International Day of Non-Violence is observed every year on the day of Gandhi Jayanti, October 2. The day was recognised by the United Nations in 2007 and marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi was a pioneer in the freedom movement of India and believed in non-violence. The day honours his timeless teachings of resolving conflicts by non-violent means and raising awareness.

<h2>History of International Day Of Non-Violence</h2>

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the International Day Of Non-Violence on June 15, 2007. It is observed on October 2 to raise awareness about the message of non-violence, inspired by the movement of Mahatma Gandhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lajja-themed-pandal-at-durga-puja-celebrations-in-kolkata-after-rg-kar-rape-murder-case-763798">'Lajja'-themed pandal at Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata after RG Kar rape-murder case</a>

The day aims to promote the message of peace and harmony in the global community. It is a reminder of Gandhi’s teachings and educating people about the effectiveness of non-violent approaches to show resistance against social or political movements.

<h2>Significance and importance&nbsp;of International Day Of Non-Violence</h2>

According to UNGA, International Day Of Non-Violence is commemorated to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The day signifies the importance of peaceful means to tackle conflicts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/political-stunt-controversy-erupts-as-idols-of-sai-baba-removed-from-up-temples-763646">‘Political stunt’: Controversy erupts as idols of Sai Baba removed from UP temples</a>

It is inspired by the teachings of Gandhi, who believed violence does not lead to peaceful solutions. Gandhi’s message of ‘Ahimsa’ remains a timeless message and urges people to adopt peace in their daily lives.

International Day Of Non-Violence highlights the importance of dialogue over violence. It urges people to employ similar means to seek justice and fight for what is right in a peaceful way.

In today’s world where violence is often witnessed, this day serves as a reminder to seek non-violent ways of resistance. It emphasises that violence is not the answer to resolve issues as violence often leads to more violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

International Day of Non-Violence is observed every year on the day of Gandhi Jayanti, October 2. The day was recognised by the United Nations in 2007 and marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

International Day of Non-Violence is observed every year on the day of Gandhi Jayanti, October 2. The day was recognised by the United Nations in 2007 and marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was a pioneer in the freedom movement of India and believed in non-violence. The day honours his timeless teachings of resolving conflicts by non-violent means and raising awareness. History of International Day Of Non-Violence The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the International Day Of Non-Violence on June 15, 2007. It is observed on October 2 to raise awareness about the message of non-violence, inspired by the movement of Mahatma Gandhi. Also read | 'Lajja'-themed pandal at Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata after RG Kar rape-murder case The day aims to promote the message of peace and harmony in the global community. It is a reminder of Gandhi’s teachings and educating people about the effectiveness of non-violent approaches to show resistance against social or political movements. Significance and importance of International Day Of Non-Violence According to UNGA, International Day Of Non-Violence is commemorated to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The day signifies the importance of peaceful means to tackle conflicts. Also read | ‘Political stunt’: Controversy erupts as idols of Sai Baba removed from UP temples It is inspired by the teachings of Gandhi, who believed violence does not lead to peaceful solutions. Gandhi’s message of ‘Ahimsa’ remains a timeless message and urges people to adopt peace in their daily lives. International Day Of Non-Violence highlights the importance of dialogue over violence. It urges people to employ similar means to seek justice and fight for what is right in a peaceful way. In today’s world where violence is often witnessed, this day serves as a reminder to seek non-violent ways of resistance. It emphasises that violence is not the answer to resolve issues as violence often leads to more violence. (With inputs from agencies)

International Day Of Non-Violence 2024: Check history, significance and key facts

From Barack Obama to Albert Einstein: Mahatma Gandhi inspired famous personalities around the world

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Raj Ghat to pay tributes to the ‘father of the nation’.<o:p></o:p>

The Prime Minister laid flowers at Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Gandhi in India’s national capital city, New Delhi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GandhiJayanti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GandhiJayanti</a> <a href="https://t.co/GE63jP2Nhe">pic.twitter.com/GE63jP2Nhe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1444122175519084547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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An ardent follower of Gandhi’s principles, PM Modi said Mahatma Gandhi’s principle are still globally relevant and provides strength to follow the route of non-violence to millions of people around the world.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

"Tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. I bow to respected Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. The life and ideals of Pujya Bapu will continue to inspire every generation of the country to walk on the path of duty. His noble principles are globally relevant and give strength to millions," he tweeted.

