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Delhi in uncharted waters as Yamuna overflows

CM Kejriwal said that the entry of heavy vehicles, except those providing essential services have been banned during this period…reports Asian Lite News

Delhi in uncharted waters as Yamuna continues to flow at 208.62 metres, above the danger mark, however, no changes were recorded in the water levels of the river in the past two hours, an official statement said on Thursday.

The water level at 1 pm and 2 pm was recorded as 208.62 metres; it was found to be the same even at 3 pm. Earlier today, the Yamuna River in the national capital continued to flow over the danger mark, with the water level reaching 208.46 metres.

Further, according to officials, the water level of the Yamuna, on the Old Railway Bridge, was recorded at 208.46 metres at 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Looking at the grim situation, the Delhi Government on Thursday announced that all Delhi schools and colleges will remain closed till Sunday and government offices, except those providing essential services, will resort to work from home.

CM Kejriwal said that the entry of heavy vehicles, except those providing essential services have been banned during this period.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi said that there is a possibility of water entering the Nigam Bodh Ghat, which could hamper cremation activities, adding that people are advised not to venture to the open-air cremation ground and use some other ground instead.

Meanwhile the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted that South-West Delhi and adjoining areas is likely to receive light to moderate intensity rain on Thursday.

Reguesting Delhiites, residing in flood affected areas, to not leave their houses if not essential, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Yamuna River’s water level will reach its peak by 3-4 pm Thursday and then it will start receeding.

“I would like to request people to not step out if it is not essential and resort to Work from Home. We have closed the schools in affected areas. We are also trying to provide all facilities at the relief camps. As per the CWC (Central Water Commission) prediction, the peak (of river Yamuna’s water level) will reach by 3-4 pm today and it will then start going down,” Kejriwal said.

He further informed that about 25 per cent water supply in the national capital has been affected due to the flood situation but assured that the water supply in these areas will restart.

Over 23,000 people evacuated

A total of 23,692 people were evacuated on Thursday from the adjacent areas of the Yamuna River in Delhi, as the water level continues to rise, continuously surpassing the danger mark, an official statement said.

The Delhi Government reported that 21,092 people are currently residing in tents and shelters. Additionally, 12 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescued 1,022 individuals on Thursday. Meanwhile, the water level of the Yamuna River in Delhi decreased to 208.63 meters at 10 p.m., providing some relief.

NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi said that the situation in the national capital has improved.

“The situation (in Delhi) has improved from yesterday. The NDRF’s seven teams have been deployed in Delhi. People have been evacuated from the affected areas. The situation is under control, and it might improve by tomorrow,” he said.

Several buses and trucks were stranded following the ban on entry of Heavy goods Vehicles (essential and emergency services are exempted) in the city as the rise in the water level of the Yamuna River leads to a flood-like situation in several areas of the city.

Delhi LG chairs meeting

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Thursday chaired the meeting of Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to review the prevailing flooding situation in the national capital.

LG Saxena who is also the Chairperson of Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) chaired the meeting in which several decisions were taken. “In the meeting it was decided that schools and colleges / universities across Delhi, Non-essential government offices will remain closed till Sunday, July 16, 2023.Private establishments and offices are advised to work from home.The interstate buses coming to ISBT Kashmere Gate will be stopped at Singhu Border. From there Delhi Transport Corporation buses will provide ferry to passengers from there.Crematoriums in the vicinity of those closed down due to rising water levels, to remain in state of preparedness,” an official statement issued by Raj Niwas said.

Business and commercial establishments in and around Kashmere Gate to be asked to close till the situation improves, statement said. According to official notification people who have been evacuated out of the flooded areas to be shifted to neighbouring Government school buildings. Rationalization of water supply in the city, in light of closing down of WTPs at Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla to ensure drinking water supply.

ALSO READ-Pakistan upgrades flood warning

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SCO nations adopt Delhi Declaration

New Delhi, July 04 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi at SCO Summit via video conferencing, in New Delhi on Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and others also seen. (ANI Photo)

SCO member states also noted the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of states under the pretext of countering terrorism and extremism…reports Asian Lite News

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members reaffirmed strong commitment to fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism, including the elimination of sleeper cells and places used as ‘safe havens’ for terrorists, stated the New Delhi Declaration after the conclusion of the summit under India’s presidency.

