The outgoing chief of UN peacekeeping forces has lauded India and other South Asian countries for contributing well trained and well behaved troops to the world body's peacekeeping missions.

"The contribution of South Asian countries is very valuable in terms of numbers because usually the three or four largest contributors rotate between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Those usually are among the three or four largest contributors," Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous told reporters here yesterday during his final briefing in this post.

He will be succeeded by another French diplomat Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

He said troop contributors from the South Asian nations have given the UN large numbers of peacekeepers but also "good people, people who are well trained, well equipped and in most cases behave correctly." 

He said while there have been a few cases of disciplinary nature against South Asian peacekeepers, these have not been huge numbers.

"Countries of the region, yes, they have been very active peacekeepers, they have paid the price, unfortunately, in terms of casualties. I appreciated very much their role and contribution during my tenure," he said.

India is among the largest contributor of peacekeepers to the world body.

As of February 2017, a total of 7606 Indian peacekeepers were deployed in UN missions, including 6763 troops and 782 police personnel.

It has also suffered significant casualties with 163 peacekeepers making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Indian peacekeepers have maintained a clean record as the world body investigates allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation against the Blue Helmets.

India has said it has a policy of zero tolerance against sexual abuse and exploitation by peacekeepers.

India has also informed the UN Secretariat it had appointed a focal point to handle future paternity claims related to sexual exploitation and abuse.

The outgoing chief said UN peacekeeping is becoming more agile and capable, even as the cost for each peacekeeper fell 16 per cent in recent years, dropping the entire budget of the blue helmets worldwide to around USD 7.2 billion.

"It s a lot of money at face value, but it's 0.4 per cent of world military expenditure," he said.

"No other army has done what the United Nations has done over the past six years," he added.

The price for UN peacekeeping operations is currently USD 7.2 billion, down from USD 8.2 billion in 2011.

"We diminished the cost per peacekeeper by 16 per cent without any diminution in the level of equipment.

India's new envoy to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri on Saturday arrived here and would submit his credentials to President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Sunday.

Puri, a 1982 batch IFS officer, was on March 10 appointed as India's 24th ambassador to Nepal. His predecessor Ranjit Rae completed his three and a half year-tenure on February 28.

Puri, born in 1959, is scheduled to submit his letters of credence to President Bhandari tomorrow, according to reports.

Before being assigned to Kathmandu mission, he was India's Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Prior to Brussels, he was India's Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York from 2009 to 2013. He was also a senior member of India's Security Council team during the years 2011 and 2012, when India served on the Security Council.

From 2005-09, he headed the United Nations Division in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi dealing with economic and social issues.

In the course of his Foreign Service career, Puri has served twice in Germany (in Bonn from 1984-86 and Berlin from 1991-94). He was the coordinator of the Festival of India in Germany in 1991-92 and established the Indian Cultural Centre in Berlin.

Puri has a Masters degree in Management. He did his BA (Honours) in Economics from St Stephen's College in New Delhi.

India's new envoy to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri on Saturday arrived here and would submit his credentials to President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Sunday.

Puri, a 1982 batch IFS officer, was on March 10 appointed as India's 24th ambassador to Nepal. His predecessor Ranjit Rae completed his three and a half year-tenure on February 28.

Puri, born in 1959, is scheduled to submit his letters of credence to President Bhandari tomorrow, according to reports.

Before being assigned to Kathmandu mission, he was India's Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Prior to Brussels, he was India's Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York from 2009 to 2013. He was also a senior member of India's Security Council team during the years 2011 and 2012, when India served on the Security Council.

From 2005-09, he headed the United Nations Division in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi dealing with economic and social issues.

In the course of his Foreign Service career, Puri has served twice in Germany (in Bonn from 1984-86 and Berlin from 1991-94). He was the coordinator of the Festival of India in Germany in 1991-92 and established the Indian Cultural Centre in Berlin.

Puri has a Masters degree in Management. He did his BA (Honours) in Economics from St Stephen's College in New Delhi.

BJP on Saturday alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government was not spending the money the Centre provided to it for improving the health infrastructure of the state.

"The Centre is giving money to West Bengal. But the Mamata Banerjee government is not spending the money on health", BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said.