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राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी को उनकी जन्म-जयंती पर विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि। पूज्य बापू का जीवन और आदर्श देश की हर पीढ़ी को कर्तव्य पथ पर चलने के लिए प्रेरित करता रहेगा। 
 
I bow to respected Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. His noble principles are globally relevant and give strength to millions.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1444103866107121665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat state of India.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Gandhi was an ardent supporter of non-violence and a supporter of peace. In memory of him and to promote his values, October 02 is celebrated as International Day of Non-Violence all over the world.

<o:p>India's&nbsp;President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu also paid their respects at the Raj Ghat.</o:p>

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also reiterated his calls for peace on this occasion. “On this International Day of Non-Violence - Gandhi's birthday - let's heed his message of peace, and commit to building a better future for all,” he tweeted.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi also paid his respects to the former Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri.<o:p></o:p>

"Tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri ji on his birth anniversary. His life based on values and principles will always remain a source of inspiration for the countrymen," he tweeted.

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पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री लाल बहादुर शास्त्री जी को उनकी जयंती पर शत-शत नमन। मूल्यों और सिद्धांतों पर आधारित उनका जीवन देशवासियों के लिए हमेशा प्रेरणास्रोत बना रहेगा।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1444103920700178433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Shastri was also born on the same day as Mahatma Gandhi in 1904 in Mughalsarai district of Uttar Pradesh. Known for leading the country through an India-Pakistan war in 1965 and coining the popular phrase ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’, Shastri lost his life to a cardiac arrest on January 11, 1966.

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Raj Ghat to pay tributes to the ‘father of the nation’. The Prime Minister laid flowers at Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Gandhi in India’s national capital city, New Delhi.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Raj Ghat to pay tributes to the ‘father of the nation’. The Prime Minister laid flowers at Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Gandhi in India’s national capital city, New Delhi. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on #GandhiJayanti pic.twitter.com/GE63jP2Nhe — ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2021 × An ardent follower of Gandhi’s principles, PM Modi said Mahatma Gandhi’s principle are still globally relevant and provides strength to follow the route of non-violence to millions of people around the world. "Tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. I bow to respected Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. The life and ideals of Pujya Bapu will continue to inspire every generation of the country to walk on the path of duty. His noble principles are globally relevant and give strength to millions," he tweeted. राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी को उनकी जन्म-जयंती पर विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि। पूज्य बापू का जीवन और आदर्श देश की हर पीढ़ी को कर्तव्य पथ पर चलने के लिए प्रेरित करता रहेगा। I bow to respected Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. His noble principles are globally relevant and give strength to millions. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2021 × Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat state of India. Gandhi was an ardent supporter of non-violence and a supporter of peace. In memory of him and to promote his values, October 02 is celebrated as International Day of Non-Violence all over the world. India's President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu also paid their respects at the Raj Ghat. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also reiterated his calls for peace on this occasion. “On this International Day of Non-Violence - Gandhi's birthday - let's heed his message of peace, and commit to building a better future for all,” he tweeted. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi also paid his respects to the former Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri. "Tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri ji on his birth anniversary. His life based on values and principles will always remain a source of inspiration for the countrymen," he tweeted. पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री लाल बहादुर शास्त्री जी को उनकी जयंती पर शत-शत नमन। मूल्यों और सिद्धांतों पर आधारित उनका जीवन देशवासियों के लिए हमेशा प्रेरणास्रोत बना रहेगा। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2021 × Shastri was also born on the same day as Mahatma Gandhi in 1904 in Mughalsarai district of Uttar Pradesh. Known for leading the country through an India-Pakistan war in 1965 and coining the popular phrase ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’, Shastri lost his life to a cardiac arrest on January 11, 1966.

PM Modi pays respects to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary

On the occasion of International Day of Non-Violence, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for peace as he said, "Hatred, division and conflict have had their day".

Paying a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 152nd anniversary, Guterres urged that this is the time to usher in a new era of peace, trust and tolerance. "On this International Day of Non-Violence - Gandhi's birthday - let's heed his message of peace, and commit to building a better future for all," Guterres wrote on his official Twitter handle.&nbsp;

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Hatred, division and conflict have had their day. 
 
