G20 First Spouses See Breakthroughs In Indian Agriculture At IARI, Enjoy Farm-To-Fork Millet Experience

As many as 15 spouses of G20 leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's wife, Yoko Kishida, visited the 1,200-acre PUSA-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) campus here, the seat of India's Green Revolution, on Saturday and saw the breakthroughs in Indian agriculture and enjoyed the farm-to-fork millet experience.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty, and World Bank President Ajay Banga's wife, Ritu Banga, were among the delegation of first ladies and spouses of G20 leaders who visited the IARI campus here in the national capital.

They were received by Kyoko Jaishankar, the wife of India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar.

They were welcomed by a grand "millets-rangoli" at the exhibition that showcased the curated millets from 18-odd countries and the burgeoning startup ecosystem and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in India.

At the Rangoli area, the G20 spouses witnessed 2 massive 'Millet Rangolis'. The first depicted India's agricultural traditions and women's roles towards the same, while the second celebrated India's commitment to food security.@g20org#IYM2023 #ShreeAnna #G20India2023 pic.twitter.com/Yoz1spUj3p

— International Year Of Millets 2023 (@IYM2023) September 9, 2023

"At the exhibition area, 15 #Agristartups showcased innovative tech solutions to address ground-level challenges. #FPOs from across the nation displayed edible products marketed nationwide, aligning with the theme 'Empowering Rural Prosperity through Collective #Agriculture," the agriculture ministry posted on social media platform X.

The exhibition, which was organised by the ministry, showcased India's agricultural excellence, featuring farmers, cutting-edge agri-technology, and celebrity chefs, it said.

During an hour-long visit, the delegates also met tribal farmer Lahari Bai from Madhya Pradesh, who has made a significant contribution to the conservation of millets in her farm field.

They also saw vertical farming, hydroponic farming, and other sustainable agriculture methods.

Lahari Bai is among 20 women farmers from remote villages who shared their experiences and wisdom about millet farming with the spouses of G20 leaders at IARI.

These women are at the forefront of a movement to revolutionise millet cultivation in their respective regions.

Women farmers were invited from far-flung villages in 11 millet-producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Odisha.

"The progress of Indian agriculture, depicting advances made in agriculture through research in food and nutrition security, was displayed through exhibitions. The delegates took a keen interest in understanding all about Indian agriculture," IARI Director A K Singh said.

Besides millets, the advances made in dairy, fishery, and floriculture were displayed in the exhibition, he added.

The spouses of G20 leaders also visited the "live millets cooking counter" at IARI, where celebrity chef Kunal Kapur prepared dishes and served some of the best Indian culinary delights.

A 'Live Cooking Session' featured a range of millet-based dishes, led by celebrity chefs @ChefKunalKapur, @anahita_dhondy & @mchefajaychopra. Together with @ITCCorpCom, they crafted a full-course millet feast for G20 Spouses.@g20org #IYM2023 #ShreeAnna #G20SummitDelhi pic.twitter.com/jJsIYyBo1e

— International Year Of Millets 2023 (@IYM2023) September 9, 2023

India has been spearheading the movement to highlight millets, adopting a resolution to declare 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM), which was supported by 72 members of the United Nations General Assembly.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Pics: Guests In Indian Attire At President's G20 Dinner

Several world leaders and dignitaries wore Indian attires as they arrived for G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Bharat Mandapam this evening.

G20 dignitaries were treated with a specially curated all-vegetarian menu at the G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu this evening.

IMF's Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath poses in a saree with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at G20 dinner.

IMF's Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva wore a traditional Indian attire Salwar Kurta for the G20 dinner.

 

Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth's wife Kobita Ramdanee in a Indian saree for the G20 dinner.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina wore a saree for the G20 dinner hosted by President Murmu.

 

World Bank President Ajay Banga's wife Ritu Banga arrived at Bharat Mandapam for the G20 dinner wearing a saree.

UK PM Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murthy wore a colourful Indo-Western attire for the G20 dinner hosted by President Murmu.

 

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Brahmastra At One: Alia Bhatt Shares BTS Video. Bonus - Ranbir Kapoor

Brahmastra is a special film for Alia Bhatt as her off-screen romance with Ranbir Kapoor started during the shoot of this movie. As Brahmastra clocked one year on Saturday, Alia Bhatt shared a BTS video  of the movie. The BTS video can be made into a stand-alone movie as it has several aww moments. The video begins with director Ayan Mukerji explaining a scene to Alia Bhatt. She is told to hug the director from behind while he performs. However, Alia laughs out loud and Ranbir Kapoor (whose voice can be heard in the shot) says, "moment hai! moment hai!" The video then shows the first look test picture of Alia and Ranbir. In another shot, we can see Ayan Mukerji doing meditation inside a flight and Alia Bhatt smiles into the camera as he is being captured without his knowledge. There's a super cute shot in which Ranbir Kapoor can be seen with a towel covering his head. Alia wrote in the caption, "Someone hates rain sequence." From Varanasi to abroad, Alia tried to capture all precious moments in the video. In one frame, Alia and Ranbir are captured with their back to the camera, walking in the snow. Alia wrote in the caption, "A piece of our hearts..Can't believe it's already been a wholeeeee year. Love & Light alwayss."

