<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation could not depart and were forced to extend their stay in New Delhi after Trudeau's aircraft suffered technical issues.</p>

<p>The Canadian prime minister, who attended the G20 Summit in New Delhi, was scheduled to depart on Sunday.</p>

<p>As per news agency ANI, airport sources in Delhi said that “a special plane of Canada PM suffered a technical glitch and it’s not in the schedule to fly.”</p>

<p>“Canadian authority in the country is exploring alternate fly mode,” ANI quoted an airport official as saying.</p>

<p>"Upon our departure for the airport, we were made aware by the Canadian Armed Forces that CFC001 was experiencing technical issues," a statement from the prime minister's office said, referring to the plane.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"These issues are not fixable overnight, our delegation will be staying in India until alternate arrangements are made," it added.</p>

<p>The statement did not specify the nature of the aircraft's issues.</p>

<p>Canada's CTV identified the plane as an Airbus, saying it was not clear when it would be able to return, adding it "isn't the first time" it had problems.</p>

<p>The Canadian prime minister arrived in India on Friday (September 8) to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the conclusion of the two-day summit, he underlined that India is an important partner for Canada and we will continue to work towards it.</p>

<p>"We recognise India as an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner for Canada on everything, from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for citizens. There is always a lot of work to do and we will continue to do it," Trudeau said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation could not depart and were forced to extend their stay in New Delhi after Trudeau's aircraft suffered technical issues.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation could not depart and were forced to extend their stay in New Delhi after Trudeau's aircraft suffered technical issues. The Canadian prime minister, who attended the G20 Summit in New Delhi, was scheduled to depart on Sunday. As per news agency ANI, airport sources in Delhi said that “a special plane of Canada PM suffered a technical glitch and it’s not in the schedule to fly.” “Canadian authority in the country is exploring alternate fly mode,” ANI quoted an airport official as saying. "Upon our departure for the airport, we were made aware by the Canadian Armed Forces that CFC001 was experiencing technical issues," a statement from the prime minister's office said, referring to the plane. "Upon our departure for the airport, we were made aware by the Canadian Armed Forces that CFC001 was experiencing technical issues. These issues are not fixable overnight, our delegation will be staying in India until alternate arrangements are made", says Mohammad Hussain, Press… — ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023 × "These issues are not fixable overnight, our delegation will be staying in India until alternate arrangements are made," it added. The statement did not specify the nature of the aircraft's issues. Canada's CTV identified the plane as an Airbus, saying it was not clear when it would be able to return, adding it "isn't the first time" it had problems. The Canadian prime minister arrived in India on Friday (September 8) to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit. At the conclusion of the two-day summit, he underlined that India is an important partner for Canada and we will continue to work towards it. "We recognise India as an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner for Canada on everything, from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for citizens. There is always a lot of work to do and we will continue to do it," Trudeau said. (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.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's aircraft develops technical issues

<p>Ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government on Monday (September 11) re-imposed a ban on all firecrackers, due to the rise in pollution levels in winter when the air quality reaches hazardous levels, said the Indian capital city’s environment minister. India will be celebrating the festival of Diwali in mid-November this year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the Delhi govt restricting?</strong></h2>

<p>“Manufacturing, storage, sale, online delivery and bursting of any type of firecrackers is completely prohibited in Delhi,” said Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, during a press conference. The police have also been instructed to issue a circular on behalf of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) that no licence will be issued, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-anti-pollution-body-revamps-action-plan-to-combat-air-quality-in-delhi-ncr-620694">India's anti-pollution body revamps action-plan to combat air quality in Delhi-NCR</a></strong></p>

<p>This comes as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided that firecrackers should be banned on the occasion of Diwali to control pollution, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move is aimed at controlling air pollution which typically peaks across the Indian capital city in December and January due to a range of factors.</p>

<p>“Celebrating festivals is important, but equally important is caring for the environment. That’s why we have made this decision in Delhi for the last 2 years, and the people of Delhi are supportive,” said Rai.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pollution in Delhi during winter</strong></h2>

<p>During winter, smoke from hundreds of firecrackers that light up the sky during the festival usually leaves the city shrouded in toxic haze for days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is in addition to vehicular and industrial emissions as well as pollution from stubble burning in neighbouring regions, which are made worse as colder air traps all of these pollutants.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-new-delhis-air-quality-commission-issues-revised-advisory-620857">India: New Delhi's air quality commission issues revised advisory</a></strong></p>

<p>In a bid to control some of the pollution, the Delhi government has been imposing a ban on all types of firecrackers for the past three years, warning of jail time and fines for those flouting the orders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rai also noted a positive trend in Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) for the year from January to August but expressed concerns about the upcoming months.</p>

<p>The Delhi government is also set to meet with experts this week to draw up a winter action plan to combat pollution, the spike of which has prompted school closures and public health emergency declarations over the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-delhi-had-cleanest-air-day-of-the-year-on-second-day-of-summit-634756">G20: Delhi had cleanest air day of the year on second day of summit</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian capital also reported its best air quality since 2015 last year.</p>

<p>The G20 Summit host city, on the second day of the meetings on Sunday (Sep 10), said that the average AQI stood at 45, falling within the ‘good’ category, which was the best recorded since October 10, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The improved air quality is being attributed to the incessant rainfall and various restrictions imposed during the G20 summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government on Monday (September 11) re-imposed a ban on all firecrackers, due to the rise in pollution levels in winter when the air quality reaches hazardous levels, said the Indian capital city’s environment minister.

Ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government on Monday (September 11) re-imposed a ban on all firecrackers, due to the rise in pollution levels in winter when the air quality reaches hazardous levels, said the Indian capital city’s environment minister. India will be celebrating the festival of Diwali in mid-November this year. What is the Delhi govt restricting? “Manufacturing, storage, sale, online delivery and bursting of any type of firecrackers is completely prohibited in Delhi,” said Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, during a press conference. The police have also been instructed to issue a circular on behalf of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) that no licence will be issued, he added. ALSO READ | India's anti-pollution body revamps action-plan to combat air quality in Delhi-NCR This comes as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided that firecrackers should be banned on the occasion of Diwali to control pollution, he said. The move is aimed at controlling air pollution which typically peaks across the Indian capital city in December and January due to a range of factors. “Celebrating festivals is important, but equally important is caring for the environment. That’s why we have made this decision in Delhi for the last 2 years, and the people of Delhi are supportive,” said Rai. Pollution in Delhi during winter During winter, smoke from hundreds of firecrackers that light up the sky during the festival usually leaves the city shrouded in toxic haze for days. This is in addition to vehicular and industrial emissions as well as pollution from stubble burning in neighbouring regions, which are made worse as colder air traps all of these pollutants. ALSO WATCH | India: New Delhi's air quality commission issues revised advisory In a bid to control some of the pollution, the Delhi government has been imposing a ban on all types of firecrackers for the past three years, warning of jail time and fines for those flouting the orders. Rai also noted a positive trend in Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) for the year from January to August but expressed concerns about the upcoming months. The Delhi government is also set to meet with experts this week to draw up a winter action plan to combat pollution, the spike of which has prompted school closures and public health emergency declarations over the years. ALSO READ | G20: Delhi had cleanest air day of the year on second day of summit The Indian capital also reported its best air quality since 2015 last year. The G20 Summit host city, on the second day of the meetings on Sunday (Sep 10), said that the average AQI stood at 45, falling within the ‘good’ category, which was the best recorded since October 10, 2022. The improved air quality is being attributed to the incessant rainfall and various restrictions imposed during the G20 summit. (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: Delhi govt renews ban on firecrackers to combat pollution

<p>The death toll rose to seven&nbsp;after a&nbsp;lift collapsed in a building in Thane city of the Indian state of Maharashtra, on Sunday (September 10) evening, said the civil officials.</p>

<p>One of the&nbsp;labourers who was pulled out alive&nbsp;succumbed to injuries, on Monday (Sep 11), reported news agency PTI, citing a&nbsp;civic official.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The local police said that they have launched&nbsp;an investigation into&nbsp;the incident which took place in Thane’s Balkum area and led to the death of six workers on the spot while two others were said to be seriously injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to officials, the 40-storey recently completed building, Runwal Eirene, was undergoing waterproofing work on the roof.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The tragic incident transpired when the lift’s rope broke while the workers were descending after completing their work. Eyewitnesses immediately alerted the Balkum fire brigade, and Balkum Fire Brigade Station Officer Omkar Vaiti swiftly arrived at the scene with a team,” said Yasin Tadvi, who heads the disaster management cell of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The TMC official later said that the lift involved in the incident was a construction one and not a regular one. He added, that after one of the supporting cables of the construction lift snapped, it plunged and landed some three levels underground in the parking area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident occurred around 5:30 pm (local time), said the official in Thane. “It was immediately not clear how the lift cable malfunctioned,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former local councillor Sanjay Bhoir also reportedly responded to the incident, rushed to the accident site, assisted in the rescue operation, and pulled out some workers trapped in the elevator.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the victims</strong></h2>

<p>The deceased workers have been identified as Mahendra Choupal (32), Rupesh Kumar Das (21), Harun Sheikh (47), Mithlesh (35), and Karidas (38). However, another labourer was not identified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the injured workers,&nbsp;identified as Sunil Kumar Das (21)&nbsp;succumbed to injuries after he was rushed to the hospital on Sunday night&nbsp;Tadvi, said on Monday.</p>

<p>The TMC official also said it was not yet clear how the lift cable malfunctioned.</p>

<h2><strong>Case filed</strong></h2>

<p>A case has been registered against the contractor under the Indian Penal Code (IPC&nbsp;sections 304(2) (rash and negligent act), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), senior police inspector Uttam Sonawane from Kapurbawdi police station told PTI.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The death toll rose to seven after a lift collapsed in a building in Thane city of the Indian state of Maharashtra, on Sunday (September 10) evening, said the civil officials.

The death toll rose to seven after a lift collapsed in a building in Thane city of the Indian state of Maharashtra, on Sunday (September 10) evening, said the civil officials. One of the labourers who was pulled out alive succumbed to injuries, on Monday (Sep 11), reported news agency PTI, citing a civic official. What happened? The local police said that they have launched an investigation into the incident which took place in Thane’s Balkum area and led to the death of six workers on the spot while two others were said to be seriously injured. According to officials, the 40-storey recently completed building, Runwal Eirene, was undergoing waterproofing work on the roof. “The tragic incident transpired when the lift’s rope broke while the workers were descending after completing their work. Eyewitnesses immediately alerted the Balkum fire brigade, and Balkum Fire Brigade Station Officer Omkar Vaiti swiftly arrived at the scene with a team,” said Yasin Tadvi, who heads the disaster management cell of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). The TMC official later said that the lift involved in the incident was a construction one and not a regular one. He added, that after one of the supporting cables of the construction lift snapped, it plunged and landed some three levels underground in the parking area. The incident occurred around 5:30 pm (local time), said the official in Thane. “It was immediately not clear how the lift cable malfunctioned,” he added. Former local councillor Sanjay Bhoir also reportedly responded to the incident, rushed to the accident site, assisted in the rescue operation, and pulled out some workers trapped in the elevator. About the victims The deceased workers have been identified as Mahendra Choupal (32), Rupesh Kumar Das (21), Harun Sheikh (47), Mithlesh (35), and Karidas (38). However, another labourer was not identified. One of the injured workers, identified as Sunil Kumar Das (21) succumbed to injuries after he was rushed to the hospital on Sunday night Tadvi, said on Monday. The TMC official also said it was not yet clear how the lift cable malfunctioned. Case filed A case has been registered against the contractor under the Indian Penal Code (IPC sections 304(2) (rash and negligent act), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), senior police inspector Uttam Sonawane from Kapurbawdi police station told PTI. (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: Death toll rises to 7 after lift collapses in high-rise in Maharashtra’s Thane

<p>In the days just before the G20 summit opened in New Delhi, ASEAN was the focus of high-level international diplomacy. Holding a series of summits — its own main annual summit, the East Asia Summit, and ASEAN conferences with its key partners such as China, India, the US and others, the ASEAN diplomatic establishment had much to say, if we go by the sheer number of joint declarations, statements and press releases issued within the week. What is the substance of the week’s deliberations among the world leaders, and what is the ASEAN hoping to get out of it all?&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ASEAN strategy</strong> &nbsp;</h2>

<p>But first, the basics: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations &nbsp;(ASEAN), founded in August 1967, is a 56-year-old regional inter-governmental organisation. After the European Union (EU), ASEAN is considered one of the most successful models of regional cooperation in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the decades, it has learnt to navigate through internal differences and external challenges, developing common programmes in various domains, as also a common voice and the panache to insist that the grouping play a central role in its region, Southeast Asia — and now increasingly in the wider Indo-Pacific. With its ten members stretching from Myanmar to the Philippines, ASEAN represents 664 million people or 8% of the world population, and it accounts for 3.5% of the global GDP (at US$ 3.3 trillion). It has accepted Timor-Leste as an Observer, which will become the 11th member in due course.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The top priority of ASEAN is to concentrate on faster economic development, bringing political stability and socio-cultural progress to its people. Hence the principal theme of its latest summit — ‘ASEAN Matters: the Epicentum of Growth.’ In striving to achieve this key goal, ASEAN’s principal concern and challenge, of late, has been the sharpening strategic contestation between the US and China, the two great powers in the region. This is a multi-dimensional and complex phenomenon that compels ASEAN to try playing a balancing role, thus adopting cautious positions on China’s aggressive behaviour. It creates internal differences within the grouping, requiring delicate diplomacy both internally and externally. The latest series of summits was an index to ASEAN’s dilemmas and challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ASEAN Summit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Of the several outcome documents of the 43rd Summit held on 5th September, the leaders’ declaration on ‘ASEAN As An Epicentrum of Growth’ was of particular significance. Using just a few paragraphs, it spells out the ASEAN vision to be “the centre and driver of economic growth in the region and beyond.” Aiming at a faster growth rate than the present rate, it is keen to strengthen the group’s resilience in all identified areas: health, climate and disaster, food and energy systems, supply chain connectivity, and macroeconomic and financial stability.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Indian PM Narendra Modi visits Jakarta for ASEAN Summit, a day before G20 Summit begins in India</strong></p>

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<p>For this purpose, ASEAN’s preferred path is to leverage supply chains, digital transformation, and green and blue economy as the “new growth drivers.” The annexure to this declaration lists specific ongoing and potential projects that will be pursued for forging cooperation between the grouping and its external partners. Those managing India-ASEAN cooperation will do well by scrutinising this list and taking steps to initiate and sustain timely action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the strategic and political side, ASEAN members have been deeply concerned about China’s coercive behaviour and unhelpful activities, including the recent issuance of a new map, which drew sharp negative reactions from several of them such as Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The grouping’s remedy is to call for restraint, implementation of the old arrangements anchored around the Declaration of Code (DOC) relating to the South China Sea, &nbsp;and calling for the expeditious conclusion of negotiations for a new Code of Conduct (COC). However, these negotiations between China and ASEAN states continue to move at a snail’s pace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, at the latest discussions with China in Jakarta, ASEAN members publicly received rather crude advice from Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang told his interlocutors that disagreements may arise between the nations “due to misperceptions, diverging interests or external interference.” His advice: “To keep differences under control, what is essential is to oppose picking sides, to opposing block confrontation, and to oppose a new Cold War.” In simple terms, China is anxious to discourage ASEAN’s growing convergence on the Indo-Pacific with the perspectives of the democratic states such as India, Japan, Australia and the US that form the Quad.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>East Asia Summit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>At the 18th all-encompassing East Asia Summit (EAS) that groups together ASEAN and its key eight partners (India, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US), the region’s rivalries and tensions came into a sharp focus. Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia and the Chair of EAS, spoke in a sombre tone, cautioning the region that, “If we are not able to manage differences, we will be destroyed.” Listeners took note of what he added: “If we join the currents of rivalry, we will be destroyed.” Clearly, ASEAN is worried about the possibility of kinetic conflicts in any of the region’s flash points — the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, &nbsp;and the Taiwan issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the importance of EAS, which has played “a pivotal role as the primary confidence-building mechanism” and is “the key to the success of ASEAN centrality.” Among various points he made, two are particularly noteworthy here. First, with the Chinese premier and the US vice president listening, Modi stressed that it was “imperative” to adhere to international laws, especially to respect “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.” Second, he pointed out that in the entire Indo-Pacific, international law, “including UNCLOS” must apply equally to “all states.” He added, for good measure, that the COC under negotiation should take into consideration “the interests of countries (such as India) that are not directly involved in the discussions.” This was a potent message to China as much as to ASEAN. Indian diplomacy will need to pursue this objective, with vigour and creativity.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ASEAN-India Summit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The 20th ASEAN-India Summit took place in a cordial atmosphere and ended on a constructive note. ASEAN leaders were appreciative of PM Modi’s visit to Jakarta (6-7th September), even though he was fully occupied with hosting the G20 summit commencing on 9th September. “ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East Policy,”&nbsp;he noted. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between India and ASEAN began showing some progress. While in Jakarta, he also spoke of India’s Myanmar policy, which “takes into account ASEAN’s views.” At the same time, it aims to ensure peace and security on the borders as India is the next-door neighbour of Myanmar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has presented a 12-point proposal to strengthen ASEAN-India cooperation. This includes diverse measures such as promoting multi-modal connectivity, sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure stack, cooperation for the Mission LiFE, and collective fight against terrorism, terror funding and cyber-disinformation. This comprehensive proposal may become a useful yardstick to measure future progress. The two sides signed two joint statements on Maritime Cooperation and Food Security.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi’s observation — “The 21st century is Asia’s century. It is our century” — may have sent his audience to the early years of this century when there was much enthusiasm and excitement about this concept. Strategic polarisation in the Indo-Pacific, deteriorating US-China equation, fractures within ASEAN, and now the new low in China-India ties are serious challenges for the region’s geopolitics. Leaders and other stakeholders will need to reflect and craft a safe pathway to the lofty vision of a strong, united Asia which is at peace with itself and the rest of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>

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In the days just before the G20 summit opened in New Delhi, ASEAN was the focus of high-level international diplomacy. Holding a series of summits — its own main annual summit, the East Asia Summit, and ASEAN conferences with its key partners such as China, India, the US and others, the ASEAN diplomatic establishment had much to say, if we go by the sheer number of joint declarations, statements and press releases issued within the week.

In the days just before the G20 summit opened in New Delhi, ASEAN was the focus of high-level international diplomacy. Holding a series of summits — its own main annual summit, the East Asia Summit, and ASEAN conferences with its key partners such as China, India, the US and others, the ASEAN diplomatic establishment had much to say, if we go by the sheer number of joint declarations, statements and press releases issued within the week. What is the substance of the week’s deliberations among the world leaders, and what is the ASEAN hoping to get out of it all? ASEAN strategy But first, the basics: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations  (ASEAN), founded in August 1967, is a 56-year-old regional inter-governmental organisation. After the European Union (EU), ASEAN is considered one of the most successful models of regional cooperation in the world. Over the decades, it has learnt to navigate through internal differences and external challenges, developing common programmes in various domains, as also a common voice and the panache to insist that the grouping play a central role in its region, Southeast Asia — and now increasingly in the wider Indo-Pacific. With its ten members stretching from Myanmar to the Philippines, ASEAN represents 664 million people or 8% of the world population, and it accounts for 3.5% of the global GDP (at US$ 3.3 trillion). It has accepted Timor-Leste as an Observer, which will become the 11th member in due course. The top priority of ASEAN is to concentrate on faster economic development, bringing political stability and socio-cultural progress to its people. Hence the principal theme of its latest summit — ‘ASEAN Matters: the Epicentum of Growth.’ In striving to achieve this key goal, ASEAN’s principal concern and challenge, of late, has been the sharpening strategic contestation between the US and China, the two great powers in the region. This is a multi-dimensional and complex phenomenon that compels ASEAN to try playing a balancing role, thus adopting cautious positions on China’s aggressive behaviour. It creates internal differences within the grouping, requiring delicate diplomacy both internally and externally. The latest series of summits was an index to ASEAN’s dilemmas and challenges. ASEAN Summit Of the several outcome documents of the 43rd Summit held on 5th September, the leaders’ declaration on ‘ASEAN As An Epicentrum of Growth’ was of particular significance. Using just a few paragraphs, it spells out the ASEAN vision to be “the centre and driver of economic growth in the region and beyond.” Aiming at a faster growth rate than the present rate, it is keen to strengthen the group’s resilience in all identified areas: health, climate and disaster, food and energy systems, supply chain connectivity, and macroeconomic and financial stability. Watch | Indian PM Narendra Modi visits Jakarta for ASEAN Summit, a day before G20 Summit begins in India × For this purpose, ASEAN’s preferred path is to leverage supply chains, digital transformation, and green and blue economy as the “new growth drivers.” The annexure to this declaration lists specific ongoing and potential projects that will be pursued for forging cooperation between the grouping and its external partners. Those managing India-ASEAN cooperation will do well by scrutinising this list and taking steps to initiate and sustain timely action. On the strategic and political side, ASEAN members have been deeply concerned about China’s coercive behaviour and unhelpful activities, including the recent issuance of a new map, which drew sharp negative reactions from several of them such as Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The grouping’s remedy is to call for restraint, implementation of the old arrangements anchored around the Declaration of Code (DOC) relating to the South China Sea,  and calling for the expeditious conclusion of negotiations for a new Code of Conduct (COC). However, these negotiations between China and ASEAN states continue to move at a snail’s pace. In fact, at the latest discussions with China in Jakarta, ASEAN members publicly received rather crude advice from Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang told his interlocutors that disagreements may arise between the nations “due to misperceptions, diverging interests or external interference.” His advice: “To keep differences under control, what is essential is to oppose picking sides, to opposing block confrontation, and to oppose a new Cold War.” In simple terms, China is anxious to discourage ASEAN’s growing convergence on the Indo-Pacific with the perspectives of the democratic states such as India, Japan, Australia and the US that form the Quad. East Asia Summit At the 18th all-encompassing East Asia Summit (EAS) that groups together ASEAN and its key eight partners (India, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US), the region’s rivalries and tensions came into a sharp focus. Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia and the Chair of EAS, spoke in a sombre tone, cautioning the region that, “If we are not able to manage differences, we will be destroyed.” Listeners took note of what he added: “If we join the currents of rivalry, we will be destroyed.” Clearly, ASEAN is worried about the possibility of kinetic conflicts in any of the region’s flash points — the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Korean Peninsula,  and the Taiwan issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the importance of EAS, which has played “a pivotal role as the primary confidence-building mechanism” and is “the key to the success of ASEAN centrality.” Among various points he made, two are particularly noteworthy here. First, with the Chinese premier and the US vice president listening, Modi stressed that it was “imperative” to adhere to international laws, especially to respect “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.” Second, he pointed out that in the entire Indo-Pacific, international law, “including UNCLOS” must apply equally to “all states.” He added, for good measure, that the COC under negotiation should take into consideration “the interests of countries (such as India) that are not directly involved in the discussions.” This was a potent message to China as much as to ASEAN. Indian diplomacy will need to pursue this objective, with vigour and creativity. ASEAN-India Summit The 20th ASEAN-India Summit took place in a cordial atmosphere and ended on a constructive note. ASEAN leaders were appreciative of PM Modi’s visit to Jakarta (6-7th September), even though he was fully occupied with hosting the G20 summit commencing on 9th September. “ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East Policy,” he noted. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between India and ASEAN began showing some progress. While in Jakarta, he also spoke of India’s Myanmar policy, which “takes into account ASEAN’s views.” At the same time, it aims to ensure peace and security on the borders as India is the next-door neighbour of Myanmar. India has presented a 12-point proposal to strengthen ASEAN-India cooperation. This includes diverse measures such as promoting multi-modal connectivity, sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure stack, cooperation for the Mission LiFE, and collective fight against terrorism, terror funding and cyber-disinformation. This comprehensive proposal may become a useful yardstick to measure future progress. The two sides signed two joint statements on Maritime Cooperation and Food Security. Conclusion PM Modi’s observation — “The 21st century is Asia’s century. It is our century” — may have sent his audience to the early years of this century when there was much enthusiasm and excitement about this concept. Strategic polarisation in the Indo-Pacific, deteriorating US-China equation, fractures within ASEAN, and now the new low in China-India ties are serious challenges for the region’s geopolitics. Leaders and other stakeholders will need to reflect and craft a safe pathway to the lofty vision of a strong, united Asia which is at peace with itself and the rest of the world. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

