<p>Space is full of wonders beyond our imagination. Though we have gazed far and deep into reaches of the black expanse, a lot remains unknown and what is known continues to surprise and mesmerise us. It's a good thing NASA and other space agencies are keeping track of it all.</p>

<p>A new image posted by NASA has transfixed everyone. The image shows a celestial structure that is like an eye in the sky looking at us from above. The eye does not appear benevolently watchful but has a mesmerising glow to it. The eyelashes are blue while the iris is blazing red.</p>

<p>Who is watching? God? or the Devil himself?</p>

<p>The eerie beauty is imparted to the photo by Helix Nebula which has been captured by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation.</p>

<p>NASA has posted the image on its Instagram account.</p>

<p>"The two-light-year diameter shroud of dust and gas around a central white dwarf, is an example of a planetary nebula, one of the final stages in the evolution of a Sun-like star. The dust makes this cosmic eye gleam red," says NASA in its Instagram post.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-image-of-hand-of-god-netizens-are-awestruck-416265">NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA further explains that nebular material was ejected from the star thousands of years ago.</p>

<p>"...the close-in dust could be generated by collisions in a reservoir of objects, like our own solar system’s Kuiper Belt or cometary Oort cloud. Formed in the distant planetary system, the comet-like bodies have otherwise survived the dramatic late stages of the star’s evolution...," says NASA</p>

<p>Check out the image</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVwBAj2Jr-K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by NASA (@nasa)</a></p>
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<p>The image has gone crazy viral on Instagram and has been liked by more than 1000000 people.</p>


Space is full of wonders beyond our imagination. Though we have gazed far and deep into reaches of the black expanse, a lot remains unknown and what is known continues to surprise and mesmerise us.

Space is full of wonders beyond our imagination. Though we have gazed far and deep into reaches of the black expanse, a lot remains unknown and what is known continues to surprise and mesmerise us. It's a good thing NASA and other space agencies are keeping track of it all. A new image posted by NASA has transfixed everyone. The image shows a celestial structure that is like an eye in the sky looking at us from above. The eye does not appear benevolently watchful but has a mesmerising glow to it. The eyelashes are blue while the iris is blazing red. Who is watching? God? or the Devil himself? The eerie beauty is imparted to the photo by Helix Nebula which has been captured by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation. NASA has posted the image on its Instagram account. "The two-light-year diameter shroud of dust and gas around a central white dwarf, is an example of a planetary nebula, one of the final stages in the evolution of a Sun-like star. The dust makes this cosmic eye gleam red," says NASA in its Instagram post. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck NASA further explains that nebular material was ejected from the star thousands of years ago. "...the close-in dust could be generated by collisions in a reservoir of objects, like our own solar system’s Kuiper Belt or cometary Oort cloud. Formed in the distant planetary system, the comet-like bodies have otherwise survived the dramatic late stages of the star’s evolution...," says NASA Check out the image View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × The image has gone crazy viral on Instagram and has been liked by more than 1000000 people.

Devil's eye? NASA posts eerie image of Helix Nebula in Halloween season

<p>Pakistan still has admirers for Indian bananas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This statement has ZERO pun. Nada. Nothing.</p>

<p>However, there are many among us who would struggle to keep their giggling under control when such a thing is said.</p>

<p>But, a news anchor will sure keep her calm given how formal things are during news presentations right?.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Well, it didn't happen in this case.</p>

<p>Pakistani news anchor Alveena Agha burst out laughing as a guest on her show was explaining how Indian bananas were better than Pakistani bananas and work needed to be done to improve Pakistani bananas.</p>

<p>"Bananas in Bombay are this big," the guest can be seen innocently explaining. He used hand gestures to show size of the bananas. He was not in the wrong as he was indeed talking about bananas.</p>

<p>"Bananas in Dhaka are also this big," the guest continues, "But bananas in Sindh (province of Pakistan) are as small as our fingers,"<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In a video that has now gone viral, Agha can be seen keeping her calm at the start but the way the guest explains makes her gradually lose it before finally bursting into laughter right in the middle of the newscast.</p>

<p>Check out the video</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And the winner is, Bombay 🍌 <a href="https://t.co/wJB8lqzODa">pic.twitter.com/wJB8lqzODa</a></p>
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1455035990993743872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>At the time of publishing of this story, the video has got more than 10,000 likes and has been retweeted by thousands of Twitter users.</p>


Pakistan still has admirers for Indian bananas. This statement has ZERO pun. Nada. Nothing. However, there are many among us who would struggle to keep their giggling under control when such a thing is said.

Pakistan still has admirers for Indian bananas. This statement has ZERO pun. Nada. Nothing. However, there are many among us who would struggle to keep their giggling under control when such a thing is said. But, a news anchor will sure keep her calm given how formal things are during news presentations right?. Well, it didn't happen in this case. Pakistani news anchor Alveena Agha burst out laughing as a guest on her show was explaining how Indian bananas were better than Pakistani bananas and work needed to be done to improve Pakistani bananas. "Bananas in Bombay are this big," the guest can be seen innocently explaining. He used hand gestures to show size of the bananas. He was not in the wrong as he was indeed talking about bananas. "Bananas in Dhaka are also this big," the guest continues, "But bananas in Sindh (province of Pakistan) are as small as our fingers," In a video that has now gone viral, Agha can be seen keeping her calm at the start but the way the guest explains makes her gradually lose it before finally bursting into laughter right in the middle of the newscast. Check out the video And the winner is, Bombay 🍌 pic.twitter.com/wJB8lqzODa — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) November 1, 2021 × At the time of publishing of this story, the video has got more than 10,000 likes and has been retweeted by thousands of Twitter users.

