Kathmandu, Apr 9 () The Indian Council for Cultural Relations on Thursday observed its 70th foundation day here but postponed its mega celebration by a year due to the nationwide lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.The grand celebration programme planned earlier has now been postponed by a year in the wake of COVID-19, the Indian Embass here said in a statement."ICCR is all about cultivating an enlightened understanding of Indian culture and when the entire Global community is facing an unprecedented challenge, feeling lonely and disconnected, the message of Indian philosophy that is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or the world is a family has become more relevant than any time in the past," the statement said . In a message, ICCR President Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said the culture body was conducting several activities online during the lockdown. "Even in this lockdown situation, ICCR is conducting e-tutorials in Yoga, classical dances and even Hindi and Sanskrit classes. We are working with a 'show must go on spirit'. A Global Art Competition on the theme of facing the challenge of COVID-19 unitedly has already been announced and through many such programmes we will rise to the occasion," he said. SBP RUP RUPRUP

ICCR observes 70th foundation day; postpones mega event due to COVID-19

India is expected to register a comfortable victory in the Security Council elections on Wednesday that will bring the country to the UN high-table as a non-permanent member for the 2021-22 term. The 193-member UN General Assembly will hold elections for President of the 75th session of the Assembly, five non-permanent members of the Security Council and members of the Economic and Social Council under special voting arrangements put in place at the UN headquarters due to COVID-19 related restrictions. India is all set to join the powerful 15-nation Security Council as a non-permanent member. India is a candidate for a non-permanent seat from the Asia-Pacific category for the 2021-22 term. India's victory is certain since it is the sole candidate vying for the lone seat from the grouping. New Delhi's candidature was unanimously endorsed by the 55-member Asia-Pacific grouping, including China and Pakistan, in June last year. President of <keyword id="9254271" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-un-general-assembly">the UN General Assembly</keyword> Tijjani Muhammad-Bande on Monday circulated a letter to member states with the names of candidates for the various elections. For the two vacant seats from among the African and Asia-Pacific States, three candidates have been communicated, namely, Djibouti, India and Kenya. Of those three candidates, India and Kenya are endorsed candidates. For the one vacant seat from among the Latin American and Caribbean States, one endorsed candidate has been communicated, namely, Mexico. For the two vacant seats from among the Western European and other States, three candidates have been communicated, namely, Canada, Ireland and Norway. Each year the General Assembly elects five non-permanent members (out of 10 in total) for a two-year term. The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis as follows: five for African and Asian States; one for Eastern European States; two for the Latin American and Caribbean States; and two for Western European and other States. To be elected to the Council, candidate countries need a two-thirds majority of ballots of Member States that are present and voting in the Assembly. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador <keyword id="6195440" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="T-S-Tirumurti">T S Tirumurti</keyword> has said that India's presence in the Security Council will help bring to the world its ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', as he underscoring that <keyword id="784029" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-United-Nations">the United Nations</keyword> as well as multilateralism need to change to reflect contemporary realities and remain credible as the world organization marks its 75th anniversary this year, "India's journey with the United Nations is quite a remarkable one. As a founding member of the United Nations, India's contribution to implementing the goals of the United Nations Charter and to the evolution of UN specialised agencies and programmes has been substantial. In many ways, quite extraordinary," Tirumurti said in a video message ahead of the elections. "I'm confident that at a time when we are poised to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and later the 75th anniversary of India's independence in 2022, India's presence in the Security Council will help bring to the world our ethos that the world is one family - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," he said. Ahead of the elections, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar outlined New Delhi's priorities for its candidature to the Council. Termed as NORMS, India's focus will be on 'New Orientation For A Reformed Multilateral System.' India's priorities include new opportunities for progress, effective response to international terrorism, reforming multilateral systems, comprehensive approach to peace and security and technology with a human touch. Tirumurti said as the UN commemorates its 75th anniversary this year, "it is clear to us that the United Nations and indeed multilateralism itself need to change to reflect contemporary realities to enable them to remain effective and credible." The Indian envoy referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for reformed multilateralism and reform of multilateral system as essential to ensure that the international system is inclusive and caters to requirements of all countries, which will in turn facilitate stronger action. "We also believe that the current crisis that we face, especially in the context of COVID-19, provides the seed for new opportunities," Tirumurti said. Previously, India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Council for the years 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and most recently in 2011-2012. India has been at the forefront of the years-long efforts to reform the Security Council saying it rightly deserves a place as a permanent member of the Council, which in its current form does not represent the geo-political realities of the 21st Century. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/after-criticism-a-snippet-of-un-security-council-meet-made-public/articleshow/75034898.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">After criticism, a snippet of UN Security Council meet made public</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/indian-army-on-india-china-war-in-galwan-valley-soldiers-killed/articleshow/76402297.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">‘Serious clashes’ between India and China⁠ in Galwan Valley — India says Chinese forces violated June 6 agreement</a>

