India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant has hailed the recently concluded G20 Summit as "one of the greatest diplomatic victories for India" which saw a resounding display of multilateral cooperation.

The summit on September 9-10 is viewed as a significant victory for inclusiveness and global development, with multiple outcomes spanning climate initiatives to cryptocurrency discussions.

Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kant revealed the extensive efforts that went into Ukraine paras in the G20 Joint statement, the New Delhi Declaration.

"We must have spent about close over 200 hours, just on Russia, Ukraine, having over about close to 300 Odd bilateral meetings, many 15-16 drafts of it, but we managed to bring everybody together,” he said.

Kant highlighted the collaborative efforts of India, Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia, with strong support from Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Turkey, which ultimately led to China's endorsement.

This united front symbolised a victory for multilateralism, Kant said.

WION: How significant was the moment of India hosting the summit and giving direction to many issues that the world is grappling with?

Amitabh Kant: I think it's a very, very important and a very key moment in India's history. I think what India has demonstrated is its great ability to bring the developed world, the emerging markets, Russia or China, all together and arrive at a consensus on all developmental issues and all geopolitical issues. So, all 83 paras, no footnote, no chair summary, no brackets, full consensus, only India could have done it. No other country and India has done it because it has a leader of the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Because of his standing and his stature, we could really take it forward vigorously.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: How was India able to bring the consensus? 

Amitabh Kant: So, by the time we got into the final round of Sherpa Negotiations on September 3 we still had many challenges. You know, we had a challenge of climate. We had a challenge on energy. We had several challenges on the finance track, some footnotes&nbsp;were there.&nbsp;But I think the&nbsp;real key challenge was the geopolitical issue. So, we sorted it out one by one, we sorted out climate, we sorted out energy. Then we had a joint meeting with finance. We sorted out all the issues. But on September 4, morning, we started discussing the geopolitical issue.

We started on a clean slate, by spelling out the principles and laying them down clearly. And then getting everybody else to give their principles, and we drafted several drafts, and then on that para itself,&nbsp;we must have spent about close over 200 hours, just that one para, on Russia, Ukraine. We spent about, I mean, that's written as 8 paras, with Prime Minister's "today's era is not an era of war", as the last para, as one line para. But we must have spent over 200 hours, non-stop 24 into seven, without sleeping just discussing that para. Having over about close to 300 odd bilateral meetings, many 15-16 drafts of it, but we managed to bring everybody together.

We managed to bring the right balance between all countries, the developed and the emerging markets.&nbsp;We worked with Brazil, we worked with South Africa, we worked with Indonesia all together on this and we finally managed to&nbsp;just say that this is it. This is the best paragraph.&nbsp;This is the best draft we can possibly bring it, which brings the best balance amongst all countries. It's strong, you know some people are saying it's a dilution on Bali. I do not agree, it's a very strong para, big because it recalls Bali, It brings in the national positions.&nbsp;It reiterates the UN resolutions on this issue and then clearly says that there will be no territorial acquisition. It brings out the UN principles on territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence, all of which, are very strong. So it's a very strong para.

 
WION: What was the role played by developing countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, and others?

Amitabh Kant: Very important, very critical, because India worked with Brazil and South Africa. We later brought in Indonesia, and all four of us worked together, but we were fully backed by Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina and Turkey, all so about eight countries. This led to China supporting this, because once they realised that there were eight countries working together, China also supported it.&nbsp;And we knew all the red lines of all the G7 countries, &nbsp;we worked with them as well.

We convince them that this is the best thing. It's a win-win for everyone. G7 has won, Russia has won in this, emerging markets have won, one everyone has won this, and we've brought multilateralism to the centre stage, we bought. We brought development centre stage;&nbsp;we said that the priorities of the emerging markets in developing countries are really about development and growth. We brought that centre stage.

&nbsp;

WION: The statement saw no condemnation of Russia, and many saw it as the West taking a step back

Amitabh Kant: But it has a very strong language. Let me tell you, this is a mistaken notion, where did Bali say that there will be no territorial acquisition? Did the Bali language say that there will be territorial integrity? Did the Bali language talk about sovereignty or political independence? No. We brought all these principles back in this. We recall Bali here. We reiterate our national possessions and yet we say this. This was never there in Bali. It's a far stronger statement than Bali.

&nbsp;

WION: Did China, at any point, try to sabotage the conversation?

Amitabh Kant: Once the emerging markets were together, China worked with us. And let me tell you very clearly, China is a multilateral player, it may have bilateral issues, but it is a multilateral player on a multilateral forum. It worked together with us, even though they had many issues with us. They had many, many issues, but later we worked together. Once they realised that we were working for the good of G20, for the good of emerging markets, they supported us on all issues. They supported us on women's development, on LiFE, on ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, and they supported us on all growth and development.

&nbsp;

WION: How did Prime Minister Modi’s intervention help? He also came here at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan and met everyone

Amitabh Kant: As you know, the prime minister has been the key factor. This is the prime minister's G20, he is the leader, and his stature and standing are key. I am only his Sherpa. I could not have succeeded without the strength of the prime minister. And therefore, all credit goes to him because he led from the front. I believe that I could take a strong courageous stand because my prime minister is strong. And therefore, I could fall back on him whenever required.

&nbsp;

WION: How will history remember India and the G20 Summit under its presidency? How pivotal was it?

Amitabh Kant: So, I think the history will remember it as one of the greatest diplomatic victories for India. It's a vote for multilateralism. It's a vote for development. It's a vote for growth. It's a vote for women-led development. It's a vote for human-centric growth. It's a vote for inclusiveness. It's a vote for bringing development to the centre stage. And it's really a vote for India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

&nbsp;

WION: Now we are part of the troika. Our presidency gets over in November, as part of the troika, how will we help spread the gains made here in Delhi to the other presidencies?

Amitabh Kant: The Prime Minister wants a virtual session. Therefore, we have to start working on actually moving forward with the implementation from our side. Many key areas where we need to push on with other countries, as well as within our ministries. So, we started work on that already. The prime minister has given us some tasks, and we'll have to prepare for that and then for the virtual summit. He wants to push.

But let me just conclude by saying that I've got all the support. The prime minister has led from the front and gave us strength because he had his vision. We could fulfill his vision. And because of a strong leadership, we believed, we could do this. I've also got a lot of support, a lot of wisdom, a lot of guidance from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He's been a big source of constant support and motivation for us. And he's provided us with a lot of guidance throughout.

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India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant has hailed the recently concluded G20 Summit as "one of the greatest diplomatic victories for India" which saw a resounding display of multilateral cooperation.

