When Justin Trudeau became Canada's Prime Minister for the first time back in 2015, his popularity was soaring high. The international media as well as the citizens of Canada were smitten by his personality. However, eight years down the line, Trudeau's popularity seems to be fading. According to a recent survey, the once popular poster boy has now been voted the worst Canadian Prime Minister in the last 50 years. Why has the liberal icon fallen from grace?

Is Canada's Trudeau losing popularity?

Tensions between Kosovo & Serbia boil over after siege at monastery Khalistan: Irrelevance in India but resurgence in Canada Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #WorldAtWar

How Azerbaijan ended the war for Nagorno-Karabakh?

India has been invited to assist with a probe into the death of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Allegations of Indian government complicity in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death have kept tensions high. The allegations have been deemed "absurd" by India.

India-Canada Diplomatic Row: US urges India to work with Canada on Nijjar investigation

India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday (Sep 30), extended the deadline to exchange and deposit Rs 2,000 bank notes by another week, i.e. till Oct 7.

“It has been decided to extend the current arrangement for deposit/exchange of Rs 2,000 banknotes until October 07, 2023,” the central bank said in a statement.

RBI said that the Rs 2,000 notes “shall continue to be legal tender” even beyond October 7, but asked the public to deposit or exchange the notes “without any further delay”.

From October 8, the deposit, and exchange facilities at bank branches will be halted, and people will have to get them exchanged at 19 offices of RBI, the statement further added.

The people have so far returned Rs 3.42 lakh crore of Rs 2,000 notes since the announcement to withdraw these notes was made on May 19, the RBI said in a statement.

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Rs 2,000 notes shall continue to be legal tender even after Oct 7, but can be exchanged only at RBI offices, says Central bank
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Earlier, the deadline to deposit or exchange Rs 2,000 notes was September 30, 2023.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-row-with-canada-over-nijjars-murder-indias-jaishankar-urges-ottawa-to-share-specifics-641110">In Nijjar murder row with Canada, India's foreign minister Jaishankar urges Ottawa to share specifics</a>

Last month, the RBI said that about 93 per cent of the Rs 2,000 banknotes were returned to the banking system since the central bank decided to withdraw the specific banknote from circulation in the month of May.&nbsp;

<h2>RBI withdraws Rs 2,000 currency note from circulation</h2>

The Rs 2000 currency note was introduced in November 2016 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had demonetised the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes in its crusade against black money. It was introduced primarily to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after the withdrawal of the legal tender status of all Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes.

The objective of introducing Rs 2000 banknotes was met once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities and therefore, printing of ₹2000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19, the RBI had said in a press statement.&nbsp;

“The exchange facility for Rs 2,000 banknotes up to Rs 20,000 at a time would be available from May 23,” the RBI had said, further advising the banks to stop issuing Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes with immediate effect.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

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India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday (Sep 30), extended the deadline to exchange and deposit Rs 2,000 bank notes by another week, i.

India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday (Sep 30), extended the deadline to exchange and deposit Rs 2,000 bank notes by another week, i.e. till Oct 7. “It has been decided to extend the current arrangement for deposit/exchange of Rs 2,000 banknotes until October 07, 2023,” the central bank said in a statement. RBI said that the Rs 2,000 notes “shall continue to be legal tender” even beyond October 7, but asked the public to deposit or exchange the notes “without any further delay”. From October 8, the deposit, and exchange facilities at bank branches will be halted, and people will have to get them exchanged at 19 offices of RBI, the statement further added. The people have so far returned Rs 3.42 lakh crore of Rs 2,000 notes since the announcement to withdraw these notes was made on May 19, the RBI said in a statement. Rs 2,000 notes shall continue to be legal tender even after Oct 7, but can be exchanged only at RBI offices, says Central bank — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 30, 2023 × Earlier, the deadline to deposit or exchange Rs 2,000 notes was September 30, 2023. Also read: In Nijjar murder row with Canada, India's foreign minister Jaishankar urges Ottawa to share specifics Last month, the RBI said that about 93 per cent of the Rs 2,000 banknotes were returned to the banking system since the central bank decided to withdraw the specific banknote from circulation in the month of May. RBI withdraws Rs 2,000 currency note from circulation The Rs 2000 currency note was introduced in November 2016 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had demonetised the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes in its crusade against black money. It was introduced primarily to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after the withdrawal of the legal tender status of all Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes. The objective of introducing Rs 2000 banknotes was met once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities and therefore, printing of ₹2000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19, the RBI had said in a press statement. “The exchange facility for Rs 2,000 banknotes up to Rs 20,000 at a time would be available from May 23,” the RBI had said, further advising the banks to stop issuing Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes with immediate effect. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India’s central bank RBI extends deadline to exchange, deposit Rs 2,000 banknotes

Two militants were killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Saturday, police said.

India: Security forces foil infiltration bid along LoC in J&K's Kupwara, 2 terrorists killed

The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is just days away and India is one of the strong contestants to lift the trophy. Over the years, Indian batters have dominated the World Cup batting charts, and the fans hope this edition will also be the same. As India prepares for the ODI World Cup, here are the TOP FIVE Indian batters with the most runs in the ICC ODI World Cups.