It is time to usher in a new era of peace, trust and tolerance. 
 
On this International Day of Non-Violence - Gandhi's birthday - let's heed his message of peace, and commit to building a better future for all.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1444106105093693440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

According to the General Assembly resolution of June 15, 2007, which established the commemoration, International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-barack-obama-to-albert-einstein-mahatma-gandhi-inspired-famous-personalities-around-the-world-417515">Also read |&nbsp;From Barack Obama to Albert Einstein: Mahatma Gandhi inspired famous personalities around the world</a>

Earlier, in his address during the 76th Session of the UNGA, the Secretary-General had warned global leaders that the world has never been more threatened or more divided, and is facing the "greatest cascade" of crises, citing the COVID pandemic, a global climate crisis, and unrest in Afghanistan and other countries as examples.

"I fear our world is creeping towards two different sets of economic, trade, financial, and technology rules, two divergent approaches in the development of artificial intelligence, and ultimately, two different military and geopolitical strategies," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahatma-gandhi-as-a-journalist-what-the-father-of-nation-said-about-newspapers-417484">Also read |&nbsp;Mahatma Gandhi as a journalist: What the Father of Nation said about newspapers&nbsp;</a>

He further added, "I am here to sound the alarm: The world must wake up. We are on the edge of an abyss — and moving in the wrong direction. Our world has never been more threatened. Or more divided. We face the greatest cascade of crises in our lifetimes."

On the occasion of International Day of Non-Violence, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for peace as he said, "Hatred, division and conflict have had their day".

On the occasion of International Day of Non-Violence, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for peace as he said, "Hatred, division and conflict have had their day". Paying a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his 152nd anniversary, Guterres urged that this is the time to usher in a new era of peace, trust and tolerance. "On this International Day of Non-Violence - Gandhi's birthday - let's heed his message of peace, and commit to building a better future for all," Guterres wrote on his official Twitter handle. Hatred, division and conflict have had their day. It is time to usher in a new era of peace, trust and tolerance. On this International Day of Non-Violence - Gandhi's birthday - let's heed his message of peace, and commit to building a better future for all. — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 2, 2021 × The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. According to the General Assembly resolution of June 15, 2007, which established the commemoration, International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence". Also read | From Barack Obama to Albert Einstein: Mahatma Gandhi inspired famous personalities around the world Earlier, in his address during the 76th Session of the UNGA, the Secretary-General had warned global leaders that the world has never been more threatened or more divided, and is facing the "greatest cascade" of crises, citing the COVID pandemic, a global climate crisis, and unrest in Afghanistan and other countries as examples. "I fear our world is creeping towards two different sets of economic, trade, financial, and technology rules, two divergent approaches in the development of artificial intelligence, and ultimately, two different military and geopolitical strategies," he said. Also read | Mahatma Gandhi as a journalist: What the Father of Nation said about newspapers He further added, "I am here to sound the alarm: The world must wake up. We are on the edge of an abyss — and moving in the wrong direction. Our world has never been more threatened. Or more divided. We face the greatest cascade of crises in our lifetimes."

UN Chief Antonio Guterres reiterates his call for peace on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary

Today&nbsp;is October 2nd, Mahatma Gandhi's 152nd birth anniversary.

While Indians know Mahatma Gandhi as a towering freedom fighter, the world knows him as a social reformer and politician, the man who beat the British empire. For some -- he was a spiritual guide, for others -- a political mentor. 
 
But there was another much less talked about part of his life; the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the journalist. That journey also began in South Africa, with him becoming the South African correspondent of The Voice of India, a newspaper started by Dadabhai Naoroji.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-i-want-to-make-a-film-about-gandhian-values-because-ahimsa-remains-a-timeless-human-virtue-anand-pandit-417437">I want to make a film about Gandhian values because 'ahimsa' remains a timeless human virtue: Anand Pandit</a>

During the second Boer war from 1899 to 1902, Mahatma Gandhi was a war correspondent.&nbsp;While in South Africa, he saw racial injustice, war and violence. Those experiences shaped his view on journalism.

Back then, in the absence of TVs or blogs, when newspapers were synonymous with Journalism, Gandhi said, “One of the objectives of a newspaper is to understand the popular feeling and give expression to it. Another to arouse among the people certain desirable sentiments and the third is to express fearlessly -- popular defects.”

