Varanasi: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman arrived in Varanasi on Sunday to attend the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting, USAID is an independent agency of the US government that works towards providing civilian foreign aid and development assistance. The G20 Development Ministers' Meeting under the G20 Indian Presidency is scheduled to be held between June 11-13 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will chair the meeting. The meeting, to be held as part of India's G20 Presidency, will also see a special video address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs statement said. The Varanasi Development Ministers' Meeting takes place in the midst of mounting developmental challenges that have been made worse by the slowdown in the global economy, debt distress, the effects of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, rising poverty and inequality, the cost of living crisis, supply chain disruptions around the world, and geopolitical tensions and conflicts. The G20 Development Ministerial meeting will be an opportunity to collectively agree on actions for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering synergies between the development, environment and climate agendas while avoiding costly trade-offs that hold back progress for the developing countries, the statement added. The Varanasi gathering follows the Voice of the Global South Summit, which was hosted by India in January 2023. The decisions made at the Varanasi meeting will also have an impact on the United Nations SDG Summit, which will be held in New York in September. Further, according to the statement, the meeting will consist of two main sessions -- one on 'Multilateralism: Collective Actions for Accelerating Progress towards SDGs' and another on 'Green Development: A LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Approach'. The Development Ministers' Meeting was preceded by the fourth and final Development Working Group (DWG) Meeting, which was held in Delhi from June 6-9. —ANI

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman arrived in Varanasi 

USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman Arrives In Varanasi For G20 Meeting

Washington: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has welcomed India as the 27th Artemis Accords signatory and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that they are "very pleased" to grow the partnership with India on Earth and in space. During a ceremony held in Washington on June 21, India became the 27th country to sign the Artemis Accords. NASA administrator Bill Nelson and India's ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu participated in the signing ceremony. "On behalf of NASA, on behalf of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we are very pleased to grow our partnership with India here on Earth and in space," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in the press release. NASA thanked the leadership of India for signing the Artemis Accords. Bill Nelson said, "As we venture farther out into the cosmos than ever before, how we go is as important as what we do when we reach our destinations. We want to go in a peaceful way. We want to go in a transparent way. And we want to support each other in times of trouble. We are very grateful for India's leadership in signing the Artemis Accords and look forward to all that we will accomplish together." In the press release, NASA noted, "The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA's Artemis program." Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that India is taking a landmark step by becoming a part of the Artemis Accords. He reiterated India's commitment to space exploration underpinned by new levels of cooperation and progress. He said that India is confident that the Artemis Accords will advance a rule-based approach to outer space. "India is taking a landmark step in becoming a party to the Artemis Accords, a momentous occasion for our bilateral space cooperation. We reiterate India's commitment to space exploration underpinned by new levels of cooperation and progress. India is a responsible space power and places the highest importance on the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space," Taranjit Singh Sandhu said in the press release. He further said, "We are confident that the Artemis Accords will advance a rule-based approach to outer space. It also underlines our collective belief that exploration is not just the pursuit of knowledge - of knowing the unknown - but is a catalyst in advancing the betterment of humanity. In that sense, signing of these Accords highlights the evolution of a partnership into one for global good." According to the press release, NASA in coordination with the US Department of State along with seven other founding member nations established the Artemis Accords in 2020. NASA noted that the Artemis Accords reinforce and implement key obligations in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Furthermore, the Artemis Accords reinforce the commitment by the US and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement best practices and norms of responsible behaviour that NASA and its partners have supported. NASA noted that additional nations will sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead. Earlier on Friday, US Vice President Kamala Harris thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India decided to join the Artemis Accords. During his US visit, PM Modi made the announcement that India joined the Artemis Accords on June 22. Thanking PM Modi at the Luncheon during her speech, Harris said, "When you and I first met at the White House, I asked you to join the Artemis Accords, a commitment to safe and transparent use of space, and today I am happy to report that you have joined the Artemis ACCORDS." In her remarks at the Luncheon, Kamala Harris said, "And there is a point of personal privilege. As chair of the National Space Council, I thank you for your leadership in space and for our joint work on our earth-science satellite which will help us address the climate crisis." —ANI

 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has welcomed India as the 27th Artemis Accords signatory 

We Are Very Pleased To Grow Our Partnership With India On Earth And In Space: NASA Administrator

Mumbai: In a setback for Torrent Investment, the NCLT's Mumbai bench has rejected its plea seeking a stay on the ongoing resolution process of Reliance Capital.
The NCLT will now hear the Reliance Capital resolution plan approval application of the administrator on September 26.
In its plea, Torrent Investment had sought NCLT's directions to keep the Reliance Capital resolution plan approval in abeyance till the final orders are passed by the Supreme Court.
Torrent had also asked the NCLT to direct IIHL - the successful resolution applicant, the administrator, and the COC to not undertake any further actions in respect of the conclusion of the resolution process of the Reliance Capital.
Notably, Torrent's application that had challenged the second round of auction for the sale of Reliance Capital assets is pending before the SC, but the apex court refused to grant any stay on the resolution process proceedings before the NCLT.
The counsel for the COC informed the court that due to the pendency of the resolution plan, the lenders of Reliance Capital are incurring a loss of Rs 42 crore per week.
While rejecting Torrent's plea, the NCLT stated that there is no stay from the Supreme Court on the proceedings before the tribunal. The court also said that Torrent did not participate in the second round of auction.
In June, the COC had approved the IIHL's Rs 9,800 crore resolution plan with 99.6 per cent votes. Post that, the Administrator had filed the final plan before the NCLT for approval.
Torrent challenged the COC's approval on the plan and tried to seek stay on the resolution process from the Supreme Court, but it refused to grant any stay on its application.
—IANS

In a setback for Torrent Investment, the NCLT's Mumbai bench has rejected its plea seeking a stay on the ongoing resolution process of Reliance Capital.

