United Nations

March 4, 2025 10:18 AM

India slams UN human rights for unfounded and baseless comment on Kashmir and Manipur

At the 58th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Arindam Bagchi, delivered a pointed critique of the High Commissioner’s global update, calling for a “genuine update” on the situation in India. Bagchi’s statement was in response to unfounded remarks made about India, particularly in relation to Jammu and Kashmir. “Mr. Vice President, allow me today to share some reflections about the High Commissioner's global...

February 25, 2025 3:57 PM

Ukraine needs $524 billion to recover, rebuild after three years of war, World Bank says

The estimated cost to rebuild Ukraine's economy after Russia's invasion has risen to $524 billion, nearly three times its expected 2024 economic output, the World Bank, United Nations, European Commission and the Ukrainian government found. A new study by the institutions included data from Russia's invasion three years ago through December 31, including a 70% increase in damages to Ukraine's energy infrastructure from Russian attacks. It showed an increase of over 7% from the last estimate of...

February 24, 2025 11:37 AM

India to host first-ever conference on women peacekeepers

A two-day conference on women peacekeepers deployed in UN missions is set to begin in New Delhi on Monday. Titled "Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective," this first-of-its-kind event is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping. According to the MEA, women peacekeepers from 35 Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) across the Global South will participate. External Affairs Mi...

February 19, 2025 11:36 AM

Indian envoy slams Pakistan at UN, reaffirms J&K as integral part of India

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, strongly condemned Pakistan’s misinformation campaign at the UN Security Council (UNSC) and reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir "has been, is, and will always be" an integral part of India. Harish made the remarks on Tuesday while delivering India's statement at the UNSC Open Debate on Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming, and Improving Global Governance. His comments came in response to Pakistan’s Deputy...

February 18, 2025 11:14 AM

Humanitarian needs in Gaza remain overwhelming: UN

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire despite the ongoing ceasefire, while Israeli operations in the West Bank continue to result in casualties, according to the United Nations. "The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to deliver life-saving assistance across the Gaza Strip, but the scale of needs remains overwhelming, requiring urgent and sustained support," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated. OCHA reported that Gaza’s hospitals, includi...

February 14, 2025 11:41 AM

US targets diversity, equity, inclusion at United Nations

The United States has warned U.N. organizations UNICEF and UN Women against any focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and gender ideology as a U.N. food official sought to avoid Washington's ire by advising some staff to tone down language. Since returning to power on January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump as focused on eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices and any promotion of "gender ideology" in the federal government, and has encouraged the private sector to follow s...

December 20, 2024 3:14 PM

Global Unity through Inner Peace: UN has declared 21st December as World Meditation Day

The United Nations has declared 21st December as World Meditation Day. It is going to be an annual event observed to promote the importance of mental and emotional well-being through meditation. The meditational practice helps people connect with their inner selves, manage emotions, and develop greater awareness. It is a simple yet powerful tool, offering profound benefits for both individual and collective health. 2024 Theme: "Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony" This year's theme emphas...

December 13, 2024 10:23 PM

Could UN sanctions on Syrian rebels HTS be removed?

The rebel group that led the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - has long been under United Nations sanctions, which the U.N. special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has described as "a complicating factor for all of us." Formerly known as the Nusra Front, HTS was al Qaeda's official wing in Syria until breaking ties in 2016. Since May 2014 the group has been on the United Nations Security Council al Qaeda and Islamic State sanctions list, and subjected to a ...

November 22, 2024 3:47 PM

India’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors critical for its nutrition security: FAO

India’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors are critical for its nutrition security. Explaining the significance of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, Professor Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General and Director, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), also reckoned the opportunities and challenges in the process. An event on the World Fisheries Day was hosted by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India (GoI...

October 29, 2024 7:26 PM

Bangladesh: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk arrives in Dhaka

The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, arrived in Dhaka early this morning on a two-day official visit. During the visit, Turk will hold a number of meetings with top government officials and civil society representatives. The high commissioner is scheduled to meet with Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, said a press release disseminated by the UN Resident Coordinator office in Dhaka. The UN HR chief will also hold meet...