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CJI Surya Kant Recalls Village Roots: 1st Haryana Native to Lead Supreme Court

By
Alina Khan
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Surya Kant
Surya Kant

Justice Surya Kant, sworn in as India’s 53rd Chief Justice, became the first person from Haryana to reach the country’s highest judicial office since the Supreme Court’s 1950 inauguration. Speaking from his childhood home in Petwar, Hisar, the first-generation lawyer reflected on his distinguished four-decade career.

Humble Beginnings of CJI Surya Kant

“All my childhood memories are connected to this house. I was born here,” he said while sitting on a ‘khatiya’, a traditional village bed. Born February 10, 1962, to a middle-class family, Chief Justice Kant recalled being sent to village school around age four.

“We used to walk from this house through these streets to the village school with the schoolbag in our hands. All my childhood games and studies are connected to this village and the nearby areas,” he stated.

Dedicated Study Habits

He showed media his 6-by-8-foot study room where he studied with three classmates. “Our teachers had a hope that all four of us would be able to perform well in school. So, we were always encouraged to study together at night,” he said.

Before examinations, English teacher Prem Singh had them shift to the school building: “We used to have food from home and go to school at night. And that teacher used to teach us different subjects till 11 or 12 at night.”

With limited electricity supply, they relied on clay lamps for studying.

Unexpected Career Path

Asked if he ever imagined becoming Chief Justice after growing up harvesting crops, he replied: “No, definitely not. At that time, I didn’t even know what the judiciary was and what the role of a judge was in it.”

Despite family pressure for immediate employment after matriculation, his parents supported his decision to pursue law. “My brothers wanted me to do an MA in Geography, because that was my subject. But I was determined to do law. So, my parents stood by me and told me to do whatever I wanted.”

Professional Rise

Starting practice in Hisar district court in 1984, he moved to Chandigarh in 1985 after senior advocates recognized his potential. “I earned my name in the profession very soon. And after five to six years of practice, the whole state knew that I was a successful lawyer.”

He became Haryana’s youngest Advocate General in July 2000, was appointed Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice in 2018, and elevated to Supreme Court judge in 2019 before succeeding Justice BR Gavai.

6 Killed, 28 Injured in Head-On Bus Collision in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi District

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Alina Khan
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Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu: Six people died and 28 were injured in a head-on collision involving two private buses in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi district Monday. The devastating crash triggered a massive rescue operation by local authorities and firefighters.

Tamil Nadu Accident Details

According to police, a private bus traveling from Madurai to Senkottai collided with another heading from Tenkasi towards Kovilpatti. The impact left both vehicles mangled, requiring extensive emergency response efforts.

Preliminary Investigation Findings

A senior police officer told media that preliminary investigation reveals the Keysar bus heading from Madurai to Senkottai was driving recklessly. “Investigators believe speeding and negligent driving by the Keysar bus driver caused the crash,” officials stated.

Casualties and Medical Response

All 28 injured passengers are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Health officials at the scene said the condition of some victims remains serious, adding that the death count is likely to increase as medical teams continue treating critically injured patients.

Ongoing Investigation

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident, examining CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the collision.

Road Safety Concerns

The accident highlights persistent road safety concerns in Tamil Nadu, particularly regarding private bus operations on inter-district routes. Speeding, driver fatigue, and inadequate vehicle maintenance have been identified as recurring factors in similar accidents across the state.

Emergency Response

Local authorities mobilized quickly following the crash, with firefighters working to extract trapped passengers from the severely damaged buses. The emergency response coordination between police, fire services, and medical teams proved critical in evacuating injured passengers to nearby medical facilities.

Legal Action Expected

Police are expected to file charges against the Keysar bus driver and potentially the transport company under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicles Act, pending completion of the investigation. Authorities are also examining whether the buses held valid permits and passed required safety inspections.

The tragedy underscores the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and enhanced safety protocols for private bus operators across Tamil Nadu, where similar accidents have claimed numerous lives in recent years.

Tamil Nadu transport authorities may face pressure to implement more rigorous safety audits and driver training programs following this latest fatal collision.

A Treat for Fans: Dharmendra’s Ikkis Poster Released During His Recovery

By
Alina Khan
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Ikkis
Ikkis

Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, will hit theatres December 25, the makers announced Monday. The film chronicles India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, martyred at 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

New Poster Features Dharmendra

The makers shared a new poster featuring veteran actor Dharmendra, who portrays Khetarpal’s father. The caption read: “Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations. Dharmendra ji, an emotional powerhouse as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier. One timeless legend brings us the story of another.”