ASEAN Summit diplomacy: Issues, decisions and prospects  

<p><strong>G20 Summit 2023: </strong>The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi&nbsp;is proving to be a mega event, perhaps the largest in the history of G20. Attended by more than 30 heads of State/Government, it discussed issues that are not only relevant to the G20 countries but hold significance to the future of the entire planet, duly justifying the theme of this year’s G20 i.e. ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. &nbsp;The ‘Delhi Declaration’ issued on the first day&nbsp;of the summit was an apt reflection of the priorities that India proposed, key among them being the focus on inclusion of the Global South in the G20, inclusive and human-centric development, climate preservation models through ‘just transition’ and a new model for financial inclusion for the developing world. The joint declaration was also a result of deft diplomacy from India, which had to navigate through several disagreements and conflicting views, prominent among them was the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the resultant stand-off between Russia and the West. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The G20, which consists of the world's major powers and important economies, has 19 countries plus the EU and now the African Union as members and represents&nbsp;more than 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade and more than two-thirds of the world's population. Among the 19 countries are the P5 of the UN Security Council, others being Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, &nbsp;Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Türkiye with Spain as a permanent invitee. In addition, prominent forums like the World Bank, and IMF too are permanent invitees. The presidency is a rotational responsibility, on an annual basis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From an Indian standpoint, this was India’s first G20 presidency and coincided with the celebrations of its 75th year of independence. It was also the largest-ever gathering of world leaders hosted in India. It also came at a time when the world is looking for answers to serious global issues like Covid-19 pandemic which has adversely affected global supply chains, the Russia-Ukraine war which has split the world vertically between the ‘West and the Rest’ as well as the continued threat posed by China’s aggressive designs in East and South East Asia. In all of this, if there is one country that emerged above the gloom, it is India, which not only provided Covid-19 vaccines to its people but also to more than 100 countries in the world. Its resoluteness and exercise of its strategic autonomy in the face of extreme pressure posed by the West on Russia-Ukraine war, was acknowledged world over and later reluctantly accepted by the West too. India’s proactive steps in tackling climate disasters and promotion towards renewable energy have been taken note of&nbsp;by the world. In the midst of all this, India quietly climbed the ladder to become the fifth-largest economy and has been projected to continue its northward trajectory as the fastest-growing economy in the coming years. All this gave India prominence and the required fillip to set a proactive and futuristic agenda&nbsp;for its G20 presidency which is aptly reflected in the Delhi Declaration. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Many Firsts and Unique Outcomes&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Perhaps the most significant outcome of India’s G20 has been the inclusion of the African Union as a G20 member. Right through its presidency, India has been vocal about becoming the ‘Voice of the Global South’. India hosted the first ever ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ on 12-13 January 2023. The Summit was held in a virtual format, with the participation of 125 countries of the Global South. India has constantly held the position that the concerns and needs of the Global South are essential to seek equitable solutions to global problems and thus inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was an exclusive initiative and success of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India’s emphasis on LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and climate preservation and getting the G20 nations to agree on a ‘just transition’ to save the planet is yet another huge achievement of the Summit. It now involves a country-specific climate assessment and transition rather than the earlier ‘one size fits all’ approach. The joint declaration aptly stated that ‘Just energy transitions can improve jobs and livelihoods, and strengthen economic resilience. We affirm that no country should have to choose between fighting poverty and fighting for our planet’.</p>

<p>India has already demonstrated its commitment by surpassing its renewable energy target nine years ahead of the 2030 target set at the 2015 Paris Climate Summit, where India had pledged that 40% of its power capacity would be met by non-fossil fuels by 2030, a target that was met in December 2021 itself. In addition, India’s global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance set up in 2015 and which now has over 100 countries as members, and the now proposed Global Bio Fuels Alliance are huge steps towards preserving the climate. Over the year of its presidency, India also showcased its traditional ‘living in harmony with the nature’ as an effective measure to safeguard the climate. Another Indian initiative, setting up the Coalition for Disaster Resilience so that countries across the world, especially developing countries, learn from each other and build infrastructure that is resilient even during disasters, was widely acknowledged and applauded at the Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Promotion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has been another landmark achievement of India’s presidency. India through its DPI has been able to pull millions out of poverty by ensuring financial inclusion and ‘direct benefit transfer’ stopping leakages. The digital payment system has caught global attention with advanced economies like Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, UAE looking at ways to adopt it. Noting India’s expertise and rapid growth in DPI, the joint declaration welcomed India’s plan to build and maintain a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), a virtual repository of DPI, voluntarily shared by G20 members and beyond. It also welcomed Indian Presidency’s proposal of the One Future Alliance (OFA), a voluntary initiative aimed at building capacity, and providing technical assistance and adequate funding support for implementing DPI in Low and Middle-Income economies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India also placed emphasis on addressing the global challenges posed by debt vulnerabilities, especially for nations in the Global South. G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors have acknowledged the problem and the need to establish strong mechanisms to help the affected nations. Towards this, the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable, a joint initiative of the IMF, World Bank and the G20 Presidency has been launched this year. India has already helped Sri Lanka in its debt restructuring while the G20 has now taken note of cases of Zambia, Ethiopia and Ghana for progressing their cases. &nbsp;</p>

<p>There were many more outcomes in the 37-page declaration, an outcome of over 10 months of labored and thought-provoking and futuristic discussions. By organising over 200 meetings across 60 cities, India has set yet another benchmark for the future of G20. India’s vision to make it ‘peoples presidency’ has not only helped showcase the diversity and vibrancy of all parts of India to the world but has also set the tone that G20 cannot be an elitist club, to be entertained in the capital city only. When seen in context with India’s push for inclusion of the African Union in the G20, it is a clear step towards democratization of the G20. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Shaping the New World Order&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>India’s G20 presidency came at a critical point when the existing global order was in crisis and the established norms were being challenged. Russia Russia-Ukraine war has split the world between the ‘West and the Rest’ while China’s aggressive designs and refusal to follow the ‘rules-based order’ are causing discord. The US is no longer the single ‘pole’ and its dollar dominance is being challenged. To add to the chaos is the global crisis caused in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic which has disrupted global supply chains, causing huge shortages in food and energy in the developing and under-developed nations. The relevance and potential of international financial institutions like the Bretton Woods Institutions i.e. the World Bank, and the IMF along with several multilateral development banks etc., to tackle modern-day issues is being questioned. PM Modi’s remarks that “a mid-20th century approach cannot serve the world in the 21st century. So, our international institutions need to recognise changing realities, expand their decision-making forums, relook at their priorities and ensure representation of voices that matter”, aptly puts the issues in correct perspective.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In all this muddle and uncertainty, the world is looking for a nation that enjoys goodwill across ideologies, is a trustworthy partner, is technologically and economically sound, has no aggressive designs or extra-territorial ambitions and respects the ‘rule-based order’. India ticks all these boxes and more, with its vibrant democracy and diversity being added pluses. So, when India talked of the need to include the Global South in important decision-making discourse, it was accepted. When India stood firm on exercising its strategic autonomy and serving its national interests during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it was not only accepted but gave it the status of a global leader, ‘Vishwaguru’ status. India’s G20 presidency has thus set the foundation for a new and fast-evolving world order which would be more diverse and inclusive and a world order which will witness the emergence of multiple poles, unlike the fast-eroding existing world order.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Finale&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Coming amidst huge uncertainties about the outcome of the G20 Summit, India practically pulled off a heist when PM Modi announced right in the morning session of the first day that a consensus has been reached on adopting the Delhi Declaration. It caught all the pundits by surprise, the majority of whom were doubtful of a consensus declaration and others who were hopeful of a declaration, albeit in a photo finish. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main sticking point on the Ukraine war was deftly re-worded to state that G20 expresses deep concern about the immense human suffering and the adverse impact of wars and conflicts around the world. In line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. It added that G20 is not the platform to resolve geopolitical and security issues and ended the para by stating that there were different views and assessments of the situation. With Russia on board with it, China probably had no option but to relent not only on Ukraine but also on the theme of the G20 presidency, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ which interestingly was the first para of the preamble of the declaration, perhaps a ‘tease or a dare’ to China!&nbsp;</p>

<p>As PM Modi himself stated, “India’s G20 Presidency has been the most ambitious in the history of G-20. With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than doubled the substantive work from previous presidencies." Modi emphasized on the need for inclusive human-centric development in which women get their due role and importance. India’s emphasis towards women-led development was applauded at the summit. India also proposed to launch the 'G20 Satellite Mission for Environment and Climate Observation' and also announced the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance and urged G20 nations to join the initiative with a plea to take ethanol blending with petrol globally to 20 per cent, both perhaps cherries on the cake in the success of the Summit. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The G20 presidency of India has thus been spectacular and pathbreaking. The benchmarks it has set will be difficult to match in the future. It has once again re-affirmed India’s global leadership status.&nbsp;As Dr Jaishankar said at the press conference, “The G20 has contributed to making India world-ready and the world India-ready". India’s moment has truly arrived. PM Modi and his team have made it a habit of delivering against the greatest of odds and this G20 Summit was just the latest among, in a long list. Today, while the world heaves a sigh of relief at yet another day saved from the blushes, Bharat celebrates and the tricolor flies high.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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G20 Summit 2023: The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi is proving to be a mega event, perhaps the largest in the history of G20. Attended by more than 30 heads of State/Government, it discussed issues that are not only relevant to the G20 countries but hold significance to the future of the entire planet, duly justifying the theme of this year’s G20 i.

G20 Summit 2023: The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi is proving to be a mega event, perhaps the largest in the history of G20. Attended by more than 30 heads of State/Government, it discussed issues that are not only relevant to the G20 countries but hold significance to the future of the entire planet, duly justifying the theme of this year’s G20 i.e. ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. The ‘Delhi Declaration’ issued on the first day of the summit was an apt reflection of the priorities that India proposed, key among them being the focus on inclusion of the Global South in the G20, inclusive and human-centric development, climate preservation models through ‘just transition’ and a new model for financial inclusion for the developing world. The joint declaration was also a result of deft diplomacy from India, which had to navigate through several disagreements and conflicting views, prominent among them was the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the resultant stand-off between Russia and the West. The G20, which consists of the world's major powers and important economies, has 19 countries plus the EU and now the African Union as members and represents more than 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade and more than two-thirds of the world's population. Among the 19 countries are the P5 of the UN Security Council, others being Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Türkiye with Spain as a permanent invitee. In addition, prominent forums like the World Bank, and IMF too are permanent invitees. The presidency is a rotational responsibility, on an annual basis. From an Indian standpoint, this was India’s first G20 presidency and coincided with the celebrations of its 75th year of independence. It was also the largest-ever gathering of world leaders hosted in India. It also came at a time when the world is looking for answers to serious global issues like Covid-19 pandemic which has adversely affected global supply chains, the Russia-Ukraine war which has split the world vertically between the ‘West and the Rest’ as well as the continued threat posed by China’s aggressive designs in East and South East Asia. In all of this, if there is one country that emerged above the gloom, it is India, which not only provided Covid-19 vaccines to its people but also to more than 100 countries in the world. Its resoluteness and exercise of its strategic autonomy in the face of extreme pressure posed by the West on Russia-Ukraine war, was acknowledged world over and later reluctantly accepted by the West too. India’s proactive steps in tackling climate disasters and promotion towards renewable energy have been taken note of by the world. In the midst of all this, India quietly climbed the ladder to become the fifth-largest economy and has been projected to continue its northward trajectory as the fastest-growing economy in the coming years. All this gave India prominence and the required fillip to set a proactive and futuristic agenda for its G20 presidency which is aptly reflected in the Delhi Declaration. The Many Firsts and Unique Outcomes Perhaps the most significant outcome of India’s G20 has been the inclusion of the African Union as a G20 member. Right through its presidency, India has been vocal about becoming the ‘Voice of the Global South’. India hosted the first ever ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ on 12-13 January 2023. The Summit was held in a virtual format, with the participation of 125 countries of the Global South. India has constantly held the position that the concerns and needs of the Global South are essential to seek equitable solutions to global problems and thus inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was an exclusive initiative and success of India. India’s emphasis on LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and climate preservation and getting the G20 nations to agree on a ‘just transition’ to save the planet is yet another huge achievement of the Summit. It now involves a country-specific climate assessment and transition rather than the earlier ‘one size fits all’ approach. The joint declaration aptly stated that ‘Just energy transitions can improve jobs and livelihoods, and strengthen economic resilience. We affirm that no country should have to choose between fighting poverty and fighting for our planet’. India has already demonstrated its commitment by surpassing its renewable energy target nine years ahead of the 2030 target set at the 2015 Paris Climate Summit, where India had pledged that 40% of its power capacity would be met by non-fossil fuels by 2030, a target that was met in December 2021 itself. In addition, India’s global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance set up in 2015 and which now has over 100 countries as members, and the now proposed Global Bio Fuels Alliance are huge steps towards preserving the climate. Over the year of its presidency, India also showcased its traditional ‘living in harmony with the nature’ as an effective measure to safeguard the climate. Another Indian initiative, setting up the Coalition for Disaster Resilience so that countries across the world, especially developing countries, learn from each other and build infrastructure that is resilient even during disasters, was widely acknowledged and applauded at the Summit. Promotion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has been another landmark achievement of India’s presidency. India through its DPI has been able to pull millions out of poverty by ensuring financial inclusion and ‘direct benefit transfer’ stopping leakages. The digital payment system has caught global attention with advanced economies like Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, UAE looking at ways to adopt it. Noting India’s expertise and rapid growth in DPI, the joint declaration welcomed India’s plan to build and maintain a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), a virtual repository of DPI, voluntarily shared by G20 members and beyond. It also welcomed Indian Presidency’s proposal of the One Future Alliance (OFA), a voluntary initiative aimed at building capacity, and providing technical assistance and adequate funding support for implementing DPI in Low and Middle-Income economies. India also placed emphasis on addressing the global challenges posed by debt vulnerabilities, especially for nations in the Global South. G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors have acknowledged the problem and the need to establish strong mechanisms to help the affected nations. Towards this, the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable, a joint initiative of the IMF, World Bank and the G20 Presidency has been launched this year. India has already helped Sri Lanka in its debt restructuring while the G20 has now taken note of cases of Zambia, Ethiopia and Ghana for progressing their cases. There were many more outcomes in the 37-page declaration, an outcome of over 10 months of labored and thought-provoking and futuristic discussions. By organising over 200 meetings across 60 cities, India has set yet another benchmark for the future of G20. India’s vision to make it ‘peoples presidency’ has not only helped showcase the diversity and vibrancy of all parts of India to the world but has also set the tone that G20 cannot be an elitist club, to be entertained in the capital city only. When seen in context with India’s push for inclusion of the African Union in the G20, it is a clear step towards democratization of the G20. Shaping the New World Order India’s G20 presidency came at a critical point when the existing global order was in crisis and the established norms were being challenged. Russia Russia-Ukraine war has split the world between the ‘West and the Rest’ while China’s aggressive designs and refusal to follow the ‘rules-based order’ are causing discord. The US is no longer the single ‘pole’ and its dollar dominance is being challenged. To add to the chaos is the global crisis caused in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic which has disrupted global supply chains, causing huge shortages in food and energy in the developing and under-developed nations. The relevance and potential of international financial institutions like the Bretton Woods Institutions i.e. the World Bank, and the IMF along with several multilateral development banks etc., to tackle modern-day issues is being questioned. PM Modi’s remarks that “a mid-20th century approach cannot serve the world in the 21st century. So, our international institutions need to recognise changing realities, expand their decision-making forums, relook at their priorities and ensure representation of voices that matter”, aptly puts the issues in correct perspective. In all this muddle and uncertainty, the world is looking for a nation that enjoys goodwill across ideologies, is a trustworthy partner, is technologically and economically sound, has no aggressive designs or extra-territorial ambitions and respects the ‘rule-based order’. India ticks all these boxes and more, with its vibrant democracy and diversity being added pluses. So, when India talked of the need to include the Global South in important decision-making discourse, it was accepted. When India stood firm on exercising its strategic autonomy and serving its national interests during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it was not only accepted but gave it the status of a global leader, ‘Vishwaguru’ status. India’s G20 presidency has thus set the foundation for a new and fast-evolving world order which would be more diverse and inclusive and a world order which will witness the emergence of multiple poles, unlike the fast-eroding existing world order. The Finale Coming amidst huge uncertainties about the outcome of the G20 Summit, India practically pulled off a heist when PM Modi announced right in the morning session of the first day that a consensus has been reached on adopting the Delhi Declaration. It caught all the pundits by surprise, the majority of whom were doubtful of a consensus declaration and others who were hopeful of a declaration, albeit in a photo finish. The main sticking point on the Ukraine war was deftly re-worded to state that G20 expresses deep concern about the immense human suffering and the adverse impact of wars and conflicts around the world. In line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. It added that G20 is not the platform to resolve geopolitical and security issues and ended the para by stating that there were different views and assessments of the situation. With Russia on board with it, China probably had no option but to relent not only on Ukraine but also on the theme of the G20 presidency, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ which interestingly was the first para of the preamble of the declaration, perhaps a ‘tease or a dare’ to China! As PM Modi himself stated, “India’s G20 Presidency has been the most ambitious in the history of G-20. With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than doubled the substantive work from previous presidencies." Modi emphasized on the need for inclusive human-centric development in which women get their due role and importance. India’s emphasis towards women-led development was applauded at the summit. India also proposed to launch the 'G20 Satellite Mission for Environment and Climate Observation' and also announced the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance and urged G20 nations to join the initiative with a plea to take ethanol blending with petrol globally to 20 per cent, both perhaps cherries on the cake in the success of the Summit. The G20 presidency of India has thus been spectacular and pathbreaking. The benchmarks it has set will be difficult to match in the future. It has once again re-affirmed India’s global leadership status. As Dr Jaishankar said at the press conference, “The G20 has contributed to making India world-ready and the world India-ready". India’s moment has truly arrived. PM Modi and his team have made it a habit of delivering against the greatest of odds and this G20 Summit was just the latest among, in a long list. Today, while the world heaves a sigh of relief at yet another day saved from the blushes, Bharat celebrates and the tricolor flies high. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Bharat’ aces G20, setting new benchmarks for a 21st century world order 

<p>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in New Delhi, on Saturday (September 9), to attend the G20 Summit and was seen disembarking the flight donning an eye patch. This comes as the 65-year-old, last week, said that he injured his face while jogging last week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday (Sep 4), Scholz shared his picture on X, which was earlier known as Twitter, in which he was seen sporting a black patch over his injured right eye, and red scrape marks can be seen visible around the edge.</p>

<p>“Thanks for the well wishes. It looks worse than it is!” he posted along with the picture on his official account, stating, “Excited to see the memes.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Wer den Schaden hat…<br />
Bin gespannt auf die Memes. Danke für die guten Wünsche, sieht schlimmer aus, als es ist! <a href="https://t.co/bB5INX8HnM">pic.twitter.com/bB5INX8HnM</a></p>
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/status/1698627434508063228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chancellor’s spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-olaf-scholz-sports-eyepatch-post-injury-says-excited-to-see-the-memes-632404">said</a> that Scholz, who has been running regularly for many years, was in good shape despite the injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to his spokesperson, the German chancellor has suffered minor injuries and will have to wear the eye patch for the next few days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He’s doing well under the circumstances,” Hebestreit said in a regular press briefing. “He was in a good mood this morning, although he still looks a little battered,” he added.</p>