The SCO summit concluded under India’s presidency earlier in the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state of other SCO nations virtually participated in the event. India assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO at the Samarkand Summit of SCO on September 16 last year. The theme of India’s Chairmanship of SCO in 2023 is ‘SECURE-SCO’.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Delhi Declaration stated, “Reaffirming their strong commitment to fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism, the Member States are determined to continue taking active measures to eliminate the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, to disrupt the terror financing channels, to suppress recruitment activities and cross-border movement of terrorists, to counter extremism, and radicalization of youth, the dissemination of terrorist ideology, as well as to eliminate “sleeper cells” and places used as terrorist safe havens”.

The SCO member states also noted the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of states under the pretext of countering terrorism and extremism, as well as unacceptability of using terrorist, extremist and radical groups for mercenary goals.

The member states consider it important to build up joint coordinated efforts by the international community to counter the attempts to involve young people in the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups.

“The Member States note the effective activities of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in promoting cooperation between competent authorities in countering terrorism, separatism and extremism, including the implementation of the relevant Program for 2022-2024. The importance of implementing practical measures aimed at expanding its capabilities to strengthen cooperation in these areas was emphasized,” the declaration stated.

It added, “Subject to their national laws and on the basis of consensus, the Member States will seek to develop common principles and approaches to form a unified list of terrorist, separatist and extremist organizations whose activities are prohibited on the territories of the SCO Member States”.

The Member States emphasize a key role of the UN in countering threats in the information space, creating a safe, fair and open information space built on the principles of respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

The member states categorically opposed the militarization of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

“They support development of universal rules, principles and norms of responsible behavior of states in this area, and in particular, welcome the development under the auspices of the UN of a comprehensive international convention against the use of ICT for criminal purposes. The Member States will continue cooperation within the framework of specialized negotiating mechanisms at the UN and other international platforms,” the declaration stated.

It added, “The Member States have expressed their concern about the growing threats posed by increased production, trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs and using the proceeds of illicit drug-trafficking as a source of funding for terrorism. They stressed the need for a joint and balanced approach to countering trafficking of illicit drugs and their precursors, and noted the importance of implementing the international drug control conventions and other relevant legal regulatory instruments”.

The Member States also focussed on the illicit drug trafficking and their non-medical consumption posing threat to international and regional security and stability, sustainable economic development of states, health and well-being of people, as well as the exercise of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Emphasizing the importance of consolidating forces in the fight against illicit drug-trafficking and wide cooperation in this area, the member states will continue implementing the SCO ‘Anti-Drug Strategy’ for 2018-2023 and Action Plan for its implementation.

The Member States intend to further conduct joint anti-drug operations on a regular basis.

According to the Ministry, the SCO member states also focussed on continuation of the nuclear disarmament process mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.

“The Member States that are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons are in favour of strict observance of the provisions of the Treaty, the comprehensive balanced promotion of all the goals and principles fixed therein, strengthening of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, continuation of the nuclear disarmament process, as well as the promotion of an equitable, mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes,” the release stated.

It added, “The Member States stand for responding to global and regional security challenges and threats through political and diplomatic means on a multilateral basis and will strengthen cooperation and actively promote the multilateral arms control, disarmament and non- proliferation process, including efforts within the framework of the Conference on Disarmament”.

The Member States advocated keeping outer space free of weapons of any kind and state the importance of strict observance of existing legal regime, which provides for solely peaceful use of outer space.

They emphasized the need to conclude an international legally- binding document that would enhance transparency and provide reliable guarantees to prevent an arms race and not be the first to deploy weapons in outer space.

The SCO member states also emphasised the importance of the Convention on Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BTWC) as one of pillars of the global security architecture.

“They emphasized the need for strict adherence to the BTWC, in particular, through adoption of a Protocol to the Convention which provides for an effective verification mechanism. They oppose creating any mechanisms duplicating the BTWC functions, including those that fall within the mandate of the UN Security Council,” the Ministry stated in the declaration.

The Member States called out for full compliance with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC) as an effective instrument in disarmament and non-proliferation.

