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

J&K: NSA Ajit Doval reviews law and order situation, essential services

Following the row over alleged imposition of Bhagwad Gita and Sanskrit on students of Tamil Nadu’s state-run Anna University, Twitter users in the region have started trending the hashtag 'ThirukuralForTamilNadu’, referring to the 1330 sacred classic-Tamil couplets, written by Tiruvalluvar. &nbsp;

Politicians and party-affiliated student groups in the state also reacted after reports surfaced in a section of the media stating that Bhagwad Gita and Sanskrit language were being imposed in the government-run institution by introducing a compulsory philosophy course.

DMK President and leader of the Opposition MK Stalin tweeted, “It is condemnable that there is an attempt to impose Sanskrit by making the Indo-Western Philosophy Course compulsory in the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University Campus."

News agency PTI quoted, CPI(M) State unit secretary K Balakrishnan as saying, “This is against the principles of secularism. Introducing the teachings of a particular religion in a syllabus studied by students from all faiths and the state government standing by that is not acceptable”.

A joint statement issued by the All India Federation of University and College Teachers Federation (AIFUCTO), Tamil Nadu Science Forum (TNSF), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers’ and Artists’ Association (TNPWAA) said that they stand against the introduction of such a subject in engineering courses.

The statement said, “It is unfair to include a religious book followed by one particular religion in a university syllabus. This will offend the beliefs of the followers of other religions. Such religious books can be taught in theosophical colleges, but not in a university or college, which is against the secular principles framed by the Indian constitution.”

"India is a secular country. The Indian constitution encourages all citizens to develop a scientific temper and self-examining nature. Any secular government will not force a religious text on students in any college because it is against the law and the constitution", the statement added

Speaking to reporters, Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, M K Surappa said, “There is no compulsory course in the institution and that there is no question of imposition. The AICTE has suggested 22 courses under Model Curriculum under humanities, social science and liberal arts. The courses are intended to make the students well-rounded besides their technical education. Of the 22 courses ranging from film appreciation to ethics, values, the Anna University has only selected 12 courses, as we do not have faculty to teach all 22.”

During the four-year course, the Undergraduate students are required to take five&nbsp;of the 12 courses selected by the University. “As two of the five courses are English language courses only three humanities courses have to be taken. Philosophy is one among the 12 courses and only The Information Science and technology (IST) department has chosen the course. The Philosophy course covers Greek Philosophy and Western Philosophy as well. If a student is not willing to take the course, he or she is free to take the other courses”, said the Vice-Chancellor when question about the alleged imposition of Bhagwad Gita.&nbsp;

“There are hundreds of courses in Samskrita Bhaasha listed by AICTE, we have not chosen that among those 12 and there is no question of imposition on any student. This a technological university and there is a wide choice of courses. Similar Philosophy, Social science and ethics Courses were introduced long ago in IITs”, he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Following the row over alleged imposition of Bhagwad Gita and Sanskrit on students of Tamil Nadu’s state-run Anna University, Twitter users in the region have started trending the hashtag 'ThirukuralForTamilNadu’, referring to the 1330 sacred classic-Tamil couplets, written by Tiruvalluvar.