<p>The accident which led to injuries happened sometime over the weekend, which also reportedly led to the cancellation of some of his appointments.</p>

<p>As per local media, Scholz fell while he was running in his hometown of Potsdam, which is 28 kilometres (17 miles) southwest of Berlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scholz has been leading Germany since December 2021, prior to which he served as the finance and labour minister of the country and was also the mayor of Hamburg.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G20 Summit in New Delhi</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the injury, Scholz was seen meeting and engaging with world leaders at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Wir brauchen die <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> mehr denn je. Beim Gipfel in Neu-Delhi setze ich mich dafür ein, echte Fortschritte bei zentralen Herausforderungen wie der Klima- und Hungerkrise und der Zusammenarbeit mit dem Globalen Süden zu erzielen.<br />
Thank you for your warm welcome, <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>! <a href="https://t.co/OpeOXlLUB4">pic.twitter.com/OpeOXlLUB4</a></p>
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/status/1700424903399297374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the 49th summit of the Group of Seven (G7) in the Japanese city of Hiroshima, earlier this year. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in New Delhi, on Saturday (September 9), to attend the G20 Summit and was seen disembarking the flight donning an eye patch.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in New Delhi, on Saturday (September 9), to attend the G20 Summit and was seen disembarking the flight donning an eye patch. This comes as the 65-year-old, last week, said that he injured his face while jogging last week. What happened? On Monday (Sep 4), Scholz shared his picture on X, which was earlier known as Twitter, in which he was seen sporting a black patch over his injured right eye, and red scrape marks can be seen visible around the edge. “Thanks for the well wishes. It looks worse than it is!” he posted along with the picture on his official account, stating, “Excited to see the memes.” Wer den Schaden hat… Bin gespannt auf die Memes. Danke für die guten Wünsche, sieht schlimmer aus, als es ist! pic.twitter.com/bB5INX8HnM — Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) September 4, 2023 × Chancellor’s spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said that Scholz, who has been running regularly for many years, was in good shape despite the injury. According to his spokesperson, the German chancellor has suffered minor injuries and will have to wear the eye patch for the next few days. “He’s doing well under the circumstances,” Hebestreit said in a regular press briefing. “He was in a good mood this morning, although he still looks a little battered,” he added. The accident which led to injuries happened sometime over the weekend, which also reportedly led to the cancellation of some of his appointments. As per local media, Scholz fell while he was running in his hometown of Potsdam, which is 28 kilometres (17 miles) southwest of Berlin. Scholz has been leading Germany since December 2021, prior to which he served as the finance and labour minister of the country and was also the mayor of Hamburg. G20 Summit in New Delhi Despite the injury, Scholz was seen meeting and engaging with world leaders at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Wir brauchen die #G20 mehr denn je. Beim Gipfel in Neu-Delhi setze ich mich dafür ein, echte Fortschritte bei zentralen Herausforderungen wie der Klima- und Hungerkrise und der Zusammenarbeit mit dem Globalen Süden zu erzielen. Thank you for your warm welcome, @narendramodi! pic.twitter.com/OpeOXlLUB4 — Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) September 9, 2023 × The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the 49th summit of the Group of Seven (G7) in the Japanese city of Hiroshima, earlier this year. (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.

G20 Summit: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz seen wearing an eyepatch in New Delhi. Here’s why

<p>Voters in the Maldives headed to polling stations on Saturday (September 9) with the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih facing a tough re-election bid and against rival Mohamed Muizzu. The election is also being perceived as a battle for influence between New Delhi and Beijing in the region as Solih is seen as pro-India while his rival, Muizzu has a record of being close to China and recently launched an “India out” campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the Maldives elections</strong></h2>

<p>The polls closed at 4:00 pm (local time) and the final results are expected late Sunday, that is if any candidate secures more than 50 per cent of the votes. However, in case no candidate secures a majority, the second-round vote would take place on September 30.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“All polling stations are open and voting has begun. We thought turnout might be low during the early stages. However, we have been surprised with many people queueing very early,” Fuwad Thowfeek, the president of the Elections Commission, told Reuters, earlier on Saturday. “So far, everything is moving smoothly without any disruptions or delays,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around half of the island nations’ 520,000 people were expected to vote on Saturday. “We have registered nearly 40 per cent turnout in the first half of polling,” an election official told journalists, as per AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The process is orderly, lot of people turned up even before booths opened,” said the official, adding that they expected around 80 to 90 per cent of the 282,000 electorate to turn out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thousands turned out early at more than 570 polling stations across 187 islands, as per media reports. Maldivians were also voting at polling stations in India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia and will also begin voting in the United Kingdom and Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who are the main candidates?</strong></h2>

<p>A total of eight candidates are contesting for the top job in the country of 1,192 coral islets that are scattered in the Indian Ocean along some 800 kilometres. Solih, 61, and 45-year-old Muizzu have been leading the opinion polls ahead of the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incumbent president Solih has sought another five-year term and championed an “India-first” policy, during his time in office. He is also slightly ahead in the polls. Dressed in a yellow T-shirt and cap, the colours of his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), he addressed a large gathering&nbsp;in the capital Male&nbsp;on Saturday, reported AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Muizzu, who has a record of backing China has also launched an “India out” campaign, a part of which includes promising to remove a small Indian military presence of surveillance aircraft and some 75 personnel.</p>

<p>A poll of 384 people conducted by the Baani Center think tank last month found that 21 per cent of respondents favoured Solih compared with 14 per cent supporting Muizzu. However, they also found a record number of “undecideds” since the poll first began in April.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muizzu entered the race after the Supreme Court of Maldives barred jailed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-supreme-court-bars-jailed-ex-president-from-taking-part-in-presidential-poll-622848">former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom</a> from taking part in the presidential elections, last month after a conviction for corruption and money laundering.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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Voters in the Maldives headed to polling stations on Saturday (September 9) with the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih facing a tough re-election bid and against rival Mohamed Muizzu.

Voters in the Maldives headed to polling stations on Saturday (September 9) with the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih facing a tough re-election bid and against rival Mohamed Muizzu. The election is also being perceived as a battle for influence between New Delhi and Beijing in the region as Solih is seen as pro-India while his rival, Muizzu has a record of being close to China and recently launched an “India out” campaign. About the Maldives elections The polls closed at 4:00 pm (local time) and the final results are expected late Sunday, that is if any candidate secures more than 50 per cent of the votes. However, in case no candidate secures a majority, the second-round vote would take place on September 30. “All polling stations are open and voting has begun. We thought turnout might be low during the early stages. However, we have been surprised with many people queueing very early,” Fuwad Thowfeek, the president of the Elections Commission, told Reuters, earlier on Saturday. “So far, everything is moving smoothly without any disruptions or delays,” he added. Around half of the island nations’ 520,000 people were expected to vote on Saturday. “We have registered nearly 40 per cent turnout in the first half of polling,” an election official told journalists, as per AFP. “The process is orderly, lot of people turned up even before booths opened,” said the official, adding that they expected around 80 to 90 per cent of the 282,000 electorate to turn out. Thousands turned out early at more than 570 polling stations across 187 islands, as per media reports. Maldivians were also voting at polling stations in India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia and will also begin voting in the United Kingdom and Abu Dhabi. Who are the main candidates? A total of eight candidates are contesting for the top job in the country of 1,192 coral islets that are scattered in the Indian Ocean along some 800 kilometres. Solih, 61, and 45-year-old Muizzu have been leading the opinion polls ahead of the election. The incumbent president Solih has sought another five-year term and championed an “India-first” policy, during his time in office. He is also slightly ahead in the polls. Dressed in a yellow T-shirt and cap, the colours of his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), he addressed a large gathering in the capital Male on Saturday, reported AFP. On the other hand, Muizzu, who has a record of backing China has also launched an “India out” campaign, a part of which includes promising to remove a small Indian military presence of surveillance aircraft and some 75 personnel. A poll of 384 people conducted by the Baani Center think tank last month found that 21 per cent of respondents favoured Solih compared with 14 per cent supporting Muizzu. However, they also found a record number of “undecideds” since the poll first began in April. Muizzu entered the race after the Supreme Court of Maldives barred jailed former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom from taking part in the presidential elections, last month after a conviction for corruption and money laundering. (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.

Maldives election: Polls underway for new president; could be key for India-China rivalry

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday (September 9), while addressing the second session 'One Family' of the G20 Summit said that India's presidency has been the most ambitious and action-oriented in all of the presidencies till date.</p>

<p>“With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than doubled the substantive work from previous presidencies. 2x-5x the number of outcomes and annexed documents as compared to previous presidencies. The Indian Presidency of the G20 has been the most ambitious and action-oriented in all of G20 Presidencies,” PM Modi said.</p>

<p>As per the official data released, India has had 73 outcomes as compared to countries like Indonesia, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, which have had 27, 36, and 22 outcomes respectively.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India’s G20 Presidency has been the most ambitious in history of G-20. 73 outcomes (lines of effort) and 39 annexed documents (presidency documents, not including Working Group outcome documents). With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than doubled the… <a href="https://t.co/1d32f9Kkv7">pic.twitter.com/1d32f9Kkv7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1700450113460781469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>G20 leaders reach consensus</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi on Saturday said that the consensus has been built on the New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration and announced its adoption.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-modi-helms-expansion-of-g20-with-african-union-as-permanent-member-633985"> </a></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-modi-helms-expansion-of-g20-with-african-union-as-permanent-member-633985">G20 summit: Modi helms expansion of G20 with African Union as permanent member</a></p>

<p>He congratulated the Sherpas and ministers who had worked towards forging the consensus.</p>

<p>"I have received good news. 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. On this occasion, I congratulate my Sherpa, ministers, who worked hard for it and made it possible,” he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | G-20 in India: PM Narendra Modi says, " I have received good news. 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. On this… <a href="https://t.co/7mfuzP0qz9">pic.twitter.com/7mfuzP0qz9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1700448995355824588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant posted on X calling G20 India the "most ambitious" in the history of G20 presidencies. "With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than doubled the substantive work from previous presidencies," he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Historical and Path breaking #G20 Declaration with 100 per cent consensus on all developmental and geo-political issues. The new geopolitical paras are a powerful call for Planet, People, Peace and Prosperity in today's world. Demonstrates PM @narendramodi leadership in today’s world," Kant said on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20India</a> has been the MOST ambitious in the history of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> presidencies. With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than tripled the substantive work from previous presidencies. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewDelhiLeadersDeclaration?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewDelhiLeadersDeclaration</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/grk35UwC1Z">pic.twitter.com/grk35UwC1Z</a></p>
— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitabhk87/status/1700455491540070832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The #NewDelhiLeadersDeclaration focuses on - Strong, Sustainable, Balanced, and Inclusive Growth Accelerating Progress on #SDGs Green Development Pact for a Sustainable Future Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century Reinvigorating Multilateralism," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday (September 9), while addressing the second session 'One Family' of the G20 Summit said that India's presidency has been the most ambitious and action-oriented in all of the presidencies till date.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday (September 9), while addressing the second session 'One Family' of the G20 Summit said that India's presidency has been the most ambitious and action-oriented in all of the presidencies till date. “With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than doubled the substantive work from previous presidencies. 2x-5x the number of outcomes and annexed documents as compared to previous presidencies. The Indian Presidency of the G20 has been the most ambitious and action-oriented in all of G20 Presidencies,” PM Modi said. As per the official data released, India has had 73 outcomes as compared to countries like Indonesia, Italy, and Saudi Arabia, which have had 27, 36, and 22 outcomes respectively. India’s G20 Presidency has been the most ambitious in history of G-20. 73 outcomes (lines of effort) and 39 annexed documents (presidency documents, not including Working Group outcome documents). With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than doubled the… pic.twitter.com/1d32f9Kkv7 — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2023 × G20 leaders reach consensus PM Modi on Saturday said that the consensus has been built on the New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration and announced its adoption. Also read: G20 summit: Modi helms expansion of G20 with African Union as permanent member He congratulated the Sherpas and ministers who had worked towards forging the consensus. "I have received good news. 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. On this occasion, I congratulate my Sherpa, ministers, who worked hard for it and made it possible,” he said. #WATCH | G-20 in India: PM Narendra Modi says, " I have received good news. 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. On this… pic.twitter.com/7mfuzP0qz9 — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2023 × G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant posted on X calling G20 India the "most ambitious" in the history of G20 presidencies. "With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than doubled the substantive work from previous presidencies," he wrote. "Historical and Path breaking #G20 Declaration with 100 per cent consensus on all developmental and geo-political issues. The new geopolitical paras are a powerful call for Planet, People, Peace and Prosperity in today's world. Demonstrates PM @narendramodi leadership in today’s world," Kant said on X. #G20India has been the MOST ambitious in the history of #G20 presidencies. With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than tripled the substantive work from previous presidencies. #NewDelhiLeadersDeclaration 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/grk35UwC1Z — Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) September 9, 2023 × "The #NewDelhiLeadersDeclaration focuses on - Strong, Sustainable, Balanced, and Inclusive Growth Accelerating Progress on #SDGs Green Development Pact for a Sustainable Future Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century Reinvigorating Multilateralism," he added. (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 presidency ‘most ambitious’ in history of G20, says PM Narendra Modi

<p>The African Union was made a permanent member of the world’s richest and most powerful countries, G20, in New Delhi, on Saturday (September 9). The move will allow the continent to make “its effective contribution” in helping the world meet global challenges, said the AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>AU joins G20</strong></h2>

<p>At its full strength, the AU has 55 members and accounts for a GDP of $3 trillion with some 1.4 billion people. However, six military-ruled nations are currently suspended. Its previous designation at the summit was “invited international organisation”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>G20 previously comprised 19 countries and the European Union which account for 85 per cent of the global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-modi-helms-expansion-of-g20-with-african-union-as-permanent-member-633985">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi,</a> invited the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member. This comes after the move was first proposed by the Indian PM back in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He later took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and said, “Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South.”</p>

<p>African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat also took to X and said, “I welcome the African Union’s entry into the G20 as full member. This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favor of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>South Africa</strong></h2>

<p>South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took to X and said, “We are delighted that the G20 has accepted the African Union as a member of the G20. Global reconstruction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, sustainable societies.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Developing economies are bearing the brunt of climate change, despite carrying the least responsibility for this crisis…South Africa calls for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria</strong></h2>

<p>“As a continent, we look forward to further advancing our aspirations on the global stage using the G20 platform,” said Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is at the summit, on X.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kenya&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Kenyan President William Ruto said that AU’s entry into the G20 will “give African interests and perspectives voice and visibility in this important body”. He added, “With Africa poised to grow in the coming years, a seat will allow it to shape the decisions of G20 to ensure the continent’s interests are advanced.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>European Union&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>EU President Ursula von der Leyen, along similar lines, stressed the need for technology and finance to address climate change and its effects in the region. Welcoming AU’s inclusion in the G20 she said, “As we address issues that concern African profoundly, it is a pleasure to welcome the African Union as a new member of the G20.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>G20 countries account for 80 per cent of greenhouse gases as opposed to the less than four per cent emissions by Africa but “it is among the most affected by climate change,” said the EU president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The EU and Africa are partnering to address the continent’s priorities,” said von der Leyen, on X. She listed “ensuring food security, securing the means to fight climate change, and attracting investments,” as the priorities and said, “The G20 has much to win from a strong African voice.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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The African Union was made a permanent member of the world’s richest and most powerful countries, G20, in New Delhi, on Saturday (September 9). The move will allow the continent to make “its effective contribution” in helping the world meet global challenges, said the AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat.

The African Union was made a permanent member of the world’s richest and most powerful countries, G20, in New Delhi, on Saturday (September 9). The move will allow the continent to make “its effective contribution” in helping the world meet global challenges, said the AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat. AU joins G20 At its full strength, the AU has 55 members and accounts for a GDP of $3 trillion with some 1.4 billion people. However, six military-ruled nations are currently suspended. Its previous designation at the summit was “invited international organisation”. G20 previously comprised 19 countries and the European Union which account for 85 per cent of the global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, invited the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member. This comes after the move was first proposed by the Indian PM back in June. He later took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and said, “Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South.” African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat also took to X and said, “I welcome the African Union’s entry into the G20 as full member. This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favor of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges.” South Africa South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took to X and said, “We are delighted that the G20 has accepted the African Union as a member of the G20. Global reconstruction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, sustainable societies.” He added, “Developing economies are bearing the brunt of climate change, despite carrying the least responsibility for this crisis…South Africa calls for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.” Nigeria “As a continent, we look forward to further advancing our aspirations on the global stage using the G20 platform,” said Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is at the summit, on X. Kenya Kenyan President William Ruto said that AU’s entry into the G20 will “give African interests and perspectives voice and visibility in this important body”. He added, “With Africa poised to grow in the coming years, a seat will allow it to shape the decisions of G20 to ensure the continent’s interests are advanced.” European Union EU President Ursula von der Leyen, along similar lines, stressed the need for technology and finance to address climate change and its effects in the region. Welcoming AU’s inclusion in the G20 she said, “As we address issues that concern African profoundly, it is a pleasure to welcome the African Union as a new member of the G20.” G20 countries account for 80 per cent of greenhouse gases as opposed to the less than four per cent emissions by Africa but “it is among the most affected by climate change,” said the EU president. “The EU and Africa are partnering to address the continent’s priorities,” said von der Leyen, on X. She listed “ensuring food security, securing the means to fight climate change, and attracting investments,” as the priorities and said, “The G20 has much to win from a strong African voice.” (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.

G20 Summit: Nations welcome African Union as permanent member of grouping

<p>As New Delhi gears up to host the upcoming G20 summit, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced that they are taking an operational pause in their ongoing Exercise Trishul in the northern sector and that the fighter aircraft involved will not be flying between September 7 and 10, reported news agency ANI, on Thursday (September 7) citing officials.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indian Air Force’s Trishul training</strong></h2>

<p>Since September 4, the Indian Air Force has been carrying out a major training exercise codenamed Trishul in the northern sector of the country, along the border with China and Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/delhi-offices-schools-shops-banks-to-be-shut-from-sept-8-10-for-g20-meet-628179">Delhi offices, schools, shops, banks to be shut on Sept 8-10 for G20 meet&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The exercise involves major fleets&nbsp;of fighter aircraft, including the Rafale, Mirage 2000 and the Su-30MKIs. Additionally, heavy-lift transport aircraft and choppers including the Chinooks and Apache are also participating in the drill which is supposed to end on September 14.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>IAF officials on preparing for the G20 summit in Delhi</strong></h2>

<p>According to ANI, IAF officials said that only the flying operations of the aircraft involved in Trishul would be paused while other routine flying operations would continue as planned.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-in-delhi-heres-whats-open-and-whats-closed-in-national-capital-632493">G20 Summit in Delhi: Here's what's open and what's closed in national capital</a></strong></p>

<p>Between September 7 and 10, the IAF will also start operating its Phalcon airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) aircraft to keep an eye on the air space across the country as well as protect the air space over the Indian capital for the upcoming G20 summit, reported ANI, citing defence sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IAF will also reportedly deploy its Rafale and other fighter jets at their advanced air bases to protect Delhi and will use surface-to-air missile systems in and around the country’s capital to shoot down any enemy aircraft or rogue drones.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-in-delhi-trends-show-gaps-in-leaders-attendance-each-year-631820">G20 summit in Delhi: Trends show gaps in leaders’ attendance each year</a></strong></p>

<p>Previous reports suggested that&nbsp;the IAF has initiated the activation of air bases both within and in proximity to Delhi. These included the Hindan air base, as well as IAF bases located in the Indian cities of Ambala, Bhatinda, Adampur, and Sirsa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IAF also reportedly plans on using its domestically developed NETRA surveillance aircraft to enhance monitoring capabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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As New Delhi gears up to host the upcoming G20 summit, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced that they are taking an operational pause in their ongoing Exercise Trishul in the northern sector and that the fighter aircraft involved will not be flying between September 7 and 10, reported news agency ANI, on Thursday (September 7) citing officials.

As New Delhi gears up to host the upcoming G20 summit, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced that they are taking an operational pause in their ongoing Exercise Trishul in the northern sector and that the fighter aircraft involved will not be flying between September 7 and 10, reported news agency ANI, on Thursday (September 7) citing officials. Indian Air Force’s Trishul training Since September 4, the Indian Air Force has been carrying out a major training exercise codenamed Trishul in the northern sector of the country, along the border with China and Pakistan. ALSO READ | Delhi offices, schools, shops, banks to be shut on Sept 8-10 for G20 meet The exercise involves major fleets of fighter aircraft, including the Rafale, Mirage 2000 and the Su-30MKIs. Additionally, heavy-lift transport aircraft and choppers including the Chinooks and Apache are also participating in the drill which is supposed to end on September 14. IAF officials on preparing for the G20 summit in Delhi According to ANI, IAF officials said that only the flying operations of the aircraft involved in Trishul would be paused while other routine flying operations would continue as planned. ALSO READ | G20 Summit in Delhi: Here's what's open and what's closed in national capital Between September 7 and 10, the IAF will also start operating its Phalcon airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) aircraft to keep an eye on the air space across the country as well as protect the air space over the Indian capital for the upcoming G20 summit, reported ANI, citing defence sources. The IAF will also reportedly deploy its Rafale and other fighter jets at their advanced air bases to protect Delhi and will use surface-to-air missile systems in and around the country’s capital to shoot down any enemy aircraft or rogue drones. ALSO READ | G20 summit in Delhi: Trends show gaps in leaders’ attendance each year Previous reports suggested that the IAF has initiated the activation of air bases both within and in proximity to Delhi. These included the Hindan air base, as well as IAF bases located in the Indian cities of Ambala, Bhatinda, Adampur, and Sirsa. The IAF also reportedly plans on using its domestically developed NETRA surveillance aircraft to enhance monitoring capabilities. (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.

