Latest news with #AmbHarishP
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First Post
11 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Gaza hunger crisis: India calls for uninterrupted flow of aid for Gazans amid Israeli military strikes
India's UN Ambassador Harish P. has called for uninterrupted aid to Gaza amid the worsening crisis, supporting a two-state solution and immediate measures like ceasefire and dialogue. read more Amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, India has called for an uninterrupted flow of aid into the besieged territory at the United Nations. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish P. reiterated India's support for the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. He also pointed out how human suffering in Gaza continued 'unabataed'. 'Our efforts must now focus on how to bring about a two-state solution through purposeful dialogue and diplomacy, and bringing the parties to the conflict to engage directly with each other…The humanitarian assistance pillar demands our immediate attention and action. The human suffering in Gaza continues unabated,' he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Tens of thousands have been killed, and many more injured. Several medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Children have been deprived of schooling for more than 20 months. Humanitarian aid needs to flow without impediments…Palestinians in Gaza must have access to food, fuel and other basic necessities without hindrance. Humanitarian assistance is vital in sustaining life and must remain outside the realm of politics or conflict,' said the permanent representative. #IndiaAtUN PR @AmbHarishP delivered 🇮🇳's statement at the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @UN — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) July 29, 2025 He then talked about immediate measures that both Israel and Hamas needed to take to pave way for urgent de-escalation. 'India has also been clear on the measures that must be undertaken in the short-term - An immediate ceasefire, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, release of all hostages, and the path of dialogue and diplomacy. There are no alternatives to these measures.' Humanitarian crisis in Gaza The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a dire warning on Sunday (July 27), highlighting that malnutrition rates in Gaza have reached 'alarming levels,' driven by the 'deliberate blocking' of humanitarian aid. The agency stressed that this crisis, which has already claimed numerous lives, is entirely preventable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to WHO data, 74 malnutrition-related deaths have been recorded in Gaza this year, with a staggering 63 occurring in July alone. Among these, 24 were children under five, one was a child over five, and 38 were adults. The situation is particularly dire for Gaza's youngest residents. WHO reports that nearly one in five children in the region is now acutely malnourished. The city of Gaza has been hit hardest, with the percentage of children aged four to six suffering from acute malnutrition tripling since June, making it the epicentre of this escalating crisis in the Palestinian territory. For months, food security experts have sounded the alarm about the looming threat of famine in Gaza, where over 2 million people reside. Israel has faced criticism for restricting aid deliveries, with officials claiming that Hamas 'siphons off' goods to strengthen its control. These restrictions have severely limited access to food and essential supplies, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response to mounting international pressure and growing concerns about widespread hunger, the Israeli military announced a temporary measure on Sunday. It introduced a ' tactical pause' in fighting across three populated areas of Gaza, lasting 10 hours each day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm until further notice.
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First Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
'No substitute to peace': India calls for ceasefire in Gaza, release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish P., delivered an address at the UN Security Council Quarterly Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, where he also said that all the remaining Israeli hostages must be released immediately read more India has called for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying that intermittent pauses in hostilities are not enough, considering the scale of humanitarian crisis that has struck the region. India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish P., delivered an address at the UN Security Council Quarterly Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, where he also said that all the remaining Israeli hostages must be released immediately. 'The way ahead is clear, and India has been consistent in this regard. The ongoing human suffering must not be allowed to continue. Humanitarian assistance needs to be facilitated in a safe, sustained and timely manner. There is no substitute to peace. A ceasefire must be put in place. All hostages must be released. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable paths to achieving these objectives. There are no other fixes or solutions,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas's 2023 attack, 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. #IndiaAtUN PR @AmbHarishP delivered 🇮🇳's statement at the @UN Security Council Quarterly Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) July 23, 2025 India officially backs a two-state solution for Palestine, where a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine should be established within secure and recognised borders, living alongside Israel with peace. What's going on with Gaza truce? Hamas confirmed on Thursday that it has responded to an Israeli proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, after more than two weeks of indirect talks in Qatar have failed to yield a truce. 'Hamas has just submitted its response and that of the Palestinian factions to the ceasefire proposal to the mediators,' the Palestinian militant group said in a statement on response included proposed amendments to clauses on the entry of aid, maps of areas from which the Israeli army should withdraw, and guarantees on securing a permanent end to the war, according to a Palestinian source familiar with ongoing talks in Doha. Negotiators from both sides have been holding indirect talks in Doha with mediators in an attempt to reach an agreement on a truce deal that would see the release of Israeli hostages. With inputs from agencies


Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
How the world celebrated International Yoga Day 2025: From UN to Times Square
Yoga mats unfolded in parks and plazas as the sun rose across continents on June 21 — from Times Square to UN headquarters, London's Strand, and living rooms across the world. The 11th International Yoga Day was celebrated across the globe today with largescale gatherings, virtual events, and official messages promoting well-being and global harmony. The theme for this year's celebration is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. Here's how countries across the world are marking the day: A special guided meditation session was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations on the North Lawns of the UN headquarters in New York. According to PTI, The event drew over 1,200 yoga practitioners, diplomats, UN officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the diaspora community. #IndiaAtUN Celebration of health and overall well-being! @IndiaUNNewYork organized the 11th #InternationalDayofYoga at @UN Headquarters today. This year's theme is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. PR @AmbHarishP mentioned in his remarks that the global resonance of Yoga has… — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) June 21, 2025 India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, in his welcome address, said: 'In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', or the whole world is one family,' Physician Dr. Deepak Chopra led the guided mediation session. UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his official message said: 'The International Day of Yoga recognizes the ancient practice's unmatched power to deliver healing, inner peace and physical, spiritual and mental well-being.' He added: 'With roots in India but now embraced worldwide by people of all faiths and cultures, yoga unites people with its values of balance, mindfulness and peace with people and planet alike… On this important day, let us all be inspired by yoga's timeless values and its call for a more peaceful and harmonious future.' In the UK, hundreds of people gathered at an iconic square on the Strand in London for a yoga session organised by the High Commission of India in partnership with King's College London. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami opened the event by reading a message from King Charles III: 'The theme of this year's day, Yoga for One Earth, One Health, reminds us how vitally important it is that the world comes together to secure a happy and healthy future for present and future generations.' 🧘♀️ The 11th #InternationalDayOfYoga was celebrated today at the iconic Strand, London! Yoga enthusiasts gathered for open and free yoga session hosted by @HCI_London & @KingsCollegeLon under this year's theme: 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health.' #IDY2025… — India in the UK (@HCI_London) June 20, 2025 Quoting the King, he added: 'Initiatives like the International Day of Yoga provide an opportunity to celebrate a practice and philosophy that means so much to so many. Year on year, Yoga is increasing in popularity across the United Kingdom, with millions of people in our country reaping its benefits. Yoga is a powerful means of enabling anyone to improve their physical and mental health and fosters a sense of wellbeing and togetherness within communities.' The event opened with 'Drums of India' by Bhavan UK, followed by Surya Namaskar, Iyengar Yoga, and sessions led by Heartfulness UK, Art of Living, and Isha Foundation. The evening ended with 'Samagam', a yoga-dance performance. Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with Times Square Alliance, hosted the 11th International Day of Yoga at Times Square. The day-long celebration, known as 'Solstice at Times Square', featured seven yoga sessions with about 10,000 participants from across nationalities, as per reports by PTI. Acclaimed actor Anupam Kher was also present at the event. CGI New York, in collaboration with @TimesSquareNYC, hosted a vibrant Yoga Session at the iconic Crossroads of the World – Times Square! Here are a few more glimpses from this energizing celebration of wellness and unity. #YogaforOneEarthOneHealth@MEAIndia @AnupamPKher… — India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) June 20, 2025 The Consulate is also organising a month-long celebration of International Day of Yoga in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Connecticut. The day also saw global digital participation as well, as New York City's Department of Parks and Recreation held sessions like 'Rise & Shine Flow.' The organisation asked participants to ''join from wherever you are and connect with a global community honoring yoga's power to uplift and unite.' Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading celebrations on International Yoga Day from Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh said on Saturday: 'Unfortunately, today, the entire world is going through some tension and unrest. Instability has been increasing in many regions. In such times, Yoga gives us the direction of peace. Yoga is the pause button that humanity needs to breathe, balance, and become whole again.' (With inputs from PTI)