Manipur's hill regions are once more covered by the six-monthly extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), with the exception of 19 police stations located in the Imphal Valley and a region that borders Assam.

India: AFSPA extended as protests continue over students' killing incident in Manipur

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian Cricket team go into the ICC Cricket World Cup as favourites alongside defending champions England. The Men in Blue are bidding to end a jinx that stretches back to 2013. Can India win the World Cup at home? What are India's strengths and weaknesses? 1996 World Cup-winning coach Dav Whatmore backs India to win the tournament on WION World of Cricket.

India Strong favourites for World Cup Glory

The Afghanistan Embassy in this area made the announcement on Saturday night that it will be closing its doors as of October 1. The reason given was a "lack of support from the host government," along with a reduction in staff and resources and a failure to live up to expectations in terms of serving Afghanistan's interests.

Afghan ambassador and senior diplomats leave India to seek asylum

Disguised as conducting scientific examinations in the Indian Ocean, Chinese vessels are presently engaged in extensive surveys across vast regions of the Indian Ocean Region.

Is China spying in the Indian Ocean?

The Indian and US armies recently conducted a joint tactical exercise in Alaska as part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas. The exercise involved field training drills and aims to exchange best practices, enhance interoperability, and strengthen the bond between the two armies.

Yudh Abhyas: Indian, US armies collaborate in joint tactical exercise held in Alaska

<p>To address the pressing issue of air pollution in India during winter months, the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was officially put into action on Sunday (October 1). GRAP was revised in July 2023 with the aim to&nbsp;strengthen measures against deteriorating air quality.</p>

<p>Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, while speaking on the importance of the implementation of revised GRAP, said, "In view of the possibility of an increase in pollution level in winter, GRAP has been implemented in Delhi from today... Implementation of the GRAP system is our priority under the Winter Action Plan... There are a total of four stages of GRAP. After AQI reaches the poor category, measures will be taken as per the steps of GRAP. Currently, AQI in Delhi is below 200... As the situation would change, the rules of GRAP would get stricter..."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/let-founding-member-and-aide-of-2611-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-gunned-down-in-karachi-report-641468">LeT founding member and aide of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed gunned down in Karachi: Report</a></p>

<p>One of the major contributors to air pollution in northern India is the practice of stubble burning, primarily seen in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This annual practice exacerbates air quality issues during the winter months.</p>

<h2><strong>Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)</strong></h2>

<p>GRAP is a comprehensive strategy designed to combat air pollution in cities across India. It consists of four stages, each tailored to address specific air quality concerns. The plan's flexibility allows for adjustments based on the severity of pollution and regional differences.</p>

<p>There are four stages of GRAP:</p>

<p>Stage 1 - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300): Initial measures to address deteriorating air quality.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-shivajis-tiger-claw-weapon-is-returning-india-on-loan-for-three-years-641427">Explained | How Shivaji's tiger claw weapon is returning to India 'on loan' for three years</a></p>

<p>Stage 2 - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400): Focused actions and intensified remedial measures in identified hotspots.</p>

<p>Stage 3 - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450): Stricter restrictions on "plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-deploy-military-instructors-in-ukraine-to-train-troops-british-defence-minister-641464">UK to deploy military instructors in Ukraine to train troops: British defence minister</a></strong></p>

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<p>Stage 4 - 'Severe +' (AQI &gt;450): The most stringent measures to tackle the worst air quality conditions. "Do not permit Light commercial vehicle (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, other than EVs / CNG / BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services," as per Stage 4 restrictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the revised GRAP now in place, authorities are aiming to respond swiftly and effectively to protect public health and mitigate the impact of air pollution during periods of poor air quality. This proactive approach is essential to ensure cleaner air for residents in the NCR and surrounding areas.</p>

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To address the pressing issue of air pollution in India during winter months, the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was officially put into action on Sunday (October 1).