India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant has hailed the recently concluded G20 Summit as "one of the greatest diplomatic victories for India" which saw a resounding display of multilateral cooperation. The summit on September 9-10 is viewed as a significant victory for inclusiveness and global development, with multiple outcomes spanning climate initiatives to cryptocurrency discussions. Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kant revealed the extensive efforts that went into Ukraine paras in the G20 Joint statement, the New Delhi Declaration. "We must have spent about close over 200 hours, just on Russia, Ukraine, having over about close to 300 Odd bilateral meetings, many 15-16 drafts of it, but we managed to bring everybody together,” he said. Kant highlighted the collaborative efforts of India, Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia, with strong support from Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Turkey, which ultimately led to China's endorsement. This united front symbolised a victory for multilateralism, Kant said. WION: How significant was the moment of India hosting the summit and giving direction to many issues that the world is grappling with? Amitabh Kant: I think it's a very, very important and a very key moment in India's history. I think what India has demonstrated is its great ability to bring the developed world, the emerging markets, Russia or China, all together and arrive at a consensus on all developmental issues and all geopolitical issues. So, all 83 paras, no footnote, no chair summary, no brackets, full consensus, only India could have done it. No other country and India has done it because it has a leader of the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Because of his standing and his stature, we could really take it forward vigorously. WION: How was India able to bring the consensus? Amitabh Kant: So, by the time we got into the final round of Sherpa Negotiations on September 3 we still had many challenges. You know, we had a challenge of climate. We had a challenge on energy. We had several challenges on the finance track, some footnotes were there. But I think the real key challenge was the geopolitical issue. So, we sorted it out one by one, we sorted out climate, we sorted out energy. Then we had a joint meeting with finance. We sorted out all the issues. But on September 4, morning, we started discussing the geopolitical issue. We started on a clean slate, by spelling out the principles and laying them down clearly. And then getting everybody else to give their principles, and we drafted several drafts, and then on that para itself, we must have spent about close over 200 hours, just that one para, on Russia, Ukraine. We spent about, I mean, that's written as 8 paras, with Prime Minister's "today's era is not an era of war", as the last para, as one line para. But we must have spent over 200 hours, non-stop 24 into seven, without sleeping just discussing that para. Having over about close to 300 odd bilateral meetings, many 15-16 drafts of it, but we managed to bring everybody together. We managed to bring the right balance between all countries, the developed and the emerging markets. We worked with Brazil, we worked with South Africa, we worked with Indonesia all together on this and we finally managed to just say that this is it. This is the best paragraph. This is the best draft we can possibly bring it, which brings the best balance amongst all countries. It's strong, you know some people are saying it's a dilution on Bali. I do not agree, it's a very strong para, big because it recalls Bali, It brings in the national positions. It reiterates the UN resolutions on this issue and then clearly says that there will be no territorial acquisition. It brings out the UN principles on territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence, all of which, are very strong. So it's a very strong para. WION: What was the role played by developing countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, and others? Amitabh Kant: Very important, very critical, because India worked with Brazil and South Africa. We later brought in Indonesia, and all four of us worked together, but we were fully backed by Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina and Turkey, all so about eight countries. This led to China supporting this, because once they realised that there were eight countries working together, China also supported it. And we knew all the red lines of all the G7 countries, we worked with them as well. We convince them that this is the best thing. It's a win-win for everyone. G7 has won, Russia has won in this, emerging markets have won, one everyone has won this, and we've brought multilateralism to the centre stage, we bought. We brought development centre stage; we said that the priorities of the emerging markets in developing countries are really about development and growth. We brought that centre stage. WION: The statement saw no condemnation of Russia, and many saw it as the West taking a step back Amitabh Kant: But it has a very strong language. Let me tell you, this is a mistaken notion, where did Bali say that there will be no territorial acquisition? Did the Bali language say that there will be territorial integrity? Did the Bali language talk about sovereignty or political independence? No. We brought all these principles back in this. We recall Bali here. We reiterate our national possessions and yet we say this. This was never there in Bali. It's a far stronger statement than Bali. WION: Did China, at any point, try to sabotage the conversation? Amitabh Kant: Once the emerging markets were together, China worked with us. And let me tell you very clearly, China is a multilateral player, it may have bilateral issues, but it is a multilateral player on a multilateral forum. It worked together with us, even though they had many issues with us. They had many, many issues, but later we worked together. Once they realised that we were working for the good of G20, for the good of emerging markets, they supported us on all issues. They supported us on women's development, on LiFE, on ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, and they supported us on all growth and development. WION: How did Prime Minister Modi’s intervention help? He also came here at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan and met everyone Amitabh Kant: As you know, the prime minister has been the key factor. This is the prime minister's G20, he is the leader, and his stature and standing are key. I am only his Sherpa. I could not have succeeded without the strength of the prime minister. And therefore, all credit goes to him because he led from the front. I believe that I could take a strong courageous stand because my prime minister is strong. And therefore, I could fall back on him whenever required. WION: How will history remember India and the G20 Summit under its presidency? How pivotal was it? Amitabh Kant: So, I think the history will remember it as one of the greatest diplomatic victories for India. It's a vote for multilateralism. It's a vote for development. It's a vote for growth. It's a vote for women-led development. It's a vote for human-centric growth. It's a vote for inclusiveness. It's a vote for bringing development to the centre stage. And it's really a vote for India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. WION: Now we are part of the troika. Our presidency gets over in November, as part of the troika, how will we help spread the gains made here in Delhi to the other presidencies? Amitabh Kant: The Prime Minister wants a virtual session. Therefore, we have to start working on actually moving forward with the implementation from our side. Many key areas where we need to push on with other countries, as well as within our ministries. So, we started work on that already. The prime minister has given us some tasks, and we'll have to prepare for that and then for the virtual summit. He wants to push. But let me just conclude by saying that I've got all the support. The prime minister has led from the front and gave us strength because he had his vision. We could fulfill his vision. And because of a strong leadership, we believed, we could do this. I've also got a lot of support, a lot of wisdom, a lot of guidance from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He's been a big source of constant support and motivation for us. And he's provided us with a lot of guidance throughout. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

200 hours dedicated on G20 Ukraine paras, emerging markets played key role: India's Sherpa Amitabh Kant

On the inaugural day of the G20 Summit on Saturday (September 9), Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, a pivotal development during India's G20 presidency, particularly amidst divergent perspectives on the Ukraine conflict.

“Due to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration. My proposal is to adopt this leadership declaration. I announce to adopt this declaration,” PM Modi said.

Read the full text of the Delhi Declaration here:

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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delhi-g20-modi-biden-mbs-launch-inter-continent-economic-corridor-to-outfox-chinas-bri-634176">G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal'</a>

Amitabh Kant, India's G20 sherpa, emphasised that the New Delhi Declaration centres&nbsp;around robust and enduring economic growth, expediting advancements related to sustainable development objectives, a commitment to eco-friendly development initiatives, and the revitalisation of multilateral cooperation.&nbsp;

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On the inaugural day of the G20 Summit on Saturday (September 9), Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, a pivotal development during India's G20 presidency, particularly amidst divergent perspectives on the Ukraine conflict.