India set for comfortable victory in UN Security Council elections

New Delhi, May 12 () "United we fight", the Indian Council for Cultural Relations has brought together composers, musicians and singers from across India to produce a song to carry the message of 'hope, joy, resilience, fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude' in the fight against COVID-19. This composition is an expression of our deep appreciation and gratitude to all brave 'COVID-19 warriors' world over risking their lives to protect ours, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) said in a statement. The song is written and composed by Joe Alvares. It has vocals by Usha Uthup, Salim Merchant, Shefali Alvares Rashid, Benny Dayal, Sonam Kalra, Chandan Bala Kalyan, Joe Alvares, Salome and Samira; and music by Tubby, Pandit Ravi Chari, Pandit Rakesh Chaurasiya and Ustad Faisal Qureshi."United we fight" is a rendition weaving English lyrics into the notes and beats of Indian classical music, spreading the essence of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - the world is one family, it said. The song is dedicated to the world by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The ICCR is MEA's autonomous organisation mandated to build international understanding, develop closer cultural relations between India and other countries and project India's soft power abroad. "It is a homage to all the artists and performers who represent the cultural legacy of our countries and contribute to keep our cultural heritage vibrant and alive, especially in these difficult times," the statement said. "It is a tribute to and recognition of the countless individuals who are silently helping neighbours, strangers and people around them in these times of distress. A message to the world that together we shall surely win the fight against the coronavirus and many such challenges that humanity and the human race faces," it added. UZM SRY

ICCR composes song as a tribute to 'COVID-19 warriors' across the world

India has been elected to the Security Council with an <keyword id="9419966" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="overwhelming-majority">overwhelming majority</keyword> of 184 votes running on a platform of fighting terrorism and promoting the ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" -- the world is one family. Wednesday's elections took place against the backdrop of the conflict in Ladakh with China, whom it will join on the Council in January. New Delhi won the Asia Pacific seat on the highest decision-making body of the UN with the unanimous support of the countries in the 55-member group, with China and Pakistan, at least openly, conceding support in face of overwhelming backing for India from the others. Though India ran unopposed from Asia, eight countries apparently did not vote for India in the secret ballot in which 192 of the 193 member nations participated. After the vote, India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti acknowledged the said in a video statement, "We are confident in the COVID and post-COVID world, India will continue provide leadership and a new orientation for a reformed multilateral system." "Our election to the United Security Council is a testament to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's vision and his inspiring global leadership," he added. India will serve its eighth two-year term as a non-permanent member without veto powers, even as it pursues on a parallel track UN reforms aimed at getting a permanent seat. India will replace Indonesia, whose term ends at the end of the year, on the Council and join Vietnam as one of the two non-permanent Asian members. Running unopposed for the seat for Latin American and Caribbean countries, Mexico won with 187 votes. The ten non-permanent Security Council seats are distributed among five regional groups and elections are held every year for the five that fall vacant on alternate years. But there were contested elections for the three other seats. Canada was routed in its bid for one of the two seats allotted to the group made up of West European countries and others like Canada and Australia that do not fit in elsewhere. In a setback to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who personally campaigned hard for the seat, it received only 108 votes. Norway with 130 votes and Ireland with 128 were elected to the two seats. Neither Kenya nor Djibouti received a two-thirds majority and a runoff is to be held later. Kenya, which received 113 votes for the African seat had the endorsement of the continent's countries, while Djibouti which counted on a rift between the Arab and Non-Arab nations in the group received 78 votes. In a last-minute pitch, Tirumurti said in a video message, "India's presence in the Security Council will help bring to the world our ethos that the world is one family -- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." In a campaign document unveiled by External Affairs Minister S. <keyword id="236448" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaishankar">Jaishankar</keyword> in New Delhi, India laid out a "5S" approach of Samman (Respect), Samvad (Dialogue), Sahyog (Cooperation) Shanti (Peace) and Samriddi (Prosperity) for its service on the Council. The document setting out India's agenda said that a reformed multilateralism is a must for the post-COVID19 era. Besides fighting terrorism, a priority for India, which historically the largest contributor peacekeeping operations, that the document listed was streamlining UN peacekeeping to "ensure greater clarity, direction, and professionalism." While addressing the abuse of technology by terrorists, the document said that technology must be promoted with "a human touch" and India will promote partnerships to harness it to reduce human suffering and build resilient communities. "India will become a member of the Security Council at a critical juncture," Tirumurti said. India will step into a Council Chamber paralysed by the polarisation of its veto-wielding permanent members that almost harks back to the <keyword id="24525" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="cold-war">Cold War</keyword> era. It will have to deftly deal with intractable issues like the Syrian civil war with international dimensions, Ukraine's disputes with Russia, the US -- or President Donald Trump's -- obsession with <keyword id="41896" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Iran">Iran</keyword> or its fallout and Yemen where the UN has not been able to act because of the standoff between the West and Russia and China. But at least when China tries to bring up the Kashmir issue in the Council as it has done twice recently, India will be right there. In elections held simultaneously, Volkan Bozkir, a Turkish diplomat and politician who ran unopposed, was chosen president of the next session of the General Assembly that starts in September. Eighteen countries that ran unopposed for as many seats on the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) were also elected. India's last term on the Security Council was in 2011-12 and Hardeep Singh Puri, who was then India's Permanent Representative and is now a minister, immediately afterwards planned to bid for its next term not wanting a long gap like the 19 years since the previous 1991-92 tenure. Intense diplomacy by him and his successor, Asoke Mukerji, sealed India's bid for the 2021-22 term. Afghanistan had initially expressed interest in running for the 2021-22 term but did not pursue it, leaving the field for India. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/not-only-india-hong-kong-taiwan-vietnam-and-japan-also-facing-chinese-army-aggression-on-border-issue/slidelist/76418800.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">China’s aggression isn’t only aimed at India — but at least four other countries in the region</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/difference-between-india-and-china-military-expenses-soldiers-number-aircrafts-tanks-and-missiles/articleshow/76421399.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">The strength of India and China’s defence forces compared</a>