To address the pressing issue of air pollution in India during winter months, the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was officially put into action on Sunday (October 1). GRAP was revised in July 2023 with the aim to strengthen measures against deteriorating air quality. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, while speaking on the importance of the implementation of revised GRAP, said, "In view of the possibility of an increase in pollution level in winter, GRAP has been implemented in Delhi from today... Implementation of the GRAP system is our priority under the Winter Action Plan... There are a total of four stages of GRAP. After AQI reaches the poor category, measures will be taken as per the steps of GRAP. Currently, AQI in Delhi is below 200... As the situation would change, the rules of GRAP would get stricter..." Also Read | LeT founding member and aide of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed gunned down in Karachi: Report One of the major contributors to air pollution in northern India is the practice of stubble burning, primarily seen in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This annual practice exacerbates air quality issues during the winter months. Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) GRAP is a comprehensive strategy designed to combat air pollution in cities across India. It consists of four stages, each tailored to address specific air quality concerns. The plan's flexibility allows for adjustments based on the severity of pollution and regional differences. There are four stages of GRAP: Stage 1 - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300): Initial measures to address deteriorating air quality. Also Read | Explained | How Shivaji's tiger claw weapon is returning to India 'on loan' for three years Stage 2 - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400): Focused actions and intensified remedial measures in identified hotspots. Stage 3 - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450): Stricter restrictions on "plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar." Watch | UK to deploy military instructors in Ukraine to train troops: British defence minister × Stage 4 - 'Severe +' (AQI >450): The most stringent measures to tackle the worst air quality conditions. "Do not permit Light commercial vehicle (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, other than EVs / CNG / BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services," as per Stage 4 restrictions. With the revised GRAP now in place, authorities are aiming to respond swiftly and effectively to protect public health and mitigate the impact of air pollution during periods of poor air quality. This proactive approach is essential to ensure cleaner air for residents in the NCR and surrounding areas. 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: Centre implements revised GRAP to combat air pollution during winters

The Manipur police and National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a joint operation arrested Seiminlun Gangte in a case related to a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh-based leadership of terror outfits to wage war against the government of India by exploiting the ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur.

India: NIA arrests second accused Seiminlun Gangte in Manipur probe

London was the home of two of the three Sikh revolutionaries who attacked the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in Glasgow. Dissimilar to the Sikh Protection Committee of India, the Glasgow Guru Granth Sahib Gurudwara has extended a personal apology to Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, after he was stopped from visiting the temple premises on Friday by Sikh radicals residing in London.

Glasgow: The Khalistan link | Two Khalistani extremists identified

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

India's TOP FIVE run-getters in ICC ODI World Cups

The ODI World Cups have seen some of the magnificent individual innings across 12 editions. There have been two double hundreds in ODI World Cups as well - by Martin Guptill and Chris Gayle, both in 2015. With the 13th edition of the ICC ODI World Cup just around the corner, have a look at the Top Five individual scores in the quadrennial tournament.

Batters with highest individual score in ICC ODI World Cups

<p>The Indian and US Armies conducted a collaborative tactical exercise in Alaska as part of the ongoing Exercise Yudh Abhyas. Indian Army officials reported that the two armies engaged in field training drills in Alaska, with Indian army contingents arriving in the region recently.</p>

<p>This exercise aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices, enhance interoperability, and strengthen the ties between the Indian and US Armies. It is scheduled to take place from September 25 to October 8 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, US, reported ANI.</p>

<p>"#IndianArmy contingents participating in the Joint Military Exercise #YudhAbhyas with #USArmy and 'ADMM plus EWG' with #ASEAN Nations departed from #NewDelhi," Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army wrote on X.</p>

<p>"Before departure, Director General #Infantry interacted with the contingents and encouraged the contingents to display the highest standards of training &amp; imbibe the best practices of the participating nations," the tweet stated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/presence-of-chinese-research-ship-shi-yan-6-in-colombo-is-problematic-for-india-heres-why-641372">Presence of Chinese 'research' ship Shi Yan 6 in Colombo is problematic for India. Here's why</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> contingents participating in the Joint Military Exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YudhAbhyas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YudhAbhyas</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USArmy</a> and 'ADMM plus EWG' with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASEAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASEAN</a> Nations departed from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewDelhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewDelhi</a>.<br />
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Before departure, Director General <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Infantry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Infantry</a> interacted with the contingents and encouraged the contingents to display… <a href="https://t.co/vc7rYdMzl7">pic.twitter.com/vc7rYdMzl7</a></p>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1706207949813907556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What does&nbsp;the exercise signify?</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian Army contingent, comprising 350 personnel, will participate in this edition of the exercise, with the lead battalion from the Indian side affiliated with the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. On the US side, the 1-24 Infantry Battalion of the 1st Brigade Combat Team will take part. Both sides will engage in a series of tactical drills to improve their interoperability in UN peacekeeping operations. Additionally, personnel from both sides will hold detailed discussions to share their experiences and best practices.</p>