Pak panellist's comparison of banana growth in India and Pakistan leaves anchor in splits on air

<p>Twitter war between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and World Food Programme (WFP) chief David Beasley does not seem to end. WFP chief has now said that he is ready to meet the billionaire on 'Earth or space' in order to show him how a one-time contribution from Musk may prove to be decisive in alleviating global hunger.</p>

<p>Musk and Beasley have been trading tweets on this issue for past few days. In his latest tweet, Beasley appears to have nudged Musk by saying 'Instead of tweets' they could meet in person and discuss the issue.</p>

<p>"Instead of tweets, allow me to show you. We can meet anywhere—Earth or space—but I suggest in the field where you can see @WFP’s people, processes and yes, technology, at work. I will bring the plan, and open books," Beasley tweeted.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-a-roll-hertzs-100000-vehicle-order-helps-tesla-elon-musk-scale-new-heights-424106">On a roll: Hertz’s 100,000-vehicle order helps Tesla, Elon Musk scale new heights</a></strong></p>

<p>The Twitter feud has been going on since October 31 when Elon Musk, based on a headline in CNN Business tweeted that if USD 6 billion could solve world hunger, he was ready to sell Tesla shares and donate the amount to UN food agency. However, he appeared pointed in his Twitter by asking WFP to explain how USD 6 billion would solve world hunger.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> Instead of tweets, allow me to show you. We can meet anywhere—Earth or space—but I suggest in the field where you can see <a href="https://twitter.com/WFP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WFP</a>’s people, processes and yes, technology, at work. I will bring the plan, and open books.</p>
— David Beasley (@WFPChief) <a href="https://twitter.com/WFPChief/status/1455191851829497861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>In next two tweets, WFP chief appeared to explain his side by calling the CNN headline 'not accurate'.</p>

<p>"Headline not accurate. $6B will not solve world hunger, but it WILL prevent geopolitical instability, mass migration and save 42 million people on the brink of starvation. An unprecedented crisis and a perfect storm due to Covid/conflict/climate crises," he tweted.</p>

<p>"With your help we can bring hope, build stability and change the future. Let’s talk: It isn’t as complicated as Falcon Heavy, but too much at stake to not at least have a conversation. I can be on the next flight to you. Throw me out if you don’t like what you hear!" he said in the next tweet.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-reports-record-profits-amid-production-surge-422745">Tesla reports record profits amid production surge</a></strong></p>

<p>On this, Musk requested Beasley to publish WFP spendings in order to "see exactly where money goes" to which the WFP chief responded indicating his readiness to meet Musk on Earth or in space.</p>

<p>All eyes are on the next chapter of this Twitter war.</p>


Twitter war between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and World Food Programme (WFP) chief David Beasley does not seem to end. WFP chief has now said that he is ready to meet the billionaire on 'Earth or space' in order to show him how a one-time contribution from Musk may prove to be decisive in alleviating global hunger.

Twitter war between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and World Food Programme (WFP) chief David Beasley does not seem to end. WFP chief has now said that he is ready to meet the billionaire on 'Earth or space' in order to show him how a one-time contribution from Musk may prove to be decisive in alleviating global hunger. Musk and Beasley have been trading tweets on this issue for past few days. In his latest tweet, Beasley appears to have nudged Musk by saying 'Instead of tweets' they could meet in person and discuss the issue. "Instead of tweets, allow me to show you. We can meet anywhere—Earth or space—but I suggest in the field where you can see @WFP’s people, processes and yes, technology, at work. I will bring the plan, and open books," Beasley tweeted. Also Read | On a roll: Hertz’s 100,000-vehicle order helps Tesla, Elon Musk scale new heights The Twitter feud has been going on since October 31 when Elon Musk, based on a headline in CNN Business tweeted that if USD 6 billion could solve world hunger, he was ready to sell Tesla shares and donate the amount to UN food agency. However, he appeared pointed in his Twitter by asking WFP to explain how USD 6 billion would solve world hunger. .@elonmusk Instead of tweets, allow me to show you. We can meet anywhere—Earth or space—but I suggest in the field where you can see @WFP’s people, processes and yes, technology, at work. I will bring the plan, and open books. — David Beasley (@WFPChief) November 1, 2021 × In next two tweets, WFP chief appeared to explain his side by calling the CNN headline 'not accurate'. "Headline not accurate. $6B will not solve world hunger, but it WILL prevent geopolitical instability, mass migration and save 42 million people on the brink of starvation. An unprecedented crisis and a perfect storm due to Covid/conflict/climate crises," he tweted. "With your help we can bring hope, build stability and change the future. Let’s talk: It isn’t as complicated as Falcon Heavy, but too much at stake to not at least have a conversation. I can be on the next flight to you. Throw me out if you don’t like what you hear!" he said in the next tweet. Also Read | Tesla reports record profits amid production surge On this, Musk requested Beasley to publish WFP spendings in order to "see exactly where money goes" to which the WFP chief responded indicating his readiness to meet Musk on Earth or in space. All eyes are on the next chapter of this Twitter war.