Indians with most runs in ICC ODI World Cups

Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator for India, in an interview to WION spoke on India's remarkable contributions to global diplomacy, while emphasising on New Delhi's role in UN Peacekeeping, South-South Cooperation, and Advocacy for Global South.

Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator for India, in an interview to WION spoke on India's remarkable contributions to global diplomacy, while emphasising on New Delhi's role in UN Peacekeeping, South-South Cooperation, and Advocacy for Global South. On UN reforms, and India's bid to be at the high table, UN's top diplomat to India, speaking to our correspondent Sidhant Sibal said, that "India, one could argue, has perhaps the strongest candidacy in that regard." Also read | How China’s ‘smokescreen’ tricks the world against reforms at UN Security Council He emphasised that the United Nations recognises the need for political reform within the Security Council but stressed, "it's up to the member states" to drive this change. Regarding the imperative of UNSC reforms, Sharp acknowledged that the UN's structure dates back to the end of World War II and underscored, "The world has changed dramatically since then. But it's up to the member states." Highlighting India's pivotal role as a voice for the Global South, he commented, "India very clearly has, for a long time, been a leading voice for the Global South." He commended India's G20 presidency, where it prioritized UN issues and the concerns of the Global South, aligning its leadership with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also lauded India's extensive involvement in UN peacekeeping, stating that "India has contributed more personnel, troops and civilians, to UN peacekeeping than any other country since the very beginning." Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: Well, the UN is the most important multilateral organisation in the world. With me is the UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp. Sir, welcome to WION. My first question to you is we saw a very hectic two weeks in New York where the general debate happened. If you can give a perspective as to what are the key outcomes from the general debate and essentially outcomes that impact the world. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India: Thank you. Mujhe Yahan Bulaney Key Liye Dhanyavaad. (Thank you for having me) The world came together at this General Assembly, probably the most important general assembly that we've had since 2015, to take stock of the 2030 agenda and we're halfway to 2030. So, this is sort of, in a way, the halftime and the world was looking at where have we gone off track? Where are we on track? And unfortunately, the news is that we're very much behind schedule. We're only on track for about 15 per cent of the global targets on the Sustainable Development Goals. Also read | UN General Assembly 2023: What is stalling the progress of Sustainable Development Goals | Explained For a third of the targets we've basically come to a halt or even regressing in terms of progress. So, the message was urgent. But there was very, very strong support for important political declarations. We had the SDG summits on the margins of the General Assembly. We had the climate ambition Summit. We had pandemic preparedness, high level meetings. So basically, I think what we saw is that the important outcomes are that the world reconfirmed that the SDGs are the only blueprint that we have towards peace and prosperity by 2030. The world reconfirmed the importance of sticking to 1.5 degrees, climate ambition as well. A lot of momentum gained here in New Delhi declaration with India's G20 presidency. In fact, there was a very clear continuum. I authored an op-ed the week in between the two events, arguing that we need to take the momentum from New York to New Delhi from the G20, G21 to the General Assembly and I think that was achieved. Now we look ahead towards additional milestones within this very important year, in this very important calendar. We've got the Marrakesh meeting coming up quite soon, where the Bretton Woods institutions, the World Bank and the IMF come together. Look at how they're going to reform that, we have COP 28 coming up in Dubai, where the world is coming together to look very specifically at climate commitments as well. So, I think this is a very important part of a narrative. And again, here in New Delhi, India's G20 presidency really kicked that off. Sidhant Sibal: So, staying on the general debate, we saw a lot of countries calling for the UN reforms. We saw a lot of countries like Portugal and Bhutan publicly saying that India and Japan should become permanent members of the reform UNSC. How hopeful you are that there will be a movement on the reforming process? Because when it comes to the intergovernmental negotiation process, there hasn't been any movement we have seen. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India: I think everybody is in agreement that reform is necessary. The Secretary General Antonio Guterres has made a reform of the United Nations, reform of multilateralism, broadly speaking, one of his top priorities. Now when we look at reform of the Security Council, for example, and this is something that the structure of the UN has been calling for, everybody recognises that the UN was and many of the associated platforms were designed at the end of the Second World War. The world has changed dramatically since then. But it's up to the member states. So, the institution itself can't change. The member states have to change the institution. And this is where again, I think everybody is on board with the need to reform just how exactly to do that. This is really in the courts of the member states to decide. You know, I think we hear more and more support for reform than we have ever before. And certainly, India, one could argue, has perhaps the strongest candidacy in that regard. So, the United Nations, you know, the staff and the institution, and we very much look forward to that political reform of the P5 of the Security Council, but again, it's up to the member states. Sidhant Sibal: Sir we saw a lot of leaders talking about the impact of the Ukraine conflict on on many of these countries, especially on food, fuel, and commodity prices, the rule of UN and what role UN is playing, if you can talk about that and can play in terms of diffusing this crisis. The UN had a major role when it came to the Black Sea green initiative if you can give a perspective as to the role played by the UN. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India: Sure. Well, of course, I mean, the war in Ukraine has had devastating impacts on, the senseless and massive loss of life and destruction of property in Ukraine first and foremost, but also the impacts on the world have been great, especially the developing world, poor countries, in terms of scarcity and high prices and food and fuel and fertilisers. So, of course, the UN's priority is to bring about a ceasefire to bring about a peaceful resolution. That's, that goes without saying, and the Secretary General has been working very, very hard since the beginning of the war to try to bring that in. But unfortunately, that has remained elusive. So in the absence of peace, the UN has worked hard to try to help mitigate the impacts especially on the poorest countries. The Black Sea grain initiative that you talked about and the associated MOU helped, which was brokered together, between the UN and with the assistance of Turkey made a very important impact and that basically helped to release over 33 million metric tons of cereals of grains onto the market. A lot of that going to developing countries, that helped to bring the price down very considerably, something like around 30 per cent as well. Now that has lapsed, unfortunately, so the UN Secretary General is calling for the reinstatement of that agreement to again allow grains to reach markets and to really relieve the pressure on the poorest countries. Sidhant Sibal: Sir, on the sidelines of the general debate, we saw a number of programs including a program where India and the UN came together to focus on global south where you were also present, we saw a number of leaders, Foreign Ministers present and talking about India's role in the global south. How do you see India's role in the global south? Do you see India as the leading voice of the Global South? Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India: I think India very clearly, has for a long time been a leading voice for the Global South. And I think that very, that's coming out very, very strong. For example, we look at the G20 presidency, not only did India put the voice of UN issues and the concerns of the Global South, on center stage, and oriented the whole G20 presidency around the SDGs. In fact, I like to call it SDG 20 because it was so much aligned the priorities of the UN and the Global South. In addition, it was India's push to expand the G20, to bring in the African Union to bring in another 1.3 billion people of the global south now it's a G21. So, I think we see that leadership very, very clearly. Now, that leadership is both in the sense of geopolitical leadership and policy decision making and influence. Also, India is playing an increasingly important role in terms of helping other countries through South-South cooperation, through providing vaccines in a time of crisis, and pharmacy to the world in many respects. And we had a number of side events that we in the UN here in India together with Government of India and supporting that organised where we saw a number of different countries at the highest level Foreign Ministers, even Prime Ministers coming together and sharing their very heartfelt stories of how India has helped their people, helped human development within their countries, resilience, this sort of thing. And we were even pleased to launch a new partnership between the United Nations, India and the Gates Foundation, where we are amplifying Indian-South, Indian best practice development best practice, and this content is really to the heart of what we're doing here in India, the UN system in India increasingly we're helping to identify Indian development best practice and take that to the international level for the benefit of other countries. Sidhant Sibal: Sir, you already mentioned about G 20, India's G 20 presidency a lot of time but essentially, how do you see the convergence in UN's priorities and priority of India under its G20 presidency. India is still the president. It will give the presidency to Brazil in November. So, if you can talk about the convergences and how these convergences can help the world at a time when we know there are several areas of distress whether the conflict or whether it is the high inflationary prices of the food, fuel and commodity prices. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India: Absolutely, there are a number of key areas of convergence and I will just name a couple that sort of come first to mind. But we were talking about reform of multilateralism. We're talking about the need for financing for development. And here reforming the international financial architecture is absolutely critical. And India's G20 Presidency was putting forth very important language and important ideas and commitments to make that reform happen. There were important studies undertaken by Dr. Singh and Larry Summers, that very much reflected and aligned with the Secretary General's SDG stimulus plan, which the New Delhi declaration actually welcomed which is the need to not just for incremental reforms in terms of the multilateral development bank's the World Bank, IMF and many others, but really a step level change. We need a massive quantum increase in financing for developing countries to make the transition to make the energy transitions, just green energy transitions, digital transformations as well. So, we need at least $500 billion a year and additional resources made available plus several more trillion dollars a year when we look at crowding in private sector financing. So that's one. Two, the importance of gender equality as the Secretary General says gender inequality and this is the great unresolved issue of our age. And India's G20 presidency put women led development at the top of the agenda of the list to do and we saw, for example, the G20-G21. Now we'll have a ministerial level Working Group on gender equality which didn't exist before. And then thirdly, I would say climate action and just Green transitions. The green development pact actually within the New Delhi declaration is looking at a number of really important actions. So, for example, tripling renewable energy capacities across the G20. and embracing the ethos of the Prime Minister's lifestyles for environment as well, understanding that that household's individuals have an important role to play in terms of meeting the climate targets that we have. Sidhant Sibal: Sir, their new grouping, G20, is almost two decades old. They're just furious BRICS. Do you think the rise of these groupings essentially is because the UN is seen as dysfunctional? Or do you see that this could be another form of governance in a world which is rapidly changing? Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India: Well, I think you know, as the Secretary General has said, there's no doubt that the world we live in is increasingly multipolar if we can use that phrase. And within this, for example, India is an incredibly important pole. Now, the fact of multipolarity does not in and of itself, guarantee peace and security. We've seen what what's happened in history, for example, in the hands of the First and Second World Wars. So now more than ever, we need strong multilateralism and I think that you know, what we are seeing is a response to that need. And so what we need to do is to together come together, and this was really the strong support for the outcome documents in New York just last week, to invest in institutions that we have to support multilateralism, and that is the UN I would say, first and foremost, that's also G20, BRICS and all of these different platforms that can really be complementary as we seek to find peace and stability within a new multipolar world. Sidhant Sibal: We've already discussed India and the UN, but essentially, the role India played in the UN and what do we expect, if in terms of India, increasing its role in the UN? How do you foresee it if you can just talk about that? Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India: Well, India has been a founding member of the UN, has been really a strong supporter of the UN since the very beginning. Since even just before independence, the number of ways in which India plays an important role in the UN are both using the UN for important purposes and supporting the structure of the UN are numerous. I would mention just a few, for example, counterterrorism, India has been a very strong supporter of the UN's counterterrorism capacities. And in fact, the Secretary General Antonio Guterres when he came to office his very first priority was to create an office for counterterrorism. India was leading Of course, he was presiding over the Security Council, held a meeting of the Counter Terrorism Committee of the Security Council here in India, Mumbai and here in Delhi, led to the that New Delhi Declaration, which was significantly increasing the capacity of the UN system to combat new technologies in the fight against terrorism and financing these sorts of things. I would also mention that peacekeeping, you know, the UN has, right now, nearly 90,000 peacekeepers, active personnel in 12 different operations across the world. India has contributed more personnel, troops and civilians, to UN peacekeeping than any other country since the very beginning right now. There are about 6000 active personnel serving and India also has been really a trailblazer. In terms of women in peace and security. India provided the first all women police units in 1960 in Congo, provided the first women units in 2007 as well, kind of regular peacekeeping troops. And so, this is another area where India really has shown a lot of leadership. I can name many, many other areas in which India has been a leader. But we see India's role in supporting multilateralism and the United Nations is vitally critical, and we very much appreciate this leadership. Sidhant Sibal: Sir you mentioned counterterrorism, I would like to delve into it. India has been proposing the comprehensive convention on international terrorism, it was proposed in 1996 but it hasn't seen much support, the common definition of terrorism still eludes the world. Do you think that this is something that will take time or will there be a convergence we can see among the member countries? Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India: Well, it's really, it's not for me to predict. It's for the member states. So I would just say that what's very important is that while those processes are ongoing, that India is working with the United Nations and many different structures to strengthen the fight against terrorism and counterterrorism approach, as I've already mentioned, and doing so in a way that is now tackling issues like AI and cyber currencies, financing of terrorism, really modernising the response to the counterterrorism response. So, this is really an important element of the partnership between India and the UN. Sidhant Sibal: My last question, India's contribution you've already talked about, but do you think certain challenges as well, especially when it comes to the security and safety of UN peacekeepers, we saw a UN peacekeepers sacrificing their lives during the Indian UN peacekeepers, recently so on the safety and security, but do you have to say on that, if you can talk about that? Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India: Well, I think again, you know, we so greatly value the contributions that India has made towards international peace and security. In many different ways from the support to peacekeeping has been really one of the most flagships, let's say, initiatives. I actually had the opportunity just today to participate in a ceremony at the Center for UN peacekeeping, India's army runs to where India's training, women peacekeepers, both from India but from all of the ASEAN countries all the member states within the region, on how to bring more and more women into peacekeeping. Now this is vitally important, of course, just gender equality as a human right. But what we've seen the evidence is very clear that as women are brought to the negotiating table, the peace table and into the formula for implementing peace to peacekeeping that the results of peace efforts are much more effective and longer lasting, and also better able to adapt to the complexity of today's peacekeeping operations. So, I think that's just another example of India reaching out and supporting other countries with the higher purpose of international peace and security. Sidhant Sibal: Well thank you so much for speaking to WION and giving us perspective as to what happened at the general debate but also what we can expect when it comes to the UN's role in shaping the world of today. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India has the 'strongest candidacy' for reformed UNSC, says UN Resident Coordinator Sharp 