Setback for Torrent as NCLT rejects its plea in the Reliance Capital resolution matter

New York: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (local time) held a meeting with United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.  Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Jaishankar stated, "Warm meeting with @ASteiner, UNDP Administrator. Appreciated UNDP’s engagement with India’s G20 Presidency initiatives. Can work together to scale up Indian success stories for global benefit." Earlier, EAM S Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at UN Headquarters in New York. Jaishankar and Guterres discussed how India’s G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening the UN's sustainable development agenda. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Jaishankar stated, "Pleasure to meet with UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres at UN Headquarters. Discussed how India’s G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening @UN’s sustainable development agenda. We have coordinated closely in this regard over the last year. Appreciate UNSG’s strong commitment to reforming International Financial Institutions." India hosted the recently concluded G20 Summit in Delhi on September 9-10. The mega G20 Summit was held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. Jaishankar held a meeting with United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis. Jaishankar and Francis agreed on the importance of reforming multilateralism and giving the Global South its due on crucial issues that exist in today's time. Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, "Began the morning by meeting @UN_PGA Dennis Francis at UN Headquarters. Welcomed his appreciation of the outcomes of India’s G20 Presidency. Confident that it would contribute to the UN General Assembly’s discourse and deliberations. Agreed on the importance of reforming multilateralism and giving the Global South its due on crucial issues of our times." After meeting Jaishankar, the UNGA president said the meeting focussed on key issues and priorities, including the UNSC reforms. He congratulated Jaishankar on India's successful G20 Presidency.  In a post shared on X, Francis stated, "Delighted to meet External Affairs Minister of India, H.E. @DrSJaishankar. Congratulated India’s successful #G20 Chairmanship, especially on India’s unwavering advocacy in support of the Global South. Discussed #UNGA78 priorities and key issues, including UNSC reform and building on the outcomes of the #SDGSummit ahead of the Summit of the Future.” EAM Jaishankar also met Madagascar counterpart Yvette Sylla. The two leaders discussed development partnership, millets and rice production, digital delivery and defence cooperation.  In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, "A warm meeting with our SAGAR partner, FM of Madagascar, Yvette Sylla today. Discussed development partnership, millets and rice production, digital delivery and defense cooperation." Jaishankar is in New York leading the Indian delegation for the UNGA session. He will address the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, according to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. After concluding his visit to New York, he will travel to Washington, DC. —ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (local time) held a meeting with United Nations Development Programme

EAM Jaishankar Meets UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner In New York 

Bengaluru (Karnataka): National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson expressed delight at meeting students at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the first Indian to fly to space, Rakesh Sharma on Wednesday. Nelson, who is on a visit to India, said that the story of Rakesh Sharma lit up the room. Sharing on his social media X, NASA Administrator stated, "It was a great honor to speak with students in Bengaluru today with Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to fly to space. His story lit up the room! To the Artemis Generation in India and beyond: Work hard, dream big, and reach for the stars. The universe is the limit!" Rakesh Sharma went on to become the first Indian citizen to reach outer space on April 2, 1984, when he flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11 launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. He spent 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes in space and took India to become the 14th nation to travel to outer space. Sharma's work was mainly in the fields of bio-medicine and remote sensing. Sharma conducted several scientific studies and experiments, his work including remote sensing and bio-medicine. The crew even held a conference with officials from space. When the then PM of India, Indira Gandhi asked Sharma how India looked from outer space, Sharma said "Saare Jahaan Se Achcha". He said that the most beautiful moments in space were sunrise and sunset. Meanwhile, Nelson touched down in India on Tuesday, expressing his enthusiasm for a week of meetings and events aimed at strengthening the partnership between NASA and ISRO. He emphasised that India is a leader in space and is looking forward to a productive visit. He will also be visiting the UAE for a series of meetings with key government officials. Nelson will also meet with space officials in both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation across a broad range of innovation and research-related areas, especially in human exploration and Earth science, the American space agency NASA said in a release. Nelson's visit to India will fulfil a commitment as part of the US and India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology initiated by President Joe Biden. —ANI

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson expressed delight at meeting students

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson Delighted To Meet Rakesh Sharma, The First Indian To Fly To Space

Chandigarh (Punjab): Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has submitted his resignation from the position on Saturday stating reasons. In a letter addressed to the President of India Purohit explained that he is resigning from the post of Governor of Punjab and Administrator Union Territory Chandigarh due to circumstances and other commitments. He kindly requested the President to accept his resignation at their convenience. The decision to resign comes after a period of relations between the governor and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann with both parties engaging in public disagreements on various matters. August Purohit had issued a strong warning to CM Mann raising the possibility of recommending Presidents rule in the state and initiating legal proceedings if his letters remained unanswered. In correspondence with Mann Governor Purohit expressed his ongoing frustration regarding unanswered letters and cautioned about reporting a "failure of constitutional mechanism" to the President. In response Mann accused the Governor of threatening peace loving citizens in the state. The Chief Minister emphasized that law and order are well maintained and highlighted that most of Purohits concerns have been appropriately addressed. In October this year Purohit had written to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding an incident related to 'illegal' mining, in Tarn Taran. The Governor requested a report regarding the issue, which also addressed claims of corruption within the police force the alleged participation of a close relative of an MLA in unauthorized mining activities and subsequent measures like the suspension of police personnel and the reassignment of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), in Tarn Taran.
—Input from Agencies

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USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman Arrives In Varanasi For G20 Meeting

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USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman Arrives In Varanasi For G20 Meeting

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