Meet me on Earth or in space: WFP chief fires new tweet at Elon Musk

<p>United States sent a convoy of military planes including a 'nuke sniffer' plane over South China Sea, said a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP). The reported sortie has taken place just a month after a US nuclear submarine hit an underwater object in the South China Sea in October.</p>

<p>The SCMP report quoted experts from an unnamed think tank who, based on satellite images, said that the convoy of US military planes included Constant Phoenix, the 'nuke sniffer', an E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft, two P-8A maritime patrol planes, and one EP-3E electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft.</p>

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<p>On October 2, USS Connecticut, a US nuclear submarine hit an unidentified object underwater in South China Sea. The incident, that had taken place in contentious South China Sea had hit headlines everywhere.</p>

<p>China had slammed the incident as 'irresponsible' and had demanded that it be declared whether there was a nuclear leak as a result of the collision.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-china-sea-indo-pacific-find-mention-during-indian-pm-modis-meet-with-asean-leaders-424701">South China Sea, Indo-Pacific find mention during Indian PM Modi’s meet with ASEAN leaders</a></strong></p>

<p>China claims the entirety of South China Sea as being part of it territorial waters based on the so-called 'nine-dash line'. Chinese assertiveness and even aggressive moves has raised tension in the region. China currently has disputes with Japan and Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and others over the issue of South China Sea.</p>

<p>The US and other western countries have taken a stand against China in South China Sea and have batted for freedom of navigation. US and other navies often carry freedom of navigation exercises in South China Sea eliciting angry reactions from Beijing.</p>


United States sent a convoy of military planes including a 'nuke sniffer' plane over South China Sea, said a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP). The reported sortie has taken place just a month after a US nuclear submarine hit an underwater object in the South China Sea in October.

United States sent a convoy of military planes including a 'nuke sniffer' plane over South China Sea, said a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP). The reported sortie has taken place just a month after a US nuclear submarine hit an underwater object in the South China Sea in October. The SCMP report quoted experts from an unnamed think tank who, based on satellite images, said that the convoy of US military planes included Constant Phoenix, the 'nuke sniffer', an E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft, two P-8A maritime patrol planes, and one EP-3E electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft. × On October 2, USS Connecticut, a US nuclear submarine hit an unidentified object underwater in South China Sea. The incident, that had taken place in contentious South China Sea had hit headlines everywhere. China had slammed the incident as 'irresponsible' and had demanded that it be declared whether there was a nuclear leak as a result of the collision. Also Read | South China Sea, Indo-Pacific find mention during Indian PM Modi’s meet with ASEAN leaders China claims the entirety of South China Sea as being part of it territorial waters based on the so-called 'nine-dash line'. Chinese assertiveness and even aggressive moves has raised tension in the region. China currently has disputes with Japan and Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and others over the issue of South China Sea. The US and other western countries have taken a stand against China in South China Sea and have batted for freedom of navigation. US and other navies often carry freedom of navigation exercises in South China Sea eliciting angry reactions from Beijing.

US 'nuke sniffer' plane flies over South China Sea: Report

<p>Israel's energy minister said in a TV interview that she could not attend United Nations' COP26 climate summit in Glasgow on Monday as transportation provided to her was not accessible by wheelchair.</p>

<p>Karine Elharrar, the energy minister, told Israel's Channel 12 she could not reach the conference grounds because the only options to get there from the gathering area were to walk or board a shuttle that was not suited for a wheelchair.</p>

<p>"I came to COP26 to meet my counterparts in the world and advance our joint struggle against the climate crisis," Elharrar wrote on Twitter. "It's sad that the United Nations, which promotes accessibility for people with disabilities, in 2021 doesn't worry about accessibility at its own events."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-summit-world-leaders-pledge-to-end-deforestation-by-2030-425988">COP26 climate summit: World leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030</a></strong></p>

<p>She said she hoped a solution would be found by Tuesday.</p>

<p>Israel's foreign minister called out the conference organizers, saying: "It is impossible to worry about the future, the climate and about people if we do not first take care of human beings, accessibility and disabilities."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-as-joe-biden-seems-to-fall-asleep-at-the-cop26-twitter-takes-aim-at-him-426031">Watch: As Joe Biden seems to fall asleep at the COP26, Twitter takes aim at him</a></strong></p>

<p>The British ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan, apologized for the mishap.</p>

<p>"I am disturbed to hear that Karine Elharrar was unable to attend meetings at COP26. I apologise deeply and sincerely to the minister. We want a COP Summit that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone," Wigan said on Twitter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel's energy minister said in a TV interview that she could not attend United Nations' COP26 climate summit in Glasgow on Monday as transportation provided to her was not accessible by wheelchair.

Israel's energy minister said in a TV interview that she could not attend United Nations' COP26 climate summit in Glasgow on Monday as transportation provided to her was not accessible by wheelchair. Karine Elharrar, the energy minister, told Israel's Channel 12 she could not reach the conference grounds because the only options to get there from the gathering area were to walk or board a shuttle that was not suited for a wheelchair. "I came to COP26 to meet my counterparts in the world and advance our joint struggle against the climate crisis," Elharrar wrote on Twitter. "It's sad that the United Nations, which promotes accessibility for people with disabilities, in 2021 doesn't worry about accessibility at its own events." Also Read | COP26 climate summit: World leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030 She said she hoped a solution would be found by Tuesday. Israel's foreign minister called out the conference organizers, saying: "It is impossible to worry about the future, the climate and about people if we do not first take care of human beings, accessibility and disabilities." Also Read | Watch: As Joe Biden seems to fall asleep at the COP26, Twitter takes aim at him The British ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan, apologized for the mishap. "I am disturbed to hear that Karine Elharrar was unable to attend meetings at COP26. I apologise deeply and sincerely to the minister. We want a COP Summit that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone," Wigan said on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel minister couldn't attend COP26 as transport wasn't wheelchair-friendly

<p>India and Russia are expected to hold first 2+2 dialogue later this month. The talks will feature foreign and defense ministers of both countries. For the dialogue, Indian Defense minister Rajnath Singh and Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Russia. The mechanism was announced in April of this year, with Russia becoming the 4th country with which India has this mechanism. India already has 2+2 mechanism with US, Japan and Australia.</p>

