The recent passing of US diplomat and former secretary of state Henry Kissinger has reignited discussions about his involvement in global affairs. Kissinger has left behind a controversial legacy and one such episode links the diplomat with what transpired in the wake of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy in India.&nbsp;

For the new generation, the starting point to understand the tragedy could be the&nbsp;web series The Railway Men,&nbsp;which was released on Netflix on November 18, 2023. It encapsulates the entire tragedy that claimed thousands of lives in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, while also leaving a lasting tragic impact on generations to come.

The&nbsp;tragedy which took place on the intervening nights of December 2 and 3, 1984, was caused by a deadly leak of methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal. It resulted in over 3,000 fatalities and affected more than 100,000 individuals.

People living in the widespread area surrounding the factory went through the horrors of respiratory ailments, skin burns and blindness. Many others reportedly died gasping for breath.&nbsp;

<h2>How is Kissinger linked with Bhopal gas tragedy?&nbsp;</h2>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-g20-success-pm-modi-in-dubai-lays-ground-for-cop33-summit-in-2028-665096">After G20 success, PM Modi in Dubai lays ground for COP33 summit in 2028</a>

The chairman of Union Carbide Warren Anderson was arrested, only to be subsequently released on bail. The Indian government pursued a claim for $3.3 billion in damages against Union Carbide in a New York district court.

Kissinger's connection to Union Carbide became evident through his consulting firm Kissinger Associates which took on Union Carbide as a client following the catastrophe. The firm lobbied persistently on behalf of Union Carbide, engaging in delay tactics and&nbsp; prolonged legal battles.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhands-silkyara-barkot-tunnel-collapsed-19-to-20-times-in-last-5-years-report-665091">Uttarakhand's Silkyara-Barkot tunnel collapsed 19 to 20 times in last 5 years: Report</a>

In 1988, Kissinger backed&nbsp;an increased payout for the victims of the tragedy, if an out-of-the-court settlement was reached, reports said.&nbsp;

A revealing letter from Indian industrialist JRD Tata to then-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1988 further exposed Kissinger's deep involvement in the compensation negotiations for the victims that "would effectively counter any attack or criticism".

"Dr Henry Kissinger, who is a leading member of the Committee and a good friend of mine, is, as you may know, a consultant and adviser to many governments and large corporations, including Union Carbide in America. He told me of their and his own concern at the long delay in reaching an agreement on the amount of the compensation to be paid to the victims of the Bhopal disaster," Tata's letter read.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-lauds-india-on-probe-says-looking-forward-for-results-wion-665087">US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauds India on probe, says 'looking forward for results</a>

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However, as per reports, the $470 million settlement faced widespread condemnation for being woefully insufficient in addressing the scale of the tragedy. Criticisms are also centered on the dropping of all charges against Union Carbide and its managers. However, that was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1991.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The recent passing of US diplomat and former secretary of state Henry Kissinger has reignited discussions about his involvement in global affairs. Kissinger has left behind a controversial legacy and one such episode links the diplomat with what transpired in the wake of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy in India.