Apple Inc. is set to significantly increase its production capacity in India, with plans to expand its investment in the country to approximately $40 billion over the next four to five years.

Government sources, wishing to remain anonymous, disclosed this ambitious expansion strategy, noting that Apple had already crossed the $7 billion production milestone during the previous fiscal year.

According to the official, Apple's expansion in India is on course to extend beyond its current iPhone manufacturing operations. While iPhones have been manufactured in India, the company intends to begin the production of Airpods in the coming year. However, there are currently no immediate plans to manufacture iPads or laptops within India.

“They don't have any plans to participate in IT hardware PLI. They may come at a later stage but as of now their focus is to scale up existing production levels,” PTI quoted the official as saying.

Apple's commitment to India is evident in its recent product launches. On September 22, 2023, Apple introduced the highly anticipated iPhone 15 series, featuring the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which hit stores in India and various other countries simultaneously. Remarkably, Apple released the India-built iPhone 15 models on the same day they became available worldwide, underscoring India's importance in Apple's global production and distribution network.

Industry insiders cited by Business Today reported that the launch of the iPhone 15 series in India saw a remarkable 100 per cent growth in sales compared to the previous iPhone 14 series launch. Apple posted substantial financial figures for the fiscal year ending on September 25, 2022, with global iPhone sales reaching $191 billion and wearable, home, and accessories segment sales reaching $38.36 billion.