<p>"I think the 2+2 dialogue will be a very important addition to the architecture of dialogue (that) already exists. The dialogue is expected to take place in Moscow, possibly by mid-November", Ambassador Bala Venkatesh Varma told Russian media in his last interview in his capacity as India's envoy to the country.</p>

<p>Both, India and Russia are expected to announce joint commission on technology and science, military-technical cooperation for the next decade 2021-2031.</p>

<p>Defense forms a key pillar of the relationship, and India has participated in each and every major Russian exercise.--INDRA Navy, INDRA Army, Zapad, and Peace Mission. The happens ahead of Russian President Putin's India visit later this year.</p>

<p>Ambassador Varma said,"There will be a bilateral summit between India-Russia. Both sides are actively working on it. There is a high possibility that the Summit is taking place in December."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-monitoring-reports-of-unusual-russian-troop-activity-near-ukraine-pentagon-425982">US monitoring reports of ‘unusual’ Russian troop activity near Ukraine: Pentagon</a></strong></p>

<p>One of the key areas of focus has been on Afghanistan. India participated in Moscow format of talks on Afghanistan last month, and has invited Russia for the National Security Advisor level talks on November 10.</p>

<p>New Delhi has invited 5 countries for the talks-- Russia, Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Envoy Varma explained, "General Patrushev has been invited and there’s a very strong possibility that he may actually visit. We are still awaiting confirmation, but he will be a very welcome participant in the dialogue."</p>

<p>In September, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation General Nikolay Patrushev had visited Delhi to hold talks with NSA Ajit Doval on situation in Afghanistan.</p>


India and Russia are expected to hold first 2+2 dialogue later this month. The talks will feature foreign and defense ministers of both countries. For the dialogue, Indian Defense minister Rajnath Singh and Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Russia.

India and Russia are expected to hold first 2+2 dialogue later this month. The talks will feature foreign and defense ministers of both countries. For the dialogue, Indian Defense minister Rajnath Singh and Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Russia. The mechanism was announced in April of this year, with Russia becoming the 4th country with which India has this mechanism. India already has 2+2 mechanism with US, Japan and Australia. "I think the 2+2 dialogue will be a very important addition to the architecture of dialogue (that) already exists. The dialogue is expected to take place in Moscow, possibly by mid-November", Ambassador Bala Venkatesh Varma told Russian media in his last interview in his capacity as India's envoy to the country. Both, India and Russia are expected to announce joint commission on technology and science, military-technical cooperation for the next decade 2021-2031. Defense forms a key pillar of the relationship, and India has participated in each and every major Russian exercise.--INDRA Navy, INDRA Army, Zapad, and Peace Mission. The happens ahead of Russian President Putin's India visit later this year. Ambassador Varma said,"There will be a bilateral summit between India-Russia. Both sides are actively working on it. There is a high possibility that the Summit is taking place in December." Also Read | US monitoring reports of ‘unusual’ Russian troop activity near Ukraine: Pentagon One of the key areas of focus has been on Afghanistan. India participated in Moscow format of talks on Afghanistan last month, and has invited Russia for the National Security Advisor level talks on November 10. New Delhi has invited 5 countries for the talks-- Russia, Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Envoy Varma explained, "General Patrushev has been invited and there’s a very strong possibility that he may actually visit. We are still awaiting confirmation, but he will be a very welcome participant in the dialogue." In September, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation General Nikolay Patrushev had visited Delhi to hold talks with NSA Ajit Doval on situation in Afghanistan.

First India-Russia 2+2 dialogue later this month in Moscow: Ambassador Varma

<p>Having stumbled in their attempts to raise taxes on the wealthy in the conventional way, Democrats in Congress moved to unconventional measures.</p>

<p>The proposal was to tax billionaires on their so-called unrealized gains — the growth in the value of assets, such as stocks and real estate, that have not yet been sold. To understand why lawmakers might look to a group of more than 700 billionaires to underwrite a massive spending program, consider this statistic: Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, billionaires have seen a 70 percent increase in their wealth, from nearly $3 trillion to an almost incomprehensible $5 trillion, according to Forbes data analyzed by Americans for Tax Fairness and the Institute for Policy Studies Program on Inequality and the Common Good.</p>

<p>Unsurprisingly, critics, the ultrawealthy and even some Democrats decried the idea as novel, untested and dangerous. Other experts worried about whether it would be too difficult to value billionaires’ assets or if the proposal could pass constitutional muster. These attacks ultimately killed the idea in Washington.</p>

<p>But a billionaire’s tax is not nearly as novel and untested as it sounds. The main concepts already exist in the tax code. It just happens that these provisions currently serve the interests of the ultrawealthy class, who have so far skirted most taxes aimed at wealth rather than income.</p>

<p>The ultrawealthy live starkly different financial lives from other people. They hardly make anything in wages, or what the rest of us know as income. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos has typically pulled down a middle-class base salary of around $80,000. Others, like Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Oracle’s Larry Ellison and Google’s Larry Page, have, at various points, taken a symbolic $1 in salary.</p>

<p>But many ultrawealthy Americans have figured out how to fund a lavish lifestyle without owing any income tax. Their wealth is almost entirely in assets like stocks, such as the Tesla shares that account for the vast majority of Elon Musk’s $270 billion plus in wealth. Our tax code levies a 23.8 percent tax on capital gains for those with the highest incomes, but only when an asset is sold. Their holdings can grow by billions of dollars a year, but the wealthy owe nothing as long as they hang on to their shares. When they need money, they borrow it, as Mr. Ellison and Mr. Musk have done to the tune of billions, pledging the value of shares as collateral. It has been called “Buy, Borrow, Die,” and it’s a wonderful system for the superrich.</p>

