Latest news with #UnitedNations-designated
News18
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
HBA Foundation to launch national campaign on World Drowning Prevention Day
New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) The Hemant Bala Advaitha (HBA) Foundation has announced a nationwide Campaign, marking the United Nations-designated World Drowning Prevention Day. The campaign is inspired by the tragic death of 18-year-old music prodigy Advaitha Verma, who drowned in Pawna Lake, Lonavala, in June 2024. His parents, Sudesh Verma and Renu Kaul Verma, have channelled their loss into a mission to raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies. 'With every drowning, our society must rise like a symphony—not in silence, but in solidarity," said Sudesh Verma. 'Each life saved will be a tribute to Advaitha—and to thousands like him whose dreams were silenced by preventable tragedies." According to the Foundation, India reports nearly 38,000 drowning deaths each year. As part of the campaign, the foundation has also announced Advaitha -The Symphony Music Award 2025, a national singing competition aimed at teen vocalists aged 15–19. The event will use music as a medium to spread awareness about water safety and drowning prevention. The finale will be held on September 6 at Azad Bhawan, near ITO in the national capital. view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 16:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
At Brics, PM Modi Calls for Sanctions against Terrorists
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said at the Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro that the Pahalgam terrorist attack was a blow not only to India but to humanity and called upon the international community to sanction terror. 'There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable,' the PM said in his intervention at the Peace & Security session at the summit. 'Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like (46만원 지원할인) 모발이식 500모 49.5만원 지원할인 모발이식 더 알아보기 Undo The remarks came on a day when Brics leaders condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack in the 'strongest terms' in their joint declaration at the summit under Brazilian presidency and called for concerted action against all United Nations-designated terrorists and terrorist entities. The 11-member grouping of developing countries also pledged to strengthen its counterterrorism cooperation . 'We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens,' said the Rio de Janeiro declaration titled 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance'. Live Events ET was the first to report that the 17th Brics summit, being held on July 6-7, would include references to the Pahalgam terrorist attack and put in place a robust formulation to counter terrorism globally. At the summit, Brics leaders urged the international community 'to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism'. They also called for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations framework. It welcomed the activities of the Brics Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five subgroups based on the Brics Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the Brics Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the CTWG position paper. ET had reported on Sunday that intense negotiations in the run-up to the summit had led to the grouping—which includes South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia—agreeing to include most of India's references to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in the leaders' declaration. Deft diplomacy by India ensured backing from other members in this regard, according to people familiar with the matter. On the first day of the summit, PM Modi also made interventions at the session on 'Reform of Global Governance' and said that the global south has long been subjected to double standards in development, resource access, climate finance and security. He criticised mere 'token gestures' on issues such as clean technology and sustainability, urging major economies to do more. 'In this era of AI, where technology updates on a weekly basis, it is unacceptable that global institutions haven't undergone an update even once in eighty years. 21st-century software can't run on a 20th-century typewriter!' the PM said. On UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms, Brics adopted the strongest language yet, according to people in the know, as the leaders' declaration said, 'We stress that the United Nations Security Council reform will lead to the amplified voice of the global south. We reiterate support to the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the United Nations, including its Security Council.' 'We reiterate our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council's memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Brics countries to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council,' Brics leaders said in the joint declaration, reflecting consensus on the issue of UNSC reforms reached after intense debate and negotiations. Brics also recognised the legitimate aspirations of African countries, as reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. The joint declaration condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law and opposed such measures, in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions. Brics members also condemned the military strikes against Iran since June 13, saying that they constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The bloc reiterated its grave concern over the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, following the resumption of continuous Israeli attacks against Gaza and obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory, and said that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The leaders welcomed the Brics Interbank Cooperation Mechanism's focus on facilitating and expanding innovative financial practices and approaches for projects and programmes, including finding acceptable mechanisms of financing in local currencies. They also tasked the ministers of finance and central bank governors of member nations to continue the discussion on the Brics Cross-Border Payments Initiative and acknowledged the progress made by the Brics Payment Task Force in identifying possible pathways to support the continuation of discussions on the potential for greater interoperability of Brics payments systems.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Int'l Day for Dialogue among Civilizations celebrated with cultural forum in Athens