Market research firm Counterpoint Research also noted Apple's dominance in India's top smartphone market segment, which includes phones priced above Rs 45,000 ($541). Apple secured a 59 per cent market share in this category during the first quarter of 2023, confirming India's position as one of Apple's top five markets.

Apple's exponential growth in India's manufacturing and export landscape was highlighted by it surpassing Samsung as the leading exporter of smartphones from India. In the June quarter, Apple accounted for 49 per cent of the country's total smartphone shipments, compared to Samsung's 45 per cent, according to a report by the Economic Times. This highlights Apple’s rapid expansion and substantial investment in regional production and exports from India.

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Apple Inc. is set to significantly increase its production capacity in India, with plans to expand its investment in the country to approximately $40 billion over the next four to five years.

Apple Inc. is set to significantly increase its production capacity in India, with plans to expand its investment in the country to approximately $40 billion over the next four to five years. Government sources, wishing to remain anonymous, disclosed this ambitious expansion strategy, noting that Apple had already crossed the $7 billion production milestone during the previous fiscal year. According to the official, Apple's expansion in India is on course to extend beyond its current iPhone manufacturing operations. While iPhones have been manufactured in India, the company intends to begin the production of Airpods in the coming year. However, there are currently no immediate plans to manufacture iPads or laptops within India. “They don't have any plans to participate in IT hardware PLI. They may come at a later stage but as of now their focus is to scale up existing production levels,” PTI quoted the official as saying. Apple's commitment to India is evident in its recent product launches. On September 22, 2023, Apple introduced the highly anticipated iPhone 15 series, featuring the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which hit stores in India and various other countries simultaneously. Remarkably, Apple released the India-built iPhone 15 models on the same day they became available worldwide, underscoring India's importance in Apple's global production and distribution network. Industry insiders cited by Business Today reported that the launch of the iPhone 15 series in India saw a remarkable 100 per cent growth in sales compared to the previous iPhone 14 series launch. Apple posted substantial financial figures for the fiscal year ending on September 25, 2022, with global iPhone sales reaching $191 billion and wearable, home, and accessories segment sales reaching $38.36 billion. Market research firm Counterpoint Research also noted Apple's dominance in India's top smartphone market segment, which includes phones priced above Rs 45,000 ($541). Apple secured a 59 per cent market share in this category during the first quarter of 2023, confirming India's position as one of Apple's top five markets. Apple's exponential growth in India's manufacturing and export landscape was highlighted by it surpassing Samsung as the leading exporter of smartphones from India. In the June quarter, Apple accounted for 49 per cent of the country's total smartphone shipments, compared to Samsung's 45 per cent, according to a report by the Economic Times. This highlights Apple’s rapid expansion and substantial investment in regional production and exports from India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Apple aims to boost manufacturing and invest $40 billion in India: Report

As India commits its ambitious climate goals, a report by Climate Risk Horizons (CRH) has revealed that the country's banks are alarmingly ill-equipped to address climate change risks. While India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 at the Glasgow Climate Meet, its banking sector has been slow to incorporate climate risks into their policies.

The report, which assessed 34 top banks on various parameters related to climate risk management, found that most of them lack policies addressing fossil fuel use, emissions limits, and climate scenario analysis. CRH's survey highlighted that public sector banks are particularly vulnerable to large capital shortfalls due to adverse climate shocks.

CRH’s report noted, "Extreme weather events in 2022 claimed 3,026 lives and affected crop areas. Preparedness for climate risks means that they have to be measured and managed. And this is exactly where Indian banks are lagging."

India faced another year of climate-related disasters in 2023, with flooding and landslides in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh resulting in significant loss of life and property. The financial toll is estimated to be substantial, highlighting the urgent need for banks to address climate risks.

The report also emphasized the importance of joining international climate initiative associations, such as the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). These associations provide expertise and guidance on climate accounting and reporting.

GHG accounting, a critical aspect of addressing climate risks, involves measuring greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). It's crucial for financial institutions to measure and report their Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions) emissions. However, Scope 3 emissions, which encompass emissions from a company's value chain, remain challenging to measure but are vital for financial institutions to track.

According to CRH's data, only 10 out of the 34 banks have begun disclosing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with 8 of them also starting to disclose some Scope 3 emissions. Notably, none of the banks have calculated the impact of different climate scenarios on their portfolios. Furthermore, only 10 banks have disclosed the amount of green finance disbursed, and none have set comprehensive net-zero targets covering all three scope emissions.

CRH has urged Indian banks to take concrete steps towards aligning with India's climate goals. This includes increased lending for the country's energy transition targets, transparent disclosure of climate-related figures, and ensuring that fossil fuel-dependent industries they finance develop science-based transition plans. As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, India's banking sector faces mounting pressure to play a pivotal role in combating climate risks.

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As India commits its ambitious climate goals, a report by Climate Risk Horizons (CRH) has revealed that the country's banks are alarmingly ill-equipped to address climate change risks.

