Sunil Chhetri’s scoring form has inspired India to multiple victories in recent games. AIFF
Sunil Chhetri will lead the Indian men’s football team at the Asian Games as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) named the 18-member squad on Wednesday.
The announcement ends widespread confusion regarding the Asian Games-bound squad, with many Indian Super League (ISL) clubs reportedly unwilling to release their players for the quadrennial event. The football competition at the Games is to begin on September 19, while the ISL is slated to kick off two days later.
While football at the Asian Games is usually a U-23 competition, each team is allowed to field three players over the age bracket. Sandesh Jhingan, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Chhetri were the three seniors shortlisted, but now only Chhetri will feature in the team. This also means that Bengaluru FC will miss their skipper’s services for their mouthwatering opening clash against Kerala Blasters.
Commenting on the team announcement, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said, “It has been a hectic time for Indian football season this time. We have a tight schedule within a short period of time that was not easy to manage.
“There have been too many things happening, both at the domestic and the international level, involving India’s National Teams, as well as the ISL clubs. While the Senior National Men’s Team successfully completed playing a series of matches, they are also awaiting to play the Asian Games, followed by Merdeka Cup, World Cup Qualifiers, and the AFC Asian Cup.”
🚨Sunil Chhetri will lead the Indian Men’s Football Team at the Hangzhou Asian Games 🚨 pic.twitter.com/lLwPrY0jwM
Chaubey thanked the ISL clubs for making the team’s participation possible. The men’s team is competing at the Asian Games after a nine-year gap.
“There were situations which were unavoidable and demanded a great balancing act. It was never easy, but at the same time, I must reach out to FSDL and the clubs, thanking them for making it possible. The Indian National Team are going to the Asian Games after a nine-year gap, and it has become possible because of the active support the Indian Football received from the Government of India, especially the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,” he said.
The G20 members unanimously adopted the Delhi Declaration, which called on nations to uphold territorial integrity and not use force to grab territory.
Marking the ceremonial transfer of the G20 presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today handed over the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who praised India for giving voice to topics of interests of emerging economies.
Here are 10 points about this big story:
“Yesterday, we had wide-ranging discussions in the ‘One Earth, One Family’ sessions. I am satisfied that today the G20 has become a platform for optimistic efforts regarding the vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future,” PM Modi said in his closing remarks today.
Lula da Silva congratulated PM Modi, and listed social inclusion, the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development as G20 priorities. He said the UN Security Council needs new developing countries as permanent, non-permanent members to regain political strength. “We want greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF,” he said.
The big takeaway of the Summit were a call to end the “global trust deficit”, the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the launch of new connectivity networks between the US, India, Saudi Arabia, and Gulf states.
The G20 members unanimously adopted the Delhi Declaration, which called on nations to uphold territorial integrity and international humanitarian law to safeguard peace and stability.
“We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability,” the declaration said.
China and Russia, whose heads of state skipped the Summit, were also in agreement with the Delhi declaration. But while the declaration called on all states to not use force to grab territory, it avoided condemning Russia for the war in Ukraine. Ukraine’s foreign ministry said the declaration was “nothing to be proud of”, adding that a Ukrainian presence would have given participants a better understanding of the situation.
The bloc also said that they will aim to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and expedite efforts to phase down coal power in line with national circumstances but did not commit to a phase-out of all polluting fossil fuels, including oil and gas.
The bloc, which represents 85 per cent of the world’s GDP and contributes 80 per cent of emissions, however, said it will uphold its 2009 promise made in Pittsburgh to eliminate and rationalise inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan lauds Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful G20 Summit in New Delhi, emphasizing India’s role under Modi’s leadership and the country’s global prospects.
Shah Rukh Khan Extends Congratulations to PM Modi for G20 Success, ‘Under Your Leadership, We Will Prosper’
Bollywood actor, Shah Rukh Khan, has extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the triumphant G20 Summit held in New Delhi. In addition to praising the summit’s success, Khan has taken a moment to recognize the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
Shah Rukh Khan applauds PM Modi for a successful G20 Summit
Khan, known for his eloquence and influence, turned to Twitter to express his deep admiration for PM Modi. He commended the Prime Minister’s role in fostering unity among nations, with a shared vision of global betterment.
The actor emphasized the significance of India’s G20 Presidency under the guidance of PM Modi. He stated that it has instilled a profound sense of honor and pride within the hearts of every Indian. Khan believes that, under PM Modi’s leadership, India is destined to prosper, not in isolation but through unity.
