Category: Participation / Membership in Global Organisations

** UN seeking wheat from India for Taliban-controlled Afghanistan

The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) is in talks with India for wheat donation to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan that is facing a food crisis, according to the WFP official in that country.

Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the WFP country director in Afghanistan, said on Wednesday that discussions have taken place over the last two weeks and she hoped donations from India will resume to that country.

** India assumes UNSC presidency; focus on maritime security, peacekeeping, counterterrorism

India took over the presidency from France. Ambassador of India to United Nations, TS Tirumurti thanked France Permanent Representative to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere, for steering the UN Security Council for the month of July.

“Thank you Ambassador @NDeRiviere, PR of France for steering the UN #SecurityCouncil for the month of July. India takes over the Presidency for August,” Tirumurti tweeted.

** Harappan-era city Dholavira in Gujarat inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List

Gujarat so far has three world heritage sites – Champaner near Pavagadh, Rani ki Vav in Patan and the historic city of Ahmedabad.

** Telangana’s historic Ramappa Temple receives UNESCO World Heritage site status

“Today, because of a historic decision taken at the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee, Ramappa temple now belongs to the whole world, to the entire humanity. I congratulate the people of Palampet,” India’s representative at the session said, expressing excitement over the inclusion of the 12th-century Kakatiyan architectural marvel among the list of World Heritage sites.

** India’s National Plastic Surgery Day gets global acceptance

July 15 to be celebrated as World Plastic Surgery day

The concept of observing July 15 as National Plastic Surgery Day in India has been adopted by the leaders of top bodies in the speciality across the globe as World Plastic Surgery Day.

The Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI) announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday.

Coimbatore-based plastic surgeon S. Raja Sabapathy introduced the concept of National Plastic Surgery Day when he was the APSI president in 2011 to create awareness of plastic surgery. Every plastic surgeon in the country did one free surgery to mark the inaugural year.

“Plastic surgery originated from India and Sushruta is hailed by all as the founder of plastic surgery. Now we can also be proud that from India we conceptualised World Plastic Surgery Day,” said Dr. Sabapathy, Chairman, Division of Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Reconstructive Microsurgery and Burns at Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore.

** India to make best of its 2-year term in UNSC to establish the right to be a permanent member: Harsh Vardhan Shringla

** India to host 2026 World Badminton Championships

This will be the second time that India will host the premium tournament

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has allotted the prestigious BWF World Championship to India for 2026, it was officially announced on Tuesday.

This will be the second time that India will host the premium tournament, which is held every year except for the Olympic year, after the 2009 edition in Hyderabad.