‘Ikkis’ Release Announcement

The team shared the update on Instagram with a poster revealing the release date. The caption stated: “On 25th December, bravery marches into cinemas. Witness the untold true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra hero. #IkkisTrailerOutNow – Link in bio. #Ikkis in cinemas worldwide this Christmas.”

Production Details

Ikkis is produced by Maddock Films under Dinesh Vijan, directed by Sriram Raghavan, and written by Raghavan alongside Arijit Biswas and Pooja Ladha Surti. The cast also includes Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher.

Lead Actor’s Background

Agastya Nanda, who made his acting debut in 2023 with The Archies, plays Arun Khetarpal in the biographical war drama. The role represents a significant departure from his debut, transitioning from a coming-of-age ensemble film to a solo lead portraying a decorated war hero.

Historical Context

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was martyred at 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra—India’s highest military decoration—becoming the youngest recipient of the honor at that time.

The Battle of Basantar, fought December 16-17, 1971, in the Shakargarh sector, was a crucial engagement during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Khetarpal’s bravery during the battle, where he destroyed several enemy tanks before being fatally wounded, became legendary in Indian military history.

Christmas Release Strategy

The December 25 release positions Ikkis for the lucrative Christmas holiday period, traditionally a strong box office window in India. The patriotic war drama aims to attract audiences seeking inspirational biographical content during the festive season.

The film marks director Sriram Raghavan’s return after previous critically acclaimed thrillers, representing his first biographical war film.

Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath as 53rd Chief Justice of India, Set for 15-Month Tenure

By
Alina Khan
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Surya Kant
Surya Kant

Justice Surya Kant took oath Monday as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice BR Gavai. He will serve for nearly 15 months, demitting office on February 9, 2027, upon turning 65.

Early Life and Education

Born February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, to a middle-class family, Justice Surya Kant graduated from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in law from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984, and later achieved “first class first” in his master’s degree in law from Kurukshetra University in 2011.

Legal Career Trajectory

Justice Kant began practicing law at Hisar district court in 1984, shifting to Chandigarh in 1985 to practice in Punjab and Haryana High Court. He became Haryana’s youngest Advocate General in 2000, before being appointed Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018.

Supreme Court Tenure and Landmark Judgments

Elevated as Supreme Court judge in 2019, Justice Kant participated in numerous significant verdicts, including the recent presidential reference on governor and president powers in dealing with state assembly bills. He was part of the bench that kept the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, directing no new cases be registered until government review.

Justice Surya Kant nudged the Election Commission to disclose details of 65 lakh voters excluded from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls while hearing petitions challenging Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters list before recent assembly elections.

Gender Justice Advocacy

He led a bench that reinstated a woman sarpanch unlawfully removed from office, calling out gender bias. He is credited with directing that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, be reserved for women.

Other Notable Cases

Justice Kant was part of the bench that appointed a five-member committee headed by former Justice Indu Malhotra to probe the security breach during PM Modi’s 2022 Punjab visit, stating such matters required “a judicially trained mind.”

He upheld the One Rank-One Pension scheme for defense forces as constitutionally valid and continues hearing petitions from women officers seeking parity in permanent commission.

Justice Kant served on the seven-judge bench that overruled the 1967 Aligarh Muslim University judgment, opening reconsideration of the institution’s minority status. He also heard the Pegasus spyware case, appointing cyber experts to probe unlawful surveillance allegations, stating the state cannot get a “free pass under the guise of national security.”

Delhi Pollution Protest at India Gate Turns Violent, 22 Arrested – Here’s What Happened

By
Alina Khan
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Delhi Pollution Protest
Delhi Pollution Protest

Delhi Pollution Protest: A large gathering at Delhi’s India Gate Sunday evening to protest worsening air quality descended into violence after some demonstrators allegedly attacked police personnel with chilli spray and raised slogans supporting Madvi Hidma—a top Maoist leader killed in an Andhra Pradesh encounter earlier this month.

Delhi Pollution Protest Turns Violent

According to police, protesters sat in the middle of the road at India Gate without permission for approximately one hour, raising slogans and waving posters. When police intervened requesting demonstrators stop the protest, they reportedly turned violent by spraying chilli spray, injuring three to four officers.