On the inaugural day of the G20 Summit on Saturday (September 9), Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, a pivotal development during India's G20 presidency, particularly amidst divergent perspectives on the Ukraine conflict. “Due to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration. My proposal is to adopt this leadership declaration. I announce to adopt this declaration,” PM Modi said. Read the full text of the Delhi Declaration here: × Also read | G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal' Amitabh Kant, India's G20 sherpa, emphasised that the New Delhi Declaration centres around robust and enduring economic growth, expediting advancements related to sustainable development objectives, a commitment to eco-friendly development initiatives, and the revitalisation of multilateral cooperation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

G20 Summit: New Delhi Declaration adopted, read the full text here

The G20 Summit in New Delhi witnessed a remarkable achievement as consensus was reached on language used in the declaration regarding the Ukraine conflict, culminating in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. This monumental success followed grueling negotiations, extensive bilateral meetings, and multiple draft revisions. G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, who led the charge, commended the tireless efforts of two members of his team, Nag Naidu and Eenam Gambhir.

The most challenging aspect of the entire G20 Summit revolved around establishing consensus on the geopolitical quagmire of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This Herculean task required an astonishing 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, involving 300 bilateral meetings and the refinement of 15 draft documents.

Amitabh Kant, sharing his perspective on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledged the immense complexity of this task.

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The most complex part of the entire <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This was done over 200 hours of non -stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings, 15 drafts. In this, I was greatly assisted by two brilliant officers - <a href="https://twitter.com/NagNaidu08?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NagNaidu08</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/eenamg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eenamg</a> <a href="https://t.co/l8bOEFPP37">pic.twitter.com/l8bOEFPP37</a>
— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitabhk87/status/1700692724910080350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>India's victory&nbsp;in the face of adversity</h2>

The G20's adoption of the New Delhi Declaration stands as a monumental victory for India. This achievement was especially noteworthy considering the backdrop of formidable challenges stemming from the Ukraine conflict and discord over addressing climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-new-delhi-declaration-adopted-read-the-full-text-here-634331">G20 Summit: New Delhi Declaration adopted, read the full text here</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement following the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration reflected the significance of this accomplishment. He lauded the unwavering dedication of the team that facilitated the consensus, emphasising the inclusive, decisive, and action-oriented nature of India's presidency.

<h2>The New Delhi declaration</h2>

Amitabh Kant, in a press briefing, highlighted the essence of India's presidency and the New Delhi Declaration. With a total of 83 clauses, all 83 achieved unanimous consensus among participating nations.

Notably, there were eight clauses addressing geopolitical issues under the theme of "Planet, People, Peace, and Prosperity," and each of these received unanimous support.

A remarkable aspect of the New Delhi Declaration was its unanimous endorsement by all participating countries. This consensus was achieved without a single footnote or Chair's Summary, making it a comprehensive and unequivocal statement supported by 100 per cent unanimity.

Watch |&nbsp;Inside Visuals of UK PM Rishi Sunak visiting Akshardham Temple

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Amitabh Kant and his team received widespread praise for their exceptional work in building consensus on contentious issues like the Ukraine conflict. One notable voice of commendation came from senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Shashi Tharoor. He acknowledged Kant's diplomatic prowess and celebrated India's proud moment at the G20.

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The G20 Summit in New Delhi witnessed a remarkable achievement as consensus was reached on language used in the declaration regarding the Ukraine conflict, culminating in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration.

The G20 Summit in New Delhi witnessed a remarkable achievement as consensus was reached on language used in the declaration regarding the Ukraine conflict, culminating in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. This monumental success followed grueling negotiations, extensive bilateral meetings, and multiple draft revisions. G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, who led the charge, commended the tireless efforts of two members of his team, Nag Naidu and Eenam Gambhir. The most challenging aspect of the entire G20 Summit revolved around establishing consensus on the geopolitical quagmire of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This Herculean task required an astonishing 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, involving 300 bilateral meetings and the refinement of 15 draft documents. Amitabh Kant, sharing his perspective on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledged the immense complexity of this task. The most complex part of the entire #G20 was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This was done over 200 hours of non -stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings, 15 drafts. In this, I was greatly assisted by two brilliant officers - @NagNaidu08 & @eenamg pic.twitter.com/l8bOEFPP37 — Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) September 10, 2023 × India's victory in the face of adversity The G20's adoption of the New Delhi Declaration stands as a monumental victory for India. This achievement was especially noteworthy considering the backdrop of formidable challenges stemming from the Ukraine conflict and discord over addressing climate change. Also read | G20 Summit: New Delhi Declaration adopted, read the full text here Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement following the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration reflected the significance of this accomplishment. He lauded the unwavering dedication of the team that facilitated the consensus, emphasising the inclusive, decisive, and action-oriented nature of India's presidency. The New Delhi declaration Amitabh Kant, in a press briefing, highlighted the essence of India's presidency and the New Delhi Declaration. With a total of 83 clauses, all 83 achieved unanimous consensus among participating nations. Notably, there were eight clauses addressing geopolitical issues under the theme of "Planet, People, Peace, and Prosperity," and each of these received unanimous support. A remarkable aspect of the New Delhi Declaration was its unanimous endorsement by all participating countries. This consensus was achieved without a single footnote or Chair's Summary, making it a comprehensive and unequivocal statement supported by 100 per cent unanimity. Watch | Inside Visuals of UK PM Rishi Sunak visiting Akshardham Temple Amitabh Kant and his team received widespread praise for their exceptional work in building consensus on contentious issues like the Ukraine conflict. One notable voice of commendation came from senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Shashi Tharoor. He acknowledged Kant's diplomatic prowess and celebrated India's proud moment at the G20. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

G20 sherpa's herculean effort: 200 hours, 300 meetings culminate in Delhi consensus

India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that&nbsp;gender equality between women and men must be brought in 15 years.&nbsp;"A study by the World Economic Forum says that it would take 132 years to bring in gender equality between women and men. But we can't wait for 132 years, it has to be done in 15 years and radical changes are required for the same," Kant told WION.

He was delivering a special address at the Women20 Summit, an official engagement group of the G20 summit. The W20 came into being owing to years of advocacy by women's rights organisations and their demands for a forum to voice women's issues, opinions, and empowerment. The ongoing edition of the W20 is being held at the UNESCO World Heritage Town Mamallapuram, near Chennai.

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Pointing out the means to achieve equality between women and men, he said that huge empowering opportunities would be required in the fields of education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. He said that this would create a world where women can thrive and contribute to their fullest.&nbsp;

"Of the millions houses built by the Indian Government, more than 80 per cent are built in the name of women and some are jointly owned by their spouses, 100mn LPG connections were provided, thus making clean cooking fuel accessible to the underprivileged, 100mn toilets have been constructed, 43 per cent of those pursuing Science Technology Engineering Arts &amp;Math (STEAM) Courses are women in India," he said, highlighting some of the G20 host nation's contributions in empowering women.&nbsp;

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Emphasising the importance of women leaders, he said "Unless you put women in positions of power, the goal of achieving gender equality will take another 132yrs" (alluding to the WEF study).