<p>This system allows them to enjoy luxury cars, yachts, homes on multiple continents and occasional trips to outer space while reporting, in some cases, a salary of a dollar a year or less to the Internal Revenue Service.</p>

<p>This is why the ultrawealthy are able to pay negligible amounts in taxes, especially compared with the growth in their wealth, as ProPublica reported earlier this year, as part of our series “The Secret I.R.S. Files.” In 2018, Mr. Musk paid $0 in federal income taxes. (He declined to discuss his taxes with ProPublica.)</p>

<p>The proposal would have taxed billionaires on those unrealized gains. If shares of Amazon or Facebook or Berkshire Hathaway rise 20 percent in a year, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg or Warren Buffett, respectively, would owe taxes on that gain — even if they don’t sell a single share. Assets that are harder to value, such as privately held companies or real estate, would also be subject to tax.</p>

<p>Part of the objection to the billionaire’s tax was that it is a dramatic change from the current tax system, which taxes people only when they realize gains.</p>

<p>That’s untrue. There are several provisions in the current tax code through which unrealized gains are taxed.</p>

<p>Here’s one example of something in the code today. Certain hedge fund managers can do what’s called a 475 election, a maneuver named after Section 475 of the tax code. Using this provision, their entire fund is taxed on its market value at the end of the year. They have to pay taxes on gains, whether they sell the underlying stock or not. Are these hedge fund managers nuts? Nope. They do it because it confers several benefits for certain types of funds (particularly those doing rapid-fire trading every nanosecond), including freeing them from complying with trading rules they may find onerous.</p>

<p>Hedge fund managers are intimately familiar with the concept of placing a value on unrealized gains. Their compensation depends on it. Each year, they get a small percentage, typically 2 percent, of the assets they manage. If they do well and the fund goes up, they get a performance fee, often 20 percent of the increase in the fund’s value. How do they determine that 20 percent? They figure out the unrealized gains. On Dec. 31, they tell their clients that their assets went up and get paid 20 percent of that amount. If those stocks fall on Jan. 1, they don’t have to give the money back.</p>

<p>The mirror image of unrealized gains also exists in the tax code. Today, businesses that buy equipment get to take a deduction intended to approximate the amount that it loses in value each year. This concept is called depreciation. In other words, you get a deduction based on an estimate, not when you sell something. You could call it an unrealized loss.</p>

<p>And then there’s the wealth tax on unrealized gains that millions of Americans already pay: property taxes, which every owner of a house or apartment is responsible for. Property taxes are a town or city’s estimate of the value of your home or land, almost always in a year you didn’t sell.</p>

<p>The proposal is not a wealth tax, but it has a similar goal of raising money only from the ultrawealthy. Its elegance is that it equates the gain in wealth with income. In theory, a wealth tax, which has its own complexities and constitutional questions, could be layered on top.</p>

<p>When people complain that the new billionaire tax is unconstitutional, they may be forgetting about all of these provisions that exist today that do similar things.</p>

<p>Another argument against such a tax is that it would be too hard to enforce because it’s difficult to value assets accurately. Stock markets reflect a clear value for publicly held companies, but the value of privately held companies, real estate holdings, art and other assets is harder to determine.</p>

<p>That may have been more true 40 years ago, but there are now entire industries dedicated to valuing private assets. Commercial real estate, for example, relies on the work of research and investment banking companies that analyze and value office buildings. And if banks are willing to lend to the ultrawealthy against their assets, presumably they are comfortable valuing them. If all these entities can do it, so can the I.R.S.</p>

<p>It’s a measure of how much the political conversation about wealth inequality has shifted that this new tax was even considered seriously. While a tax on billionaires for their unrealized gains is not as new as people want to pretend, it clearly would be complex to implement. Perhaps, however, not as complex as getting all Democrats on board.</p>


Having stumbled in their attempts to raise taxes on the wealthy in the conventional way, Democrats in Congress moved to unconventional measures. The proposal was to tax billionaires on their so-called unrealized gains — the growth in the value of assets, such as stocks and real estate, that have not yet been sold.

