Delhi's air quality has fallen to the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385 recorded around 8:00 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As the city's air quality deteriorated, a heavy layer of fog formed in areas such as Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and Akshardham Temple. The pollution also reduced visibility in the Ghazipur area. The CPCB has classed the air as 'very bad,' indicating potential health risks, particularly for those with respiratory difficulties. High levels of pollution are predicted to persist if weather conditions remain poor. #WATCH | Delhi | A layer of smog engulfs the Akshardham Temple and adjacent areas as the AQI drops to 385, categorised as ' Very Poor' according to the CPCB pic.twitter.com/XKeai1BKWI — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2024 Saif, a visitor to Kartavya Path, stated, "Everyone faces difficulty in breathing during these months, especially in October, November, and December. The government is taking the right steps to curb pollution. The situation in Delhi is such that if the right steps are not taken on time, it could cause a lot of trouble in the future." On Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR after the total AQI fell into the 'very bad' category. The CPCB recorded a daily average AQI of 310. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, estimates show that the daily average AQI in Delhi would continue in the 'very bad' range (AQI 301-400) in the next days due to unfavourable weather and climate conditions. Under Stage II of GRAP, an 11-point action plan is presently in force throughout the NCR. This includes mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on specific routes, heightened inspections at construction sites, and correct disposal of collected dust. The CAQM has recommended residents to use public transportation, minimise their personal vehicle use, and change their car's air filters on a regular basis. Citizens are also encouraged to avoid dust-generating activities and to desist from open rubbish burning. According to CAQM data, the AQI in Delhi stayed above 300 all day Monday, peaking at 310 around 4:00 p.m.
22 October,2024 01:33 PM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondentCongress candidate for the Jamshedpur West Assembly constituency, Banna Gupta, has unveiled an ambitious development agenda focused on enhancing infrastructure, healthcare, education, and safety in the region, reported news agency ANI. Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the nomination, Gupta stated, "I have been nominated as a candidate by the Congress party. I sincerely thank everyone for this opportunity. I am grateful to my district, my state party, and our national leadership for their support. They have placed their faith in me to represent them in this great festival of democracy. I will work with full honesty, patience, and enthusiasm to serve the great people of Jamshedpur," stated ANI. Among his primary goals, Gupta emphasised the need to complete a historic flyover in Jamshedpur, which has a budget allocation of Rs 471 crore. He remarked, "Work is progressing rapidly, but I also need to inaugurate it. This is among my priorities." For education, Gupta has secured Rs 33 crore for establishing a law university within a corporate college and is dedicated to transforming Jamshedpur into an educational hub. He also plans to enhance skill development programs for youth and women through collaborations with Tata Steel. In addition to infrastructure, Gupta aims to finalise a super-specialist hospital project with 600 beds, which has been allocated Rs 434 crore. This project is intended to support the operations of an 851-bed hospital currently under construction in Mango. "My objective is to ensure the smooth operation of this 851-bed hospital," he noted. The Congress party recently announced its first list of 21 candidates for the Jharkhand Assembly elections. Notable candidates include State Finance Minister Rameshwar Oraon from Lohardaga (ST), senior leader Ajoy Kumar from Jamshedpur East, and Gupta from Jamshedpur West. The elections are set to take place in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren confirmed that the INDIA bloc will jointly contest the assembly polls, with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress vying for 70 out of 81 seats. Discussions are ongoing with other parties in the INDIA bloc, including RJD and Left parties, regarding the remaining seats. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 01:26 PM IST | Ranchi, Jharkhand | mid-day online correspondentIndia provided with humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Tuesday, reported news agency ANI. The first round of assistance comprises 30 tons of essentials such as medicine and food items. It includes surgical supplies, dental products, general medical items, and high-energy biscuits, all of which will be sent through the UNRWA. Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle and shared, "India sends humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine through UNRWA." "The first tranche of assistance comprising 30 tons of medicine and food items has departed today. The consignment includes a wide range of essential medicines and surgical supplies, dental products, general medical items and high-energy biscuits," Jaiswal added in his post. 