There is a need to do a pole-vaulting, there is a need for a change of mind and men must realise that women must lead the world, he added.&nbsp;

Addressing the gathering of women delegates and officials, Smriti Irani, India's Union Minister for Women and Child Development quoted a 2018 UN report and said that 80 per cent of those displaced due to climate change were women. Climate change exposes women and children to health risks and leads to disease or limited access to services.

Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report 

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She added that the care economy services segment will create a lot of opportunities for women and estimated it as 300 million jobs.&nbsp;

The care economy involves activities that people perform daily, often in homes, including chores or taking care of other persons, such as infants or the elderly. These chores, such as cleaning up a house or shopping for groceries, are typically not paid, and even fewer are considered productive.

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India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that gender equality between women and men must be brought in 15 years. "A study by the World Economic Forum says that it would take 132 years to bring in gender equality between women and men.

India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that gender equality between women and men must be brought in 15 years. "A study by the World Economic Forum says that it would take 132 years to bring in gender equality between women and men. But we can't wait for 132 years, it has to be done in 15 years and radical changes are required for the same," Kant told WION. He was delivering a special address at the Women20 Summit, an official engagement group of the G20 summit. The W20 came into being owing to years of advocacy by women's rights organisations and their demands for a forum to voice women's issues, opinions, and empowerment. The ongoing edition of the W20 is being held at the UNESCO World Heritage Town Mamallapuram, near Chennai. Also Read | Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for stealing, selling human remains Pointing out the means to achieve equality between women and men, he said that huge empowering opportunities would be required in the fields of education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. He said that this would create a world where women can thrive and contribute to their fullest. "Of the millions houses built by the Indian Government, more than 80 per cent are built in the name of women and some are jointly owned by their spouses, 100mn LPG connections were provided, thus making clean cooking fuel accessible to the underprivileged, 100mn toilets have been constructed, 43 per cent of those pursuing Science Technology Engineering Arts &Math (STEAM) Courses are women in India," he said, highlighting some of the G20 host nation's contributions in empowering women. Also Read | New Zealand's biggest meth bust with drug hidden in maple syrup bottles, six arrested Emphasising the importance of women leaders, he said "Unless you put women in positions of power, the goal of achieving gender equality will take another 132yrs" (alluding to the WEF study). There is a need to do a pole-vaulting, there is a need for a change of mind and men must realise that women must lead the world, he added. Addressing the gathering of women delegates and officials, Smriti Irani, India's Union Minister for Women and Child Development quoted a 2018 UN report and said that 80 per cent of those displaced due to climate change were women. Climate change exposes women and children to health risks and leads to disease or limited access to services. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report × She added that the care economy services segment will create a lot of opportunities for women and estimated it as 300 million jobs. The care economy involves activities that people perform daily, often in homes, including chores or taking care of other persons, such as infants or the elderly. These chores, such as cleaning up a house or shopping for groceries, are typically not paid, and even fewer are considered productive. 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. ×

Must bring in gender parity in 15 years: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant to WION

India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant has said New Delhi's "objective is to bring everybody together" and find a "common ground" amid the West versus Russia divide and Moscow and Beijing not agreeing on certain paras of the Bali declaration.

India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant has said New Delhi's "objective is to bring everybody together" and find a "common ground" amid the West versus Russia divide and Moscow and Beijing not agreeing on certain paras of the Bali declaration. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kant explained, "Irrespective of war in Europe our focus has been on issues of economics, on issues of development, on issues of financial progress, and these are issues of G20. G20 is not a political forum." The Indian Sherpa or the person who leads the discussion at the grouping expressed his satisfaction with the "constructive" discussions at the second G20 Sherpa meeting in Kerala. Pointing to India's priorities, he highlighted that New Delhi will focus on "inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth". India is the current chair of the grouping that includes 20 of the largest economies of the world and got its current summit-level structure after the 2008 financial crisis. Talking about the G20 meeting, Kant said it was extremely positive and constructive. "All G20 countries want India to be ambitious, to be decisive, to be action-oriented, much like what the Prime Minister has put the task on us, and therefore, we were very ambitious in this meeting. We discussed all the meetings of the working groups, all 13 working groups we've also discussed how to take the G 20 forward. We've discussed the way forward, and we've discussed all the challenges before us. And let me also say that we are working towards a very, very positive framework. We are working towards this communique where we will look at issues of very inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth," he added. Amid the West, versus Russia divide and Russia and China not agreeing on certain paras of the Bali declaration, Kant said the objective is to bring everyone together and that G20 belongs to everyone. "Our objective will be to bring everybody together like we played a key role in Bali as well. And that is what we keep attempting. There may be differences now, but I'm quite sure we'll be able to rally everyone together in the end," India's G20 Sherpa said. On being asked what role India is playing as a country that can bridge the divide between Russia and the West, Kant Amitabh Kant said "In G20 our task is cut out, that irrespective of war in Europe our focus has been on issues of economics, on issues of development, on issues of financial progress." He pointed out that G20 is not a political forum. "So in Bali, we use the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) language and worked it out. And paras three and four are reflective of what had been discussed in the UNGA. But the focus through the communique was only on development, only on growth, only on progress. And therefore, my view is that this forum should remain focused on that. But as the G7 said there that the issues of war are having an impact on food, fuel, and fertiliser and therefore it is having an impact on the economy. But we use the UNGA language and paras three and four to find a common ground and we will continue to do that," Kant further added. Also being asked if he thinks that ultimately there will be an agreement on contentious issues and paragraphs three and four, Kant said "So our attempt will be to, this crisis is not our making." "We want to solve the problems of the world. The Prime Minister is very clear. He said that we like India to play a key role on be very action-oriented, inclusive, decisive, and ambitious. We will continue to do that. The war in Europe is not our crisis. Our challenge is to look after issues of poverty, slow growth, global debt, looking at issues of climate action, and issues of sustainable development goals." Kant highlighted that the war in Europe may have impacted one segment of the global population, but there are many other challenges of the world which need to be looked at. Kant also said that India's G20 presidency is very people-centric and it is about involving the citizens. "It's about taking the presidency, not restricting it to one or two cities. We're taking it to every state of India, taking it to 59 cities of India, involving the states to push their culture, their art form, the handicraft, the handlooms all of that, and therefore every state, this is a great example of cooperative federalism," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Objective to bring everybody together, find common ground: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant

On this week's episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks to India's G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, on India's Presidency of the premier international forum. While India's Presidency comes in divided times, as war rages in Ukraine and financial crisis threatens to overtake the world, there is an opportunity to steer the globe in these trying times, and focus on the agenda of inclusive development. India's theme for G20 is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - One World, One Future, One Family. We also speak to Yash Agarwal, Former Twitter Employee, on his viral exit from the social media company.

The India Story: Decoding India's G20 Presidency with Amitabh Kant

Talking to WION at the Global Technology summit, India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture,&nbsp;Meenakshi Lekhi, said that the ongoing unrest in China over the nation's stringent Zero-Covid policy is an internal matter and is "for the country to control within".

"China protests are for the world to see and are for the country to control within...I would only say that no country in the world can be an island by itself," the minister said.