Take a look at the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt)

Earlier, Ayan Mukerjee shared a video which had snippets from the first installment. The video was captioned, "Celebrating 1 years of Brahmastra. On 9th September 2022, we introduced you to the world of Astras." The video ends with glimpses of Dev and Amrita's characters (faces still haven't been revealed yet). Posting the video on Instagram, Ayan Mukerji wrote, "Happy 1st Birthday, Brahmastra! Thank you for all the creativity, all the Hard work, and for all the Lessons in Film-making, and in Life. PS.: Will share some early artwork from the next stage of the Brahmastra journey in a bit."

Take a look at the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayan Mukerji (@ayan_mukerji)

As promised, Ayan Mukerji shared another video to show the initial sketches of Dev in Brahmastra: Part two. He wrote in the caption, "BRAHMĀSTRA - PART TWO: DEV Early Concept Art Work Has been a few months of working steadily on the Vision and Story for Brahmāstra 2 & 3! On this special day for Team Brahmāstra, felt like sharing a few key images of our Inspiration."

Take a look at the post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayan Mukerji (@ayan_mukerji)

The film's producer Karan Johar too posted a video and he wrote, "Today we mark and celebrate one year of this labor of love. Truly, one experience....one journey....one story that is told with the heart and soul. An army of people giving in their best to showcase nothing short of magic on the big screen. The power of love & light will continue to shine bright.

Take a look at the post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)

In Brahmastra, Ranbir played the character of Shiva and Alia of Isha. Alia and Ranbir's romance blossomed on the sets of Brahmastra. They got married last year and welcomed their daughter Raha in November.

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G20 Decries "Use Of Force" In Ukraine Without Naming Russia

G20 leaders have called on all states to "refrain from the threat, or use, of force to seek territorial acquisition" and ruled the threat of use of nuclear weapons "inadmissible" - a discreet critique of Russia's war on Ukraine that signals a major climbdown from the declaration in Indonesia last year.

Most importantly, the 2023 New Delhi Declaration - unlike that adopted by G20 leaders in Indonesia - does not name Russia in connection with the war. It merely calls on all states to refrain from acting against the territorial integrity of any nation and that "the G20 is not the platform to resolve geopolitical and security issues... (which) can have significant consequences for the global economy".

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States were, instead, urged to "uphold principles of international law, including territorial integrity and sovereignty" and the document called for a "comprehensive, just and durable peace in Ukraine".

The declaration that followed last year's summit in Indonesia was more explicit, citing a United Nations resolution and condemning in "strongest terms... aggression by Russian Federation against Ukraine".

READ | G20 'Delhi Declaration' A "Document Of Global South": Read Full Statement

In today's declaration, Ukraine - invaded in February 2022 - found mention just four times in a 37-page document India's G20 sherpa, Amitabh Kant, said had been achieved with "100 per cent consensus".

The New Delhi Declaration's stance on Russia and the war reflects a major climbdown by Western nations, which had insisted on strong language when referring to Ukraine and Russia's role in the war.

READ | At G20, Language Used To Describe Russia-Ukraine War Splits Leaders

Disagreements over wording of paragraphs on geopolitical situations had stalled earlier efforts at building consensus, which India had insisted also accommodate the views of Russia and China.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who represents Moscow in the absence of President Vladimir Putin, had said his country would block any declaration not reflecting its views on Ukraine.

READ | Russia, China Are Less Likely To Sign On G20 Joint Declaration, Says US

India countered Western nations' by suggesting the G20 - while condemning suffering caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine - is "a premier forum for economic cooperation" and not to resolve geopolitical and security issues, and that "there were different views and assessments of the situation".

The New Delhi Declaration reflects the tightrope India has had to walk on this subject, given close ties with Russia (a key defence partner), friendship with Ukraine, and its membership of the Quad (which includes the United States, Australia and Japan), as well as its position as President of the G20.

The passing of this unanimous declaration also means India, as the Chair for the 2023 Summit, ensures the bloc continues the tradition of the G20 issuing a joint communique after each meeting.

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"Great Seeing You, Mr Prime Minister": Biden's Post On X After Meeting PM

India and the US will affirm during the G20 summit that their partnership is stronger than ever, President Joe Biden said following a dinner and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night.