"Keeping in mind the federal structure of the country, the Centre sends money. But we do not see it is spent for improving the health infrastructure of West Bengal", Patra told reporters on the sidelines of an ABVP-oraganised convention organised by medicos and junior doctors.

Patra said that the Centre had provided Rs 150 crore for upgrading three hospitals of West Bengal into super-speciality ones. "But that is not being done", he said.

"See the case of Narada. While the Centre's intention is health, Trinamool's intention is politics and corruption", he said.

Referring to the National Health Policy announced recently, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set a target of increased GDP spend from 1.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent on healthcare over a phased manner.

The average life expectancy of an Indian had also been targetted to increased from 67.5 years to 70 years in the policy.

BJP on Saturday alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government was not spending the money the Centre provided to it for improving the health infrastructure of the state.

"The Centre is giving money to West Bengal. But the Mamata Banerjee government is not spending the money on health", BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said.

"Keeping in mind the federal structure of the country, the Centre sends money. But we do not see it is spent for improving the health infrastructure of West Bengal", Patra told reporters on the sidelines of an ABVP-oraganised convention organised by medicos and junior doctors.

Patra said that the Centre had provided Rs 150 crore for upgrading three hospitals of West Bengal into super-speciality ones. "But that is not being done", he said.

"See the case of Narada. While the Centre's intention is health, Trinamool's intention is politics and corruption", he said.

Referring to the National Health Policy announced recently, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set a target of increased GDP spend from 1.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent on healthcare over a phased manner.

The average life expectancy of an Indian had also been targetted to increased from 67.5 years to 70 years in the policy.

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday lodged a case against unidentified miscreants after the statue of B R Ambedkar at a park in Sarfabad village here was allegedly vandalised on Friday night.

The damaged statue was noticed by some members of Dalit community on Saturday. Agitated by the incident they informed the police, DSP Sandeep Singh said.

An FIR has been lodged at Sector 49 police station against unknown persons under sections 153 A and 427 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), he said.

Meanwhile, the Greater Noida District Magistrate asked the police and district officials to find a new place in Dankaur area to put a statue of Ambedkar after it was removed following clashes two years ago.

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday lodged a case against unidentified miscreants after the statue of B R Ambedkar at a park in Sarfabad village here was allegedly vandalised on Friday night.

The damaged statue was noticed by some members of Dalit community on Saturday. Agitated by the incident they informed the police, DSP Sandeep Singh said.

An FIR has been lodged at Sector 49 police station against unknown persons under sections 153 A and 427 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), he said.

Meanwhile, the Greater Noida District Magistrate asked the police and district officials to find a new place in Dankaur area to put a statue of Ambedkar after it was removed following clashes two years ago.

Critically acclaimed filmmaker Aparna Sen's latest directorial venture Sonata, adapted from the eponymous play by award-winning playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar, is slated to hit the screens on April 21.

Actress Shabana Azmi, who stars in the film, shared the poster and the release date on Twitter on Saturday. 

"The first poster of Aparna Sen's Sonata releasing 21st April," Shabana tweeted. 

Sonata is the psychological exploration of three unmarried women facing a mid-life crisis.

The English drama revolves around three friends: Aruna Chaturvedi, a professor essayed by Aparna Sen, Dolon Sen, a banker portrayed by Shabana and Subhadra Parekh, a journalist played by Lillete Dubey.

A HK studio film, it is both written and helmed by Aparna Sen.

Critically acclaimed filmmaker Aparna Sen's latest directorial venture Sonata, adapted from the eponymous play by award-winning playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar, is slated to hit the screens on April 21.

Actress Shabana Azmi, who stars in the film, shared the poster and the release date on Twitter on Saturday. 

"The first poster of Aparna Sen's Sonata releasing 21st April," Shabana tweeted. 

Sonata is the psychological exploration of three unmarried women facing a mid-life crisis.

The English drama revolves around three friends: Aruna Chaturvedi, a professor essayed by Aparna Sen, Dolon Sen, a banker portrayed by Shabana and Subhadra Parekh, a journalist played by Lillete Dubey.

A HK studio film, it is both written and helmed by Aparna Sen.

The Centre on Saturday strongly refuted as "erroneous" the reports that it has agreed to carve out a larger Nagaland state, saying no such decision has been taken.