The SCO member states also emphasized the significance of early destruction of all declared stockpiles of chemical weapons. The Member States reaffirm their support for Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and advocate for concerted decisions to bridge divisions within the Organization, ensure its integrity and operate effectively under the Convention.

“The Member States also consider the sustainable implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan on the Iranian nuclear program to be important and, in accordance with Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council, urge all the participants to strictly fulfill their obligations for comprehensive and effective implementation of the document,” the Ministry stated in the declaration. (ANI)

ALSO READ-SCO SUMMIT: Modi slams ‘double standards’ on terrorism

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New York outranks New Delhi in air pollution

Celebrating the Holiday season in New York City.(photo:IANSLIFE)

US media and government have long taunted India’s capital for its air quality but now the US financial capital got a first-hand experience of the environmental problem….writes Arul Louis

The US financial capital’s air hit the world’s worst air pollution level for cities on Tuesday night topping New Delhi, prompting New York Mayor Erid Adams to issue an alert asking people to limit outdoor activities.

He said that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) number hit 218 because of smoke from forest fires in Canada up north.

At the time New Delhi’s AQI number was in the 190 range.

As the city choked on the drifting smoke, iIts skyline turned into various shades of grey and, as the evening sun filtered through, orange, obscuring the tops of some of the high-rise buildings.

New York’s media and the US government have long taunted India’s capital for its air quality but now the US financial capital got a first-hand experience of the environmental problem.

The New York Times, for example, has touted headlines like, “What India Looks Like When the Air Turns to Poison” and “Choking on Air in New Delhi”.

The US Embassy in New Delhi maintains an online dashboard of air quality data for the capital and five other cities.

Raging fires in forests of Quebec and other parts of Canada in recent days have flooded the US northeast with smoke setting off health and environmental alarms.

According to IQAir, which monitors air quality in real time around the world, the AQI index number was down to 161 for New York at 7.30 p.m. in India and 9 a.m. in New York on Wednesday compared to 191 for New Delhi.

New Delhi: Smog engulfs the national capital as the air quality worsens, on Nov 15, 2019. The air pollution emergency in Delhi has aggravated with the air quality index (AQI) spiking sharply to 528 on Friday morning.The AQI on Thursday was much lower at 470 in the ‘severe plus’ category. The PM 10 count was also in the severe plus category at 496 and PM 2.5 count was at 324.(Photo: IANS)



Despite the reprieve, Adams said that the conditions “are expected to deteriorate further” on Wednesday afternoon and night.

New York still remained the city with the second-most air pollution level.

Unlike in New Delhi where the worst air quality problems are man-made, fueled by farmers burning the remnants of the harvests, in the US forest fires – an annular feature of summer and late spring – are responsible.

The current wave of forest infernos in Canada has spread over 3.3 million hectares, according to reports, covering also several other provinces.

Last year, the US had one of its worst forest fire seasons that engulfed 146,680 and led to the evacuation of many towns.

ALSO READ: Here are the most expensive cities for expats

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Chennai sink Delhi, storm into playoff

New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Chennai Super Kings Devon Conway plays a shot in a match against Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League 2023, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo/Digital Restriction)

Chennai outplayed Delhi comprehensively in every department in front of a vociferous crowd sporting yellow jerseys in heaps…writes Niharika Raina

Devon Conway hit 87 while Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed 79 and shared a huge 141-run opening partnership in setting the base for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) becoming the second team to qualify for IPL 2023 Playoffs after thrashing a listless Delhi Capitals by 77 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.

After fireworks from Conway and Gaikwad, followed by cameos from Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja propelled Chennai to a massive 223/3 on what was called a sluggish pitch, the M.S. Dhoni-led side took three wickets in Power-play and made strikes regularly to restrict Delhi to 146/9, despite David Warner waging a lone battle with a fighting 86.

Gaikwad produced a stunning exhibition of back-foot shots in hitting three fours and seven sixes in his 50-ball knock while Conway was pristine in his strokeplay during his 52-ball innings to hit 11 fours and three sixes as Chennai unleashed carnage on an off-colour Delhi bowling line-up.