<p>"Indian Army contingent will be participating in 19th Edition of joint military Exercise Yudh Abhyas at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA. The Exercise will entail exchanging best practices and enhancing interoperability to mutually learn from each other &amp; strengthen the bond between the two Armies," the official handle of the Indian Army posted on X.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;The US 2024 Presidential election race</strong></p>

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<p>The overarching theme of the Exercise revolves around the 'Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/Extreme Climatic Conditions,' aligning with Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate. According to a statement by the Defence Ministry, the Field Training Exercise will involve the validation of Integrated Battle Groups at the Brigade level against hostile forces, the validation of Integrated Surveillance Grid at the Brigade/Battalion level, the use of Heliborne/Airborne elements and Force Multipliers, and the validation of logistics and casualty management during operations, evacuation, combat medical aid, and other relevant aspects specific to High Altitude Areas and Extreme Climatic Conditions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Indian and US Armies conducted a collaborative tactical exercise in Alaska as part of the ongoing Exercise Yudh Abhyas. Indian Army officials reported that the two armies engaged in field training drills in Alaska, with Indian army contingents arriving in the region recently.

The Indian and US Armies conducted a collaborative tactical exercise in Alaska as part of the ongoing Exercise Yudh Abhyas. Indian Army officials reported that the two armies engaged in field training drills in Alaska, with Indian army contingents arriving in the region recently. This exercise aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices, enhance interoperability, and strengthen the ties between the Indian and US Armies. It is scheduled to take place from September 25 to October 8 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, US, reported ANI. "#IndianArmy contingents participating in the Joint Military Exercise #YudhAbhyas with #USArmy and 'ADMM plus EWG' with #ASEAN Nations departed from #NewDelhi," Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army wrote on X. "Before departure, Director General #Infantry interacted with the contingents and encouraged the contingents to display the highest standards of training & imbibe the best practices of the participating nations," the tweet stated. Also read | Presence of Chinese 'research' ship Shi Yan 6 in Colombo is problematic for India. Here's why #IndianArmy contingents participating in the Joint Military Exercise #YudhAbhyas with #USArmy and 'ADMM plus EWG' with #ASEAN Nations departed from #NewDelhi. Before departure, Director General #Infantry interacted with the contingents and encouraged the contingents to display… pic.twitter.com/vc7rYdMzl7 — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 25, 2023 × What does the exercise signify? The Indian Army contingent, comprising 350 personnel, will participate in this edition of the exercise, with the lead battalion from the Indian side affiliated with the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. On the US side, the 1-24 Infantry Battalion of the 1st Brigade Combat Team will take part. Both sides will engage in a series of tactical drills to improve their interoperability in UN peacekeeping operations. Additionally, personnel from both sides will hold detailed discussions to share their experiences and best practices. "Indian Army contingent will be participating in 19th Edition of joint military Exercise Yudh Abhyas at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA. The Exercise will entail exchanging best practices and enhancing interoperability to mutually learn from each other & strengthen the bond between the two Armies," the official handle of the Indian Army posted on X. Also watch | The US 2024 Presidential election race The overarching theme of the Exercise revolves around the 'Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/Extreme Climatic Conditions,' aligning with Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate. According to a statement by the Defence Ministry, the Field Training Exercise will involve the validation of Integrated Battle Groups at the Brigade level against hostile forces, the validation of Integrated Surveillance Grid at the Brigade/Battalion level, the use of Heliborne/Airborne elements and Force Multipliers, and the validation of logistics and casualty management during operations, evacuation, combat medical aid, and other relevant aspects specific to High Altitude Areas and Extreme Climatic Conditions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<p>Disguised as conducting scientific examinations in the Indian Ocean, Chinese vessels are presently engaged in extensive surveys across vast regions of the Indian Ocean Region.</p>

<p>The data collected is of immense significance for Chinese submarines manoeuvring through the shallow waters of the Malacca Strait and traversing the Eastern Indian Ocean, a situation causing significant apprehension for India.</p>