The recent passing of US diplomat and former secretary of state Henry Kissinger has reignited discussions about his involvement in global affairs. Kissinger has left behind a controversial legacy and one such episode links the diplomat with what transpired in the wake of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy in India. For the new generation, the starting point to understand the tragedy could be the web series The Railway Men, which was released on Netflix on November 18, 2023. It encapsulates the entire tragedy that claimed thousands of lives in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, while also leaving a lasting tragic impact on generations to come. The tragedy which took place on the intervening nights of December 2 and 3, 1984, was caused by a deadly leak of methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal. It resulted in over 3,000 fatalities and affected more than 100,000 individuals. People living in the widespread area surrounding the factory went through the horrors of respiratory ailments, skin burns and blindness. Many others reportedly died gasping for breath. How is Kissinger linked with Bhopal gas tragedy? Also Read | After G20 success, PM Modi in Dubai lays ground for COP33 summit in 2028 The chairman of Union Carbide Warren Anderson was arrested, only to be subsequently released on bail. The Indian government pursued a claim for $3.3 billion in damages against Union Carbide in a New York district court. Kissinger's connection to Union Carbide became evident through his consulting firm Kissinger Associates which took on Union Carbide as a client following the catastrophe. The firm lobbied persistently on behalf of Union Carbide, engaging in delay tactics and prolonged legal battles. Also Read | Uttarakhand's Silkyara-Barkot tunnel collapsed 19 to 20 times in last 5 years: Report In 1988, Kissinger backed an increased payout for the victims of the tragedy, if an out-of-the-court settlement was reached, reports said. A revealing letter from Indian industrialist JRD Tata to then-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1988 further exposed Kissinger's deep involvement in the compensation negotiations for the victims that "would effectively counter any attack or criticism". "Dr Henry Kissinger, who is a leading member of the Committee and a good friend of mine, is, as you may know, a consultant and adviser to many governments and large corporations, including Union Carbide in America. He told me of their and his own concern at the long delay in reaching an agreement on the amount of the compensation to be paid to the victims of the Bhopal disaster," Tata's letter read. Watch | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauds India on probe, says 'looking forward for results × However, as per reports, the $470 million settlement faced widespread condemnation for being woefully insufficient in addressing the scale of the tragedy. Criticisms are also centered on the dropping of all charges against Union Carbide and its managers. However, that was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1991. (With inputs from agencies)

Bhopal gas tragedy and Henry Kissinger's controversial legacy of secretive dealings

Day 2 of the 28th Annual UN climate Summit and discussions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively combat climate change will go on over the next two weeks. World leaders gathered for a family photo on the first day of the leader Summit.

COP28 Summit: Indian PM stresses on use hydrogen as alternate fuel

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms.

India probes Pannun's murder plot | Bomb scare in Bengaluru turns out to be hoax | Trending on WION

With eighty-thousand attendees, COP28 is the largest ever climate summit in united nation's history. As the summit's 28th edition kick-started in Dubai, a climate disaster fund has been established with Germany & UAE pledging 100 million U.S. Dollar each. Indian prime minister proposed to host thirty-third edition of climate summit in India in the year 2028.

Cop28: India offers to host next summit, announces green fund

Well back home in India Winter transforms Kashmir and Ladakh into fairytale locations. Such are the scenes in the famous tourist spots in uh Jammu and Kashmir these days. The spell of light snowfall has given the hill station a celestial look take a look.

Kashmir sees season's first snowfall in tourist spots

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was looking forward to constructive talks and cooperation for a sustainable future at the COP-28 Summit in Paris.

PM Modi speaks at COP28 summit in Dubai, says 'India has vouched for Hydrogen as alternate fuel'

India's economy outpaced analysts' predictions, registering robust growth of 7.6 per cent in the three months to September compared to a year ago, according to government data released on Thursday. <o:p></o:p>

The figure surpassed all estimates in a Bloomberg survey of economists and exceeded the Reserve Bank of India's projection of 6.5 per cent. Despite challenges like surging inflation and multiple interest rate hikes by the RBI, India retains its position as the fastest-growing major economy globally. <o:p></o:p>

The growth is attributed to factors such as strong manufacturing performance, increased consumption, and the Indian government's heightened spending ahead of upcoming elections.<o:p></o:p>

Bloomberg cited Madhavi Arora, an economist with Emkay Financial Services, who highlighted the factors driving India's buoyant growth, emphasising robust corporate profits, a strong fiscal impulse, and front-loaded government spending in a pre-election year. <o:p></o:p>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is actively investing in infrastructure and offering subsidies to attract companies to set up production in India. These initiatives, coupled with healthy consumption patterns, contribute to gains in private sector investments. Gross fixed capital formation, a proxy for investment, surged by 11.04 per cent compared to 7.95 per cent in the previous quarter.<o:p></o:p>