On a hot afternoon, Delhi’s pacers and spinners are being taken to the cleaners constantly on going too full or short in their lengths. Such was the effect of the carnage that Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel didn’t complete their full quota of overs, as Chennai outplayed Delhi comprehensively in every department in front of a vociferous crowd sporting yellow jerseys in heaps.

Electing to bat first, Chennai began aggressively with Gaikwad whipping nicely for fours off Khaleel Ahmed and Lalit Yadav. Devon Conway brought up 1000th six of the tournament by dancing down the pitch to drive over Lalit Yadav’s head into the sightscreen. Conway then feasted on full and short balls from Khaleel to pick fours via flick and slash in the third over.

Despite the introduction of Axar and Anrich Nortje, there was no stopping Chennai as Gaikwad lofted off the former for a six over cover while Conway pulled off his wrists and brought out a drive presenting the full face of the bat off the tearaway pacer for back-to-back fours as 50 runs came in just five overs.

Gaikwad’s brilliance on the backfoot continued when he pulled Kuldeep in the seventh over and broke a lull of three boundary-less overs by rocking back twice to hit sixes off Axar, before getting his fifty in 37 balls.

After Conway whipped and pulled off Sakariya for back-to-back fours in the eleventh over, Gaikwad smacked a hat-trick of sixes off Kuldeep’s fuller balls in the next over. A clean loft over long-off was followed by clearing wide long-on and bowler’s head with immaculate ease.

Gaikwad’s sterling run continued when he used Nortje’s pace to pull over fine-leg for six, followed by Conway hitting a maximum by effortlessly whipping a delivery from Khaleel to reach his fifty in 33 balls, before pulling again off the pacer for four more in the 14th over.

After Gaikwad miscued to deep square leg off a slower ball from Sakariya, Conway marched forward by upper-cutting off him and thumping Lalit over his head for a brace of fours.

Dube joined the party by smashing Lalit down the ground for six before Conway chipped off the backfoot to hit a four between long-on and long-off. The New Zealander got an outside edge off Nortje for four and followed it up with a sizzling short-arm jab for six.

Dube’s fruitful promotion to three continued when his mistimed swing still cleared deep mid-wicket off Khaleel and cleanly swung over the bowler’s head for a brace of sixes, before he and Conway holed out in quick succession.

Jadeja brought up Chennai’s 200 by smashing Nortje over long-on for six and steered one past backward point for four more. Jadeja flicked and swiped off Sakariya for back-to-back fours in the final over yielding 16 runs, despite Dhoni not hitting a boundary.

In such a tall chase, Delhi needed big runs from the word go but didn’t get it. Prithvi Shaw mistimed his loft to mid-off, off Tushar Deshpande while Deepak Chahar had Phil Salt chipping straight to cover and Rilee Rossouw chopping onto his stumps off consecutive deliveries as Delhi were in tatters at 26/3 in 4.5 overs.

But Warner waged a lone battle, smashing boundaries off Deshpande and Chahar with ease, before ending the Power-play with a pulled six off Maheesh Theekshana. The Delhi skipper hoicked Jadeja for six, before taking boundaries off him and Theekshana to reach his fifty in 32 balls, despite losing Yash Dhull, who miscued to backward point off the left-arm spinner.

Axar Patel drove Matheesha Pathirana for four and hit a straight six down the ground off Jadeja. Warner punched and hoicked Jadeja for a four and six, before reverse-sweeping off him for another maximum in the 13th over, which yielded 23 runs.

Chahar provided the breakthrough by having Axar hole out to long-on. Aman Khan mistimed one to extra cover off Pathirana, while Warner fell after holing out to long-on off Pathirana, followed by Theekshana taking two more wickets, adding more joy to Chennai’s perfect day on the field.

Brief scores:

Chennai Super Kings 223/3 in 20 overs (Devon Conway 87, Ruturaj Gaikwad 79; Chetan Sakariya 1-36) beat Delhi Capitals 146/9 in 20 overs (David Warner 86; Deepak Chahar 3-22, Maheesh Theekshana 2-23) by 77 runs

ALSO READ-Delhi hurt Punjab’ playoff hopes

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India-Russia ties look up ahead of Putin’s possible Delhi visit in July

Russia continues to back India as a permanent member in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC)…reports Asian Lite News

India and Russia held “a confidential exchange of views” in Goa to drive forward the dynamics of cooperation in key areas of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between both countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who held a bilateral on the sidelines of the ongoing meeting of Foreign Ministers of the member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), discussed ways to strengthen coordination activities between New Delhi and Moscow.