<p>The latest addition to the sequence of Chinese Oceanographic survey vessels embarking on a three-month mission in the area is the Shi Yan 6, which is currently moored at Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port, located in close proximity to India.</p>

<p>It's noteworthy that China has held control of the Hambantota port since 2017, having secured a 99-year lease for a sum of just US $1.12 billion, a substantially smaller amount than the US $1.4 billion that Sri Lanka paid to a Chinese company for its construction.</p>

<p>Chinese media refers to the Shi Yan 6 as a "scientific research vessel," and it is crewed by 60 people, equipped to conduct a variety of oceanographic, marine geology, and marine ecology experiments.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-echoes-indias-security-concerns-over-chinas-shi-yan-6s-port-call-to-sri-lanka-report-639407">US echoes India’s security concerns over China’s Shi Yan 6’s port call to Sri Lanka: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>India's worries grow over Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6's 'research' mission in Colombo</strong></h2>

<p>Indian naval officials assert that there's limited action they can take until Chinese vessels engage in overtly hostile actions. This is because the ship in question is technically categorised as a surveyor ship and doesn't fall under the warship classification.</p>

<p>A similar episode of tension unfolded in August of the previous year when the Chinese 'spy ship' Yuan Wang 5 docked at Sri Lanka's Hambantota port, despite India's concerns.</p>

<p>Yuan Wang 5 is a cutting-edge dual-purpose vessel designed for tracking satellites, rockets, and intercontinental ballistic missiles. It boasts a crew of 400 members and is equipped with advanced electronic gear, sensors, and antennae.</p>

<p>A statement from the Chinese state broadcaster, China Global Television Network (CGTN), indicates that the Shin Yan 6 is intended to enhance scientific research cooperation and exchanges with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, further integrating science and education into the Belt and Road Initiative. The vessel has a complement of 60 crew members.</p>

<p>The research initiative has been organised by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), a division of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The vessel is slated to undertake 28 scientific research projects, involving 13 research teams on board, covering a distance exceeding 12,000 nautical miles (approximately 22,200 km).</p>

<p>Lin Qiang, the project leader and deputy director of SCSIO, anticipates that this voyage will bolster scientific research collaboration and exchanges with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, contributing to the integration of science and education to support the Belt and Road Initiative.</p>

<p>Indian military strategists point out China's long-term plan to operate in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China has established a submarine base in Bangladesh in exchange for providing two submarines to Dhaka, reported India Today.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Is Sri Lanka veering towards China?</strong></p>

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<p>Additionally, China has supplied an older submarine to Myanmar. With a submarine base in the Bay of Bengal and the supply of eight submarines to Pakistan in the Arabian Sea, China has significantly expanded its operational capabilities in these critical areas.</p>

<p>Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed that over the last two to two and a half decades, there has been a consistent rise in the Chinese naval activity within the Indian Ocean.</p>

