What is it about democracy and governance that they often tend to contradict each other and make us dust up old quotes of departed wise men?

As India furiously debates the 'One Nation, One Election' call more-or-less endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party through a committee to examine the issue, it becomes pertinent to examine why the subject is contentious.

The committee led by former president of India Ram Nath Kovind, a long-time BJP activist, is packed with protagonists who favour the simultaneous holding of state and central legislature elections. The panel seems focused more on governance and economics than social and constitutional realities. You can therefore expect dissent, disagreement, and disruptions from other quarters -- and that is already quite visible and audible.

Let me correct myself. Are we not supposed to say the "Union" instead of the "Central" government elected by&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lok&nbsp;Sabha?" There begins the controversy, rekindled in recent months by Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK leader MK&nbsp;Stalin who gently reminded Indian citizens that the Constitution refers to India as a "Union of States". Since the Constitution demarcates both powers (through clear lists of subjects under Union and state legislatures) and structures (through legislative assemblies), the commonsensical view would be that separate elections are needed for a reason. Don't people need to vote separately with clear agendas in mind on what they are voting for and not just who?

Enough has already been said about how a single election would undermine India's federal character and how a one-shot poll would only favour a centralised, personality-driven, authoritarian rule (Read: Modi). But one man's authoritarian regime is another's "good governance project". Stability, in Modi's political lexicon, spells better development.

Perhaps it is time to examine democracy itself as an idea and how the Constitution views it. Since the Constitution's Preamble promises "social, economic and political justice", the canvas is broad enough to suggest that what people feel depends on the national mood. However, for moods to become lasting law, and that too one which fundamentally alters the political process, the country requires a national consensus that is lasting enough not to cause upheavals and unrest that would make frequent elections look like small blips. In other words, we can't let the cure for a flawed democracy become worse than the malady.

Now, let us examine a few quotes on that issue to locate the context.

Urdu poet Allama Iqbal famously said:

<blockquote>
Jamhūriyat ik tarz-e-hukūmat hai ki jis meñ

bandoñ ko ginā karte haiñ taulā nahīñ karte
</blockquote>

(Democracy is that form of government in which heads are counted, not weighed).

Headcount pessimists like that poet often have an elite bias in which knowledgeable, decisive people make fine decisions that keep spirits high and costs low. The fact that frequent elections increase costs is a favourite argument of those who believe that economics is central to the whole debate.

But it is equally pertinent to quote Kanshi Ram, founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), who articulated the worldview of Dalits representing the lowest in India's Hindu social hierarchy: "Hamein mazboot sarkar nahin, majboor sarkar chahiye" (We don't want a strong government, we want a government under pressure).

We may as well supplement that with rockstars David Bowie and Freddie Mercury belting out their classic "Under Pressure" to echo the Dalit condition:

<blockquote>
It's the terror of knowing what this world is about

Watching some good friends screaming, "Let me out!"
</blockquote>

If that is true, the purpose of frequent elections can be seen as a positive way of keeping the elite responsible for the poor. After all, poor voters have less media clout and even less money power. For them, a button pressed on the electronic voting machine is a silent scream meant to reach the high and mighty. In their lexicon, an election freebie is a goodie that somewhat eases life's pressures.

Between Kanshi Ram and Iqbal lie the words of Abraham Lincoln: "Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people". If that is true, it should logically also mean accountability "to the people" — which is what happens every time there is an election.

No wonder then that Jayaprakash Narayan, who led the famous "JP Movement" in the 1970s that led to and fought against the Emergency rule by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in principle advocated an extreme form of frequent elections called "Right to recall". JP said common people must have the right to dislodge their representatives which he said was an “unwritten right, which the people can exercise if and when necessary” because that is what is needed when the representatives "fail in their duty and become corrupt, oppressive and inefficient”.

Those quotes lead us nowhere in a constitutional context in which a lot depends not just on the national mood but also on the letters and the spirit of the constitution. We have already had the Supreme Court of India ruling against any tampering with&nbsp;the "basic structure" of the Constitution including parliamentary democracy. Given that we have a multi-party system, a diversity of languages, religions and political demands, both flexibility and fluidity are written into the social fabric and are reflected in India's political culture.

Cynics will argue that the One-Nation-One-Election panel will exploit or seek to introduce constitutional loopholes that enable a strongman rule favoured by Modi. Optimists will see it as an opportunity to reform an inefficient political system. Hardcore realists who sit somewhere in the middle would say that the current debate is more likely to be a poll rhetoric issue in the run-up to the general elections in India in 2024 for the BJP to consolidate power.

Overall, the one-election call may be a springboard for Modi to push the envelope of the constitution as part of a long-term plan to establish a top-down conservative agenda championed by Hindutva ideologues. Bottom-up politics, on the contrary, begins by politically empowering the people at the grassroots of society.

(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.)

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What is it about democracy and governance that they often tend to contradict each other and make us dust up old quotes of departed wise men? As India furiously debates the 'One Nation, One Election' call more-or-less endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party through a committee to examine the issue, it becomes pertinent to examine why the subject is contentious.

What is it about democracy and governance that they often tend to contradict each other and make us dust up old quotes of departed wise men? As India furiously debates the 'One Nation, One Election' call more-or-less endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party through a committee to examine the issue, it becomes pertinent to examine why the subject is contentious. The committee led by former president of India Ram Nath Kovind, a long-time BJP activist, is packed with protagonists who favour the simultaneous holding of state and central legislature elections. The panel seems focused more on governance and economics than social and constitutional realities. You can therefore expect dissent, disagreement, and disruptions from other quarters -- and that is already quite visible and audible. Let me correct myself. Are we not supposed to say the "Union" instead of the "Central" government elected by the Lok Sabha?" There begins the controversy, rekindled in recent months by Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK leader MK Stalin who gently reminded Indian citizens that the Constitution refers to India as a "Union of States". Since the Constitution demarcates both powers (through clear lists of subjects under Union and state legislatures) and structures (through legislative assemblies), the commonsensical view would be that separate elections are needed for a reason. Don't people need to vote separately with clear agendas in mind on what they are voting for and not just who? Enough has already been said about how a single election would undermine India's federal character and how a one-shot poll would only favour a centralised, personality-driven, authoritarian rule (Read: Modi). But one man's authoritarian regime is another's "good governance project". Stability, in Modi's political lexicon, spells better development. Perhaps it is time to examine democracy itself as an idea and how the Constitution views it. Since the Constitution's Preamble promises "social, economic and political justice", the canvas is broad enough to suggest that what people feel depends on the national mood. However, for moods to become lasting law, and that too one which fundamentally alters the political process, the country requires a national consensus that is lasting enough not to cause upheavals and unrest that would make frequent elections look like small blips. In other words, we can't let the cure for a flawed democracy become worse than the malady. Now, let us examine a few quotes on that issue to locate the context. Urdu poet Allama Iqbal famously said: Jamhūriyat ik tarz-e-hukūmat hai ki jis meñ bandoñ ko ginā karte haiñ taulā nahīñ karte (Democracy is that form of government in which heads are counted, not weighed). Headcount pessimists like that poet often have an elite bias in which knowledgeable, decisive people make fine decisions that keep spirits high and costs low. The fact that frequent elections increase costs is a favourite argument of those who believe that economics is central to the whole debate. But it is equally pertinent to quote Kanshi Ram, founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), who articulated the worldview of Dalits representing the lowest in India's Hindu social hierarchy: "Hamein mazboot sarkar nahin, majboor sarkar chahiye" (We don't want a strong government, we want a government under pressure). We may as well supplement that with rockstars David Bowie and Freddie Mercury belting out their classic "Under Pressure" to echo the Dalit condition: It's the terror of knowing what this world is about Watching some good friends screaming, "Let me out!" If that is true, the purpose of frequent elections can be seen as a positive way of keeping the elite responsible for the poor. After all, poor voters have less media clout and even less money power. For them, a button pressed on the electronic voting machine is a silent scream meant to reach the high and mighty. In their lexicon, an election freebie is a goodie that somewhat eases life's pressures. Between Kanshi Ram and Iqbal lie the words of Abraham Lincoln: "Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people". If that is true, it should logically also mean accountability "to the people" — which is what happens every time there is an election. No wonder then that Jayaprakash Narayan, who led the famous "JP Movement" in the 1970s that led to and fought against the Emergency rule by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in principle advocated an extreme form of frequent elections called "Right to recall". JP said common people must have the right to dislodge their representatives which he said was an “unwritten right, which the people can exercise if and when necessary” because that is what is needed when the representatives "fail in their duty and become corrupt, oppressive and inefficient”. Those quotes lead us nowhere in a constitutional context in which a lot depends not just on the national mood but also on the letters and the spirit of the constitution. We have already had the Supreme Court of India ruling against any tampering with the "basic structure" of the Constitution including parliamentary democracy. Given that we have a multi-party system, a diversity of languages, religions and political demands, both flexibility and fluidity are written into the social fabric and are reflected in India's political culture. Cynics will argue that the One-Nation-One-Election panel will exploit or seek to introduce constitutional loopholes that enable a strongman rule favoured by Modi. Optimists will see it as an opportunity to reform an inefficient political system. Hardcore realists who sit somewhere in the middle would say that the current debate is more likely to be a poll rhetoric issue in the run-up to the general elections in India in 2024 for the BJP to consolidate power. Overall, the one-election call may be a springboard for Modi to push the envelope of the constitution as part of a long-term plan to establish a top-down conservative agenda championed by Hindutva ideologues. Bottom-up politics, on the contrary, begins by politically empowering the people at the grassroots of society. (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.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'One Nation, One Election' call ignores grassroot concerns and constitutional realities

In just a week, the world’s attention will converge on New Delhi as the Indian capital plays host to its inaugural G20 Summit, an event that has drawn global leaders to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. As anticipation builds, the international community eagerly awaits confirmation from leaders, understanding that attendance dynamics are shaped by geopolitics and domestic priorities.

Delving into the annals of G20 Summit history reveals a remarkable consistency – since 2010, there hasn’t been a single instance where all member countries attended at the head of state/head of government (HOS/HOG) or leaders level. This pattern underscores the complexity of factors influencing leaders’ decisions to attend these pivotal gatherings.

The variability in attendance becomes even more striking when examining specific instances of countries being represented below the leadership level. On six occasions, a single leader from a country was absent (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017), while on five occasions, two leaders chose not to attend (2010, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-biden-xi-erdogan-among-25-world-leaders-to-be-present-at-delhi-high-table-630030">G20 Summit: Biden, Xi, Erdogan among 25+ world leaders to be present at Delhi high table</a>

The 2021 Rome Summit stands out as an anomaly, with a record-breaking six leaders skipping the G20 meeting. This occurred even as the world was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when leaders faced critical domestic challenges.&nbsp;

In contrast, the 2022 Bali Summit saw three leaders absent, overshadowed by the Ukraine conflict. Notably, this summit marked the first time the traditional “leaders’ family photo” was absent, as Western leaders hesitated to stand alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Examining individual country data reveals a spectrum of commitment to G20 Summit attendance. Nations such as Canada, Germany, India, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, the UK, the USA, and the European Union have consistently upheld leadership-level attendance, underscoring their dedication to the global stage.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-will-not-attend-g20-in-india-but-set-to-visit-china-for-belt-and-road-forum-630307">Putin will not attend G20 in India but set to visit China for Belt and Road forum</a>

In contrast, some nations have experienced sporadic attendance. Mexico, for instance, has been represented by a minister since 2018 instead of its president.&nbsp;

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and Russia each have had two instances of lower-level representation, while China, France, Indonesia, Japan, and South Africa have experienced a single such occurrence. A notable exception is Saudi Arabia, which attended G20 summits below the leadership level on nine occasions, including one instance featuring a Minister of State without portfolio in 2017.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn’t attended a G20 summit in person since the 2019 Osaka summit. He was notably absent from the Italy (2021) and Indonesia (2022) summits and is set to skip the upcoming India (2023) summit. Just like last year, Russia will be represented by Foreign Minister Lavrov this year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-hope-xi-jinping-attends-g20-summit-says-biden-631067">&nbsp;I hope Xi Jinping attends G20 Summit in New Delhi, says Biden</a>

The G20 Summit, elevated to the leaders’ level in 2008, has continued to evolve as a pivotal diplomatic forum. With two summits held in 2009 and 2010, the rotation, after India extends to Brazil in 2024, South Africa in 2025, and the United States in 2026.&nbsp;

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In just a week, the world’s attention will converge on New Delhi as the Indian capital plays host to its inaugural G20 Summit, an event that has drawn global leaders to address some of the most pressing issues of our time.

In just a week, the world’s attention will converge on New Delhi as the Indian capital plays host to its inaugural G20 Summit, an event that has drawn global leaders to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. As anticipation builds, the international community eagerly awaits confirmation from leaders, understanding that attendance dynamics are shaped by geopolitics and domestic priorities. Delving into the annals of G20 Summit history reveals a remarkable consistency – since 2010, there hasn’t been a single instance where all member countries attended at the head of state/head of government (HOS/HOG) or leaders level. This pattern underscores the complexity of factors influencing leaders’ decisions to attend these pivotal gatherings. The variability in attendance becomes even more striking when examining specific instances of countries being represented below the leadership level. On six occasions, a single leader from a country was absent (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017), while on five occasions, two leaders chose not to attend (2010, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019). ALSO READ | G20 Summit: Biden, Xi, Erdogan among 25+ world leaders to be present at Delhi high table The 2021 Rome Summit stands out as an anomaly, with a record-breaking six leaders skipping the G20 meeting. This occurred even as the world was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when leaders faced critical domestic challenges. In contrast, the 2022 Bali Summit saw three leaders absent, overshadowed by the Ukraine conflict. Notably, this summit marked the first time the traditional “leaders’ family photo” was absent, as Western leaders hesitated to stand alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Examining individual country data reveals a spectrum of commitment to G20 Summit attendance. Nations such as Canada, Germany, India, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, the UK, the USA, and the European Union have consistently upheld leadership-level attendance, underscoring their dedication to the global stage. ALSO READ | Putin will not attend G20 in India but set to visit China for Belt and Road forum In contrast, some nations have experienced sporadic attendance. Mexico, for instance, has been represented by a minister since 2018 instead of its president. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and Russia each have had two instances of lower-level representation, while China, France, Indonesia, Japan, and South Africa have experienced a single such occurrence. A notable exception is Saudi Arabia, which attended G20 summits below the leadership level on nine occasions, including one instance featuring a Minister of State without portfolio in 2017. Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn’t attended a G20 summit in person since the 2019 Osaka summit. He was notably absent from the Italy (2021) and Indonesia (2022) summits and is set to skip the upcoming India (2023) summit. Just like last year, Russia will be represented by Foreign Minister Lavrov this year. ALSO READ | I hope Xi Jinping attends G20 Summit in New Delhi, says Biden The G20 Summit, elevated to the leaders’ level in 2008, has continued to evolve as a pivotal diplomatic forum. With two summits held in 2009 and 2010, the rotation, after India extends to Brazil in 2024, South Africa in 2025, and the United States in 2026. 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 in Delhi: Trends show gaps in leaders’ attendance each year

Within 10 days of having successfully soft-landed Chandrayaan-3 near the Lunar South Pole (and making India the first nation to do so), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched a craft to study the Sun from afar. As Chandrayaan-3 nears the end of its planned operational life (14 earth days or one Lunar day) and goes to sleep soon, it is now for Aditya-L1 to stay awake and continue on its 125-day journey to the Lagrange Point 1 position, from where it will observe the sun.&nbsp;

Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed on August 23 and the Aditya-L1 mission was placed in its designated elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit around 1:00 pm (local time) on Saturday, August 2. Over the last 10 days, the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover have been performing in-situ experiments with their respective payloads and sharing the data. However, the end of the Lunar day time is closing in fast on the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. As the duo are solar-powered, they would not be able to function during the fortnight-long Lunar night.&nbsp;

“The Chandrayaan-3 Lander and Rover are functional and our payload teams are doing all th work...The Rover has traversed a distance of 100meters from the lander... In a day or two, we will start the process of putting the lander and rover to sleep, in order to withstand the lunar night (that lay ahead)” Dr S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, said following the successful launch of the Aditya-L1 solar observatory satellite.&nbsp;

On average, the temperature during the Lunar day could be around 120 degrees Centigrade (For earthlings - that’s much more than the boiling point of water or more than twice the hottest recorded temperatures on Earth). Whereas the Lunar nights could get as cold as -130 degrees Centigrade (that’s almost twice the coldest temperature recorded on the Earth). At the Lunar poles, these temperatures could be even more extreme and hostile.&nbsp;

ISRO hinting that the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover are to be put to sleep, shows that the Indian space agency has the possible technological means and hope to make Vikram and Pragyan survive the Lunar night. Else, if the mission were to come to an end after the Lunar day, ISRO could have mentioned bidding permanent goodbye to the lander and rover.&nbsp;

By switching off all the on-board equipment and going into hibernation mode and protecting itself from the cold (comparable to covering oneself using a blanket), ISRO could possibly ensure that Chandrayaan-3 survives the Lunar night.

When the Lunar dawn breaks next (around the third week of September), if and when the lander and rover survive, they could again harness the power of the Sun and charge their batteries and continue to carry out their operations. Though a possibility, this could prove a serious bonus to ISRO’s exploratory activities near the Lunar South Pole region, which India temporarily has for itself to explore. However, both the lander and rover have to survive the night for the duo to function normally.&nbsp;

This is because the Lander craft is the primary and direct communication link with the Earth. If the lander cannot communicate directly, it could also use the services of the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter to relay its communications to Earth and receive new commands. However, the 26-kg rover is entirely dependent on the lander to receive commands and carry out communications, and data transfer.&nbsp;

“We are hoping that after the Lunar night it will come back, but it is not assured. This is because, all systems will go to minus 150degrees Centigrade temperature, which is far beyond the survival limit of may materials used on the lander craft. By design it is meant to live for 14days, but if we are lucky, we may get longer,” M. Sankaran, Director of ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre had told WION. 
 
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Within 10 days of having successfully soft-landed Chandrayaan-3 near the Lunar South Pole (and making India the first nation to do so), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched a craft to study the Sun from afar.

Within 10 days of having successfully soft-landed Chandrayaan-3 near the Lunar South Pole (and making India the first nation to do so), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched a craft to study the Sun from afar. As Chandrayaan-3 nears the end of its planned operational life (14 earth days or one Lunar day) and goes to sleep soon, it is now for Aditya-L1 to stay awake and continue on its 125-day journey to the Lagrange Point 1 position, from where it will observe the sun. Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed on August 23 and the Aditya-L1 mission was placed in its designated elliptical (egg-shaped) orbit around 1:00 pm (local time) on Saturday, August 2. Over the last 10 days, the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover have been performing in-situ experiments with their respective payloads and sharing the data. However, the end of the Lunar day time is closing in fast on the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover. As the duo are solar-powered, they would not be able to function during the fortnight-long Lunar night. “The Chandrayaan-3 Lander and Rover are functional and our payload teams are doing all th work...The Rover has traversed a distance of 100meters from the lander... In a day or two, we will start the process of putting the lander and rover to sleep, in order to withstand the lunar night (that lay ahead)” Dr S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, said following the successful launch of the Aditya-L1 solar observatory satellite. On average, the temperature during the Lunar day could be around 120 degrees Centigrade (For earthlings - that’s much more than the boiling point of water or more than twice the hottest recorded temperatures on Earth). Whereas the Lunar nights could get as cold as -130 degrees Centigrade (that’s almost twice the coldest temperature recorded on the Earth). At the Lunar poles, these temperatures could be even more extreme and hostile. ISRO hinting that the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover are to be put to sleep, shows that the Indian space agency has the possible technological means and hope to make Vikram and Pragyan survive the Lunar night. Else, if the mission were to come to an end after the Lunar day, ISRO could have mentioned bidding permanent goodbye to the lander and rover. By switching off all the on-board equipment and going into hibernation mode and protecting itself from the cold (comparable to covering oneself using a blanket), ISRO could possibly ensure that Chandrayaan-3 survives the Lunar night. When the Lunar dawn breaks next (around the third week of September), if and when the lander and rover survive, they could again harness the power of the Sun and charge their batteries and continue to carry out their operations. Though a possibility, this could prove a serious bonus to ISRO’s exploratory activities near the Lunar South Pole region, which India temporarily has for itself to explore. However, both the lander and rover have to survive the night for the duo to function normally. This is because the Lander craft is the primary and direct communication link with the Earth. If the lander cannot communicate directly, it could also use the services of the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter to relay its communications to Earth and receive new commands. However, the 26-kg rover is entirely dependent on the lander to receive commands and carry out communications, and data transfer. “We are hoping that after the Lunar night it will come back, but it is not assured. This is because, all systems will go to minus 150degrees Centigrade temperature, which is far beyond the survival limit of may materials used on the lander craft. By design it is meant to live for 14days, but if we are lucky, we may get longer,” M. Sankaran, Director of ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre had told WION. 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.