Talking about India's agenda for the upcoming G20 meet, Lekhi said that since the nations of the grouping control more than 80 per cent of the world economy, commerce and trade will feature in the talks. She added that the meet will also be "about showcasing India's capability both in technical terms and technological advancements".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;MoS Meenakshi Lekhi opens up on China's zero-Covid policy protest

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She said that India is a cultural hub and an ancient civilisation and that the mix of the two aspects of the Indian ethos, value system along with modern technology has helped the country prove "that India is second to none".

"We are about finding solutions and we are usually part of the solution not part of the problem and thus we will showcase this power," Lekhi said.

Bringing up the Indian principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", she added that "If we say...that world is one big family, then the family needs to grow together, help each other, work together for the betterment of the society."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-technology-summit-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-stresses-on-the-importance-of-data-538383">Global Technology Summit: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stresses on the importance of data</a>

As per the minister, G20 "would be a great platform in developing world view" on "deeper subjects" like climate change and counterterrorism.

Lekhi said that the world needs to have a view on counterterrorism and that "duplicitous points of view will not work and will not do well" adding that "the particular thought and methodology is a challenge to the world, to every country".

She compared it to "creating Frankensteins" and remarked that "thinking they will only impact others and not them", is "a wrong way of looking at it".

Talking about climate change dialogue at the summit, she referred to PM Narendra Modi's concept of LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) and said that the "world needs to understand the subject matter deeply and exposure to India will help them achieve better understanding and addressing issues the way they should be addressed".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-its-important-that-china-respects-our-views-says-indias-g20-sherpa-amitabh-kant-538626">Exclusive | 'It's important that China respects our views,' says India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant</a>

She said that India has a large population of 1.3 billion and considering that it is still a developing country "our carbon footprints are still low compared to countries which have a lower population and greater consumption patterns."&nbsp;

India will for the first time assume the G20 presidency in next year's summit.

Speaking about the West-Russia divide and India's position vis-a-vis acting as a bridge between them and Russian President Vladimir Putin's attendance at the G20 summit next year, she said "I hope so" adding that "for the simple reason that India is a country of the south as much as it is of the north, India is a country of the east as much as it is of the west so you can see all the elements in India".

"We are definitely a bridge between the two thoughts that divide the world but we can showcase to the world how connectivity and standing by each other and seeing the issues as they stand would help with arriving at a solution," said Lekhi. 
&nbsp;

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Talking to WION at the Global Technology summit, India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, said that the ongoing unrest in China over the nation's stringent Zero-Covid policy is an internal matter and is "for the country to control within".

Talking to WION at the Global Technology summit, India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, said that the ongoing unrest in China over the nation's stringent Zero-Covid policy is an internal matter and is "for the country to control within". "China protests are for the world to see and are for the country to control within...I would only say that no country in the world can be an island by itself," the minister said. Talking about India's agenda for the upcoming G20 meet, Lekhi said that since the nations of the grouping control more than 80 per cent of the world economy, commerce and trade will feature in the talks. She added that the meet will also be "about showcasing India's capability both in technical terms and technological advancements". Watch | MoS Meenakshi Lekhi opens up on China's zero-Covid policy protest She said that India is a cultural hub and an ancient civilisation and that the mix of the two aspects of the Indian ethos, value system along with modern technology has helped the country prove "that India is second to none". "We are about finding solutions and we are usually part of the solution not part of the problem and thus we will showcase this power," Lekhi said. Bringing up the Indian principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", she added that "If we say...that world is one big family, then the family needs to grow together, help each other, work together for the betterment of the society." Also read | Global Technology Summit: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stresses on the importance of data As per the minister, G20 "would be a great platform in developing world view" on "deeper subjects" like climate change and counterterrorism. Lekhi said that the world needs to have a view on counterterrorism and that "duplicitous points of view will not work and will not do well" adding that "the particular thought and methodology is a challenge to the world, to every country". She compared it to "creating Frankensteins" and remarked that "thinking they will only impact others and not them", is "a wrong way of looking at it". Talking about climate change dialogue at the summit, she referred to PM Narendra Modi's concept of LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) and said that the "world needs to understand the subject matter deeply and exposure to India will help them achieve better understanding and addressing issues the way they should be addressed". Also read | Exclusive | 'It's important that China respects our views,' says India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant She said that India has a large population of 1.3 billion and considering that it is still a developing country "our carbon footprints are still low compared to countries which have a lower population and greater consumption patterns." India will for the first time assume the G20 presidency in next year's summit. Speaking about the West-Russia divide and India's position vis-a-vis acting as a bridge between them and Russian President Vladimir Putin's attendance at the G20 summit next year, she said "I hope so" adding that "for the simple reason that India is a country of the south as much as it is of the north, India is a country of the east as much as it is of the west so you can see all the elements in India". "We are definitely a bridge between the two thoughts that divide the world but we can showcase to the world how connectivity and standing by each other and seeing the issues as they stand would help with arriving at a solution," said Lekhi. 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.

Duplicity on terrorism is like creating Frankenstein and thinking it won't impact you: MoS Lekhi

Just days before India assumes the year-long G20 Presidency, WION's Molly Gambhir spoke to India's G20 sherpa&nbsp;Amitabh Kant about India's G20 Presidency priorities.

Amitabh Kant outlined how there are multiple challenges across the world currently - "from Climate finance to digital transformation to taking a human-centric approach and taking people above the poverty line to women development".

Watch |&nbsp;What are India's priority as G20 president? India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant speaks to WION 
&nbsp;

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India's G20 Sherpa stressed on the importance of "taking forward a reform-oriented list of priorities which would focus on digital transformation, women-led development, providing a huge impetus to climate action", among other aspects.

Commenting on India's relationship with China, Amitabh Kant pointed out - "with China we have had complexities. We have had complexities because&nbsp;we believe in a friendly neighbourhood; we believe in good relations with everyone; we believe that we need to live in peace with all countries in the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-technology-summit-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-stresses-on-the-importance-of-data-538383">Global Technology Summit: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stresses on the importance of data</a>

It's important that China respects our views and realises that all of us in the neighbourhood have to live together, as countries which are working together for human-centric development of the world - not by creating border crisis".

Talking about the Russia-Ukraine war and India's potential to emerge as a key mediator, Amitabh Kant said, "India's role would be to ensure there is consensus-building, there's positivity. As the PM has said, this is the age of diplomacy and dialogue, not an era of war".

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Just days before India assumes the year-long G20 Presidency, WION's Molly Gambhir spoke to India's G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant about India's G20 Presidency priorities.