🇮🇳 sends humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine through UNRWA. The first tranche of assistance comprising 30 tons of medicine and food items has departed today. The consignment includes a wide range of essential medicines and surgical supplies, dental products,… pic.twitter.com/ZlFiKOfezx — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 22, 2024 Recently, the World Food Programme (WFP) issued a warning about northern Gaza, stating the depleting conditions of WFP’s supplies. Escalating violence in northern #Gaza is having a disastrous impact on food security.No food aid has entered the north since 1 October.It is unclear how long WFP’s remaining food supplies in the north, already distributed to shelters and health facilities, will last. — World Food Programme (@WFP) October 12, 2024 In a post on X on October 12, WFP shared that, "Escalating violence in northern #Gaza is having a disastrous impact on food security. No food aid has entered the north since 1 October. It is unclear how long WFP's remaining food supplies in the north, already distributed to shelters and health facilities, will last." The United Nations had earlier renewed its stance on calling for an end to the war in Gaza. Their statement emphasised the urgent need for the release of Israeli hostages, called for a cease of the displacement of Palestinians, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, stated ANI. In a statement released on October 20, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, the UN expressed concern, and said, "The nightmare in Gaza is intensifying. Horrifying scenes are unfolding in the northern Strip amidst conflict, relentless Israeli strikes and an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis." “The nightmare in #Gaza is intensifying”Special Coordinator @TWennesland @UNSCO_MEPP condemns attacks on civilians“This war must end, the hostages held by Hamas must be freed, the displacement of Palestinians must cease and civilians must be protected wherever they are” https://t.co/ot031i79AS — UN News (@UN_News_Centre) October 20, 2024 Last month, UNRWA had said people in Gaza are living in "inhumane" conditions, stated ANI. The UN agency stated on X that piles of waste are accumulating in central Gaza, whereas sewage water is leaking into the streets. "Families have no choice but to live next to this accumulated waste, exposing them to foul odours and the imminent risk of a health disaster," the UNWRA added. The UN agency called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 12:27 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFormer Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday said he will soon come out with a book detailing the "conspiracy" against him by framing him on "false" charges and expose those who worked to dislodge the previous MVA government, reported news agency PTI. NCP (SP) leader Deshmukh said he started writing the book, titled 'Diary of Home Minister', during his 14-month incarceration. The book, which will also throw light on how he came out of jail after a long court fight, will soon be released and will be available in Marathi, Hindi and English, he said in a press release, reported PTI. The former home minister is facing a CBI case for alleged corruption and another case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for money laundering. Deshmukh resigned as the state home minister in April 2021 and was arrested in November 2021. He was released on bail in December 2022. "The book will tell about the whole conspiracy against me, how efforts were made to overthrow the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government through me, and how I was framed in a false case and put in jail for 14 months because I refused (to toe their line)," said Deshmukh without naming anyone, reported PTI. He said the book will tell who conspired against him and how, when he was the home minister of Maharashtra, and also how and who worked to topple the then Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government, reported PTI. It will also disclose how he had to spend 14 months in jail and how he and his family were troubled by a "false" case, Deshmukh said. Anil Deshmukh claims disgruntled BJP leaders in contact with NCP (SP) Earlier, Former Home Minister of Maharashtra Anil Deshmukh claimed that some senior BJP leaders are considering joining his party due to dissatisfaction with the current government's handling of issues such as unemployment, inflation, and farmers' distress in Maharashtra, reported ANI. In an interview with ANI, Deshmukh criticised the Mahayuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena which are under the leadership of Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde respectively. He suggested that if the alliance's internal issues persist, the BJP might end up contesting future elections independently. "Some senior BJP leaders are looking to join our side because they are dissatisfied with the government's handling of issues like unemployment, inflation, and farmers' distress in Maharashtra. The alliance between Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde, and the BJP is not as strong as it should be, and if this continues, the BJP might end up contesting the elections separately from NCP and Shiv Sena," he said. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
22 October,2024 11:54 AM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentOn Monday night, as many as 30 domestic and international flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats, according to ANI. These flights included those operated by IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India, ANI reported. Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the threats were taken seriously and prompt security measures were implemented.An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed that four of their flights were targeted with security-related alerts. The flights affected were 6E 164 (Mangaluru to Mumbai), 6E 75 (Ahmedabad to Jeddah), 6E 67 (Hyderabad to Jeddah), and 6E 118 (Lucknow to Pune). According to ANI, all passengers disembarked safely, and the airline immediately initiated standard operating procedures in cooperation with the relevant authorities. “We worked closely with the relevant authorities, and standard operating procedures were followed,” stated the IndiGo spokesperson.Air India also faced similar threats. An Air India spokesperson confirmed that several of their flights received bomb threats via social media platforms. The spokesperson noted that all security protocols were strictly adhered to, and the authorities were alerted as per laid-down procedures. As per ANI, the airline emphasised that the safety of passengers remained the highest priority during these