The interaction becomes more significant as it took place ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) Summit which is scheduled to be held on July 3-4 in the Indian capital and is expected to witness an in-person participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“A confidential exchange of views took place on the main issues of bilateral relations, including the schedule of upcoming contacts, as well as topical issues on the global and regional agenda,” said the Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement after the Jaishankar-Lavrov meeting.

The parties also agreed to continue following the course of building a fair multipolar system of interstate relations besides developing common approaches within the framework of interaction at the most important international platforms – the SCO, BRICS, the UN, and the G20.

“Comprehensive review of our bilateral, global and multilateral cooperation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. Appreciated Russia’s support for India’s SCO presidency. Also discussed issues pertaining to G20 and BRICS,” tweeted EAM Jaishankar.

This is Lavrov’s second visit to India in as many months. He was in New Delhi in March to attend the G20 Ministerial Council meeting which brought together foreign ministers of the world’s leading economies.

Both ministers have been discussing issues concerning trade and investment, transport and logistics cooperation, the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, and promising projects in the energy sector.

They have also regularly exchanged assessments of topical international issues, including interaction under the Indian chairmanship of the SCO and the G20, as well as the formation of security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the state of affairs in Afghanistan, and the situation in Ukraine.

Russia continues to back India as a permanent member in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

As Jaishankar and Lavrov met in Goa, MEA Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma met Russia’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Vershinin in Moscow on Wednesday to hold bilateral consultations on UN-related issues.

Verma was in the Russian capital to co-chair the 12th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on countering terrorism and India-Russia bilateral consultations on UN and multilateral issues. The first meeting stressed the importance of further development of international cooperation on the issues of combating the use of modern technologies for terrorist purposes, the spread of terrorist and extremist ideology, as well as to curb the financing and other material support of terrorism.

ALSO READ-Poland strengthens border fence with Russia to keep migrants out

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China’s defence minister to visit Delhi for SCO meet

Following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, this is the first time that a Chinese Defence Minister will visit India…reports Asian Lite News

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu will make his maiden visit to India to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting planned to be held this week, said Chinese Defence Ministry.

The Chinese Defence Ministry said that from Thursday to Friday (April 27, 28), the Chinese Defence Minister will take part in SCO and will make a speech and meet with the head of delegations from other countries. Global Times, in a tweet, said, “Chinese State Councilor and Defence Minister Li Shangfu will attend a defence ministers’ meeting among members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation from Thursday to Friday in India. He will make a speech and meet with head of delegations from other countries: Chinese Defence Ministry.”

Following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, this is the first time that a Chinese Defence Minister will visit India.

Li Shangfu, a US-sanctioned general, was named as China’s new Defence Minister a month ago. Li has been under US sanctions since 2018 and his appointment comes at a time of increasingly strained relations between Beijing and Washington.

Li Shangfu, an aerospace expert, was voted unanimously by the country’s rubber-stamp parliament, the National People’s Congress to replace outgoing defence chief Wei Fenghe.

China and India have a long history of border transgressions and a recent one was witnessed in December 2022 in Arunachal Pradesh.

Prior to that, a clash was witnessed in Galwan in June 2020 when the Chinese troops tried to aggressively change the status quo on LAC in eastern Ladakh. Twenty Indian soldiers died in the Galwan Valley clash which was fought in hand-to-hand combat in sub-zero temperatures on the near pitch-black night of June 15 and June 16, 2020.

Rajnath likely to hold talks with Chinese counterpart

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart. Before the SCO meet, the 18th round of India-China Corps Commander level talks held on Sunday, but it failed to make headway on the contentious issue of the Depsang Plains and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

The repeated attempts by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to violate the LAC, leading to tension in Ladakh, spurred the institution of the Corps Commander-level meetings.

While the two sides agreed on mutual withdrawals from Pangong Tso, Gogra, and Hot Springs, the Depsang Plains and Demchok remain points of contention and tension.