G20 summit: Indian Air Force pauses training exercise, Rafale fighter jets to secure Delhi airspace

<p>Janmashtami was celebrated with much fanfare across the country on Thursday, with thousands of devotees thronging the major temples in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion. He wished for new energy and enthusiasm in the lives of "every member of my family", a reference to citizens. "Jai Shri Krishna," Modi added in his post on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the ISKCON temple located in the East of Kailash, South Delhi and performed a pooja.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Union Home minister Amit Shah offers prayers at ISKCON temple in Delhi on the occasion of Janmashtami. <a href="https://t.co/fizM3PZHRL">pic.twitter.com/fizM3PZHRL</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1699857127882334478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Thousands of devotees witnessed the "abhishek" (bathing of the deity) ceremony of Lord Krishna at the Radha Raman, Radha Damodar and Gokulanand temples in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, officials said.</p>

<p>Balram Goswami, the priest of the Radha Damodar temple, said while the festival is celebrated at midnight everywhere, it is celebrated during the day at the three major Mathura temples in accordance with the tradition set up by noted seer Jeev Goshwami nearly 500 years ago.</p>

<p>Since the Shahji temple in Vrindavan also celebrates all the festivals in accordance with the traditions followed at the Radha Raman temple, there too, Janmashtami was celebrated in the morning, the priest of the temple, said.</p>

<p>At the Srikrishna Janmabhumi, the day started with the blowing of shehnai and the sound of conch and drum beats, followed by the "abhishek" of the deity and the distribution of the "charnamrit" among the devotees.</p>

<p>Thousands of devotees paid obeisance to the deities at the Bhagwat Bhavan temple and other temples at the Srikrishna Janmasthan.</p>

<p>Headed by Shailjakant Mishra, the vice-president of the Uttar Pradesh Vraj Tirth Vikas Parishad, state ministers Laxmi Narain Chaudhary and Jaiveer Singh, District Magistrate (DM) Shailendra Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shailesh Kumar Pandey, a procession was taken out from the Srikrishna Janmasthan. It passed through the main streets of Mathura.</p>

<p>Janmashtami was also celebrated at the Dwarkadhish temple, Vrindavan, Govardhan and Nandgaon. "It is invigorating to witness the Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura. One cannot experience this anywhere else," said Bimalendra Mishra, a resident of Lakhimpur Kheri who travelled to Mathura to participate in the festival.</p>

<p>A large number of foreign devotees of Lord Krishna also paid obeisance to the deities at the ISKCON and Radha Damodar temples in Vrindavan. According to Panchagoda Prabhu, the president of the Krishna Balaram temple (ISKCON, Vrindavan), hundreds of devotees from different countries paid obeisance to the temple deity.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, at least 35 "Govindas" involved in the formation of human pyramids as part of the Dahi Handi celebrations were injured in Mumbai, officials said. The Dahi Handi festival is celebrated on the occasion of Janmashtami. As part of the celebrations, "Govindas" or Dahi Handi participants form multi-tiered human pyramids to break earthen pots filled with curd suspended in the air.</p>

<p>"At least 35 Govindas have suffered injuries during the Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai. Four of them have been admitted to hospitals -- two each in the civic-run KEM Hospital at Parel in central Mumbai and the Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar," an official said.</p>

<p>Janmashtami celebrations in Delhi's Dwarka incorporated "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" -- the theme of the upcoming G20 summit in the national capital. Union Minister Smriti Irani and BJP general secretary BL Santhosh attended the celebrations.</p>

<p>In view of India's G20 presidency, the Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) celebrated Janmashtami by incorporating the theme of the upcoming summit of the bloc -- "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the entire world is one family) -- according to a statement issued by the organisers. The event was organised on September 6-7 at the DDA ground in Sector 10, Dwarka.&nbsp;</p>

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Janmashtami was celebrated with much fanfare across the country on Thursday, with thousands of devotees thronging the major temples in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Janmashtami was celebrated with much fanfare across the country on Thursday, with thousands of devotees thronging the major temples in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion. He wished for new energy and enthusiasm in the lives of "every member of my family", a reference to citizens. "Jai Shri Krishna," Modi added in his post on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the ISKCON temple located in the East of Kailash, South Delhi and performed a pooja. VIDEO | Union Home minister Amit Shah offers prayers at ISKCON temple in Delhi on the occasion of Janmashtami. pic.twitter.com/fizM3PZHRL — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 7, 2023 × The festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Thousands of devotees witnessed the "abhishek" (bathing of the deity) ceremony of Lord Krishna at the Radha Raman, Radha Damodar and Gokulanand temples in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, officials said. Balram Goswami, the priest of the Radha Damodar temple, said while the festival is celebrated at midnight everywhere, it is celebrated during the day at the three major Mathura temples in accordance with the tradition set up by noted seer Jeev Goshwami nearly 500 years ago. Since the Shahji temple in Vrindavan also celebrates all the festivals in accordance with the traditions followed at the Radha Raman temple, there too, Janmashtami was celebrated in the morning, the priest of the temple, said. At the Srikrishna Janmabhumi, the day started with the blowing of shehnai and the sound of conch and drum beats, followed by the "abhishek" of the deity and the distribution of the "charnamrit" among the devotees. Thousands of devotees paid obeisance to the deities at the Bhagwat Bhavan temple and other temples at the Srikrishna Janmasthan. Headed by Shailjakant Mishra, the vice-president of the Uttar Pradesh Vraj Tirth Vikas Parishad, state ministers Laxmi Narain Chaudhary and Jaiveer Singh, District Magistrate (DM) Shailendra Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shailesh Kumar Pandey, a procession was taken out from the Srikrishna Janmasthan. It passed through the main streets of Mathura. Janmashtami was also celebrated at the Dwarkadhish temple, Vrindavan, Govardhan and Nandgaon. "It is invigorating to witness the Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura. One cannot experience this anywhere else," said Bimalendra Mishra, a resident of Lakhimpur Kheri who travelled to Mathura to participate in the festival. A large number of foreign devotees of Lord Krishna also paid obeisance to the deities at the ISKCON and Radha Damodar temples in Vrindavan. According to Panchagoda Prabhu, the president of the Krishna Balaram temple (ISKCON, Vrindavan), hundreds of devotees from different countries paid obeisance to the temple deity. Meanwhile, at least 35 "Govindas" involved in the formation of human pyramids as part of the Dahi Handi celebrations were injured in Mumbai, officials said. The Dahi Handi festival is celebrated on the occasion of Janmashtami. As part of the celebrations, "Govindas" or Dahi Handi participants form multi-tiered human pyramids to break earthen pots filled with curd suspended in the air. "At least 35 Govindas have suffered injuries during the Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai. Four of them have been admitted to hospitals -- two each in the civic-run KEM Hospital at Parel in central Mumbai and the Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar," an official said. Janmashtami celebrations in Delhi's Dwarka incorporated "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" -- the theme of the upcoming G20 summit in the national capital. Union Minister Smriti Irani and BJP general secretary BL Santhosh attended the celebrations. In view of India's G20 presidency, the Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) celebrated Janmashtami by incorporating the theme of the upcoming summit of the bloc -- "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the entire world is one family) -- according to a statement issued by the organisers. The event was organised on September 6-7 at the DDA ground in Sector 10, Dwarka. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India celebrates Janmashtami with pomp and gaiety, Home Minister Shah visits ISKCON temple

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while talking to reporters on his flight to India said that his visit to New Delhi for the G20 Summit was "obviously special" as he joked&nbsp;about being referred to as the "son-in-law of India". The first British PM of Indian heritage, Sunak is married to an Indian — Akshata Murty.</p>

<p>Terming India as a country "very dear" to him, Sunak said that he was excited to be back. He is joined on the visit by his wife, the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, and is scheduled for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit.</p>

<p>“I'm heading to the G20 Summit with a clear focus. Stabilising the global economy. Building international relationships. Supporting the most vulnerable,” tweeted Sunak as he embarked on the three-day tour on Friday (September 8).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m heading to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> Summit with a clear focus.<br />
<br />
Stabilising the global economy. Building international relationships. Supporting the most vulnerable.<br />
<br />
This action is part of that – Putin again has failed to show up for the G20, but we will show up with support for Ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/tLG19ILDLr">https://t.co/tLG19ILDLr</a></p>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1700039090836578656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“It's obviously special. I saw somewhere that I was referred to as India's son-in-law, which I hope was meant affectionately," he told reporters travelling with him.</p>

<p>UK has flagged the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a pivotal topic on its agenda. The Downing Street has, during the summit discussions, said that India's role and influence are “vital”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-three-major-multilateral-initiatives-to-be-launched-tomorrow-says-report-633603">G20 Summit: Three major multilateral initiatives to be launched Saturday, says report</a></p>

<p>"Once again, Vladimir Putin is failing to show his face at the G20. He is the architect of his own diplomatic exile, isolating himself in his presidential palace and blocking out criticism and reality. The rest of the G20, meanwhile, are demonstrating that we will turn up and work together to pick up the pieces of Putin's destruction," Sunak told reporters.</p>

<p>The Downing Street spokesperson said the UK will use “every opportunity” to show its support for Ukraine and further foster global support as well.</p>

<p>“India has a vital role to play as the world's largest democracy in calling out Russia's assault on human rights and indeed democracy itself. We will use meetings with Modi or elsewhere to encourage them to use that influence to bring an end to Putin's brutal invasion," Sunak's spokesperson said.</p>

<p>The India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations are likely to also feature highly during the Modi-Sunak bilateral discussions, having just completed 12 rounds of negotiations but with no set timeframe for its conclusion.</p>

<h2><strong>'Looking forward to a fruitful Summit,' says PM Modi as he extends a warm welcome to Sunak</strong></h2>

<p>Sunak was welcomed at the airport by Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis and senior diplomats.</p>

<p>"I've landed in Delhi ahead of the G20 summit. I am meeting world leaders to address some of the challenges that impact every one of us. Only together can we get the job done," Sunak said in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’ve landed in Delhi ahead of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> summit.<br />
<br />
I am meeting world leaders to address some of the challenges that impact every one of us.<br />
<br />
Only together can we get the job done. <a href="https://t.co/72vE60c7Fg">pic.twitter.com/72vE60c7Fg</a></p>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1700087596099981431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Sunak and said he was looking forward to a fruitful summit.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a>! Looking forward to a fruitful Summit where we can work together for a better planet. <a href="https://t.co/xYYq9a9E0m">https://t.co/xYYq9a9E0m</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1700099050652250320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Welcome Rishi Sunak! Looking forward to a fruitful Summit where we can work together for a better planet," Modi said on X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while talking to reporters on his flight to India said that his visit to New Delhi for the G20 Summit was "obviously special" as he joked about being referred to as the "son-in-law of India".

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while talking to reporters on his flight to India said that his visit to New Delhi for the G20 Summit was "obviously special" as he joked about being referred to as the "son-in-law of India". The first British PM of Indian heritage, Sunak is married to an Indian — Akshata Murty. Terming India as a country "very dear" to him, Sunak said that he was excited to be back. He is joined on the visit by his wife, the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, and is scheduled for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit. “I'm heading to the G20 Summit with a clear focus. Stabilising the global economy. Building international relationships. Supporting the most vulnerable,” tweeted Sunak as he embarked on the three-day tour on Friday (September 8). I’m heading to the #G20 Summit with a clear focus. Stabilising the global economy. Building international relationships. Supporting the most vulnerable. This action is part of that – Putin again has failed to show up for the G20, but we will show up with support for Ukraine. https://t.co/tLG19ILDLr — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) September 8, 2023 × “It's obviously special. I saw somewhere that I was referred to as India's son-in-law, which I hope was meant affectionately," he told reporters travelling with him. UK has flagged the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a pivotal topic on its agenda. The Downing Street has, during the summit discussions, said that India's role and influence are “vital”. Also read: G20 Summit: Three major multilateral initiatives to be launched Saturday, says report "Once again, Vladimir Putin is failing to show his face at the G20. He is the architect of his own diplomatic exile, isolating himself in his presidential palace and blocking out criticism and reality. The rest of the G20, meanwhile, are demonstrating that we will turn up and work together to pick up the pieces of Putin's destruction," Sunak told reporters. The Downing Street spokesperson said the UK will use “every opportunity” to show its support for Ukraine and further foster global support as well. “India has a vital role to play as the world's largest democracy in calling out Russia's assault on human rights and indeed democracy itself. We will use meetings with Modi or elsewhere to encourage them to use that influence to bring an end to Putin's brutal invasion," Sunak's spokesperson said. The India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations are likely to also feature highly during the Modi-Sunak bilateral discussions, having just completed 12 rounds of negotiations but with no set timeframe for its conclusion. 'Looking forward to a fruitful Summit,' says PM Modi as he extends a warm welcome to Sunak Sunak was welcomed at the airport by Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis and senior diplomats. "I've landed in Delhi ahead of the G20 summit. I am meeting world leaders to address some of the challenges that impact every one of us. Only together can we get the job done," Sunak said in a post on X. I’ve landed in Delhi ahead of the #G20 summit. I am meeting world leaders to address some of the challenges that impact every one of us. Only together can we get the job done. pic.twitter.com/72vE60c7Fg — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) September 8, 2023 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Sunak and said he was looking forward to a fruitful summit. Welcome @RishiSunak! Looking forward to a fruitful Summit where we can work together for a better planet. https://t.co/xYYq9a9E0m — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2023 × "Welcome Rishi Sunak! Looking forward to a fruitful Summit where we can work together for a better planet," Modi said on X. (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.

UK PM Rishi Sunak feels 'special' as he jokes about being referred to as 'son-in-law of India'

<p>When he started his tenure (nine years ago) as the Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the country was the 7th largest automobile economy in the world, and at present New Delhi has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest automobile economy in the world, said Nitin Gadkari. The Minister for Road Transport and Highways was speaking at the 75th year celebratory event of Indian automobile major Ashok Leyland and he expressed confidence about India becoming the top automobile manufacturing hub in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We (India) are the fastest growing nation in the world and the automobile sector is our growth engine, as it constitutes 6.5 per cent of GDP and contributes the highest amount of Goods and Services Tax to State and Central Governments. From Rs 4.5 lakh crore in 2014, now our automobile sector is worth Rs 12.5 lakh crore,” he said. He added that the sector offered employment for more than 4.5 crore (45 million)&nbsp;persons.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-firm-skyroot-aerospace-test-fires-3-d-printed-cryogenic-engine-spacefaring-rocket-launch-by-2023-end-579750">&nbsp;Indian firm test fires 3-D printed cryogenic engine; spacefaring rocket launch by 2023 end</a></strong></p>

<p>On this occasion of Ashok Leyland entering into its 76th year, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways unveiled the Electric Light Commercial Vehicles from Switch Mobility – the IeV Series. The IeV Series is said to be India’s first electric commercial vehicle in its category and aims to provide efficient and eco-friendly solutions for last-mile transportation needs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The firm also showcased the new, 9-meter, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus developed for NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). This is India’s first fuel cell bus that will commercially ply on the country’s roads, they said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-how-chola-era-skill-was-used-to-sculpt-8-metal18-ton-nataraja-idol-in-7months-632945">Exclusive: How Chola-era skill was used to sculpt 8-metal,18-tonne Nataraja idol, in 7 months</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking at the event, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility mentioned that their firm was taking big steps to develop and launch Electric buses in India and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;<br />
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When he started his tenure (nine years ago) as the Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the country was the 7th largest automobile economy in the world, and at present New Delhi has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest automobile economy in the world, said Nitin Gadkari.

When he started his tenure (nine years ago) as the Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the country was the 7th largest automobile economy in the world, and at present New Delhi has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest automobile economy in the world, said Nitin Gadkari. The Minister for Road Transport and Highways was speaking at the 75th year celebratory event of Indian automobile major Ashok Leyland and he expressed confidence about India becoming the top automobile manufacturing hub in the world. “We (India) are the fastest growing nation in the world and the automobile sector is our growth engine, as it constitutes 6.5 per cent of GDP and contributes the highest amount of Goods and Services Tax to State and Central Governments. From Rs 4.5 lakh crore in 2014, now our automobile sector is worth Rs 12.5 lakh crore,” he said. He added that the sector offered employment for more than 4.5 crore (45 million) persons. ALSO READ | Indian firm test fires 3-D printed cryogenic engine; spacefaring rocket launch by 2023 end On this occasion of Ashok Leyland entering into its 76th year, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways unveiled the Electric Light Commercial Vehicles from Switch Mobility – the IeV Series. The IeV Series is said to be India’s first electric commercial vehicle in its category and aims to provide efficient and eco-friendly solutions for last-mile transportation needs. The firm also showcased the new, 9-meter, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus developed for NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). This is India’s first fuel cell bus that will commercially ply on the country’s roads, they said. ALSO READ | Exclusive: How Chola-era skill was used to sculpt 8-metal,18-tonne Nataraja idol, in 7 months Speaking at the event, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility mentioned that their firm was taking big steps to develop and launch Electric buses in India and the United Kingdom. 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.

In 9 years, India has become 3rd automobile economy from 7th: Nitin Gadkari

<p>India has lifted additional duties on approximately half a dozen American products, such as chickpeas, lentils and apples, which were levied in the year 2019 in response to the United States' decision to raise tariffs on certain steel and aluminum products.</p>

<p>The Indian Finance Ministry announced the removal of the duties on the products through a notification dated September 5. The products included chickpeas, lentils (Masur), apples, walnuts in shells and almonds fresh or dried, as well as almond shelled.</p>

<p>This move comes before United States President Joe Biden's arrival in India for the G20 Summit. The event on September 9-10 would be preceded by Biden's bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>During the Indian prime minister's state visit to the United States in June, both countries agreed to call off six WTO (World Trade Organization) disputes and also eliminate the retaliatory tariffs on certain US products.</p>

<p>As part of the agreement, India will be doing away with additional duty on chickpeas (10 per cent), lentils (20 per cent), almonds fresh or dried (Rs 7 per kg), almonds shelled (Rs 20 per kg), walnuts (20 per cent), and apples fresh (20 per cent).</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-hope-to-keep-climate-change-the-prime-agenda-of-g20-summit-experts-633237">India will hope to keep climate change the prime agenda of G20 Summit: Experts &nbsp;</a></p>

<p>In July, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha stated that the government has determined to withdraw retaliatory customs duties on the import of almonds (fresh or dried, in shell), walnuts, chickpeas, lentils, apples, medical diagnostic reagents, and boric acid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The removal of retaliatory tariffs or cuts in import duty with the United States did not result in a loss to India, she had said.</p>

<p>The US is the largest trading partner of India. In 2022-23, the bilateral goods trade increased to USD 128.8 billion as against USD 119.5 billion in 2021-22.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India has lifted additional duties on approximately half a dozen American products, such as chickpeas, lentils and apples, which were levied in the year 2019 in response to the United States' decision to raise tariffs on certain steel and aluminum products.