incidents.Vistara also reported security threats to a few of its flights. According to ANI, the airline responded by alerting the relevant authorities immediately and following all the necessary security procedures. “We immediately alerted the relevant authorities and are following all security procedures as directed by them,” a Vistara spokesperson said.This wave of threats follows a concerning pattern in recent days. In just over a week, more than 120 flights operated by Indian airlines have been subjected to bomb threats. While most of these threats have turned out to be hoaxes, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu stated that such warnings cannot be taken lightly, ANI reported.The government is now planning legislative measures to tackle the rising number of bomb threats against airlines. According to ANI, these measures include placing individuals responsible for such threats on a no-fly list. Additionally, amendments to The Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA), 1982, are being proposed. These amendments would enable authorities to arrest and investigate suspects without requiring a court order if the aircraft is on the ground. Furthermore, changes to aircraft security rules are under consideration to ensure stricter penalties for those issuing bomb threats, with the aim of deterring such acts in the future. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 11:50 AM IST | New DelhiBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Praveen Khandelwal criticizes the Congress saying that the party is unable to understand that the country has completely rejected them following Congress' recent loss in the Haryana Assembly elections, ANI reported. Speaking to ANI, Praveen Khandelwal said "I have said this time and again, the Congress party is not able to understand that the people of the country have completely rejected them and the country is moving ahead very fast under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." He termed Congress' efforts to reach out election commission after the polls as an act of 'frustration', claiming that it would not make any difference. "Hooda ji should understand that his party has already lost in Haryana and hence if he goes anywhere now to evade his embarrassment, it will not make any difference. The Election Commission has worked very clearly, still if he has made any complaint, then the Election Commission will work within its limits. But overall, this is a case of frustration," the BJP MP added. Praveen Khandelwal is a member of parliament from Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency. BJP's Nayab Singh Saini took the oath as the Chief Minister of Haryana administered by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, marking his second term as Haryana CM. His council of ministers were also sworn in during the ceremony, ANI reported. As per ANI, Saini retained the main departments, which include Home and Finance, as cabinet portfolios were allocated to the Council of Ministers. Saini kept oversight of Home, Finance, Excise and Taxation, Planning, Town and Country Planning, Urban Estates, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture, Administration of Justice, General Administration, Housing for All, Criminal Investigation (C.I.D.), Personnel and Training, and Law and Legislative departments. Veteran BJP minister Anil Vij was allocated Energy, Transport, and Labour, and Minister Shruti Choudhry was assigned Women & Child Development, as well as Irrigation & Water Resources. The Assembly elections in the 99- assembly constituencies in Haryana took place in a single phase on October 5 and the results of which were declared on October 8. There were 1,031 candidates, comprising 464 Independents and 101 women. Although many exit polls had indicated that the Congress would win, the BJP retained their third term in office by winning 48 seats, while the Congress secured 37 seats. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 11:48 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA Delhi court has recently dismissed a bail application of a man accused in a case related to duping of Rs. 2.25 crore using a mobile application on the pretext of investment. The court dismissed the plea in view of accused's active role in transfer of money and involvement of two Chinese Nationals. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Joginder Prakash Nahar dismissed the bail plea of accused Mustakeen Ali. While dismissing the plea, the court noted that accused Mustakeen Ali has active involvement in transfer of funds of Rs.2.25 crores from an account in a short period of time. The Court said, "The said amount is under investigation with the Investigation Officer (IO). The other two Chinese nationals in touch with accused Mustakeen Ali are also yet to be traced out." "Keeping in view the facts and circumstance of the case against the accused Mustakeen Ali it is not desirable to grant bail to him at this stage of proceedings," the court said in the order. It further said that in fact his total involvement in the case regarding such transfer of fund for a sum of Rs.2.25 crores is yet to be traced out and he may also tamper with evidence. In such circumstances of the case it is held that the accused Mustakeen Ali is not entitled to bail at this stage of proceedings, the court said. However, the court granted bail to another accused Jai Vardhan alias Jai Singh. Advocate Sanjeev Malik and Shivani Yadav appeared for Jai Vardhan Singh. Delhi police opposed the bail plea and filed a reply. It was submitted by the IO that one Vikram Singh had filed an online complaint regarding online financial fraud. Later on, he gave a written complaint in which he stated that he has serving as a Boutique Operation Specialist in a showroom in Karol Bagh for the past 15 years. On 10-01-2024 while at work, he came across an advertisement/link promoting the Million Rupees Stock Academy on a social media platform. Thereafter, he clicked the link, which led him to a WhatsApp group administered by Shefali Bagga. Shefali Bagga and others, using