Following the row over alleged imposition of Bhagwad Gita and Sanskrit on students of Tamil Nadu’s state-run Anna University, Twitter users in the region have started trending the hashtag 'ThirukuralForTamilNadu’, referring to the 1330 sacred classic-Tamil couplets, written by Tiruvalluvar. Politicians and party-affiliated student groups in the state also reacted after reports surfaced in a section of the media stating that Bhagwad Gita and Sanskrit language were being imposed in the government-run institution by introducing a compulsory philosophy course. DMK President and leader of the Opposition MK Stalin tweeted, “It is condemnable that there is an attempt to impose Sanskrit by making the Indo-Western Philosophy Course compulsory in the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University Campus." News agency PTI quoted, CPI(M) State unit secretary K Balakrishnan as saying, “This is against the principles of secularism. Introducing the teachings of a particular religion in a syllabus studied by students from all faiths and the state government standing by that is not acceptable”. A joint statement issued by the All India Federation of University and College Teachers Federation (AIFUCTO), Tamil Nadu Science Forum (TNSF), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers’ and Artists’ Association (TNPWAA) said that they stand against the introduction of such a subject in engineering courses. The statement said, “It is unfair to include a religious book followed by one particular religion in a university syllabus. This will offend the beliefs of the followers of other religions. Such religious books can be taught in theosophical colleges, but not in a university or college, which is against the secular principles framed by the Indian constitution.” "India is a secular country. The Indian constitution encourages all citizens to develop a scientific temper and self-examining nature. Any secular government will not force a religious text on students in any college because it is against the law and the constitution", the statement added Speaking to reporters, Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, M K Surappa said, “There is no compulsory course in the institution and that there is no question of imposition. The AICTE has suggested 22 courses under Model Curriculum under humanities, social science and liberal arts. The courses are intended to make the students well-rounded besides their technical education. Of the 22 courses ranging from film appreciation to ethics, values, the Anna University has only selected 12 courses, as we do not have faculty to teach all 22.” During the four-year course, the Undergraduate students are required to take five of the 12 courses selected by the University. “As two of the five courses are English language courses only three humanities courses have to be taken. Philosophy is one among the 12 courses and only The Information Science and technology (IST) department has chosen the course. The Philosophy course covers Greek Philosophy and Western Philosophy as well. If a student is not willing to take the course, he or she is free to take the other courses”, said the Vice-Chancellor when question about the alleged imposition of Bhagwad Gita. “There are hundreds of courses in Samskrita Bhaasha listed by AICTE, we have not chosen that among those 12 and there is no question of imposition on any student. This a technological university and there is a wide choice of courses. Similar Philosophy, Social science and ethics Courses were introduced long ago in IITs”, he added.

Chennai: #ThirukuralForTamilNadu trends after row over alleged Bhagwad Gita, Sanskrit imposition in Anna University

At the United Nations, Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to stop the use of single-use plastic. In a special report, WION's&nbsp;Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay takes a look at the many ways the United Nations aims to avoid plastic use.&nbsp;

Climate change has been at the forefront of India's agenda at the United Nations General Assembly. The Indian prime minister has taken&nbsp;leadership position on the issue. PM Modi has spoken about sustainable development and climate action in India as well and&nbsp;talked about giving up the use of single-use plastic altogether.

When such conversations begin at the United Nations, it is obvious for a tangible change to reverberate through the UN premises. At the media centre of the United Nations, WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay saw what could aptly be called the future of packaged drinking water - no more plastic bottles!

No plastic at UN

"At the United Nations, we didn't see plastic water bottles, we came across boxed water, the package read, "boxed water is better". It is sustainable, thoughtful and pure," Palki Sharma Upadhyay reported from New York. &nbsp;

The second option to plastic water bottles that WION came across was called "Ever &amp; Ever" - drinking water packaged in recyclable aluminum bottles.&nbsp;

Ever and ever...

"Thanks to those who recycle, 75 per cent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use. When used properly and recycled, this water may go on to become wind chimes, a flag pole, a filing cabinet, a pin-tie, and the Ever &amp; Ever once again," as mentioned on the product website.&nbsp;

Plastic waste

As per a report published by an environmental watchdog, WorldWatch, in the year 2015, "Some 299 million tons of plastics were produced in 2013, representing a 4 per cent increase over 2012. Recovery and recycling, however, remain insufficient, and millions of tons of plastics end up in landfills and oceans each year".

"According to the United Nations Environmental Program, between 22 percent and 43 percent of the plastic used worldwide is disposed of in landfills, where its resources are wasted, the material takes up valuable space, and it blights communities," the report stated.&nbsp;

Interestingly, there have been many attempts to thwart the growing human dependence on the world of plastic.&nbsp;

Leaf republic

A German startup called the Leaf Republic creates durable, bio-degradable cutlery from waste leaves. The leaf-based cutlery is free from artificial agents and chemicals. The leaves are procured from wild vines of South America and Asia. A single plate comprises three layers, sewn and put together using palm fibres.&nbsp;

The waterproof leaf-based cutlery is washable can be used again. The plates, when discarded, take around a month to get decomposed completely.

Eat your water!

Ooho, 'edible water bottles' were put on trial in April 2017 in London, UK. Tiny balls of water are, in reality, ice dipped in a mix of algae and calcium chloride. The entire ball of water can be gobbled down as it is, the product is completely digestible.