India has lifted additional duties on approximately half a dozen American products, such as chickpeas, lentils and apples, which were levied in the year 2019 in response to the United States' decision to raise tariffs on certain steel and aluminum products. The Indian Finance Ministry announced the removal of the duties on the products through a notification dated September 5. The products included chickpeas, lentils (Masur), apples, walnuts in shells and almonds fresh or dried, as well as almond shelled. This move comes before United States President Joe Biden's arrival in India for the G20 Summit. The event on September 9-10 would be preceded by Biden's bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the Indian prime minister's state visit to the United States in June, both countries agreed to call off six WTO (World Trade Organization) disputes and also eliminate the retaliatory tariffs on certain US products. As part of the agreement, India will be doing away with additional duty on chickpeas (10 per cent), lentils (20 per cent), almonds fresh or dried (Rs 7 per kg), almonds shelled (Rs 20 per kg), walnuts (20 per cent), and apples fresh (20 per cent). Also read: India will hope to keep climate change the prime agenda of G20 Summit: Experts In July, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha stated that the government has determined to withdraw retaliatory customs duties on the import of almonds (fresh or dried, in shell), walnuts, chickpeas, lentils, apples, medical diagnostic reagents, and boric acid. The removal of retaliatory tariffs or cuts in import duty with the United States did not result in a loss to India, she had said. The US is the largest trading partner of India. In 2022-23, the bilateral goods trade increased to USD 128.8 billion as against USD 119.5 billion in 2021-22. (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 lifts additional duties on several US products ahead of Biden's arrival for G20 summit

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Indonesia on Thursday (September 7) where he will be attending the ASEAN-India and the East Asia summits.<br />
<br />
In the summits, the prime minister will be discussing the future contours of the partnership of India with the countries, which are located in the strategically important region.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-leaves-for-indonesia-to-take-part-in-asean-india-summit-east-asia-summit-633034">Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Indonesia to take part in ASEAN-India Summit, East Asia Summit</a></p>

<p>"Good morning. We have just arrived here at Jakarta International Airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is about to depart from the plane. He's been given a warm ceremonial welcome here at Jakarta Airport," said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in a video he shared on social media platform X, earlier known as Twitter.</p>

<p>"This is very early in the morning, but he has a packed schedule here. A few hours later, he goes for the India-ASEAN summit and thereafter for the East Asia summit. There are important engagements. Both these activities entail. He will thereafter come back here and take the flight back to New Delhi. So literally a few hours in Jakarta, but we look forward to a very productive day. Prime Minister has come here despite the busy schedule for the G 20 that starts effectively on Friday evening and just emphasizes the importance that you attached to this visit. We will continue to bring you updates on this visit as it unfolds," he stated.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, PM Modi posted on X, “Landed in Jakarta. Looking forward to the ASEAN-related meetings and to working with various leaders for making a better planet.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Landed in Jakarta. Looking forward to the ASEAN related meetings and to working with various leaders for making a better planet. <a href="https://t.co/aKpwLnk3ky">pic.twitter.com/aKpwLnk3ky</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1699548364961153109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Engagement with ASEAN an important pillar of India's 'Act East' policy: PM</strong></h2>

<p>Before his departure from New Delhi, Modi said that India's comprehensive strategic partnership with the ASEAN nations injected new dynamism into the ties of the group with New Delhi.<br />
<br />
During his visit to Jakarta, Modi will participate in the ASEAN-India Summit and will also attend the East Asia Summit.<br />
<br />
Immediately after the meeting ends, PM Modi will return to India, which is hosting the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.<br />
<br />
"Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India's 'Act East' policy," said Modi, in his departure statement.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi reacts to 'India-Bharat' row</strong></p>

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<p>“My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has entered its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership entered into last year has injected new dynamism in our ties,” PM Modi said.</p>

<p>“After that, I will be attending the 18th East Asia Summit. This forum provides a useful opportunity to deliberate on issues of importance to the region including food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation. I look forward to exchanging views with other EAS Leaders on practical co-operation measures to collectively address these global challenges,” the prime minister added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Indonesia on Thursday (September 7) where he will be attending the ASEAN-India and the East Asia summits. In the summits, the prime minister will be discussing the future contours of the partnership of India with the countries, which are located in the strategically important region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Indonesia on Thursday (September 7) where he will be attending the ASEAN-India and the East Asia summits. In the summits, the prime minister will be discussing the future contours of the partnership of India with the countries, which are located in the strategically important region. ALSO READ | Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Indonesia to take part in ASEAN-India Summit, East Asia Summit "Good morning. We have just arrived here at Jakarta International Airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is about to depart from the plane. He's been given a warm ceremonial welcome here at Jakarta Airport," said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in a video he shared on social media platform X, earlier known as Twitter. "This is very early in the morning, but he has a packed schedule here. A few hours later, he goes for the India-ASEAN summit and thereafter for the East Asia summit. There are important engagements. Both these activities entail. He will thereafter come back here and take the flight back to New Delhi. So literally a few hours in Jakarta, but we look forward to a very productive day. Prime Minister has come here despite the busy schedule for the G 20 that starts effectively on Friday evening and just emphasizes the importance that you attached to this visit. We will continue to bring you updates on this visit as it unfolds," he stated. Meanwhile, PM Modi posted on X, “Landed in Jakarta. Looking forward to the ASEAN-related meetings and to working with various leaders for making a better planet.” Landed in Jakarta. Looking forward to the ASEAN related meetings and to working with various leaders for making a better planet. pic.twitter.com/aKpwLnk3ky — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2023 × Engagement with ASEAN an important pillar of India's 'Act East' policy: PM Before his departure from New Delhi, Modi said that India's comprehensive strategic partnership with the ASEAN nations injected new dynamism into the ties of the group with New Delhi. During his visit to Jakarta, Modi will participate in the ASEAN-India Summit and will also attend the East Asia Summit. Immediately after the meeting ends, PM Modi will return to India, which is hosting the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. "Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India's 'Act East' policy," said Modi, in his departure statement. WATCH | Indian PM Modi reacts to 'India-Bharat' row “My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has entered its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership entered into last year has injected new dynamism in our ties,” PM Modi said. “After that, I will be attending the 18th East Asia Summit. This forum provides a useful opportunity to deliberate on issues of importance to the region including food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation. I look forward to exchanging views with other EAS Leaders on practical co-operation measures to collectively address these global challenges,” the prime minister added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

PM Modi lands in Indonesia to participate in ASEAN-India, East Asia summits

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (September 7) attended the ASEAN-India Summit and said the forum remains New Delhi's centre of Act East Policy. In other news, Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) said it was providing Kyiv with depleted uranium tank ammunition.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asean-central-pillar-in-indias-act-east-policy-pm-modi-in-jakarta-633131"><strong>ASEAN central pillar of India’s Act East Policy: PM Modi in Jakarta</strong></a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Sept 7) said that the ASEAN is the central pillar in India’s Act East Policy, and added that it plays a key role in India's Indo-Pacific initiative.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/07/378006-modi.jpg?imwidth=1080" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-provide-depleted-uranium-tank-ammunition-to-ukraine-pentagon-633081"><strong>US to provide depleted uranium tank ammunition to Ukraine: Pentagon</strong></a></p>

<p>The Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank ammunition, as part of a $175 million aid package.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/07/377979-untitled-design-2023-09-06t235609940.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-to-be-indicted-on-gun-charges-this-month-doj-633104"><strong>Hunter Biden to face indictment on gun charges this month: DOJ</strong></a></p>

<p>The Justice Department of the United States on Wednesday (September 6) said that special counsel David Weiss will be seeking an indictment against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden in relation to the gun charges this month.</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-lee-transforms-into-hurricane-could-soon-reach-category-5-status-633121"><strong>Tropical Storm Lee transforms into hurricane; could soon reach Category-5 status</strong></a></p>

<p>The US National Hurricane Centre in its public advisory on Wednesday said Tropical Storm Lee had strengthened into a Category-1 hurricane, primarily due to the warm Atlantic, while sustaining wind speeds up to 75 mph.</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shop-owners-at-dilli-haat-ready-to-welcome-g20-delegates-633135"><strong>Watch | Shop owners at 'Dilli Haat' ready to welcome G20 delegates</strong></a></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (September 7) attended the ASEAN-India Summit and said the forum remains New Delhi's centre of Act East Policy. In other news, Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) said it was providing Kyiv with depleted uranium tank ammunition.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (September 7) attended the ASEAN-India Summit and said the forum remains New Delhi's centre of Act East Policy. In other news, Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) said it was providing Kyiv with depleted uranium tank ammunition. Click on headlines to read more: ASEAN central pillar of India’s Act East Policy: PM Modi in Jakarta Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Sept 7) said that the ASEAN is the central pillar in India’s Act East Policy, and added that it plays a key role in India's Indo-Pacific initiative. US to provide depleted uranium tank ammunition to Ukraine: Pentagon The Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank ammunition, as part of a $175 million aid package. Hunter Biden to face indictment on gun charges this month: DOJ The Justice Department of the United States on Wednesday (September 6) said that special counsel David Weiss will be seeking an indictment against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden in relation to the gun charges this month. Tropical Storm Lee transforms into hurricane; could soon reach Category-5 status The US National Hurricane Centre in its public advisory on Wednesday said Tropical Storm Lee had strengthened into a Category-1 hurricane, primarily due to the warm Atlantic, while sustaining wind speeds up to 75 mph. Watch | Shop owners at 'Dilli Haat' ready to welcome G20 delegates ×

Morning news brief: Modi attends ASEAN-India Summit, US to provide ammo to Ukraine, and more

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<p>Amid the ongoing debate on the change of name from India to Bharat, the United Nations has chimed in with a response. Speaking on the issue, Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the global body considered requests from countries to change their names when it receives a proposal from them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing the example of Turkey changing its name to Turkiye under the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year, Haq said: "Well, in the case of Turkiye, we responded to a formal request delivered to us by the Government. Obviously, if we get requests like that, we consider them as they come."</p>

<p>Notably, prior to departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with all his ministers ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to be held in Delhi on September 9 and 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the meeting, PM Modi asked his ministers to stay away from commenting on the name change issue. "Do not comment," sources quoted him as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-reacts-to-india-bharat-row-633075" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Indian PM Modi reacts to 'India-Bharat' row</strong></a></p>

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<p>PM Modi's supposed instruction to party leaders came a day after Union Minister Anurag Thakur dismissed the claims as mere rumours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think these are just rumours which are taking place. All I want to say is that anyone who objects to the word Bharat clearly shows the mindset," said the minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am a minister of Bharat Sarkar, many news channels also have Bharat in their name. Why should anyone object to Bharat, who are these people who are allergic to the name Bharat? Who is opposing the name Bharat? Now have you even started feeling the pain at the mention of Bharat?” Thakur added while attacking the opposition.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indonesia-refers-to-modi-as-pm-of-bharat-in-invitation-letter-to-asean-summit-632900" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Indonesia refers to Modi as ‘PM of Bharat’ in invitation letter to ASEAN summit</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Row started after G20 invitation</strong></h2>

<p>A massive political row erupted in India after a G20 dinner invitation letter dispatched by the president of India referred to her as ‘President of Bharat’. This triggered a wave of speculations that the government might be looking forward to renaming India in the upcoming special session of the parliament.</p>

<p>Notably, Article 1 of the Indian Constitution explicitly mentions the two names of the country by stating, "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States". Experts say it is highly unlikely that the government will change the name of the country - instead, the government leaders and agencies will focus on promoting the 'Bharat' name going forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Amid the ongoing debate on the change of name from India to Bharat, the United Nations has chimed in with a response. Speaking on the issue, Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the global body considered requests from countries to change their names when it receives a proposal from them.

Amid the ongoing debate on the change of name from India to Bharat, the United Nations has chimed in with a response. Speaking on the issue, Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the global body considered requests from countries to change their names when it receives a proposal from them. Citing the example of Turkey changing its name to Turkiye under the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year, Haq said: "Well, in the case of Turkiye, we responded to a formal request delivered to us by the Government. Obviously, if we get requests like that, we consider them as they come." Notably, prior to departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN-India Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with all his ministers ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to be held in Delhi on September 9 and 10. During the meeting, PM Modi asked his ministers to stay away from commenting on the name change issue. "Do not comment," sources quoted him as saying. Watch | Indian PM Modi reacts to 'India-Bharat' row × PM Modi's supposed instruction to party leaders came a day after Union Minister Anurag Thakur dismissed the claims as mere rumours. “I think these are just rumours which are taking place. All I want to say is that anyone who objects to the word Bharat clearly shows the mindset," said the minister. “I am a minister of Bharat Sarkar, many news channels also have Bharat in their name. Why should anyone object to Bharat, who are these people who are allergic to the name Bharat? Who is opposing the name Bharat? Now have you even started feeling the pain at the mention of Bharat?” Thakur added while attacking the opposition. Also read | Indonesia refers to Modi as ‘PM of Bharat’ in invitation letter to ASEAN summit Row started after G20 invitation A massive political row erupted in India after a G20 dinner invitation letter dispatched by the president of India referred to her as ‘President of Bharat’. This triggered a wave of speculations that the government might be looking forward to renaming India in the upcoming special session of the parliament. Notably, Article 1 of the Indian Constitution explicitly mentions the two names of the country by stating, "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States". Experts say it is highly unlikely that the government will change the name of the country - instead, the government leaders and agencies will focus on promoting the 'Bharat' name going forward. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We consider requests...': United Nations responds to 'India vs Bharat' name change row

<p>The G20 Summit invitation cards that gave rise to speculations that the government is intending to drop 'India' as one of the official names of the world's largest democracy and replace it with just 'Bharat', have given rise to a crucial concern in the domain of internet identity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speculation about the Indian republic dropping one of its official names, 'Bharat', for India have been driven by recent instances like a G20 dinner invitation using "President of Bharat" and a state document naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of Bharat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republic-of-bharat-chorus-grows-for-india-to-be-renamed-as-bharat-632507">'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India as it was known in ancient times</a></strong></p>

<p>Indian media reports citing unnamed sources claimed the upcoming special session of parliament will address the potential name change row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such a shift could pose challenges, particularly concerning domain names and internet identity.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Concern about .IN domain</strong></h2>

<p>The .IN domain, like India's +91 dialing code, represents the country's online presence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It's managed by INRegistry, associated with the National Internet Exchange of India. Specific subdomains like 'gov.in' and 'mil.in' serve distinct purposes for government and military respectively with added levels of online security.</p>

<p>Top Level Domains (TLDs) might not be crucial today. But historically, TLDs with two letters identified a website's origin. For example .US for the United States, .IN for India&nbsp;and .UK for the United Kingdom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If India becomes Bharat, a new TLD might be needed, but many options are already allocated to other countries. Diplomacy could help secure these TLDs, but success isn't guaranteed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Bharat or India: President's G20 Dinner Invite Stirs Debate | Name Change On The Cards?</strong></p>

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<p>Alternatively, India could create new TLDs like .BHARAT or .BHRT to establish a distinct online identity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, careful planning and coordination would be essential to avoid domain naming conflicts in case of&nbsp;such a transition.</p>

<p>Article 1 of the India's Constitution declares that 'India, that is Bharat' is a 'Union of States'. Thereby, the name India and Bharat are used rather interchangeably without any perception of imprecision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inaugural article of India's constitution further defines India's territory as well as its nomenclature-related aspects.</p>

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The G20 Summit invitation cards that gave rise to speculations that the government is intending to drop 'India' as one of the official names of the world's largest democracy and replace it with just 'Bharat', have given rise to a crucial concern in the domain of internet identity.

The G20 Summit invitation cards that gave rise to speculations that the government is intending to drop 'India' as one of the official names of the world's largest democracy and replace it with just 'Bharat', have given rise to a crucial concern in the domain of internet identity. Speculation about the Indian republic dropping one of its official names, 'Bharat', for India have been driven by recent instances like a G20 dinner invitation using "President of Bharat" and a state document naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of Bharat. Also read | 'Republic of Bharat': Chorus grows to rename India as it was known in ancient times Indian media reports citing unnamed sources claimed the upcoming special session of parliament will address the potential name change row. Such a shift could pose challenges, particularly concerning domain names and internet identity. Concern about .IN domain The .IN domain, like India's +91 dialing code, represents the country's online presence. It's managed by INRegistry, associated with the National Internet Exchange of India. Specific subdomains like 'gov.in' and 'mil.in' serve distinct purposes for government and military respectively with added levels of online security. Top Level Domains (TLDs) might not be crucial today. But historically, TLDs with two letters identified a website's origin. For example .US for the United States, .IN for India and .UK for the United Kingdom. If India becomes Bharat, a new TLD might be needed, but many options are already allocated to other countries. Diplomacy could help secure these TLDs, but success isn't guaranteed. Also watch | Gravitas: Bharat or India: President's G20 Dinner Invite Stirs Debate | Name Change On The Cards? × Alternatively, India could create new TLDs like .BHARAT or .BHRT to establish a distinct online identity. However, careful planning and coordination would be essential to avoid domain naming conflicts in case of such a transition. Article 1 of the India's Constitution declares that 'India, that is Bharat' is a 'Union of States'. Thereby, the name India and Bharat are used rather interchangeably without any perception of imprecision. The inaugural article of India's constitution further defines India's territory as well as its nomenclature-related aspects. 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.

What will happen to .IN websites if Parliament drops India as official name of the nation?

<p>Ahead of the G20 Summit, scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi on September 9-10, the central government is pulling all stops to show the prowess of its "Digital India" initiative, especially the revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government is&nbsp;providing&nbsp;an interactive experience to around 1,000 foreign delegates by giving them loaded UPI wallets. The delegates will be encouraged to use the wallet money to make payments using UPI to understand the ease, reliability and quickness of India's cashless economy.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Foreign delegates or participants will be given Rs 500-1,000 in their UPI wallets for doing UPI transactions,” a government official told news agency ANI, adding it has earmarked around Rs 10 lakhs ($12,000) for it.</p>

<p itemprop="description">One of the delegates who used UPI to make payments hailed the technology and said they had great experience using it.&nbsp;</p>

<p itemprop="description">“I have been using the G20 UPI application…has been great. I was able to give my first transactions… Monday afternoon. Made a transaction in some small stores… we were buying cokes and chocolates and medicine actually and it's been really good…For me as coming from abroad it is a really great experience to feel included by using the UPI network," the delegate said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> delegates talk about experiencing UPI firsthand through the G20 UPI app and making small transactions such as buying sweets and sodas using their mobile phone.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPIOneWorld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPIOneWorld</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RBI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NPCIGFF2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NPCIGFF2023</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GFF2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GFF2023</a><a href="https://twitter.com/IAMAIForum?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAMAIForum</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PCIUpdates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pciupdates</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FCCUpdates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fccupdates</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gff_2023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gff_2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/QjAmVF0ZAG">pic.twitter.com/QjAmVF0ZAG</a></p>
— NPCI (@NPCI_NPCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/NPCI_NPCI/status/1699361293097115717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/upi-to-take-over-90-of-retail-digital-payments-in-india-597688"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UPI to take over 90% of retail digital payments in India</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>UPI's introduction in India</strong></h2>

<p>It was in 2016 that NPCI introduced the&nbsp;UPI system to the country. PhonePe was one of the first platforms to integrate UPI into its system. A year later, several competitors followed suit and since then, UPI has transformed into a behemoth that even foreign nations are looking to get their hands on.</p>

<p>The UAE, Singapore, Nepal and Bhutan have already adopted UPI, with a few more countries waiting to join the bandwagon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The payment infrastructure recorded a whopping 10 billion transactions in the month of August with the total value touching Rs 15.18 trillion, according to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which runs the real-time payments platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-begin-from-eiffel-tower-pm-modi-announces-upi-use-in-france-615334"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indian tourists at Eiffel Tower can pay in rupees as PM Modi announces UPI use in France</strong></a></p>

<p>Most Western nations have struggled to move to a cashless economy but in India, even the poorest have seamlessly adopted the novel payment system.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ahead of the G20 Summit, scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi on September 9-10, the central government is pulling all stops to show the prowess of its "Digital India" initiative, especially the revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology.

Ahead of the G20 Summit, scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi on September 9-10, the central government is pulling all stops to show the prowess of its "Digital India" initiative, especially the revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology. The government is providing an interactive experience to around 1,000 foreign delegates by giving them loaded UPI wallets. The delegates will be encouraged to use the wallet money to make payments using UPI to understand the ease, reliability and quickness of India's cashless economy. "Foreign delegates or participants will be given Rs 500-1,000 in their UPI wallets for doing UPI transactions,” a government official told news agency ANI, adding it has earmarked around Rs 10 lakhs ($12,000) for it. One of the delegates who used UPI to make payments hailed the technology and said they had great experience using it. “I have been using the G20 UPI application…has been great. I was able to give my first transactions… Monday afternoon. Made a transaction in some small stores… we were buying cokes and chocolates and medicine actually and it's been really good…For me as coming from abroad it is a really great experience to feel included by using the UPI network," the delegate said. #G20 delegates talk about experiencing UPI firsthand through the G20 UPI app and making small transactions such as buying sweets and sodas using their mobile phone.#UPIOneWorld @RBI @IDFCFIRSTBank#NPCIGFF2023 #GFF2023@IAMAIForum @pciupdates @fccupdates @gff_2023 pic.twitter.com/QjAmVF0ZAG — NPCI (@NPCI_NPCI) September 6, 2023 × WATCH | UPI to take over 90% of retail digital payments in India × UPI's introduction in India It was in 2016 that NPCI introduced the UPI system to the country. PhonePe was one of the first platforms to integrate UPI into its system. A year later, several competitors followed suit and since then, UPI has transformed into a behemoth that even foreign nations are looking to get their hands on. The UAE, Singapore, Nepal and Bhutan have already adopted UPI, with a few more countries waiting to join the bandwagon. The payment infrastructure recorded a whopping 10 billion transactions in the month of August with the total value touching Rs 15.18 trillion, according to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which runs the real-time payments platform. Also read | Indian tourists at Eiffel Tower can pay in rupees as PM Modi announces UPI use in France Most Western nations have struggled to move to a cashless economy but in India, even the poorest have seamlessly adopted the novel payment system. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UPI wallets for G20 delegates as India showcases its digital infra prowess

<p>India witnessed voting for assembly elections across even states on Tuesday (September 5). As per officials of Election Commission of India (ECI), voting in the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tripura and Uttarakhand took place without any major untoward incident.</p>

<p>The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on September 8. The bypolls are being seen as a litmus test for the opposition party alliance INDIA against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Assembly polls in five Indian states are due to take place later this year. The general elections are due next year.</p>

<p>Voters turnout in Dhanpur and Boxanagar in Tripura, where Congress had declared support to the CPI(M), was around 76 per cent. There was a stray incident of violence in which six people were injured.</p>

<p>INDIA bloc constituents were up against each other in Dhupguri in West Bengal and Puthuppally in Kerala. The turnout in these constituencies was around 76 per cent and nearly 73 per cent, respectively.</p>

<p>In the Ghosi constituency in Uttar Pradesh, the INDIA alliance had put up a united front. The voter turnout in Ghosi was around 50.30 per cent.</p>

<p>In Jharkhand's Dumri, 64.84 per cent of its 2.98 lakh voters exercised their franchise.</p>

<p>Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, where the main contest is between the BJP and the Congress, the voter turnout was 55.44 per cent.</p>

<p>Out of the seven seats, three (Dhanpur, Bageshwar and Dhupguri), were held by the BJP and one each by the SP (Ghosi), CPI(M) (Boxanagar), JMM (Dumri) and the Congress (Puthuppally).</p>

<p>The Ghosi seat in Uttar Pradesh fell vacant after the resignation of Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Dara Singh Chauhan. He later joined the BJP.</p>

<p>Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the official machinery was being misused and complained to the Election Commission that Muslim voters were being prevented from exercising their franchise in some places. UP's Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak rejected the claim and said the opposition was scared of losing the election.</p>

<p>In Dhupguri constituency (West Bengal) there was a three-way fight between the Trinamool Congress (TMC), BJP and Congress-supported CPI(M). TMC won the seat in 2016 but BJP clinched victory in 2021.</p>

<p>Dhanpur in Tripura witnessed a violent incident in which six persons were injured. It was once a strong communist bastion. It is witnessing a direct fight between BJP's Bindu Debnath and CPI(M)’s Kaushik Debnath.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asean-centrality-is-a-central-point-mea-ahead-of-pm-modis-short-visit-to-indonesia-632612">‘ASEAN centrality is a central point…’: India ahead of PM Modi’s ‘short visit’ to Indonesia</a></strong></p>

<p>In Boxanagar (Tripura), still considered a leftist stronghold, BJP's Tafajjal Hussain is fighting against CPI(M)'s Mizan Hussain.</p>

<p>In Jharkhand’s Dumri, INDIA bloc candidate Bebi Devi is locked in a direct contest with NDA candidate Yashoda Devi.</p>

<p>The polling was held amidst tight security in 373 polling stations, 200 of which were identified to be Maoist-affected areas.</p>

<p>The INDIA bloc includes 28 parties including the Congress, NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT), TMC, JMM, AAP, DMK, NC, PDP, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, SP and RLD.</p>

<p>In Kerala, Congress and the ruling Left lashed out at each other during Puthuppally bypoll.</p>

<p>The Congress-led alliance alleged that there was slow polling in some select booths and people had to wait for several hours to vote. LDF candidate Jaick C Thomas said if there has been any delay in the polling process in some booths then it should be investigated.</p>

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India witnessed voting for assembly elections across even states on Tuesday (September 5). As per officials of Election Commission of India (ECI), voting in the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tripura and Uttarakhand took place without any major untoward incident.

