China Supports New Delhi Declaration at G-20 Summit, Shifts Focus Away from ‘Geopolitics’
China has backed the New Delhi Declaration at the G-20 Summit and reiterated its stance on staying away from “geopolitics”. This comes after China had initially opposed any direct references to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine during the negotiations leading up to the summit. The New Delhi Declaration received support from China and emphasizes the importance of focusing on global issues rather than geopolitical conflicts.
Ukraine Criticizes G-20 Statement on Russian Invasion
Ukraine has expressed its disappointment with the G-20 leaders’ statement on the Russian invasion. While the statement condemned the use of force for territorial gain, it did not directly criticize Russia by name. Oleg Nikolenko, a spokesman at the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry, stated that the G-20 has nothing to be proud of in terms of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Despite attempts by some partners to include stronger wording in the text, the statement fell short of addressing the severity of the situation.
Concerns Over Proposed Repeal of Section 377 in India
Animal rights activists in India are raising concerns over the proposed Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Bill. The bill aims to repeal Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalizes sexual acts against the order of nature with any man, woman, or animal. Activists fear that the removal of this section without introducing alternative provisions to address sexual crimes against animals could create a legal vacuum. The bill’s repeal of Section 377 has sparked a debate on the need for comprehensive legislation to protect animal welfare.
India and U.K. Working Towards Free Trade Agreement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British counterpart Rishi Sunak have agreed to continue working towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the U.K. Both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening trade linkages and boosting investment. They emphasized the importance of collaboration for a prosperous and sustainable planet. The progress on the India-U.K. FTA was reviewed during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit, where PM Modi also expressed gratitude for the U.K.’s support during India’s G20 Presidency.
Sri Lanka Defends Intelligence Chief Over Easter Sunday Attacks Allegations
The Defence Ministry of Sri Lanka has come to the defense of the country’s intelligence chief following allegations made by a British television channel. The intelligence chief was accused of being the plotter behind the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings, which claimed the lives of 270 people, including 11 Indians. The Ministry’s statement comes in response to ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s denial of the intelligence chief’s involvement in the bombings. Rajapaksa also dismissed claims that he had benefited from the attacks to win the presidential election in 2019.
China on High Alert After U.S. and Canadian Ships Transit Taiwan Strait
China has put its troops “on constant high alert” following the transit of two U.S. and Canadian ships through the Taiwan Strait. A military spokesperson for China stated that the Eastern Theatre Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army organized naval and air forces to trail the ships and remain on alert. The transit of the ships has heightened tensions in the region, with China closely monitoring the situation.
Jana Sena Party Chief Pawan Kalyan Taken Into Preventive Custody
Jana Sena party president Pawan Kalyan and senior leader Nadendla Manohar have been taken into preventive custody by the Andhra Pradesh Police. They are being shifted to Vijayawada, although no case has been lodged against them. Kalyan’s arrest came after he condemned the arrest of TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and sought to show support for the former chief minister. The arrests have sparked political turmoil in the NTR district.
ISRO’s Aditya L1 Spacecraft Successfully Completes Earth-Bound Manoeuvre
India’s Aditya L1 spacecraft, which is set to study the Sun, has successfully undergone its third earth-bound manoeuvre. The operation was carried out by ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) and tracked by ground stations in Mauritius, Bengaluru, SDSC-SHAR, and Port Blair. The manoeuvre marks a significant step in the progress of the space-based mission.
Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar Discusses G-20 Declaration
Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar has commented on the G-20 leaders’ declaration, highlighting the omission of any reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Instead, the declaration calls for all states to respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Jaishankar stated that India played a crucial role in reaching a consensus on the issue, with emerging economies like Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia leading the negotiations. The declaration reflects India’s commitment to addressing global challenges while avoiding specific mentions of ongoing conflicts.
Anna Danilina and Haari Haliovaara Win U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Title
Anna Danilina from Kazakhstan and Haari Haliovaara from Finland have secured the U.S. Open mixed doubles title. The pair defeated top seeds Jessica Pegula and Austin Krajicek in a match where they only lost one set throughout their title run. Danilina expressed her delight at the victory and looked forward to more successes in the future.
Arvind Kejriwal Claims BJP in Panic After INDIA Bloc’s Bypoll Wins
Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal has stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is panicking after the success of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc in recent bypolls. While the BJP secured victories in some constituencies, the INDIA bloc parties won four seats, signaling their growing influence. Kejriwal emphasized the power of grassroots alliances and the impact they can have on electoral outcomes.
Sri Lanka Defeats Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s Match
Sri Lanka emerged victorious against Bangladesh in a Super 4s match of the Asia Cup 2023. The Sri Lankan team, led by Dasun Shanaka, defended a total of 257 runs. Shanaka played a key role, taking three wickets and leading his team to a 21-run victory. The win extends Sri Lanka’s winning streak in ODIs to 13 games, consolidating their position as one of the top teams in international cricket.
