Wayanad landslide figures in RS discussions
New Delhi (PTI): The landslides in hills of Wayanad in Kerala that killed many and injured scores figured in the Rajya Sabha discussions on Tuesday with the Left and the Congress demanding that the Centre extend financial and other assistance to the state.
Leader of the House and Union Health Minister J P Nadda said it is a very big tragedy and the central government, in coordination with the state government, is pro-actively working to provide relief and carry out rescue operations.
He said the first task is to remove the bodies and save those injured.
Responding to concerns raised by Opposition members, Nadda said all efforts will be put in place to deal with the natural tragedy.
"If there is any suggestion... that we have to improve something in our action, please do that. We are together," he said.
John Brittas of Kerala CPI (M), Abdul Wahab (IUML), Jose K Mani of Kerala Congress (M), and A A Rahim of CPI (M) were among the MPs who expressed concerns and made suggestions to deal with the suggestion.
Earlier, soon after the listed papers were laid on the table of the House, opposition MPs were up on their feet, seeking to raise the issue.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who rejected notices under rule 267 given by some opposition MPs, seeking suspension of the listed business to take up a discussion on the issue, said all attempts are being made by the state government and the Centre and the Prime Minister has already spoken to the chief minister and some ex-gratia has been announced.
But the Opposition MPs wanted permission to raise their concerns and place demands.
"Every member is concerned. Our country is one," Dhankhar said as the MPs persisted with their demand.
As the Congress and the Left MPs rose in their places, he asked, "What will you discuss?"
"Right now all you want to do is express concern," he told the MPs.
He stated before the start of the proceedings, four MPs had come to him seeking time to raise the Kerala tragedy in the House.
"At the moment, all that can be done is we can express solidarity," he said as he disallowed MPs from raising the issue.
Leader of the Opposition and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the landslide that happened around 2.30 am is "a very painful situation" and agencies are acting in tandem for relief and rescue efforts.
He wanted an MP hailing from the region to be allowed to speak on the issue.
As MPs continued to insist, Dhankhar relented and allowed MPs to briefly speak on the tragedy.
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India calls for UNSC expansion, says lack of reform 'constrains' global body
New Delhi (PTI): India on Friday strongly called for expansion of the UN Security Council with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying that the effectiveness and credibility of the global body will remain "constrained" without reforming it.
Jaishankar made the remarks at a conclave of the foreign ministers of the BRICS nations in New Delhi.
"We meet at a time when the effectiveness of global governance and the credibility of multilateralism are under increasing scrutiny," he said.
"The world today is more interconnected, complex, and multipolar than when many of our current institutions were created. Yet, the structures that underpin global governance have not kept pace with these changes," he noted.
Jaishankar listed four specific points to press for reforming the key international bodies and multilateral trading systems, and asserted that the reform of the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies remains "central".
"The membership of the United Nations has expanded significantly, and its responsibilities have grown. Yet, key structures, particularly the Security Council, continue to reflect an earlier era," he said.
"Without meaningful reform, including expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, the effectiveness and credibility of the UN will remain constrained. Representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America is essential," he noted.
India has been a strong contender for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
Elaborating his second point, Jaishankar said the time has come for serious negotiations for reform of the UN Security Council.
"BRICS itself has debated this issue deeply, especially at the Johannesburg Summit. Our outcome documents have reflected that consensus. But much more has to be done to make reform a reality," he said.
"Third, there is an urgent need to reform the international financial architecture," the external affairs minister said.
He said there is a need to reform the global financial architecture to effectively deal with various economic challenges including vulnerabilities in supply chains, pressures on food and energy security, and inequalities in accessing critical resources.
"Fourth, the multilateral trading system must be strengthened and reformed. Non-market practices, concentration of supply chains, and uncertain market access have exposed the global economy to new risks," he said.
Jaishankar said a rules-based, fair, open, and inclusive trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core, remains essential.
"At the same time, it must address asymmetries and reflect the concerns of developing countries," he said.