ATHENS, June 10 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations-designated International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations was marked on Tuesday with a high-level cultural forum in Athens, Greece, under the theme "Civilization and Peace: From the Parthenon to the Old Summer Palace." Held at the University of Athens School of Philosophy, the event "Ancient Capitals Dialogue" brought together officials, scholars, cultural heritage experts and young professionals from China, Greece and other countries to explore the role of ancient civilizations in promoting mutual understanding, peace, and sustainable development. UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramirez said in a video address that cultural heritage goes beyond monuments and includes ideas, values, and ways of life. He noted that "the coexistence of ancient traditions and a shared future is not only possible but essential," describing the dialogue as reflecting "a shared desire to transcend boundaries and build new models of cooperation." Dimitrios Drosos, dean of the host university's philosophy school, said Greece and China share a deep mutual respect for each other's cultural legacies and a commitment to preserving wisdom and beauty across time. "This dialogue offers a rare opportunity to trace the deeper links between civilizations," he said. Xiong Chengyu, chair of the Ancient Capitals Dialogue and professor at the Communication University of China (CUC), said global and sustainable cultural communication is key to shared civilizational prosperity. Zhang Shuting, president of CUC, said the Parthenon and the Old Summer Palace represent the enduring spiritual resonance of Greek and Chinese civilizations. "Civilization is not only a legacy of the past, but also a force for future development," he said. "Only through dialogue can we plant the seeds of peace through mutual cultural understanding." Over a dozen academic institutions, including the University of Crete, the University of Athens, Tsinghua University, and the Central Academy of Drama, took part in panel discussions focusing on topics ranging from Sino-Greek philosophy and education to digital heritage preservation and comparative urban aesthetics. Cultural institutions from China and Greece also signed cooperation agreements on joint heritage preservation and communication, including efforts to establish the Parthenon and the Old Summer Palace as "sister heritage sites." A multimedia exhibition titled "Memory and Regeneration of the Old Summer Palace" was unveiled at the University of Athens, the first time it has been displayed in Greece. The Ancient Capitals Dialogue is co-organized by the Communication University of China and the University of Athens. Launched in 2022, it has previously been held in cities including Paris and Jaipur.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Pakistan has become safe haven for terrorists: Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Arun Sao
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 19 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Monday slammed Pakistan, saying that the neighbouring country has become a safe haven for terrorists. Sao added that India's all-party delegation will convey this truth to the international community. 'Pakistan is trying to spread terrorism in India and across the world. The Pahalagam attack and the attendance of top military officials and other leaders at the funeral of the terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor conducted by India prove that Pakistan has become a safe haven for terrorists,' Sao told ANI. 'To reveal this truth of Pakistan in front of the world, the all-party delegation will go to various countries,' he added. Meanwhile, defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava on Monday said that Pakistan, a country known as an 'epicentre of terrorism', cannot influence the international community by sending delegations to different nations and international forums to justify its stance on the recent military conflict with India. 'There are reports that Pakistan is going to send a delegation abroad, and naturally, they are copying India, which is sending seven delegations to different countries to expose their (Pakistan's) lies and explain Operation Sindoor. This move by Pakistan, mirroring India, is not going to have any effect on the international platform,' Srivastava told ANI. He said that Pakistan has no credibility in fighting terrorism, pointing out that the al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was found hiding in Pakistan, and that many of the UN-designated terrorists live in that country with impunity. 'Pakistan is a nation where the world's most dangerous terrorist, Osama bin Laden, was found hiding and was eventually killed in a US Special Operation. It is also a nation where more than half of the United Nations-designated terrorists live. It is known as an epicentre of terrorism. They use terrorists as a strategic asset. As such, Pakistan's credibility is very low,' he said. Srivastava said that India has been able to counter the disinformation campaign by Pakistan following the Operation Sindoor, adding that all party delegations that are soon going to India's different partner countries will be effective in this regard. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde will be leading the seven delegations which will go across the world. The All-Party Delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth the country's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism to the world. Members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation. The tour is expected to last 10 days and is likely to commence on May 23. (ANI)
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Pakistan's credibility is very low, its delegation will have no impact on international platforms": Defence expert
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 19 (ANI): Defence expert Sanjeev Srivastava on Monday said that Pakistan, a country known as an 'epicentre of terrorism' cannot influence the international community by sending delegations to different nations and international forums to justify its stance on the recent military conflict with India. 'There are reports that Pakistan is going to send a delegation abroad, and naturally, they are copying India, which is sending seven delegations to different countries to expose their (Pakistan's) lies and explain Operation Sindoor. This move by Pakistan, mirroring India, is not going to have any effect on the international platform,' Srivastava told ANI. He said that Pakistan has no credibility in fighting terrorism, pointing out that the al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was found hiding in Pakistan, and that many of the UN-designated terrorists live in that country with impunity. 'Pakistan is a nation where the world's most dangerous terrorist, Osama bin Laden, was found hiding and was eventually killed in a US Special Operation. It is also a nation where more than half of the United Nations-designated terrorists live. It is known as an epicentre of terrorism. They use terrorists as a strategic asset. As such, Pakistan's credibility is very low,' he said. Srivastava said that India has been able to counter the disinformation campaign by Pakistan following the Operation Sindoor, adding that all party delegations that are soon going to India's different partner countries will be effective in this regard. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, JDU leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader Baijayant Panda, DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde will be leading the seven delegations which will go across the world. The All-Party Delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations. They would carry forth the country's strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism to the world. Members of Parliament from different parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation. The tour is expected to last 10 days and is likely to commence on May 23. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, in which precision strikes destroyed terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoK), eliminating nearly 100 terrorists. (ANI)