the mobile numbers, initiated contact with complainant and encouraged him to download the "Well Pro app" for trading in shares, he alleged. As reply of Delhi police, she claimed SEBI registration and a Mumbai office for legitimacy. She guided him how to invest and earn huge profits through them. She told him that they are registered with SEBI and their office is in Mumbai. He downloaded the said mobile app at her pursuance. She asked him to invest with small amount. She sent him the details of bank Current account to transfer the money. The account was in the name of "Singh Garments" at Chandni Chowk, Delhi Branch. She persuaded him rigorously and asked him to invest small amount to earn huge profit. She taught him the functioning of "Well Pro App". On 14/01/2024, he invested a small amount of Rs 10,000 through online mode to the above said bank account from his bank account. He shared the screen shot of the same with Shefali Bagga. The amount added was shown on his account on "Wells Pro Mobile app" and started trading with them. The amount and profit was visible on well Pro app. On 23 January, 2024, Shefali Bagga suggested him that if he will keep Rs. 6,00,000/- (Six Lakh) amount in his "Wells Pro App" account then he will be able to apply with 3 times of the deposited amount. On advice of Shefali Bagga, complainant transferred the Rs 6,00,000 in the same bank account and applied for 3 times of the amount for IPO through same mobile app. Later on, he was said to have allotted with 24,000 shares of the IPO and he has further asked to deposit a total of 15,84,000. He discussed this with his friend who told that he is getting cheated by them and suggested him to speak to Shefali Bagga on normal voice call. He tried to talk to her over given mobile numbers but both the numbers were switched off. He realized that he has been cheated for Rs. 6,52,000 by the accused persons. He requested for legal action. On the basis of his complaint an enquiry was conducted. Subsequently, a case FIR under sections 419/420/120B IPC was registered and investigation was taken up. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 October,2024 10:46 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIWith Diwali just a week away, Delhi is grappling with rising pollution levels, as several areas report an AQI exceeding 300, indicating very poor air quality. Dr Rajesh Chawla, a senior consultant on Respiratory Diseases at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, noted that the city is experiencing respiratory illnesses earlier than usual, which typically peaked in November. He said that as a result of the poor air quality, there is a 10-15 per cent rise in the number of patients suffering from respiratory diseases. "This time Delhi is witnessing respiratory illnesses earlier that used to be recorded in November. We are seeing the pollution rising earlier than November this year. Due to this, there is a 10-15 per cent rise in the number of patients suffering from respiratory diseases," Rajesh Chawla said. "The rate of infections is also rising. If you want to curb air pollution, then you have to take steps all year round. Due to particulate matter in the air, PM 10 and PM 2.5, and irritant gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, you get watery eyes and cough when you venture outside," he added. He also said that air pollution is a slow poison and can affect children and elders. "Air pollution is like slow poison. It affects children in developing age and elders. Action should be taken at a personal, government, and national level. If you want to prevent the effects of air pollution, then using an N95 face mask is essential," he said. The central-run hospital Ram Manohar Lohia has also started running special OPD services for Air Pollution patients. Dr Ajit Jindal from the Respiratory department said, "Right now we are seeing patients of respiratory, eyes, and skin complaints, major in our OPDs. We have seen the increased number of patients in our chest OPD now, with the vision of our medical superintendent, Dr Ajay Shukla, we have started this pollution-related illness clinic every Monday from 2 to 4 pm." "Today, we saw patients coming with the cough, sneezing, cold, itching in the throat, watering eyes, and some of the patients with burning in the skin. These are the main symptoms which patients are coming with," he explained. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR on Monday after the overall Air Quality Index dropped to 'Very Poor' category in the region. It will be effective on October 22, Tuesday. Delhi recorded a daily average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 310 i.e. 'Very Poor' category on date, as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). With Stage II of GRAP coming into force, an 11-point action plan is applicable with immediate effect in the entire NCR, in addition to all Stage-I actions of GRAP already in force. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 October,2024 10:45 AM IST | New Delhi | ANISwaraj India Party founder Yogendra Yadav was reportedly manhandled by a mob in Akola in Maharashtra on Monday. He alleged that the attackers were a part of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, ANI reported. Yadav said that it is beyond "my imagination" that the people belonged to the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, he also mentioned his local colleagues identified 24 people who were involved in the attack. He claimed that the attack was not only on him but also on the Constitution and democracy. According to ANI, the Swaraj Party leader while addressing a press conference said, "I do not know anyone, but local colleagues have taken 24 names. They are people of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. One of our colleagues asked why did you people do this? The man said it was the order of the 'sahab', I do not know who the 'sahab' is. But if the people of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi have done this then I am very surprised." "Yogendra Yadav is a very small man, you have not