"The aim of Ooho is to provide the convenience of plastic bottles while limiting the environmental impact," Skipping Rocks Lab.

So, the next time you reach out to plastic water bottles, think of the alternatives you already have available in the market.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At the United Nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to stop the use of single-use plastic. In a special report, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay takes a look at the many ways the United Nations aims to avoid plastic use.

At the United Nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to stop the use of single-use plastic. In a special report, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay takes a look at the many ways the United Nations aims to avoid plastic use. Climate change has been at the forefront of India's agenda at the United Nations General Assembly. The Indian prime minister has taken leadership position on the issue. PM Modi has spoken about sustainable development and climate action in India as well and talked about giving up the use of single-use plastic altogether. When such conversations begin at the United Nations, it is obvious for a tangible change to reverberate through the UN premises. At the media centre of the United Nations, WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay saw what could aptly be called the future of packaged drinking water - no more plastic bottles! No plastic at UN "At the United Nations, we didn't see plastic water bottles, we came across boxed water, the package read, "boxed water is better". It is sustainable, thoughtful and pure," Palki Sharma Upadhyay reported from New York. The second option to plastic water bottles that WION came across was called "Ever & Ever" - drinking water packaged in recyclable aluminum bottles. Ever and ever... "Thanks to those who recycle, 75 per cent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use. When used properly and recycled, this water may go on to become wind chimes, a flag pole, a filing cabinet, a pin-tie, and the Ever & Ever once again," as mentioned on the product website. Plastic waste As per a report published by an environmental watchdog, WorldWatch, in the year 2015, "Some 299 million tons of plastics were produced in 2013, representing a 4 per cent increase over 2012. Recovery and recycling, however, remain insufficient, and millions of tons of plastics end up in landfills and oceans each year". "According to the United Nations Environmental Program, between 22 percent and 43 percent of the plastic used worldwide is disposed of in landfills, where its resources are wasted, the material takes up valuable space, and it blights communities," the report stated. Interestingly, there have been many attempts to thwart the growing human dependence on the world of plastic. Leaf republic A German startup called the Leaf Republic creates durable, bio-degradable cutlery from waste leaves. The leaf-based cutlery is free from artificial agents and chemicals. The leaves are procured from wild vines of South America and Asia. A single plate comprises three layers, sewn and put together using palm fibres. The waterproof leaf-based cutlery is washable can be used again. The plates, when discarded, take around a month to get decomposed completely. Eat your water! Ooho, 'edible water bottles' were put on trial in April 2017 in London, UK. Tiny balls of water are, in reality, ice dipped in a mix of algae and calcium chloride. The entire ball of water can be gobbled down as it is, the product is completely digestible. "The aim of Ooho is to provide the convenience of plastic bottles while limiting the environmental impact," Skipping Rocks Lab. So, the next time you reach out to plastic water bottles, think of the alternatives you already have available in the market.

Watch: At UN, WION explores alternatives to plastic water bottles 

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the motion on Kashmir passed by the UK`s opposition Labour Party, saying it was a clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests and regretted the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the British political outfit.

"Government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on 25 September pertaining to the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement.

"Clearly, this is an attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests. There is no question of engaging with the Labour Party or its representatives on this issue," he added.

An emergency motion was recently passed by the Labour Party on Kashmir at their annual party conference in Brighton.

On August 5, the Indian government passed a resolution abrogating Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and a bill bifurcating the region into two separate Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

India has repeatedly maintained that constitutional changes made by its government on Kashmir are strictly an internal matter, a stance supported by several countries, including those from SAARC and Arab World.Pakistan, on the other hand, has "condemned" the move and downgraded its bilateral ties with India.

Islamabad has since resorted to anti-India rhetoric and has attempted to internationalise the Kashmir issue, but to no avail.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the motion on Kashmir passed by the UK`s opposition Labour Party, saying it was a clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests and regretted the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the British political outfit.