Officials confirmed the injured personnel are receiving treatment at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital.

Maoist Slogans Raised

As police continued dispersing protesters, a group raised slogans including “Madvi Hidma Amar Rahe” (Long Live Madvi Hidma). A man was seen holding a poster reading: “From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on.”

Hidma’s Background

Hidma, responsible for at least 26 armed attacks against security forces and civilians, was killed in an encounter November 18. He was known for major attacks including the 2010 Dantewada assault that killed 76 CRPF personnel and the 2013 Jhiram Ghati ambush leaving 27 dead, including top Congress leaders. He also played a key role in the 2021 Sukma-Bijapur ambush killing 22 security personnel.

Arrests and Legal Action

Police have arrested 22 people connected to the violence—six taken into custody at Kartavyapath police station, while the remaining 17 at Parliament Street police station.

Officials assured action against those raising Maoist slogans: “Those who raised such slogans at India Gate will be identified, and legal action will be taken against them. We will file a case against them.”

Context of Pollution Protests

The demonstration occurred amid severe air quality crisis in Delhi, with AQI levels frequently reaching hazardous categories during winter months. While many residents have expressed frustration over persistent pollution, the incident highlights how legitimate environmental concerns can be complicated by elements introducing unrelated political agendas.

Security Concerns

The incident raises questions about protest management and infiltration of legitimate public gatherings by groups with different objectives, potentially undermining genuine environmental activism while creating law enforcement challenges.

US Pilot Criticizes Dubai Air Show for Continuing After Fatal Tejas Crash

By
Alina Khan
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Dubai Air Show
Dubai Air Show

Dubai Air Show: United States Air Force (USAF) Major Taylor ‘Fema’ Hiester expressed shock Saturday over Dubai Air Show 2025 organizers’ decision to continue the event following the tragic Tejas aircraft crash that killed an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot last week.

F-16 Team Cancels Final Performance

In an emotional Instagram post, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team Commander Hiester announced his team canceled their final performance, along with several others, “out of respect to the IAF pilot, his colleagues and family.”

He described his reaction after being informed flying displays would continue despite the crash: “I walked through the show site maybe an hour or two later expecting it to be empty, down, or off. It wasn’t.”

Fatal Tejas Crash At Dubai Air Show

Wing Commander Namansh Syal tragically died Friday when his Tejas fighter jet—a multi-role Light Combat Aircraft built indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—crashed during a maneuver at Al Maktoum International Airport. Horrifying visuals showed the aircraft plummeting to the ground and bursting into flames. Syal was unable to eject safely.

Critical Assessment of Show’s Response

“Yesterday, on the final day of the Dubai Air Show, Indian Air Force Wing Commander Namansh Syal was killed performing a fighter jet acrobatic demo in the Tejas. Our team was preparing our own airplane to fly our own display. Though the show made the shocking decision to continue with the flying schedule, our team along with a few others made the decision to cancel our final performance out of respect to the pilot, his colleagues and family,” Hiester stated.

He noted the announcer remained enthusiastic despite the crash, the crowd continued watching subsequent routines with excitement, and the show ended with congratulatory notes to sponsors and performers.

“It was uncomfortable for me to imagine my team walking out of the show site without me to a rock and roll track as the next performer prepared. The show must go on, is what they always say. And they’re right. But just remember someone will say that after you’ve gone too,” he wrote.

Final Rites

Sunday, Syal’s mortal remains were brought to Sulur Air Force Base in Tamil Nadu and received with full military honors. Later, they were flown to Himachal Pradesh and taken to his native Patiyalkar village in a flower-decked Army truck.

At the Kangra district cremation, his wife, Wing Commander Afshan, sobbing inconsolably while holding their six-year-old daughter, managed a final farewell salute. Syal was cremated with full military honors and gun salute, with cousin Nishant performing last rites.

Jennifer Lopez Performs at Lavish Udaipur Wedding of Industrialist’s Daughter

By
Alina Khan
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Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez

American singer-actor Jennifer Lopez joined the roster of global celebrities delivering electrifying performances at the lavish wedding of Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju in Udaipur. Lopez arrived in India on November 22 and performed November 23, marking the couple’s wedding day.

Jennifer Lopez Performance Highlights

Viral videos show Lopez grooving to hit chartbusters including “Waiting for Tonight,” “On the Floor,” “Play,” “Save Me Tonight,” and “Get Right,” energizing attendees who danced enthusiastically.

