UN | DD News

April 22, 2026 2:39 PM

Extreme Heat Threatens Global Food Systems, Warn United Nations Agencies

Extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods and health of more than a billion people, according to a new report by the U.N.'s food and weather agencies. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense and prolonged, damaging crops, livestock, fisheries and forests. "Extreme heat is rewriting the script on what farmers, fishers and foresters...

April 21, 2026 1:07 PM

Explainer: Who are the candidates running for UN secretary-general?

The 10th United Nations secretary-general will be elected this year for a five-year term starting on January 1, 2027. Here are the candidates so far running to take over from outgoing U.N. chief Antonio Guterres. RAFAEL GROSSI Rafael Grossi, a 65-year-old career diplomat from Argentina, has been an omnipresent, hyperactive director general of the U.N. nuclear watchdog for the past six years. While the International Atomic Energy Agency has long policed Iran's nuclear programme, Grossi led ne...

April 15, 2026 11:57 AM

India opposes two-tier UNSC reform, backs G4 proposal to defer veto for 15 years

India has firmly opposed the creation of a “two-tier” system of permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while expressing support for a compromise proposal by the G4 group to defer veto powers for new permanent members for 15 years. Speaking at the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reforms, India’s Permanent Representative Ambassador P. Harish stressed that expanding the permanent category with veto powers is essential for any meani...

March 24, 2026 3:39 PM

Bahrain pushes for UN authorisation of force to protect Hormuz shipping

Bahrain has put forward a draft United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorise countries to use, in the words of the text, "all necessary means" to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The diplomatic phrase is widely understood as authorisation for the use of force. The draft was seen by Reuters on Monday. Diplomats said the resolution, which is backed by other Gulf Arab states and the United States, would be placed under Chapter Seven of the UN Chart...

March 20, 2026 11:50 AM

India reiterates Indus Waters Treaty to remain in abeyance until Pakistan ends support for terrorism

India has reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to end support for terrorism. Speaking at a United Nations event marking World Water Day 2026, India’s Permanent Representative Harish Parvathaneni said New Delhi was compelled to take the decision after repeated provocations and failure of bilateral engagement. “It was not my intention to comment on a bilateral issue in this forum, but I am compelled to respond as...

March 18, 2026 1:24 PM

Around 4.9 million children under five died in 2024, says UN

About 4.9 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday in 2024, according to new United Nations estimates, a sign progress to reduce child mortality rates was stalling even before global aid budget cuts last year. Most of the deaths were preventable with better access to healthcare and low-cost interventions for challenges like complications from pre-term birth or diseases like malaria, said UNICEF, the World Bank, the World Health Organization and the U.N. population division, wh...

March 17, 2026 12:12 PM

India calls for universal condemnation of religious violence at UN, points out persecution of Ahmadiyyas in Pakistan

India has called for a uniform and global approach to combating religious hatred, asserting that violence in the name of religion must be condemned irrespective of faith. Delivering India’s statement at the observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia at the United Nations General Assembly, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, outlined New Delhi’s position on tackling religious discrimination and extremism. In his address, Harish emphasised that ...

March 12, 2026 3:05 PM

Trump’s portrayal of migrants as criminals may incite hate crimes, UN racism body warns

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Wednesday warned about "derogatory and dehumanizing language" used by U.S. President Donald Trump when referring to migrants. It said it was deeply concerned not only about the language but also the dissemination of negative and harmful stereotypes targeting migrants, among others, by portraying them as criminals or as a burden. "Portraying them as criminals or as a burden, by politicians and influential public figures...

March 11, 2026 3:47 PM

India highlights women-led development at UN’s Commission on the Status of Women

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur highlighted India’s progress in advancing women-led development and strengthening gender equality during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-70) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Delivering India’s national intervention during the General Discussion on March 10, the minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to gender equality and improving access to justice in li...

February 25, 2026 12:39 PM

On invasion anniversary, UN says Ukraine cannot be divided

The U.N. General Assembly adopted by a wide margin on Tuesday a resolution supporting Ukraine, backing its international borders and voicing concern over intensifying Russian attacks on civilians and critical energy infrastructure. The vote by the assembly, which has repeatedly supported Ukraine, passed with 107 in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions. The resolution, which is not legally binding but carries political weight, was seen as a test of solidarity with Ukraine on the fourth annive...