As India commits its ambitious climate goals, a report by Climate Risk Horizons (CRH) has revealed that the country's banks are alarmingly ill-equipped to address climate change risks. While India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 at the Glasgow Climate Meet, its banking sector has been slow to incorporate climate risks into their policies. The report, which assessed 34 top banks on various parameters related to climate risk management, found that most of them lack policies addressing fossil fuel use, emissions limits, and climate scenario analysis. CRH's survey highlighted that public sector banks are particularly vulnerable to large capital shortfalls due to adverse climate shocks. CRH’s report noted, "Extreme weather events in 2022 claimed 3,026 lives and affected crop areas. Preparedness for climate risks means that they have to be measured and managed. And this is exactly where Indian banks are lagging." India faced another year of climate-related disasters in 2023, with flooding and landslides in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh resulting in significant loss of life and property. The financial toll is estimated to be substantial, highlighting the urgent need for banks to address climate risks. The report also emphasized the importance of joining international climate initiative associations, such as the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). These associations provide expertise and guidance on climate accounting and reporting. GHG accounting, a critical aspect of addressing climate risks, involves measuring greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). It's crucial for financial institutions to measure and report their Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions) emissions. However, Scope 3 emissions, which encompass emissions from a company's value chain, remain challenging to measure but are vital for financial institutions to track. According to CRH's data, only 10 out of the 34 banks have begun disclosing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with 8 of them also starting to disclose some Scope 3 emissions. Notably, none of the banks have calculated the impact of different climate scenarios on their portfolios. Furthermore, only 10 banks have disclosed the amount of green finance disbursed, and none have set comprehensive net-zero targets covering all three scope emissions. CRH has urged Indian banks to take concrete steps towards aligning with India's climate goals. This includes increased lending for the country's energy transition targets, transparent disclosure of climate-related figures, and ensuring that fossil fuel-dependent industries they finance develop science-based transition plans. As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, India's banking sector faces mounting pressure to play a pivotal role in combating climate risks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian banks grapple with climate crisis amid ambitious climate goals: Report

Indian edtech firm, Byju's, is set to undergo a major restructuring effort, potentially resulting in the termination of 4,000 to 5,000 jobs. This significant workforce reduction, announced by the company's new India CEO, Arjun Mohan, reflects Byju's attempts to strengthen its operations amid ongoing financial challenges, Moneycontrol reported. &nbsp;

According to the report, the restructuring, impacting India-based employees of Think and Learn Pvt Ltd, which operates Byju's, will not include Aakash, another prominent firm owned by edtech giant. The decision to implement these job cuts encompasses various functions within the organisation, including sales and marketing, aiming to eliminate areas of significant overlap. &nbsp;

In a statement addressing this restructuring, a spokesperson for Byju's was quoted by Moneycontrol as saying, "We are in the final stages of a business restructuring exercise to simplify operating structures, reduce the cost base, and better cash flow management. Byju's new India CEO, Arjun Mohan, will be completing this process in the next few weeks and will steer a revamped and sustainable operation ahead."&nbsp;

This restructuring initiative comes at a critical juncture for Byju's, as the company grapples with a tightening liquidity situation. In response to imminent financial pressures, Byju's has taken various measures, including reducing office space, exploring the sale of subsidiaries, and seeking external funding.&nbsp;

As per reports, Byju's had previously sent a proposal to its lenders to repay its $1.2 billion disputed term loan B within the next six months. The proposal included an upfront payment of $300 million in the next three months. To fund these repayment plans, Byju's is contemplating the sale of two key assets, Great Learning and US-based Epic. &nbsp;

Moreover, the company has been actively pursuing fresh equity funding to bolster its financial position. Despite being one of the world's largest edtech firms with an approximate valuation of $22 billion, Byju's has faced challenges in securing new funding throughout this year.&nbsp;

In May, the company secured $250 million in structured instruments from Davidson Kempner. However, a significant portion of this amount, nearly $150 million, was held back by the US-based AMC due to a lack of progress in negotiations with Byju's lenders. Additionally, Byju's had a technical default on the Davidson Kempner loan, leading founder and CEO, Byju Raveendran to raise funds for its repayment to retain control of Aakash Educational Services. &nbsp;

Byju's is also exploring fundraising from one of its earliest backers, Ranjan Pai, for Aakash Educational Services, which could involve a partial buyout of Raveendran's stake.&nbsp;

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Indian edtech firm, Byju's, is set to undergo a major restructuring effort, potentially resulting in the termination of 4,000 to 5,000 jobs. This significant workforce reduction, announced by the company's new India CEO, Arjun Mohan, reflects Byju's attempts to strengthen its operations amid ongoing financial challenges, Moneycontrol reported.