You could put those words in any modern-day editorial and they wouldn't look out of place. 
 
In 1903 Mahatma Gandhi started publishing his own newspaper, The Indian Opinion, his mission was simple; Not to make money, or fame, but to bring change.

In Pics |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-barack-obama-to-albert-einstein-how-mahatma-gandhi-inspired-famous-personalities-around-the-world-417515">From Barack Obama to Albert Einstein: Mahatma Gandhi inspired famous personalities around the world</a> 
 
Many years later, in 1925 Gandhi explained his decision to become a journalist. He wrote, “I have taken up journalism, not for its sake, but merely as an aid to what I have conceived to be my mission in life. My mission is to teach by example and present under severe restraint the use of the matchless weapon of Satyagraha,”

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "the sole aim of journalism should be service."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-india-independence-so-many-female-freedom-fighters-but-so-little-screen-space-why-405195">India Independence: So many female freedom fighters, but so little screen space. Why?</a>

Even though his words and beliefs are nearly a century old, because of Mahatma Gandhi’s rare gift of foresight, they are still relevant to date. 
 
He himself never published advertisements, or sensationalised news. He believed in honest and measured reporting, which is why he despised advertisements, he never saw newspapers as a source of income, he saw them as a means to educate people.

“It is now an established practice with newspapers to depend for revenues mainly on advertisements rather than on subscriptions. The result has been deplorable. The very newspaper which writes against the evil of drink publishes advertisements in praise of drinks. In the same issue, we read of the harmful effects of tobacco as also from where to buy it.”

Something Gandhi once wrote in Young India, remains till date the quintessential advice for a journalist. &nbsp;“To be true to my faith, I may not write in anger or malice. I may not write idly. I may not write&nbsp; merely to excite passion. The reader can have no idea of the restraint I have to exercise from week to week in the choice of topics and my vocabulary. It is training for me.”

It is hard to argue with the logic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahatma-gandhi-could-not-celebrate-the-first-independence-day-in-delhi-heres-why-405000">Mahatma Gandhi could not celebrate the first Independence Day in Delhi. Here's why</a>

Even though he represented a rare kind of resolve, his opinions and beliefs were ironclad, he was never dismissive, and always gave diplomacy and talks -- a fair chance. 
 
It didn't matter who he was dealing with, the imperial racist -- Winston Churchill, or the Nazi dictator -- Adolf Hitler. In fact, Gandhi wrote an open letter to Hitler, which was never published.

Criticising Hitler's policies, he rejected the Nazi thought, but kept the door open for reform, “your writings and pronouncements leave no room for doubt that many of your acts are monstrous and unbecoming of human dignity. Such as your humiliation of Czechoslovakia, the rape of Poland and the swallowing of Denmark."

His advice to Hitler was clear, "It is a marvel to me that you do not see that war is nobody's monopoly. If not the British, some other power will certainly improve your method and beat you with your weapon. I, therefore appeal to you in the name of humanity to stop the war."

Time proved him right, Hitler lost the war and his life. 
 
Today when Expansionism is on the march again, there is talk of arms race and cold wars, and diplomacy is becoming the tool of last resort, world leaders would do well to remember the Mahatma's words.

On October 2nd, when we usually remember Gandhi, &nbsp;the freedom fighter and Gandhi -- the social reformer. Tomorrow, let's celebrate Gandhi -- the Journalist and Statesman, his principles, his restraint and his patience could hold the key to our geopolitical troubles.

Today is October 2nd, Mahatma Gandhi's 152nd birth anniversary. While Indians know Mahatma Gandhi as a towering freedom fighter, the world knows him as a social reformer and politician, the man who beat the British empire.