As India’s Aditya-L1 heads to study the Sun, Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 to fall asleep

After the successful launch of India's first solar mission, Aditya L1, Nigar Shaji, the director of the project, on Saturday (September 2), said that it was more like a dream come true.

"It feels like a dream coming true. I am extremely happy that Aditya L-1 has been injected successfully (into the designated orbit) by the PSLV. Aditya L-1 has successfully embarked on its 125-day journey," news agency ANI quoted Shaji as saying.

"As and when the Aditya L-1 fulfils all its mission objectives, it will be an asset for the country as well as the global scientific community. I want to thank the entire (ISRO) team for their support and guidance in making this mission possible," the project director of the Aditya L1 mission added.

The Indian Space Research Organisation, after the successful launch of Aditya L1 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, released a statement saying that the payload covering the spacecraft was separated as it left Earth's atmosphere.

"The third stage of the separation of PSLV carrying the Aditya-L1 orbiter has been completed," as per ISRO.

"The launch of Aditya-L1 by PSLV-C57 is accomplished successfully," it added.

The agency said that the vehicle was successful in placing the satellite precisely into its intended orbit. It further added that the country's first solar observatory has begun its journey to its destination, the L1 point which lies between the Earth and the Sun.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-the-why-what-when-where-and-how-of-indias-aditya-l1-sun-mission-631556">Explained | The Why, What, When, Where and How of India's Aditya-L1 Sun mission</a>

"The vehicle has placed the satellite precisely into its intended orbit. India’s first solar observatory has begun its journey to the destination of Sun-Earth L1 point," ISRO posted on X.

Meanwhile, ISRO chairperson S Somanath said, "The Aditya L1 spacecraft has been injected in an elliptical orbit...which is intended very precisely by the PSLV. I want to congratulate the PSLV for such a different mission approach today to put Aditya L1 in the right orbit."

<h2>PM Modi, ministers congratulate ISRO</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) by sharing a post on X.

"After the success of Chandrayaan-3, India continues its space journey. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at ISRO for the successful launch of India’s first Solar Mission, Aditya -L1," he wrote.

Modi added that India's tireless scientific efforts will continue to develop a better understanding of the Universe for the welfare of entire humanity.

India's Science Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who was present at Sriharikota to witness the momentous occasion said the launch of Aditya L-1 was a "sunshine moment" for the country.

President Droupadi Murmu, meanwhile, said the launch "will help us better understand space and celestial phenomena."

(With inputs from agencies) 
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After the successful launch of India's first solar mission, Aditya L1, Nigar Shaji, the director of the project, on Saturday (September 2), said that it was more like a dream come true.

After the successful launch of India's first solar mission, Aditya L1, Nigar Shaji, the director of the project, on Saturday (September 2), said that it was more like a dream come true. "It feels like a dream coming true. I am extremely happy that Aditya L-1 has been injected successfully (into the designated orbit) by the PSLV. Aditya L-1 has successfully embarked on its 125-day journey," news agency ANI quoted Shaji as saying. "As and when the Aditya L-1 fulfils all its mission objectives, it will be an asset for the country as well as the global scientific community. I want to thank the entire (ISRO) team for their support and guidance in making this mission possible," the project director of the Aditya L1 mission added. The Indian Space Research Organisation, after the successful launch of Aditya L1 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, released a statement saying that the payload covering the spacecraft was separated as it left Earth's atmosphere. "The third stage of the separation of PSLV carrying the Aditya-L1 orbiter has been completed," as per ISRO. "The launch of Aditya-L1 by PSLV-C57 is accomplished successfully," it added. The agency said that the vehicle was successful in placing the satellite precisely into its intended orbit. It further added that the country's first solar observatory has begun its journey to its destination, the L1 point which lies between the Earth and the Sun. Also read: Explained | The Why, What, When, Where and How of India's Aditya-L1 Sun mission "The vehicle has placed the satellite precisely into its intended orbit. India’s first solar observatory has begun its journey to the destination of Sun-Earth L1 point," ISRO posted on X. Meanwhile, ISRO chairperson S Somanath said, "The Aditya L1 spacecraft has been injected in an elliptical orbit...which is intended very precisely by the PSLV. I want to congratulate the PSLV for such a different mission approach today to put Aditya L1 in the right orbit." PM Modi, ministers congratulate ISRO Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) by sharing a post on X. "After the success of Chandrayaan-3, India continues its space journey. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at ISRO for the successful launch of India’s first Solar Mission, Aditya -L1," he wrote. Modi added that India's tireless scientific efforts will continue to develop a better understanding of the Universe for the welfare of entire humanity. India's Science Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who was present at Sriharikota to witness the momentous occasion said the launch of Aditya L-1 was a "sunshine moment" for the country. President Droupadi Murmu, meanwhile, said the launch "will help us better understand space and celestial phenomena." (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.

Project director of Aditya-L1 calls successful launch of India's maiden solar mission 'a dream come true'

At a time when Russian and Chinese presidents have decided to skip the G20 summit in New Delhi, US President Joe Biden will arrive in the Indian capital city, two days in advance to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The White House on Friday (September 1) informed Biden will travel to India on September 7 to attend the summit, scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10.&nbsp;

On September 8, Biden is expected to participate in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi to further strengthen the growing ties between the two countries.&nbsp;

"On Thursday (September 7), the President will travel to New Delhi, India to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit. On Friday, the President will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the statement by the White House read.

Among other topics of discussion, the economic and social impacts of Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine may also feature heavily in the talks.&nbsp;

"While in New Delhi, the President will also commend Prime Minister Modi's leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026," it said.

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Russia's President to not attend September G20 Summit in India

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<h2>Putin to visit China</h2>

Notably, the White House statement came hours after Putin in a televised address, called his Chinese counterpart a 'friend', adding that he was planning to visit Beijing soon.&nbsp;

"Quite soon we will have events, and there will be a meeting with the president of the People’s Republic of China," said Putin, according to Russian news agency Interfax.&nbsp;

"He (Xi) calls me his friend, and I am happy to call him my friend, because he is a person who does a lot for the development of Russian-Chinese relations."

Earlier this week, Putin announced that he was not travelling to India to attend the G20 summit in person. The Russian leader held a telephonic conversation with PM&nbsp;Modi and cited his 'busy schedule' for giving the all-important summit a miss.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-will-not-attend-g20-in-india-but-set-to-visit-china-for-belt-and-road-forum-630307">Also read |&nbsp;Putin will not attend G20 in India but set to visit China for Belt and Road forum</a>

Similarly, a day after releasing a&nbsp;controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, reports claimed that Xi was giving the G20 summit a miss in New Delhi.&nbsp;Premier Li Qiang is expected to represent Beijing at the September 9-10 meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, China has emerged as one of the most powerful allies of Moscow. The Xi Jinping regime has refused to blame Moscow for the war and instead, attacked the Western nations for imposing sanctions on Russia and profiting from the war

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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At a time when Russian and Chinese presidents have decided to skip the G20 summit in New Delhi, US President Joe Biden will arrive in the Indian capital city, two days in advance to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At a time when Russian and Chinese presidents have decided to skip the G20 summit in New Delhi, US President Joe Biden will arrive in the Indian capital city, two days in advance to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The White House on Friday (September 1) informed Biden will travel to India on September 7 to attend the summit, scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10. On September 8, Biden is expected to participate in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi to further strengthen the growing ties between the two countries. "On Thursday (September 7), the President will travel to New Delhi, India to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit. On Friday, the President will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the statement by the White House read. Among other topics of discussion, the economic and social impacts of Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine may also feature heavily in the talks. "While in New Delhi, the President will also commend Prime Minister Modi's leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026," it said. Watch | Russia's President to not attend September G20 Summit in India Putin to visit China Notably, the White House statement came hours after Putin in a televised address, called his Chinese counterpart a 'friend', adding that he was planning to visit Beijing soon. "Quite soon we will have events, and there will be a meeting with the president of the People’s Republic of China," said Putin, according to Russian news agency Interfax. "He (Xi) calls me his friend, and I am happy to call him my friend, because he is a person who does a lot for the development of Russian-Chinese relations." Earlier this week, Putin announced that he was not travelling to India to attend the G20 summit in person. The Russian leader held a telephonic conversation with PM Modi and cited his 'busy schedule' for giving the all-important summit a miss. Also read | Putin will not attend G20 in India but set to visit China for Belt and Road forum Similarly, a day after releasing a controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, reports claimed that Xi was giving the G20 summit a miss in New Delhi. Premier Li Qiang is expected to represent Beijing at the September 9-10 meeting. Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, China has emerged as one of the most powerful allies of Moscow. The Xi Jinping regime has refused to blame Moscow for the war and instead, attacked the Western nations for imposing sanctions on Russia and profiting from the war (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

While Xi, Putin skip G20, Biden to reach India two days before summit to meet PM Modi

IND vs PAK Weather Live update: The most awaited match of Asia Cup 2023, India vs Pakistan is scheduled for today (September 02, 2023). IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023, will be the first 50-over match after their clash in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

Both the teams are geared up for the clash and fans are eagerly waiting for the match to start. However, the forthcoming danger of rain could let everyone down and there could be a slight delay in the match.&nbsp;

<h2>Weather&nbsp;forecast for IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023:</h2>

According to AccuWeather, the rain showers in Kandy would begin at 12:pm and it is anticipated to stop by 3:pm. The IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to start at 3:pm IST. The rain is expected to stop during the first half of the match but forecast states that it will come back after the sunset.&nbsp;

With 99% of cloud cover and high humidity, AccuWeather forecasts&nbsp;heavy rainfall to start from 7:pm this evening and it&nbsp;will get heavier in the night, between 9:pm and 11:pm.&nbsp;

<h2>Here’s everything you need to know about India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023</h2>

The men in green won the first match with a 234-run win over Nepal and Team India is all set to play their first match in Asia Cup 2023 series.&nbsp;

<h2>When will the India vs Pakistan match be played? Date</h2>

India vs Pakistan match will be held on September 02, 2023.&nbsp;

<h2>When to watch India vs Pakistan? Time</h2>

The match between India and Pakistan will kick off at 3:00 pm IST.

<h2>Where will the India vs Pakistan ODI be played? Venue</h2>

The match will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka

<h2>India vs Pakistan Full Squads</h2>

India squad:&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (travelling reserve)

Pakistan squad:&nbsp;

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve)

With inputs from agencies

IND vs PAK Weather Live update: The most awaited match of Asia Cup 2023, India vs Pakistan is scheduled for today (September 02, 2023). IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023, will be the first 50-over match after their clash in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.

IND vs PAK Weather Live update: The most awaited match of Asia Cup 2023, India vs Pakistan is scheduled for today (September 02, 2023). IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023, will be the first 50-over match after their clash in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Both the teams are geared up for the clash and fans are eagerly waiting for the match to start. However, the forthcoming danger of rain could let everyone down and there could be a slight delay in the match. Weather forecast for IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023: According to AccuWeather, the rain showers in Kandy would begin at 12:pm and it is anticipated to stop by 3:pm. The IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to start at 3:pm IST. The rain is expected to stop during the first half of the match but forecast states that it will come back after the sunset. With 99% of cloud cover and high humidity, AccuWeather forecasts heavy rainfall to start from 7:pm this evening and it will get heavier in the night, between 9:pm and 11:pm. Here’s everything you need to know about India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 The men in green won the first match with a 234-run win over Nepal and Team India is all set to play their first match in Asia Cup 2023 series. When will the India vs Pakistan match be played? Date India vs Pakistan match will be held on September 02, 2023. When to watch India vs Pakistan? Time The match between India and Pakistan will kick off at 3:00 pm IST. Where will the India vs Pakistan ODI be played? Venue The match will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka India vs Pakistan Full Squads India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (travelling reserve) Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve) With inputs from agencies

IND vs PAK Weather Live update: Check Kandy Weather forecast Rain likely to affect India vs Pakistan match

China continues to receive brute criticism from countries that were antagonised after its Ministry of Natural Resources released the controversial map. On Friday (September 1), Vietnam also released a statement saying the map violates its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel Islands and jurisdiction over its waters.&nbsp;

Pham Thu Hang, the spokesperson for Vietnam's foreign affairs ministry, said China's sovereignty and maritime claims based on the nine-dash line were "invalid", adding that his country "resolutely opposes all China's claims in the South China Sea based on the dotted line".&nbsp;

<h2>India</h2>

It was India that first called out China for the release of the map. During a media interaction, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar pointed out it wasn't the first time China had come out with a similar move.&nbsp;

"It's an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn't make others territories yours," the minister was quoted as saying by NDTV.

<h2>Philippines&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, the Filipino Department of Foreign Affairs said the 2023 edition map is China's latest attempt "to legitimise purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones" and "has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-india-to-not-over-interpret-latest-distorted-map-release-630704">Also read |&nbsp;China asks India to not 'over-interpret' latest 'distorted' map release</a>

<h2>Taiwan</h2>

Asked about the map, Taiwanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu said Taiwan was “absolutely not a part of the People’s Republic of China.”

“No matter how the Chinese government twists its position on Taiwan’s sovereignty, it cannot change the objective fact of our country’s existence," he said in a press briefing.&nbsp;

<h2>Malaysia&nbsp;</h2>

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry in a statement said the new map holds no binding authority over the country, which “also views the South China Sea as a complex and sensitive matter.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-china-map-show-whole-of-arunachal-pradesh-as-part-of-china-630258">Watch |&nbsp;New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China</a>

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Despite criticism from all sides, Beijing maintained its arrogant attitude and asked the neighbouring countries to refrain&nbsp;from 'over-interpreting' the map. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“On August 28, the Ministry of Natural Resources of China released the 2023 edition of the standard map. It is a routine practice in China’s exercise of sovereignty in accordance with the law. We hope relevant sides can stay objective and calm, and refrain from over-interpreting the issue,” Wang Wenbin, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, was quoted as saying when asked about India’s protest.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China continues to receive brute criticism from countries that were antagonised after its Ministry of Natural Resources released the controversial map. On Friday (September 1), Vietnam also released a statement saying the map violates its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel Islands and jurisdiction over its waters.

China continues to receive brute criticism from countries that were antagonised after its Ministry of Natural Resources released the controversial map. On Friday (September 1), Vietnam also released a statement saying the map violates its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel Islands and jurisdiction over its waters. Pham Thu Hang, the spokesperson for Vietnam's foreign affairs ministry, said China's sovereignty and maritime claims based on the nine-dash line were "invalid", adding that his country "resolutely opposes all China's claims in the South China Sea based on the dotted line". India It was India that first called out China for the release of the map. During a media interaction, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar pointed out it wasn't the first time China had come out with a similar move. "It's an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn't make others territories yours," the minister was quoted as saying by NDTV. Philippines Meanwhile, the Filipino Department of Foreign Affairs said the 2023 edition map is China's latest attempt "to legitimise purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones" and "has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)". Also read | China asks India to not 'over-interpret' latest 'distorted' map release Taiwan Asked about the map, Taiwanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu said Taiwan was “absolutely not a part of the People’s Republic of China.” “No matter how the Chinese government twists its position on Taiwan’s sovereignty, it cannot change the objective fact of our country’s existence," he said in a press briefing. Malaysia The Malaysian Foreign Ministry in a statement said the new map holds no binding authority over the country, which “also views the South China Sea as a complex and sensitive matter.” Watch | New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China Despite criticism from all sides, Beijing maintained its arrogant attitude and asked the neighbouring countries to refrain from 'over-interpreting' the map. “On August 28, the Ministry of Natural Resources of China released the 2023 edition of the standard map. It is a routine practice in China’s exercise of sovereignty in accordance with the law. We hope relevant sides can stay objective and calm, and refrain from over-interpreting the issue,” Wang Wenbin, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, was quoted as saying when asked about India’s protest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Taiwan reject China's new 'controversial' map, release statements

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on Friday (September 1) said that he told the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that online meetings held to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan back in August were “unacceptable.” Furthermore, he also warned Russia will block the final declaration of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fortifies-new-delhi-over-130000-officers-air-support-to-ensure-safety-at-g20-summit-631318">upcoming G20 summit</a> unless it reflects Moscow’s position on Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Unacceptable’ UN online meeting about Zelensky peace plan</h2>

During a speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, the Russian foreign minister called online meetings held on the Ukrainian president’s peace formula in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-making-sense-of-talks-to-end-ukraine-war-that-did-not-include-russia-622887">August</a>, without Russia “unacceptable,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-zelenskys-10-point-peace-plan-which-seeks-world-leaders-support-547475">Zelensky’s 10-point peace plan</a> which Kyiv wants to serve as the basis for peace to end what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine, includes conditions like the withdrawal of all Russian troops and the return of the entire Ukrainian territory to its control.

<h2>Russia threatens to block G20 declaration</h2>

Lavrov, who is also due to represent Russia at the upcoming meeting of the Group of 20 countries in New Delhi on September 9-10, said that Russia will block the final declaration of the summit unless it reflects their position on Ukraine and other crises.&nbsp;

The move will force participants to issue a non-binding or partial communique.&nbsp;

“There will be no general declaration on behalf of all members if our position is not reflected,” said Lavrov, on Friday. Moscow has justified its “special military operation” in Ukraine which began in February 2022, as an existential battle with the West which Russian President Vladimir Putin says wants to dismantle Russia and take control of its vast natural resources.