<p>He noted that there has been a significant expansion in the size of the Chinese Navy during this period. He said that with a substantially larger navy, its presence and deployments become more conspicuous, referring to instances such as China's construction of ports in Gwadar, Pakistan, and Hambantota, Sri Lanka, reported ANI.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Disguised as conducting scientific examinations in the Indian Ocean, Chinese vessels are presently engaged in extensive surveys across vast regions of the Indian Ocean Region. The data collected is of immense significance for Chinese submarines manoeuvring through the shallow waters of the Malacca Strait and traversing the Eastern Indian Ocean, a situation causing significant apprehension for India. The latest addition to the sequence of Chinese Oceanographic survey vessels embarking on a three-month mission in the area is the Shi Yan 6, which is currently moored at Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port, located in close proximity to India. It's noteworthy that China has held control of the Hambantota port since 2017, having secured a 99-year lease for a sum of just US $1.12 billion, a substantially smaller amount than the US $1.4 billion that Sri Lanka paid to a Chinese company for its construction. Chinese media refers to the Shi Yan 6 as a "scientific research vessel," and it is crewed by 60 people, equipped to conduct a variety of oceanographic, marine geology, and marine ecology experiments. Also read | US echoes India’s security concerns over China’s Shi Yan 6’s port call to Sri Lanka: Report India's worries grow over Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6's 'research' mission in Colombo Indian naval officials assert that there's limited action they can take until Chinese vessels engage in overtly hostile actions. This is because the ship in question is technically categorised as a surveyor ship and doesn't fall under the warship classification. A similar episode of tension unfolded in August of the previous year when the Chinese 'spy ship' Yuan Wang 5 docked at Sri Lanka's Hambantota port, despite India's concerns. Yuan Wang 5 is a cutting-edge dual-purpose vessel designed for tracking satellites, rockets, and intercontinental ballistic missiles. It boasts a crew of 400 members and is equipped with advanced electronic gear, sensors, and antennae. A statement from the Chinese state broadcaster, China Global Television Network (CGTN), indicates that the Shin Yan 6 is intended to enhance scientific research cooperation and exchanges with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, further integrating science and education into the Belt and Road Initiative. The vessel has a complement of 60 crew members. The research initiative has been organised by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), a division of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The vessel is slated to undertake 28 scientific research projects, involving 13 research teams on board, covering a distance exceeding 12,000 nautical miles (approximately 22,200 km). Lin Qiang, the project leader and deputy director of SCSIO, anticipates that this voyage will bolster scientific research collaboration and exchanges with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, contributing to the integration of science and education to support the Belt and Road Initiative. Indian military strategists point out China's long-term plan to operate in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China has established a submarine base in Bangladesh in exchange for providing two submarines to Dhaka, reported India Today. Also watch | Is Sri Lanka veering towards China? Additionally, China has supplied an older submarine to Myanmar. With a submarine base in the Bay of Bengal and the supply of eight submarines to Pakistan in the Arabian Sea, China has significantly expanded its operational capabilities in these critical areas. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed that over the last two to two and a half decades, there has been a consistent rise in the Chinese naval activity within the Indian Ocean. He noted that there has been a significant expansion in the size of the Chinese Navy during this period. He said that with a substantially larger navy, its presence and deployments become more conspicuous, referring to instances such as China's construction of ports in Gwadar, Pakistan, and Hambantota, Sri Lanka, reported ANI. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Presence of Chinese 'research' ship Shi Yan 6 in Colombo is problematic for India. Here's why

<p>Puneet Khanna, the driving force behind the Hariawal Punjab Society NGO, and a multitude of volunteers are on a mission to transform the landscape of the Indian state of Punjab and combat the looming threat of climate change. They are leading the charge, demonstrating that grassroots efforts and community involvement can make a significant impact in the battle against climate change.&nbsp;Puneet shared his thoughts on the ambitious milestones the NGO strives to achieve.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The main motto of the Hariawal Punjab under the Hariawal Society NGO is to increase the green cover in Punjab. The green cover in Punjab is nearly 4 per cent, and we are trying to boost that. Till now, we have planted about 15 lakh (1.5 million) saplings till 2023. We are working on three things: tree plantation, water conservation, and waste management."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earthworms-emerge-as-the-unsung-heroes-of-global-grain-production-rivalling-russias-contribution-640924">Earthworms emerge as the unsung heroes of global grain production, rivalling Russia's contribution</a></p>

<p>Puneet's passion for the environment was evident as he continued, "We have planted 100 plus micro forests. Need and fear are the two guiding factors in our lives, and everyone joins our group with this concept. Punjab's population is around 3 crores, and it is our goal is that everyone grows at least one plant every year and takes care of it. When the green cover increases, it will bring stability to the environment."</p>

<p>They mostly grow native trees such as the sacred fig (peepal), margosa (neem), and banyan (bargad).&nbsp;Puneet added, "We also plant Moringa Oleifera (Sahijana), a traditional medicinal tree which has long been used to treat various ailments. This plant has the efficiency to cure more than 300 diseases. We also plant Indian rosewood (sheesham), Java Plum (jaamun), and mango (aam) trees. We do the plantation in the rainy season for four months."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/international-day-of-awareness-on-food-loss-and-waste-reduction-heres-how-food-waste-affects-the-environment-640920">Explained | Int’l day of awareness of food loss &amp; waste reduction: Here's how food waste affects environment</a></p>

<p>Their innovative approach extended to the community with initiatives like Har Ghar Nursery.</p>