India elected to United Nations Security Council with overwhelming majority

With a pledge to "bring human-centric and inclusive solutions" to world problems, India has taken its place on the UN Security Council, the organisation's highest decision-making body. India's membership was celebrated on Monday at a flag ceremony when its banner went up outside the Council chamber after the first session of the year. Speaking at the ceremony, India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti pledged that India would "not shy away from raising our voice against the common enemies of humanity like terrorism." "We will use our tenure to bring human-centric and inclusive solutions to matters of international peace and security. India will be a voice for the developing world," he said. At the Council, where China has repeatedly tried in recent years to bring up the Kashmir issue and questioning India's integrity along with Pakistan, Tirumurti pointedly made a reference to the union territory and its unity with India. "From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, we stand united as one, bound by our ethos of democracy, pluralism and commitment to fundamental rights," he said, while pointing out that the nation with one-sixth the world's population is the largest democracy. Elected last June to its eighth two-year tenure on the Council with 184 of the 192 votes polled, India officially started on the Council on January 1, but today was the first session because of the holidays. The other newly-elected countries are, along with Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway. Kazhakstan's Permanent Representative Magzhan Ilyassov, who presided over the flag ceremony, called the new members "sterling contributors" to the UN and said they are entering the Council at a crucial time for the world body. The 15-member Council has ten non-permanent elected members and five permanent members, who have veto powers. The year's first session of the Council was held virtually before the flag ceremony and was on planning the agenda for the month during which Tunisia will hold the rotating presidency. "Peace-keeping, peace-building, maritime security, women and youth, especially in conflict situations, and technology with a human face, will receive our attention while on the Council," Tirumurti said. "We look forward to our collective pursuit for an ideal where the World is One Family -- 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'," he said. In the context of the global disruption by the Covid-19 pandemic, he quoted Swami Vivekananda: "Each nation must give, in order to live. When you give life, you will have life; when you receive, you must pay for it by giving to all others." While India serves on the Council as a non-permanent member, it will continue its quest for permanent seat in a reformed UN. Tirumurti reiterated India's "strong commitment to reformed multilateralism" and to an "equitable international system". SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/bharat-biotech-sees-rivals-conspiracy-in-all-the-criticism-for-the-approval-for-covaxin/articleshow/80099818.cms">Bharat Biotech sees rivals’ conspiracy in all the criticism for the approval for Covaxin</a> <a href="http://businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/reliance-says-it-has-absolutely-no-plan-to-enter-contract-farming-urges-government-to-stop-vandalism-amidst-ongoing-farmers-protests/articleshow/80091733.cms">Reliance says it has 'absolutely no plan' to enter contract farming — urges government to stop vandalism amidst ongoing farmers' protests</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/questions-arise-about-jack-ma-whereabouts-as-alibaba-faces-scrutiny-from-the-chinese-government/articleshow/80090457.cms">Where is Jack Ma? Questions arise about the billionaire’s whereabouts as Alibaba faces scrutiny from the Chinese government</a>