The Russian FM also said that the West had raised the Ukraine issue in meetings ahead of the summit to which Moscow responded by saying that “the issue is closed for us” and accused the West of undermining international institutions by pushing its own agenda.&nbsp;

Lavrov also suggested that if a consensus could not be reached at the G20 meeting, a non-binding communique could be issued by the G20 presidency. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-again-says-not-an-era-of-war-different-platform-but-same-plea-to-end-bloodshed-human-suffering-607589">India</a>, which holds the G20 presidency, has called for peace in Ukraine.&nbsp;

“Another option is to adopt a document that focuses on specific decisions in the sphere of G20 competencies, and let everyone say the rest on their own behalf,” said Lavrov.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia to allocate 1.9 trillion roubles for annexed Ukrainian territories</h2>

The Russian president said that they have planned to allocate 1.9 trillion roubles ($20 billion) from the country’s federal budget over the next two-and-a-half years to the development of four Ukrainian regions annexed which Moscow claimed as a part of its territory.&nbsp;

Notably, Russia reportedly occupies only parts of the regions it claimed and the unilateral annexation has been recognised by only a handful of countries allied with Russia while the move has largely been condemned by Ukraine and its Western allies as well as three-quarters of UN member states.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on Friday (September 1) said that he told the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that online meetings held to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan back in August were “unacceptable.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on Friday (September 1) said that he told the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that online meetings held to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace plan back in August were “unacceptable.” Furthermore, he also warned Russia will block the final declaration of the upcoming G20 summit unless it reflects Moscow’s position on Ukraine. ‘Unacceptable’ UN online meeting about Zelensky peace plan During a speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, the Russian foreign minister called online meetings held on the Ukrainian president’s peace formula in August, without Russia “unacceptable,” reported Reuters. Zelensky’s 10-point peace plan which Kyiv wants to serve as the basis for peace to end what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine, includes conditions like the withdrawal of all Russian troops and the return of the entire Ukrainian territory to its control. Russia threatens to block G20 declaration Lavrov, who is also due to represent Russia at the upcoming meeting of the Group of 20 countries in New Delhi on September 9-10, said that Russia will block the final declaration of the summit unless it reflects their position on Ukraine and other crises. The move will force participants to issue a non-binding or partial communique. “There will be no general declaration on behalf of all members if our position is not reflected,” said Lavrov, on Friday. Moscow has justified its “special military operation” in Ukraine which began in February 2022, as an existential battle with the West which Russian President Vladimir Putin says wants to dismantle Russia and take control of its vast natural resources. The Russian FM also said that the West had raised the Ukraine issue in meetings ahead of the summit to which Moscow responded by saying that “the issue is closed for us” and accused the West of undermining international institutions by pushing its own agenda. Lavrov also suggested that if a consensus could not be reached at the G20 meeting, a non-binding communique could be issued by the G20 presidency. India, which holds the G20 presidency, has called for peace in Ukraine. “Another option is to adopt a document that focuses on specific decisions in the sphere of G20 competencies, and let everyone say the rest on their own behalf,” said Lavrov. Russia to allocate 1.9 trillion roubles for annexed Ukrainian territories The Russian president said that they have planned to allocate 1.9 trillion roubles ($20 billion) from the country’s federal budget over the next two-and-a-half years to the development of four Ukrainian regions annexed which Moscow claimed as a part of its territory. Notably, Russia reportedly occupies only parts of the regions it claimed and the unilateral annexation has been recognised by only a handful of countries allied with Russia while the move has largely been condemned by Ukraine and its Western allies as well as three-quarters of UN member states. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos 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.

Russia’s Lavrov calls UN meetings with Zelensky ‘unacceptable’; threatens to block G20 declaration

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has expressed her elation about India hosting the G20 Summit while emphasising New Delhi's nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by the diverse 56 countries within the Commonwealth community.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the&nbsp;Commonwealth Secretary-General speaking from London said,&nbsp;"We are actually delighted that India for the first time is leading G20 because we know that India really understands the challenges and the difficulties which are facing the 56 countries of the Commonwealth".

Patricia Scotland commended India's digital revolution as a remarkable gift. "…it's one of the greatest gifts that India has given her people, but it's also one of the greatest gifts India can share with the rest of the Commonwealth," she stated.

This transformative leap in technology adoption is positioned as a resource for smaller and developing countries that might not have had the resources to embark on such a journey independently.

In the realm of space exploration, Secretary-General Scotland praised India's accomplishment in its lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3. "Well, I think this is an extraordinary achievement for India, the first country in the world to reach the South Side of the Moon," she noted.

Highlighting the involvement of a woman in leading this endeavour, she emphasised the importance of gender equality in such groundbreaking ventures.&nbsp;

She also expressed concerns over the coup in Gabon, a commonwealth country, and said, "…we are in constant contact right now. And doing everything we can, to support the security, the safety of the individuals concerned."&nbsp;

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and sovereign member states, most of which were formerly part of the British Empire. These countries collaborate on various issues, including political, economic, and social matters, while promoting shared values of democracy, human rights, and development.&nbsp;

Here is the full interview.&nbsp;

WION: India is set to host the G20 summit, how do you see, India's Presidency of the grouping

Patricia Scotland:&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, we are actually delighted that India for the first time is leading G 20 because we know that India really understands the challenges and the difficulties which are facing the 56 countries of the Commonwealth. You know that we have 33 small states, 25 of them are small island developing states, 14 of the least developed states together with G7 countries and G20 countries like India. But the devastating situation that we're now facing, we have had so many exogenous shocks both environmental, economic and security challenges and all of these are combined to create a devastating threat, poverty and hunger all on the rise. Glaciers are melting at record speeds, sea levels are rising to double the rate it was 30 years ago, disasters are more frequent and more severe and the world is on the catastrophic path to three degrees centigrade rising whilst everyone suffers. We're seeing it's women and girls who are adversely affected without the same means to deal with these challenges. And India has been really one of the countries in the forefront to help to address these issues of poverty, of lack of opportunity together with meeting the challenges of the new digital world , we need to transform. And so everything that India has done, is going to help we believe to lead the G 20. To address these issues in a way that we hope will actually meet the needs and the aspirations, particularly of the poor in the global south and elsewhere, who are struggling with these exogenous shocks, none of which have been created by them, particularly climate change. If you look at the G 20 countries probably contributed more to the greenhouse gases, but the small and the developing countries less than 5%. So India's leadership, understanding of the need to reform the international financial institutions, to be more responsive to the challenges, particularly the vulnerability and you know that India has been supporting this idea that we need to have a vulnerability index to be able to support. So we are really looking forward to India's leadership. We think it's incredibly important that the agenda that India is challenging and challenging through G20 is the Commonwealth member states agenda. So we are hoping that India will have the most phenomenal success. And if you, if you see the India got on to the South Side of the Moon, and a woman helped you to get there, so that is a demonstration of how empowering women and girls can benefit India but also going to benefit all of us. We're very proud of what India has done.

WION: How relevant do you think,&nbsp;Commonwealth grouping is?

Patricia Scotland:&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, I think the Commonwealth has never been more relevant than it is today. And the reason that it is such an important organization is it brings together people from the global north and the global south to be around the same table and to discuss things as equals. We have some of the biggest countries in the world, India being one of them. More than a billion people are Indians in our commonwealth and our 2.6 billion people, therefore made up of all the rest, but you've got some of the smallest countries in the world. Like Nauru, only 11,000 people in that country, but all of us around the same table, bringing our different perspectives folks north, south, west and east. So that was 56 countries coming from five regions, of six oceans. they bring a special opportunity for us to plan together, to share information and for us to problem solve. One of the issues in the past is when decisions are made it impact the whole world. Not everyone is on that table. In the Commonwealth everyone is on that table, and you saw that when we all fought apartheid and brought it to an end. You saw it when Commonwealth faced the issues in relation to race discrimination. We saw it in 1989 when the Commonwealth came together to face the issue of climate change, and back then right back in 1989, it was said that if we didn't deal with this issue, it would pose an existential threat. And here we are in 2023, everything the Commonwealth said in 1989, regrettably, has come to pass and we've all been fighting that cause all the way along. So I think in terms of good governance, law, sharing the work on climate, on gender equality, all these issues are fundamental importance to us globally, and the Commonwealth has been able to face it and we've got a huge opportunity as well. In terms of intra Commonwealth trade. We've now got about $721 billion with intra Commonwealth trade. We hope that will grow to at least 1 trillion by 2026. But by 2030 we can build the entire Commonwealth trade which will be about 2 trillion. So this dynamism comes from our opportunity to include everyone, the diversity of our Commonwealth. We're like a microcosm or a Petri dish of the rest of the world. So if we can solve the problems that face us, as a Commonwealth family, we could create a pathway for others to solve their problems too.

WION:&nbsp;How can the Commonwealth countries benefit from India's experience and success in sectors, such as digital revolution and digital payments?

Patricia Scotland:&nbsp;Well, I think it's one of the greatest gifts that India has given her people, but it's also one of the greatest gifts India can share with the rest of the Commonwealth, particularly the small and the developing countries who have not got perhaps the power and the opportunity to do that what India has done. I know that , India had said that they want to develop the technology and the opportunity to give all Indians an opportunity to take advantage of this digital revolution. And when I spoke to the former Minister of Justice and ICT Ravi Shankar, he had said to me then and the ministers we followed him are delivering it, that he wanted to deliver a digitized system at the rate of $1 per person in India. Well, India can do that and be that powerhouse. And with $1 per person at 1.4 billion, India has that capacity to create this cheap, effective and brilliant system. But if you have a country, which only has 72,000 people, they won't be able to do it. But India shares her technology with the small and the developing. Then we raise all our boats and so you saw how in 2014 Prime Minister Modi introduced the new banking system, which gave millions of Indians who never had a bank account but did have a mobile telephone,&nbsp; an opportunity of having a bank. You saw the impact it had on small and medium-sized enterprises. And we also saw it liberating so many women could never have a bank account, never had an opportunity to do that. And look at what India is now doing with E Rupee which is enabling all people, with there poor, middle or high income, giving a platform for everybody to have opportunity. And India's willingness to share this, we think a fantastic gift to those countries who are struggling to do the development which they need, that they want, that they're passionate about, but it can't always.

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Gabon saw a coup, and Gabon is a commonwealth country, your reaction to the development...

Patricia Scotland:&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, we are very shocked and concerned about what is happening and I expressed my concern, the Commonwealth's concern about what's happening. We're absolutely devoted to good governance, to the rule of law, to democracy, and to have this happen is a great shock. We are doing everything we can now to explore exactly what's happening. The safety of the President, his family, his wife and his son, their four children. All of those we are in conversation now to try and identify exactly what is happening on the ground. What the purpose of this Act has been, this coup, which is contrary to all the principles of our Commonwealth, and we are in constant contact right now. And doing everything we can, to support the security, the safety of the individuals concerned. But this as you know, is very much a moving target and we are literally exploring the best way to restore a level of stability and understanding.

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Your take on India' Chandrayaan 3, lunar success? and if you suggest, India should help countries of the commonwealth when it comes to space cooperation..

Patricia Scotland:&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, I think this is an extraordinary achievement for India, the first country in the world to reach the South Side of the Moon. It's never been done before. And as I said, I'm so proud of the fact that a woman led the charge on this and was leading the team and the reason I say that, is that we need equality for women and girls. Women and girls have exactly the same opportunity, power, intelligence, and ability to innovate. And if we do not allow women and girls to have an equal opportunity, look at what we've missed. What if we didn't have the most fantastic female scientists in the world at the moment today, leading this team, we would all be the poorer, not just India, but all of us. And this has been hugely inspirational for other countries and the generosity India has shown in saying that India is willing to share the knowledge of the expertise with those smaller and developing countries who would love to do what India has done is a remarkable, a remarkable offer because our world is facing so many perilous threats right now. It needs us all to come together in solidarity for the public good, and to share our knowledge, to share our expertise. So we can come up together with the solutions for the world's problems. I think what India has done has been truly inspirational. Many countries in the past would say, you know, we haven't got enough money, we haven't got enough opportunity, we haven't got the technical know how, how can we do it when we are not a developed country, but we're still a developing country. And India has shown the way to all of those who wish to develop because India is saying we have done this and you can do it too, and we are willing to help you. And that is a fantastic offer. And no one forgets how Prime Minister Modi assisted the small Commonwealth countries to obtain vaccines during the COVID 19 terrible, terrible pandemic which stole the lives of so many we love and so many of us after suffering from the loss that COVID brought to us, but there was light in that time. And certainly in the Commonwealth, we greatly welcome the fact that India was shoulder to shoulder with the other Commonwealth countries and the Commonwealth health ministers were the first to meet in 2020 to fix issues. So big&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;for India. A big thank you to India for coming together walking the walk with us not just on the issue of climate and digitalization and gender but all the other issues too, in relation to bringing about systemic change. And so I want to thank India for its keen participation of you know that India is also helping us in delivering the performance management system or PMS. And we have created a partnership in order to deliver this new technological lead assisted response to performance management, so that we can improve the good governance that is needed by all our countries if we are going to succeed and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has expressed her elation about India hosting the G20 Summit while emphasising New Delhi's nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by the diverse 56 countries within the Commonwealth community.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has expressed her elation about India hosting the G20 Summit while emphasising New Delhi's nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by the diverse 56 countries within the Commonwealth community. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Commonwealth Secretary-General speaking from London said, "We are actually delighted that India for the first time is leading G20 because we know that India really understands the challenges and the difficulties which are facing the 56 countries of the Commonwealth". Patricia Scotland commended India's digital revolution as a remarkable gift. "…it's one of the greatest gifts that India has given her people, but it's also one of the greatest gifts India can share with the rest of the Commonwealth," she stated. This transformative leap in technology adoption is positioned as a resource for smaller and developing countries that might not have had the resources to embark on such a journey independently. In the realm of space exploration, Secretary-General Scotland praised India's accomplishment in its lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3. "Well, I think this is an extraordinary achievement for India, the first country in the world to reach the South Side of the Moon," she noted. Highlighting the involvement of a woman in leading this endeavour, she emphasised the importance of gender equality in such groundbreaking ventures. She also expressed concerns over the coup in Gabon, a commonwealth country, and said, "…we are in constant contact right now. And doing everything we can, to support the security, the safety of the individuals concerned." The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and sovereign member states, most of which were formerly part of the British Empire. These countries collaborate on various issues, including political, economic, and social matters, while promoting shared values of democracy, human rights, and development. Here is the full interview. WION: India is set to host the G20 summit, how do you see, India's Presidency of the grouping Patricia Scotland: Well, we are actually delighted that India for the first time is leading G 20 because we know that India really understands the challenges and the difficulties which are facing the 56 countries of the Commonwealth. You know that we have 33 small states, 25 of them are small island developing states, 14 of the least developed states together with G7 countries and G20 countries like India. But the devastating situation that we're now facing, we have had so many exogenous shocks both environmental, economic and security challenges and all of these are combined to create a devastating threat, poverty and hunger all on the rise. Glaciers are melting at record speeds, sea levels are rising to double the rate it was 30 years ago, disasters are more frequent and more severe and the world is on the catastrophic path to three degrees centigrade rising whilst everyone suffers. We're seeing it's women and girls who are adversely affected without the same means to deal with these challenges. And India has been really one of the countries in the forefront to help to address these issues of poverty, of lack of opportunity together with meeting the challenges of the new digital world , we need to transform. And so everything that India has done, is going to help we believe to lead the G 20. To address these issues in a way that we hope will actually meet the needs and the aspirations, particularly of the poor in the global south and elsewhere, who are struggling with these exogenous shocks, none of which have been created by them, particularly climate change. If you look at the G 20 countries probably contributed more to the greenhouse gases, but the small and the developing countries less than 5%. So India's leadership, understanding of the need to reform the international financial institutions, to be more responsive to the challenges, particularly the vulnerability and you know that India has been supporting this idea that we need to have a vulnerability index to be able to support. So we are really looking forward to India's leadership. We think it's incredibly important that the agenda that India is challenging and challenging through G20 is the Commonwealth member states agenda. So we are hoping that India will have the most phenomenal success. And if you, if you see the India got on to the South Side of the Moon, and a woman helped you to get there, so that is a demonstration of how empowering women and girls can benefit India but also going to benefit all of us. We're very proud of what India has done. WION: How relevant do you think, Commonwealth grouping is? Patricia Scotland: Well, I think the Commonwealth has never been more relevant than it is today. And the reason that it is such an important organization is it brings together people from the global north and the global south to be around the same table and to discuss things as equals. We have some of the biggest countries in the world, India being one of them. More than a billion people are Indians in our commonwealth and our 2.6 billion people, therefore made up of all the rest, but you've got some of the smallest countries in the world. Like Nauru, only 11,000 people in that country, but all of us around the same table, bringing our different perspectives folks north, south, west and east. So that was 56 countries coming from five regions, of six oceans. they bring a special opportunity for us to plan together, to share information and for us to problem solve. One of the issues in the past is when decisions are made it impact the whole world. Not everyone is on that table. In the Commonwealth everyone is on that table, and you saw that when we all fought apartheid and brought it to an end. You saw it when Commonwealth faced the issues in relation to race discrimination. We saw it in 1989 when the Commonwealth came together to face the issue of climate change, and back then right back in 1989, it was said that if we didn't deal with this issue, it would pose an existential threat. And here we are in 2023, everything the Commonwealth said in 1989, regrettably, has come to pass and we've all been fighting that cause all the way along. So I think in terms of good governance, law, sharing the work on climate, on gender equality, all these issues are fundamental importance to us globally, and the Commonwealth has been able to face it and we've got a huge opportunity as well. In terms of intra Commonwealth trade. We've now got about $721 billion with intra Commonwealth trade. We hope that will grow to at least 1 trillion by 2026. But by 2030 we can build the entire Commonwealth trade which will be about 2 trillion. So this dynamism comes from our opportunity to include everyone, the diversity of our Commonwealth. We're like a microcosm or a Petri dish of the rest of the world. So if we can solve the problems that face us, as a Commonwealth family, we could create a pathway for others to solve their problems too. WION: How can the Commonwealth countries benefit from India's experience and success in sectors, such as digital revolution and digital payments? Patricia Scotland: Well, I think it's one of the greatest gifts that India has given her people, but it's also one of the greatest gifts India can share with the rest of the Commonwealth, particularly the small and the developing countries who have not got perhaps the power and the opportunity to do that what India has done. I know that , India had said that they want to develop the technology and the opportunity to give all Indians an opportunity to take advantage of this digital revolution. And when I spoke to the former Minister of Justice and ICT Ravi Shankar, he had said to me then and the ministers we followed him are delivering it, that he wanted to deliver a digitized system at the rate of $1 per person in India. Well, India can do that and be that powerhouse. And with $1 per person at 1.4 billion, India has that capacity to create this cheap, effective and brilliant system. But if you have a country, which only has 72,000 people, they won't be able to do it. But India shares her technology with the small and the developing. Then we raise all our boats and so you saw how in 2014 Prime Minister Modi introduced the new banking system, which gave millions of Indians who never had a bank account but did have a mobile telephone, an opportunity of having a bank. You saw the impact it had on small and medium-sized enterprises. And we also saw it liberating so many women could never have a bank account, never had an opportunity to do that. And look at what India is now doing with E Rupee which is enabling all people, with there poor, middle or high income, giving a platform for everybody to have opportunity. And India's willingness to share this, we think a fantastic gift to those countries who are struggling to do the development which they need, that they want, that they're passionate about, but it can't always. Sidhant Sibal: Gabon saw a coup, and Gabon is a commonwealth country, your reaction to the development... Patricia Scotland: Well, we are very shocked and concerned about what is happening and I expressed my concern, the Commonwealth's concern about what's happening. We're absolutely devoted to good governance, to the rule of law, to democracy, and to have this happen is a great shock. We are doing everything we can now to explore exactly what's happening. The safety of the President, his family, his wife and his son, their four children. All of those we are in conversation now to try and identify exactly what is happening on the ground. What the purpose of this Act has been, this coup, which is contrary to all the principles of our Commonwealth, and we are in constant contact right now. And doing everything we can, to support the security, the safety of the individuals concerned. But this as you know, is very much a moving target and we are literally exploring the best way to restore a level of stability and understanding. Sidhant Sibal: Your take on India' Chandrayaan 3, lunar success? and if you suggest, India should help countries of the commonwealth when it comes to space cooperation.. Patricia Scotland: Well, I think this is an extraordinary achievement for India, the first country in the world to reach the South Side of the Moon. It's never been done before. And as I said, I'm so proud of the fact that a woman led the charge on this and was leading the team and the reason I say that, is that we need equality for women and girls. Women and girls have exactly the same opportunity, power, intelligence, and ability to innovate. And if we do not allow women and girls to have an equal opportunity, look at what we've missed. What if we didn't have the most fantastic female scientists in the world at the moment today, leading this team, we would all be the poorer, not just India, but all of us. And this has been hugely inspirational for other countries and the generosity India has shown in saying that India is willing to share the knowledge of the expertise with those smaller and developing countries who would love to do what India has done is a remarkable, a remarkable offer because our world is facing so many perilous threats right now. It needs us all to come together in solidarity for the public good, and to share our knowledge, to share our expertise. So we can come up together with the solutions for the world's problems. I think what India has done has been truly inspirational. Many countries in the past would say, you know, we haven't got enough money, we haven't got enough opportunity, we haven't got the technical know how, how can we do it when we are not a developed country, but we're still a developing country. And India has shown the way to all of those who wish to develop because India is saying we have done this and you can do it too, and we are willing to help you. And that is a fantastic offer. And no one forgets how Prime Minister Modi assisted the small Commonwealth countries to obtain vaccines during the COVID 19 terrible, terrible pandemic which stole the lives of so many we love and so many of us after suffering from the loss that COVID brought to us, but there was light in that time. And certainly in the Commonwealth, we greatly welcome the fact that India was shoulder to shoulder with the other Commonwealth countries and the Commonwealth health ministers were the first to meet in 2020 to fix issues. So big congratulations for India. A big thank you to India for coming together walking the walk with us not just on the issue of climate and digitalization and gender but all the other issues too, in relation to bringing about systemic change. And so I want to thank India for its keen participation of you know that India is also helping us in delivering the performance management system or PMS. And we have created a partnership in order to deliver this new technological lead assisted response to performance management, so that we can improve the good governance that is needed by all our countries if we are going to succeed and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. 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

Commonwealth Secretary-General praises India's G20 leadership and lunar triumph

The two-day meeting of the opposition I.N.D.I.A. (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) coalition held in the country’s financial&nbsp;capital Mumbai, concluded on Friday (September 1) with the party leaders releasing a joint statement saying the 28 parties in the coalition will contest the upcoming 2024 general elections “together as far as possible.”&nbsp;

The two-day meeting, attended by 28 political parties and 63 representatives, commenced in Mumbai&nbsp;on Thursday (August 31) as leaders from opposition parties from across the country huddled together to finalise the strategy for taking on the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha (Lower House) elections.