Having stumbled in their attempts to raise taxes on the wealthy in the conventional way, Democrats in Congress moved to unconventional measures. The proposal was to tax billionaires on their so-called unrealized gains — the growth in the value of assets, such as stocks and real estate, that have not yet been sold. To understand why lawmakers might look to a group of more than 700 billionaires to underwrite a massive spending program, consider this statistic: Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, billionaires have seen a 70 percent increase in their wealth, from nearly $3 trillion to an almost incomprehensible $5 trillion, according to Forbes data analyzed by Americans for Tax Fairness and the Institute for Policy Studies Program on Inequality and the Common Good. Unsurprisingly, critics, the ultrawealthy and even some Democrats decried the idea as novel, untested and dangerous. Other experts worried about whether it would be too difficult to value billionaires’ assets or if the proposal could pass constitutional muster. These attacks ultimately killed the idea in Washington. But a billionaire’s tax is not nearly as novel and untested as it sounds. The main concepts already exist in the tax code. It just happens that these provisions currently serve the interests of the ultrawealthy class, who have so far skirted most taxes aimed at wealth rather than income. The ultrawealthy live starkly different financial lives from other people. They hardly make anything in wages, or what the rest of us know as income. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos has typically pulled down a middle-class base salary of around $80,000. Others, like Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Oracle’s Larry Ellison and Google’s Larry Page, have, at various points, taken a symbolic $1 in salary. But many ultrawealthy Americans have figured out how to fund a lavish lifestyle without owing any income tax. Their wealth is almost entirely in assets like stocks, such as the Tesla shares that account for the vast majority of Elon Musk’s $270 billion plus in wealth. Our tax code levies a 23.8 percent tax on capital gains for those with the highest incomes, but only when an asset is sold. Their holdings can grow by billions of dollars a year, but the wealthy owe nothing as long as they hang on to their shares. When they need money, they borrow it, as Mr. Ellison and Mr. Musk have done to the tune of billions, pledging the value of shares as collateral. It has been called “Buy, Borrow, Die,” and it’s a wonderful system for the superrich. This system allows them to enjoy luxury cars, yachts, homes on multiple continents and occasional trips to outer space while reporting, in some cases, a salary of a dollar a year or less to the Internal Revenue Service. This is why the ultrawealthy are able to pay negligible amounts in taxes, especially compared with the growth in their wealth, as ProPublica reported earlier this year, as part of our series “The Secret I.R.S. Files.” In 2018, Mr. Musk paid $0 in federal income taxes. (He declined to discuss his taxes with ProPublica.) The proposal would have taxed billionaires on those unrealized gains. If shares of Amazon or Facebook or Berkshire Hathaway rise 20 percent in a year, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg or Warren Buffett, respectively, would owe taxes on that gain — even if they don’t sell a single share. Assets that are harder to value, such as privately held companies or real estate, would also be subject to tax. Part of the objection to the billionaire’s tax was that it is a dramatic change from the current tax system, which taxes people only when they realize gains. That’s untrue. There are several provisions in the current tax code through which unrealized gains are taxed. Here’s one example of something in the code today. Certain hedge fund managers can do what’s called a 475 election, a maneuver named after Section 475 of the tax code. Using this provision, their entire fund is taxed on its market value at the end of the year. They have to pay taxes on gains, whether they sell the underlying stock or not. Are these hedge fund managers nuts? Nope. They do it because it confers several benefits for certain types of funds (particularly those doing rapid-fire trading every nanosecond), including freeing them from complying with trading rules they may find onerous. Hedge fund managers are intimately familiar with the concept of placing a value on unrealized gains. Their compensation depends on it. Each year, they get a small percentage, typically 2 percent, of the assets they manage. If they do well and the fund goes up, they get a performance fee, often 20 percent of the increase in the fund’s value. How do they determine that 20 percent? They figure out the unrealized gains. On Dec. 31, they tell their clients that their assets went up and get paid 20 percent of that amount. If those stocks fall on Jan. 1, they don’t have to give the money back. The mirror image of unrealized gains also exists in the tax code. Today, businesses that buy equipment get to take a deduction intended to approximate the amount that it loses in value each year. This concept is called depreciation. In other words, you get a deduction based on an estimate, not when you sell something. You could call it an unrealized loss. And then there’s the wealth tax on unrealized gains that millions of Americans already pay: property taxes, which every owner of a house or apartment is responsible for. Property taxes are a town or city’s estimate of the value of your home or land, almost always in a year you didn’t sell. The proposal is not a wealth tax, but it has a similar goal of raising money only from the ultrawealthy. Its elegance is that it equates the gain in wealth with income. In theory, a wealth tax, which has its own complexities and constitutional questions, could be layered on top. When people complain that the new billionaire tax is unconstitutional, they may be forgetting about all of these provisions that exist today that do similar things. Another argument against such a tax is that it would be too hard to enforce because it’s difficult to value assets accurately. Stock markets reflect a clear value for publicly held companies, but the value of privately held companies, real estate holdings, art and other assets is harder to determine. That may have been more true 40 years ago, but there are now entire industries dedicated to valuing private assets. Commercial real estate, for example, relies on the work of research and investment banking companies that analyze and value office buildings. And if banks are willing to lend to the ultrawealthy against their assets, presumably they are comfortable valuing them. If all these entities can do it, so can the I.R.S. It’s a measure of how much the political conversation about wealth inequality has shifted that this new tax was even considered seriously. While a tax on billionaires for their unrealized gains is not as new as people want to pretend, it clearly would be complex to implement. Perhaps, however, not as complex as getting all Democrats on board.

A Billionaire’s tax isn’t as crazy as it sounds

<p>In what appeared to be first round of fire at G20 Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin complained about lack of international recognition for its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Despite the decisions of the G20, not all countries in need can have access to anti-Covid vaccines," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in video message comments to counterparts that were retransmitted on Russian state television.</p>

<p>"This happens mainly because of dishonest competition, protectionism and because some states, especially those of the G20, are not ready for mutual recognition of vaccines and vaccination certificates," Putin added.</p>

<p>In an apparent reference to the failure of Russia's Sputnik V to win foreign regulatory approval, Putin urged G20 health ministers to discuss the mutual recognition of vaccines and vaccination certificates "as soon as possible".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-kicks-off-in-rome-with-focus-on-climate-covid-and-economy-425330">G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy</a></strong></p>

<p>South Africa refused recognition to Sputnik V vaccine earlier this month. This was in spite of the country being in dire need of vaccines. South Africa claimed that the Russian vaccine could risk of HIV infection among men.</p>

<p>Sputnik V also lacks regulatory approval in the EU and the US.</p>

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping -- who, like Putin did not travel to Rome for the summit and participated by video link -- made a similar call for the mutual recognition of vaccines, according to Chinese state media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Rising cases</strong></p>

<p>Putin and Xi were said to have avoided travelling to Italy due to tightening coronavirus restrictions in their home countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has seen increased coronavirus cases in spite of increased availability of Spuynik jabs. Putin has ordered a week-long holiday starting Saturday with an aim to contain spread of the virus.</p>