India pledges to a 'human-centric' agenda as it joins the UN Security Council

New Delhi, May 13 () The Indian pharma industry on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasising on making India self-reliant and said his speech captured the need of the moment in these trying times. "The Prime Minister's speech captured the need of the hour perfectly. IPA lauds PM's vision on 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and self-reliance," Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) Secretary General Sudarshan Jain said in a statement.During these unprecedented times, the pharmaceutical industry has worked with the government in an integrated manner and continued to operate with vigour to drive local expertise and truly live up to its title as the 'Pharmacy of the World', he added."Having said that, providing impetus to domestic manufacturers will strengthen the industry going forward. This will usher a new era for the country's healthcare and pharma sector," Jain said. The government had earlier come out with greater contours of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) policy which is expected to increase self-reliance in fermentation-based API industry, he added."IPA is committed to providing quality medicines to the patients in need and we applaud Hon'ble PM's vision for a self-reliant India," Jain said.In similar vein, the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) also praised Modi's speech on emphasis on self-reliance."The PM has very rightly mentioned in his address to nation that it was only the 'local' which came to our help during these unprecedented times," IDMA Executive Director Ashok Kumar Madan said.Whether HCQ or any other formulation, India's uninhibited exports to all nations and its neighbours have again proved India's image as 'Pharmacy of the World', he added. "IDMA with its membership of large, medium and small enterprises across the country, reassures the nation of pharma industries' commitment to serve the nation and the humanity," Madan said. AKT MKJ

Modi's 'self-reliance' call need of the hour: Pharma industry

New Delhi, Apr 21 () Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Tuesday that control rooms should be set up in assemblies for better coordination between states in helping migrant labourers and students stranded due to the ongoing lockdown to combat the novel coronavirus. After an online interaction with assembly speakers on the prevailing situation, Birla said a control room would also be set up in Parliament for exchange of real-time information between MPs and MLAs, and for better coordination in the fight against the deadly virus."I interacted with speakers of 27 state assemblies and one chairman of state legislative council. All...in once voice said they are with the respective executives in this time of crisis," Birla told reporters in Parliament House. He suggested that control rooms should be set up in assemblies for better coordination between states in helping migrant labourers and students stranded due to the ongoing lockdown. The country has been under a lockdown since March 25 to check the spread of the deadly virus. The shutdown will continue till May 3. The Lok Sabha Speaker also urged state assemblies to explore the feasibility of extensive use of digital technology in legislative and financial work and for other routine tasks such as meetings and file movements so as to make sure that stringent social distancing norms are followed in their respective states. "Assemblies and Parliament must adopt technology for functioning more effectively," he said. The speaker said the central and state governments have been vigilant and have taken necessary steps to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. "Efforts of the government have been complemented by the strength of the people, which has helped mitigate the situation," Birla said while thanking the people for their cooperation and spirited resistance to the disease outbreak. "The situation is largely under control and the government is fully prepared to meet any challenges," he said. The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 590 and the number of cases climbed to 18,601 on Tuesday, according to the Union health ministry. Talking about India's efforts to reduce the effect of the pandemic outside the country, Birla said that wherever possible India has tried to help other countries by supplying medicines and other essential equipment, thereby living up to the ancient Indian philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world in one family). JTR SMNSMN

Set up control rooms in assemblies for better coordination between states in COVID-19 fight: Birla