The Defence Ministers will discuss amongst other issues matters concerning regional peace and security, counter terrorism efforts within SCO and an effective multilateralism. According to the Defence Ministry officials, the theme of India’s Chairmanship of SCO in 2023 is ‘SECURE-SCO’. India attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions in the region. The ongoing engagement with SCO has helped India promote its relations with the countries in the region with which India has share

Following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, this is the first time that a Chinese Defence Minister will visit India

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu will make his maiden visit to India to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting planned to be held this week, said Chinese Defence Ministry.

The Chinese Defence Ministry said that from Thursday to Friday (April 27, 28), the Chinese Defence Minister will take part in SCO and will make a speech and meet with the head of delegations from other countries. Global Times, in a tweet, said, “Chinese State Councilor and Defence Minister Li Shangfu will attend a defence ministers’ meeting among members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation from Thursday to Friday in India. He will make a speech and meet with head of delegations from other countries: Chinese Defence Ministry.”

Following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, this is the first time that a Chinese Defence Minister will visit India.

Li Shangfu, a US-sanctioned general, was named as China’s new Defence Minister a month ago. Li has been under US sanctions since 2018 and his appointment comes at a time of increasingly strained relations between Beijing and Washington.

Li Shangfu, an aerospace expert, was voted unanimously by the country’s rubber-stamp parliament, the National People’s Congress to replace outgoing defence chief Wei Fenghe.

China and India have a long history of border transgressions and a recent one was witnessed in December 2022 in Arunachal Pradesh.

Prior to that, a clash was witnessed in Galwan in June 2020 when the Chinese troops tried to aggressively change the status quo on LAC in eastern Ladakh. Twenty Indian soldiers died in the Galwan Valley clash which was fought in hand-to-hand combat in sub-zero temperatures on the near pitch-black night of June 15 and June 16, 2020.

Rajnath likely to hold talks with Chinese counterpart

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart. Before the SCO meet, the 18th round of India-China Corps Commander level talks held on Sunday, but it failed to make headway on the contentious issue of the Depsang Plains and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

The repeated attempts by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to violate the LAC, leading to tension in Ladakh, spurred the institution of the Corps Commander-level meetings.

While the two sides agreed on mutual withdrawals from Pangong Tso, Gogra, and Hot Springs, the Depsang Plains and Demchok remain points of contention and tension.

The Defence Ministers will discuss amongst other issues matters concerning regional peace and security, counter terrorism efforts within SCO and an effective multilateralism. According to the Defence Ministry officials, the theme of India’s Chairmanship of SCO in 2023 is ‘SECURE-SCO’. India attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions in the region. The ongoing engagement with SCO has helped India promote its relations with the countries in the region with which India has shared civilisational linkages, and is considered India’s extended neighbourhood civilisational linkages, and is considered India’s extended neighbourhood.

ALSO READ-Pak Defence Minister to skip SCO meet in Delhi

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Piyush Goyal flags off G20 run in Delhi

Speaking on the occassion, Lithuania Ambassador Diana Mickeviciene appealed to the youth to run and get inspired by the life of athlete Milkha Singh…reports Asian Lite News

Union Minister Piyush Goyal along with Lithuania Ambassador to India Diana Mickeviciene on Sunday flagged off ‘Gandhi Darshan, G-20 Yuva Slum Daud’ at Amardev Public School in the national capital.

While addressing the public gathered at the event, Piyush Goyal said, “PM Modi has encouraged our children to develop the habit of playing sports. He is inculcating the culture of sports in society”. The Union Minister mentioned that the country is moving forward on the vision of Mahatma Gandhi under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

“Gandhiji talked about Swachhta and PM Modi spread his message and implemented the schemes related to Swachhta in the whole country. Swachhta has become part of our lives now. Now the country is moving forward on the vision of Mahatma Gandhi under the leadership and governance of Prime Minister Modi,” he said.

Goyal also took to Twitter to post,” Jo Khelega vo khilega! With this mantra today the G20 youth slum race was flagged off. Our youth are the strength of this country and are going to raise the prestige of this country in times to come”.

Speaking on the occassion, Lithuania Ambassador Diana Mickeviciene appealed to the youth to run and get inspired by the life of athlete Milkha Singh.