India witnessed voting for assembly elections across even states on Tuesday (September 5). As per officials of Election Commission of India (ECI), voting in the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tripura and Uttarakhand took place without any major untoward incident. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on September 8. The bypolls are being seen as a litmus test for the opposition party alliance INDIA against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Assembly polls in five Indian states are due to take place later this year. The general elections are due next year. Voters turnout in Dhanpur and Boxanagar in Tripura, where Congress had declared support to the CPI(M), was around 76 per cent. There was a stray incident of violence in which six people were injured. INDIA bloc constituents were up against each other in Dhupguri in West Bengal and Puthuppally in Kerala. The turnout in these constituencies was around 76 per cent and nearly 73 per cent, respectively. In the Ghosi constituency in Uttar Pradesh, the INDIA alliance had put up a united front. The voter turnout in Ghosi was around 50.30 per cent. In Jharkhand's Dumri, 64.84 per cent of its 2.98 lakh voters exercised their franchise. Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, where the main contest is between the BJP and the Congress, the voter turnout was 55.44 per cent. Out of the seven seats, three (Dhanpur, Bageshwar and Dhupguri), were held by the BJP and one each by the SP (Ghosi), CPI(M) (Boxanagar), JMM (Dumri) and the Congress (Puthuppally). The Ghosi seat in Uttar Pradesh fell vacant after the resignation of Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Dara Singh Chauhan. He later joined the BJP. Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the official machinery was being misused and complained to the Election Commission that Muslim voters were being prevented from exercising their franchise in some places. UP's Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak rejected the claim and said the opposition was scared of losing the election. In Dhupguri constituency (West Bengal) there was a three-way fight between the Trinamool Congress (TMC), BJP and Congress-supported CPI(M). TMC won the seat in 2016 but BJP clinched victory in 2021. Dhanpur in Tripura witnessed a violent incident in which six persons were injured. It was once a strong communist bastion. It is witnessing a direct fight between BJP's Bindu Debnath and CPI(M)’s Kaushik Debnath. Also Read | ‘ASEAN centrality is a central point…’: India ahead of PM Modi’s ‘short visit’ to Indonesia In Boxanagar (Tripura), still considered a leftist stronghold, BJP's Tafajjal Hussain is fighting against CPI(M)'s Mizan Hussain. In Jharkhand’s Dumri, INDIA bloc candidate Bebi Devi is locked in a direct contest with NDA candidate Yashoda Devi. The polling was held amidst tight security in 373 polling stations, 200 of which were identified to be Maoist-affected areas. The INDIA bloc includes 28 parties including the Congress, NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT), TMC, JMM, AAP, DMK, NC, PDP, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, SP and RLD. In Kerala, Congress and the ruling Left lashed out at each other during Puthuppally bypoll. The Congress-led alliance alleged that there was slow polling in some select booths and people had to wait for several hours to vote. LDF candidate Jaick C Thomas said if there has been any delay in the polling process in some booths then it should be investigated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India bypolls: Voting concludes without major incident, results on September 8

<p>Akshay Kumar seems to have cashed in on the speculations around India's name change to Bharat. On Wednesday, the actor dropped the motion poster of his new film <em>Mission Raniganj</em> but fans noticed the altered references to Bharat in his Instagram post.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>Mission Raniganj</em>&nbsp;initially had the tagline&nbsp;<em>The Great Indian Rescue.</em> However, now that Akshay revealed the final title with the motion poster on Wednesday, the internet couldn't help but notice how the tentative title made it to the poster right below the final title, but with an interesting alteration.<br />
<br />
<em>The Great Indian Rescue</em>&nbsp;was replaced by<em> The Great Bharat Rescue.</em><br />
<br />
The change comes at a time when the country is contemplating renaming India to Bharat. Kumar and the makers clearly cashed in on the ongoing discussion that is happening online.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heroes don't wait for medals to do what's right!<br />
<br />
Watch the story of Bharat's true hero with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionRaniganj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionRaniganj</a> in cinemas on 6th October.<br />
Teaser out tomorrow! <a href="https://t.co/1o9dMgf3EY">pic.twitter.com/1o9dMgf3EY</a></p>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1699407365098099169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Not just this, an Instagram user pointed out that originally, Akshay wrote in the caption, “Watch the story of India’s true hero…” But it was soon edited to “Bharat's true hero.” The comment read, “Great Indian rescue ko toh Great Bharat Rescue kar diya par caption mein phir bhi *India's* likh diya (He changed Great Indian Rescue to Great Bharat Rescue but the caption still says ‘India’s').” The user then replied to his own comment, “haha kiya change abhi (haha he changed it just now).”<br />
<br />
Another user commented, “Yaha bhi Bharat (Bharat here as well) (thinking emoji).” Another wrote, “Sir Chandrayan 3 pe movie kab a rhaa hai (Sir when is the movie on Chandrayaan 3 coming)."<br />
<br />
<strong>About the film <em>Mission Raniganj</em></strong><br />
<br />
The rescue drama, helmed by Tinu Suresh Desai and produced by Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani's Pooja Entertainment, also stars Parineeti Chopra. The film's teaser will drop on Thursday, and it is slated to release in cinemas on October 6.</p>

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Akshay Kumar seems to have cashed in on the speculations around India's name change to Bharat. On Wednesday, the actor dropped the motion poster of his new film Mission Raniganj but fans noticed the altered references to Bharat in his Instagram post.

Akshay Kumar seems to have cashed in on the speculations around India's name change to Bharat. On Wednesday, the actor dropped the motion poster of his new film Mission Raniganj but fans noticed the altered references to Bharat in his Instagram post. Mission Raniganj initially had the tagline The Great Indian Rescue. However, now that Akshay revealed the final title with the motion poster on Wednesday, the internet couldn't help but notice how the tentative title made it to the poster right below the final title, but with an interesting alteration. The Great Indian Rescue was replaced by The Great Bharat Rescue. The change comes at a time when the country is contemplating renaming India to Bharat. Kumar and the makers clearly cashed in on the ongoing discussion that is happening online. Heroes don't wait for medals to do what's right! Watch the story of Bharat's true hero with #MissionRaniganj in cinemas on 6th October. Teaser out tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/1o9dMgf3EY — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) September 6, 2023 × Not just this, an Instagram user pointed out that originally, Akshay wrote in the caption, “Watch the story of India’s true hero…” But it was soon edited to “Bharat's true hero.” The comment read, “Great Indian rescue ko toh Great Bharat Rescue kar diya par caption mein phir bhi *India's* likh diya (He changed Great Indian Rescue to Great Bharat Rescue but the caption still says ‘India’s').” The user then replied to his own comment, “haha kiya change abhi (haha he changed it just now).” Another user commented, “Yaha bhi Bharat (Bharat here as well) (thinking emoji).” Another wrote, “Sir Chandrayan 3 pe movie kab a rhaa hai (Sir when is the movie on Chandrayaan 3 coming)." About the film Mission Raniganj The rescue drama, helmed by Tinu Suresh Desai and produced by Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani's Pooja Entertainment, also stars Parineeti Chopra. The film's teaser will drop on Thursday, and it is slated to release in cinemas on October 6. 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.

Akshay Kumar shares poster of Mission Raniganj, adds a 'Bharat' twist to it

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his two-day visit to Indonesia on Wednesday (September 6), to take part in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit in the capital city Jakarta on Thursday (September 7).</p>

<p>Earlier in his departure statement, PM Modi said that he was looking forward to exchanging views with other leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address the global challenges.</p>

<p>The prime minister also dubbed the engagement with the ASEAN group as an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East Policy'.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister is visiting Jakarta at the invitation of the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Jakarta, Indonesia<br />
<br />
PM Modi will attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta on September 7. <a href="https://t.co/vZE1V7KJ3L">pic.twitter.com/vZE1V7KJ3L</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1699433446622343298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has now entered its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership entered into last year has injected new dynamism in our ties,” the Prime Minister said.</p>

<p>“Thereafter, I will be attending the 18th East Asia Summit. This forum provides a useful opportunity to deliberate on issues of importance to the region including food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation. I look forward to exchanging views with other EAS Leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address these global challenges,” he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leaving for Jakarta to take part in ASEAN related meetings. This includes the 20th ASEAN-India Summit, which focuses on a partnership we greatly cherish. I will also take part in the 18th East Asia Summit, which focuses on important developmental sectors like healthcare,…</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1699433560040509505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/when-you-say-bharat-indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-reacts-to-india-bharat-name-drop-row-632803"> 'When you say Bharat...': India's foreign minister Jaishankar reacts to India-Bharat name drop row</a></p>

<p>The ASEAN-India Summit will be the first Summit since the elevation of India-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. The Summit will review the progress of India-ASEAN relations and chart the future direction of cooperation.</p>

<p>The East Asia Summit would provide an opportunity for Leaders of ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners, including India, to exchange views on issues of regional and global significance.</p>

<p>He will return to New Delhi on Thursday evening ahead of the G20 Summit, which will be held on September 9 and 10.</p>

<h2><strong>Indonesia rearranges ASEAN summit schedule for PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>The Indonesian Government made adjustments to the ASEAN Summit schedule in order to accommodate the Prime Minister's programme and his early return to India ahead of the G20 summit.</p>

<p>During a press briefing on Tuesday (September 5), the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Saurabh Kumar said, "We are appreciative of the Indonesian Government for making adjustments to the ASEAN meeting schedule so as to facilitate Prime Minister's programme and his early return. By way of background, this will be the 9th ASEAN-India Summit to be attended by the Prime Minister".</p>

<p>As per a statement released by the External Affairs Ministry, during the summit, the Prime Minister will review the progress in ASEAN-India relations and provide them with further direction.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his two-day visit to Indonesia on Wednesday (September 6), to take part in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit in the capital city Jakarta on Thursday (September 7).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his two-day visit to Indonesia on Wednesday (September 6), to take part in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit in the capital city Jakarta on Thursday (September 7). Earlier in his departure statement, PM Modi said that he was looking forward to exchanging views with other leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address the global challenges. The prime minister also dubbed the engagement with the ASEAN group as an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East Policy'. The Prime Minister is visiting Jakarta at the invitation of the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo. #WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Jakarta, Indonesia PM Modi will attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta on September 7. pic.twitter.com/vZE1V7KJ3L — ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023 × “My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has now entered its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership entered into last year has injected new dynamism in our ties,” the Prime Minister said. “Thereafter, I will be attending the 18th East Asia Summit. This forum provides a useful opportunity to deliberate on issues of importance to the region including food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation. I look forward to exchanging views with other EAS Leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address these global challenges,” he added. Leaving for Jakarta to take part in ASEAN related meetings. This includes the 20th ASEAN-India Summit, which focuses on a partnership we greatly cherish. I will also take part in the 18th East Asia Summit, which focuses on important developmental sectors like healthcare,… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2023 × Also read: 'When you say Bharat...': India's foreign minister Jaishankar reacts to India-Bharat name drop row The ASEAN-India Summit will be the first Summit since the elevation of India-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. The Summit will review the progress of India-ASEAN relations and chart the future direction of cooperation. The East Asia Summit would provide an opportunity for Leaders of ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners, including India, to exchange views on issues of regional and global significance. He will return to New Delhi on Thursday evening ahead of the G20 Summit, which will be held on September 9 and 10. Indonesia rearranges ASEAN summit schedule for PM Modi The Indonesian Government made adjustments to the ASEAN Summit schedule in order to accommodate the Prime Minister's programme and his early return to India ahead of the G20 summit. During a press briefing on Tuesday (September 5), the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Saurabh Kumar said, "We are appreciative of the Indonesian Government for making adjustments to the ASEAN meeting schedule so as to facilitate Prime Minister's programme and his early return. By way of background, this will be the 9th ASEAN-India Summit to be attended by the Prime Minister". As per a statement released by the External Affairs Ministry, during the summit, the Prime Minister will review the progress in ASEAN-India relations and provide them with further direction. (With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Indonesia to take part in ASEAN-India Summit, East Asia Summit

<p>Taking a veiled swipe at China and Pakistan, India slammed the attempts being made at blocking the “evidence-based” proposals to blacklist globally sanctioned terrorists in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).</p>

<p>Calling for urgent reforms of the top UN body, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj on Tuesday (Sept 5) said that the working methods of UNSC are denting its credibility.</p>

<p>Speaking in the Security Council's open debate on Working Methods, Kamboj said, "Genuine, evidence-based listing proposals for globally sanctioned terrorists to be blocked without giving any due justification is uncalled for, and smacks of doublespeak when it comes to Council’s commitment in tackling the challenge of terrorism.”</p>

<p>She asserted that the working methods of Sanctions Committees must emphasise transparency, and objectivity in listing and delisting and should not be based on political considerations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Without taking names, India hits out at China for blocking the listing of Pakistani terrorists at UNSC despite "evidence based listing proposals". Indian envoy to UN <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNNewYork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaUNNewYork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ruchirakamboj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ruchirakamboj</a> at UNSC open debate on its working methods: <a href="https://t.co/9SMbC9Hmlj">pic.twitter.com/9SMbC9Hmlj</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1699289527729443213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>China in past objected to India's bids</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Kamboj was referring to China blocking a proposal moved by India and US to designate Pakistan-based LeT leader Sajid Mir, wanted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, as a “global terrorist” in the UN.</p>

<p>There have been several instances where China had intervened in blocking bids by India and its allies to list Pakistan-based terrorists.</p>

<p>“What we need is a Security Council that better reflects the geographical and developmental diversity of the United Nations today. A Security Council where voices of developing countries and unrepresented regions, including Africa, Latin America and the vast majority of Asia and Pacific, find their due place at this horseshoe table,” Kamboj said.</p>

<p>She said that an expansion of the council in both categories of membership is absolutely essential.</p>

<p>“This is the only way to bring the Council’s composition and decision-making dynamics in line with contemporary geo-political realities,” Kamboj said.</p>

<h2><strong>Expansion of UNSC membership&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>“If countries are truly interested in making the Council more accountable and more credible, we call on them to come out openly and support a clear pathway to achieve this reform in a time-bound manner, through the only established process in the UN, which is by engaging in negotiations based on text and not through speaking at each other, or past each other, as we have done for the last three decades,” she added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-stresses-g20-summit-to-be-defined-by-positions-taken-not-leaders-attendance-632671">Jaishankar says G20 Summit to be defined by positions taken, not leaders' attendance</a></p>

<p>The Security Council has five permanent members — the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom — collectively known as the P5.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asean-centrality-is-a-central-point-mea-ahead-of-pm-modis-short-visit-to-indonesia-632612">‘ASEAN centrality is a central point…’: India ahead of PM Modi’s ‘short visit’ to Indonesia</a></p>

<p>The 10 elected members of the Security Council are commonly referred to as the E10.</p>

<p>Among the strong contenders for permanent members has been India, which has found support from almost all permanent members, except China.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Taking a veiled swipe at China and Pakistan, India slammed the attempts being made at blocking the “evidence-based” proposals to blacklist globally sanctioned terrorists in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Taking a veiled swipe at China and Pakistan, India slammed the attempts being made at blocking the “evidence-based” proposals to blacklist globally sanctioned terrorists in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Calling for urgent reforms of the top UN body, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj on Tuesday (Sept 5) said that the working methods of UNSC are denting its credibility. Speaking in the Security Council's open debate on Working Methods, Kamboj said, "Genuine, evidence-based listing proposals for globally sanctioned terrorists to be blocked without giving any due justification is uncalled for, and smacks of doublespeak when it comes to Council’s commitment in tackling the challenge of terrorism.” She asserted that the working methods of Sanctions Committees must emphasise transparency, and objectivity in listing and delisting and should not be based on political considerations. Without taking names, India hits out at China for blocking the listing of Pakistani terrorists at UNSC despite "evidence based listing proposals". Indian envoy to UN @IndiaUNNewYork @ruchirakamboj at UNSC open debate on its working methods: pic.twitter.com/9SMbC9Hmlj — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 6, 2023 × China in past objected to India's bids Kamboj was referring to China blocking a proposal moved by India and US to designate Pakistan-based LeT leader Sajid Mir, wanted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, as a “global terrorist” in the UN. There have been several instances where China had intervened in blocking bids by India and its allies to list Pakistan-based terrorists. “What we need is a Security Council that better reflects the geographical and developmental diversity of the United Nations today. A Security Council where voices of developing countries and unrepresented regions, including Africa, Latin America and the vast majority of Asia and Pacific, find their due place at this horseshoe table,” Kamboj said. She said that an expansion of the council in both categories of membership is absolutely essential. “This is the only way to bring the Council’s composition and decision-making dynamics in line with contemporary geo-political realities,” Kamboj said. Expansion of UNSC membership “If countries are truly interested in making the Council more accountable and more credible, we call on them to come out openly and support a clear pathway to achieve this reform in a time-bound manner, through the only established process in the UN, which is by engaging in negotiations based on text and not through speaking at each other, or past each other, as we have done for the last three decades,” she added. Also read | Jaishankar says G20 Summit to be defined by positions taken, not leaders' attendance The Security Council has five permanent members — the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom — collectively known as the P5. Also read | ‘ASEAN centrality is a central point…’: India ahead of PM Modi’s ‘short visit’ to Indonesia The 10 elected members of the Security Council are commonly referred to as the E10. Among the strong contenders for permanent members has been India, which has found support from almost all permanent members, except China. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India takes veiled swipe at China, Pak in UN over blocking proposals to blacklist terrorists

<p>As India assumes the presidency of the G20, it finds itself at the center of global trade discussions, representing 43 member countries that collectively account for 85% of the global GDP, 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the global population. This position offers both opportunities and challenges, with India aiming to capitalise on the global stage while addressing the pressing issue of rising food prices in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Leveraging India's G20 Presidency</strong></p>

<p>Raymond E. Vickery, Former US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development and Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, sees India's G20 presidency as a tremendous opportunity. He emphasises that India can become a beacon of hope in a world grappling with protectionism tendencies, with many Western nations increasingly looking inward. India's commitment to multilateralism in trade can help restore faith in institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO), which are in dire need of strong leadership.</p>

<p>One notable trend Vickery highlights is "Friendshoring," where supply chain networks focus on countries considered political and economic allies. With many countries having strained relations with China, India's diplomacy can play a crucial role in fostering trade partnerships and strengthening its global trade ties.</p>

<p><strong>Addressing rising food prices</strong></p>

<p>The Russia-Ukraine conflict has triggered a global crisis in the aftermath of rising food prices, disrupting food supply chains and raising concerns about food security and inflation. Vickery points out that India can take the lead in addressing this issue during its G20 presidency.</p>

<p>He highlighted the G20 Technical workshop on climate-resilient agriculture conducted in Hyderabad, where the first item on the agenda was to somehow restore the grain agreement deal between the UN, Turkey, and Russia. This deal is a lifeline for many countries, particularly in Africa. However, with Russia's reluctance to revive the agreement, India can step in to show leadership, leveraging its influence as a leader of the global south.</p>

<p>In addition to reviving critical agreements, Vickery suggests that India can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable production of grains and leveraging its expertise in information technology to ensure fluidity and transparency in grain markets. India's IT capabilities can contribute to solving logistics challenges and promoting efficient global food distribution.</p>

<p><strong>G20's vision for WTO reforms</strong></p>

<p>The G20 has reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based, transparent multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core. Ten guiding principles, including promoting sustainable development, strengthening the multilateral trading system, and fostering digital trade initiatives, have been outlined.</p>

<p>Vickery acknowledges that the WTO is currently at a standstill, partly due to a lack of conviction in dispute resolution, with some blame placed on the United States. He emphasises the need for quick resolutions and general respect for trade rules. The G20, in his view, is the ideal platform to push for WTO reforms, promote international trade, and bring consensus among its member nations.</p>

<p>As India takes the reins of the G20, it stands at the crossroads of economic opportunity and the challenge of food price volatility. The world watches eagerly for the path forward in global trade as India seeks to leverage its presidency for the benefit of the global economy and food security.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


As India assumes the presidency of the G20, it finds itself at the center of global trade discussions, representing 43 member countries that collectively account for 85% of the global GDP, 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the global population.