While the services sector, constituting over half of India's GDP, expanded at a slower pace due to moderating global demand for financial services, the manufacturing sector's significant growth played a pivotal role in overall economic expansion. Agriculture, however, experienced a slowdown attributed to below-normal rains, resulting in a weaker summer crop harvest.<o:p></o:p>

India faced its weakest monsoon rains in five years, leading to government interventions such as extending curbs on the export of farm commodities like sugar, rice, and wheat. The GDP figures, representing a sharp upside surprise, received positive reactions from economists, with Upasna Bhardwaj, an economist with Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., noting the broader economic pickup across most non-agricultural sectors.<o:p></o:p>

As India experiences this robust economic growth, the challenge remains for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which aims to bring down inflation to its 4 per cent target on a durable basis. The strong demand poses a dilemma for the central bank, which has maintained interest rates unchanged for four policy meetings.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p>

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India's economy outpaced analysts' predictions, registering robust growth of 7.6 per cent in the three months to September compared to a year ago, according to government data released on Thursday.

India's economy outpaced analysts' predictions, registering robust growth of 7.6 per cent in the three months to September compared to a year ago, according to government data released on Thursday. The figure surpassed all estimates in a Bloomberg survey of economists and exceeded the Reserve Bank of India's projection of 6.5 per cent. Despite challenges like surging inflation and multiple interest rate hikes by the RBI, India retains its position as the fastest-growing major economy globally. The growth is attributed to factors such as strong manufacturing performance, increased consumption, and the Indian government's heightened spending ahead of upcoming elections. Bloomberg cited Madhavi Arora, an economist with Emkay Financial Services, who highlighted the factors driving India's buoyant growth, emphasising robust corporate profits, a strong fiscal impulse, and front-loaded government spending in a pre-election year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is actively investing in infrastructure and offering subsidies to attract companies to set up production in India. These initiatives, coupled with healthy consumption patterns, contribute to gains in private sector investments. Gross fixed capital formation, a proxy for investment, surged by 11.04 per cent compared to 7.95 per cent in the previous quarter. While the services sector, constituting over half of India's GDP, expanded at a slower pace due to moderating global demand for financial services, the manufacturing sector's significant growth played a pivotal role in overall economic expansion. Agriculture, however, experienced a slowdown attributed to below-normal rains, resulting in a weaker summer crop harvest. India faced its weakest monsoon rains in five years, leading to government interventions such as extending curbs on the export of farm commodities like sugar, rice, and wheat. The GDP figures, representing a sharp upside surprise, received positive reactions from economists, with Upasna Bhardwaj, an economist with Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., noting the broader economic pickup across most non-agricultural sectors. As India experiences this robust economic growth, the challenge remains for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which aims to bring down inflation to its 4 per cent target on a durable basis. The strong demand poses a dilemma for the central bank, which has maintained interest rates unchanged for four policy meetings. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's economic growth surpasses expectations, maintains fastest-growing major economy status

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

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

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

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

In response to PC Jeweller's default of more than 3,466 crore rupees ($415 million) that was disclosed in October, the State Bank of India (SBI) has seized custody of two its prime properties in New Delhi.

An SBI official was quoted in a Free Press Journal report as noting that the action was a calculated strategy to get back some of the $140 million (or 1,168.90 crore rupees) that PC Jeweller owes.