A Home Ministry spokesperson said some reports have appeared recently to the effect that the Government of India has agreed to carve out a larger Nagaland state by taking away territories of states contiguous to Nagaland.

"Such reports are erroneous. It is clarified that there is no such agreement or decision by the Government of India," the spokesperson said.

Thuingaleng Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN-IM (Naga insurgent group) was quoted recently that the 'Framework Agreement' signed with the Centre two years back has recognised the outfit's demand for territorial integration of all Naga inhabited areas in the region.

The Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 by Muivah and the government's interlocutor R N Ravi in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 18 years with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed.

"The pact had set the political parameters of the final solution," officials said.

The Centre on Saturday strongly refuted as "erroneous" the reports that it has agreed to carve out a larger Nagaland state, saying no such decision has been taken.

A Home Ministry spokesperson said some reports have appeared recently to the effect that the Government of India has agreed to carve out a larger Nagaland state by taking away territories of states contiguous to Nagaland.

"Such reports are erroneous. It is clarified that there is no such agreement or decision by the Government of India," the spokesperson said.

Thuingaleng Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN-IM (Naga insurgent group) was quoted recently that the 'Framework Agreement' signed with the Centre two years back has recognised the outfit's demand for territorial integration of all Naga inhabited areas in the region.

The Framework Agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 by Muivah and the government's interlocutor R N Ravi in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 18 years with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed.

"The pact had set the political parameters of the final solution," officials said.

The Border Security Force on Saturday received its first woman field officer after a convocation ceremony conducted in the BSF academy at Tekanpur in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district.

Tanushree Pareek, a resident of Rajasthan, led the passing-out parade at the BSF Academy as the first woman field officer. She was also felicitated at the ceremony.

Congratulating the BSF, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said," I am happy that BSF has got its first woman field officer and hope that many more women will join her in securing our borders."

Pareek started training last year in a 52-week Assistant Commandant training programme with the 40th batch of the BSF academy.

The Border Security Force on Saturday received its first woman field officer after a convocation ceremony conducted in the BSF academy at Tekanpur in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district.

Tanushree Pareek, a resident of Rajasthan, led the passing-out parade at the BSF Academy as the first woman field officer. She was also felicitated at the ceremony.

Congratulating the BSF, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said," I am happy that BSF has got its first woman field officer and hope that many more women will join her in securing our borders."

Pareek started training last year in a 52-week Assistant Commandant training programme with the 40th batch of the BSF academy.

 Grammy winning singer Adele broke records in every city she visited during her eight-concert tour in Australia.

Adele sold as many as 600,000 tickets during her tour Down Under, which included the biggest single concert ever held on Australian soil in Sydney's ANZ stadium, where she performed in front of 100,000 people, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Tour promoter Michael Coppel told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "It's the highest-selling tour I've ever been involved with, which is quite remarkable after working with Pink and U2 and Fleetwood Mac and Roger Waters."

And Coppel suggested Adele's achievement may never be repeated again.

"We may never see her again," he added.

Adele's show in Perth, Western Australia, was the quickest-selling event in Domain Stadium's history, while her gig at the Adelaide Oval beat the stadium's highest audience attendance record.

In Brisbane, meanwhile, Adele's two concerts attracted a combined crowd of 120,000 — which is a record for music events in the city.

The London-born star also performed in front of 75,000 fans at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

 Grammy winning singer Adele broke records in every city she visited during her eight-concert tour in Australia.

Adele sold as many as 600,000 tickets during her tour Down Under, which included the biggest single concert ever held on Australian soil in Sydney's ANZ stadium, where she performed in front of 100,000 people, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Tour promoter Michael Coppel told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "It's the highest-selling tour I've ever been involved with, which is quite remarkable after working with Pink and U2 and Fleetwood Mac and Roger Waters."

And Coppel suggested Adele's achievement may never be repeated again.

"We may never see her again," he added.

Adele's show in Perth, Western Australia, was the quickest-selling event in Domain Stadium's history, while her gig at the Adelaide Oval beat the stadium's highest audience attendance record.

In Brisbane, meanwhile, Adele's two concerts attracted a combined crowd of 120,000 — which is a record for music events in the city.

The London-born star also performed in front of 75,000 fans at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.