<p>Puneet explained, "Many families, who are associated with us, plant mango seeds, Jamun and drake. They plant over a hundred saplings on their house roofs and then give them to us."</p>

<p>Planting such a large number of saplings, however, comes with its challenges.</p>

<p>The environmental activist said, "There is always a challenge whenever we do selfless service. This is volunteer work, and we do not take any funding from anyone. Time management is also a challenge, considering our studies, jobs, and time for family. Several sacrifices are made. When we kicked off this initiative, it was a challenge to find safe places and get people onboard as volunteers."</p>

<p>Despite these hurdles, their dedication prevailed.</p>

<p>"We have a good network now. We also check timely as to how many saplings that we planted have survived. Sacred fig (Peepal), margosa (neem), and Banyan (Bargad) are the longest-living plants and they live for thousands of years. It helps with absorbing carbon emissions and maintaining water level."</p>

<p>Looking to the future, Puneet shared insights into their vision, "We work on water conservation and how can we make every house equipped with rainwater harvesting. We organise workshops and programmes. We rejuvenate the old lakes aggressively, promoting drip irrigation and saving water at households and social places."</p>

<p>But their commitment to the environment didn't stop there.</p>

<p>Puneet pointed out at the need for waste management, saying, "If we reduce non-recyclable poly bags from circulation, there will be much more waste conservation. Single-use non-recyclable plastics are harmful. Microplastics have reached the placentas of unborn babies. There is a need for the segregation of waste and recycling of their envelopes. We also promoted eco-bricks. We call it 'act of survival'."</p>

<p>He pointed out the stark reminder of the consequences of inaction, "If we don't do this, groundwater which is being extracted from the third ground layer in Punjab will exhaust. There are lakhs of tubewells in Punjab. There is wastage of water everywhere, including in households and industries."</p>

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Puneet Khanna, the driving force behind the Hariawal Punjab Society NGO, and a multitude of volunteers are on a mission to transform the landscape of the Indian state of Punjab and combat the looming threat of climate change.

Puneet Khanna, the driving force behind the Hariawal Punjab Society NGO, and a multitude of volunteers are on a mission to transform the landscape of the Indian state of Punjab and combat the looming threat of climate change. They are leading the charge, demonstrating that grassroots efforts and community involvement can make a significant impact in the battle against climate change. Puneet shared his thoughts on the ambitious milestones the NGO strives to achieve. "The main motto of the Hariawal Punjab under the Hariawal Society NGO is to increase the green cover in Punjab. The green cover in Punjab is nearly 4 per cent, and we are trying to boost that. Till now, we have planted about 15 lakh (1.5 million) saplings till 2023. We are working on three things: tree plantation, water conservation, and waste management." Also Read | Earthworms emerge as the unsung heroes of global grain production, rivalling Russia's contribution Puneet's passion for the environment was evident as he continued, "We have planted 100 plus micro forests. Need and fear are the two guiding factors in our lives, and everyone joins our group with this concept. Punjab's population is around 3 crores, and it is our goal is that everyone grows at least one plant every year and takes care of it. When the green cover increases, it will bring stability to the environment." They mostly grow native trees such as the sacred fig (peepal), margosa (neem), and banyan (bargad). Puneet added, "We also plant Moringa Oleifera (Sahijana), a traditional medicinal tree which has long been used to treat various ailments. This plant has the efficiency to cure more than 300 diseases. We also plant Indian rosewood (sheesham), Java Plum (jaamun), and mango (aam) trees. We do the plantation in the rainy season for four months." Also Read | Explained | Int’l day of awareness of food loss & waste reduction: Here's how food waste affects environment Their innovative approach extended to the community with initiatives like Har Ghar Nursery. Puneet explained, "Many families, who are associated with us, plant mango seeds, Jamun and drake. They plant over a hundred saplings on their house roofs and then give them to us." Planting such a large number of saplings, however, comes with its challenges. The environmental activist said, "There is always a challenge whenever we do selfless service. This is volunteer work, and we do not take any funding from anyone. Time management is also a challenge, considering our studies, jobs, and time for family. Several sacrifices are made. When we kicked off this initiative, it was a challenge to find safe places and get people onboard as volunteers." Despite these hurdles, their dedication prevailed. "We have a good network now. We also check timely as to how many saplings that we planted have survived. Sacred fig (Peepal), margosa (neem), and Banyan (Bargad) are the longest-living plants and they live for thousands of years. It helps with absorbing carbon emissions and maintaining water level." Looking to the future, Puneet shared insights into their vision, "We work on water conservation and how can we make every house equipped with rainwater harvesting. We organise workshops and programmes. We rejuvenate the old lakes aggressively, promoting drip irrigation and saving water at households and social places." But their commitment to the environment didn't stop there. Puneet pointed out at the need for waste management, saying, "If we reduce non-recyclable poly bags from circulation, there will be much more waste conservation. Single-use non-recyclable plastics are harmful. Microplastics have reached the placentas of unborn babies. There is a need for the segregation of waste and recycling of their envelopes. We also promoted eco-bricks. We call it 'act of survival'." He pointed out the stark reminder of the consequences of inaction, "If we don't do this, groundwater which is being extracted from the third ground layer in Punjab will exhaust. There are lakhs of tubewells in Punjab. There is wastage of water everywhere, including in households and industries." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Exclusive: 1.5 million saplings and counting, boosting green cover of India's Punjab