Following the financial setback, PC Jeweller experienced operational interruptions, which caused its fiscal year 2024 second-quarter revenues to drop drastically. The company's Q2 FY24 revenues showed a sharp contrast in performance, falling from&nbsp;836 crore rupees ($100 million) in the same quarter the previous year to a meagre&nbsp;33 crore rupees ($39 million).&nbsp;

SBI is aggressively using the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal as legal channels to handle the growing debts. The bank wants to get back a sizable amount of its unpaid debt to PC Jeweller, or 1,267 crore rupees ($152 million).&nbsp;

PC Jeweller has taken strong measures in reaction to the financial crisis, closing seventeen stores total—thirteen of which are owned and three of which are franchises. The 152 crore rupees ($18 million) in reported losses highlight the difficulties the Indian jewellery industry faces in resolving credit and market trust issues. In order to lessen its financial load, PC Jeweller is concurrently negotiating out-of-court settlements with a number of institutions.&nbsp;

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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In response to PC Jeweller's default of more than 3,466 crore rupees ($415 million) that was disclosed in October, the State Bank of India (SBI) has seized custody of two its prime properties in New Delhi.

In response to PC Jeweller's default of more than 3,466 crore rupees ($415 million) that was disclosed in October, the State Bank of India (SBI) has seized custody of two its prime properties in New Delhi. An SBI official was quoted in a Free Press Journal report as noting that the action was a calculated strategy to get back some of the $140 million (or 1,168.90 crore rupees) that PC Jeweller owes. Following the financial setback, PC Jeweller experienced operational interruptions, which caused its fiscal year 2024 second-quarter revenues to drop drastically. The company's Q2 FY24 revenues showed a sharp contrast in performance, falling from 836 crore rupees ($100 million) in the same quarter the previous year to a meagre 33 crore rupees ($39 million). SBI is aggressively using the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal as legal channels to handle the growing debts. The bank wants to get back a sizable amount of its unpaid debt to PC Jeweller, or 1,267 crore rupees ($152 million). PC Jeweller has taken strong measures in reaction to the financial crisis, closing seventeen stores total—thirteen of which are owned and three of which are franchises. The 152 crore rupees ($18 million) in reported losses highlight the difficulties the Indian jewellery industry faces in resolving credit and market trust issues. In order to lessen its financial load, PC Jeweller is concurrently negotiating out-of-court settlements with a number of institutions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

SBI seizes PC Jeweller's New Delhi assets as loan default hits $415 million 

India has pledged $141.63 billion to extend its free food grains program for the next five years. This initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of upcoming elections, aims to secure food and nutrition for 813.5 million people.

India commits $141.63 bn to extend free food programme

Global athleisure giant Foot Locker is set to make waves with a strategic alliance. Teaming up with local powerhouse metro brands and beauty-to-fashion retailer Nykaa, Foot Locker is gearing up for an explosive entry into india.

Foot locker's entry in India amid economic headwinds

The Indian government set up a high-level Enquiry Committee to probe the concerns of the Biden administration about inputs pertaining to a nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others. And now according to a U.S justice department release alleged that an Indian govt employee working was behind a "plot to assassinate Khalistani Leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun". Sikhs for Justice chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is a designated terrorist in India

India probing US’ concerns

India has responded to the U.S. indictment that names an Indian government employee in an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. India has formed a panel to probe the charges that New Delhi has described as 'contrary to government policy.'

Gravitas: India Responds To Pannun Murder Plot Charge | 'Not Our Policy...'

The UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12, 2023, marks a significant global effort to address climate change.

With over 70,000 delegates expected to attend, the conference becomes a crucial platform for nations worldwide to deliberate on climate policies, set emission targets, and collaborate on solutions to combat the escalating climate crisis.

India, among the most prominent developing nations and a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, assumes a crucial role in the discussions at COP28. With a population exceeding one billion, India is confronted with the dual challenge of striving for ambitious climate objectives while ensuring fairness in climate actions.

Follow this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-summit-dubai-live-spotlight-on-global-leaders-for-urgent-action-over-climate-crisis-664484">blog</a> for all the live updates on COP28.

<h2>Overview of COP28</h2>

Officially designated as the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP28 serves as the world's premier multilateral decision-making forum on climate change.

This annual gathering involves nearly every country globally, facilitating discussions, negotiations, and agreements aimed at shaping international climate policies.