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the motion on Kashmir passed by the UK`s opposition Labour Party, saying it was a clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests and regretted the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the British political outfit. "Government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on 25 September pertaining to the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement. "Clearly, this is an attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests. There is no question of engaging with the Labour Party or its representatives on this issue," he added. An emergency motion was recently passed by the Labour Party on Kashmir at their annual party conference in Brighton. On August 5, the Indian government passed a resolution abrogating Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and a bill bifurcating the region into two separate Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. India has repeatedly maintained that constitutional changes made by its government on Kashmir are strictly an internal matter, a stance supported by several countries, including those from SAARC and Arab World.Pakistan, on the other hand, has "condemned" the move and downgraded its bilateral ties with India. Islamabad has since resorted to anti-India rhetoric and has attempted to internationalise the Kashmir issue, but to no avail.

Clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests: India condemns Labour Party motion on Kashmir

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Wednesday (local time) assured that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi will be extradited after he exhausts all his appeals in the country. Watch this video to know more.

'Mehul Choksi will be extradited': Antigua PM says, 'country not interested in having him'

Indian Coast Guard Ship Varaha (ICGS Varaha) was commissioned into service today by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in the presence of Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard and other senior officials, at the Chennai Port. Varaha is planned to be based at New Mangalore under the administrative and Operation control of Commander Coast Guard Region (West). The ship has a complement of 14 officers and 89 men and is commanded by Commandant Dushyant Kumar&nbsp;

‘Varaha' is the fourth ship in the series of seven 98-meter offshore patrol vessels(OPV) that are being built. The name Varaha has its roots in Indian mythology, where Lord Vishnu in his third incarnation took the form of a boar to rescue goddess earth from the ocean, by lifting her on his tusks. The ship has been indigenously designed and built by Larsen and Toubro(L&amp;T).&nbsp;

<img alt="Varaha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e6548ea-9b05-427f-a3fe-866bd65c3e03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_10.jpg" />

(Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Varaha has been commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in Chennai on Wednesday.)

Speaking at the event, JD Patil, Director, L&amp;T Shipbuilding said, “the fourth OPV is the 50th Coast Guard vessel designed and developed by L&amp;T in Chennai. The three ships prior to Varaha were also delivered to the Coast Guard ahead of the contract schedule and we are sure that the remaining three vessels will also be delivered ahead. of schedule.”

Addressing the Officers, Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard said, “coast guard had a humble beginning in 1977 as the Marine wing of Customs and today we have become a force with 142 ships, boats and 62 aircraft for patrolling India’s Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) and close coast patrol. Our Coast Guard stands larger than many navies in the world and we further plan to boost our assets to 200 vessels and 100 aircraft by 2025. We also have bilateral and multilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives etc. Daily we deploy 30-40 ships and 10-12 aircraft for surveillance and in the last decade we have saved over 10,000 lives, in over 3100 missions against the fury of nature.”

“Varaha has ultra-advanced navigation, communication and sensors. The OPV will be based out of Mangalore and will be covering our EEZ up to Kanyakumari and Lakshadweep The ship also carries the Advanced Light Helicopter(ALH) that is indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL). Not many countries in the world produce a wide range of assets from Fast Attack Craft to Aircraft Carriers, this showcases the significance of the Make in India initiative and collaboration with private players”, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Minister recalled how the tradition of shipbuilding was not new to India and traced its roots to the Indus Valley Civilization. He added that the Chola empire that had established significant maritime trade ties with South and South East Asia.

She is armed with a 30mm gun and is to be fitted with the 12.7mm gun with Fire Control System(FCS). The 2100-ton displacing ship is propelled by two 9100Kw engines and can reach top speeds of 26knots and has an endurance of 5000 nautical miles, with the ability to stay at sea for 20 days without replenishment. It has been designed to carry one twin-engine light helicopter in the hangar and twin-engine heavy helicopter on deck, both of which have night-flying capabilities. Having helicopters on board extends the ship’s range by about 100 miles, while its radars have a range of 96miles.&nbsp;

Sources told WION that Varaha is among the fleet of ships that are based on a wholly digitally designed, indigenous model on which various ergonomic studies were conducted to ensure that they are extremely stable even in inclement weather, with minimum roll and pitch. In the earlier era, detailed ship drawings had to be made on tables that were as long as three dining tables and then the engineers would have to work on the models, whereas now it has all been computerized.&nbsp;

The ship also carries four high-speed boats including two rigid hull inflatable boats for swift boarding operation, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. It is also capable of carrying Pollution Response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.