<ul><li>Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 75th session of the <keyword id="426867" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="United-Nations-General-Assembly">United Nations General Assembly</keyword> (UNGA) at the summit in New York.</li><li>These are the highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly speech. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/">Check out the latest news and updates on Business Insider. </a></li></ul>Addressing the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the need for ‘serious introspection’ of issues by the United Nations (UN). He also called for a larger role for India to play in the global body. Modi questioned the UN, "For how long will India be kept out of the decision making structures of the UnitedNations?" “If we evaluate the performance of the UN over the last 75 years, we see several achievements. But at the same time, there have been several instances that point to the need for a serious introspection of the work of the UN,” said Modi. He also hailed India’s vaccine production at the UN and assured that the country will work with global nations for the development of the coronavirus vaccine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today. Owing to the pandemic the UNGA this year is largely being held online, and PM Modi delivered a virtual address at the summit in New York. Watch the full speech here: <div type="Youtube" id="AxlMjKuSyhU" title="Prime Minister’s Address at the 75th Session of UNGA" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AxlMjKuSyhU/mqdefault.jpg"></div> These are the highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s speech: <ul><li>On the 75th UNGA, I wish all the countries on behalf of 130 core Indians. India is proud of the fact that it is a part of the UN Assembly. On this historic occasion, in this global platform to share the sentiments of 1.3 billion Indians. The world of 1945 was very different from today’s world. The global problems, solutions everything was very different. And, in this scenario, the formation of the institutions for global welfare was according to the situation of that time. Today we are in a completely different era. In this 21 century, our present and the future challenges and needs are much different from the past. </li><li>If we evaluate the performance of the UN over the last 75 years, we see several achievements. But at the same time, there have been several instances that point to the need for a serious introspection of the work of the UN. </li><li>We successfully avoided a 3rd World War, but we cannot deny the fact that there have been several other wars. Terrorist attacks have shaken the world. In these attacks, people like you and me have died. Thousands of children who could have been among us have died. Over the past 8 to 9 months, the world has been battling the Coronavirus pandemic. Where is the UN in this joint fight against the pandemic, where is its effective response?</li><li>Changes in the responses, in the processes, and in the very character of the United Nations is the need of the hour. The faith and the respect that the 1.3 billion people of India have for the UN is incomparable to other nations. But this is also true that the people of India have been waiting for this reform-process for a very long time. Today they are concerned that this process will ever reach a logical decision. For how long will India be left out of the decision making process of UN </li><li>When India was strong, we were never a threat to anyone; when we were weak, we never became a burden on the world. The country that influences the world will have to wait till when? The Ideals on which the UN was formed, and India’s very own fundamental ideology is very much the same. In the halls of the UN, one word has often been heard, “vasudhaiva kutumbakam”, the world is one family. Even at the UN, India has always preferred the welfare of the world over everything. </li><li>India is the country which has sent its brave soldiers to nearly 50 peacekeeping missions. India has lost the maximum number of its soldiers in keeping peacekeeping missions. Today every Indian aspires for its expanded role in the UN, seeing India’s contributions towards it. </li><li>India has never thought of its personal benefits but has rather given importance to the interests of the whole humankind. This philosophy has been a driving force for Indian policies. From Neighbourhood First policy to Act East policies, our views towards the Indo-Pacific, we have always thought of interests of all humankind. This also governs India’s friendship basis. When India extends the hand of friendship to someone, it is not against any other country. When India strengthens the partnership, there is no thought of forcing another country behind it. </li><li>In this challenging time of the pandemic, India’s pharma industry has sent essential medicines to more than 150 countries. As the world’s largest pharma industry country, I want to give another assurance to the global community. India’s vaccine production and vaccine delivery capability will work to take the whole humanity out of this crisis. India, along with its neighbours is now walking towards Phase III of the vaccine and the country will help all the nations in making a vaccine. </li><li>India will always raise its voice for peace, security and prosperity of the global community. India will not hesitate to speak for humanity and its enemies like terrorism, smuggling of illegal arms drugs and money laundering. Over the past few years, with the mantra of Reform-Perform-Transform, India has brought major changes in the lives of many Indians. </li><li>In just 4-5 years, it was not easy to connect more than 400 million people to the banking system, but India made it possible. Today India is among the leading countries in the world in terms of digital transactions. Today India is running a campaign to deliver drinking water from pipes to nearly 150 million homes in the villages. India also at the initial stage of connecting more than lakh villages to the internet via optical fibre. India is now moving forward with the “Self reliant India” objective. The self-reliant India campaign will also be a force multiplier for the global economy.</li><li>We are ensuring that benefits are given to every individual without any bias-ness. To promote women entrepreneurship India is making efforts on a huge scale. Indian women are being benefited the most by the world’s largest micro-financing schemes.</li></ul> SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/trump-to-nominate-anti-abortion-conservative-amy-coney-barrett-to-replace-ruth-bader-ginsburg-on-the-supreme-court-according-to-multiple-reports/articleshow/78326684.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink"> Trump to nominate antiabortion conservative Amy Coney Barrett to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court, according to multiple reports</a>

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