<h2>Significance amid geopolitical challenges</h2>

The backdrop of COP28 is marked by geopolitical challenges, including the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

These geopolitical dynamics add an additional layer of complexity to the negotiations, as nations come together to address climate change against a backdrop of global uncertainties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-using-cop28-summit-platform-to-strike-deals-with-oil-companies-report-663564">Also read |&nbsp;UAE using COP28 summit platform to strike deals with oil companies: Report</a>

<h2>India's crucial role at COP28</h2>

As one of the largest developing nations and a significant emitter of greenhouse gases, India plays a pivotal role in the discussions at COP28. With a population exceeding a billion people, India faces the dual challenge of ensuring ambitious climate goals while maintaining equity in climate actions.

Negotiations for India at COP28 will hinge on striking a delicate balance – pursuing ambitious targets while recognizing the unique developmental challenges faced by the nation.

<h3>Key themes to watch at COP28</h3>

Several critical themes will dominate the discussions at COP28:

<ol>
	<li>
	Emissions mitigation targets: Countries will engage in negotiations to set ambitious emissions reduction targets, aligning with the broader goal of limiting global temperature rise.
	</li>
	<li>
	Phase-out of fossil fuels: The imperative to transition away from fossil fuels will be a central theme. While developed nations may push for an accelerated phase-out, developing countries, including India, face challenges in balancing energy security needs with emission reduction goals.
	</li>
	<li>
	Financing from developed nations: The provision of financial support from developed to developing nations for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts will be a contentious issue. India, like other developing countries, will stress on&nbsp;the need for substantial financial assistance.
	</li>
	<li>
	Industry-led solutions: COP28 will likely witness discussions on harnessing industry-led innovations to drive sustainable development and reduce carbon footprints.
	</li>
	<li>
	Low-carbon innovation: Emphasis on fostering low-carbon innovations and technologies will be a key aspect of the conference, with a focus on creating a pathway for a sustainable future.
	</li>
	<li>
	Differences between developed and developing nations: Bridging the gaps between developed and developing nations remains a persistent challenge. Negotiations will strive to address historical imbalances and ensure that climate actions are fair and just.
	</li>
	<li>
	Progress on operationalising Paris Agreement article: COP28 will assess progress on operationalizing the various aspects of the Paris Agreement, including mechanisms for reporting and transparency.
	</li>
	<li>
	Reforming the role of private sector investment: The role of private sector investment in climate actions will be under scrutiny, with discussions on how private capital can be effectively mobilized to address climate challenges.
	</li>
	<li>
	Proxy for other issues and relations restoration: Climate negotiations often serve as a proxy for broader international relations. COP28 may witness discussions reflecting geopolitical dynamics, providing an opportunity for nations to rebuild relationships.
	</li>
</ol>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-cop28-big-meat-companies-to-present-meat-as-sustainable-nutrition-664355">Also read |&nbsp;At COP28, big meat companies to present meat as ‘sustainable nutrition’</a>

<h2>India's challenges at COP28</h2>

India faces several challenges and points of contention at COP28:

<ol>
	<li>
	Methane emissions from agriculture: India's high methane emissions from agriculture, termed "survival emissions," pose a challenge. Balancing the need for emission reduction with the livelihoods dependent on agriculture becomes a delicate negotiation point.
	</li>
	<li>
	Luxury emissions: There is a call for India to reduce "luxury emissions," encompassing emissions from sectors like oil and gas and waste, contributing to methane emissions. This demand requires a nuanced approach considering the impact on various sectors and India's broader developmental goals.
	</li>
	<li>
	Loss and damage finance: With India experiencing an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, emphasizing "loss and damage finance" becomes crucial. This involves addressing economic, non-economic, and ecological losses due to climate change impacts.
	</li>
	<li>
	Coal dependence and fossil fuel phase-out: India's reliance on coal for power production remains a contentious issue. Immediate shutdown proposals for coal-fired power plants clash with India's emphasis on energy security.
	</li>
	<li>
	Financial support for renewable energy: While India transitions towards cleaner energy sources, securing financial support for green energy corridors and grid infrastructure development is imperative. The financial assistance needed aligns with the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, emphasizing the requirement for significant funds.
	</li>
	<li>
	Emission reduction proposals: Any proposal suggesting a reduction in India's emissions faces resistance. India frames its climate actions in terms of emissions intensity, focusing on emissions per unit of GDP rather than setting absolute emission reduction targets.
	</li>
</ol>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-to-skip-cop28-climate-summit-confirms-white-house-663274">Also read |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to skip COP28 climate summit, says White House</a>