<h2>Opposition’s plan for the upcoming elections</h2>

Speaking about the upcoming general elections, the opposition parties announced the formation of a 14-member coordination panel after&nbsp;brainstorming for the last two days.&nbsp;

The members of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, in a resolution, said that they will soon come up with a seat-sharing formula among its members for next year’s Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

<h2>I.N.D.I.A. alliance and its three resolutions</h2>

Speaking at the alliance press conference in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray said that their coalition has adopted three resolutions.&nbsp;

“First resolution: We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections together as far as possible. Seat sharing arrangements in different states will be initiated immediately and concluded at the earliest in a collaborative spirit of give and take,” said the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader.&nbsp;

He added, “Second resolution: We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to organise public rallies at the earliest in different parts of the country on issues of public concern and importance.”&nbsp;

“The third resolution: We the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to coordinate our respective communications and media strategies and campaigns on the theme of ‘Judega Bharat, Jeetega INDIA’,” Thackeray added.&nbsp;

The recently concluded meeting was the third formal meeting of the opposition INDIA alliance after the ones held in the Indian cities of Patna (June 23) and Bengaluru (July 17-18).&nbsp;

<h2>Opposition slams ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal</h2>

The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government announced on Friday (September 1)&nbsp;that it had set up a committee to study the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-centre-sets-up-committee-to-explore-one-nation-one-election-proposal-ex-prez-to-head-panel-631087">‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal</a> which refers to holding the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls simultaneously across the country.&nbsp;

Reacting to the proposal at a press conference in Mumbai, Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge, said that the plan was proposed because the strength of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance is making the ruling government “nervous”.&nbsp;

He added, “We should be prepared for more attacks in the coming months, more raids and arrests due to this government’s vendetta politics.”&nbsp;

He also spoke about the opposition alliance’s roadmap for the upcoming elections and said, “First meeting in Patna was about setting the agenda. Then the second meeting happened in Bangalore. We all are again meeting in Mumbai. Our aim is to fight against inflation, price rise, unemployment.”

“We will be working based on the resolutions that were decided today…(Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi announced a special session without asking anyone. No committee was called. No discussion was held,” said Kharge.&nbsp;

He added, “We are inching towards dictatorship. Institutional corruption is a sign of the&nbsp;Modi government. The next meeting will be fixed soon.”

<h2>Impossible for BJP to win if…: Rahul Gandhi</h2>

During the press conference in Mumbai, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “This stage represents 60 per cent of India’s population. If all parties come together then it is impossible for BJP to win. The task is to come together in the most efficient way possible.”

He added, “Two important decisions were made in the session. First, a coordination committee will be constituted, and second, a seat-sharing formula will be discussed soon and a resolution will be brought on this. It will ensure that I.N.D.I.A. will defeat the BJP.”

<h2>Logo unveiling cancelled</h2>

Earlier, the Indian media had reported that the I.N.D.I.A. bloc was likely to unveil its logo on Friday. However, the unveiling of the opposition coalition logo was cancelled and it was later confirmed by the opposition leaders that it is going to be further discussed and will be unveiled later.&nbsp; 
 
The I.N.D.I.A.&nbsp;alliance announces&nbsp;that its Coordination Committee and Election Strategy Committee, comprises of 14 leaders, namely&nbsp;KC Venugopal&nbsp;(INC), Sharad Pawar&nbsp;(NCP). TR Baalu&nbsp;(DMK), Hemant Soren&nbsp;(JMM), Sanjay Raut&nbsp;(SS UT), Tejasvi&nbsp; Yadav&nbsp;(RJD),&nbsp;Abhishek Banerjee&nbsp;(TMC), Raghav Chaddha&nbsp;(AAP), Javed Ali Khan&nbsp;(SP), Lallan Singh&nbsp;(JD-U), D Raja&nbsp;(CPI),&nbsp;Omar Abdullah&nbsp;(NC), Mehbooba Mufti&nbsp;(PDP) and one CPI-M leader to be decided later.

The alliance's Campaign Committee includes Gurdeep Singh Sappal&nbsp;(INC), Sanjay Jha&nbsp;(JD-U), Anil Desai&nbsp;(SS UT), Sanjay Yadav&nbsp;(RJD), PC Chako&nbsp;(NCP), Champai Soren&nbsp;(JMM), Kiranmoy Nanda&nbsp;(SP), Sanjay Singh&nbsp;(AAP), Arun Kumar&nbsp;(CPI-M), Binoy Vishwam&nbsp;(CPI), Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi&nbsp;(NC), Shahid Siddiqui&nbsp;(RLD), NK Premachandran&nbsp;(RSP), G. Devarajan&nbsp;(AIFB), Ravi Rai&nbsp;(CPI-ML), Thirumavalan&nbsp;(VCK), KM Kadar Moidin&nbsp;(IUML), Jose K. Mani&nbsp;(KC-M), and one TMC leader to be decided later.

Similarly, the alliance's Working Group for Social Media includes Supriya Shrinate&nbsp;(INC), Sumit Sharma&nbsp;(RJD), Ashish Yadav&nbsp;(SP), Rajeev Nigam&nbsp;(SP), Raghav Chadha&nbsp;(AAP), Avindani&nbsp;(JMM), Iltija Mehbooba&nbsp;(PDP), Pranjal&nbsp;(CPM), Bhalchandra Kango&nbsp;(CPI), Ifra Jan&nbsp;(NC), V Arun Kumar&nbsp;(CPI-ML),&nbsp;and one TMC leader to be decided later.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The two-day meeting of the opposition I.N.D.I.A. (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) coalition held in the country’s financial capital Mumbai, concluded on Friday (September 1) with the party leaders releasing a joint statement saying the 28 parties in the coalition will contest the upcoming 2024 general elections “together as far as possible.

The two-day meeting of the opposition I.N.D.I.A. (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) coalition held in the country’s financial capital Mumbai, concluded on Friday (September 1) with the party leaders releasing a joint statement saying the 28 parties in the coalition will contest the upcoming 2024 general elections “together as far as possible.” The two-day meeting, attended by 28 political parties and 63 representatives, commenced in Mumbai on Thursday (August 31) as leaders from opposition parties from across the country huddled together to finalise the strategy for taking on the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha (Lower House) elections. Opposition’s plan for the upcoming elections Speaking about the upcoming general elections, the opposition parties announced the formation of a 14-member coordination panel after brainstorming for the last two days. The members of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, in a resolution, said that they will soon come up with a seat-sharing formula among its members for next year’s Lok Sabha polls. I.N.D.I.A. alliance and its three resolutions Speaking at the alliance press conference in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray said that their coalition has adopted three resolutions. “First resolution: We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections together as far as possible. Seat sharing arrangements in different states will be initiated immediately and concluded at the earliest in a collaborative spirit of give and take,” said the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader. He added, “Second resolution: We, the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to organise public rallies at the earliest in different parts of the country on issues of public concern and importance.” “The third resolution: We the INDIA parties, hereby resolve to coordinate our respective communications and media strategies and campaigns on the theme of ‘Judega Bharat, Jeetega INDIA’,” Thackeray added. The recently concluded meeting was the third formal meeting of the opposition INDIA alliance after the ones held in the Indian cities of Patna (June 23) and Bengaluru (July 17-18). Opposition slams ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government announced on Friday (September 1) that it had set up a committee to study the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal which refers to holding the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls simultaneously across the country. Reacting to the proposal at a press conference in Mumbai, Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge, said that the plan was proposed because the strength of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance is making the ruling government “nervous”. He added, “We should be prepared for more attacks in the coming months, more raids and arrests due to this government’s vendetta politics.” He also spoke about the opposition alliance’s roadmap for the upcoming elections and said, “First meeting in Patna was about setting the agenda. Then the second meeting happened in Bangalore. We all are again meeting in Mumbai. Our aim is to fight against inflation, price rise, unemployment.” “We will be working based on the resolutions that were decided today…(Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi announced a special session without asking anyone. No committee was called. No discussion was held,” said Kharge. He added, “We are inching towards dictatorship. Institutional corruption is a sign of the Modi government. The next meeting will be fixed soon.” Impossible for BJP to win if…: Rahul Gandhi During the press conference in Mumbai, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “This stage represents 60 per cent of India’s population. If all parties come together then it is impossible for BJP to win. The task is to come together in the most efficient way possible.” He added, “Two important decisions were made in the session. First, a coordination committee will be constituted, and second, a seat-sharing formula will be discussed soon and a resolution will be brought on this. It will ensure that I.N.D.I.A. will defeat the BJP.” Logo unveiling cancelled Earlier, the Indian media had reported that the I.N.D.I.A. bloc was likely to unveil its logo on Friday. However, the unveiling of the opposition coalition logo was cancelled and it was later confirmed by the opposition leaders that it is going to be further discussed and will be unveiled later. The I.N.D.I.A. alliance announces that its Coordination Committee and Election Strategy Committee, comprises of 14 leaders, namely KC Venugopal (INC), Sharad Pawar (NCP). TR Baalu (DMK), Hemant Soren (JMM), Sanjay Raut (SS UT), Tejasvi Yadav (RJD), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Raghav Chaddha (AAP), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Lallan Singh (JD-U), D Raja (CPI), Omar Abdullah (NC), Mehbooba Mufti (PDP) and one CPI-M leader to be decided later. The alliance's Campaign Committee includes Gurdeep Singh Sappal (INC), Sanjay Jha (JD-U), Anil Desai (SS UT), Sanjay Yadav (RJD), PC Chako (NCP), Champai Soren (JMM), Kiranmoy Nanda (SP), Sanjay Singh (AAP), Arun Kumar (CPI-M), Binoy Vishwam (CPI), Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi (NC), Shahid Siddiqui (RLD), NK Premachandran (RSP), G. Devarajan (AIFB), Ravi Rai (CPI-ML), Thirumavalan (VCK), KM Kadar Moidin (IUML), Jose K. Mani (KC-M), and one TMC leader to be decided later. Similarly, the alliance's Working Group for Social Media includes Supriya Shrinate (INC), Sumit Sharma (RJD), Ashish Yadav (SP), Rajeev Nigam (SP), Raghav Chadha (AAP), Avindani (JMM), Iltija Mehbooba (PDP), Pranjal (CPM), Bhalchandra Kango (CPI), Ifra Jan (NC), V Arun Kumar (CPI-ML), and one TMC leader to be decided later. (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.

I.N.D.I.A. alliance to contest 2024 elections together, slams ‘One Nation, One Election’ plan

A day after announcing a special session of the parliament, the Centre on Friday (September 1) said it had&nbsp;set up a committee to study the&nbsp;'One Nation, One Election' proposal. The panel&nbsp;will be headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind and will submit its report later.&nbsp;

'One Nation, One Election' proposal refers to holding the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and state assembly polls simultaneously across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party leaders have repeatedly spoken on the issue, stating that holding elections every few months costs the exchequer more money while detracting political leaders from performing welfare duties for the public.&nbsp;

Notably, the BJP had promised to evolve a strategy to hold simultaneous hold elections in its 2014 poll manifesto.&nbsp;

"The BJP is committed to initiate&nbsp;electoral reforms to eliminate criminals. The BJP will seek, through consultation with other parties, to evolve a method of holding Assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously," read page 14 of the manifesto.&nbsp;

"Apart from reducing election expenses for both political parties and Government, this will ensure certain stability for State Governments. We will also look at revising expenditure limits realistically," it added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-calls-special-session-of-parliament-630846">Also read |&nbsp;India: Modi government calls five-day Special Session of Parliament from September 18&nbsp;</a>

<h2>Opposition slams the move&nbsp;</h2>

The opposition parties were quick to react to the government's proposal. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut slammed the move alleging it was a conspiracy by the BJP to hold early Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

"The country is already one. Is anyone questioning that? We demand fair elections, not 'one nation one election'. This funda of 'one nation one election' is being brought to divert the attention from our demand for fair elections...They [Centre] have brought this to postpone our demand for a fair election," said Raut.

<h2>Special session of parliament&nbsp;</h2>

Notably,&nbsp;India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Thursday (August 31) announced that the government was calling a special session of the parliament.&nbsp;

"Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having 5 sittings. &nbsp;Amid Amrit Kaal looking forward to have fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament,"&nbsp;Joshi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;

The Monsoon session held between July 20 and August 12 was the last session of the Indian parliament. Sources said the government is attempting to go ahead with the "One Nation, One Election" proposal during the special session. However, to do so, the government will require a constitutional amendment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A day after announcing a special session of the parliament, the Centre on Friday (September 1) said it had set up a committee to study the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal.

A day after announcing a special session of the parliament, the Centre on Friday (September 1) said it had set up a committee to study the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal. The panel will be headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind and will submit its report later. 'One Nation, One Election' proposal refers to holding the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and state assembly polls simultaneously across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party leaders have repeatedly spoken on the issue, stating that holding elections every few months costs the exchequer more money while detracting political leaders from performing welfare duties for the public. Notably, the BJP had promised to evolve a strategy to hold simultaneous hold elections in its 2014 poll manifesto. "The BJP is committed to initiate electoral reforms to eliminate criminals. The BJP will seek, through consultation with other parties, to evolve a method of holding Assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously," read page 14 of the manifesto. "Apart from reducing election expenses for both political parties and Government, this will ensure certain stability for State Governments. We will also look at revising expenditure limits realistically," it added. Also read | India: Modi government calls five-day Special Session of Parliament from September 18 Opposition slams the move The opposition parties were quick to react to the government's proposal. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut slammed the move alleging it was a conspiracy by the BJP to hold early Lok Sabha polls. "The country is already one. Is anyone questioning that? We demand fair elections, not 'one nation one election'. This funda of 'one nation one election' is being brought to divert the attention from our demand for fair elections...They [Centre] have brought this to postpone our demand for a fair election," said Raut. Special session of parliament Notably, India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Thursday (August 31) announced that the government was calling a special session of the parliament. "Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having 5 sittings. Amid Amrit Kaal looking forward to have fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament," Joshi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Monsoon session held between July 20 and August 12 was the last session of the Indian parliament. Sources said the government is attempting to go ahead with the "One Nation, One Election" proposal during the special session. However, to do so, the government will require a constitutional amendment. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Centre sets up committee to explore 'One Nation, One Election' proposal. Know details

In a fresh bout of violence, a popular tribal songwriter-composer was among six killed while 14 others were injured in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The incident took place along the state's&nbsp;volatile&nbsp;Bishnupur-Churachandpur&nbsp;border where the divide between the valley and hill districts has led to an escalation in violence.&nbsp;

According to reports,&nbsp;42-year-old&nbsp;LS Mangboi Lhungdim, credited for penning the tribal anthem&nbsp;“I gam hilou ham (Is this not our land?)” was killed in the gunfight between Meitei and Kuki groups. He died around 1 am on Thursday (August 31) while being evacuated to Aizwal, the capital city of neighbouring&nbsp;Mizoram.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Two persons sustained splinter injuries in a gunfight on Wednesday. One of them died on Wednesday night while he was being taken to Aizawl in Mizoram for treatment while another died on Thursday morning,” said Karthik Malladi, Churachandpur superintendent of police (SP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-violence-union-ministers-house-set-on-fire-by-arsonists-605003">Also read |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Union ministers' house set on fire by arsonists</a>

Since the start of the week, there have been fresh gunfights in the two districts. Despite heavy deployment of police personnel, intermittent gunfights have been taking place. After the violence, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), an umbrella body of Kuki groups in the Churachandpur district, announced it had imposed an&nbsp;emergency shutdown in the district.&nbsp;

Reports indicate that armed outfits used drones to obtain targets for&nbsp;incessant mortar shelling as well. A cache of weapons was also seized during a combing operation by the authorities in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-who-is-accountable-618265">Watch |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Who is accountable?</a>

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<h2>What is happening in Manipur?</h2>

Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 160 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis&nbsp;constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.&nbsp;

What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a fresh bout of violence, a popular tribal songwriter-composer was among six killed while 14 others were injured in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The incident took place along the state's volatile Bishnupur-Churachandpur border where the divide between the valley and hill districts has led to an escalation in violence.

In a fresh bout of violence, a popular tribal songwriter-composer was among six killed while 14 others were injured in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The incident took place along the state's volatile Bishnupur-Churachandpur border where the divide between the valley and hill districts has led to an escalation in violence. According to reports, 42-year-old LS Mangboi Lhungdim, credited for penning the tribal anthem “I gam hilou ham (Is this not our land?)” was killed in the gunfight between Meitei and Kuki groups. He died around 1 am on Thursday (August 31) while being evacuated to Aizwal, the capital city of neighbouring Mizoram. “Two persons sustained splinter injuries in a gunfight on Wednesday. One of them died on Wednesday night while he was being taken to Aizawl in Mizoram for treatment while another died on Thursday morning,” said Karthik Malladi, Churachandpur superintendent of police (SP). Also read | Manipur violence: Union ministers' house set on fire by arsonists Since the start of the week, there have been fresh gunfights in the two districts. Despite heavy deployment of police personnel, intermittent gunfights have been taking place. After the violence, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), an umbrella body of Kuki groups in the Churachandpur district, announced it had imposed an emergency shutdown in the district. Reports indicate that armed outfits used drones to obtain targets for incessant mortar shelling as well. A cache of weapons was also seized during a combing operation by the authorities in the last 24 hours. Watch | Manipur violence: Who is accountable? × What is happening in Manipur? Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 160 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, Nagas and Kukis constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government even faced a 'no-trust motion' in the parliament, brought by the newly-minted opposition bloc called INDIA, for failing to address the situation in the state. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Fresh bout of violence rocks Manipur, popular tribal songwriter among 6 killed

As many as 63 leaders from 28 parties of the newly-minted opposition coalition of India Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will be assembling in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Thursday(August 31) for a two-day meeting to hammer out differences and develop a coherent strategy.