Today is October 2nd, Mahatma Gandhi's 152nd birth anniversary. While Indians know Mahatma Gandhi as a towering freedom fighter, the world knows him as a social reformer and politician, the man who beat the British empire. For some -- he was a spiritual guide, for others -- a political mentor. But there was another much less talked about part of his life; the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the journalist. That journey also began in South Africa, with him becoming the South African correspondent of The Voice of India, a newspaper started by Dadabhai Naoroji. Also read | I want to make a film about Gandhian values because 'ahimsa' remains a timeless human virtue: Anand Pandit During the second Boer war from 1899 to 1902, Mahatma Gandhi was a war correspondent. While in South Africa, he saw racial injustice, war and violence. Those experiences shaped his view on journalism. Back then, in the absence of TVs or blogs, when newspapers were synonymous with Journalism, Gandhi said, “One of the objectives of a newspaper is to understand the popular feeling and give expression to it. Another to arouse among the people certain desirable sentiments and the third is to express fearlessly -- popular defects.” You could put those words in any modern-day editorial and they wouldn't look out of place. In 1903 Mahatma Gandhi started publishing his own newspaper, The Indian Opinion, his mission was simple; Not to make money, or fame, but to bring change. In Pics | From Barack Obama to Albert Einstein: Mahatma Gandhi inspired famous personalities around the world Many years later, in 1925 Gandhi explained his decision to become a journalist. He wrote, “I have taken up journalism, not for its sake, but merely as an aid to what I have conceived to be my mission in life. My mission is to teach by example and present under severe restraint the use of the matchless weapon of Satyagraha,” As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "the sole aim of journalism should be service." Also read | India Independence: So many female freedom fighters, but so little screen space. Why? Even though his words and beliefs are nearly a century old, because of Mahatma Gandhi’s rare gift of foresight, they are still relevant to date. He himself never published advertisements, or sensationalised news. He believed in honest and measured reporting, which is why he despised advertisements, he never saw newspapers as a source of income, he saw them as a means to educate people. “It is now an established practice with newspapers to depend for revenues mainly on advertisements rather than on subscriptions. The result has been deplorable. The very newspaper which writes against the evil of drink publishes advertisements in praise of drinks. In the same issue, we read of the harmful effects of tobacco as also from where to buy it.” Something Gandhi once wrote in Young India, remains till date the quintessential advice for a journalist. “To be true to my faith, I may not write in anger or malice. I may not write idly. I may not write merely to excite passion. The reader can have no idea of the restraint I have to exercise from week to week in the choice of topics and my vocabulary. It is training for me.” It is hard to argue with the logic. Also read | Mahatma Gandhi could not celebrate the first Independence Day in Delhi. Here's why Even though he represented a rare kind of resolve, his opinions and beliefs were ironclad, he was never dismissive, and always gave diplomacy and talks -- a fair chance. It didn't matter who he was dealing with, the imperial racist -- Winston Churchill, or the Nazi dictator -- Adolf Hitler. In fact, Gandhi wrote an open letter to Hitler, which was never published. Criticising Hitler's policies, he rejected the Nazi thought, but kept the door open for reform, “your writings and pronouncements leave no room for doubt that many of your acts are monstrous and unbecoming of human dignity. Such as your humiliation of Czechoslovakia, the rape of Poland and the swallowing of Denmark." His advice to Hitler was clear, "It is a marvel to me that you do not see that war is nobody's monopoly. If not the British, some other power will certainly improve your method and beat you with your weapon. I, therefore appeal to you in the name of humanity to stop the war." Time proved him right, Hitler lost the war and his life. Today when Expansionism is on the march again, there is talk of arms race and cold wars, and diplomacy is becoming the tool of last resort, world leaders would do well to remember the Mahatma's words. On October 2nd, when we usually remember Gandhi, the freedom fighter and Gandhi -- the social reformer. Tomorrow, let's celebrate Gandhi -- the Journalist and Statesman, his principles, his restraint and his patience could hold the key to our geopolitical troubles.

Mahatma Gandhi as a journalist: What the Father of Nation said about newspapers

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-bid-to-curb-plastic-pollution-pepsi-and-coca-cola-sever-ties-with-plastics-industry-association-239706">plastic </a>bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-highlights-indias-efforts-for-sustainable-future-at-g-7-summit-245808">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, who is leading efforts to scrap such plastics by 2022, is set to launch the campaign with a ban on as many as six items on October 2, the birth anniversary of independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, two officials said.

These include plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachets, said the officials, who asked not to be identified, in line with government policy.

"The ban will be comprehensive and will cover manufacturing, usage and import of such items," one official said.

India's environment and housing ministries, the two main ministries leading the drive, did not respond to emails from Reuters to seek comment.

In an Independence Day speech on August 15, Modi had urged people and government agencies to "take the first big step" on October 2 towards freeing India of single-use plastic.

Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent&nbsp;of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show.