Indian Coast Guard Ship Varaha (ICGS Varaha) was commissioned into service today by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in the presence of Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard and other senior officials, at the Chennai Port.

Indian Coast Guard Ship Varaha (ICGS Varaha) was commissioned into service today by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in the presence of Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard and other senior officials, at the Chennai Port. Varaha is planned to be based at New Mangalore under the administrative and Operation control of Commander Coast Guard Region (West). The ship has a complement of 14 officers and 89 men and is commanded by Commandant Dushyant Kumar ‘Varaha' is the fourth ship in the series of seven 98-meter offshore patrol vessels(OPV) that are being built. The name Varaha has its roots in Indian mythology, where Lord Vishnu in his third incarnation took the form of a boar to rescue goddess earth from the ocean, by lifting her on his tusks. The ship has been indigenously designed and built by Larsen and Toubro(L&T). (Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Varaha has been commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in Chennai on Wednesday.) Speaking at the event, JD Patil, Director, L&T Shipbuilding said, “the fourth OPV is the 50th Coast Guard vessel designed and developed by L&T in Chennai. The three ships prior to Varaha were also delivered to the Coast Guard ahead of the contract schedule and we are sure that the remaining three vessels will also be delivered ahead. of schedule.” Addressing the Officers, Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard said, “coast guard had a humble beginning in 1977 as the Marine wing of Customs and today we have become a force with 142 ships, boats and 62 aircraft for patrolling India’s Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) and close coast patrol. Our Coast Guard stands larger than many navies in the world and we further plan to boost our assets to 200 vessels and 100 aircraft by 2025. We also have bilateral and multilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives etc. Daily we deploy 30-40 ships and 10-12 aircraft for surveillance and in the last decade we have saved over 10,000 lives, in over 3100 missions against the fury of nature.” “Varaha has ultra-advanced navigation, communication and sensors. The OPV will be based out of Mangalore and will be covering our EEZ up to Kanyakumari and Lakshadweep The ship also carries the Advanced Light Helicopter(ALH) that is indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL). Not many countries in the world produce a wide range of assets from Fast Attack Craft to Aircraft Carriers, this showcases the significance of the Make in India initiative and collaboration with private players”, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Minister recalled how the tradition of shipbuilding was not new to India and traced its roots to the Indus Valley Civilization. He added that the Chola empire that had established significant maritime trade ties with South and South East Asia. She is armed with a 30mm gun and is to be fitted with the 12.7mm gun with Fire Control System(FCS). The 2100-ton displacing ship is propelled by two 9100Kw engines and can reach top speeds of 26knots and has an endurance of 5000 nautical miles, with the ability to stay at sea for 20 days without replenishment. It has been designed to carry one twin-engine light helicopter in the hangar and twin-engine heavy helicopter on deck, both of which have night-flying capabilities. Having helicopters on board extends the ship’s range by about 100 miles, while its radars have a range of 96miles. Sources told WION that Varaha is among the fleet of ships that are based on a wholly digitally designed, indigenous model on which various ergonomic studies were conducted to ensure that they are extremely stable even in inclement weather, with minimum roll and pitch. In the earlier era, detailed ship drawings had to be made on tables that were as long as three dining tables and then the engineers would have to work on the models, whereas now it has all been computerized. The ship also carries four high-speed boats including two rigid hull inflatable boats for swift boarding operation, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. It is also capable of carrying Pollution Response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.

Coast Guard ship ‘Varaha’ commissioned; Indian Coast Guard to get stronger by 67 vessels and 38 aircraft by 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked high-powered Committee comprising Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, and Narmada Control Authority to resolve the issue of the rising water-level of Sardar Sarovar Dam, which is leading to submergence of villages.

A Bench headed by Justice NV Ramana said it will hear the matter on October 1.

The court was hearing a plea filed by people affected by submergence in Sardar Sarovar Dam.

The petition deals with the rehabilitation of people due to submergence as well as the water level to be maintained in the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat.

As many as 178 villages have been affected that caused the human calamity of the worst kind, petition said.