<p>Russian authorities said Saturday that daily infection numbers had risen to 40,251, a record since the start of the pandemic, with only 32.5 percent of the population fully vaccinated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pics-pm-modi-joins-world-leaders-for-g20-summit-in-rome-425321">PM Modi joins world leaders for G20 summit in Rome</a></strong></p>

<p>At the G20, summit host and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the international community was "very close to meeting the WHO’s target of vaccinating 40 percent of the global population by the end of 2021".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now we must do all we can to reach 70 percent by mid-2022," he added.</p>

<p>According to a source quoted by Reuters, "all the leaders" agreed to commit to the target set out by Draghi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Italian premier noted that while more than 70 percent of people in developed countries have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, the percentage drops to around three percent in the poorest parts of the world. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"These differences are morally unacceptable, and undermine the global recovery," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In what appeared to be first round of fire at G20 Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin complained about lack of international recognition for its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine.

In what appeared to be first round of fire at G20 Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin complained about lack of international recognition for its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine. "Despite the decisions of the G20, not all countries in need can have access to anti-Covid vaccines," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in video message comments to counterparts that were retransmitted on Russian state television. "This happens mainly because of dishonest competition, protectionism and because some states, especially those of the G20, are not ready for mutual recognition of vaccines and vaccination certificates," Putin added. In an apparent reference to the failure of Russia's Sputnik V to win foreign regulatory approval, Putin urged G20 health ministers to discuss the mutual recognition of vaccines and vaccination certificates "as soon as possible". Also Read | G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy South Africa refused recognition to Sputnik V vaccine earlier this month. This was in spite of the country being in dire need of vaccines. South Africa claimed that the Russian vaccine could risk of HIV infection among men. Sputnik V also lacks regulatory approval in the EU and the US. Chinese President Xi Jinping -- who, like Putin did not travel to Rome for the summit and participated by video link -- made a similar call for the mutual recognition of vaccines, according to Chinese state media. Rising cases Putin and Xi were said to have avoided travelling to Italy due to tightening coronavirus restrictions in their home countries. Russia has seen increased coronavirus cases in spite of increased availability of Spuynik jabs. Putin has ordered a week-long holiday starting Saturday with an aim to contain spread of the virus. Russian authorities said Saturday that daily infection numbers had risen to 40,251, a record since the start of the pandemic, with only 32.5 percent of the population fully vaccinated. Pics: PM Modi joins world leaders for G20 summit in Rome At the G20, summit host and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the international community was "very close to meeting the WHO’s target of vaccinating 40 percent of the global population by the end of 2021". "Now we must do all we can to reach 70 percent by mid-2022," he added. According to a source quoted by Reuters, "all the leaders" agreed to commit to the target set out by Draghi. The Italian premier noted that while more than 70 percent of people in developed countries have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, the percentage drops to around three percent in the poorest parts of the world. "These differences are morally unacceptable, and undermine the global recovery," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

G20 Summit: Putin fires first shots, calls for greater recognition to Sputnik jab

<p>Discussions about Iran nuclear deal took place between major powers on the very first day when G20 Summit was taking place in Rome. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the main summit. US President Joe Biden, UK PM Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel went in a huddle over the Iran issue.</p>

<p>World powers had struck a landmark nuclear deal with Iran in 2015 but US Government under former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the pact. Efforts are on to bring the agreement back on track.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-putin-fires-first-shots-calls-for-greater-recognition-to-sputnik-jab-425358">G20 Summit: Putin fires first shots, calls for greater recognition to Sputnik jab</a></strong></p>

<p>The meeting on Iran was just one of numerous meetings being held on the sidelines as the G20 chiefs catch up on in-person diplomacy and took place as the heads of the world's 20 biggest economies kicked off two days of talks in Rome, Italy where they were set to talk about climate change and a minimum tax agreement.</p>

<p>The draft of the final communiqué said G20 countries will step up their efforts to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius - the level scientists have said is necessary to avoid disastrous new climate patterns.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-historic-meeting-pm-modi-invites-pope-francis-to-visit-india-425207">At historic meeting, PM Modi invites Pope Francis to visit India</a></strong></p>

<p>The document also acknowledges that current national plans on how to curb harmful emissions will have to be strengthened, but offered little detail on how this should be done.</p>

<p>Hopes of making major progress in Rome were dimmed by the decision of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin to stay at home and only follow events via video.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Discussions about Iran nuclear deal took place between major powers on the very first day when G20 Summit was taking place in Rome. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the main summit.

Discussions about Iran nuclear deal took place between major powers on the very first day when G20 Summit was taking place in Rome. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the main summit. US President Joe Biden, UK PM Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel went in a huddle over the Iran issue. World powers had struck a landmark nuclear deal with Iran in 2015 but US Government under former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the pact. Efforts are on to bring the agreement back on track. Also Read | G20 Summit: Putin fires first shots, calls for greater recognition to Sputnik jab The meeting on Iran was just one of numerous meetings being held on the sidelines as the G20 chiefs catch up on in-person diplomacy and took place as the heads of the world's 20 biggest economies kicked off two days of talks in Rome, Italy where they were set to talk about climate change and a minimum tax agreement. The draft of the final communiqué said G20 countries will step up their efforts to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius - the level scientists have said is necessary to avoid disastrous new climate patterns. Also Read | At historic meeting, PM Modi invites Pope Francis to visit India The document also acknowledges that current national plans on how to curb harmful emissions will have to be strengthened, but offered little detail on how this should be done. Hopes of making major progress in Rome were dimmed by the decision of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin to stay at home and only follow events via video. (With inputs from agencies)