The two-week summit will include a "global stocktake" to assess progress toward keeping global warming below 1.5°C. The talks may extend beyond the scheduled period as delegates finalise the communique.

COP28 emerges as a critical juncture for global climate action, with India navigating challenges to ensure a balanced and equitable approach to emissions reduction and sustainable development.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12, 2023, marks a significant global effort to address climate change.

The UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12, 2023, marks a significant global effort to address climate change. With over 70,000 delegates expected to attend, the conference becomes a crucial platform for nations worldwide to deliberate on climate policies, set emission targets, and collaborate on solutions to combat the escalating climate crisis. India, among the most prominent developing nations and a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, assumes a crucial role in the discussions at COP28. With a population exceeding one billion, India is confronted with the dual challenge of striving for ambitious climate objectives while ensuring fairness in climate actions. Follow this blog for all the live updates on COP28. Overview of COP28 Officially designated as the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP28 serves as the world's premier multilateral decision-making forum on climate change. This annual gathering involves nearly every country globally, facilitating discussions, negotiations, and agreements aimed at shaping international climate policies. Significance amid geopolitical challenges The backdrop of COP28 is marked by geopolitical challenges, including the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine. These geopolitical dynamics add an additional layer of complexity to the negotiations, as nations come together to address climate change against a backdrop of global uncertainties. Also read | UAE using COP28 summit platform to strike deals with oil companies: Report India's crucial role at COP28 As one of the largest developing nations and a significant emitter of greenhouse gases, India plays a pivotal role in the discussions at COP28. With a population exceeding a billion people, India faces the dual challenge of ensuring ambitious climate goals while maintaining equity in climate actions. Negotiations for India at COP28 will hinge on striking a delicate balance – pursuing ambitious targets while recognizing the unique developmental challenges faced by the nation. Key themes to watch at COP28 Several critical themes will dominate the discussions at COP28: Emissions mitigation targets: Countries will engage in negotiations to set ambitious emissions reduction targets, aligning with the broader goal of limiting global temperature rise. Phase-out of fossil fuels: The imperative to transition away from fossil fuels will be a central theme. While developed nations may push for an accelerated phase-out, developing countries, including India, face challenges in balancing energy security needs with emission reduction goals. Financing from developed nations: The provision of financial support from developed to developing nations for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts will be a contentious issue. India, like other developing countries, will stress on the need for substantial financial assistance. Industry-led solutions: COP28 will likely witness discussions on harnessing industry-led innovations to drive sustainable development and reduce carbon footprints. Low-carbon innovation: Emphasis on fostering low-carbon innovations and technologies will be a key aspect of the conference, with a focus on creating a pathway for a sustainable future. Differences between developed and developing nations: Bridging the gaps between developed and developing nations remains a persistent challenge. Negotiations will strive to address historical imbalances and ensure that climate actions are fair and just. Progress on operationalising Paris Agreement article: COP28 will assess progress on operationalizing the various aspects of the Paris Agreement, including mechanisms for reporting and transparency. Reforming the role of private sector investment: The role of private sector investment in climate actions will be under scrutiny, with discussions on how private capital can be effectively mobilized to address climate challenges. Proxy for other issues and relations restoration: Climate negotiations often serve as a proxy for broader international relations. COP28 may witness discussions reflecting geopolitical dynamics, providing an opportunity for nations to rebuild relationships. Also read | At COP28, big meat companies to present meat as ‘sustainable nutrition’ India's challenges at COP28 India faces several challenges and points of contention at COP28: Methane emissions from agriculture: India's high methane emissions from agriculture, termed "survival emissions," pose a challenge. Balancing the need for emission reduction with the livelihoods dependent on agriculture becomes a delicate negotiation point. Luxury emissions: There is a call for India to reduce "luxury emissions," encompassing emissions from sectors like oil and gas and waste, contributing to methane emissions. This demand requires a nuanced approach considering the impact on various sectors and India's broader developmental goals. Loss and damage finance: With India experiencing an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, emphasizing "loss and damage finance" becomes crucial. This involves addressing economic, non-economic, and ecological losses due to climate change impacts. Coal dependence and fossil fuel phase-out: India's reliance on coal for power production remains a contentious issue. Immediate shutdown proposals for coal-fired power plants clash with India's emphasis on energy security. Financial support for renewable energy: While India transitions towards cleaner energy sources, securing financial support for green energy corridors and grid infrastructure development is imperative. The financial assistance needed aligns with the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, emphasizing the requirement for significant funds. Emission reduction proposals: Any proposal suggesting a reduction in India's emissions faces resistance. India frames its climate actions in terms of emissions intensity, focusing on emissions per unit of GDP rather than setting absolute emission reduction targets. Also read | US President Joe Biden to skip COP28 climate summit, says White House The two-week summit will include a "global stocktake" to assess progress toward keeping global warming below 1.5°C. The talks may extend beyond the scheduled period as delegates finalise the communique. COP28 emerges as a critical juncture for global climate action, with India navigating challenges to ensure a balanced and equitable approach to emissions reduction and sustainable development. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Will India overcome climate challenges and spearhead change at COP28?