For her performances, Jennifer Lopez opted for a series of dazzling cut-out dresses in blue, shimmery gold, and black, completing her look with knee-length boots. For the wedding ceremony, she wore an embellished saree by Manish Malhotra paired with matching jewelry. Shortly after performing, she was spotted at the airport departing India.

Social Media Response

The performances received positive internet reception. One fan wrote: “Don’t be fooled by the rocks that I got, I’m still, I’m still Jenny from the block.”

Another comment read: “In fact, to be fair, Nora Fatehi’s performance was better and more exciting.”

A third comment stated: “JLo on stage = pure power + perfection.”

The Bride’s Background

Netra Mantena is the daughter of NRI industrialist Rama Raju Mantena, a prominent US pharmaceutical industry figure and Chairman and CEO of Ingenus Pharmaceuticals—a company with operations in the United States, Switzerland, and India.

Netra married tech entrepreneur Vamsi Gadiraju in Udaipur during multi-day festivities that attracted numerous high-profile performers.

Star-Studded Celebration

The festivities began with a glittering sangeet ceremony November 21, featuring electrifying performances by Bollywood stars including Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor.

The mehendi ceremony saw Madhuri Dixit and Nora Fatehi setting the dance floor ablaze, while Lopez entertained guests with her iconic hits on the wedding day.

Trend of Celebrity Wedding Performances

The wedding continues the trend of ultra-wealthy Indian families hiring international celebrities for private events, with Lopez joining artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and others who have performed at high-profile Indian celebrations in recent years.

The Udaipur celebration represents the scale and extravagance increasingly common among India’s elite, combining traditional wedding ceremonies with international entertainment and luxury hospitality.

OnePlus Begins Teasing 15R with Massive 8,000mAh Battery and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Chipset

By
Alina Khan
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OnePlus
OnePlus

OnePlus has started teasing its upcoming affordable flagship, the OnePlus 15R, following the launch of the OnePlus 15 in India. According to leaks, the OnePlus 15R will be a rebranded version of the OnePlus Ace 6T, set to launch in China.

Design and Camera Configuration

The OnePlus 15R is expected to feature a flat frame design and square camera module similar to the OnePlus 15. In China, the device will arrive in three colors—black, green, and violet. The camera module hints at a dual rear setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel ultrawide. Unlike the OnePlus 13R, the OnePlus 15R is expected to omit a telephoto lens.

Battery Exceeds Flagship Model

While cameras may represent a downgrade, the OnePlus 15R offers something exceeding even the OnePlus 15. If identical to the Ace 6T, it will pack a massive 8,000mAh battery compared to the 7,300mAh cell in the OnePlus 15—a significant advantage for power users.

The device is also expected to support 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, ensuring rapid power replenishment despite the large battery capacity.

Performance Specifications

The OnePlus 15R is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC. OnePlus previously announced it would be the first phonemaker using this chipset, which is expected to deliver performance similar to last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite.

The Ace 6T features a 6.7-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate—specifications likely carried over to the 15R.

Additional Features

Features include the customizable Plus key, allowing users to tailor different actions such as silent mode, camera activation, or Plus Mind AI function. This shortcut button is likely carried over from the OnePlus 15.

The OnePlus 15R will likely receive IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, along with stereo speakers.

Launch Timeline and Expected Pricing

The OnePlus 15R may launch before year’s end. Limited pricing information is available, though considering the OnePlus 15 received a price hike, the 15R may be costlier than the OnePlus 13R, which launched in India at Rs 42,999.

The device represents OnePlus’s strategy of offering flagship-level performance and features at more accessible price points, with the massive battery capacity being a standout selling point against competitors.

Tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Supreme Sacrifice as Nagar Kirtans From Four Directions Conclude in Holy Sri Anandpur Sahib

By
Dhruv
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Education and Information and Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that the beautifully decorated Nagar Kirtans arriving from all four directions will reach Sri Anandpur Sahib on Friday, November 22. Devotees are preparing to welcome these processions with great enthusiasm. He added that the combined route length of the Nagar Kirtans coming from Srinagar, Gurdaspur, Faridkot and Talwandi Sabo is one thousand five hundred sixty three kilometers.

Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has completed all arrangements in Sri Anandpur Sahib. The focus is on ensuring comfort and safety for the large number of devotees who will gather from November 23 to 25 to observe the three hundred fiftieth martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and to pay their respects at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib.