G20 Summit: Biden, Macron, Merkel, Johnson discuss Iran deal on sidelines

<p>G20 Summit in Rome was no exception to the staging of protests that is common when a major global conference takes place anywhere in the world. On Saturday thousands of people marched on streets of Rome to call on G20 leaders to act against climate change and to ensure fair access to COVID-19 vaccines.</p>

<p>The marches were led mainly by climate activists who carried colourful placards, played drums and danced as they demanded world leaders save the planet.</p>

<p>"We are holding this protest for environmental and social issues and against the G20, which continues undaunted on a path that has almost led us to social and ecological failure," said protester Edoardo Mentrasti.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-kicks-off-in-rome-with-focus-on-climate-covid-and-economy-425330">G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy</a></strong></p>

<p>They marched alongside students and groups of workers in a city on high-security alert, with up to 6,000 police and about 500 soldiers deployed to maintain order. Metro stations have been closed and bus routes diverted due to the G20 summit.</p>

<p>Italian police are particularly anxious about unrest after recent protests over the country's mandatory COVID health pass for workers turned violent when neo-fascist activists attacked the headquarters of the CGIL labour union in Rome.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-biden-macron-merkel-johnson-discuss-iran-deal-on-sidelines-425373">G20 Summit: Biden, Macron, Merkel, Johnson discuss Iran deal on sidelines</a></strong></p>

<p>In Saturday's march, a large banner saying "stop patents, vaccines are a global right" was held by demonstrators parading along the banks of the Tiber river.</p>

<p>G20 leaders kicked off two days of talks on Saturday (October 30). The focus of the summit is expected to be on COVID, climate change and economy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


G20 Summit in Rome was no exception to the staging of protests that is common when a major global conference takes place anywhere in the world. On Saturday thousands of people marched on streets of Rome to call on G20 leaders to act against climate change and to ensure fair access to COVID-19 vaccines.

G20 Summit in Rome was no exception to the staging of protests that is common when a major global conference takes place anywhere in the world. On Saturday thousands of people marched on streets of Rome to call on G20 leaders to act against climate change and to ensure fair access to COVID-19 vaccines. The marches were led mainly by climate activists who carried colourful placards, played drums and danced as they demanded world leaders save the planet. "We are holding this protest for environmental and social issues and against the G20, which continues undaunted on a path that has almost led us to social and ecological failure," said protester Edoardo Mentrasti. Also Read | G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy They marched alongside students and groups of workers in a city on high-security alert, with up to 6,000 police and about 500 soldiers deployed to maintain order. Metro stations have been closed and bus routes diverted due to the G20 summit. Italian police are particularly anxious about unrest after recent protests over the country's mandatory COVID health pass for workers turned violent when neo-fascist activists attacked the headquarters of the CGIL labour union in Rome. Also Read | G20 Summit: Biden, Macron, Merkel, Johnson discuss Iran deal on sidelines In Saturday's march, a large banner saying "stop patents, vaccines are a global right" was held by demonstrators parading along the banks of the Tiber river. G20 leaders kicked off two days of talks on Saturday (October 30). The focus of the summit is expected to be on COVID, climate change and economy. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of protesters march on Rome streets as G20 Summit kicks off

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Pope Francis with a silver candle stand and a book on India's commitment to the environment on Saturday during their meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.</p>

<p>Briefing reporters about Prime Minister's visit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said Pope reciprocated with a 'bronze plaque' with an inscription that the 'desert will become a garden'.</p>

<p>PM Modi, who participated in the G20 Summit, met Pope Francis earlier in the day. It was the first-ever meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis. PM Modi and Pope also discussed the challenge posed by climate change.</p>

<p>The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world.</p>

<p>He also briefed the Pope about the ambitious initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India's success in administering one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Pope Francis with a silver candle stand and a book on India's commitment to the environment on Saturday during their meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Pope Francis with a silver candle stand and a book on India's commitment to the environment on Saturday during their meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Briefing reporters about Prime Minister's visit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said Pope reciprocated with a 'bronze plaque' with an inscription that the 'desert will become a garden'. PM Modi, who participated in the G20 Summit, met Pope Francis earlier in the day. It was the first-ever meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis. PM Modi and Pope also discussed the challenge posed by climate change. The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world. He also briefed the Pope about the ambitious initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India's success in administering one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses.

PM Modi gifts silver candle stand, book on India's commitment on environment to Pope Francis

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to bolster ties on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rome on Saturday (October 30).</p>

<p>"Had an excellent meeting with PM @leehsienloong on ways to further scale-up the friendship between India and Singapore. Our talks focused on trade, culture and other subjects," said Modi in a tweet.</p>

<p>Earlier, Modi also met Pope Francis and invited him to visit India in a turnaround in relations with the Vatican following the failure of negotiations for a papal trip to the predominantly Hindu nation in 2017.</p>

<p>Modi is on a three-day visit to Rome to take part in the 16 th G20 Summit, where he is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit before leaving for the United Kingdom.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to bolster ties on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rome on Saturday (October 30).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to bolster ties on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rome on Saturday (October 30). "Had an excellent meeting with PM @leehsienloong on ways to further scale-up the friendship between India and Singapore. Our talks focused on trade, culture and other subjects," said Modi in a tweet. Earlier, Modi also met Pope Francis and invited him to visit India in a turnaround in relations with the Vatican following the failure of negotiations for a papal trip to the predominantly Hindu nation in 2017. Modi is on a three-day visit to Rome to take part in the 16 th G20 Summit, where he is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit before leaving for the United Kingdom.

India’s Modi meets Singapore counterpart in Rome on sidelines of G20 Summit

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