Henry Kissinger, one of the most influential American diplomats ever, passed away at 100. While many remember him for his illustrious life as a political figure, others remember his somewhat chequered past.

Gravitas: How Henry Kissinger Went From India-hater to Urging for Stronger Ties

On Race to Power, join us for a detailed analysis of the Indian state assembly polls 2023. Which way is the wind blowing? Will the BJP-led NDA dominate? Or will the Congress emerge as a serious challenger? And how will it influence the opposition India alliance? WION brings you all that you need to know.

Exit Poll Survey 2023: Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, MP, Telangana & Mizoram | Race To Power

Five key Indian states went to polls this month and all the rounds of polling finally concluded today. We now have the first projections from Exit Polls. Let's take a look at which state went to polls and why these elections are important.

India state elections: Exit polls give a sense of what to expect on December 3

According to research conducted by the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), located in Utrecht, about 25 miles south of Amsterdam, 80 out of every 100,000 children in the age range of 5 to 14 had pneumonia last week.

China Pneumonia Outbreak: China sees surge in sickness among kids

China is witnessing a surge in respiratory illnesses especially among children. Many have pneumonia which has been attributed to the circulation of various pathogens such as Mycoplasma.

China mystery illness puts India on guard after cold & flu season stirs dread in the country

The oldest militant group in India's Northeastern State of Manipur, United National Liberation Front, has signed a peace agreement with the Central and state governments. It marks the end of the six decades long armed Movement by the group.

India: Oldest militant group in Manipur state signs peace deal

India to enforce new sim card rules | Kiwis born in wild in New Zealand in a 1st | Trending on WION

To focus New Delhi has reacted to us linking of Indian official in the Pannun attempted killing case and calls US' decision concerning and contrary to government policy. Earlier a high level Indian inquiry committee was formed to look into details provided by the United States on the alleged Nexus between organized criminals terrorists and others.

India: US shared inputs on nexus between terrorists, criminals

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the United National Liberation Front, the oldest militant group of Manipur, signed a peace agreement with the Centre.

Manipur: UNLF Militant group signs peace deal

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