“Ten years ago I watched a movie, Bhag Milkha Bhag, today many Milkhas are among you. So keep running,” she said.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva along with Bjp leader Vijay Goel also attended the event.

In this regard, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva took to Twitter to post, “Flagged off Gandhi Darshan G-20 Youth Slum Run today along with Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Vijay Goel. The objective of this run is to highlight the sporting talent of the youth of the slums of Delhi”. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Second G20 Framework Working Group meeting concludes

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New Delhi hosts top diplomats from around the world

Jaishankar also held conversations with Netherlands Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Wopke Hoekstra and South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor…reports Asian Lite News

Ahead of the G20 Foreign Minister’s Meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Argentina’s Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero, Netherlands Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Wopke Hoekstra and South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

“So nice to welcome FM @SantiagoCafiero of Argentina this evening. Glad to see the steady progress in our relations. Trade has expanded significantly even as defence cooperation unfolds. Our nuclear partnership has also been mutually beneficial.” Jaishankar will chair two sessions at the foreign ministers’ meeting on Thursday.

“The first session will focus on multilateralism, and issues related to food and energy. The second session will focus on four or five key issues including new and emerging threats including counter-terrorism and narcotics, global skill mapping, and focus on global talent pools,” said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

Netherlands’ Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra, Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, Argentinian Foreign Minister Santiago Andres Cafiero, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Abul Kalam Abdul Momen reached India on Wednesday to participate in the Foreign Ministers’ meeting to be held under G20 during March 1 and 2 in the National Capital. “A warm welcome to India! FM @SantiagoCafiero of Argentina @ArgentinaMFA, FM @melaniejoly of Canada @CanadaFP, FM @WBHoekstra of Netherlands @DutchMFA and FM @VivianBala of Singapore @MFAsg arrive in New Delhi for #G20FMM. FMs of Canada & Singapore will also attend #Raisina2023,” tweeted Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday on the arrival of the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Argentina, Singapore, Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar also received a Football jersey from his Argentina counterpart.

Today, Jaishankar also held conversations with Netherlands Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Wopke Hoekstra and South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

“Delighted to meet DPM and FM of Netherlands @WBHoekstra today. Welcome his participation in #G20FMM A good discussion on technology, mobility and innovation. Exchanged perspectives on Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific,” Jaishankar tweeted.

“Always a pleasure to meet FM Naledi Pandor of South Africa. This time in New Delhi for #G20FMM. Discussed G20 focus areas and the agenda of our Ministerial. Also exchanged views on BRICS. Appreciated the growth in our bilateral relationship,” he said in a tweet.

The G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) is scheduled to take place in physical format from March 1-2, 2023 in New Delhi under India’s presidency.

The March 1-2 meeting of the G20 foreign ministers is being held days after a meeting of finance chiefs of the bloc in Bengaluru.

The New Delhi meeting is being attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. In all, representatives of 40 countries, including non-G20 members invited by India, and multilateral organisations will attend. (ANI)

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India News

Delhi most polluted in world on Diwali

According to data, Lahore in Pakistan and Delhi were the two most polluted cities in the world on Diwali…reports Asian Lite News

On Monday, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to “very poor” with maximum temperature reaching 31.2 degrees Celsius, slightly below the season’s normal.

According to data, Lahore in Pakistan and Delhi were the two most polluted cities in the world on Diwali.

According to the Swiss organisation IQAir, the air quality in Delhi on Diwali Monday became “very poor” due to an increase in the burning of stubble, the use of firecrackers, and relatively unfavourable climatic circumstances that permitted the accumulation of pollutants.

Meanwhile, a day after Diwali, Delhi was wrapped in a blanket of smog as the air quality on Tuesday remained in the “very poor” category with the overall air quality index (AQI) 323.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the AQI in the overall Delhi region was in the ‘very poor’ category at 323. However, in Lodhi Road, the AQI was in the ‘poor’ category at 273.

In the Delhi University area and Pusa the AQI remained in ‘very poor’ category at 365 and 322 respectively. Further, near IIT Delhi, the AQI was in ‘poor’ category at 280. At Mathura Road, the AQI was in the ‘very poor’ category at 322. Around Delhi airport, the AQI remained in the ‘very poor’ category at 354.