The European Union plans to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, forks, knives and cotton buds by 2021.

China's commercial hub of Shanghai is gradually reining in use of single-use plastics in catering, and its island province of Hainan has already vowed to completely eliminate single-use plastic by 2025.

India lacks an organised system for management of plastic waste, leading to widespread littering across its towns and cities.

The ban on the first six items of single-use plastics will clip 5 per cent&nbsp;to 10 per cent&nbsp;from India's annual consumption of about 14 million tonnes of plastic, the first official said.

Penalties for violations of the ban will probably take effect after an initial six-month period to allow people time to adopt alternatives, officials said.

Some Indian states have already outlawed polythene bags.

The federal government also plans tougher environmental standards for plastic products and will insist on the use of recyclable plastic only, the first source said.

It will also ask e-commerce companies to cut back on plastic packaging that makes up nearly 40 per cent&nbsp;of India's annual plastic consumption, officials say.

Cheap smartphones and a surge in the number of internet users have boosted orders for e-commerce companies, such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc's Flipkart, which wrap their wares - from books and medicines to cigarettes and cosmetics - in plastic, pushing up consumption.

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted.

India is set to impose a nationwide ban on plastic bags, cups and straws on October 2, officials said, in its most sweeping measure yet to stamp out single-use plastics from cities and villages that rank among the world's most polluted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is leading efforts to scrap such plastics by 2022, is set to launch the campaign with a ban on as many as six items on October 2, the birth anniversary of independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, two officials said. These include plastic bags, cups, plates, small bottles, straws and certain types of sachets, said the officials, who asked not to be identified, in line with government policy. "The ban will be comprehensive and will cover manufacturing, usage and import of such items," one official said. India's environment and housing ministries, the two main ministries leading the drive, did not respond to emails from Reuters to seek comment. In an Independence Day speech on August 15, Modi had urged people and government agencies to "take the first big step" on October 2 towards freeing India of single-use plastic. Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show. The European Union plans to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, forks, knives and cotton buds by 2021. China's commercial hub of Shanghai is gradually reining in use of single-use plastics in catering, and its island province of Hainan has already vowed to completely eliminate single-use plastic by 2025. India lacks an organised system for management of plastic waste, leading to widespread littering across its towns and cities. The ban on the first six items of single-use plastics will clip 5 per cent to 10 per cent from India's annual consumption of about 14 million tonnes of plastic, the first official said. Penalties for violations of the ban will probably take effect after an initial six-month period to allow people time to adopt alternatives, officials said. Some Indian states have already outlawed polythene bags. The federal government also plans tougher environmental standards for plastic products and will insist on the use of recyclable plastic only, the first source said. It will also ask e-commerce companies to cut back on plastic packaging that makes up nearly 40 per cent of India's annual plastic consumption, officials say. Cheap smartphones and a surge in the number of internet users have boosted orders for e-commerce companies, such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc's Flipkart, which wrap their wares - from books and medicines to cigarettes and cosmetics - in plastic, pushing up consumption.

India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on October 2: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a clarion call to make India plastic-free as the country gears up for ''mega festival'' on October 2, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a clarion call to make India plastic-free as the country gears up for ''mega festival'' on October 2, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme ''Mann Ki Baat'', Modi said the spirit of service has been an inseparable part of Mahatma Gandhi's life and added, as ''we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's 150th anniversary we'll not only be dedicating to him an open defecation free India but also kick-starting a mass movement for making India plastic-free,'' he said. The prime minister appealed to the Indians to celebrate ''this year's Gandhi Jayanti by freeing Mother India of plastic''. As India is preparing for the mega festival on October 2 the world is talking about it, he said. Clearing the air on how Bear Grylls understood his Hindi during Man vs Wild episode, Modi said technology acted as a bridge between him and the survival instructor. ''A lot of people wanted to know how Bear Grylls understood my Hindi. People asked whether it was edited or shot multiple times,'' Modi said and added ''Technology acted as a bridge between me and him (Grylls) as a cordless device attached to his ear translated Hindi into English simultaneously''. On Aug 29, on the occasion of National Sports Day, the government will launch 'Fit India Movement' in the country, Modi said. ''I want to see you fit and make you fitness conscious,'' Modi noted.

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi issues a clarion call to make India plastic-free

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