People are affected by submergence in Sardar Sarovar due to direction given by the Narmada Control Authority contrary to Narmada Tribunal`s Award (NWDTA) and earlier judgments of the top court, wherein it is mandated that no submergence should take place without rehabilitation, petition said.

It further stated that Sardar Sarovar being an inter-state project, terms and conditions of the award are binding on the states -Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

By February 2017, the complete resettlement and rehabilitation should have been done, but it did not happen and due to the illegal decision, water started rising in the reservoir and was raised to reach the full reservoir level of 138.68 meter on September 2017, plea stated.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked high-powered Committee comprising Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, and Narmada Control Authority to resolve the issue of the rising water-level of Sardar Sarovar Dam, which is leading to submergence of villages.

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked high-powered Committee comprising Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, and Narmada Control Authority to resolve the issue of the rising water-level of Sardar Sarovar Dam, which is leading to submergence of villages. A Bench headed by Justice NV Ramana said it will hear the matter on October 1. The court was hearing a plea filed by people affected by submergence in Sardar Sarovar Dam. The petition deals with the rehabilitation of people due to submergence as well as the water level to be maintained in the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. As many as 178 villages have been affected that caused the human calamity of the worst kind, petition said. People are affected by submergence in Sardar Sarovar due to direction given by the Narmada Control Authority contrary to Narmada Tribunal`s Award (NWDTA) and earlier judgments of the top court, wherein it is mandated that no submergence should take place without rehabilitation, petition said. It further stated that Sardar Sarovar being an inter-state project, terms and conditions of the award are binding on the states -Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. By February 2017, the complete resettlement and rehabilitation should have been done, but it did not happen and due to the illegal decision, water started rising in the reservoir and was raised to reach the full reservoir level of 138.68 meter on September 2017, plea stated.

Supreme Court asks Committee to resolve issue of rising water-level of Sardar Sarovar Dam

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Wednesday (local time) assured that fugitive diamantaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bail-to-chidambaram-will-affect-cases-of-mallya-choksi-nirav-modi-enforcement-directorate-246410">Mehul Choksi</a> will be extradited after he exhausts all his appeals in the country.

"I can assure you that he will be ultimately deported after exhausting all his appeals. He will be extradited back to India to face whatever charges against him. It is just a matter of time," Browne told ANI.

The Prime Minister said that the country is not interested in having him as he adds no value to it.

He said that the Indian authorities have the "right" to come to Antigua and Barbuda to interrogate him.

"They can come and if they wish to interview Choksi based on his willingness to participate, it has nothing to do with my government," Browne added.

Browne said that it is "unfortunate" that Choksi was cleared by Indian officials as a person in "good standing" only to be told later that he is a "crook".

"In any case, our officials acted based on the information from India and made him a citizen ...the Indian officials have to take the responsibility for that situation," he said.

Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi, who both fled the country a year ago, are key accused in the $2 billion PNB fraud case.

Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018.

On June 17, Choksi had submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court, stating that he is residing in Antigua and was willing to co-operate in the investigation into the PNB scam. 
&nbsp;

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Wednesday (local time) assured that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi will be extradited after he exhausts all his appeals in the country.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Wednesday (local time) assured that fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi will be extradited after he exhausts all his appeals in the country. "I can assure you that he will be ultimately deported after exhausting all his appeals. He will be extradited back to India to face whatever charges against him. It is just a matter of time," Browne told ANI. The Prime Minister said that the country is not interested in having him as he adds no value to it. He said that the Indian authorities have the "right" to come to Antigua and Barbuda to interrogate him. "They can come and if they wish to interview Choksi based on his willingness to participate, it has nothing to do with my government," Browne added. Browne said that it is "unfortunate" that Choksi was cleared by Indian officials as a person in "good standing" only to be told later that he is a "crook". "In any case, our officials acted based on the information from India and made him a citizen ...the Indian officials have to take the responsibility for that situation," he said. Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi, who both fled the country a year ago, are key accused in the $2 billion PNB fraud case. Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018. On June 17, Choksi had submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court, stating that he is residing in Antigua and was willing to co-operate in the investigation into the PNB scam.

Mehul Choksi will be extradited: Antigua PM

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan on Thursday expressed satisfaction on the working of Chandrayaan-2 orbiter while reiterating that no signal has been received from Vikram lander so far.