Congratulations to Hon. PM @narendramodi ji for the success of India’s G20 Presidency and for fostering unity between nations for a better future for the people of the world. It has brought in a sense of honour and pride into the hearts of every Indian. Sir, under your… https://t.co/x6q4IkNHBN
The 2023 G20 New Delhi summit, held from September 9 to 10, made history as the first G20 Summit hosted in India and the entire South Asian region. The prestigious event unfolded at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition-Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The summit addressed an array of critical global issues. These included extending economic support to developing nations, advocating for reforms within international financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF, establishing regulations for cryptocurrencies, and addressing concerns related to food and energy security, climate change, and the far-reaching socio-economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Mr Tharman, seen here with his wife Jane Ittogi, was always the clear frontrunner
Singaporeans have chosen Tharman Shanmugaratnam as their next president – but many would have let out a small sigh of disappointment as they did so.
On Friday, the former top minister won a record 70.4% of the votes, comfortably beating two other candidates in the country’s first contested presidential election in more than a decade.
Mr Tharman was always the clear frontrunner. Urbane, well-spoken and intelligent, he is highly regarded by Singaporeans and consistently polls as one of the island’s most popular politicians.
Which was why, when Mr Tharman announced several months ago he was quitting the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) to run for president, many Singaporeans were baffled by what they viewed as a waste of his potential.
The role of president is a largely ceremonial one that holds little power, apart from having some say on the use of Singapore’s sizeable financial reserves. It has even less say in public affairs – the government, which has the power to remove the president, has made it clear the president cannot speak too freely and has likened the role to the British monarch.
It is a figurehead role that many see suitable for a pleasant, uncontroversial person to inhabit, as has been the case with past presidents. But Mr Tharman is much more than that.
Besides helping to helm Singapore’s political leadership as finance minister and deputy prime minister, the former economist has also held top council positions at global institutions such as the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At one point, he was even tipped to head the IMF.
Some Singaporeans thought that if he ever left the PAP, he would go on to make his mark in the international arena.
Even more hoped he could be prime minister. A survey some years ago saw him poll as the first choice to become PM after incumbent Lee Hsien Loong steps down. In general elections, Mr Tharman’s constituency often scores the highest after Mr Lee’s.
Part of this popularity stems from the fact that as a long-time deputy, Mr Tharman’s reputation has been shielded from the slings and arrows of public criticism which Mr Lee has had to bear.
But the 66-year-old has also cultivated a gentlemanly image, and has refrained from engaging in personal attacks unlike some other politicians. This has played well with an electorate that likes its leaders genteel and statesmanlike.
Many felt he had the chops and stature to become that almost mythical creature – the first non-Chinese prime minister of Singapore – and break a glass ceiling that the government has long insisted is concrete.
Famous for their racial realpolitik, PAP leaders often reiterate that Singapore, a Chinese-majority country, is not ready to accept a minority PM.
Mr Tharman kept mum on this topic until last week when he said he felt Singapore was ready, sharpening the sting of disappointment among his supporters.
But Mr Tharman has also insisted he would not be good at being PM, and with the PAP’s new leadership waiting in the wings, it could be said he was already on his way out. One theory is the PAP wanted him to run for president to help shepherd the next generation of leaders.
And so, he chose to run for president instead. Although Singapore has had non-Chinese presidents in the past, Mr Tharman is the first one voted in by the public.
His supporters could claim his victory as a win for representation and a repudiation of racism. In the lead-up to the election, some social media posts insisted that Singapore must have Chinese leaders. Mr Tharman’s two competitors were both Chinese.
Ng Kok Song came in second behind Mr Tharman, with about 16% of the vote
Ironically he has also blown apart the argument for a key PAP racial policy.
Prior to the presidential election in 2017, the government passed laws ensuring some polls would be restricted to minority race candidates. They argued the rules were needed to ensure better representation of minorities in Singapore, which include Malays, Indians, and Eurasians.
Those rules did not apply this time, so Mr Tharman has proven that a minority race candidate can win under their own steam – and resoundingly so.
For this reason, his victory “is certainly a win for race relations” in Singapore, said Mathew Mathews, a principal research fellow specialising in race at the Institute of Policy Studies.
But he added that the results “don’t necessarily mean that Singapore society is race-blind”, as race would likely be a bigger factor in a more even competition. The other candidates had CVs less distinguished than Mr Tharman’s, or were less known.