Across all twenty three districts of Punjab, light and sound shows portraying the life and teachings of Guru Sahib have already been held, along with Kirtan Darbars at Baba Bakala, Amritsar and Patiala.

Explaining the upcoming events, Bains said that Sri Akhand Path Sahib will begin on November 23 at the Gurdwara Sahib near Baba Budha Dal Camp, with the Chief Minister and other dignitaries expected to attend. He added that the Chief Minister will also open an exhibition at Virasat e Khalsa that highlights the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. On the same day, a Sarbat Dharam Conference will take place at the main pandal at Baba Budha Dal Camp, with noted religious leaders and invited guests participating.

On November 24, a Sees Bhent Nagar Kirtan will proceed from Kiratpur Sahib to the memorial of Bhai Jeeta Ji. A Heritage Walk is also scheduled in Sri Anandpur Sahib, covering Gurdwara Bhora Sahib, Gurdwara Sees Ganj Sahib, Guru Tegh Bahadur Museum, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Qila Anandgarh Sahib and continuing to Virasat e Khalsa. A special session of the Legislative Assembly will also be held at the memorial of Bhai Jeeta Ji. Competitions and demonstrations including Gatka, tent pegging, sword and shield displays, Simran gatherings and other martial events will take place at Charan Ganga Stadium. Drone shows will be hosted at Virasat e Khalsa every evening from November 23 to 29.

On November 25, after the completion of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, a Sarbat Da Bhala congregation will be organized at the main pandal of Baba Budha Dal Camp. The government has arranged extensive facilities for the arrival of lakhs of devotees. Shuttle services will help visitors move easily between parking areas and important locations. All parking zones have been outfitted with CCTV cameras, lighting, barricading, traffic marshals, signboards and mobile toilet units. Existing parking near major religious and cultural landmarks has also been integrated into the plan.

To support the movement of devotees, five hundred e rickshaws, one hundred fifty mini buses, twenty five Urbania vans, fifteen cars, twenty Tata Ace vehicles and ten golf carts have been deployed, with special focus on assisting elderly and differently abled visitors. Shuttle services will connect devotees to Gurdwara Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Virasat e Khalsa, the main pandal, tent cities and help desk points. The entire transport system will be monitored from a central control room with clearly marked pick up zones and guidance staff.

To accommodate the huge influx of visitors, two large tent cities have been set up by the Rupnagar district administration. These are Chakk Nanaki Niwas Tent City and Bhai Mati Das Niwas Tent City, with space for nearly ten thousand devotees.

Emergency services have been strengthened with dedicated ambulances and round the clock medical facilities linked to the main control room. Punjab Police has also put in place a comprehensive security plan, deploying more than eight thousand personnel under senior officers to manage safety, traffic and overall crowd movement throughout the commemorative events.

PM Modi Departs for South Africa to Attend G20 Summit Amid US Boycott

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Alina Khan
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PM Modi
PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Friday for a three-day South Africa visit to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. The summit, themed “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” marks the fourth consecutive G20 gathering held in the Global South.

Leaders are convening without US representation after President Donald Trump announced a boycott over his widely rejected claims that South Africa was persecuting its Afrikaner white minority. Chinese leader Xi Jinping is also skipping the summit, having reduced international travel.

PM Modi’s Summit Agenda

PM Modi is expected to speak in all three summit sessions covering inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister will present India’s perspectives on the G20 agenda, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

On the margins, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders present in Johannesburg and participate in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by South Africa.

PM’s Departure Statement

“This will be a particularly special summit given that it will be the first G20 Summit being held in Africa. During India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023, the African Union had become a member of the G20,” Modi stated in his departure remarks.

“The Summit will be an opportunity to discuss key global issues. The theme of this year’s G20 has been ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, by which South Africa has carried forward the outcomes from the previous summits held in New Delhi, India, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I will present India’s perspective at the Summit in line with our vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future,'” he added.

Summit Session Focus

The three sessions are titled: “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind: Building our economies; the role of trade; financing for development and the debt burden”; “A Resilient World – the G20’s Contribution: Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change; Just Energy Transitions; Food Systems”; and “A Fair and a Just Future for All: Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence.”

India’s G20 Legacy

India, under Modi’s leadership, spearheaded efforts leading to African Union membership in the G20—a landmark achievement during India’s 2023 G20 presidency, making this first African-hosted summit particularly significant.

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