Speaking to media persons, Sivan stated, "The orbiter is doing very well and all its operations have commenced and it is doing well. We have not received any signal from the lander but orbiter is working very well."

Sivan further stated that a national-level committee has been constituted to analyse the issues with Vikram lander and based on the report, the organisation is determining its future course of actions.

On the upcoming missions, the ISRO chairman stated the agency is working towards the launch of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), Aditya-L1 mission and Gaganyaan mission.

"ISRO is gearing up for the Gaganyaan space program. We will send two unmanned missions to space, one of them will be by end of 2020 and second is targeted to be launched by August 2021 so that we can have the manned mission by December 2021," he said.

The ISRO chairman was in the city to attend a conference organised by the Indian Society of Systems For Science and Engineering (ISSE).

Gaganyaan mission is India`s first manned mission to space.&nbsp;

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan on Thursday expressed satisfaction on the working of Chandrayaan-2 orbiter while reiterating that no signal has been received from Vikram lander so far.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan on Thursday expressed satisfaction on the working of Chandrayaan-2 orbiter while reiterating that no signal has been received from Vikram lander so far. Speaking to media persons, Sivan stated, "The orbiter is doing very well and all its operations have commenced and it is doing well. We have not received any signal from the lander but orbiter is working very well." Sivan further stated that a national-level committee has been constituted to analyse the issues with Vikram lander and based on the report, the organisation is determining its future course of actions. On the upcoming missions, the ISRO chairman stated the agency is working towards the launch of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), Aditya-L1 mission and Gaganyaan mission. "ISRO is gearing up for the Gaganyaan space program. We will send two unmanned missions to space, one of them will be by end of 2020 and second is targeted to be launched by August 2021 so that we can have the manned mission by December 2021," he said. The ISRO chairman was in the city to attend a conference organised by the Indian Society of Systems For Science and Engineering (ISSE). Gaganyaan mission is India`s first manned mission to space.

Chandrayaan-2 orbiter doing well but no signal from Vikram lander: K Sivan

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi said that India is making headway and assuming leadership in the matter of climate change.&nbsp;

"Indians have started understanding the value of protection of the climate. We are extremely happy that the things are moving forward," he added.&nbsp;

Satyarthi added that the United Nations must focus on the "children of the world". His comments came on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

Watch: WION speaks to Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi

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"We have to reaffirm our commitment and investment in children so that we can put an end to child slavery, child trafficking, child labour and make sure that every child is safe, free and educated which requires&nbsp;a lot of political will," Satyarthi told WION.&nbsp;

The Nobel Peace Prize recipient said that the leaders of the world need to be "honest, bold, responsible and compassionate toward the children in the world".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-inaugurates-gandhi-solar-park-at-un-headquarters-launches-commemorative-postage-stamp-251853">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;is currently on a week-long visit to the United States on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

His first engagement at the United Nations was at UN Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-for-talks-is-over-world-needs-to-act-now-pm-modi-at-un-climate-change-summit-251563">time for talk is over</a>, the world needs to act now".

"What is needed is a comprehensive approach that covers education, lifestyle, development strategy. We need global people's movement to bring about change," the prime minister told the UN climate change summit.

"We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching," PM Modi asserted.

Talking about India's climate change policies, PM Modi said,&nbsp;"Respect for nature is part of the tradition and need and not greed."

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi said that India is making headway and assuming leadership in the matter of climate change.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi said that India is making headway and assuming leadership in the matter of climate change. "Indians have started understanding the value of protection of the climate. We are extremely happy that the things are moving forward," he added. Satyarthi added that the United Nations must focus on the "children of the world". His comments came on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Watch: WION speaks to Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi × "We have to reaffirm our commitment and investment in children so that we can put an end to child slavery, child trafficking, child labour and make sure that every child is safe, free and educated which requires a lot of political will," Satyarthi told WION. The Nobel Peace Prize recipient said that the leaders of the world need to be "honest, bold, responsible and compassionate toward the children in the world". Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a week-long visit to the United States on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His first engagement at the United Nations was at UN Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "time for talk is over, the world needs to act now". "What is needed is a comprehensive approach that covers education, lifestyle, development strategy. We need global people's movement to bring about change," the prime minister told the UN climate change summit. "We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching," PM Modi asserted. Talking about India's climate change policies, PM Modi said, "Respect for nature is part of the tradition and need and not greed."