Indian edtech firm, Byju's, is set to undergo a major restructuring effort, potentially resulting in the termination of 4,000 to 5,000 jobs. This significant workforce reduction, announced by the company's new India CEO, Arjun Mohan, reflects Byju's attempts to strengthen its operations amid ongoing financial challenges, Moneycontrol reported. According to the report, the restructuring, impacting India-based employees of Think and Learn Pvt Ltd, which operates Byju's, will not include Aakash, another prominent firm owned by edtech giant. The decision to implement these job cuts encompasses various functions within the organisation, including sales and marketing, aiming to eliminate areas of significant overlap. In a statement addressing this restructuring, a spokesperson for Byju's was quoted by Moneycontrol as saying, "We are in the final stages of a business restructuring exercise to simplify operating structures, reduce the cost base, and better cash flow management. Byju's new India CEO, Arjun Mohan, will be completing this process in the next few weeks and will steer a revamped and sustainable operation ahead." This restructuring initiative comes at a critical juncture for Byju's, as the company grapples with a tightening liquidity situation. In response to imminent financial pressures, Byju's has taken various measures, including reducing office space, exploring the sale of subsidiaries, and seeking external funding. As per reports, Byju's had previously sent a proposal to its lenders to repay its $1.2 billion disputed term loan B within the next six months. The proposal included an upfront payment of $300 million in the next three months. To fund these repayment plans, Byju's is contemplating the sale of two key assets, Great Learning and US-based Epic. Moreover, the company has been actively pursuing fresh equity funding to bolster its financial position. Despite being one of the world's largest edtech firms with an approximate valuation of $22 billion, Byju's has faced challenges in securing new funding throughout this year. In May, the company secured $250 million in structured instruments from Davidson Kempner. However, a significant portion of this amount, nearly $150 million, was held back by the US-based AMC due to a lack of progress in negotiations with Byju's lenders. Additionally, Byju's had a technical default on the Davidson Kempner loan, leading founder and CEO, Byju Raveendran to raise funds for its repayment to retain control of Aakash Educational Services. Byju's is also exploring fundraising from one of its earliest backers, Ranjan Pai, for Aakash Educational Services, which could involve a partial buyout of Raveendran's stake. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian edtech firm Byju's announces major restructuring, plans to cut thousands of jobs 

India-Canada tensions are going to continue but what effect is that going to have with the rest of the West and specifically with the United States

Canada accuses India of killing Khalistani terrorist Nijjar

Recent developments in the Nijjar killing have strained relationships between India and Canada and are forcing the Western countries to tread carefully. They must avoid alienating India, a rising power, while not abandoning Canada, a NATO member. In this week’s special episode of The India Story Vikram Chandra decodes the escalating diplomatic crisis between India and Canada what effect will this spat have on the rest of the world, particularly the West?

More on the India-Canada diplomatic row

From Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain, a shocking video has emerged showing a 15-year-old girl, bleeding and half naked, walking door to door for help after being sexually assaulted. The police have detained 5 for interrogation and an investigation is on.

Gravitas | Ujjain Horror: 15-year-old assault survivor's harrowing ordeal in Madhya Pradesh

Manipur is in the grip of unrest once again. The violence erupted after the alleged death of 2 missing students. The authorities have vowed to punish the perpetrators. Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas | Manipur: Violence erupts after 'death' of 2 missing students

There has been another suicide in India's coaching district of Kota. Why are students taking their own lives? How do we suicide-proof the education system?

Gravitas | Kota factory of suicides: what's happening in India’s coaching district

24 hours after the Pak Cricket Team landed in India, the PCB chief is being slammed for spewing hate against India. A viral video shows him calling India an 'enemy country'. Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: PCB chief calls India 'enemy country'

The boys of Fukrey and the notorious Bholi Punjaban have reunited in Fukrey 3. Find out all about the film as Varun Sharma, Pulkit Samrat, Manjot Singh and Richa Chadha spill the beans in this exclusive chat with WION's Samarpita Das.

Richa Chadha, Pulkit Samrat, Manjot Singh, and Varun Sharma on 'Fukrey 3'

Amid the ongoing bitterness between India and Canada over claims made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, hackers calling themselves the Indian Cyber Force have claimed to have targeted&nbsp;the Canadian Armed Forces' official website.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The group, which does not have any formal links to New Delhi, claimed on messaging app Telegram that it had taken down the&nbsp;www.forces.ca website. One of the messages shared showed a screenshot of an error page with the message "#f*** Canada".&nbsp;

The cyberattack, according to experts, is believed to be a&nbsp;“distributed denial of service” (DDoS) assault aimed at sending a message to the Canadian government.&nbsp;

DDoS attacks are typically short-lived, lasting hours or days at most.

Most hacking groups, masquerading as internet activists, use&nbsp;DDoS attacks as a method to draw attention to themselves rather than a serious effort to cause damage.

Daniel Le Bouthillier, head of media relations at the Department of National Defence told Canadian media that the 'disruption' started around noon on Wednesday (Sep 27) before "it was rectified" later in the day.&nbsp;

Bouthillier didn't provide further details but added,&nbsp;“We have no indication of broader impacts to our systems."

The Canadian Forces – which represent all military operations for Canada, including the navy, special command groups, air, and space operations – are investigating the issue.&nbsp;

Notably, a week prior to the&nbsp;alleged hacking attempt, the group had posted a message, hinting at the cyber job.