attacked him, you have attacked the constitution of Baba Saheb, you have attacked the democracy which you keep on talking about day and night and you have shamed your leader Prakash Ambedkar," he added. Yadav questioned the motive behind the attack, saying that the differences in opinion with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader, Prakash Ambedkar wouldn't justify violence. "There is no doubt that Prakash Ambedkar's line of thinking and ours are different but such an attack would be carried out due to differences of opinion, it is beyond my imagination. I at least do not consider Prakash Ambedkar to be a person who can carry out such an act," he said. Yadav in a post on X, termed the attack on him and his colleagues of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan as a "grave concern for democracy lovers." "The attack on me and my colleagues of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan in Akola (Maharashtra) today is a matter of grave concern for every democracy lover. As part of the 'Vidarbha' tour of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, we were holding a conference on the topic 'Protection of Constitution and our vote', when a mob of 40-50 people climbed on the stage and moved towards me to stop me from speaking," he wrote on X. "We remained seated and local colleagues formed a circle and protected us. Even after the police arrived, the rioters continued to attack and vandalize. The meeting ended there," Yadav added. आज अकोला (महाराष्ट्र) में मुझ पर और भारत जोड़ो अभियान के साथियों पर जो हमला हुआ वह हर लोकतंत्रप्रेमी के लिए गंभीर चिंता का विषय है। भारत जोड़ो अभियान के विदर्भ दौरे के तहत हम “संविधान की रक्षा और हमारा वोट” विषय पर सम्मेलन कर रहे थे, तो मुझे बोलने से रोकने के लिए 40-50 लोगों की… pic.twitter.com/59wsdPWVob — Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) October 21, 2024 Swaraj Party leader while showing concern over the said, "In the last 25 years, I have given lectures at many places in Maharashtra, but this has never happened before. This is sad not only for Maharashtra but also for those who believe in the Constitution and democracy. This incident further strengthens our dedication towards protecting our democracy. Whoever is scared of what I say, listen - I will come back to Akola!" Elections for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held on November 20, while the vote counting will take place on November 23. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 10:44 AM IST | Akola | mid-day online correspondentThe well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression on Tuesday morning as it rolled towards the eastern coast with the likelihood of turning into a severe cyclonic storm, the IMD said. In its bulletin, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards, concentrated into a depression and lay centred at 730 km southeast of Paradip in Odisha around 5.30 am. "It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 23, 2024, over east-central Bay of Bengal," the bulletin said. Thereafter, the weather system will continue moving northwestwards and is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, which will cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island on the night of October 24 and morning October 25 with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph, it added. The system is likely to affect the coast of both Odisha and West Bengal with heavy rain and high-speed wind, the bulletin said. A deep depression is a more intense stage of a low-pressure system and typically precedes the formation of a cyclonic storm, according to the IMD. The Odisha government has cancelled the leaves of all staff from October 23 to 25 in view of the cyclone forecast. In a letter to all the departments, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) DK Singh has asked them to remain prepared to tackle the challenges of the impending calamity. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 October,2024 10:43 AM IST | Bhubaneswar | PTIIndia values close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on a range of key issues concerning the global developmental agenda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the BRICS summit on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI. PM Modi made comments in a statement before embarking on a two-day visit to the Russian city of Kazan to attend the 16th summit of the BRICS grouping. "The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good," he said, reported PTI. Being hosted by Russia, the BRICS summit is being seen as an attempt by non-Western powers to project their clout amid the conflict in Ukraine and the escalating situation in West Asia. PM Modi is set to hold a series of bilateral meetings including with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa). It will be the first BRICS summit of the grouping after it was expanded at its summit in Johannesburg last year. "India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others," PM Modi said in his departure statement, reported PTI. PM Modi said his visit to Kazan will further reinforce the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between India and Russia, reported PTI. The prime minister visited Moscow in July during which he held summit talks with President Putin. "Building upon the annual summit held in July 2024 in Moscow, my visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia," PM Modi said, reported PTI. "I look forward to meeting other leaders from BRICS as well," he said. In a post on 'X', PM Modi said he was looking forward to extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects at the BRICS summit. The BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the leaders of Russia, India and China in St. Petersburg in 2006. It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010. Last year's expansion was the first such exercise since 2010. The new members included Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. (With inputs from PTI)
22 October,2024 10:32 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