As many as 63 leaders from 28 parties of the newly-minted opposition coalition of India Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will be assembling in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Thursday(August 31) for a two-day meeting to hammer out differences and develop a coherent strategy. The meeting comes a little more than a month after the alliance parties met in Bengaluru to show a singular, strong front. Thursday's meeting, however, is the group's first effort at moving beyond symbolism and resolving the divisive issues currently plaguing the alliance. According to reports, the alliance is likely to unveil a common logo as well as chalk a mega public outreach programme. The grouping and its leaders might also brainstorm ideas about a social media strategy, fix dates and venues for the next meeting and arrive at a common ground on contentious issues such as the use of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machine). Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad hinted that the decision to name a convener for the bloc was likely to be made on the second day of the meeting, despite a section of the bloc feeling there is no need for a convener right now. The fault lines may have started to emerge even before the meeting. A Congress social media post on the meeting featured Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi at the centre while other leaders were omitted. Watch | We have decided to fight elections together', says Nitish Kumar after opposition meet × INDIA needs to get its act right With less than a year to go for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the battle lines have been drawn between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and INDIA. If the opposition manages to stick the landing by addressing the thorny issues, then only it might stand a chance to dethrone the BJP government, argue experts. The alliance, born out of political conveniences as well as desperation, is possibly the last-ditch attempt by the opposition to cobble together a grouping that can halt the charging juggernaut of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also read | 'Here to save democracy...': Indian opposition parties convene in Bengaluru for mega meeting In the last two general elections, the NDA, led by PM Modi has decimated the opposition, rendering the Indian parliament devoid of a challenger that can put the government in dock or disrupt proceedings. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moving beyond symbolism?: Opposition alliance INDIA to hold two-day meeting in Mumbai

China has responded after India raised objection over the distorted map released by Beijing's Ministry of Natural Resources over the weekend. In other news, US President Joe Biden announced that $80 million in military aid to Taiwan was approved by his government.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-india-to-not-over-interpret-latest-distorted-map-release-630704">China asks India to not 'over-interpret' latest 'distorted' map release</a>

Days after releasing a contentious map showing India's Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of its sovereign territory, China has justified the move by saying India should refrain from 'over-interpreting' the exercise.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/29/376133-china-releases-new-map.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-approves-military-aid-to-taiwan-under-fmf-program-630709">US President Biden approves military aid to Taiwan under FMF program</a>

United States President Joe Biden has approved military aid for Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program which is normally used for sovereign states.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/31/376468-2023-08-30t225840z2lynxmpej7t11lrtroptp4usa-taiwan-arms.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-thwart-fresh-ukrainian-attacks-as-drones-target-airfield-630703">Russia claims to thwart fresh Ukrainian attacks as drones target airfield</a>

Russian officials on Thursday (August 31) said that fresh Ukrainian attacks were thwarted by them a day after at least six regions were targeted by Ukrainian drones. One of the drone strikes, which targeted an airfield far from the border of Ukraine, destroyed military transport planes.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/31/376465-untitled-design-2023-08-31t062248968.png?imwidth=1920" /> 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-hurricane-idalia-pummels-florida-churns-on-to-georgia-630697">Powerful Hurricane Idalia pummels Florida, churns on to Georgia</a>

Hurricane Idalia, after turning powerful and dangerous in Florida on Wednesday (August 30), is now moving to neighbouring Georgia.&nbsp;The officials called Idalia and its dangerously high-surging waters 'a once-in-a-lifetime event' for the area around northwest Florida.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pew-survey-india-viewed-favourably-in-most-g20-nations-630672">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pew Survey: India viewed favourably in most G20 nations</a>

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China has responded after India raised objection over the distorted map released by Beijing's Ministry of Natural Resources over the weekend. In other news, US President Joe Biden announced that $80 million in military aid to Taiwan was approved by his government.

China has responded after India raised objection over the distorted map released by Beijing's Ministry of Natural Resources over the weekend. In other news, US President Joe Biden announced that $80 million in military aid to Taiwan was approved by his government. Click on headlines to read more: China asks India to not 'over-interpret' latest 'distorted' map release Days after releasing a contentious map showing India's Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of its sovereign territory, China has justified the move by saying India should refrain from 'over-interpreting' the exercise. US President Biden approves military aid to Taiwan under FMF program United States President Joe Biden has approved military aid for Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program which is normally used for sovereign states. Russia claims to thwart fresh Ukrainian attacks as drones target airfield Russian officials on Thursday (August 31) said that fresh Ukrainian attacks were thwarted by them a day after at least six regions were targeted by Ukrainian drones. One of the drone strikes, which targeted an airfield far from the border of Ukraine, destroyed military transport planes. Powerful Hurricane Idalia pummels Florida, churns on to Georgia Hurricane Idalia, after turning powerful and dangerous in Florida on Wednesday (August 30), is now moving to neighbouring Georgia. The officials called Idalia and its dangerously high-surging waters 'a once-in-a-lifetime event' for the area around northwest Florida. Watch | Gravitas: Pew Survey: India viewed favourably in most G20 nations ×

Morning news brief | China issues statement on map controversy, US approves military aid to Taiwan, and more

Days after releasing a contentious map showing India's Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of its sovereign territory, China has justified the move by saying India should refrain from 'over-interpreting' the exercise.

Days after releasing a contentious map showing India's Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of its sovereign territory, China has justified the move by saying India should refrain from 'over-interpreting' the exercise. “On August 28, the ministry of natural resources of China released the 2023 edition of the standard map. It is a routine practice in China’s exercise of sovereignty in accordance with the law. We hope relevant sides can stay objective and calm, and refrain from over-interpreting the issue,” Wang Wenbin, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying when asked about India’s protest. Notably, New Delhi outrightly rejected the map, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar pointing out that it wasn't the first time China had come out with a similar move. "It's an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn't make others territories yours," the minister was quoted as saying by NDTV. The release of the map came a few days after PM Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Johannesburg during the BRICS summit. With Xi expected to visit India for the G20 summit next week, the release of the map is expected to increase tension between the two parties. Watch | New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China China releases map Over the weekend, Beijing released its official 'standard map' wherein apart from Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, it showed Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea as part of the Chinese territory. The Chinese government's mouthpiece Global Times took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the 'distorted' map, claiming it has been "compiled based on the drawing method of the national boundaries of China and various countries in the world." "The 2023 edition of China's standard map was officially released on Monday and launched on the website of the standard map service hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources," read the post. Also read | Explained: China releases distorted 'standard' map. What exactly is the controversy? Beijing considers Arunachal Pradesh a part of its sovereign borders and calls the state “Zangnan, the southern part of Tibet". It disputes the legality of the McMahon Line which was agreed upon at the Simla Convention of 1914 between Tibet and British India. Meanwhile, the dispute of Aksai Chin can be traced back to the British imperialists who failed to clearly demarcate the border between India and China. Currently, the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where the two countries have been locked in a tussle for over two years now, separates Indian areas of Jammu & Kashmir from Aksai Chin. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China asks India to not 'over-interpret' latest 'distorted' map release

Days after releasing a controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to skip the G20 summit&nbsp;scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi next month, a Reuters report has claimed.&nbsp;

The report quoted sources familiar with the matter in India and China who stated that&nbsp;Premier Li Qiang is expected to represent Beijing at the September 9-10 meeting.&nbsp;

Xi pulling out of the summit comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he was not travelling to India to attend the meet in person. He called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed that Foreign Minister&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov will represent Russian interests on the global platform.&nbsp;

It was anticipated that Xi might meet with US President Joe Biden, who has confirmed his attendance at the summit. Some reports claimed that Xi might square up against PM Modi yet again, after holding a rare conversation on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier this month.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed&nbsp;reducing tensions in the bilateral relationship that soured after clashes along their Himalayan frontier in 2020 left 24 soldiers dead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-india-to-not-over-interpret-latest-distorted-map-release-630704">Also read |&nbsp;China asks India to not 'over-interpret' latest 'distorted' map release</a>

<h2>Divided G20 or not?</h2>

Xi planning to skip the summit is likely to steer the summit in a productive direction. Earlier, geopolitical hawks stated that Beijing releasing the distorted map where India's Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin as well as Taiwan and major portions of the South China Sea were shown as Chinese territories, could have divided the G20 summit.&nbsp;

Since the release of the controversial map, India, Malaysia and the Philippines have come out with strong objections, calling out China for its hyper-expansionist tendencies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-china-map-show-whole-of-arunachal-pradesh-as-part-of-china-630258">Watch |&nbsp;New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China</a>

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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar in a statement said:&nbsp;"It's an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn't make others' territories yours."

Meanwhile, the Filipino Department of Foreign Affairs said the 2023 edition map is China's latest attempt "to legitimise purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones" and "has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Days after releasing a controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to skip the G20 summit scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi next month, a Reuters report has claimed.

Days after releasing a controversial map that antagonised the entire neighbourhood, Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to skip the G20 summit scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi next month, a Reuters report has claimed. The report quoted sources familiar with the matter in India and China who stated that Premier Li Qiang is expected to represent Beijing at the September 9-10 meeting. Xi pulling out of the summit comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he was not travelling to India to attend the meet in person. He called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will represent Russian interests on the global platform. It was anticipated that Xi might meet with US President Joe Biden, who has confirmed his attendance at the summit. Some reports claimed that Xi might square up against PM Modi yet again, after holding a rare conversation on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier this month. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed reducing tensions in the bilateral relationship that soured after clashes along their Himalayan frontier in 2020 left 24 soldiers dead. Also read | China asks India to not 'over-interpret' latest 'distorted' map release Divided G20 or not? Xi planning to skip the summit is likely to steer the summit in a productive direction. Earlier, geopolitical hawks stated that Beijing releasing the distorted map where India's Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin as well as Taiwan and major portions of the South China Sea were shown as Chinese territories, could have divided the G20 summit. Since the release of the controversial map, India, Malaysia and the Philippines have come out with strong objections, calling out China for its hyper-expansionist tendencies. Watch | New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar in a statement said: "It's an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn't make others' territories yours." Meanwhile, the Filipino Department of Foreign Affairs said the 2023 edition map is China's latest attempt "to legitimise purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones" and "has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After Putin, Xi likely to pull out of G20 summit in India: Report

The Indian government placed a temporary ban on the export of any kind of basmati rice consignment which was being sold for less than $1,200 per tonne overseas two days ago. 
 
However, now India has agreed to make an exception for Singapore and allow the export of rice to fulfil the South East Asian country's food security requirements. 
 
“India and Singapore enjoy a very close strategic partnership, characterised by shared interests, close economic ties and strong people-to-people connect. In view of this special relationship, India has decided to allow the export of rice to meet the food security requirements of Singapore. Formal orders in this regard will be issued shortly,” said India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, while responding to media queries on the export of rice to Singapore.

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Our response to media queries on export of rice to Singapore:<a href="https://t.co/RfmpXV38jR">https://t.co/RfmpXV38jR</a> <a href="https://t.co/lzqbRlzesb">pic.twitter.com/lzqbRlzesb</a>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-rice-exporters-receiving-requests-for-early-shipments-of-basmati-rice-report-621108">Indian rice exporters receiving requests for early shipments of basmati rice: Report</a>

The MEA spokesperson added that the government will soon issue formal orders in this regard. The government on August 27 had temporarily placed a ban on the export of any basmati rice consignment which was being sold for less than $1,200 per tonne overseas. 
 
However, the rice shipments that have been contracted beyond that price threshold will be allowed to export.

<h2>Ban on exports of non-basmati white rice</h2>

The government of India on July 20 banned non-basmati white rice exports with the aim of boosting domestic supply and keeping retail prices in check. Out of the total rice exported from India, 25 per cent of the consignment comprises the non-basmati white rice. 
 
The export policy, from 'Free with export duty of 20%' to 'Prohibited', was amended by the government with immediate effect to ensure non-basmati white rice's constant availability in the Indian market and to stem the rise in local prices. 
 
On September 8, 2022, an export duty of 20 per cent was imposed by the government on non-basmati white rice to decrease the price and ensure its availability in the domestic market.

WATCH |&nbsp;India imposes curbs on basmati rice exports. Details

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After the ban on the export of non-basmati white rice was imposed, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) got in touch with the Indian authorities and sought an exemption from the ban. 
 
“SFA is working closely with importers to increase the import of different varieties of rice from various sources. Singapore is also in close contact with the Indian authorities to seek exemption from the ban,” stated SFA in its statement.&nbsp;

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The Indian government placed a temporary ban on the export of any kind of basmati rice consignment which was being sold for less than $1,200 per tonne overseas two days ago.

The Indian government placed a temporary ban on the export of any kind of basmati rice consignment which was being sold for less than $1,200 per tonne overseas two days ago. However, now India has agreed to make an exception for Singapore and allow the export of rice to fulfil the South East Asian country's food security requirements. “India and Singapore enjoy a very close strategic partnership, characterised by shared interests, close economic ties and strong people-to-people connect. In view of this special relationship, India has decided to allow the export of rice to meet the food security requirements of Singapore. Formal orders in this regard will be issued shortly,” said India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, while responding to media queries on the export of rice to Singapore. Our response to media queries on export of rice to Singapore:https://t.co/RfmpXV38jR pic.twitter.com/lzqbRlzesb — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 29, 2023 × ALSO READ | Indian rice exporters receiving requests for early shipments of basmati rice: Report The MEA spokesperson added that the government will soon issue formal orders in this regard. The government on August 27 had temporarily placed a ban on the export of any basmati rice consignment which was being sold for less than $1,200 per tonne overseas. However, the rice shipments that have been contracted beyond that price threshold will be allowed to export. Ban on exports of non-basmati white rice The government of India on July 20 banned non-basmati white rice exports with the aim of boosting domestic supply and keeping retail prices in check. Out of the total rice exported from India, 25 per cent of the consignment comprises the non-basmati white rice. The export policy, from 'Free with export duty of 20%' to 'Prohibited', was amended by the government with immediate effect to ensure non-basmati white rice's constant availability in the Indian market and to stem the rise in local prices. On September 8, 2022, an export duty of 20 per cent was imposed by the government on non-basmati white rice to decrease the price and ensure its availability in the domestic market. WATCH | India imposes curbs on basmati rice exports. Details After the ban on the export of non-basmati white rice was imposed, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) got in touch with the Indian authorities and sought an exemption from the ban. “SFA is working closely with importers to increase the import of different varieties of rice from various sources. Singapore is also in close contact with the Indian authorities to seek exemption from the ban,” stated SFA in its statement. 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 makes exception for Singapore, agrees to export non-basmati rice

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (30 August) restated the claims that he made in the past about China "invading" Indian territory in Ladakh.

Gandhi called China's act of including Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai China as a part of its territory in its latest edition of the 'Standard Map" a "serious issue".

"I have been saying this for many years... What the prime minister has said, I have just returned from Ladakh... What the prime minister has said...That not an inch of land has been invaded..it is totally false," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

He then claimed that all the people of Ladakh know that China has "intruded upon" Indian land.

On being questioned about China including Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai China in its new map, Rahul Gandhi said, "The question of the map is a very serious one. But they (China) have captured our land. The prime minister should also speak on this issue."

During his visit to Ladakh earlier this month, Gandhi slammed the Centre saying that its claim that not an inch of Indian land was taken by China's People Liberation Army (PLA) troops "is not true".

He further asserted that the local residents claim that Indian territory was infringed upon and taken by the Chinese troops, adding that it was a matter&nbsp;of concern.

"The locals here are concerned about China taking our land. They have said that the Chinese troops took away their grazing land. However, the PM says not an inch of land was taken away. This is not true, you can ask anyone here," Rahul had said.&nbsp;

<h2>Making absurd claims doesn't make other's territories yours:&nbsp;Jaishankar</h2>

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday (Aug 29) called out China's "absurd claims" for showing Indian territories as theirs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-map-claiming-regions-beyond-its-border-is-aggression-shows-beijings-character-630176">China's map claiming regions beyond its border, including India, shows Beijing's 'aggressive character'</a>

Speaking at a conclave in the capital New Delhi city, Jaishankar said that it was an "old habit" of China to put out maps claiming territories that don't belong to them, and added that the Modi government is very serious about the issue.

"China has put out maps with territories not theirs. Old habit. Putting out maps with parts in India doesn't change anything. Our government is very clear about territory. Making absurd claims does not make other people's territories yours," Jaishankar told NDTV.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (30 August) restated the claims that he made in the past about China "invading" Indian territory in Ladakh. Gandhi called China's act of including Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai China as a part of its territory in its latest edition of the 'Standard Map" a "serious issue".

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (30 August) restated the claims that he made in the past about China "invading" Indian territory in Ladakh. Gandhi called China's act of including Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai China as a part of its territory in its latest edition of the 'Standard Map" a "serious issue". "I have been saying this for many years... What the prime minister has said, I have just returned from Ladakh... What the prime minister has said...That not an inch of land has been invaded..it is totally false," news agency ANI quoted him as saying. He then claimed that all the people of Ladakh know that China has "intruded upon" Indian land. On being questioned about China including Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai China in its new map, Rahul Gandhi said, "The question of the map is a very serious one. But they (China) have captured our land. The prime minister should also speak on this issue." During his visit to Ladakh earlier this month, Gandhi slammed the Centre saying that its claim that not an inch of Indian land was taken by China's People Liberation Army (PLA) troops "is not true". He further asserted that the local residents claim that Indian territory was infringed upon and taken by the Chinese troops, adding that it was a matter of concern. "The locals here are concerned about China taking our land. They have said that the Chinese troops took away their grazing land. However, the PM says not an inch of land was taken away. This is not true, you can ask anyone here," Rahul had said. Making absurd claims doesn't make other's territories yours: Jaishankar India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday (Aug 29) called out China's "absurd claims" for showing Indian territories as theirs. Also read: China's map claiming regions beyond its border, including India, shows Beijing's 'aggressive character' Speaking at a conclave in the capital New Delhi city, Jaishankar said that it was an "old habit" of China to put out maps claiming territories that don't belong to them, and added that the Modi government is very serious about the issue. "China has put out maps with territories not theirs. Old habit. Putting out maps with parts in India doesn't change anything. Our government is very clear about territory. Making absurd claims does not make other people's territories yours," Jaishankar told NDTV. (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.

China has snatched India's land, Rahul Gandhi reiterates claim after Beijing releases incorrect map

Antagonising almost its entire neighbourhood, China on Monday (August 29) released its official 'standard map' wherein it showed the Indian northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region as part of its territory.

