India votes in favour of UNGA resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza
United Nations(PTI): India has voted in favour of a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and unconditional release of all hostages.
The 193-member UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the resolution at an emergency special session on Tuesday, with 153 nations voting in its favour, 10 voting against and 23 abstentions.
India was among the 153 nations that voted in favour of the resolution, adopted amid a round of applause in the GA hall.
Those voting against included Austria, Israel and the US while Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ukraine and the UK were among those who abstained.
The resolution, introduced by Egypt, demanded "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire" and reiterated its "demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably about the protection of civilians".
It also demanded the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access".
The resolution however did not name Hamas. Austria and the US had each moved an amendment to the draft text.
The amendment tabled by Austria called for the insertion of the line "held by Hamas and other groups" after the word "hostages" in the main draft as well as called for ensuring "immediate" humanitarian access.
The amendment tabled by the US called for the insertion, in the main draft, of the paragraph "unequivocally rejects and condemns the attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting October 7 and the taking of hostages".
India voted in favour of both the amendments.
However, the two amendments to the draft resolution could not be adopted since they failed to get the required two-thirds majority of votes.
The Austrian-introduced amendment got 89 votes in favour, 61 against and 20 abstentions while the US-proposed amendment got 84 votes in favour, 62 against and 25 abstentions.
In October, India had abstained in the General Assembly on a resolution that had called for an immediate humanitarian truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict leading to a cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza strip.
The resolution was adopted with 120 nations voting in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions.
Along with India, countries that had abstained from the October resolution included Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
The vote in the UNGA came days after the 15-nation Security Council failed to adopt a resolution that would have demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza after the US exercised its veto.
The UNSC resolution, tabled by the United Arab Emirates and backed by over 90 member states, got 13 votes in its favour while the UK abstained.
More than 1,200 people were killed, including 33 children, and thousands injured in the attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on October 7.
Since the start of Israel's military operation, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza said at least 18,205 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, about 70 per cent women and children, and about 49,645 are reportedly injured, according to estimates by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
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Father responds to age fraud allegations against IPL history's youngest buy 13 yr old Vaibhav
New Delhi (PTI): When Sanjiv Suryavanshi sold his farm land to fund his 10-year-old son Vaibhav's cricketing aspirations, little did he know that within three years the boy would be scripting history.
During the second and final day of the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Vaibhav, at 13 years and eight months, became the youngest cricketer ever to be picked by a franchise as Rajasthan Royals bought him for Rs 1.10 crore.
Sanjiv, who owned farm land in his native Motipur village which is 15kms from Samastipur town in Bihar, was lost for words.
"Woh ab sirf humra bituwa nahi pura Bihar ka bituwa hai (He is not just my son now but entire Bihar's son)," Sanjiv told PTI over phone as his son is currently in Dubai for the U-19 Asia Cup.
"My son has worked hard. At the age of 8 years, he excelled at U-16 district trials. I would take him for his cricket coaching to Samastipur and then take him back," he recalled the days of hardships.
So were his finances in place as cricket is an investment?
"Not just investment, it's big investment. Aapko kya bataye humne toh apna zameen tak bech diya. Abhi bhi halat pura sudhra nahi (I have sold my land. Financial issues are still there)."
When asked about the controversies regarding Vaibhav's actual age which many believe is 15 years, the father was quick to clarify.
"When he was 8 and half years old he first appeared for BCCI bone test. He has already played India U-19. We don't fear anyone. He can again undergo age test," he sounded defiant.
Sanjiv said that Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary's "blessings" have always helped Vaibhav in his journey.
"Rakesh ji ka ashirwaad raha hai bahoot (Rakesh ji's blessings are there)."
His base price in the auction was Rs. 30 lakh and Delhi Capitals made the opening bid. RR entered the fray at Rs. 35 lakh and eventually got the better of DC to get the player on board.
So how did this bidding war happened?
"Rajasthan Royals had called him for trials in Nagpur. Vikram Rathour sir (batting coach) gave a match situation where he had to score 17 in an over. Bituwa ne 3 chakka mara. Trials mein aat chakka aur char chauwaa mara (He smashed three sixes. At trials, he hit eight sixes and four fours)," the father claimed proudly.
For a 13-year-old, it can be very difficult to understand what it means to earn a crore. So how does he plan to keep his young son away from monetary discussions?
"He just wants to play cricket and nothing else. A few years back he loved Doremon, not anymore," Sanjiv said.
BCA lauds selection
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BCA president Tiwary was all praise for the prodigy after his 1.10 crore bid for RR.
"Vaibhav Suryavanshi's incredible achievement at such a young age fills us with immense pride," Tiwary said in a statement.
"His journey from Bihar to the IPL is a reflection of his talent, hard work, and determination. The Bihar Cricket Association has always believed in nurturing young talent, and Vaibhav's success highlights the cricketing potential in our state.
"We are confident he will continue to shine and inspire aspiring cricketers across Bihar and beyond. I congratulate Vaibhav and his family."