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

India-Canada diplomatic row: Five Eyes explained

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

India's response to Canada's allegations

Indo-Canadian relations have been turbulent over the past few years. Canada's recent allegations against the Indian Government have only made things worse between the two countries. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed he has credible information of India being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, India has vehemently denied all the allegations and issued a series of retaliatory measures. Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar whose killing triggered India-Canada tensions?

Is Trudeau losing credibility after his claims against India?

Justin Trudeau's diminishing popularity has a lot to do with the numerous scandals he and his Liberal party have been a part of. Trudeau has had a fair share of controversies ever since he became the Prime Minister in 2015. What are some of the biggest scandals of Trudeau's career? Canadians are also displeased with how Trudeau has been handling inflation, high living costs and related issues.

Canada under Justin Trudeau’s leadership

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

Is Canada's Trudeau losing popularity?

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

How Azerbaijan ended the war for Nagorno-Karabakh?

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

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

<p>India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday (Sep 30), extended the deadline to exchange and deposit Rs 2,000 bank notes by another week, i.e. till Oct 7.</p>

<p>“It has been decided to extend the current arrangement for deposit/exchange of Rs 2,000 banknotes until October 07, 2023,” the central bank said in a statement.</p>

<p>RBI said that the Rs 2,000 notes “shall continue to be legal tender” even beyond October 7, but asked the public to deposit or exchange the notes “without any further delay”.</p>

<p>From October 8, the deposit, and exchange facilities at bank branches will be halted, and people will have to get them exchanged at 19 offices of RBI, the statement further added.</p>

<p>The people have so far returned Rs 3.42 lakh crore of Rs 2,000 notes since the announcement to withdraw these notes was made on May 19, the RBI said in a statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rs 2,000 notes shall continue to be legal tender even after Oct 7, but can be exchanged only at RBI offices, says Central bank</p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1708088251557240884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, the deadline to deposit or exchange Rs 2,000 notes was September 30, 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-row-with-canada-over-nijjars-murder-indias-jaishankar-urges-ottawa-to-share-specifics-641110">In Nijjar murder row with Canada, India's foreign minister Jaishankar urges Ottawa to share specifics</a></p>

<p>Last month, the RBI said that about 93 per cent of the Rs 2,000 banknotes were returned to the banking system since the central bank decided to withdraw the specific banknote from circulation in the month of May.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>RBI withdraws Rs 2,000 currency note from circulation</strong></h2>

<p>The Rs 2000 currency note was introduced in November 2016 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had demonetised the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes in its crusade against black money. It was introduced primarily to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after the withdrawal of the legal tender status of all Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes.</p>

<p>The objective of introducing Rs 2000 banknotes was met once banknotes in other denominations became available in adequate quantities and therefore, printing of ₹2000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19, the RBI had said in a press statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The exchange facility for Rs 2,000 banknotes up to Rs 20,000 at a time would be available from May 23,” the RBI had said, further advising the banks to stop issuing Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes with immediate effect.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday (Sep 30), extended the deadline to exchange and deposit Rs 2,000 bank notes by another week, i.

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

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

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

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

Indians with most runs in ICC ODI World Cups

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

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

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

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