Antagonising almost its entire neighbourhood, China on Monday (August 29) released its official 'standard map' wherein it showed the Indian northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region as part of its territory. Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea have also been included within the Chinese territory in the new map. The Chinese government's mouthpiece Global Times took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the 'distorted' map, claiming it has been "compiled based on the drawing method of the national boundaries of China and various countries in the world". "The 2023 edition of China's standard map was officially released on Monday and launched on the website of the standard map service hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources," read the post. (Disclaimer: This is an inaccurate map as it violates internationally accepted borders) The 2023 edition of China's standard map was officially released on Monday and launched on the website of the standard map service hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources. This map is compiled based on the drawing method of national boundaries of China and various countries… pic.twitter.com/bmtriz2Yqe — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) August 28, 2023 × The map shows Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims is part of Tibet, more specifically South Tibet and Aksai China occupied by it in the 1962 war. Additionally, Taiwan has been incorporated as part of Chinese territory. Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin Last month, China and India were at loggerheads yet again after Beijing issued stapled, not stamped, visas to Indian athletes hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, who were to participate in the wushu (martial art) championship in the mainland. The athletes applied for a Chinese visa on July 16. The applications of all athletes were processed in time and stamped visas were issued subsequently barring applications from three Arunachal athletes -- Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu. They were first asked to resubmit their applications and later were issued stapled visas. Also read | 'Unacceptable': India slams China over stapled visas issued to three Wushu fighters from Arunachal Beijing considers AP a part of its sovereign borders and calls the state as “Zangnan, the southern part of Tibet". It disputes the legality of the McMahon Line which was agreed upon at the Simla Convention of 1914 between Tibet and British India. Meanwhile, the dispute of Aksai Chin can be traced back to the British imperialists, who failed to clearly demarcate the border between India and China. Currently, the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where the two countries have been locked in a tussle for over two years now, separates Indian areas of Jammu & Kashmir from Aksai Chin. New Delhi, however, has outrightly rejected the map, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishnkar pointing out that it wasn't the first time China had come out with a similar move. "It's an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn't make others territories yours," the minister was quoted as saying by NDTV. Watch | New China map show whole of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China × Taiwan China painting Taiwan with its communist colours on the map has not come as a surprise to most geopolitical hawks. The Xi Jinping regime has been extremely protective of its 'One China policy' under which it claims Taiwan as an indelible sovereign part of its territory. However, over the last 12 months, Taipei has continuously pounded Beijing's ego by batting for its independence. In August last year, former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation much to the chagrin of Beijing. As a retaliatory move, the PLA Navy deployed troops and warships that routinely crossed the Taiwan Strait and practised manoeuvres that might be performed during a future invasion. Also read | China's map claiming regions beyond its border, including India, shows Beijing's 'aggressive character' Earlier this year, Taiwanese President Tsai-Ing Wen visited New York, forcing Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi to release a statement where he said Taipei remained a sovereign part of China and that no compromise was possible on the issue. However, days later, the US State Department approved the potential sale of ammunition and logistics support to Taiwan, valued at up to $440 million. The defence contract confirmation came in the backdrop of the two countries signing the first deal under a new trade talks framework in June 2023. Nine-dash line Having been embroiled in a battle of territorial domination with the Philippines over the course of the last few weeks in the South China Sea, it was only imperative that Beijing propounded its nine-dash line theory on the map. The nine-dash line is a fictional Chinese claim in the South China Sea, nearly encompassing the entire 'economically powerful' region, including the disputed Spratly and Paracel islands. The likes of the Philippines. Vietnam, Malaysia and Japan have time and again called out the Dragon for its expansionist tendencies in the region. South China Sea is the main maritime link between the Pacific and Indian oceans, giving it massive trade and military value. It has become a major flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific because of the territorial disputes. The shipping lanes connect East Asia with Europe and the Middle East, which is responsible for trillions of dollars in ship-borne trade passing through the sea annually. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: China releases distorted 'standard' map. What exactly is the controversy?

A man has been arrested in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru for bludgeoning&nbsp;his live-in partner to death with a pressure cooker on Saturday (August 26).&nbsp;The Bengaluru Police said the man suspected her of&nbsp;cheating on him.&nbsp;

The accused has been identified as&nbsp;Vaishnav, an engineering graduate, hailing from&nbsp;Kollam, a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Meanwhile, the victim, 24-year-old Devi was from&nbsp;Thiruvananthapuram.

They both studied together in college and worked alongside in the sales and marketing sector.&nbsp;Having known each other for several years, they had been living together for the past two years at a rented apartment in the MICO Layout, informed police.&nbsp;

Police confirmed that the accused admitted to having been irked by his partner growing close to another man, which led to the cold-blooded murder. Neighbours said the couple fought regularly but none of them had filed a police complaint against each other.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-murder-case-20-yr-old-accused-sahil-arrested-murder-weapon-yet-to-be-recovered-598732">WATCH |&nbsp;Delhi murder case: 20-yr-old accused Sahil arrested, murder weapon yet to be recovered</a>

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According to reports, as the couple's differences widened, Devi's sister Krishna counselled the two at her residence on Saturday. However, upon returning home, another argument flared up between Devi and Vaishnav. As the fight escalated, Vaishnav,&nbsp;in a fit of rage, grabbed a pressure cooker and smashed Devi's head multiple times, leading to an instant death, the police said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Vaishnav had some doubts about the deceased, and they fought over it. On Sunday, this happened again, and he hit the woman with a cooker," CK Baba, senior police officer of South Bengaluru, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

<h2>Infidelity and murder&nbsp;</h2>

This is not the first instance when doubt regarding a partner's fidelity has led to murder in an Indian state.&nbsp;Earlier this month,&nbsp;a 37-year-old man in Lucknow, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, strangled his wife of 15 years to death in front of their two children inside his SUV.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-man-strangulates-wife-in-front-of-kids-was-jealous-of-her-instagram-followers-625215">Also read |&nbsp;India: Man strangulates wife in front of kids, was jealous of her Instagram followers</a>

The motive appears to be his deep-seated inferiority complex, stemming from his wife's substantial Instagram following.&nbsp;The accused believed that some of her wife's social media followers would visit their home in his absence. During the interrogation, the man told the police that he suspected his wife's fidelity and hence killed her.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A man has been arrested in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru for bludgeoning his live-in partner to death with a pressure cooker on Saturday (August 26). The Bengaluru Police said the man suspected her of cheating on him.

A man has been arrested in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru for bludgeoning his live-in partner to death with a pressure cooker on Saturday (August 26). The Bengaluru Police said the man suspected her of cheating on him. The accused has been identified as Vaishnav, an engineering graduate, hailing from Kollam, a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Meanwhile, the victim, 24-year-old Devi was from Thiruvananthapuram. They both studied together in college and worked alongside in the sales and marketing sector. Having known each other for several years, they had been living together for the past two years at a rented apartment in the MICO Layout, informed police. Police confirmed that the accused admitted to having been irked by his partner growing close to another man, which led to the cold-blooded murder. Neighbours said the couple fought regularly but none of them had filed a police complaint against each other. WATCH | Delhi murder case: 20-yr-old accused Sahil arrested, murder weapon yet to be recovered According to reports, as the couple's differences widened, Devi's sister Krishna counselled the two at her residence on Saturday. However, upon returning home, another argument flared up between Devi and Vaishnav. As the fight escalated, Vaishnav, in a fit of rage, grabbed a pressure cooker and smashed Devi's head multiple times, leading to an instant death, the police said. "Vaishnav had some doubts about the deceased, and they fought over it. On Sunday, this happened again, and he hit the woman with a cooker," CK Baba, senior police officer of South Bengaluru, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Infidelity and murder This is not the first instance when doubt regarding a partner's fidelity has led to murder in an Indian state. Earlier this month, a 37-year-old man in Lucknow, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, strangled his wife of 15 years to death in front of their two children inside his SUV. Also read | India: Man strangulates wife in front of kids, was jealous of her Instagram followers The motive appears to be his deep-seated inferiority complex, stemming from his wife's substantial Instagram following. The accused believed that some of her wife's social media followers would visit their home in his absence. During the interrogation, the man told the police that he suspected his wife's fidelity and hence killed her. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Bengaluru man bludgeons live-in partner to death with pressure cooker

In what comes as a miraculous escape, a two-year child aboard a&nbsp;Bengaluru-Delhi Vistara flight on Sunday (August 27) was saved after five doctors, present on the plane, worked together and managed to keep the kid alive. India's premier medical research university, All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and confirmed the incident.&nbsp;

The team of doctors (Dr Navdeep Kaur, Dr Damandeep Kaur, Dr Rishab Jain, Dr Oishika, Dr Avichala Taxax)&nbsp;was&nbsp;returning from an event organised by the Indian Society for Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR) when a distress call was announced on the&nbsp;Vistara Airline&nbsp;UK-814&nbsp;flight.&nbsp;

"While returning from ISVIR- on board Bangalore to Delhi flight today evening, in Vistara Airline flight UK-814- A distress call was announced,"&nbsp;read a statement by AIIMS.&nbsp;

The doctors immediately examined the little kid and found that the pulse was absent,&nbsp;extremities were cold and he was not breathing with cyanosed lips and fingers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-passengers-help-woman-deliver-baby-girl-mid-flight-629381">Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar: Passengers help woman deliver baby girl mid-flight</a>

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<h2>Complicated operation</h2>

With limited resources on board, the doctors administered immediate CPR and attempted to use their individual skill sets&nbsp;to conjure up a solution.&nbsp;

"Successfully IV cannula was placed, an oropharyngeal airway was put and an emergency response was initiated by a whole team of residents on board,&nbsp;and the child was brought to ROSC - the return of circulation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pakistan-origin-man-arrested-for-making-bomb-threats-aboard-malaysia-airlines-flight-626062">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan-origin man arrested for making bomb threats aboard Malaysia Airlines flight</a>

Notably, the operation became complicated after the child suffered another cardiac arrest. This time, the&nbsp;doctors used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to resuscuate the child.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"On reaching Nagpur, the child was handed over in stable hemodynamic to the paediatrician," the statement added.&nbsp;

The netizens lauded the divine intervention by the doctors. "The kid has gone through a lot. May he live a healthy life now," said one user, while another added:&nbsp;"Wow wonderful job, my friend in Check shirt - Dr Damandeep is also there!"

(With inputs from agencies)

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In what comes as a miraculous escape, a two-year child aboard a Bengaluru-Delhi Vistara flight on Sunday (August 27) was saved after five doctors, present on the plane, worked together and managed to keep the kid alive.

In what comes as a miraculous escape, a two-year child aboard a Bengaluru-Delhi Vistara flight on Sunday (August 27) was saved after five doctors, present on the plane, worked together and managed to keep the kid alive. India's premier medical research university, All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and confirmed the incident. The team of doctors (Dr Navdeep Kaur, Dr Damandeep Kaur, Dr Rishab Jain, Dr Oishika, Dr Avichala Taxax) was returning from an event organised by the Indian Society for Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR) when a distress call was announced on the Vistara Airline UK-814 flight. "While returning from ISVIR- on board Bangalore to Delhi flight today evening, in Vistara Airline flight UK-814- A distress call was announced," read a statement by AIIMS. The doctors immediately examined the little kid and found that the pulse was absent, extremities were cold and he was not breathing with cyanosed lips and fingers. Watch | Myanmar: Passengers help woman deliver baby girl mid-flight × Complicated operation With limited resources on board, the doctors administered immediate CPR and attempted to use their individual skill sets to conjure up a solution. "Successfully IV cannula was placed, an oropharyngeal airway was put and an emergency response was initiated by a whole team of residents on board, and the child was brought to ROSC - the return of circulation." Also read | Pakistan-origin man arrested for making bomb threats aboard Malaysia Airlines flight Notably, the operation became complicated after the child suffered another cardiac arrest. This time, the doctors used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to resuscuate the child. "On reaching Nagpur, the child was handed over in stable hemodynamic to the paediatrician," the statement added. The netizens lauded the divine intervention by the doctors. "The kid has gone through a lot. May he live a healthy life now," said one user, while another added: "Wow wonderful job, my friend in Check shirt - Dr Damandeep is also there!" (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: 2-year-old kid stopped breathing on airplane. What followed next was a miracle

At least three people were killed and two others were injured after a fire broke out in a hotel in the Indian city of Mumbai’s Santacruz area, on Sunday afternoon (August 27), the city’s civic body told local media.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

According to reports, the fire broke out on the third floor of the Hotel Galaxy which is a ground plus floor structure around 1:10 pm (local time), as per media reports citing officials. From there, the flames spread to the first and second floors of the building.

It was later reported that out of the five who were taken to the hospital, three people were declared dead.&nbsp;

The fire has also gutted the electric wiring, power installations, air-conditioning, curtains, mattresses, and wood furniture in a couple of rooms and common areas like the duct, staircase and lobby, the fire brigade official said.&nbsp;

The official had earlier told the PTI news agency that four fire engines and many water tankers were rushed to the hotel. In addition to the civic body officials, Mumbai police were also rushed to the spot.&nbsp;

The blaze was categorised as ‘Level 1’ as per fire brigade norms and was doused by 3:20 pm (local time) using three hose lines, one high-pressure first aid line as well as four fire engines, four water tankers and other equipment.&nbsp;

<h2>About the victims</h2>

At least eight people were rescued out of which&nbsp;three&nbsp;were injured and were rushed to hospital where they died, said the&nbsp;firemen at the spot.&nbsp; 
 
“Two persons identified as Rupal Kanji (25), Kishan (28) and Kantilal Gordhan Vara (48) were declared brought dead by hospital authorities. Alfa Vakhariya (19) and Manjula Vakhariya (49) are injured and are under treatment,” said a fire brigade official, as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous incident</h2>

The recent incident also comes days after a 65-year-old died after a fire in a ground-plus-six-storey, Haripreet building, a residential building fire in Santacruz. The blaze that was reported on August 15 at 3:47 pm (local time) had prompted a rapid response by the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB).&nbsp;

The MFB also managed to rescue two more people who had been trapped within the building.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least three people were killed and two others were injured after a fire broke out in a hotel in the Indian city of Mumbai’s Santacruz area, on Sunday afternoon (August 27), the city’s civic body told local media.

At least three people were killed and two others were injured after a fire broke out in a hotel in the Indian city of Mumbai’s Santacruz area, on Sunday afternoon (August 27), the city’s civic body told local media. What happened? According to reports, the fire broke out on the third floor of the Hotel Galaxy which is a ground plus floor structure around 1:10 pm (local time), as per media reports citing officials. From there, the flames spread to the first and second floors of the building. It was later reported that out of the five who were taken to the hospital, three people were declared dead. The fire has also gutted the electric wiring, power installations, air-conditioning, curtains, mattresses, and wood furniture in a couple of rooms and common areas like the duct, staircase and lobby, the fire brigade official said. The official had earlier told the PTI news agency that four fire engines and many water tankers were rushed to the hotel. In addition to the civic body officials, Mumbai police were also rushed to the spot. The blaze was categorised as ‘Level 1’ as per fire brigade norms and was doused by 3:20 pm (local time) using three hose lines, one high-pressure first aid line as well as four fire engines, four water tankers and other equipment. About the victims At least eight people were rescued out of which three were injured and were rushed to hospital where they died, said the firemen at the spot. “Two persons identified as Rupal Kanji (25), Kishan (28) and Kantilal Gordhan Vara (48) were declared brought dead by hospital authorities. Alfa Vakhariya (19) and Manjula Vakhariya (49) are injured and are under treatment,” said a fire brigade official, as quoted by PTI. Previous incident The recent incident also comes days after a 65-year-old died after a fire in a ground-plus-six-storey, Haripreet building, a residential building fire in Santacruz. The blaze that was reported on August 15 at 3:47 pm (local time) had prompted a rapid response by the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). The MFB also managed to rescue two more people who had been trapped within the building. (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: At least three dead, two injured after fire in Mumbai hotel

In a significant development that deepens the cultural ties with India, a Hindu temple named “Sabka Mandir” has opened in Taiwan. It marks a significant milestone in the people-to-people connection between the two sides. At the heart of this remarkable achievement is Andy Singh Arya, an Indian expatriate of two decades and owner of a renowned Indian restaurant in Taiwan.&nbsp;

Sana Hashmi, an Indian national residing in Taiwan, expressed her delight, and told WION, “The establishment of this temple underscores Taiwan’s deep commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship with the Indian community in India.”

The inauguration of the temple stands as a historic moment in the cultural narrative of India-Taiwan relations. Dr. Priya Lalwani Purswaney, the founder of IIT- Indians in Taiwan, highlighted the resonance of this development, emphasising that it resonates not only with Indians residing in Taiwan but also with Taiwanese citizens who recognise the need for such a space.&nbsp;

“This is a historic moment in India-Taiwan cultural connections. Not only Indians in Taiwan, &nbsp;but also Taiwanese friends have been pointing out the need for one. We hope that this auspicious development will bring blessings of peace and happiness to Taiwan,” she shared.

The temple’s inauguration finds itself against the backdrop of expanding diplomatic endeavours. Taiwan recently revealed plans to establish the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in Mumbai, a hub for fostering exchanges and collaborations.&nbsp;

This diplomatic venture underscores the deepening ties and mutual aspirations for enhanced cooperation. Additionally, a migration and mobility pact, expected to be signed in October, is poised to bolster people-to-people engagement and facilitate smoother migration from India to Taiwan.&nbsp;

As the temple doors open, it signifies not only a spiritual milestone but also resonates with the burgeoning economic collaboration between Taiwan and India. With bilateral trade flourishing and investments amounting to USD 1.5 billion across various sectors, including technology, medical devices, and automobile components, the relationship is poised to soar to new heights.&nbsp;

While “Sabka Mandir” is being billed as Taiwan’s first temple where the Indian community can gather, the place already had an “ISKON temple” and a Lord Ganesha Temple, seen as much more popular among Thais.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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In a significant development that deepens the cultural ties with India, a Hindu temple named “Sabka Mandir” has opened in Taiwan. It marks a significant milestone in the people-to-people connection between the two sides.

In a significant development that deepens the cultural ties with India, a Hindu temple named “Sabka Mandir” has opened in Taiwan. It marks a significant milestone in the people-to-people connection between the two sides. At the heart of this remarkable achievement is Andy Singh Arya, an Indian expatriate of two decades and owner of a renowned Indian restaurant in Taiwan. Sana Hashmi, an Indian national residing in Taiwan, expressed her delight, and told WION, “The establishment of this temple underscores Taiwan’s deep commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship with the Indian community in India.” The inauguration of the temple stands as a historic moment in the cultural narrative of India-Taiwan relations. Dr. Priya Lalwani Purswaney, the founder of IIT- Indians in Taiwan, highlighted the resonance of this development, emphasising that it resonates not only with Indians residing in Taiwan but also with Taiwanese citizens who recognise the need for such a space. “This is a historic moment in India-Taiwan cultural connections. Not only Indians in Taiwan, but also Taiwanese friends have been pointing out the need for one. We hope that this auspicious development will bring blessings of peace and happiness to Taiwan,” she shared. The temple’s inauguration finds itself against the backdrop of expanding diplomatic endeavours. Taiwan recently revealed plans to establish the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in Mumbai, a hub for fostering exchanges and collaborations. This diplomatic venture underscores the deepening ties and mutual aspirations for enhanced cooperation. Additionally, a migration and mobility pact, expected to be signed in October, is poised to bolster people-to-people engagement and facilitate smoother migration from India to Taiwan. As the temple doors open, it signifies not only a spiritual milestone but also resonates with the burgeoning economic collaboration between Taiwan and India. With bilateral trade flourishing and investments amounting to USD 1.5 billion across various sectors, including technology, medical devices, and automobile components, the relationship is poised to soar to new heights. While “Sabka Mandir” is being billed as Taiwan’s first temple where the Indian community can gather, the place already had an “ISKON temple” and a Lord Ganesha Temple, seen as much more popular among Thais. 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.

Taiwan gets 'Sabka Mandir,' a Hindu temple that strengthens cultural bonds with India

India is planning to impose an upper limit of about 50 decibels for vehicle horns as it plans to crack down on noise pollution on streets, reported Mint quoted Indian minister Nitin Gadkari.