AAP pitches for Arvind Kejriwal as prime ministerial candidate for
The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday pitched for Arvind Kejriwal as the prime ministerial candidate for the opposition INDIA bloc, saying that as Delhi chief minister he has given a model that the whole country can benefit from.
The party’s chief national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar told PTI that Kejriwal has always presented a budget that is “in profit and pro-people”.
Her comments came a day ahead of the INDIA alliance’s meeting in Mumbai during which the opposition leaders are expected to chalk out a joint campaign strategy to take on the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and iron out the differences among themselves.
To a question on who should be the prime ministerial candidate for the INDIA alliance, Kakkar said, “As a spokesperson, I would propose our national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s name.” She said Kejriwal has constantly raised the issues of the people and “has given a model” which has led to the least inflation in Delhi.
“He has given a model that benefits the people. I would want it to happen but the decision is not in my hands,” the AAP’s chief spokesperson said.
Nguema heads the Gabonese Presidency’s Republican Guard, the country’s most powerful security unit.
Gabonese soldiers carry General Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the presidential guard which overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba [Screenshot by Gabon 24/AFP]Minutes after Gabon’s electoral commission announced on Wednesday that President Ali Bongo Ondimba had won a third term in office, senior military officers announced a coup and annulled the election results.According to local media reports, Brice Clothaire Oligui Nguema, the commander-in-chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard – the country’s most powerful security unit – and a cousin to Bongo, is the ringleader of the attempted coup.He was later named as the country’s transition leader.
Here’s what we know about him so far.
A powerful figure
Nguema is one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the country today. The son of a military officer, he trained at the Royal Military Academy of Meknes, in Morocco.
Nguema then served as Bongo’s “aides-de-camp” to a commander in former President Omar Bongo’s Republican Guard, until the former Gabonese leader’s death in 2009.
When Omar Bongo’s son Ali Bongo rose to power in October 2009, Nguema was sent to Morocco and Senegal for diplomatic missions. A decade later, he took over as the head of the guard.
Gabonese soldiers appear on television on August 30, 2023, announcing they were ‘putting an end to the current regime’ and the cancellation of an election that, according to official results, President Ali Bongo Ondimba won [Screenshot from Gabon 24/AFP]The guard, whose military officers are recognisable by their green berets, is responsible for presidential security. As its head, Nguema tried to fortify Gabon’s internal security systems with reforms that were seen as elongating Bongo’s stay in power.According to local media reports, Nguema also composed a song that included the line: “I would defend my president with honour and loyalty”.Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/30/who-is-brice-oligui-nguema-alleged-coup-leader-in-gabon
India holds an important role in setting up an efficient and trusted global supply chain
With the emergence of newer challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that businesses need to think beyond the bottom line and this can be done through focusing on supply chain resiliency and sustainability.
“B20 should think on new issues. Businesses have successfully gone beyond borders and boundaries. Now it is time to take businesses just beyond the bottom line. This can only be done by focusing on supply chain resilient and sustainability,” he said at the valedictory session of the B20 or Business 20 Summit India 2023, organised by CII which is the B20 Secretariat.
“Connected work is not just about connecting technologically…it is also about our shared purpose, shared planet, shared prosperity and shared future,” he underlined.
Noting that a number of global business leaders are attending the B20 Summit, the Prime Minister said that there is a need for cooperation on a number of issues such as climate change, energy sector crisis, water crisis, food supply chain imbalance, cyber security that have a big impact on businesses. Further, newer issues such as cryptocurrency and Artificial Intelligence require an integrated approach by businesses and governments across the world.
He called for an integrated approach to the challenge of cryptocurrency, where a global framework is needed and where all stakeholders are kept in mind. A similar approach needs to be followed for AI, he said highlighting ethical considerations regarding skilling and re-skilling, and concerns regarding algorithm bias and its impact on society and global business communities and governments have to ensure that ethical AI expands, he said.
“This is not the first time such challenges have come up. When aviation and financial sector were expanding, then also the world has found such frameworks. So I request the B20 to look at new issues,” the Prime Minister said.
He also highlighted that the future of global growth is dependent on the future of business. We all know business can transform potential into prosperity, obstacles into opportunities, and aspirations into achievements. Whether they are small or big, global or big, business can ensure progress for everyone. Therefore, the future of global growth is dependent on the future of global business,” he said.
Highlighting opportunities presented by India, he said India has become the face of a digital revolution in the era of Industry 4.0. With the pandemic bringing irreversible changes in the global supply chain, he further noted that India holds an important role in setting up an efficient and trusted global supply chain.