India making headway, assuming leadership on climate change: Kailash Satyarthi tells WION

United States President Donald Trump again <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediation-only-if-both-india-pakistan-agree-trump-after-meeting-pm-imran-khan-251588">offered mediation over Kashmir</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, despite India making clear its position&nbsp;that its a bilateral matter between the country and Pakistan.

Confirming that Kashmir was raised during his bilateral&nbsp;meetings with Pakistan and&nbsp;India, Trump said, "We talked about Kashmir and whatever help I can be, I said I offered."

"Whether its arbitration or mediation or whatever it has to be," Trump added.

"I will do whatever I can because they are at very serious odds right now and hopefully that will get better," Trump also said.

"You look at two gentlemen heading those two countries, two good friends of mine, I said fellas work it out, just work it out. Those are two nuclear countries, they've gotta work it out," Trump also said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs reacting to the comments said, "Our position is very clear which was articulated by the PM and as well the foreign minister S Jaishankar."

The ministry clarified that the talks on Jammu and Kashmir took place but on "counterterrorism" and said that "there will be no change in our position".&nbsp;

Earlier this week as well, Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir as he met Pak PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly.

Trump had said he is "ready, willing, and able" to meditate on the Kashmir matter if India and Pakistan want him to do so.

"If I can help, I would certainly do that. It will be dependent on both of these gentlemen (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Imran Khan)," Trump had said in response to a question on whether he will offer to mediate on the issue of Kashmir.

"One without the other does not work, if you want to do the mediation or if you want to do the arbitration. But I would certainly want to help if both India and Pakistan would want to do that. It's a complex issue, but if both want it, I would be willing to do that," he had added.

A similar statement was made by the US President in the presence of Khan at a joint press conference during the latter's visit to Washington in July.

Tensions between India and Pakistan soared following New Delhi's decisions to abrogate Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the region into two Union Territories (UTs).&nbsp;

Pakistan has downgraded its diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the aftermath of the move.

India has maintained that its constitutional decisions on Kashmir is its internal matter -- a stance that has been supported by many countries around the world. 
&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump again offered mediation over Kashmir on Wednesday, despite India making clear its position that its a bilateral matter between the country and Pakistan.

United States President Donald Trump again offered mediation over Kashmir on Wednesday, despite India making clear its position that its a bilateral matter between the country and Pakistan. Confirming that Kashmir was raised during his bilateral meetings with Pakistan and India, Trump said, "We talked about Kashmir and whatever help I can be, I said I offered." "Whether its arbitration or mediation or whatever it has to be," Trump added. "I will do whatever I can because they are at very serious odds right now and hopefully that will get better," Trump also said. "You look at two gentlemen heading those two countries, two good friends of mine, I said fellas work it out, just work it out. Those are two nuclear countries, they've gotta work it out," Trump also said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs reacting to the comments said, "Our position is very clear which was articulated by the PM and as well the foreign minister S Jaishankar." The ministry clarified that the talks on Jammu and Kashmir took place but on "counterterrorism" and said that "there will be no change in our position". Earlier this week as well, Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir as he met Pak PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly. Trump had said he is "ready, willing, and able" to meditate on the Kashmir matter if India and Pakistan want him to do so. "If I can help, I would certainly do that. It will be dependent on both of these gentlemen (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Imran Khan)," Trump had said in response to a question on whether he will offer to mediate on the issue of Kashmir. "One without the other does not work, if you want to do the mediation or if you want to do the arbitration. But I would certainly want to help if both India and Pakistan would want to do that. It's a complex issue, but if both want it, I would be willing to do that," he had added. A similar statement was made by the US President in the presence of Khan at a joint press conference during the latter's visit to Washington in July. Tensions between India and Pakistan soared following New Delhi's decisions to abrogate Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the region into two Union Territories (UTs). Pakistan has downgraded its diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the aftermath of the move. India has maintained that its constitutional decisions on Kashmir is its internal matter -- a stance that has been supported by many countries around the world.

'I'll do whatever I can': Trump again offers to mediate over Kashmir between India, Pakistan

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