“We propose to amend the Central Motor Vehicle Rules to fix maximum permissible noise levels of horns on vehicle to around 50 decibels from over 70 decibels now.&nbsp;Certain tunes may also be suggested for adoption so that the sound of a horn becomes soothing to the ear and the audio quality just serves the purpose of providing sufficient warning of the approach or position of the vehicle and not an irritant to ears," said Gadkari, Union minister of road transport and highways.

Gadkari underlined role of noise pollution in causing health hazards to citizens when he spoke about the government's plan.

“We propose to amend the Central Motor Vehicle Rules to fix maximum permissible noise levels of horns on vehicle to around 50 decibels from over 70 decibels now. Also, certain tunes may also be suggested for adoption so that the sound of a horn becomes soothing to the ear and the audio quality just serves the purpose of providing sufficient warning of the approach or position of the vehicle and not an irritant to ears," Gadkari told Mint.

According to current rules horns of 80-91 decibels are permissible for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars and commercial vehicles. This is well over 53 decibel day-time level suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Mint cited Indian Medical Association which reportedly says that exposure to noise of more than 80 decibels for 6 to 8 hours for five days in a week can lead to deafness and even have effect on mental health.

The ministry has reportedly asked National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to recommend upon maximum decibel levels for different vehicles and also to suggest list of tunes.

“The changes in rules for horns will make it mandatory for vehicle manufacturers to comply with specifications and make the necessary changes in vehicle design. All existing vehicles would also be shifted to new noise norms for horns in a phased manner," Mint quoted an unnamed person reportedly aware of the development.

Gadkari has expressed that horns should use Indian classical and instrumental tunes which would be soothing to ear. He said it would be a reference for vehicle makers and would not be mandatory.

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India is planning to impose an upper limit of about 50 decibels for vehicle horns as it plans to crack down on noise pollution on streets, reported Mint quoted Indian minister Nitin Gadkari.

India is planning to impose an upper limit of about 50 decibels for vehicle horns as it plans to crack down on noise pollution on streets, reported Mint quoted Indian minister Nitin Gadkari. “We propose to amend the Central Motor Vehicle Rules to fix maximum permissible noise levels of horns on vehicle to around 50 decibels from over 70 decibels now. Certain tunes may also be suggested for adoption so that the sound of a horn becomes soothing to the ear and the audio quality just serves the purpose of providing sufficient warning of the approach or position of the vehicle and not an irritant to ears," said Gadkari, Union minister of road transport and highways. Gadkari underlined role of noise pollution in causing health hazards to citizens when he spoke about the government's plan. “We propose to amend the Central Motor Vehicle Rules to fix maximum permissible noise levels of horns on vehicle to around 50 decibels from over 70 decibels now. Also, certain tunes may also be suggested for adoption so that the sound of a horn becomes soothing to the ear and the audio quality just serves the purpose of providing sufficient warning of the approach or position of the vehicle and not an irritant to ears," Gadkari told Mint. According to current rules horns of 80-91 decibels are permissible for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars and commercial vehicles. This is well over 53 decibel day-time level suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Mint cited Indian Medical Association which reportedly says that exposure to noise of more than 80 decibels for 6 to 8 hours for five days in a week can lead to deafness and even have effect on mental health. The ministry has reportedly asked National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to recommend upon maximum decibel levels for different vehicles and also to suggest list of tunes. “The changes in rules for horns will make it mandatory for vehicle manufacturers to comply with specifications and make the necessary changes in vehicle design. All existing vehicles would also be shifted to new noise norms for horns in a phased manner," Mint quoted an unnamed person reportedly aware of the development. Gadkari has expressed that horns should use Indian classical and instrumental tunes which would be soothing to ear. He said it would be a reference for vehicle makers and would not be mandatory. 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 plans upper limit of 50 decibels for vehicle horns: Report

At least 10 persons were killed&nbsp;and over 20 were injured after a fire broke out&nbsp;in the stationary coach of a stationary train on the railway station in Madurai city of southern Indian state&nbsp;Tamil Nadu in the early hours of Saturday, said the South Railway. It added that a gas cylinder&nbsp;"illegally" carried inside the train compartment caught fire and started the blaze.

Press Trust of India reported that the "private party coach" had 65 passengers and had arrived from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

"10 persons reported dead," in the fire, a Southern Railway release said.

The charred bodies were removed from the compartment by the police, fire and rescue personnel along with the railway staff.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu: Fire reported in private/individual coach at Madurai yard at 5:15 am today in Punalur-Madurai Express. Fire services have arrived and put off the fire and no damage has caused to another coaches. The passengers have allegedly smuggled gas cylinder that caused… <a href="https://t.co/5H7wQeGu93">pic.twitter.com/5H7wQeGu93</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1695277700309831782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The fire broke out at 5.15 am on Saturday and the Fire service personnel who arrived at the spot half an hour later put down the blaze by 7.15 am,&nbsp;said the release from Southern Railway.

"This is a private party coach that was attached at Nagercoil Junction yesterday (Aug 25) by train no. 16730 (Punalur-Madurai Exp). Party coach was detached and kept at Madurai Stabling line. The passengers in the private party coach have....smuggled gas cylinder and this has caused the fire," the release said.

The railways said that the private coach had started its journey from Lucknow from August 17. It was scheduled to return to Chennai on Sunday. From there, it was to return to Lucknow.

"While the coach was stabled/parked, some members of the party in the private coach were using the illegally smuggled cooking gas cylinder unauthorisedly for preparing tea/snacks, which caused the fire in the stabled/parked coach. Most of the passengers could get out of the coach on noticing fire. Some passengers had already got down at platform before detachment of coach," it said railways. 
 
Madurai District Collector, MS Sangeetha, told&nbsp;media that the injured were admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital in the city. Talking to ANI, she said, "Today early morning at 5:30 am there was a fire accident in the coach which was halted here at Madurai railway station...They were pilgrims and&nbsp;were travelling from Uttar Pradesh. The fire started this morning when they tried to make coffee on the gas stove. Rescue operation is underway."

An ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh would be paid to each of the family of those who were killed.

Southern Railway also announced two help line numbers for information related to the fire incident and causalities.

They are: 9360552608, 8015681915.

In India, any individual can book a party coach using the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Travellers are not allowed to carry inflammable materials like gas cylinder in trains. The coach can only be used for transportation purpose. The railways said senior officials were rushing to the spot of the mishap.

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At least 10 persons were killed and over 20 were injured after a fire broke out in the stationary coach of a stationary train on the railway station in Madurai city of southern Indian state Tamil Nadu in the early hours of Saturday, said the South Railway.

At least 10 persons were killed and over 20 were injured after a fire broke out in the stationary coach of a stationary train on the railway station in Madurai city of southern Indian state Tamil Nadu in the early hours of Saturday, said the South Railway. It added that a gas cylinder "illegally" carried inside the train compartment caught fire and started the blaze. Press Trust of India reported that the "private party coach" had 65 passengers and had arrived from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. "10 persons reported dead," in the fire, a Southern Railway release said. The charred bodies were removed from the compartment by the police, fire and rescue personnel along with the railway staff. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Fire reported in private/individual coach at Madurai yard at 5:15 am today in Punalur-Madurai Express. Fire services have arrived and put off the fire and no damage has caused to another coaches. The passengers have allegedly smuggled gas cylinder that caused… pic.twitter.com/5H7wQeGu93 — ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2023 × The fire broke out at 5.15 am on Saturday and the Fire service personnel who arrived at the spot half an hour later put down the blaze by 7.15 am, said the release from Southern Railway. "This is a private party coach that was attached at Nagercoil Junction yesterday (Aug 25) by train no. 16730 (Punalur-Madurai Exp). Party coach was detached and kept at Madurai Stabling line. The passengers in the private party coach have....smuggled gas cylinder and this has caused the fire," the release said. The railways said that the private coach had started its journey from Lucknow from August 17. It was scheduled to return to Chennai on Sunday. From there, it was to return to Lucknow. "While the coach was stabled/parked, some members of the party in the private coach were using the illegally smuggled cooking gas cylinder unauthorisedly for preparing tea/snacks, which caused the fire in the stabled/parked coach. Most of the passengers could get out of the coach on noticing fire. Some passengers had already got down at platform before detachment of coach," it said railways. Madurai District Collector, MS Sangeetha, told media that the injured were admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital in the city. Talking to ANI, she said, "Today early morning at 5:30 am there was a fire accident in the coach which was halted here at Madurai railway station...They were pilgrims and were travelling from Uttar Pradesh. The fire started this morning when they tried to make coffee on the gas stove. Rescue operation is underway." An ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh would be paid to each of the family of those who were killed. Southern Railway also announced two help line numbers for information related to the fire incident and causalities. They are: 9360552608, 8015681915. In India, any individual can book a party coach using the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Travellers are not allowed to carry inflammable materials like gas cylinder in trains. The coach can only be used for transportation purpose. The railways said senior officials were rushing to the spot of the mishap. 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: 10 killed, 20 injured as fire breaks out on train in Madurai

The announcement of expansion of the BRICS grouping to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been met with a chorus of enthusiasm from ambassadors representing many of these nations in India.

The historic announcement was made during the 15th BRICS Summit hosted by South Africa in Johannesburg on Thursday and will see these countries becoming full member of the grouping from January 1, 2024.

Ambassadors from these nations spoke to WION to extend their heartfelt gratitude to India for its instrumental support.

Egypt’s Ambassador Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed said, "We appreciate the confidence of India and all BRICS member states with whom we share robust relations for their clear message of support to Egypt’s membership in the gathering."

He eloquently highlighted the significance of the decision to expand BRICS, saying that "the decision to expand BRICS to reflect a wider and more diverse base is a clear expression that the world needs to hear the voice of the global South."

Speaking further, ambassador Hamed underscored Egypt's ongoing commitment to BRICS, pointing out that "through its membership of BRICS and the New Development Bank, Egypt will continue the role it has always played, including through its COP27 Presidency and its participation as a guest country in G20 under India’s Presidency."

The ambassador also reaffirmed Egypt's stance on global progress, adding that "as a leading proponent of a safe and prosperous future for the planet, [Egypt] will work along with all members for equitable and sustainable development."

<h2>BRICS: PM Modi chats with Xi Jinping at summit&nbsp;</h2>

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Ambassador Abdulnasser Alshaali of the UAE, said, "For UAE-India relations, this is an opportunity to continue broadening and deepening our strategic cooperation and economic partnership."

By focusing on the long-term implications of UAE's entry into BRICS, the ambassador reinforced the importance of mutual cooperation between the two nations.

He described the UAE's membership in BRICS as "an important milestone within the broader context of the UAE's commitment to mutually beneficial multilateral engagement."

Important to note that Indian PM Modi and UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan held talks earlier in the day, in which the latter congratulated on Chandrayaan 3's success.

The sentiment of unity and shared goals was reiterated by Ambassador Demeke Atnafu Ambulo of Ethiopia who said, "Ethiopia greatly values the unwavering support of India in this regard."

He underscored the significance of Ethiopia's integration into BRICS underlining that "Ethiopia’s incursion into BRICS would enable it to broaden and further deepen its productive engagement, cooperation, and partnership with the countries of the Global South for the betterment of humanity."

Furthermore, Ambassador Ambulo talked about Ethiopia's rich history of engagement in global affairs.

"It is to be recalled that Ethiopia as a country never colonised, and was a member of the League of Nations, the founding member of United Nation, the African Union and other regional and multilateral organisations."

This historical context showcased Ethiopia's longstanding commitment to international cooperation, reinforcing its readiness to contribute within the BRICS framework.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">On the sidelines of the BRICS summit, PM Modi held bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, in which the Indian side welcomed the country's inclusion in the grouping.</div>

Lastly, Argentina's Ambassador Hugo Javier Gobbi conveyed a sense of profound achievement, mentioning India's pivotal role.

"It is a very significant success for Argentina. We would like to express our very special gratitude to the Government and people of India for their full support in our effort to join the BRICS."

This acknowledgment stood as a testament to the bilateral friendship that played an integral part in Argentina's accession&nbsp;to&nbsp;BRICS.

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The announcement of expansion of the BRICS grouping to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been met with a chorus of enthusiasm from ambassadors representing many of these nations in India.

The announcement of expansion of the BRICS grouping to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been met with a chorus of enthusiasm from ambassadors representing many of these nations in India. The historic announcement was made during the 15th BRICS Summit hosted by South Africa in Johannesburg on Thursday and will see these countries becoming full member of the grouping from January 1, 2024. Ambassadors from these nations spoke to WION to extend their heartfelt gratitude to India for its instrumental support. Egypt’s Ambassador Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed said, "We appreciate the confidence of India and all BRICS member states with whom we share robust relations for their clear message of support to Egypt’s membership in the gathering." He eloquently highlighted the significance of the decision to expand BRICS, saying that "the decision to expand BRICS to reflect a wider and more diverse base is a clear expression that the world needs to hear the voice of the global South." Speaking further, ambassador Hamed underscored Egypt's ongoing commitment to BRICS, pointing out that "through its membership of BRICS and the New Development Bank, Egypt will continue the role it has always played, including through its COP27 Presidency and its participation as a guest country in G20 under India’s Presidency." The ambassador also reaffirmed Egypt's stance on global progress, adding that "as a leading proponent of a safe and prosperous future for the planet, [Egypt] will work along with all members for equitable and sustainable development." BRICS: PM Modi chats with Xi Jinping at summit Ambassador Abdulnasser Alshaali of the UAE, said, "For UAE-India relations, this is an opportunity to continue broadening and deepening our strategic cooperation and economic partnership." By focusing on the long-term implications of UAE's entry into BRICS, the ambassador reinforced the importance of mutual cooperation between the two nations. He described the UAE's membership in BRICS as "an important milestone within the broader context of the UAE's commitment to mutually beneficial multilateral engagement." Important to note that Indian PM Modi and UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan held talks earlier in the day, in which the latter congratulated on Chandrayaan 3's success. The sentiment of unity and shared goals was reiterated by Ambassador Demeke Atnafu Ambulo of Ethiopia who said, "Ethiopia greatly values the unwavering support of India in this regard." He underscored the significance of Ethiopia's integration into BRICS underlining that "Ethiopia’s incursion into BRICS would enable it to broaden and further deepen its productive engagement, cooperation, and partnership with the countries of the Global South for the betterment of humanity." Furthermore, Ambassador Ambulo talked about Ethiopia's rich history of engagement in global affairs. "It is to be recalled that Ethiopia as a country never colonised, and was a member of the League of Nations, the founding member of United Nation, the African Union and other regional and multilateral organisations." This historical context showcased Ethiopia's longstanding commitment to international cooperation, reinforcing its readiness to contribute within the BRICS framework. On the sidelines of the BRICS summit, PM Modi held bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, in which the Indian side welcomed the country's inclusion in the grouping. Lastly, Argentina's Ambassador Hugo Javier Gobbi conveyed a sense of profound achievement, mentioning India's pivotal role. "It is a very significant success for Argentina. We would like to express our very special gratitude to the Government and people of India for their full support in our effort to join the BRICS." This acknowledgment stood as a testament to the bilateral friendship that played an integral part in Argentina's accession to BRICS. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Envoys of Egypt, UAE, Argentina and Ethiopia applaud BRICS expansion, recognise India's integral role

India and Greece have decided to elevate their partnership to a strategic level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday (Aug 25) during a joint press conference with Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“We decided to boost cooperation in defence, security, infrastructure, education, and emerging technologies. In areas of defence and security, India and Greece have agreed on strengthening defence industrial cooperation apart from military ties,” Modi said.

“We have decided that there should be institutional India-Greece dialogue framework at the level of National Security Advisers (NSAs)…,” he said, adding that the two countries have set the target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

Both the leaders also discussed the Ukraine situation, with PM Modi asserting that “India and Greece support dialogue and diplomacy on the issue.”

<h2>Greece PM to visit India&nbsp;</h2>

PM Mitsotakis too, said that the ties between India and Greece have significantly improved.

“Our ties in recent years have greatly improved. There’s scope for wide range bilateral cooperation between the two nations, and our first objective is to double our bilateral trade.”

Greek PM also informed that he has been invited to visit India.

"Dear PM (Modi), it is my pleasure to welcome your invitation to India. I am certain that we will witness the relationship and its multiplying effect. When two friends sit together an Indian proverb says, one plus one is not 2 but 11," Mistotakis said.

“The most populous democracy of the planet (India) is being hosted by the first democracy on earth (Greece), so signs are favourable," he added.

<h2>'India and Greece are a natural match'</h2>

Modi began the speech by invoking the civilisational values shared between India and Greece, calling it a “natural match.”

“It is a match between two ancient civilizations of the world, between two ancient democratic ideologies, between the world’s two ancient trade and cultural relations. The foundation of our relations is ancient and strong. We have both learnt from each other in the fields of science, arts and culture,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Greek President Katerina N Sakellaropoulou in Athens.

In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the honour was given to Modi for his “decisive contribution to the strategic promotion of Greek-Indian friendship in areas of mutual interest.”

The award is conferred upon “Prime Ministers and eminent personalities who by reason of their distinguished position, have contributed to enhancing the stature of Greece.” 
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India and Greece have decided to elevate their partnership to a strategic level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday (Aug 25) during a joint press conference with Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

India and Greece have decided to elevate their partnership to a strategic level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday (Aug 25) during a joint press conference with Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis. “We decided to boost cooperation in defence, security, infrastructure, education, and emerging technologies. In areas of defence and security, India and Greece have agreed on strengthening defence industrial cooperation apart from military ties,” Modi said. “We have decided that there should be institutional India-Greece dialogue framework at the level of National Security Advisers (NSAs)…,” he said, adding that the two countries have set the target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. Both the leaders also discussed the Ukraine situation, with PM Modi asserting that “India and Greece support dialogue and diplomacy on the issue.” Greece PM to visit India PM Mitsotakis too, said that the ties between India and Greece have significantly improved. “Our ties in recent years have greatly improved. There’s scope for wide range bilateral cooperation between the two nations, and our first objective is to double our bilateral trade.” Greek PM also informed that he has been invited to visit India. "Dear PM (Modi), it is my pleasure to welcome your invitation to India. I am certain that we will witness the relationship and its multiplying effect. When two friends sit together an Indian proverb says, one plus one is not 2 but 11," Mistotakis said. “The most populous democracy of the planet (India) is being hosted by the first democracy on earth (Greece), so signs are favourable," he added. 'India and Greece are a natural match' Modi began the speech by invoking the civilisational values shared between India and Greece, calling it a “natural match.” “It is a match between two ancient civilizations of the world, between two ancient democratic ideologies, between the world’s two ancient trade and cultural relations. The foundation of our relations is ancient and strong. We have both learnt from each other in the fields of science, arts and culture,” he said. Earlier in the day, Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Greek President Katerina N Sakellaropoulou in Athens. In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that the honour was given to Modi for his “decisive contribution to the strategic promotion of Greek-Indian friendship in areas of mutual interest.” The award is conferred upon “Prime Ministers and eminent personalities who by reason of their distinguished position, have contributed to enhancing the stature of Greece.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India, Greece elevate ties to strategic level, PM Modi says both countries are natural match

As the minister who is directly in charge of crucial portfolios including Space and Atomic energy, among others, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be visiting ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) facility in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

He is expected to depart for the Indian city, directly after completing his official visit to Greece. His first stop would be the ISTRAC facility, from where the entire mission operations (post-launch until landing and beyond) of Chandrayaan-3 are being carried out. His visit to ISTRAC is in line with what he had assured the team of scientists, during his video address to them, shortly after the soft landing on lunar south pole.&nbsp;

Notably, PM Modi had been present at ISTRAC, during the Lunar landing attempt of Chandrayaan-2, in September 2019. After the mission could not make a soft landing, the PM addressed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team. Back in September 2014, when India’s Mars Orbiter Mission entered Martian orbit, PM Modi witnessed the event at ISTRAC and congratulated the scientists.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-scripts-new-chapter-pm-modi-about-successful-launch-of-indias-third-lunar-mission-615607">‘Chandrayaan-3 scripts new chapter’: PM Modi about successful launch of India’s third lunar mission</a>

While the Chandrayaan-3 orbiter and rover are functioning normally and the science experiments are being carried out, not many post-landing pictures of the lander and rover have been officially shared by ISRO.&nbsp;

So far, ISRO has shared videos of the Vikram Lander’s downward view, as the craft flew over the Lunar surface, making a landing approach. The Indian space agency had also shared images of the lander’s legs firmly on the lunar surface and also a video of the Pragyan rover rolling down its ramp and travelling a few inches.&nbsp;

Expectations are high that the Indian government-run space agency will share exciting new pictures and videos of the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover, once the Prime Minister arrives at ISTRAC. Most awaited are the pictures and videos of the lander standing tall and upright, as captured by the 26-kg&nbsp;rover from afar and vice versa.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-pm-modi-to-join-virtually-from-south-africa-as-india-attempts-moon-landing-628152">Chandrayaan-3: PM Modi to join virtually from South Africa as India attempts moon landing</a>

It is also expected that there would be videos and pictures of the rover literally making India’s mark on the moon. The rover wheels are said to have been embossed with the Indian National Emblem, which is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath and the iconic ISRO logo.