“Get ready to feel the power of IndianCyberForce attacks will be launching on Canada cyber space… it’s for the mess your started," read the message.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-another-khalistani-terrorist-shot-dead-in-canada-why-is-pm-trudeau-mute-now-638371">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Another Khalistani Terrorist shot dead in Canada | Why is PM Trudeau mute now?</a>

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<h2>Diplomatic tussle between Ottawa and New Delhi</h2>

The diplomatic tussle between India and Canada started after Trudeau addressed an emergency parliament session wherein he claimed his government had "credible allegations" that Indian government "agents" had undertaken the murder assignment of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.&nbsp;

Nijjar&nbsp;was shot&nbsp;dead on June 18 by two unidentified men in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada. According to Indian security agencies, he was involved in the Khalistan separatist movement and had gained Canadian citizenship despite forging his identity.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-raised-canadas-claims-of-sikh-separatist-leaders-death-with-modi-at-g20-ft-report-638391">Also read |&nbsp;Nijjar death: Biden, Modi discussed Canada murder row; no 'special exemption,' says US NSA</a>

Since then, the two countries have been going back and forth on the issue with New Delhi keeping Ottawa at arm's length and giving swift diplomatic checks, every once in a while.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid the ongoing bitterness between India and Canada over claims made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, hackers calling themselves the Indian Cyber Force have claimed to have targeted the Canadian Armed Forces' official website.

Amid the ongoing bitterness between India and Canada over claims made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, hackers calling themselves the Indian Cyber Force have claimed to have targeted the Canadian Armed Forces' official website. The group, which does not have any formal links to New Delhi, claimed on messaging app Telegram that it had taken down the www.forces.ca website. One of the messages shared showed a screenshot of an error page with the message "#f*** Canada". The cyberattack, according to experts, is believed to be a “distributed denial of service” (DDoS) assault aimed at sending a message to the Canadian government. DDoS attacks are typically short-lived, lasting hours or days at most. Most hacking groups, masquerading as internet activists, use DDoS attacks as a method to draw attention to themselves rather than a serious effort to cause damage. Daniel Le Bouthillier, head of media relations at the Department of National Defence told Canadian media that the 'disruption' started around noon on Wednesday (Sep 27) before "it was rectified" later in the day. Bouthillier didn't provide further details but added, “We have no indication of broader impacts to our systems." The Canadian Forces – which represent all military operations for Canada, including the navy, special command groups, air, and space operations – are investigating the issue. Notably, a week prior to the alleged hacking attempt, the group had posted a message, hinting at the cyber job. “Get ready to feel the power of IndianCyberForce attacks will be launching on Canada cyber space… it’s for the mess your started," read the message. Watch | Gravitas: Another Khalistani Terrorist shot dead in Canada | Why is PM Trudeau mute now? × Diplomatic tussle between Ottawa and New Delhi The diplomatic tussle between India and Canada started after Trudeau addressed an emergency parliament session wherein he claimed his government had "credible allegations" that Indian government "agents" had undertaken the murder assignment of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was shot dead on June 18 by two unidentified men in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada. According to Indian security agencies, he was involved in the Khalistan separatist movement and had gained Canadian citizenship despite forging his identity. Also read | Nijjar death: Biden, Modi discussed Canada murder row; no 'special exemption,' says US NSA Since then, the two countries have been going back and forth on the issue with New Delhi keeping Ottawa at arm's length and giving swift diplomatic checks, every once in a while. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hackers claiming allegiance to India target Canadian military website

The latest edition of the global innovation index has placed Asia's third-largest economy at the 40th position. India's ranking in the index has been improving over the past decade, rising from 81st in 2015 to 40th in 2023.

Decoding India's rise in global innovation index

Watch the journey of Sumit Gupta & Neeraj Khandelwal, visionary entrepreneurs who built India's most valued crypto company, COIN DCX. This online platform has simplified the trading and investing of digital assets, allowing more people to participate. Since its inception, COIN DCX has enabled countless users by providing a user-friendly interface, a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, and extensive educational materials related to the blockchain technology on which cryptocurrencies are based. Joins us as Jasper Reid talks to the founders to decode how COIN DCX is a transparent and secure cryptocurrency exchange at India's forefront of blockchain technology and inspires trust in the digital financial system.

Watch the journey of Sumit Gupta & Neeraj Khandelwal building COIN DCX

The US Mission in India on Thursday surpassed its goal of processing one million non-immigrant visa applications this year. Watch the video to know more.

US mission in India breaks record, processes 1 million visa applications

Khalistani separatism, an ideology which failed in India grew into a terror network overseas as it was politically condoned. India threw a long rope to these self-styled goons and their politically condoned crimes against the Indian diaspora overseas, but after repeated attacks on Indian consulates, diplomats and the Hindu diaspora overseas, India will not take it anymore. India has decided to crack down. Khalistani terrorists are now facing the wrath of Indian authorities. Shivan Chanana explains India’s game plan to eliminate Khalistani terrorists in this episode.

Khalistani terrorism: India is ready to fight terrorist - gangster nexus

Amid the ongoing feud between India and Canada, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington. Jaishankar arrived in Washington from New York after addressing the 78th UNGA.

S Jaishankar meets Antony Blinken: US to urge India to cooperate in Canada's probe | WION

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