As India assumes the presidency of the G20, it finds itself at the center of global trade discussions, representing 43 member countries that collectively account for 85% of the global GDP, 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the global population. This position offers both opportunities and challenges, with India aiming to capitalise on the global stage while addressing the pressing issue of rising food prices in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Leveraging India's G20 Presidency Raymond E. Vickery, Former US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development and Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, sees India's G20 presidency as a tremendous opportunity. He emphasises that India can become a beacon of hope in a world grappling with protectionism tendencies, with many Western nations increasingly looking inward. India's commitment to multilateralism in trade can help restore faith in institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO), which are in dire need of strong leadership. One notable trend Vickery highlights is "Friendshoring," where supply chain networks focus on countries considered political and economic allies. With many countries having strained relations with China, India's diplomacy can play a crucial role in fostering trade partnerships and strengthening its global trade ties. Addressing rising food prices The Russia-Ukraine conflict has triggered a global crisis in the aftermath of rising food prices, disrupting food supply chains and raising concerns about food security and inflation. Vickery points out that India can take the lead in addressing this issue during its G20 presidency. He highlighted the G20 Technical workshop on climate-resilient agriculture conducted in Hyderabad, where the first item on the agenda was to somehow restore the grain agreement deal between the UN, Turkey, and Russia. This deal is a lifeline for many countries, particularly in Africa. However, with Russia's reluctance to revive the agreement, India can step in to show leadership, leveraging its influence as a leader of the global south. In addition to reviving critical agreements, Vickery suggests that India can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable production of grains and leveraging its expertise in information technology to ensure fluidity and transparency in grain markets. India's IT capabilities can contribute to solving logistics challenges and promoting efficient global food distribution. G20's vision for WTO reforms The G20 has reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based, transparent multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core. Ten guiding principles, including promoting sustainable development, strengthening the multilateral trading system, and fostering digital trade initiatives, have been outlined. Vickery acknowledges that the WTO is currently at a standstill, partly due to a lack of conviction in dispute resolution, with some blame placed on the United States. He emphasises the need for quick resolutions and general respect for trade rules. The G20, in his view, is the ideal platform to push for WTO reforms, promote international trade, and bring consensus among its member nations. As India takes the reins of the G20, it stands at the crossroads of economic opportunity and the challenge of food price volatility. The world watches eagerly for the path forward in global trade as India seeks to leverage its presidency for the benefit of the global economy and food security. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's G20 Presidency: Leveraging trade opportunities amid global uncertainty

<p>India is among the top five world economies racing to achieve net zero emissions, a report by Brussels-based think tank Strategic Perspectives has said.</p>

<p>Net zero is an ideal state where the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) released into the atmosphere is balanced out by the amount of GHG removed. It can be achieved through a combination of emission reduction and emission removal.</p>

<p><o:p></o:p></p>

<p>The report titled 'Competing in the new zero-carbon industrial era' compares the performance of five major economies — US, China, EU, India, and Japan— on zero-carbon technologies.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>“The manufacturing and deployment of zero-carbon technologies can create jobs, and result in competitive advantages and the reduction of emissions in key sectors. These net-zero transition plans can lead to a new industrial era that will be known for its zero-carbon technologies,” it said.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>The authors of the report, however, pointed out that it would be unwise to compare India’s efforts to other economies because it has taken a different entry position on economic development.</p>

<p>“If additional investments can be secured, India can fulfil its ambitions of becoming a significant part of the global net-zero supply chain, and benefit from the transition in the near future,” it said.</p>

<h2><strong>India's RBI to expand digital rupee use</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-rbi-to-expand-digital-rupee-use-632821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><o:p></o:p></p>

<p>Here are some of the key points mentioned in the report that highlight India’s efforts in the race to achieve zero-carbon emissions.<o:p></o:p></p>

<ul>
	<li>India is making progress in incorporating solar and wind into its electricity generation, almost doubling its share from 2017 figures (5 per cent to 9 per cent). <o:p></o:p></li>
	<li>The electric vehicle industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 49 per cent between 2022 and 2030 creating 50 million jobs by 2030. <o:p></o:p></li>
	<li>Electric two-wheelers will play a big part in the global EV market: India already has a fleet of 4 million EV two-wheelers in 2022, which is projected to rise to 6 million by 2024<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

<p>The report notes that India has a significant potential to grow its importance in the global new industrial transition, but added that it must scale up investments in R&amp;D, and “not solely rely on tech transfer and Chinese imports”.</p>

<p><o:p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-tests-covid-negative-all-set-to-visit-india-for-g20-632768">US President Joe Biden tests Covid negative, all set to visit India on Sept 7 for G20 Summit</a></o:p></p>

<p>"While China and the EU continue to lead in the wind sector, the US and India are following each other closely in terms of manufacturing capacities and could continue gaining market shares as their respective domestic policies are implemented," the report stated.</p>

<p><o:p></o:p></p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;‘<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asean-centrality-is-a-central-point-mea-ahead-of-pm-modis-short-visit-to-indonesia-632612">ASEAN centrality is a central point…’: India ahead of PM Modi’s ‘short visit’ to Indonesia</a></p>

<p>“India still faces a different set of challenges, however with committed financial support from the developed economies, India can meet its net zero commitments faster,” it states.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>This G20, India is likely to push for the global green development agreement which will include climate finance, Mission LiFE is 'Lifestyle for Environment', circular economy, accelerating progress on SDGs, energy transitions and energy security.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


India is among the top five world economies racing to achieve net zero emissions, a report by Brussels-based think tank Strategic Perspectives has said. Net zero is an ideal state where the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) released into the atmosphere is balanced out by the amount of GHG removed.

India is among the top five world economies racing to achieve net zero emissions, a report by Brussels-based think tank Strategic Perspectives has said. Net zero is an ideal state where the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) released into the atmosphere is balanced out by the amount of GHG removed. It can be achieved through a combination of emission reduction and emission removal. The report titled 'Competing in the new zero-carbon industrial era' compares the performance of five major economies — US, China, EU, India, and Japan— on zero-carbon technologies. “The manufacturing and deployment of zero-carbon technologies can create jobs, and result in competitive advantages and the reduction of emissions in key sectors. These net-zero transition plans can lead to a new industrial era that will be known for its zero-carbon technologies,” it said. The authors of the report, however, pointed out that it would be unwise to compare India’s efforts to other economies because it has taken a different entry position on economic development. “If additional investments can be secured, India can fulfil its ambitions of becoming a significant part of the global net-zero supply chain, and benefit from the transition in the near future,” it said. India's RBI to expand digital rupee use Here are some of the key points mentioned in the report that highlight India’s efforts in the race to achieve zero-carbon emissions. India is making progress in incorporating solar and wind into its electricity generation, almost doubling its share from 2017 figures (5 per cent to 9 per cent). The electric vehicle industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 49 per cent between 2022 and 2030 creating 50 million jobs by 2030. Electric two-wheelers will play a big part in the global EV market: India already has a fleet of 4 million EV two-wheelers in 2022, which is projected to rise to 6 million by 2024 The report notes that India has a significant potential to grow its importance in the global new industrial transition, but added that it must scale up investments in R&D, and “not solely rely on tech transfer and Chinese imports”. Also read | US President Joe Biden tests Covid negative, all set to visit India on Sept 7 for G20 Summit "While China and the EU continue to lead in the wind sector, the US and India are following each other closely in terms of manufacturing capacities and could continue gaining market shares as their respective domestic policies are implemented," the report stated. Also read | ‘ASEAN centrality is a central point…’: India ahead of PM Modi’s ‘short visit’ to Indonesia “India still faces a different set of challenges, however with committed financial support from the developed economies, India can meet its net zero commitments faster,” it states. This G20, India is likely to push for the global green development agreement which will include climate finance, Mission LiFE is 'Lifestyle for Environment', circular economy, accelerating progress on SDGs, energy transitions and energy security. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India among top five world economies racing to achieve net zero emissions: Report

<p>India has been invited to be a part of the next trilateral summit involving Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.</p>

<p>In a joint press conference on Monday (Sept 4), Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the country is interested in natural gas exports partnership with countries such as India, who may even be invited to the next trilateral summit&nbsp;expected next year.</p>

<p>The summit took place in the Cypriot capital Nicosia to discuss regional energy cooperation to focus on exports to Europe, especially natural gas and renewables.</p>

<p>Echoing similar sentiments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talked about plans to expand the 3+1 format beyond the United States and potentially include India.</p>

<p>“There’s something else that could develop, and we discussed it at great length,” the Israeli leader said.</p>

<p>“There is now the possibility that we might have the expansion of the Abraham Accords to normalisation with Saudi Arabia.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu backs India's inclusion in Israel, Greece &amp; Cyprus grouping; Sees expansion of Abraham Accords to Saudi Arabia leading to connectivity between India, Arab peninsula, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Europe. <a href="https://t.co/3drb4fAFP8">https://t.co/3drb4fAFP8</a> <a href="https://t.co/T9tIuQmbK6">pic.twitter.com/T9tIuQmbK6</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1698746697193832780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Intensifying cooperation with India&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>“All three countries view that as a great possibility, but they also see that this could lead to a connection between India, the Arabian peninsula, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Europe. There is a natural…there is a geographic connection but it could be also something that would lead to many rewards for our peoples and our countries,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-to-visit-russia-and-discuss-weapons-with-putin-this-month-report-632396">North Korea's Kim Jong Un to visit Putin in Russia to discuss weapons supply</a></p>

<p>Likewise, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said they reaffirmed “strong commitment to the 3+1 format with the United States and agreed on the value of intensifying 3+1 cooperation, with concrete deliverables also with other countries and we talked specifically about India.”</p>

<h2><strong>Israel, Cyprus, Greece enhance cooperation on gas infrastructure</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-cyprus-greece-enhance-cooperation-on-gas-infrastructure-632387/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Israel is already exploiting offshore gas reserves, and Cyprus has so far untapped energy riches. Both countries are seeking ways to join forces to export natural gas to the European mainland.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-says-russia-ready-to-discuss-the-grain-deal-632259">Russia may revive Black Sea grain deal if Putin's demands are met</a></p>

<p>The leaders said they wanted to promote "energy synergies" such as an electricity interconnector between the three countries and a possible natural gas pipeline, according to the joint statement.</p>

<p>"We reaffirmed the common interest to advance prospects for a reliable energy corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean basin to Europe," the statement added.</p>

<p>Netanyahu said Israel and Cyprus were working on exporting his country's gas reserves to Europe via the island.</p>

<p>Later in a joint statement following the conclusion of the 9th trilateral summit, the leaders&nbsp;“agreed that the energy sector, and in particular, natural gas, electricity and renewable energy, is a solid foundation for cooperation in the region, based on international law including the law of the sea and the respect of all states to exercise their rights in their respective Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.”&nbsp;</p>

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India has been invited to be a part of the next trilateral summit involving Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. In a joint press conference on Monday (Sept 4), Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the country is interested in natural gas exports partnership with countries such as India, who may even be invited to the next trilateral summit expected next year.

India has been invited to be a part of the next trilateral summit involving Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. In a joint press conference on Monday (Sept 4), Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the country is interested in natural gas exports partnership with countries such as India, who may even be invited to the next trilateral summit expected next year. The summit took place in the Cypriot capital Nicosia to discuss regional energy cooperation to focus on exports to Europe, especially natural gas and renewables. Echoing similar sentiments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talked about plans to expand the 3+1 format beyond the United States and potentially include India. “There’s something else that could develop, and we discussed it at great length,” the Israeli leader said. “There is now the possibility that we might have the expansion of the Abraham Accords to normalisation with Saudi Arabia.” Watch: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu backs India's inclusion in Israel, Greece & Cyprus grouping; Sees expansion of Abraham Accords to Saudi Arabia leading to connectivity between India, Arab peninsula, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Europe. https://t.co/3drb4fAFP8 pic.twitter.com/T9tIuQmbK6 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 4, 2023 × Intensifying cooperation with India “All three countries view that as a great possibility, but they also see that this could lead to a connection between India, the Arabian peninsula, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Europe. There is a natural…there is a geographic connection but it could be also something that would lead to many rewards for our peoples and our countries,” he added. Also read | North Korea's Kim Jong Un to visit Putin in Russia to discuss weapons supply Likewise, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said they reaffirmed “strong commitment to the 3+1 format with the United States and agreed on the value of intensifying 3+1 cooperation, with concrete deliverables also with other countries and we talked specifically about India.” Israel, Cyprus, Greece enhance cooperation on gas infrastructure Israel is already exploiting offshore gas reserves, and Cyprus has so far untapped energy riches. Both countries are seeking ways to join forces to export natural gas to the European mainland. Also read | Russia may revive Black Sea grain deal if Putin's demands are met The leaders said they wanted to promote "energy synergies" such as an electricity interconnector between the three countries and a possible natural gas pipeline, according to the joint statement. "We reaffirmed the common interest to advance prospects for a reliable energy corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean basin to Europe," the statement added. Netanyahu said Israel and Cyprus were working on exporting his country's gas reserves to Europe via the island. Later in a joint statement following the conclusion of the 9th trilateral summit, the leaders “agreed that the energy sector, and in particular, natural gas, electricity and renewable energy, is a solid foundation for cooperation in the region, based on international law including the law of the sea and the respect of all states to exercise their rights in their respective Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India invited to be part of Israel-Cyprus-Greece trilateral summit

<p>Harish Salve, a prominent lawyer and former solicitor general of India got married for the third time in an affluent ceremony in London, United Kingdom, according to media reports. The wedding witnessed the attendance of several well-known people including Lalit Modi, Ujjwala Raut, and others.</p>

<h2><strong>Harish Salve’s third wedding</strong></h2>

<p>The 68-year-old lawyer married&nbsp;his girlfriend Trina and&nbsp;images and videos of the two have since gone viral on social media.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Former Solicitor general of India, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarishSalve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarishSalve</a> got married for the 3rd time. Nita Ambani, Lalit Modi amongst others attended the ceremony.<br />
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Hopefully he is lucky the third time. <a href="https://t.co/RVSPXyTujC">pic.twitter.com/RVSPXyTujC</a></p>
— Kumar Mihir Mishra (@Mihirlawyer) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mihirlawyer/status/1698536665130901559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>He was earlier married to Meenakshi (his first wife) and Caroline Brossard later in 2020. Salve and his first wife reportedly called it quits&nbsp;in June 2020 after more than 30 years of marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, who amid scandals and controversies linked to IPL, had relocated to London from India in 2010, said that he would return to India as soon as the nation passes stringent libel laws.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-in-trouble-again-ipl-founder-lalit-modi-says-will-drag-him-to-court-for-defamatory-remarks-577473">Rahul Gandhi in trouble again? IPL founder Lalit Modi says will drag him to court for defamatory remarks</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this year, the former IPL chairman&nbsp;was also directed to issue an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lalit-modi-tenders-apology-for-his-remarks-against-judiciary-583843">unconditional apology</a> for his remarks against the judiciary on social media and national newspapers by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About Salve</strong></h2>

<p>As a Supreme Court lawyer, Salve has been a part of several high-profile cases. However, one of his most popular cases is that of Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of spying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Salve was India’s lead counsel before the International Court of Justice in the Jadhav extradition case and charged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-asked-harish-salve-to-collect-rs-1-fee-minutes-before-she-suffered-cardiac-arrest-241332">only Rupee&nbsp;1</a>, a gesture which earned him high praise.&nbsp;During the trial at the ICJ, Salve asserted that Pakistan had "extracted confession" from Jadhav on spying in Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020, he was also appointed as the Queen’s Counsel (QC) for the courts of Wales and England, a title which is awarded to those who have demonstrated particular skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-made-pakistan-adhere-to-the-vienna-convention-says-indias-lawyer-harish-salve-after-kulbhushan-jadhav-verdict-at-icj-236738">We made Pakistan adhere to the Vienna Convention, says India's lawyer Harish Salve after Kulbhushan Jadhav verdict at ICJ</a></strong></p>

<p>He also represented the Union government, in 2018, at the Supreme Court over the Cauvery water dispute. In 2015, Salve was conferred one of the highest awards in India – the Padma Bhushan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Salve also reportedly represented Bollywood celebrity Salman Khan&nbsp;in a hit-and-run case back in 2002. Khan was later acquitted on all charges after a Bombay High Court decision, 13 years later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Salve, who studied LLB from Nagpur University, served as the Solicitor General of India from November 1999 to November 2002.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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&nbsp;</p>

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Harish Salve, a prominent lawyer and former solicitor general of India got married for the third time in an affluent ceremony in London, United Kingdom, according to media reports.

Harish Salve, a prominent lawyer and former solicitor general of India got married for the third time in an affluent ceremony in London, United Kingdom, according to media reports. The wedding witnessed the attendance of several well-known people including Lalit Modi, Ujjwala Raut, and others. Harish Salve’s third wedding The 68-year-old lawyer married his girlfriend Trina and images and videos of the two have since gone viral on social media. Former Solicitor general of India, #HarishSalve got married for the 3rd time. Nita Ambani, Lalit Modi amongst others attended the ceremony. Hopefully he is lucky the third time. pic.twitter.com/RVSPXyTujC — Kumar Mihir Mishra (@Mihirlawyer) September 4, 2023 × He was earlier married to Meenakshi (his first wife) and Caroline Brossard later in 2020. Salve and his first wife reportedly called it quits in June 2020 after more than 30 years of marriage. Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, who amid scandals and controversies linked to IPL, had relocated to London from India in 2010, said that he would return to India as soon as the nation passes stringent libel laws. ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhi in trouble again? IPL founder Lalit Modi says will drag him to court for defamatory remarks Earlier this year, the former IPL chairman was also directed to issue an unconditional apology for his remarks against the judiciary on social media and national newspapers by the Supreme Court. About Salve As a Supreme Court lawyer, Salve has been a part of several high-profile cases. However, one of his most popular cases is that of Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of spying. Salve was India’s lead counsel before the International Court of Justice in the Jadhav extradition case and charged only Rupee 1, a gesture which earned him high praise. During the trial at the ICJ, Salve asserted that Pakistan had "extracted confession" from Jadhav on spying in Pakistan. In 2020, he was also appointed as the Queen’s Counsel (QC) for the courts of Wales and England, a title which is awarded to those who have demonstrated particular skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy. ALSO READ | We made Pakistan adhere to the Vienna Convention, says India's lawyer Harish Salve after Kulbhushan Jadhav verdict at ICJ He also represented the Union government, in 2018, at the Supreme Court over the Cauvery water dispute. In 2015, Salve was conferred one of the highest awards in India – the Padma Bhushan. Salve also reportedly represented Bollywood celebrity Salman Khan in a hit-and-run case back in 2002. Khan was later acquitted on all charges after a Bombay High Court decision, 13 years later. Salve, who studied LLB from Nagpur University, served as the Solicitor General of India from November 1999 to November 2002. (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.

Harish Salve marries for the third time in London, Lalit Modi among attendees

<p>Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song appeared to violate diplomatic conventions as he attempted to project Nepal's ties with India in a negative light, while pitching China as a better partner for the Himalayan nation.</p>

<p>Ambassador Chen was speaking at a programme held at a hotel in Kathmandu's New Baneswor. Among the attendees was Devraj Ghimire, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal.</p>

<p>During his speech, Chen spoke about what he called "India's influence in Nepal". While acknowledging vastness of Indian market, Chen advised Nepal to tread cautiously.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, you have a neighbor like India, because India is a huge market, huge potential you can tap into. But at the same time, India’s policy towards Nepal and other neighbours are not so friendly and not so beneficial to Nepal," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Europe's EV makers face off against China</strong></p>

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<p>Nepal has been traditionally closer to India than it has been to China. It has had robust political as well as cultural and social ties since ancient times.</p>

<p>The Chinese ambassador appeared to portray that Nepal's trade with India is not proving to be beneficial to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Last fiscal year, you exported 10 billion rupee electricity to India.How much you imported from India? My Nepalese friends, you imported 19 billion Nepalese rupees of electricity from India. You had a deficit in electricity trade, one of the products you are proud of, and you think that will bring you economic independence," he said.</p>

<p>Ambassador Chen offered advice to Nepal during his speech that it should focus on its agricultural sector.</p>

<p>In recent decades, China and India have vied for influence in Nepal. The Himalayan country, previously seen squarely in Indian 'orbit' is perceived to be taking great steps to strengthen co-operation with China. Smaller nations in South Asia have often found themselves responding to competition between India and China in the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huaweis-new-phone-processor-unveiled-signaling-chinas-chip-breakthrough-632614">Huawei's new phone processor unveiled, signaling China's chip breakthrough</a></strong></p>

<p>In his speech, Ambassador Chen made a case for increased competition between China and Nepal and said that he himself will take efforts to improve ties between Nepal and China.</p>

<p>"I will have more field trips to learn about the reality of Nepal, and find more potential cooperation between China and Nepal. Best of all, I want to, I think Nepalese people also have the right to enjoy a more rich life, a more modern life, a more prosperous life," he said.</p>

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Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song appeared to violate diplomatic conventions as he attempted to project Nepal's ties with India in a negative light, while pitching China as a better partner for the Himalayan nation.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song appeared to violate diplomatic conventions as he attempted to project Nepal's ties with India in a negative light, while pitching China as a better partner for the Himalayan nation. Ambassador Chen was speaking at a programme held at a hotel in Kathmandu's New Baneswor. Among the attendees was Devraj Ghimire, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal. During his speech, Chen spoke about what he called "India's influence in Nepal". While acknowledging vastness of Indian market, Chen advised Nepal to tread cautiously. "Unfortunately, you have a neighbor like India, because India is a huge market, huge potential you can tap into. But at the same time, India’s policy towards Nepal and other neighbours are not so friendly and not so beneficial to Nepal," he said. Watch | Europe's EV makers face off against China × Nepal has been traditionally closer to India than it has been to China. It has had robust political as well as cultural and social ties since ancient times. The Chinese ambassador appeared to portray that Nepal's trade with India is not proving to be beneficial to Nepal. "Last fiscal year, you exported 10 billion rupee electricity to India.How much you imported from India? My Nepalese friends, you imported 19 billion Nepalese rupees of electricity from India. You had a deficit in electricity trade, one of the products you are proud of, and you think that will bring you economic independence," he said. Ambassador Chen offered advice to Nepal during his speech that it should focus on its agricultural sector. In recent decades, China and India have vied for influence in Nepal. The Himalayan country, previously seen squarely in Indian 'orbit' is perceived to be taking great steps to strengthen co-operation with China. Smaller nations in South Asia have often found themselves responding to competition between India and China in the region. Also Read | Huawei's new phone processor unveiled, signaling China's chip breakthrough In his speech, Ambassador Chen made a case for increased competition between China and Nepal and said that he himself will take efforts to improve ties between Nepal and China. "I will have more field trips to learn about the reality of Nepal, and find more potential cooperation between China and Nepal. Best of all, I want to, I think Nepalese people also have the right to enjoy a more rich life, a more modern life, a more prosperous life," he said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Chinese ambassador to Nepal attempts to downplay India-Nepal ties