Following the meet and greet at ISTRAC, starting around 6:00 am (local time) on Saturday (August 26), and his address to team ISRO, the Prime Minister is expected to address a public meeting in Bengaluru city, following which he will depart&nbsp;for New Delhi.&nbsp;

In his address to ISRO after the successful soft-landing of the Chandrayaan-3 craft, the PM made a mention of ISRO’s upcoming and planned missions – Gaganyaan (sending Indian astronauts to Low Earth orbit and returning them safely), Robotic Spacecraft mission to Venus (Shukrayaan) and even the second Mars Mission (perhaps, a landing mission). Meanwhile, fresh from the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission success, India’s maiden mission to study the sun, Aditya-L1, is being prepared for launch on a PSLV rocket, in the first week of September 2023.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-modi-out-of-this-world-pm-brazils-lula-read-south-african-paper-on-chandrayaan-3-628902">‘India's Modi out of this world’: PM, Brazil’s Lula read South African paper on Chandrayaan-3</a>

“The preparation for Aditya-L1 is going on really well. At the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, final checks are being carried out on the spacecraft and the PSLV rocket (mission number C57) for this mission is being assembled,” A. Rajarajan, the director of the spaceport, told WION.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION after the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, he said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/moon-mission-successful-indias-sun-mission-aditya-l1-to-be-launched-in-2-weeks-628856">Aditya-L1 mission</a> is to be launched in the first week of September. So far, the Indian space agency has launched six missions in the year 2023. While four of these missions were for India’s own national and scientific purposes, two of them have been missions for foreign customers. ISRO has had a great year with successes in all launch missions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-on-the-moon-isro-chief-s-somanath-celebrates-chandrayaan-3s-triumph-on-lunar-landing-628420">‘India is on the moon’: ISRO chief S Somanath celebrates Chandrayaan-3's triumph on lunar landing</a>

Aditya-L1 is the first observatory-class space-based solar mission from India. The spacecraft is to be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system. A satellite around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without occultation/eclipses. This position provides a greater advantage of observing solar activities continuously.&nbsp;

Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle detectors. According to ISRO, Four payloads on Aditya-L1 directly view the Sun from the unique vantage point of L1, and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1. 
 
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As the minister who is directly in charge of crucial portfolios including Space and Atomic energy, among others, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be visiting ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) facility in Bengaluru.

As the minister who is directly in charge of crucial portfolios including Space and Atomic energy, among others, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be visiting ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) facility in Bengaluru. He is expected to depart for the Indian city, directly after completing his official visit to Greece. His first stop would be the ISTRAC facility, from where the entire mission operations (post-launch until landing and beyond) of Chandrayaan-3 are being carried out. His visit to ISTRAC is in line with what he had assured the team of scientists, during his video address to them, shortly after the soft landing on lunar south pole. Notably, PM Modi had been present at ISTRAC, during the Lunar landing attempt of Chandrayaan-2, in September 2019. After the mission could not make a soft landing, the PM addressed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team. Back in September 2014, when India’s Mars Orbiter Mission entered Martian orbit, PM Modi witnessed the event at ISTRAC and congratulated the scientists. ALSO READ | ‘Chandrayaan-3 scripts new chapter’: PM Modi about successful launch of India’s third lunar mission While the Chandrayaan-3 orbiter and rover are functioning normally and the science experiments are being carried out, not many post-landing pictures of the lander and rover have been officially shared by ISRO. So far, ISRO has shared videos of the Vikram Lander’s downward view, as the craft flew over the Lunar surface, making a landing approach. The Indian space agency had also shared images of the lander’s legs firmly on the lunar surface and also a video of the Pragyan rover rolling down its ramp and travelling a few inches. Expectations are high that the Indian government-run space agency will share exciting new pictures and videos of the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover, once the Prime Minister arrives at ISTRAC. Most awaited are the pictures and videos of the lander standing tall and upright, as captured by the 26-kg rover from afar and vice versa. ALSO READ | Chandrayaan-3: PM Modi to join virtually from South Africa as India attempts moon landing It is also expected that there would be videos and pictures of the rover literally making India’s mark on the moon. The rover wheels are said to have been embossed with the Indian National Emblem, which is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath and the iconic ISRO logo. Following the meet and greet at ISTRAC, starting around 6:00 am (local time) on Saturday (August 26), and his address to team ISRO, the Prime Minister is expected to address a public meeting in Bengaluru city, following which he will depart for New Delhi. In his address to ISRO after the successful soft-landing of the Chandrayaan-3 craft, the PM made a mention of ISRO’s upcoming and planned missions – Gaganyaan (sending Indian astronauts to Low Earth orbit and returning them safely), Robotic Spacecraft mission to Venus (Shukrayaan) and even the second Mars Mission (perhaps, a landing mission). Meanwhile, fresh from the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission success, India’s maiden mission to study the sun, Aditya-L1, is being prepared for launch on a PSLV rocket, in the first week of September 2023. ALSO READ | ‘India's Modi out of this world’: PM, Brazil’s Lula read South African paper on Chandrayaan-3 “The preparation for Aditya-L1 is going on really well. At the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, final checks are being carried out on the spacecraft and the PSLV rocket (mission number C57) for this mission is being assembled,” A. Rajarajan, the director of the spaceport, told WION. Speaking to WION after the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, he said that the Aditya-L1 mission is to be launched in the first week of September. So far, the Indian space agency has launched six missions in the year 2023. While four of these missions were for India’s own national and scientific purposes, two of them have been missions for foreign customers. ISRO has had a great year with successes in all launch missions. ALSO READ | ‘India is on the moon’: ISRO chief S Somanath celebrates Chandrayaan-3's triumph on lunar landing Aditya-L1 is the first observatory-class space-based solar mission from India. The spacecraft is to be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system. A satellite around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without occultation/eclipses. This position provides a greater advantage of observing solar activities continuously. Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle detectors. According to ISRO, Four payloads on Aditya-L1 directly view the Sun from the unique vantage point of L1, and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1. 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: PM Modi to meet ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 team after historic lunar landing

The Chandrayaan-3 lunar expedition accomplished a triumphant soft landing at 6:04 pm (Indian Standard Time) on August 23rd. India marked a significant moment in history by becoming the pioneer nation to achieve a successful lunar landing in the south&nbsp;pole&nbsp;region, courtesy of the ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indias-chandrayaan-3-makes-majestic-lift-off-from-sriharikota-615537">successfully launched</a> the Chandrayaan-3 mission, on Friday (July 14) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota at 2:35 pm (local time). The launch marked the country’s third lunar mission and second attempt at a soft landing on the surface of the moon.&nbsp;

Following the successful launch of the moon lander named ‘Vikram’ was perched on a GSLV Mark 3 heavy-lift launch vehicle, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-scripts-new-chapter-pm-modi-about-successful-launch-of-indias-third-lunar-mission-615607">congratulations</a> began pouring in for the team of scientists at ISRO. Unlike its predecessor, the Chandrayaan-2 mission, this time around there is a sizable number of women behind the project.

Earlier, a senior official of ISRO reportedly said there are around 54 female engineers and scientists who are working directly for the Chandrayaan-3 mission&nbsp;in various roles like associates, deputy project directors and project managers for various systems, and so on.&nbsp;

Dr Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, who is popularly known as India’s ‘rocket woman,’ and is one of the senior scientists at ISRO, is said to be at the helm of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indias-chandrayaan-3-makes-majestic-lift-off-from-sriharikota-615537">Chandrayaan-3 mission</a>.

<h2>Who is Ritu Karidhal?</h2>

Dr Ritu Karidhal was the mission director of Chandrayaan-2 and the deputy operations director of Mangalyaan, ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) which successfully reached the Red Planet’s orbit in 2014 and India became the first Asian nation to achieve this feat.&nbsp;

Karidhal was born and brought up in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow. She pursued her MSc in Physics from Lucknow University in 1996 and her MTech from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.

She is always said to have been fascinated by space and developed an interest in exploring space from a very young age. One of her hobbies during school days was collecting news articles related to any space activities by ISRO or NASA.&nbsp;

Karidhal, with her expertise in aerospace, joined ISRO in November 1997 and worked for many prestigious missions of the space organisation and played a key role in most of them. According to the Women Economic Forum (WEF), Karidhal has published more than 20 papers both in international and national publications.

<h2>Chandrayaan-3’s successful launch</h2>

“It is a matter of pride for us since she has been our student. She was a bright student and had even qualified GATE. She got selected in ISRO while she was pursuing her PhD from here,” Lucknow University Professor Poonam Tandon said about Karidhal, in an interview with PTI, on Friday.&nbsp;

Karidhal’s family was also seen celebrating and distributing sweets after the successful launch of ISRO’s LVM3 M4 vehicle into orbit. 
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Lucknow: Chandrayaan-3 mission director Ritu Karidhal's family celebrates, and distributes sweets as ISRO's LVM3 M4 vehicle successfully launched it into orbit. 
 
Chandrayaan-3, in its precise orbit, has begun its journey to the Moon. <a href="https://t.co/qcalBIjjN7">pic.twitter.com/qcalBIjjN7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1679800270988136448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The Chandrayaan-3 lunar expedition accomplished a triumphant soft landing at 6:04 pm (Indian Standard Time) on August 23rd. India marked a significant moment in history by becoming the pioneer nation to achieve a successful lunar landing in the south pole region, courtesy of the ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft.

The Chandrayaan-3 lunar expedition accomplished a triumphant soft landing at 6:04 pm (Indian Standard Time) on August 23rd. India marked a significant moment in history by becoming the pioneer nation to achieve a successful lunar landing in the south pole region, courtesy of the ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission, on Friday (July 14) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota at 2:35 pm (local time). The launch marked the country’s third lunar mission and second attempt at a soft landing on the surface of the moon. Following the successful launch of the moon lander named ‘Vikram’ was perched on a GSLV Mark 3 heavy-lift launch vehicle, congratulations began pouring in for the team of scientists at ISRO. Unlike its predecessor, the Chandrayaan-2 mission, this time around there is a sizable number of women behind the project. Earlier, a senior official of ISRO reportedly said there are around 54 female engineers and scientists who are working directly for the Chandrayaan-3 mission in various roles like associates, deputy project directors and project managers for various systems, and so on. Dr Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, who is popularly known as India’s ‘rocket woman,’ and is one of the senior scientists at ISRO, is said to be at the helm of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Who is Ritu Karidhal? Dr Ritu Karidhal was the mission director of Chandrayaan-2 and the deputy operations director of Mangalyaan, ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) which successfully reached the Red Planet’s orbit in 2014 and India became the first Asian nation to achieve this feat. Karidhal was born and brought up in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow. She pursued her MSc in Physics from Lucknow University in 1996 and her MTech from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. She is always said to have been fascinated by space and developed an interest in exploring space from a very young age. One of her hobbies during school days was collecting news articles related to any space activities by ISRO or NASA. Karidhal, with her expertise in aerospace, joined ISRO in November 1997 and worked for many prestigious missions of the space organisation and played a key role in most of them. According to the Women Economic Forum (WEF), Karidhal has published more than 20 papers both in international and national publications. Chandrayaan-3’s successful launch “It is a matter of pride for us since she has been our student. She was a bright student and had even qualified GATE. She got selected in ISRO while she was pursuing her PhD from here,” Lucknow University Professor Poonam Tandon said about Karidhal, in an interview with PTI, on Friday. Karidhal’s family was also seen celebrating and distributing sweets after the successful launch of ISRO’s LVM3 M4 vehicle into orbit. #WATCH | Lucknow: Chandrayaan-3 mission director Ritu Karidhal's family celebrates, and distributes sweets as ISRO's LVM3 M4 vehicle successfully launched it into orbit. Chandrayaan-3, in its precise orbit, has begun its journey to the Moon. pic.twitter.com/qcalBIjjN7 — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2023 × (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.

Meet India’s ‘rocket woman’ Ritu Karidhal, scientist behind Chandrayaan-3 mission

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen engaging in a brief conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Thursday (August 24).&nbsp;

In the video posted by news agency ANI, the Indian prime minister is seen walking a little ahead of the Chinese president and slowly speaking to him as the two leaders are headed for the media briefing by BRICS leaders.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engage in a brief interaction at the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg <a href="https://t.co/1yE3jstVfx">pic.twitter.com/1yE3jstVfx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1694628404916781377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi and Jinping attended the plenary session together on Wednesday but stood apart in the photograph session.

Last November, the prime minister shook hands with the Chinese president and briefly interacted with him at the formal dinner for G20 leaders in Bali which marked their first face-to-face meeting in public after the military standoff in Ladakh in 2020.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-officials-expands-as-ramaphosa-announces-six-new-members-628689">BRICS officially expands: Six new members to join bloc next year</a>

The relations between the two nations have been strained since the armies of India and China clashed in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. In order to resolve the situation, both countries have till now held 19 rounds of military-level talks.&nbsp;

<h2>PM Modi welcomes expansion of BRICS</h2>

Prime Minister Modi, earlier in the day, welcomed the expansion of BRICS with which other nations were added to the group — Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).&nbsp;

“India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation,”&nbsp;said Modi, while speaking at a press briefing of BRICS leaders.&nbsp;

On the second day, at the open plenary session of the BRICS Summit 2022, the prime minister said that India, under its G20 presidency, gave a lot of importance to the countries of the Global South and appreciated South Africa for chairing the BRICS summit.

WATCH |&nbsp;BRICS Summit: Major announcement on expansion expected

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"We welcome the move to give special importance to the countries of the Global South in BRICS under the chairmanship of South Africa. This is not just the aspiration, but also the need of the present times. India has also given importance to this subject under its G20 presidency. One Earth One Family One Future — we are trying to move forward with all countries on this mantra. In the Voice of Global South summit in January this year, 125 countries participated and shared their concerns and priorities," he stated.&nbsp;

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen engaging in a brief conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Thursday (August 24).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen engaging in a brief conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Thursday (August 24). In the video posted by news agency ANI, the Indian prime minister is seen walking a little ahead of the Chinese president and slowly speaking to him as the two leaders are headed for the media briefing by BRICS leaders. #WATCH | PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engage in a brief interaction at the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg pic.twitter.com/1yE3jstVfx — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023 × PM Modi and Jinping attended the plenary session together on Wednesday but stood apart in the photograph session. Last November, the prime minister shook hands with the Chinese president and briefly interacted with him at the formal dinner for G20 leaders in Bali which marked their first face-to-face meeting in public after the military standoff in Ladakh in 2020. ALSO READ | BRICS officially expands: Six new members to join bloc next year The relations between the two nations have been strained since the armies of India and China clashed in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. In order to resolve the situation, both countries have till now held 19 rounds of military-level talks. PM Modi welcomes expansion of BRICS Prime Minister Modi, earlier in the day, welcomed the expansion of BRICS with which other nations were added to the group — Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation,” said Modi, while speaking at a press briefing of BRICS leaders. On the second day, at the open plenary session of the BRICS Summit 2022, the prime minister said that India, under its G20 presidency, gave a lot of importance to the countries of the Global South and appreciated South Africa for chairing the BRICS summit. WATCH | BRICS Summit: Major announcement on expansion expected "We welcome the move to give special importance to the countries of the Global South in BRICS under the chairmanship of South Africa. This is not just the aspiration, but also the need of the present times. India has also given importance to this subject under its G20 presidency. One Earth One Family One Future — we are trying to move forward with all countries on this mantra. In the Voice of Global South summit in January this year, 125 countries participated and shared their concerns and priorities," he stated. 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

Watch | India's PM Modi engages in brief interaction with China's Xi Jinping at BRICS Summit

On account of the G20 Summit, all public, private, and municipal offices and schools in Delhi would be closed from September 8 to September 10. Banks, financial institutions, and retail establishments will also be closed during this time, NDTV quoted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as saying.&nbsp;

Kejriwal's statement came shortly after the Special Commissioner of the Delhi Police wrote to the city’s Chief Secretary recommending a government holiday from September 8 to September 10.

On September 9 and 10, the G20 summit—a gathering of the heads of the 20 largest economies in the world—will take place at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan’s state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam convention hall, which was just inaugurated. India will be hosting the conference.

The recommendation is being given in an attempt to ease any potential traffic congestion and logistical issues.

“Since, most of the arrivals will take place September 8 and delegates will depart to their respective countries on September 10-11, there will be a massive movement of traffic which needs to be curtailed to ensure safe passage for the delegates from airport to hotels and to the other venues during the summit,” the letter read.

The Delhi Police are in the process of making special arrangements to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the time of the summit. The summit will see the arrival of several heads of state and diplomats, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

In order to examine the restriction and diversion measures, the Delhi traffic police performed a mock drill on important routes connecting Pragati Maidan, the summit’s main location, with a number of hotels on Monday.

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On account of the G20 Summit, all public, private, and municipal offices and schools in Delhi would be closed from September 8 to September 10. Banks, financial institutions, and retail establishments will also be closed during this time, NDTV quoted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as saying.

On account of the G20 Summit, all public, private, and municipal offices and schools in Delhi would be closed from September 8 to September 10. Banks, financial institutions, and retail establishments will also be closed during this time, NDTV quoted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as saying. Kejriwal's statement came shortly after the Special Commissioner of the Delhi Police wrote to the city’s Chief Secretary recommending a government holiday from September 8 to September 10. On September 9 and 10, the G20 summit—a gathering of the heads of the 20 largest economies in the world—will take place at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan’s state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam convention hall, which was just inaugurated. India will be hosting the conference. The recommendation is being given in an attempt to ease any potential traffic congestion and logistical issues. “Since, most of the arrivals will take place September 8 and delegates will depart to their respective countries on September 10-11, there will be a massive movement of traffic which needs to be curtailed to ensure safe passage for the delegates from airport to hotels and to the other venues during the summit,” the letter read. The Delhi Police are in the process of making special arrangements to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the time of the summit. The summit will see the arrival of several heads of state and diplomats, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and French President Emmanuel Macron. In order to examine the restriction and diversion measures, the Delhi traffic police performed a mock drill on important routes connecting Pragati Maidan, the summit’s main location, with a number of hotels on Monday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Delhi offices, schools, shops, banks to be shut on Sept 8-10 for G20 meet 

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