"Great seeing you, Mr. Prime Minister. Today, and throughout the G20, we'll affirm that the United States-India partnership is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history," the US President posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Great seeing you, Mr. Prime Minister.

Today, and throughout the G20, we'll affirm that the United States-India partnership is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history. pic.twitter.com/bEW2tPrNXr

— President Biden (@POTUS) September 8, 2023

Biden arrived in Delhi at 7 pm last evening for the G20 summit. Shortly after landing, the US President headed to the Prime Minister's residence for a private dinner and bilateral talks thereafter.

A joint statement issued at the end of the talks said President Biden had reaffirmed his support for the reformed United Nations Security Council with India as a permanent member.

The two leaders, the joint statement said, had agreed to "deepen and diversify" the bilateral defence partnership and welcomed the forward movement in India's procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines.

Talks were also held on cooperation in nuclear energy, critical and emerging technologies such as 6G and artificial intelligence, and ways to fundamentally "reshape" multilateral development banks.

The joint statement said President Biden had praised India's G20 Presidency for "demonstrating" how the forum is delivering important outcomes.

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Terrorist Wanted By India Shot Dead In Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

A terrorist wanted in India was shot dead by unidentified gunmen inside a mosque in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on Friday, officials said.

This was the fourth such killing of a top terrorist commander operating from across the border this year.

Riyaz Ahmad alias Abu Qasim, affiliated with the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba, was one of the main conspirators behind the Dhangri terror attack on January 1.

Seven people died and 13 were injured when terrorists struck Dhangri village of Rajouri district and fired indiscriminately. They also left behind an improvised explosive device that went off the following morning.

Originally hailing from the Jammu region, Ahmad exfiltrated across the border in 1999. He was considered as the brains behind the revival of terrorism in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, the officials said.

Quoting reports from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), they said Ahmad was shot dead by unidentified gunmen inside the Al-Qudus mosque in the Rawalakot area during pre-dawn prayers.

Ahmad mostly operated from the Lashkar-e-Taiba base camp in Muridke but had recently shifted to Rawalakot. He was a close associate of Sajjad Jaat, the Lashkar-e-Taiba's chief commander, and also looked after the outfit's finances, the officials said.

He was the fourth top commander of different terror outfits operating from Pakistan to be gunned down this year.

In March, a top commander of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Pakistan's Rawalpindi.

Bashir Ahmad Peer alias Imtiyaz Alam, who hailed from Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, had been living in Pakistan for more than 15 years. He was accused of getting Zakir Musa, chief commander of the Ansar Gazwat-ul-Hind -- an offshoot of al-Qaeda in Kashmir -- killed in May 2019.

In February, unidentified gunmen shot dead former Al-Badr Mujahideen commander Syed Khalid Raza in the port city of Karachi in what police described as a targeted attack.

Aijaz Ahmad Ahangar, a Kashmiri terrorist functioning as a top commander of the global terror group Islamic State, was found dead -- reportedly killed by the Taliban -- in Afghanistan's Kunar Province earlier this year.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Watch: Fountain Show At Bharat Mandapam Ahead Of G20 Summit

As the national capital is all geared up for the 18th Heads of State and Government Summit of the G20 (Group of 20) being held on September 9 and 10, the government is leaving no stone unturned in the preparations for welcoming the high-profile delegates. 

A fountain show was organised at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, which is the venue for the G20 summit, at Delhi's Pragati Maidan on Friday. 

#WATCH | G-20 in India: Sound and fountain show being organised at Bharat Mandapam, in Delhi

Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan is all set to host the G 20 Summit on September 9 and 10.#G20India2023 pic.twitter.com/04uEaGtPWa

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023

In addition, leaders of the G20 summit will be treated with first-of-its-kind instrumental music performances showcasing the cultural depth of Bharat on the occasion to be hosted by the President of India on September 9.

Bharat-Vadya-Darshanam (musical journey of India), a fusion of different musical styles prevailing within Bharat, will be organised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Ministry of Culture.

78 instrumentalists from all over the country will perform together for three hours before foreign dignitaries during the dinner programme hosted by the President in honour of G20 leaders at 'Bharat Mandapam'.

What sets this ensemble apart is the inclusion of 34 Hindustani instruments, 18 Carnatic instruments, and 40 folk instruments from across Indian states featuring 78 artists including 11 children, 13 women, 7 differently abled (Divyang) artists, 26 young men and 21 seniors.

Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi, said that the musical programme with compositions in Vilambit Laya (slow tempo) followed by Madhya Laya (medium fast tempo) ending with few scores in Druta Laya (Fast tempo).

The performance will go on for three hours from 6-9 pm, the chairperson said.

India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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