Just days before India assumes the year-long G20 Presidency, WION's Molly Gambhir spoke to India's G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant about India's G20 Presidency priorities. Amitabh Kant outlined how there are multiple challenges across the world currently - "from Climate finance to digital transformation to taking a human-centric approach and taking people above the poverty line to women development". Watch | What are India's priority as G20 president? India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant speaks to WION India's G20 Sherpa stressed on the importance of "taking forward a reform-oriented list of priorities which would focus on digital transformation, women-led development, providing a huge impetus to climate action", among other aspects. Commenting on India's relationship with China, Amitabh Kant pointed out - "with China we have had complexities. We have had complexities because we believe in a friendly neighbourhood; we believe in good relations with everyone; we believe that we need to live in peace with all countries in the world. Also read | Global Technology Summit: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stresses on the importance of data It's important that China respects our views and realises that all of us in the neighbourhood have to live together, as countries which are working together for human-centric development of the world - not by creating border crisis". Talking about the Russia-Ukraine war and India's potential to emerge as a key mediator, Amitabh Kant said, "India's role would be to ensure there is consensus-building, there's positivity. As the PM has said, this is the age of diplomacy and dialogue, not an era of war". 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.

Exclusive | 'It's important that China respects our views,' says India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant

Amid Russia, West divide, India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant sees New Delhi's role one of an "honest broker". The remarks come even as the divide that emerged after Russia Ukraine conflict threatens global stability & rise of a new cold war. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Bali, Indonesia, Kant said, "our job will be to be an honest broker to everybody, do the balancing act on every single issue, and ensure consensus on all issues." India takes over the presidency of the grouping from first December. This is the first time India will be the president of the grouping which began its annual summit level meetings after 2008 financial crisis.

India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant speaks to WION in Bali

"In the past, G20 has got the world out of financial crisis, it has got the world to manage global debt, it has created the Financial Stability Board (FSB), it has taken action during Covid, and this is one body that is capable of taking action on behalf of he world and the objective is to get everyone around the world to a consensus," says India's Sherpa for G20, Amitabh Kant.

'G20 is one body which is capable of taking action on behalf of world,' says India's Sherpa for G20

Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog on Saturday said that India has put out probably the best corporate tax regime in the world now which makes it an attractive destination for investments.

Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog on Saturday said that India has put out probably the best corporate tax regime in the world now which makes it an attractive destination for investments. At 15% with an effective rate of 17.1%, makes it the best country as far as corporate tax is concerned, he was quoted as saying. This Corporate Tax coupled with the size of the domestic market and the fact that India is pushing through a lot of digitisation and structural reforms India a very attractive destination for investment, Kant said. Kant also praised India's reforms in labour laws and said that India has coalesced 54 labour laws into just four laws. ''Another big thing that has happened in India is amalgamating 54 labour laws into just 4 laws and making major structural reforms there. This will be path-breaking which it will enable you to do large-scale manufacturing in India,'' he said. He also lauded India's new policy on intellectual property rights (IPR). India came out with a new policy on intellectual property rights (IPR) which has radically improved the IPR. It's probably one of the best IPR regimes, we have benchmarked it against USA and Japan now, he said.

Digitisation and structural reforms make India attractive destination for investment: NITI Aayog CEO

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday.

It is noteworthy that out of the 115 districts selected from the country as aspirational districts, 8 districts (Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddhartha Nagar, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra) are from Uttar Pradesh, an official release of the Uttar Pradesh government said.

They have been selected on 49 parameters, namely- human development index, medical and nutrition, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure.

"The state government will provide all possible help for the same. Once the plan is made it will be implemented effectively in a time-bound manner," Adityanath said.

Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant, and his colleagues presented the details of the progress of eight aspirational districts before the Chief Minister.&nbsp;

Praising the progress of the state, the Aayog members said that they want the aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh should come at the top among the 115 districts in all the major parameters.&nbsp;

Aayog members said in the next 3-4 months, all the aspirational districts of UP will be on the top of every key parameter.&nbsp;

The officials of the Aayog suggested that the good works done in the aspirational districts should be shared with them through the District Magistrates of the concerned districts.

"They will share it with the world through social media.&nbsp;

The entire transformation work of the districts should be done in team spirit and there should be proper coordination between the representatives of the Centre and State.&nbsp;

In order to represent the ranking of the work on the dashboard, the data entry should be done correctly and timely," read the government press release. 
In the meeting, Chief Secretary Dr&nbsp;Anup Chandra Pandey, Principal Secretary, Information Awanish Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the concerned departments, Principal Secretary to the Chief MinisterMrityunjay Narayan and senior officials of the NITI Ayog were present.

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday.

NITI Aayog should prepare a plan for the transformation of every district on the lines of its plan for the eight aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh, state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said at a meeting with officials of NITI Aayog here on Monday. It is noteworthy that out of the 115 districts selected from the country as aspirational districts, 8 districts (Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddhartha Nagar, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra) are from Uttar Pradesh, an official release of the Uttar Pradesh government said. They have been selected on 49 parameters, namely- human development index, medical and nutrition, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure. "The state government will provide all possible help for the same. Once the plan is made it will be implemented effectively in a time-bound manner," Adityanath said. Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant, and his colleagues presented the details of the progress of eight aspirational districts before the Chief Minister. Praising the progress of the state, the Aayog members said that they want the aspirational districts of Uttar Pradesh should come at the top among the 115 districts in all the major parameters. Aayog members said in the next 3-4 months, all the aspirational districts of UP will be on the top of every key parameter. The officials of the Aayog suggested that the good works done in the aspirational districts should be shared with them through the District Magistrates of the concerned districts. "They will share it with the world through social media. The entire transformation work of the districts should be done in team spirit and there should be proper coordination between the representatives of the Centre and State. In order to represent the ranking of the work on the dashboard, the data entry should be done correctly and timely," read the government press release. In the meeting, Chief Secretary Dr Anup Chandra Pandey, Principal Secretary, Information Awanish Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the concerned departments, Principal Secretary to the Chief MinisterMrityunjay Narayan and senior officials of the NITI Ayog were present.

NITI Aayog should prepare plan for every district's transformation: Yogi Adityanath

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Thursday hailed the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman calling it as path-breaking and very comprehensive.

Speaking to ANI, Kant said, "The Union Budget 2019 is path-breaking. It is a very comprehensive budget. We are particularly delighted as Finance Minister has acknowledged role of Niti. But more important is the road map that she has set for laying down a vision for 5 trillion US dollars economy."

"We needed credit flow to take off, so Sitharaman has provided Rs 70,000 crores to the banks. She is focused on strategic disinvestment and asset monetization. This should bring in the role of the private sector in India," said Kant.

"The Finance Minister has also provided 100 lakh crore over a period of five years to drive infrastructure. With this, we are able to create roads, ports, airports and we will see a huge multiplier effect in the economy," he said.

NITI Aayog CEO further said, "The other key thing is that this budget pushes for a very unique ecosystem for startups. Sitharaman takes the issue of Angel tax. She pushes for digitisation in a very big way that merchants does not pay the extra amount. She pushes for an electric vehicle."

"Sitharaman has talked about large scale manufacture. She spoke of opening Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in several areas like airports. She has opened up a single brand route which will enable the foreign mobile country to manufacture here. It is a massive thrust to manufacture," he said.

To a question about fiscal policy, Kant said, "Sitharaman brought the target of the fiscal deficit from 3.4 per cent to 3.3 per cent."