Meanwhile, firecracker waste was seen in various parts of Delhi and national capital region post-Diwali celebrations.

Pertinent to mention, Delhi government banned the production, storage, sale, and bursting of firecrackers this year as well and imposed fines and jail terms in case of violation.

In a bid to reduce vehicular pollution, the Delhi Government also announced the ‘Red Light On Gaadi Off’ campaign.

Under the campaign, public representatives and officials will motivate commuters to turn their vehicles off at red lights in a bid to curb vehicular pollution.

The air quality in the national capital is also affected because of stubble burning in surrounding Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan in the winter. 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s government said last week that people who let off firecrackers during Diwali would face up to six months in jail, under a broader ban introduced to help combat extreme winter pollution.

Delhi is the world’s most polluted capital and its air becomes particularly bad from mid-December to February as heavy, cold air traps dust, vehicle emissions and smoke from burning crop stubble in states like Punjab and Haryana.

“Kejriwal’s minister had threatened to put those burning firecrackers in jail,” said Amit Malviya, who runs the BJP’s national information and technology department, posting a video of firecrackers lighting up the Delhi night sky.

“Where is Kejriwal who was trying to do such audacity with Hindus? Is there any prison that can accommodate so many people?”

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal posted two graphics on Twitter showing that Delhi’s air quality had improved in the last three years.

“Have we won the war against pollution and am I satisfied? Not at all,” Kejriwal said. “It is encouraging that we are no more the world’s most polluting city. It encourages us that we are on the right track.”

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Saudi Crown to visit Delhi in Nov

Saudi Arabia hosted the G-20 in 2020, and discussions will focus on the agenda for the G-20 in India next year, with a summit in Delhi in September 2023…reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Mohammad bin Salman (MbS) is likely to visit India on his way to Indonesia in mid-November, to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit is expected to last a few hours on November 14, and both leaders are expected to depart for Bali to attend the G-20 summit there on November 15-16.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who visited Riyadh in September for bilateral talks, had conveyed Modi’s invitation to Salman, asking him to visit at an “early date”. Sources say the visit of the Saudi leader could cast doubt over Modi’s attendance at meetings with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the 18-member East Asian Summit (EAS) leaders meeting in Cambodia around the same time.

During their meeting, Salman and PM Modi are expected to exchange views on the present energy security scenario due to the Russian war in Ukraine, and the western coalition sanctions that neither India nor the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has joined. The visit has geopolitical significance given U.S.-Saudi tensions over oil production cuts by the OPEC+ grouping that includes Russia, after which U.S. President Joseph Biden, who will also be in Bali, had warned of “consequences” for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In Delhi, the two leaders will review bilateral projects including the progress on Mr. Salman’s 2019 promise of “$100 billion investment” in India, particularly in oil reserves, and green energy projects, which hasn’t yet fructified. Modi has visited Riyadh twice, in 2016 and 2019, and announced a number of MoUs and projects as well, which will be reviewed, said officials.

Saudi Arabia hosted the G-20 in 2020, and discussions will focus on the agenda for the G-20 in India next year, with a summit in Delhi in September 2023.

Diplomatic sources said the high-profile visit might mean Modi may not be able to attend the ASEAN-India summit as well as the East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh from November 10-13. This is an important year for the ASEAN-India partnership as it marks the 30th year of ties between India and the Southeast Asian nations grouping, and a special “commemorative summit” is being planned.

In addition, India and the 10-nation ASEAN grouping have been in talks about upgrading their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” (CSP), and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had hosted the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers meeting (FMM) in Delhi this year and travelled to Cambodia for the East Asia FMM in August where this was discussed.

While Australia and China were named CSPs in 2021, the ties of the U.S. and India with ASEAN are likely to be upgraded this year. The East Asia Summit will include leaders from ASEAN countries and Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the U.S.

“It is an important year, and we hope Mr. Modi will make the time for the summit in Cambodia, especially if we announce the elevation of the Strategic Partnership,” an ASEAN diplomat said. However, sources say the Ministry of External Affairs has indicated this may not be possible, given the crowded diplomatic and electoral calendar, and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar would attend the summit in case the Prime Minister does not. Officials said that a final decision has not been taken on the attendance yet.

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