<p>In six states, voting for by-elections are underway amid tight security arrangements.&nbsp;The polling is being held in&nbsp;Dhupguri in West Bengal, Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, Puthupally in Kerala, Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, Dhanpur and Boxanagar in Tripura and Dumri in Jharkhand.</p>

<p>The voting began at 7 am&nbsp;(Indian Standard Time), and the counting of votes will take place on September 8. All eyes are on the performance of the newly formed alliance of 26&nbsp;opposition parties, the INDIA bloc, as they take on the mighty Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong></h2>

<p>Voting for the Ghosi assembly bypoll, the first electoral showdown in Uttar Pradesh after the formation of the opposition INDIA bloc, is being held at 455 polling stations and will conclude at 6 pm, the office of the State chief electoral officer said.</p>

<p>The Ghosi bypoll was necessitated by the resignation of Dara Singh Chauhan, who had won the seat in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, from the Samajwadi Party (SP) in July. The OBC leader returned to the BJP and was picked by the party to contest the Ghosi bypoll.</p>

<p>In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Chauhan had defeated BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Rajbhar by a margin of 22,216 votes. Ghosi had recorded a polling percentage of 58.59. This time, Chauhan is pitted against the SP’s Sudhakar Singh.</p>

<p>The bypoll will have no bearing on the BJP government, which enjoys a comfortable majority in the 403-member state assembly. However, its outcome is important as it could be an indicator of what is in store for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<h2><strong>West Bengal</strong></h2>

<p>In Dhupguri assembly constituency in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, over 2.6 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the bypoll. Polling is taking place in 260 booths, of which 71 have been identified as sensitive, the official said. The bypoll to the seat was necessitated by the death of its sitting BJP MLA, Bishu Pada Ray, earlier this year.</p>

<p>CPI (M)‘s Ishwar Chandra Roy is contesting as the candidate of the Congress-Left alliance, while the ruling TMC has fielded Nirmal Chandra Roy, a teacher by profession. The BJP has nominated Tapasi Roy, the widow of a CRPF jawan who died fighting terrorists in Kashmir a few years back.</p>

<h2><strong>Uttarakhand</strong></h2>

<p>The bypoll to the Bageshwar assembly seat in Uttarakhand was necessitated by the death of sitting BJP MLA and cabinet minister Chandan Ram Das in April. He had won the seat in four consecutive polls since 2007.</p>

<p>The bypoll is important as its verdict will reflect the mood of voters in Uttarakhand ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP won all the five Lok Sabha seats in the State in the 2014 and 2019 general elections.</p>

<p>The BJP has fielded Das’ widow Parvati in the bypoll and is hoping to capitalise on sympathy votes to retain the seat. There are four other candidates in the fray — Congress’ Basant Kumar, Samajwadi Party’s Bhagvati Prasad, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal’s Arjun Dev and Uttarakhand Parivartan Party’s Bhagwat Kohli. However, the direct contest is likely to be between the BJP and the Congress.</p>

<h2><strong>Tripura</strong></h2>

<p>In Tripura, BJP's Tafajjal Hussain, who unsuccessfully contested the last assembly election from Boxanagar, is contesting against CPI(M) nominee Mizan Hussain. The Boxanagar assembly segment has 66% minority voters of a total of 43,087 electors. In the last assembly elections in February, the CPI(M) managed to retain the seat. The by-election to the Boxanagar constituency was necessitated by the death of CPI(M) MLA Samsul Haque.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-india-to-showcase-its-democratic-evolution-culture-digital-payments-revolution-says-muktesh-pardeshi-632268">G20: India to showcase its democratic evolution, culture &amp; digital payments revolution, says Muktesh Pardeshi</a></p>

<p>The Dhanpur assembly constituency, once considered a stronghold of the Left, will witness a fight between BJP's Bindu Debnath and Kaushik Debnath of CPI(M). There are 50,346 eligible voters. The BJP won the seat for the first time in the assembly poll held seven months ago. Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik’s resignation as the MLA of Dhanpur necessitated the by-election to that seat.</p>

<h2>Kerala</h2>

<p>In the Puthuppally assembly constituency in Kottayam district, the ruling CPI (M) and the opposition Congress are locked in a fierce battle as the seat fell vacant after the demise of Congress stalwart and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Chandy represented the constituency in Kottayam district for more than five decades without any break until his demise on July 18 this year.</p>

<p>The Congress-led opposition UDF has fielded Oommen Chandy’s son, Chandy Oommen, which analysts view as an apparent strategy to capitalise on the sympathy wave following the former CM’s death. The ruling Left Front once again decided to go with DYFI leader Jaick C. Thomas who had unsuccessfully contested the segment in 2016 and 2021 against the late Chandy.</p>

<h2>Jharkhand</h2>

<p>Voting for the by-election to Dumri assembly&nbsp;is under way in 373 polling stations, of which around 200 have been identified as Maoist-affected booths. Over 2.98 lakh voters, including 1.44 lakh women, are eligible to exercise their franchise in the by-election and will decide the electoral fate of six candidates, including three independents.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/udhayanidhi-stalin-accuses-bjp-of-twisting-his-statement-after-sparking-row-over-sanatana-dharma-remark-632030">Udhayanidhi Stalin accuses BJP of ‘twisting’ his statement after sparking row over 'Sanatana Dharma' remark</a></p>

<p>The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA and former education minister Jagarnath Mahto. He had been representing the seat since 2004.</p>

<p>The JMM has fielded Mahto’s wife Bebi Devi as the nominee of the opposition bloc INDIA, while the AJSU party has nominated Yashoda Devi as the NDA candidate. The AIMIM has also fielded Md Abdul Mobin Rizvi.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>

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In six states, voting for by-elections are underway amid tight security arrangements. The polling is being held in Dhupguri in West Bengal, Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, Puthupally in Kerala, Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, Dhanpur and Boxanagar in Tripura and Dumri in Jharkhand.

In six states, voting for by-elections are underway amid tight security arrangements. The polling is being held in Dhupguri in West Bengal, Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, Puthupally in Kerala, Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, Dhanpur and Boxanagar in Tripura and Dumri in Jharkhand. The voting began at 7 am (Indian Standard Time), and the counting of votes will take place on September 8. All eyes are on the performance of the newly formed alliance of 26 opposition parties, the INDIA bloc, as they take on the mighty Bharatiya Janata Party. Uttar Pradesh Voting for the Ghosi assembly bypoll, the first electoral showdown in Uttar Pradesh after the formation of the opposition INDIA bloc, is being held at 455 polling stations and will conclude at 6 pm, the office of the State chief electoral officer said. The Ghosi bypoll was necessitated by the resignation of Dara Singh Chauhan, who had won the seat in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, from the Samajwadi Party (SP) in July. The OBC leader returned to the BJP and was picked by the party to contest the Ghosi bypoll. In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Chauhan had defeated BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Rajbhar by a margin of 22,216 votes. Ghosi had recorded a polling percentage of 58.59. This time, Chauhan is pitted against the SP’s Sudhakar Singh. The bypoll will have no bearing on the BJP government, which enjoys a comfortable majority in the 403-member state assembly. However, its outcome is important as it could be an indicator of what is in store for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. West Bengal In Dhupguri assembly constituency in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, over 2.6 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the bypoll. Polling is taking place in 260 booths, of which 71 have been identified as sensitive, the official said. The bypoll to the seat was necessitated by the death of its sitting BJP MLA, Bishu Pada Ray, earlier this year. CPI (M)‘s Ishwar Chandra Roy is contesting as the candidate of the Congress-Left alliance, while the ruling TMC has fielded Nirmal Chandra Roy, a teacher by profession. The BJP has nominated Tapasi Roy, the widow of a CRPF jawan who died fighting terrorists in Kashmir a few years back. Uttarakhand The bypoll to the Bageshwar assembly seat in Uttarakhand was necessitated by the death of sitting BJP MLA and cabinet minister Chandan Ram Das in April. He had won the seat in four consecutive polls since 2007. The bypoll is important as its verdict will reflect the mood of voters in Uttarakhand ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP won all the five Lok Sabha seats in the State in the 2014 and 2019 general elections. The BJP has fielded Das’ widow Parvati in the bypoll and is hoping to capitalise on sympathy votes to retain the seat. There are four other candidates in the fray — Congress’ Basant Kumar, Samajwadi Party’s Bhagvati Prasad, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal’s Arjun Dev and Uttarakhand Parivartan Party’s Bhagwat Kohli. However, the direct contest is likely to be between the BJP and the Congress. Tripura In Tripura, BJP's Tafajjal Hussain, who unsuccessfully contested the last assembly election from Boxanagar, is contesting against CPI(M) nominee Mizan Hussain. The Boxanagar assembly segment has 66% minority voters of a total of 43,087 electors. In the last assembly elections in February, the CPI(M) managed to retain the seat. The by-election to the Boxanagar constituency was necessitated by the death of CPI(M) MLA Samsul Haque. Also read | G20: India to showcase its democratic evolution, culture & digital payments revolution, says Muktesh Pardeshi The Dhanpur assembly constituency, once considered a stronghold of the Left, will witness a fight between BJP's Bindu Debnath and Kaushik Debnath of CPI(M). There are 50,346 eligible voters. The BJP won the seat for the first time in the assembly poll held seven months ago. Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik’s resignation as the MLA of Dhanpur necessitated the by-election to that seat. Kerala In the Puthuppally assembly constituency in Kottayam district, the ruling CPI (M) and the opposition Congress are locked in a fierce battle as the seat fell vacant after the demise of Congress stalwart and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Chandy represented the constituency in Kottayam district for more than five decades without any break until his demise on July 18 this year. The Congress-led opposition UDF has fielded Oommen Chandy’s son, Chandy Oommen, which analysts view as an apparent strategy to capitalise on the sympathy wave following the former CM’s death. The ruling Left Front once again decided to go with DYFI leader Jaick C. Thomas who had unsuccessfully contested the segment in 2016 and 2021 against the late Chandy. Jharkhand Voting for the by-election to Dumri assembly is under way in 373 polling stations, of which around 200 have been identified as Maoist-affected booths. Over 2.98 lakh voters, including 1.44 lakh women, are eligible to exercise their franchise in the by-election and will decide the electoral fate of six candidates, including three independents. Also read | Udhayanidhi Stalin accuses BJP of ‘twisting’ his statement after sparking row over 'Sanatana Dharma' remark The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA and former education minister Jagarnath Mahto. He had been representing the seat since 2004. The JMM has fielded Mahto’s wife Bebi Devi as the nominee of the opposition bloc INDIA, while the AJSU party has nominated Yashoda Devi as the NDA candidate. The AIMIM has also fielded Md Abdul Mobin Rizvi. (With inputs from PTI) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Litmus test for INDIA alliance: Voting under way for bypolls to 7 assembly seats across 6 states

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-travel-to-indonesia-in-the-first-week-of-september-626319">two-day visit</a> to participate in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit, both of which are being hosted in Jakarta by Indonesia, the current chair of ASEAN, said the Indian foreign ministry, on Tuesday (September 5).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A ‘short visit’</strong></h2>

<p>In a bid to fortify India’s active involvement in the ASEAN community and reinforce diplomatic bonds in the Indo-Pacific region, the Indian PM will travel to Indonesia on September 6 and 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Secretary (East) in Ministry of External Affairs Saurabh Kumar said on Tuesday it would be a “short visit” considering New Delhi is gearing up to host the G20 summit. In line with this, PM Modi will not hold any bilateral meetings while he is in Jakarta.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The upcoming visit will also mark the Indian PM’s second trip to Indonesia within a year after he attended the G20 summit in Bali, back in November. The visit will end just a days before New Delhi hosts the annual G20 summit between September 9-10.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘ASEAN centrality is a central point’</strong></h2>

<p>Responding to a question asked by WION correspondent Sidhant Sibal about India’s focus on the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific neutrality during the upcoming PM’s visit, MEA secretary (East) responded by saying, “ASEAN centrality is a central point of our message to the ASEAN so this definitely would be communicated (by PM Modi).”</p>

<p>He also thanked the&nbsp;Indonesian side which shifted&nbsp;the East Asia summit to morning to&nbsp;facilitate the PM’s return for the G20 summit in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked about the possibility of a discussion between the leaders during the upcoming summit on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-china-releases-distorted-standard-map-what-exactly-is-the-controversy-630264">China’s new map </a>, the MEA official said, “It’s difficult to anticipate what leaders will discuss…mutual concerns will (be) addressed be it regional or international. Whether there will be consensus or not…can’t anticipate as of now.”</p>

<p>Earlier this month, China, in the 2023 edition of its map showed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-arunachal-pradesh-foundation-day-what-is-chinas-so-called-claim-over-the-indian-state-563958">Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh</a>, Aksai Chin region, Taiwan and large parts of the South China Sea as part of its territory. The move has since sparked objections and outrage from India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Importance of the upcoming visit</strong></h2>

<p>The MEA secretary (East), also said how the 20th ASEAN-India Summit is special since it is the first one after the elevation of the India-ASEAN relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership back in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar represented the country at the India-ASEAN Summit and other related summit meetings in Cambodia. The summit meetings marked a turning point as they elevated India’s association with the bloc to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP).</p>

<p>The Indian PM will also review the progress in ASEAN-India relations during his upcoming visit and chart the future direction of cooperation, said Kumar. He said that the theme of this year’s summit is ‘ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.’</p>

<p>During the East Asia Summit PM Modi will discuss ways to further strengthen the summit’s mechanism, with the other members, as well as matters of regional and international interests with the Leaders of ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners, including India. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The engagement holds significant importance within the framework of India’s&nbsp;Act East Policy,’ with the ASEAN partnership standing as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy strategy.</p>

<p><br />
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to participate in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit, both of which are being hosted in Jakarta by Indonesia, the current chair of ASEAN, said the Indian foreign ministry, on Tuesday (September 5).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to participate in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit, both of which are being hosted in Jakarta by Indonesia, the current chair of ASEAN, said the Indian foreign ministry, on Tuesday (September 5). A ‘short visit’ In a bid to fortify India’s active involvement in the ASEAN community and reinforce diplomatic bonds in the Indo-Pacific region, the Indian PM will travel to Indonesia on September 6 and 7. Secretary (East) in Ministry of External Affairs Saurabh Kumar said on Tuesday it would be a “short visit” considering New Delhi is gearing up to host the G20 summit. In line with this, PM Modi will not hold any bilateral meetings while he is in Jakarta. The upcoming visit will also mark the Indian PM’s second trip to Indonesia within a year after he attended the G20 summit in Bali, back in November. The visit will end just a days before New Delhi hosts the annual G20 summit between September 9-10. ‘ASEAN centrality is a central point’ Responding to a question asked by WION correspondent Sidhant Sibal about India’s focus on the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific neutrality during the upcoming PM’s visit, MEA secretary (East) responded by saying, “ASEAN centrality is a central point of our message to the ASEAN so this definitely would be communicated (by PM Modi).” He also thanked the Indonesian side which shifted the East Asia summit to morning to facilitate the PM’s return for the G20 summit in New Delhi. When asked about the possibility of a discussion between the leaders during the upcoming summit on China’s new map , the MEA official said, “It’s difficult to anticipate what leaders will discuss…mutual concerns will (be) addressed be it regional or international. Whether there will be consensus or not…can’t anticipate as of now.” Earlier this month, China, in the 2023 edition of its map showed the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin region, Taiwan and large parts of the South China Sea as part of its territory. The move has since sparked objections and outrage from India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan. Importance of the upcoming visit The MEA secretary (East), also said how the 20th ASEAN-India Summit is special since it is the first one after the elevation of the India-ASEAN relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership back in 2022. Last year, Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar represented the country at the India-ASEAN Summit and other related summit meetings in Cambodia. The summit meetings marked a turning point as they elevated India’s association with the bloc to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP). The Indian PM will also review the progress in ASEAN-India relations during his upcoming visit and chart the future direction of cooperation, said Kumar. He said that the theme of this year’s summit is ‘ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.’ During the East Asia Summit PM Modi will discuss ways to further strengthen the summit’s mechanism, with the other members, as well as matters of regional and international interests with the Leaders of ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners, including India. The engagement holds significant importance within the framework of India’s Act East Policy,’ with the ASEAN partnership standing as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy strategy. 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.

‘ASEAN centrality is a central point…’: India ahead of PM Modi’s ‘short visit’ to Indonesia

<p>India has hit back at the recent comments made by UN experts on the Manipur sectarian violence, calling them “unwarranted, presumptive, and misleading”.</p>

<p>Asserting that the situation in the northeast state is peaceful and stable, the Indian mission said that the Indian government was committed to taking requisite steps to maintain peace and stability.</p>

<p>"The Government is also committed to protecting the human rights of the people of India, including the people of Manipur,” it said in the note verbale sent on Monday (Sept 4) to the Special Procedures Branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.</p>

<p>“The Permanent Mission of India completely rejects the news release as it is not only unwarranted, presumptive and misleading but also betrays a complete lack of understanding on the situation in Manipur and the steps taken by Government of India to address it,” the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva said.</p>

<h2><strong>India kept in the dark about UN report&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The response from India came after the Special Procedure Mandate Holders (SPMH) released a report titled ‘India: UN&nbsp;experts alarmed by continuing abuses in Manipur’.</p>

<p>The Indian mission expressed disappointment and surprise that the SPMHs chose to issue the press release without waiting for the 60-day period for the Indian government to respond to a joint communication issued on the same topic on August 29, 2023.</p>

<p>The Indian mission expressed hope that in the future, the SPMH would be “more objective” in their assessment, based on the facts.</p>

<h2><strong>'Refrain from making remarks'</strong></h2>

<p>It hoped that the SPMH would “refrain from commenting on the developments, which have no relevance to the mandate given to them by the Council and abide by the established procedure for issuing news releases and wait for inputs sought from the Government of India before doing so.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a data-ved="2ahUKEwjQzujw9pKBAxUa-jgGHaM0CTkQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fresh-bout-of-violence-rocks-manipur-popular-tribal-songwriter-among-6-killed-631104" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fresh-bout-of-violence-rocks-manipur-popular-tribal-songwriter-among-6-killed-631104&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQzujw9pKBAxUa-jgGHaM0CTkQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">India: Fresh bout of violence rocks Manipur, popular tribal songwriter among 6 killed</a></p>

<p>In the report, the UN experts said they were “appalled” by the reports and images of gender-based violence targeting hundreds of women and girls of all ages, and predominantly of the Kuki ethnic minority.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a data-ved="2ahUKEwjQzujw9pKBAxUa-jgGHaM0CTkQxfQBKAB6BAgVEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-manipur-rally-defends-state-unity-calls-for-action-against-insurgents-620648" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-manipur-rally-defends-state-unity-calls-for-action-against-insurgents-620648&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQzujw9pKBAxUa-jgGHaM0CTkQxfQBKAB6BAgVEAE">Massive Manipur rally defends state unity, calls for action against insurgents</a></p>

<p>“The alleged violence includes gang rape, parading women naked in the street, severe beatings causing death, and burning them alive or dead,” the experts said.</p>

<p>The experts also pointed to an “inadequate humanitarian response” in the wake of the grave humanitarian situation in Manipur following the latest round of community conflict between the predominantly Hindu Meitei and the predominantly Christian Kuki ethnic communities that erupted in May 2023.</p>

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India has hit back at the recent comments made by UN experts on the Manipur sectarian violence, calling them “unwarranted, presumptive, and misleading”. Asserting that the situation in the northeast state is peaceful and stable, the Indian mission said that the Indian government was committed to taking requisite steps to maintain peace and stability.

India has hit back at the recent comments made by UN experts on the Manipur sectarian violence, calling them “unwarranted, presumptive, and misleading”. Asserting that the situation in the northeast state is peaceful and stable, the Indian mission said that the Indian government was committed to taking requisite steps to maintain peace and stability. "The Government is also committed to protecting the human rights of the people of India, including the people of Manipur,” it said in the note verbale sent on Monday (Sept 4) to the Special Procedures Branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. “The Permanent Mission of India completely rejects the news release as it is not only unwarranted, presumptive and misleading but also betrays a complete lack of understanding on the situation in Manipur and the steps taken by Government of India to address it,” the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva said. India kept in the dark about UN report The response from India came after the Special Procedure Mandate Holders (SPMH) released a report titled ‘India: UN experts alarmed by continuing abuses in Manipur’. The Indian mission expressed disappointment and surprise that the SPMHs chose to issue the press release without waiting for the 60-day period for the Indian government to respond to a joint communication issued on the same topic on August 29, 2023. The Indian mission expressed hope that in the future, the SPMH would be “more objective” in their assessment, based on the facts. 'Refrain from making remarks' It hoped that the SPMH would “refrain from commenting on the developments, which have no relevance to the mandate given to them by the Council and abide by the established procedure for issuing news releases and wait for inputs sought from the Government of India before doing so.” Also read | India: Fresh bout of violence rocks Manipur, popular tribal songwriter among 6 killed In the report, the UN experts said they were “appalled” by the reports and images of gender-based violence targeting hundreds of women and girls of all ages, and predominantly of the Kuki ethnic minority. Also read | Massive Manipur rally defends state unity, calls for action against insurgents “The alleged violence includes gang rape, parading women naked in the street, severe beatings causing death, and burning them alive or dead,” the experts said. The experts also pointed to an “inadequate humanitarian response” in the wake of the grave humanitarian situation in Manipur following the latest round of community conflict between the predominantly Hindu Meitei and the predominantly Christian Kuki ethnic communities that erupted in May 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India slams ‘unwarranted and misleading’ remarks of UN experts on Manipur violence

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