Talking about NITI Aayog's role, Kant said, "NITI Aayog will focus on every aspect of the budget like structural changes in agriculture. We will focus on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), electric vehicle and artificial intelligence as all these are areas of growth."

"MSMEs will play a critical role as it is a very big job creator. India can not grow without jobs and MSMEs will provide it," he added.

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Thursday hailed the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman calling it as path-breaking and very comprehensive.

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Thursday hailed the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman calling it as path-breaking and very comprehensive. Speaking to ANI, Kant said, "The Union Budget 2019 is path-breaking. It is a very comprehensive budget. We are particularly delighted as Finance Minister has acknowledged role of Niti. But more important is the road map that she has set for laying down a vision for 5 trillion US dollars economy." "We needed credit flow to take off, so Sitharaman has provided Rs 70,000 crores to the banks. She is focused on strategic disinvestment and asset monetization. This should bring in the role of the private sector in India," said Kant. "The Finance Minister has also provided 100 lakh crore over a period of five years to drive infrastructure. With this, we are able to create roads, ports, airports and we will see a huge multiplier effect in the economy," he said. NITI Aayog CEO further said, "The other key thing is that this budget pushes for a very unique ecosystem for startups. Sitharaman takes the issue of Angel tax. She pushes for digitisation in a very big way that merchants does not pay the extra amount. She pushes for an electric vehicle." "Sitharaman has talked about large scale manufacture. She spoke of opening Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in several areas like airports. She has opened up a single brand route which will enable the foreign mobile country to manufacture here. It is a massive thrust to manufacture," he said. To a question about fiscal policy, Kant said, "Sitharaman brought the target of the fiscal deficit from 3.4 per cent to 3.3 per cent." Talking about NITI Aayog's role, Kant said, "NITI Aayog will focus on every aspect of the budget like structural changes in agriculture. We will focus on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), electric vehicle and artificial intelligence as all these are areas of growth." "MSMEs will play a critical role as it is a very big job creator. India can not grow without jobs and MSMEs will provide it," he added.

Budget 2019: It is 'path-breaking, comprehensive', says NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant

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Four people were shot and wounded and three people were arrested at the victory rally in Toronto celebrating the Raptors' NBA championship.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/circular-economy-can-generate-14-crore-jobs-in-next-5-7-years-niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-228151">Circular economy can generate 1.4 crore jobs in next 5-7 years: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant</a>

Circular economy has potential to create nearly one-and-half crore jobs in next five to seven years and create lakhs of new entrepreneurs, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said here on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-population-to-cross-chinas-in-next-8-years-un-report-228138">India's population to cross China’s in next 8 years: UN report</a>

India, projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country around 2027, is expected to add nearly 273 million people between now and 2050 and will remain the most populated country through the end of the current century, a UN report said on Monday.

US approves deployment of 1,000 additional troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions The United States said on Monday it has approved the deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, against the backdrop of soaring tensions with Iran.

US approves deployment of 1,000 additional troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions The United States said on Monday it has approved the deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, against the backdrop of soaring tensions with Iran. Muslim Brotherhood blames Egyptian authorities for Morsi's 'deliberate slow death' The Muslim Brotherhood accused Egyptian authorities of being responsible for Mohamed Morsi's "deliberate slow death" after the former Islamist president died after falling ill in a Cairo court on Monday. Toronto Raptors rally: 4 wounded, 3 arrested in shooting at the celebration of NBA title Four people were shot and wounded and three people were arrested at the victory rally in Toronto celebrating the Raptors' NBA championship. Circular economy can generate 1.4 crore jobs in next 5-7 years: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant Circular economy has potential to create nearly one-and-half crore jobs in next five to seven years and create lakhs of new entrepreneurs, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said here on Monday. India's population to cross China’s in next 8 years: UN report India, projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country around 2027, is expected to add nearly 273 million people between now and 2050 and will remain the most populated country through the end of the current century, a UN report said on Monday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Circular economy has potential to create nearly one-and-half crore jobs in next five to seven years and create lakhs of new entrepreneurs, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said here on Monday.

Speaking at 'Circular Economy Symposium 2019' organised by FICCI, Kant said that resource circularity and sustainable development are the need of the hour to implement the circular economy.

"Circular economy has the potential to generate 1.4 crore jobs in the next 5-7 years &amp; create lakhs of new entrepreneurs. Resource circularity is need of the hour to implement circular economy," he said.

A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which resources are kept in use for as long as possible, the maximum value is extracted from them whilst in use, the products and materials are recovered and regenerated at the end of each service life.&nbsp;

This economic system is aimed at minimising waste and making the most of resources.

Kant underlined the need for legislation to promote the circular economy in the country. "Several countries have recognised the centrality of the circularity as the new paradigm for sustainable development. They have not only embraced the concept of circular economy in their daily life but also brought in regulations to ensure higher compliance and promote more reuse, refurbishment and recycling," he said.

He said that by 2050, the world population would reach 9.7 billion of which 3 billion people would prosper to middle-class consumption level.

This would require 71 per cent more resources per capita, thereby raising total mineral and material demand from 50 billion tonnes in 2014 to 130 billion tonnes in 2050, he noted.

The NITI Aayog also stressed on the need for promoting non-government organisations to spread awareness and developing a circular economy as a national agenda.

Circular economy has potential to create nearly one-and-half crore jobs in next five to seven years and create lakhs of new entrepreneurs, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said here on Monday.

Circular economy has potential to create nearly one-and-half crore jobs in next five to seven years and create lakhs of new entrepreneurs, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said here on Monday. Speaking at 'Circular Economy Symposium 2019' organised by FICCI, Kant said that resource circularity and sustainable development are the need of the hour to implement the circular economy. "Circular economy has the potential to generate 1.4 crore jobs in the next 5-7 years & create lakhs of new entrepreneurs. Resource circularity is need of the hour to implement circular economy," he said. A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which resources are kept in use for as long as possible, the maximum value is extracted from them whilst in use, the products and materials are recovered and regenerated at the end of each service life. This economic system is aimed at minimising waste and making the most of resources. Kant underlined the need for legislation to promote the circular economy in the country. "Several countries have recognised the centrality of the circularity as the new paradigm for sustainable development. They have not only embraced the concept of circular economy in their daily life but also brought in regulations to ensure higher compliance and promote more reuse, refurbishment and recycling," he said. He said that by 2050, the world population would reach 9.7 billion of which 3 billion people would prosper to middle-class consumption level. This would require 71 per cent more resources per capita, thereby raising total mineral and material demand from 50 billion tonnes in 2014 to 130 billion tonnes in 2050, he noted. The NITI Aayog also stressed on the need for promoting non-government organisations to spread awareness and developing a circular economy as a national agenda.

Circular economy can generate 1.4 crore jobs in next 5-7 years: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant

It is impossible to say that India witnessed seven per cent growth without any job creation or increase in employment opportunities, said&nbsp;Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It is absolutely impossible to say that seven per cent of growth happened without any job creation or increase in employment opportunities. If one looks at our analysis, the number of schemes launched, and keeping all the other factors in mind, there has been a continuous process of job creation," Kant told reporters.

"Our country`s ambition should be of achieving 10 per cent growth when we will reach this level we will be able to lift up a maximum number of people above the poverty line," he added.

The government`s focus was to improve the growth rate, he further said.&nbsp;

"If West Bengal and Karnataka say that jobs have been created in their respective states, then how it is possible that there is no employment generation?" Kant asked.&nbsp;

"I am not looking after the issue of jet airways so, I cannot comment on that," he said when asked about the recent Jet Airways crisis.

An SBI-led consortium has taken over the debt-ridden airlines after chairman and founder Naresh Goyal, stepped down from the Board on March 25.&nbsp;

Burdened with high operating costs and a huge debt, the airline has been facing the biggest crisis in its history.&nbsp;

It is impossible to say that India witnessed seven per cent growth without any job creation or increase in employment opportunities, said Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog on Wednesday.

It is impossible to say that India witnessed seven per cent growth without any job creation or increase in employment opportunities, said Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog on Wednesday. "It is absolutely impossible to say that seven per cent of growth happened without any job creation or increase in employment opportunities. If one looks at our analysis, the number of schemes launched, and keeping all the other factors in mind, there has been a continuous process of job creation," Kant told reporters. "Our country`s ambition should be of achieving 10 per cent growth when we will reach this level we will be able to lift up a maximum number of people above the poverty line," he added. The government`s focus was to improve the growth rate, he further said. "If West Bengal and Karnataka say that jobs have been created in their respective states, then how it is possible that there is no employment generation?" Kant asked. "I am not looking after the issue of jet airways so, I cannot comment on that," he said when asked about the recent Jet Airways crisis. An SBI-led consortium has taken over the debt-ridden airlines after chairman and founder Naresh Goyal, stepped down from the Board on March 25. Burdened with high operating costs and a huge debt, the airline has been facing the biggest crisis in its history.

7% growth rate impossible without creating jobs: NITI Aayog CEO

Budget 2019: Amitabh Kant, CEO of the NITI Aayog on Budget 2019

India will need around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 for development of infrastructure sector in the country, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said Wednesday.

Kant further said that there is an urgent need to restructure entire existing public-private partnership (PPP) framework as there are delays in the completion of infrastructure projects due to disputes.

“India needs to spend close to around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 to develop infrastructure in order to really improve overall economic growth and community well being,” he said at an event organised by Dun &amp; Bradstreet (D&amp;B).

Kant pointed out that the government has been focussing on the infrastructure sector.

“Track record of the last four years has shown that all spending in the infrastructure sector across railways, airports and road came from the government,” he said.

Noting that it is better to create infrastructure initially through the government spending, Kant said, “but then as soon as it completes projects, the government must get out of the infrastructure projects because it is extremely poor at operation and maintaining infrastructure projects”.

Kant said India is growing at the rate of 7.5 per cent per annum and the challenge is to grow at higher rates.

“Therefore, the country needs to focus on building quality infrastructure,” he stressed.

Kant also pointed out that the cost of transportation in India is very high.

The Niti Aayog CEO also noted that there is a pressing need of leveraging alternate and newer source of financing of infrastructure projects.

India will need around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 for development of infrastructure sector in the country, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said Wednesday. Kant further said that there is an urgent need to restructure entire existing public-private partnership (PPP) framework as there are delays in the completion of infrastructure projects due to disputes.

India will need around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 for development of infrastructure sector in the country, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said Wednesday. Kant further said that there is an urgent need to restructure entire existing public-private partnership (PPP) framework as there are delays in the completion of infrastructure projects due to disputes. “India needs to spend close to around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 to develop infrastructure in order to really improve overall economic growth and community well being,” he said at an event organised by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Kant pointed out that the government has been focussing on the infrastructure sector. “Track record of the last four years has shown that all spending in the infrastructure sector across railways, airports and road came from the government,” he said. Noting that it is better to create infrastructure initially through the government spending, Kant said, “but then as soon as it completes projects, the government must get out of the infrastructure projects because it is extremely poor at operation and maintaining infrastructure projects”. Kant said India is growing at the rate of 7.5 per cent per annum and the challenge is to grow at higher rates. “Therefore, the country needs to focus on building quality infrastructure,” he stressed. Kant also pointed out that the cost of transportation in India is very high. The Niti Aayog CEO also noted that there is a pressing need of leveraging alternate and newer source of financing of infrastructure projects.

India will need $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 for infrastructure development: Amitabh Kant

NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said that the states in India's eastern region like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are keeping India backward, especially on social indicators.

Speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, Kant said, "Eastern part of India particularly states like Bihar, UP, Chattisgarh, MP, and Rajasthan are keeping India backward especially on social indicators. While we have improved on ease of doing business, we have remained backward on human development index."Kant further said that India is still 131 out of 188 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI).

Reacting to 'Challenges of Transforming India' he said that the part of southern and western India was doing well and growing speedily."And when the country's HDI has to improve and we have to focus on these social indicators. We are working on these things through Aspirational Districts Programme," he added.

Stressing upon the significance of sustainable growth, the NITI Aayog CEO said, "Education and health are vital and in these two areas India is lagging behind. Our learning outcomes are poor - a class 5 student is not able to do class 2 subtractions. Class 5 student is not able to read his mother tongue. Infant mortality rates are very high. Unless we improve on these aspects, it will be difficult to grow in a consistent way."

He also encouraged women to participate in decision-making process. He said, "There must be a conscious effort to frame policies to give women opportunities."

The other states he included in his list were Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said that the states in India's eastern region like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are keeping India backward, especially on social indicators. Speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, Kant said, "Eastern part of India particularly states like Bihar, UP, Chattisgarh, MP, and Rajasthan are keeping India backward especially on social indicators. While we have improved on ease of doing business, we have remained backward on human development index."Kant further said that India is still 131 out of 188 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI). Reacting to 'Challenges of Transforming India' he said that the part of southern and western India was doing well and growing speedily."And when the country's HDI has to improve and we have to focus on these social indicators. We are working on these things through Aspirational Districts Programme," he added. Stressing upon the significance of sustainable growth, the NITI Aayog CEO said, "Education and health are vital and in these two areas India is lagging behind. Our learning outcomes are poor - a class 5 student is not able to do class 2 subtractions. Class 5 student is not able to read his mother tongue. Infant mortality rates are very high. Unless we improve on these aspects, it will be difficult to grow in a consistent way." He also encouraged women to participate in decision-making process. He said, "There must be a conscious effort to frame policies to give women opportunities."

States like UP, Bihar holding India back: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant

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News brief: Big stories of the day

Circular economy can generate 1.4 crore jobs in next 5-7 years: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant

7% growth rate impossible without creating jobs: NITI Aayog CEO

Budget 2019: Amitabh Kant, CEO of the NITI Aayog on Budget 2019

India will need $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 for infrastructure development: Amitabh Kant

States like UP, Bihar holding India back: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant