Bitcoin hit a two-week peak just shy of $40,000 on Monday, after another weekend reacting to tweets from Tesla boss Elon Musk, who fended off criticism over his market influence and said Tesla sold bitcoin but may resume transactions using it.

Bitcoin has gyrated to Musk's views for months since Tesla announced a $1.5 billion bitcoin purchase in February and said it would take the cryptocurrency in payment. He later said the electric car maker would not accept bitcoin due to concerns over how mining the currency requires high energy use and contributes to climate change.

"When there's confirmation of reasonable (~50%) clean energy usage by miners with positive future trend, Tesla will resume allowing Bitcoin transactions," Musk said on Twitter on Sunday.

Bitcoin rallied more than 9% after that message, breaking above its 20-day moving average, and it climbed a tiny bit further in Asia to hit $39,838.92.

"The market had been going through another round of correction over the weekend ... until Elon Musk's tweet of accepting BTC again for Tesla purchases changed sentiment," said Bobby Ong, co-founder of crypto analytics website CoinGecko.

He said the market was also supported by software company and major bitcoin-backer MicroStrategy raising half a billion dollars to buy bitcoin.

Bitcoin is up about 33% this year but has collapsed from a record peak above $60,000 amid a regulatory crackdown in China and Musk's apparently wavering enthusiasm for it. Telsa stock is down about 30% since the company's bitcoin purchase.

Musk's tweet was made in response to an article based on remarks from Magda Wierzycka, head of cybersecurity firm Syngia, who in a radio interview last week accused him of "price manipulation" and selling a "big part" of his exposure.

"This is inaccurate," Musk said. "Tesla only sold ~10% of holdings to confirm BTC could be liquidated easily without moving market."

Musk had tweeted in May that Tesla "will not be selling any bitcoin" and "has not sold any bitcoin," but investors are keenly awaiting Tesla's next earnings update - due next month - for any disclosure of changes to its position.

Musk has taken issue with the vast computing power required to process bitcoin transactions and in early June posted messages appearing to lament a breakup with bitcoin.

Other cryptocurrencies were steady after weekend gains, with ether at $2,491 and one-time Musk darling dogecoin buying about 32 U.S. cents on crypto exchange Binance.

Bitcoin hit a two-week peak just shy of $40,000 on Monday, after another weekend reacting to tweets from Tesla boss Elon Musk, who fended off criticism over his market influence and said Tesla sold bitcoin but may resume transactions using it.

Bitcoin hit a two-week peak just shy of $40,000 on Monday, after another weekend reacting to tweets from Tesla boss Elon Musk, who fended off criticism over his market influence and said Tesla sold bitcoin but may resume transactions using it. Bitcoin has gyrated to Musk's views for months since Tesla announced a $1.5 billion bitcoin purchase in February and said it would take the cryptocurrency in payment. He later said the electric car maker would not accept bitcoin due to concerns over how mining the currency requires high energy use and contributes to climate change. "When there's confirmation of reasonable (~50%) clean energy usage by miners with positive future trend, Tesla will resume allowing Bitcoin transactions," Musk said on Twitter on Sunday. Bitcoin rallied more than 9% after that message, breaking above its 20-day moving average, and it climbed a tiny bit further in Asia to hit $39,838.92. "The market had been going through another round of correction over the weekend ... until Elon Musk's tweet of accepting BTC again for Tesla purchases changed sentiment," said Bobby Ong, co-founder of crypto analytics website CoinGecko. He said the market was also supported by software company and major bitcoin-backer MicroStrategy raising half a billion dollars to buy bitcoin. Bitcoin is up about 33% this year but has collapsed from a record peak above $60,000 amid a regulatory crackdown in China and Musk's apparently wavering enthusiasm for it. Telsa stock is down about 30% since the company's bitcoin purchase. Musk's tweet was made in response to an article based on remarks from Magda Wierzycka, head of cybersecurity firm Syngia, who in a radio interview last week accused him of "price manipulation" and selling a "big part" of his exposure. "This is inaccurate," Musk said. "Tesla only sold ~10% of holdings to confirm BTC could be liquidated easily without moving market." Musk had tweeted in May that Tesla "will not be selling any bitcoin" and "has not sold any bitcoin," but investors are keenly awaiting Tesla's next earnings update - due next month - for any disclosure of changes to its position. Musk has taken issue with the vast computing power required to process bitcoin transactions and in early June posted messages appearing to lament a breakup with bitcoin. Other cryptocurrencies were steady after weekend gains, with ether at $2,491 and one-time Musk darling dogecoin buying about 32 U.S. cents on crypto exchange Binance.

Bitcoin jumps after Musk says Tesla could use it again

The Covid pandemic has brought a drastic change to our lives. It has bound our lives with restrictions, many of which have become heavily politicised. 
 
But, people who are more prone to boredom can find it threatening to their identity and are thus more likely to break public-health rules, according to new psychology research. 
 
While previous research demonstrated a connection between being highly prone to boredom and breaking social-distancing rules, this study demonstrated the association was more prominent as participants'&nbsp;social conservatism increased.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mouse-sperm-stored-at-iss-produces-unremarkable-space-pups-391142">Mouse sperm stored at ISS produces unremarkable 'space pups'</a> 
 
"Many public-health measures such as wearing a mask or getting a vaccine have become highly politicised," said James Danckert, Professor of psychology at the University of Waterloo in Canada. 
 
"People who find these measures a threat to their identity, and who suffer from boredom a lot, find breaking the rules helps them re-establish a sense of meaning and identity. Boredom threatens our need to make meaning out of life and some things such as politics can strengthen our sense of identity and meaning," Danckert added. 
 
For the study, researchers asked more than 900 people to respond to questions about boredom, political ideology and adhering to public-health measures such as wearing a mask or not socialising outside one`s household. They then applied a variety of statistical analysis techniques to explore the relations that underlie these elements.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rogue-planets-with-habitable-exomoons-may-have-alien-life-391167">Rogue planets with habitable exomoons may have alien life</a> 
 
"Many of the restrictions have become heavily politicised and much of the messaging from governments has focused on personal responsibility," Danckert said. 
 
"But this can become finger-pointing and blaming and most of us recoil from that. What we need is to promote our shared values, the things we all have in common and the positive things we can get back if we all pull together. 
 
"It can be difficult for some people to cope with boredom and that can have serious consequences for an individual and for society at large. Boredom is not a trivial experience - it`s worth paying attention to it," he noted.

The Covid pandemic has brought a drastic change to our lives. It has bound our lives with restrictions, many of which have become heavily politicised. But, people who are more prone to boredom can find it threatening to their identity and are thus more likely to break public-health rules, according to new psychology research.

The Covid pandemic has brought a drastic change to our lives. It has bound our lives with restrictions, many of which have become heavily politicised. But, people who are more prone to boredom can find it threatening to their identity and are thus more likely to break public-health rules, according to new psychology research. While previous research demonstrated a connection between being highly prone to boredom and breaking social-distancing rules, this study demonstrated the association was more prominent as participants' social conservatism increased. Also read | Mouse sperm stored at ISS produces unremarkable 'space pups' "Many public-health measures such as wearing a mask or getting a vaccine have become highly politicised," said James Danckert, Professor of psychology at the University of Waterloo in Canada. "People who find these measures a threat to their identity, and who suffer from boredom a lot, find breaking the rules helps them re-establish a sense of meaning and identity. Boredom threatens our need to make meaning out of life and some things such as politics can strengthen our sense of identity and meaning," Danckert added. For the study, researchers asked more than 900 people to respond to questions about boredom, political ideology and adhering to public-health measures such as wearing a mask or not socialising outside one`s household. They then applied a variety of statistical analysis techniques to explore the relations that underlie these elements. Also read | Rogue planets with habitable exomoons may have alien life "Many of the restrictions have become heavily politicised and much of the messaging from governments has focused on personal responsibility," Danckert said. "But this can become finger-pointing and blaming and most of us recoil from that. What we need is to promote our shared values, the things we all have in common and the positive things we can get back if we all pull together. "It can be difficult for some people to cope with boredom and that can have serious consequences for an individual and for society at large. Boredom is not a trivial experience - it`s worth paying attention to it," he noted.

Study: Boredom can lead people to break public health rules

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday rejected three environmental proposals. These included a new law which was intended to help the country meet carbon emissions cut goals under the Paris Agreement

A new CO2 law was narrowly rejected, with 51.6% of voters opposing it in a nationwide referendum conducted under the country's system of direct democracy.

The result was a defeat for the Swiss government. The government supported the new law which included measures like increasing a surcharge on car fuel and imposing a levy on flight tickets

The rejection meant it would now be "very difficult" for Switzerland to reach its 2030 goal of cutting carbon emissions to half of their 1990 levels and to be become net neutral on emissions by 2050, Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga said.

"Today's no is not a no to climate protection, it is a no to the law on which we have voted," Sommaruga told a news conference.

"Debates in the last few weeks have shown that many people want to strengthen the climate protection but not with this law," she said.

The government would now seek to extend uncontroversial measures like a duty for fuel importers to invest in climate protection projects, and attempt to forge a new consensus with the population on climate policies, she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday rejected three environmental proposals. These included a new law which was intended to help the country meet carbon emissions cut goals under the Paris Agreement A new CO2 law was narrowly rejected, with 51.

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday rejected three environmental proposals. These included a new law which was intended to help the country meet carbon emissions cut goals under the Paris Agreement A new CO2 law was narrowly rejected, with 51.6% of voters opposing it in a nationwide referendum conducted under the country's system of direct democracy. The result was a defeat for the Swiss government. The government supported the new law which included measures like increasing a surcharge on car fuel and imposing a levy on flight tickets The rejection meant it would now be "very difficult" for Switzerland to reach its 2030 goal of cutting carbon emissions to half of their 1990 levels and to be become net neutral on emissions by 2050, Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga said. "Today's no is not a no to climate protection, it is a no to the law on which we have voted," Sommaruga told a news conference. "Debates in the last few weeks have shown that many people want to strengthen the climate protection but not with this law," she said. The government would now seek to extend uncontroversial measures like a duty for fuel importers to invest in climate protection projects, and attempt to forge a new consensus with the population on climate policies, she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Swiss reject law intended to help country meet Paris Agreement goals

If the US&nbsp;military were a nation-state, it would be the world's 47th largest emitter of planet-warming greenhouse gases, a 2019 study found.

Though the British universities of Lancaster and Durham took account only of emissions from fuel usage in their study, it pointed to the huge impact that armed forces across the globe are having on the earth's climate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-crunch-time-and-bidens-climate-gambit-faces-steep-hurdles-386960">It’s crunch time, and Biden’s climate gambit faces steep hurdles</a>

Facing a battle against global warming, NATO has for the first time made it a central focus of planning and strategy.

Leaders of the Western military alliance are set on Monday to agree on a climate action plan to make their armed forces carbon-neutral by 2050, and to adapt to threats posed by global warming.

NATO diplomats say efforts to focus on climate change were stymied during Donald Trump's US&nbsp;presidency. He called climate change a "hoax" and pulled the United States out of the international Paris Agreement to fight climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/restoring-environmental-rules-rolled-back-by-trump-could-take-years-358684">Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years</a>

Trump also expressed a lack of trust in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and in 2018 threatened to withdraw the United States from the alliance formed in 1949 to contain a Soviet military threat.

Now, with US&nbsp;President Joe Biden prioritising climate action, the diplomats said NATO was able to act on concerns that climate change is a threat both to transatlantic security and to alliance personnel.

"This is a defining challenge of our time, and we must be an organisation that leads on it," a senior European NATO diplomat told Reuters.

Polluters

NATO member states' militaries have long been aware that climate change will have huge security implications, expected to include increased migration, flooding at coastal NATO bases and a larger Russian presence in the Arctic as sea ice melts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-things-the-biden-administration-could-do-quickly-on-the-environment-341877">Nine things the Biden administration could do quickly on the environment</a>

But, to reduce their own climate-warming emissions from fossil fuel use, the member states require reform at the centre of the alliance because NATO sets fuel standards across the organisation.

By committing to eliminating its net CO2 emissions by 2050, NATO's action plan would align the organisation with the pathway to deliver the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (34.7°F).

Meeting that goal will mean reducing military emissions that are often exempted from countries' carbon emissions targets - no mean feat for the US&nbsp;Department of Defense, the world's single largest consumer of petroleum, according to research in 2019 by Neta Crawford at Boston University.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-war-climate-change-fuel-fears-of-global-hunger-food-scarcity-383200">Pandemic, war, climate change fuel fears of global hunger, food scarcity</a>&nbsp;

While experts say EU countries under-report emissions from national militaries, a study commissioned by the European Parliament calculated in February that the carbon footprint of EU military expenditure in 2019 was about 24.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent - about the same as the CO2 emissions released by around 14 million cars.

A German defence expert, who declined to be named, said a main battle tank such as Germany's Leopard 2 guzzles 400 litres (106 gallons) of diesel in the field to cover just 100 km (62 miles). The average fuel consumption in the United States of a light-duty civilian vehicle was 9.4 litres per 100 km in 2018, according to a 2020 International Energy Agency report.

Tank warfare also risks being tougher under global warming. During a NATO exercise in Poland in 2019, temperatures in German Ozelot tanks rose above 40 degrees Celsius, and soldiers could spend only a few hours at a time inside, a military source said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-to-destroy-over-20-of-tea-growing-areas-in-kenya-by-2050-384100">Climate change to destroy over 20% of tea growing areas in Kenya by 2050</a>

Some NATO allies are working to reduce electricity use or are integrating climate prediction models into military missions. Germany has its first carbon-neutral barracks, producing energy almost completely from geothermal power and solar panels. The Dutch military can use solar panels instead of diesel generators during operations.

'Crisis Multiplier'

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have described climate change as a "crisis multiplier".

Militaries are also expecting more operations in climate-vulnerable regions, as troops are called on to help tackle climate-driven natural disasters. Such crisis management is one of NATO's fundamental tasks, because of its ability to provide food supplies and logistical and medical support quickly.

In 2018, eight of the 10 countries that host the largest number of personnel involved in multilateral peace operations were in areas highly exposed to climate change, according to a study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Allies are also testing more equipment to operate in extreme cold. The durability of assets on the battlefield has always been a priority, European defence sources told Reuters.

Stoltenberg, a former UN&nbsp;special envoy on climate change, began pushing for a NATO climate agreement before Biden replaced Trump, calling on the alliance to take action on climate in a speech in September 2020. Allies have yet to decide how much climate-related investment to fund jointly at NATO.

"The security policy community now sees more clearly that climate change is a driver of conflict," said Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official now at the Friends of Europe think tank in Brussels.

Because military assets take decades to develop and have a longer life than civilian vehicles, one of NATO's biggest contributions in the medium term, experts say, will be in increased use of synthetic fuels instead of fossil fuels.

Produced from water, CO2 and renewable energy, synthetic fuels do not produce sulphur or nitrogen pollution and still have a high energy density. NATO's standard fuel to power planes or ships is kerosene, one of the more polluting fuels.

The German military, the Bundeswehr, may start adding synthetic fuel to traditional fuel in several years.

Electric tanks, however, are not an option.

"It will prove difficult to install charging stations on the battlefield in time before the fighting starts," said a German defence source who declined to be named.

If the US military were a nation-state, it would be the world's 47th largest emitter of planet-warming greenhouse gases, a 2019 study found. Though the British universities of Lancaster and Durham took account only of emissions from fuel usage in their study, it pointed to the huge impact that armed forces across the globe are having on the earth's climate.

If the US military were a nation-state, it would be the world's 47th largest emitter of planet-warming greenhouse gases, a 2019 study found. Though the British universities of Lancaster and Durham took account only of emissions from fuel usage in their study, it pointed to the huge impact that armed forces across the globe are having on the earth's climate. Also read | It’s crunch time, and Biden’s climate gambit faces steep hurdles Facing a battle against global warming, NATO has for the first time made it a central focus of planning and strategy. Leaders of the Western military alliance are set on Monday to agree on a climate action plan to make their armed forces carbon-neutral by 2050, and to adapt to threats posed by global warming. NATO diplomats say efforts to focus on climate change were stymied during Donald Trump's US presidency. He called climate change a "hoax" and pulled the United States out of the international Paris Agreement to fight climate change. Also read | Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years Trump also expressed a lack of trust in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and in 2018 threatened to withdraw the United States from the alliance formed in 1949 to contain a Soviet military threat. Now, with US President Joe Biden prioritising climate action, the diplomats said NATO was able to act on concerns that climate change is a threat both to transatlantic security and to alliance personnel. "This is a defining challenge of our time, and we must be an organisation that leads on it," a senior European NATO diplomat told Reuters. Polluters NATO member states' militaries have long been aware that climate change will have huge security implications, expected to include increased migration, flooding at coastal NATO bases and a larger Russian presence in the Arctic as sea ice melts. Also read | Nine things the Biden administration could do quickly on the environment But, to reduce their own climate-warming emissions from fossil fuel use, the member states require reform at the centre of the alliance because NATO sets fuel standards across the organisation. By committing to eliminating its net CO2 emissions by 2050, NATO's action plan would align the organisation with the pathway to deliver the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (34.7°F). Meeting that goal will mean reducing military emissions that are often exempted from countries' carbon emissions targets - no mean feat for the US Department of Defense, the world's single largest consumer of petroleum, according to research in 2019 by Neta Crawford at Boston University. Also read | Pandemic, war, climate change fuel fears of global hunger, food scarcity While experts say EU countries under-report emissions from national militaries, a study commissioned by the European Parliament calculated in February that the carbon footprint of EU military expenditure in 2019 was about 24.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent - about the same as the CO2 emissions released by around 14 million cars. A German defence expert, who declined to be named, said a main battle tank such as Germany's Leopard 2 guzzles 400 litres (106 gallons) of diesel in the field to cover just 100 km (62 miles). The average fuel consumption in the United States of a light-duty civilian vehicle was 9.4 litres per 100 km in 2018, according to a 2020 International Energy Agency report. Tank warfare also risks being tougher under global warming. During a NATO exercise in Poland in 2019, temperatures in German Ozelot tanks rose above 40 degrees Celsius, and soldiers could spend only a few hours at a time inside, a military source said. Also read | Climate change to destroy over 20% of tea growing areas in Kenya by 2050 Some NATO allies are working to reduce electricity use or are integrating climate prediction models into military missions. Germany has its first carbon-neutral barracks, producing energy almost completely from geothermal power and solar panels. The Dutch military can use solar panels instead of diesel generators during operations. 'Crisis Multiplier' NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have described climate change as a "crisis multiplier". Militaries are also expecting more operations in climate-vulnerable regions, as troops are called on to help tackle climate-driven natural disasters. Such crisis management is one of NATO's fundamental tasks, because of its ability to provide food supplies and logistical and medical support quickly. In 2018, eight of the 10 countries that host the largest number of personnel involved in multilateral peace operations were in areas highly exposed to climate change, according to a study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Allies are also testing more equipment to operate in extreme cold. The durability of assets on the battlefield has always been a priority, European defence sources told Reuters. Stoltenberg, a former UN special envoy on climate change, began pushing for a NATO climate agreement before Biden replaced Trump, calling on the alliance to take action on climate in a speech in September 2020. Allies have yet to decide how much climate-related investment to fund jointly at NATO. "The security policy community now sees more clearly that climate change is a driver of conflict," said Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official now at the Friends of Europe think tank in Brussels. Because military assets take decades to develop and have a longer life than civilian vehicles, one of NATO's biggest contributions in the medium term, experts say, will be in increased use of synthetic fuels instead of fossil fuels. Produced from water, CO2 and renewable energy, synthetic fuels do not produce sulphur or nitrogen pollution and still have a high energy density. NATO's standard fuel to power planes or ships is kerosene, one of the more polluting fuels. The German military, the Bundeswehr, may start adding synthetic fuel to traditional fuel in several years. Electric tanks, however, are not an option. "It will prove difficult to install charging stations on the battlefield in time before the fighting starts," said a German defence source who declined to be named.

With Trump gone, NATO wages war on climate threat

Tens of thousands of Spaniards protested in Madrid on Sunday against government plans to pardon 12 Catalan politicians who were convicted over the region's failed independence bid in 2017, a move the demonstrators see as a threat to national unity.

Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo gave the clearest indication yet that the pardons of the Catalan separatists were "close" in an interview published on Sunday with La Vanguardia newspaper, but the issue has bitterly divided Spaniards.

Around 63 per cent&nbsp;of Spaniards oppose granting the pardons while some 25&nbsp;per cent backed it and about 6&nbsp; per cent were indifferent, according to a poll published on Sunday for niusdiario.es, an online newspaper.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-parliament-lifts-ex-catalan-leaders-immunity-369252/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We should stop this now because for a pardon you must show contrition, and the separatists will not show that," Carlos Bandecha, 47, a businessman, said at the rally, where many protesters waved red and yellow national flags.

Opposition lawmakers from the conservative People's Party (PP), the far-right Vox party and the centrist Ciudadanos joined the rally in Madrid's central Plaza Colon.

Asked when Spain's centre-left government might approve the pardons, Calvo told Vanguardia: "Soon, they are close. After the Supreme Court report arrives, we will immediately follow up on them. They should arrive soon at the cabinet."

Madrid's Municipal Police force estimated 126,000 people took part while the National Police put the figure at 25,000.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-top-court-says-jailed-catalan-separatist-cannot-be-released-273261">Spain's top court says jailed Catalan separatist cannot be released</a>

Spain's Supreme Court said in a non-binding report last month that it opposes potential government pardons for the Catalan separatist leaders.

It sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders in October 2019 to between nine and 13 years in jail on sedition charges for organising an unauthorised referendum on independence and issuing a short-lived unilateral declaration of independence.

Three others were convicted of disobedience but not jailed.

Tens of thousands of Spaniards protested in Madrid on Sunday against government plans to pardon 12 Catalan politicians who were convicted over the region's failed independence bid in 2017, a move the demonstrators see as a threat to national unity.

Tens of thousands of Spaniards protested in Madrid on Sunday against government plans to pardon 12 Catalan politicians who were convicted over the region's failed independence bid in 2017, a move the demonstrators see as a threat to national unity. Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo gave the clearest indication yet that the pardons of the Catalan separatists were "close" in an interview published on Sunday with La Vanguardia newspaper, but the issue has bitterly divided Spaniards. Around 63 per cent of Spaniards oppose granting the pardons while some 25 per cent backed it and about 6 per cent were indifferent, according to a poll published on Sunday for niusdiario.es, an online newspaper. "We should stop this now because for a pardon you must show contrition, and the separatists will not show that," Carlos Bandecha, 47, a businessman, said at the rally, where many protesters waved red and yellow national flags. Opposition lawmakers from the conservative People's Party (PP), the far-right Vox party and the centrist Ciudadanos joined the rally in Madrid's central Plaza Colon. Asked when Spain's centre-left government might approve the pardons, Calvo told Vanguardia: "Soon, they are close. After the Supreme Court report arrives, we will immediately follow up on them. They should arrive soon at the cabinet." Madrid's Municipal Police force estimated 126,000 people took part while the National Police put the figure at 25,000. Also read | Spain's top court says jailed Catalan separatist cannot be released Spain's Supreme Court said in a non-binding report last month that it opposes potential government pardons for the Catalan separatist leaders. It sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders in October 2019 to between nine and 13 years in jail on sedition charges for organising an unauthorised referendum on independence and issuing a short-lived unilateral declaration of independence. Three others were convicted of disobedience but not jailed.

Thousands protest against Spain's possible pardons for jailed Catalan leaders

The G7 on Sunday advanced a plan to impose a global minimum corporation tax and a collective crackdown on avoidance, arguing it would help tackle inequality.

At a summit in southwest England, G7 leaders endorsed an agreement struck by their finance ministers last week to adopt a minimum floor for corporation tax of 15 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-vows-action-on-covid-vaccines-climate-change-391197">G7 vows action on Covid vaccines, Climate Change</a>

"With this, we have taken a significant step towards creating a fairer tax system fit for the 21st century, and reversing a 40-year race to the bottom," the G7 said in their concluding statement.

"Our collaboration will create a stronger level playing field, and it will help raise more tax revenue to support investment and it will crack down on tax avoidance."&nbsp;

The proposal, which now goes to the meeting of the G20 nations in Italy next month, is aimed at snaring more taxes from revenue-hopping multinational companies, especially tech giants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-autocrat-putins-russia-might-be-weaker-than-it-seems-391216">Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems</a>

US President Joe Biden, who had proposed the minimum rate, welcomed its backing by his fellow leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

"Too many corporations have been engaged in what are essentially tax savings, deciding that they would pay considerably less in other environments around the world," Biden told reporters after the G7.

"But this is going to make sure there is a minimum tax and I'm going to move on this at home as well.&nbsp;

"And this agreement is going to help arrest the race to the bottom that has been going on among nations protecting corporate investment at the expense of priorities like protecting our workers and investing in infrastructure," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-adopts-global-infrastructure-plan-an-answer-to-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-391026">G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative</a>

G7 members Britain, France and Italy have already imposed their own special "digital services tax" to recoup more revenue from where tech companies have been generating their pandemic-fuelled sales.

US behemoths including Apple, Facebook and Google have been booking their European profits entirely in Ireland, where the effective corporation tax rate is just 12.5 per cent.

But the G7 trio has indicated they will drop the unilateral taxes if a broader agreement is reached at the G20, which includes China, and at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-the-world-391151">China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world</a>

While winning the rest of the G7 over to his plan, Biden still faces resistance in the US Congress, where Republicans are leery of the Democrat's ambitious tax-and-spend plans.

The G7 on Sunday advanced a plan to impose a global minimum corporation tax and a collective crackdown on avoidance, arguing it would help tackle inequality. At a summit in southwest England, G7 leaders endorsed an agreement struck by their finance ministers last week to adopt a minimum floor for corporation tax of 15 per cent.

The G7 on Sunday advanced a plan to impose a global minimum corporation tax and a collective crackdown on avoidance, arguing it would help tackle inequality. At a summit in southwest England, G7 leaders endorsed an agreement struck by their finance ministers last week to adopt a minimum floor for corporation tax of 15 per cent. Also read | G7 vows action on Covid vaccines, Climate Change "With this, we have taken a significant step towards creating a fairer tax system fit for the 21st century, and reversing a 40-year race to the bottom," the G7 said in their concluding statement. "Our collaboration will create a stronger level playing field, and it will help raise more tax revenue to support investment and it will crack down on tax avoidance." The proposal, which now goes to the meeting of the G20 nations in Italy next month, is aimed at snaring more taxes from revenue-hopping multinational companies, especially tech giants. Also read | Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems US President Joe Biden, who had proposed the minimum rate, welcomed its backing by his fellow leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. "Too many corporations have been engaged in what are essentially tax savings, deciding that they would pay considerably less in other environments around the world," Biden told reporters after the G7. "But this is going to make sure there is a minimum tax and I'm going to move on this at home as well. "And this agreement is going to help arrest the race to the bottom that has been going on among nations protecting corporate investment at the expense of priorities like protecting our workers and investing in infrastructure," he said. Also read | G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative G7 members Britain, France and Italy have already imposed their own special "digital services tax" to recoup more revenue from where tech companies have been generating their pandemic-fuelled sales. US behemoths including Apple, Facebook and Google have been booking their European profits entirely in Ireland, where the effective corporation tax rate is just 12.5 per cent. But the G7 trio has indicated they will drop the unilateral taxes if a broader agreement is reached at the G20, which includes China, and at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Also read | China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world While winning the rest of the G7 over to his plan, Biden still faces resistance in the US Congress, where Republicans are leery of the Democrat's ambitious tax-and-spend plans.

G7 leaders vow to end 'race to bottom' on taxes

Somalia's foreign minister has invited Kenya to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in a push to resume full diplomatic ties, in a note seen by AFP on Sunday.

Kenya's mission has been shut since December when&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;broke off relations after Nairobi hosted the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by the central government in Mogadishu.

The Kenyan ambassador was expelled and Mogadishu recalled its envoy from Nairobi.

On May 6,&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;said it had restored diplomatic ties with Kenya, which looked forward to "further normalisation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-surprise-move-kenya-suspends-flights-from-somalia-384548">Also read |&nbsp;In surprise move, Kenya suspends flights from Somalia</a>

Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdirizak Mohamed wrote in a&nbsp;note dated Saturday: "In the spirit of good neighbourliness, the Federal Republic of&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;calls on the Republic of Kenya to reopen its diplomatic mission in&nbsp;Somalia, and the Federal Government of&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;will reciprocally reopen its embassy in Kenya.

"The resumption of full diplomatic relations will be a positive start to the commencement of bilateral discussions between the two countries," the minister said in the note addressed to Kenya's foreign minister.

The foreign ministry in Nairobi did not respond to AFP requests for comment on Sunday.

Somalia&nbsp;has long bristled over what it calls Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems.

The neighbours have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations which are believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter.

The row over which nation controls access to the lucrative deposits escalated in early 2019 after&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area, prompting Kenya to recall its ambassador.

Somalia's foreign minister has invited Kenya to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in a push to resume full diplomatic ties, in a note seen by AFP on Sunday. Kenya's mission has been shut since December when Somalia broke off relations after Nairobi hosted the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by the central government in Mogadishu.

Somalia's foreign minister has invited Kenya to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in a push to resume full diplomatic ties, in a note seen by AFP on Sunday. Kenya's mission has been shut since December when Somalia broke off relations after Nairobi hosted the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by the central government in Mogadishu. The Kenyan ambassador was expelled and Mogadishu recalled its envoy from Nairobi. On May 6, Somalia said it had restored diplomatic ties with Kenya, which looked forward to "further normalisation". Also read | In surprise move, Kenya suspends flights from Somalia Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdirizak Mohamed wrote in a note dated Saturday: "In the spirit of good neighbourliness, the Federal Republic of Somalia calls on the Republic of Kenya to reopen its diplomatic mission in Somalia, and the Federal Government of Somalia will reciprocally reopen its embassy in Kenya. "The resumption of full diplomatic relations will be a positive start to the commencement of bilateral discussions between the two countries," the minister said in the note addressed to Kenya's foreign minister. The foreign ministry in Nairobi did not respond to AFP requests for comment on Sunday. Somalia has long bristled over what it calls Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems. The neighbours have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations which are believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter. The row over which nation controls access to the lucrative deposits escalated in early 2019 after Somalia decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area, prompting Kenya to recall its ambassador.

Somalia asks Kenya to reopen embassy in Mogadishu

India has said that it will study the US President Joe Biden's 'Build Back Better'&nbsp;global infrastructure initiative proposal announced at the G7 summit as an alternative to China`s Belt and Road (BRI).

This plan, which is proposed to be led by major democracies, will provide financial and technological help to narrow the over USD 40 trillion infrastructure need, mainly in the developing world which has been worsened by COVID-19.

It is also expected to create local employment. This initiative at G7 is seen as a potential jolt to Chinese President Xi Jinping's pet project BRI.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g7-pm-modi-highlights-indias-civilisational-commitment-to-democracy-391208">At G7, PM Modi highlights India's civilisational commitment to democracy</a>

India said relevant agencies will be studying the plan and will probably engage with the project later. Briefing reporters, senior ministry of external affairs (MEA) official P Harish said, "On the specific question of joining 'Build back better for the world', I can confirm that relevant agencies of the government of India would study them and would engage with them probably at the later stage.

"China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is already facing criticism even by subscribing countries. Whether it is mounting debt, a lack of local employment or transparency, a lot of questions and red flags have been raised. While India refused to join the Chinese initiative and sees it as an infringement of its territorial integrity, neighbours Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka are part of the BRI.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-invites-india-to-join-g7-health-ministers-summit-virtually-386322">UK invites India to join G7 Health Ministers' Summit virtually</a>

At G7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the democratic countries to demonstrate to the world that they can implement projects in a more effective and transparent manner.

According to a senior MEA official, "The PM has emphasised that democracies should demonstrate that in project implementation sphere we can deliver not only within the country but in other countries also. On this issue, the PM referred to India's experience that is in neighbouring countries, African countries and that in development framework partnership. The PM also indicated that India stands ready to do more in this regard keeping in view the ethos of transparency and inclusion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-participation-at-g7-will-be-seamless-uk-tells-india-390904">PM Modi's participation at G7 will be seamless, UK tells India</a>

"At G7, Prime Minister Modi also emphasised the need for open and democratic societies to work together and strengthen each other's hands to defend the values that they hold and to respond to challenges.

When asked whether there was any discussion on the origin of COVID, the MEA official said "I can say that leaders of the G7 and guest countries had a very detailed and intense discussion on the need for reforming global health governance, I would like to emphasise in this regard that India has been actively engaged with the international community at the levels of G20, G7 and the World Health Assembly on various aspects related to dealing with the current pandemic, learning lessons and preparing for future pandemics.

"The India-South Africa TRIPS waiver proposal also found widespread support at the G7 and the need to diversify technology transfer and financing for equitable vaccine distribution.

MEA secretary P Harish said, "There was widespread support in the deliberation for text-based negotiations for India-South Africa proposal for TRIPS waiver at WTO. On the need to provide financial assistance to various manufacturers in the world was general agreement to increase its capacity, regional production hubs, providing financing, technology transfer and skill development in these regions."

"I can say without hesitation that India's engagement with the G7 and guest countries stands on its own. This is the second G7 summit that the PM attended. He attended in France in 2019. This is also the first time India has been engaged and ministerial and working-level tracks as a guest country. This is a significant engagement," the senior MEA official added.

"UK Prime Minister Johnson referred to the four guest countries and working-level tracks as forming a democratic level and many countries appreciated India's G7 engagement and PM Modi's interventions during sessions which found a great resonance in the gathering. So I can say that our engagement was fruitful, was productive and we hope to take forward our engagement in various initiatives including in the run-up to COP26," MEA Secretary P Harish added.

India has said that it will study the US President Joe Biden's 'Build Back Better' global infrastructure initiative proposal announced at the G7 summit as an alternative to China`s Belt and Road (BRI).

India has said that it will study the US President Joe Biden's 'Build Back Better' global infrastructure initiative proposal announced at the G7 summit as an alternative to China`s Belt and Road (BRI). This plan, which is proposed to be led by major democracies, will provide financial and technological help to narrow the over USD 40 trillion infrastructure need, mainly in the developing world which has been worsened by COVID-19. It is also expected to create local employment. This initiative at G7 is seen as a potential jolt to Chinese President Xi Jinping's pet project BRI. Also read | At G7, PM Modi highlights India's civilisational commitment to democracy India said relevant agencies will be studying the plan and will probably engage with the project later. Briefing reporters, senior ministry of external affairs (MEA) official P Harish said, "On the specific question of joining 'Build back better for the world', I can confirm that relevant agencies of the government of India would study them and would engage with them probably at the later stage. "China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is already facing criticism even by subscribing countries. Whether it is mounting debt, a lack of local employment or transparency, a lot of questions and red flags have been raised. While India refused to join the Chinese initiative and sees it as an infringement of its territorial integrity, neighbours Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka are part of the BRI. Also read | UK invites India to join G7 Health Ministers' Summit virtually At G7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the democratic countries to demonstrate to the world that they can implement projects in a more effective and transparent manner. According to a senior MEA official, "The PM has emphasised that democracies should demonstrate that in project implementation sphere we can deliver not only within the country but in other countries also. On this issue, the PM referred to India's experience that is in neighbouring countries, African countries and that in development framework partnership. The PM also indicated that India stands ready to do more in this regard keeping in view the ethos of transparency and inclusion. Also read | PM Modi's participation at G7 will be seamless, UK tells India "At G7, Prime Minister Modi also emphasised the need for open and democratic societies to work together and strengthen each other's hands to defend the values that they hold and to respond to challenges. When asked whether there was any discussion on the origin of COVID, the MEA official said "I can say that leaders of the G7 and guest countries had a very detailed and intense discussion on the need for reforming global health governance, I would like to emphasise in this regard that India has been actively engaged with the international community at the levels of G20, G7 and the World Health Assembly on various aspects related to dealing with the current pandemic, learning lessons and preparing for future pandemics. "The India-South Africa TRIPS waiver proposal also found widespread support at the G7 and the need to diversify technology transfer and financing for equitable vaccine distribution. MEA secretary P Harish said, "There was widespread support in the deliberation for text-based negotiations for India-South Africa proposal for TRIPS waiver at WTO. On the need to provide financial assistance to various manufacturers in the world was general agreement to increase its capacity, regional production hubs, providing financing, technology transfer and skill development in these regions." "I can say without hesitation that India's engagement with the G7 and guest countries stands on its own. This is the second G7 summit that the PM attended. He attended in France in 2019. This is also the first time India has been engaged and ministerial and working-level tracks as a guest country. This is a significant engagement," the senior MEA official added. "UK Prime Minister Johnson referred to the four guest countries and working-level tracks as forming a democratic level and many countries appreciated India's G7 engagement and PM Modi's interventions during sessions which found a great resonance in the gathering. So I can say that our engagement was fruitful, was productive and we hope to take forward our engagement in various initiatives including in the run-up to COP26," MEA Secretary P Harish added.

India says will study Biden's infrastructure plan that rivals China's Belt and Road Initiative

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country. He appeared to indicate that Washington could rely on its NATO ally.

Erdogan also said that he would discuss the issue in a face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden. Both Biden and Erdogan are due to attend NATO summit in Brussels on Monday. Relations between USA and Turkey have been strained in recent times

"America is preparing to leave Afghanistan soon and from the moment they leave, the only reliable country to maintain the process over there is obviously Turkey," Erdogan told reporters at an Istanbul airport on Sunday before leaving for Brussels.&nbsp;

The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- 20 years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban.

Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers.

Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkish officials had informed their American counterparts about Ankara's plans in Afghanistan after the US troop pullout, without providing details.&nbsp;

They are "pleased and happy. We will be able to discuss the Afghanistan process with them," he said.&nbsp; 
Turkey has made clear its intentions to stay in the war-torn country, but the details remain unclear.

A Turkish official said Turkish troops could remain "as long as certain conditions including legal and financial are met."

"If Turkey is to stay it will do so under which frame: under NATO umbrella or bilateral terms? And if it will be under NATO auspices, under which authorisation?" asked the official, who wished to remain anonymous.

The official also confirmed that Western powers were willing to let Turkey stay and protect the Kabul airport.

But, the official added, "why should Turkey try hard if nobody is going to give support? These issues need to be clarified."

On Saturday the Taliban said that foreign forces should hold "no hope" of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country. He appeared to indicate that Washington could rely on its NATO ally. Erdogan also said that he would discuss the issue in a face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden. Both Biden and Erdogan are due to attend NATO summit in Brussels on Monday. Relations between USA and Turkey have been strained in recent times "America is preparing to leave Afghanistan soon and from the moment they leave, the only reliable country to maintain the process over there is obviously Turkey," Erdogan told reporters at an Istanbul airport on Sunday before leaving for Brussels. The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- 20 years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban. Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers. Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkish officials had informed their American counterparts about Ankara's plans in Afghanistan after the US troop pullout, without providing details. They are "pleased and happy. We will be able to discuss the Afghanistan process with them," he said. Turkey has made clear its intentions to stay in the war-torn country, but the details remain unclear. A Turkish official said Turkish troops could remain "as long as certain conditions including legal and financial are met." "If Turkey is to stay it will do so under which frame: under NATO umbrella or bilateral terms? And if it will be under NATO auspices, under which authorisation?" asked the official, who wished to remain anonymous. The official also confirmed that Western powers were willing to let Turkey stay and protect the Kabul airport. But, the official added, "why should Turkey try hard if nobody is going to give support? These issues need to be clarified." On Saturday the Taliban said that foreign forces should hold "no hope" of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans. (With inputs from agencies)

Erdogan: US can count on Turkey after Afghanistan troop pullout

US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill had tea with Britain's Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle at the end of G7 Summit. The 95-year-old monarch, wearing bright pink floral outfit, greeted the Bidens in the Quadrangle of the castle. Windsor castle has been home to the royal family for nearly 1,000 years

A Guard of Honour formed of The Queen’s Company First Battalion Grenadier Guards gave a Royal Salute, and the US National Anthem was played.

The president and queen looked relaxed and chatted before they headed inside the castle for a private meeting.

The queen had already met the Bidens on Friday night when she hosted a reception for leaders of G7 countries

"Joe and I are both looking forward to meeting the queen," Jill Biden said after they arrived in Britain on Thursday. "That’s an exciting part of the visit for us."

Joe Biden and Jill would be the fourth president and first lady the queen has received at Windsor, following the Trumps in 2018, the Obamas in 2016, President George W. Bush and his wife in 2008 and the Reagans in 1982.

During her 69 years on the British throne, the longest reign of any English monarch, there have been 14 U.S. presidents, of which Elizabeth has met all bar Lyndon Johnson.

Despite the loss in April of Prince Philip, her 99-year-old husband of more than 70 years, and her age, the queen has shown her determination to carry on with her official duties as head of state during the high-profile G7 gathering.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill had tea with Britain's Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle at the end of G7 Summit. The 95-year-old monarch, wearing bright pink floral outfit, greeted the Bidens in the Quadrangle of the castle.

US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill had tea with Britain's Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle at the end of G7 Summit. The 95-year-old monarch, wearing bright pink floral outfit, greeted the Bidens in the Quadrangle of the castle. Windsor castle has been home to the royal family for nearly 1,000 years A Guard of Honour formed of The Queen’s Company First Battalion Grenadier Guards gave a Royal Salute, and the US National Anthem was played. The president and queen looked relaxed and chatted before they headed inside the castle for a private meeting. The queen had already met the Bidens on Friday night when she hosted a reception for leaders of G7 countries "Joe and I are both looking forward to meeting the queen," Jill Biden said after they arrived in Britain on Thursday. "That’s an exciting part of the visit for us." Joe Biden and Jill would be the fourth president and first lady the queen has received at Windsor, following the Trumps in 2018, the Obamas in 2016, President George W. Bush and his wife in 2008 and the Reagans in 1982. During her 69 years on the British throne, the longest reign of any English monarch, there have been 14 U.S. presidents, of which Elizabeth has met all bar Lyndon Johnson. Despite the loss in April of Prince Philip, her 99-year-old husband of more than 70 years, and her age, the queen has shown her determination to carry on with her official duties as head of state during the high-profile G7 gathering. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden meets Queen Elizabeth over tea after G7 summit

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed.

Joe Biden argued that the world's richest democracies faced existential contest from "autocrats". This, he said would define 21st century.

Biden is scheduled to attend NATO summit on Monday. He will then meet Putin in Geneva on June 16. The meeting of the two presidents is likely to be a combative encounter given the disputes between the two countries over spying, hacking, election meddling, Ukraine, Belarus and human rights

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-the-world-391151">China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world</a>

Biden, who called the former KGB spy a killer in March, cast Russia as engaging in unacceptable behaviour on a range of fronts but also pointed to Russia's own "dilemmas" - its post-Soviet economic collapse, what he called overreach in Syria and problems with COVID-19.

Asked why Putin, who has served as Russia's paramount leader since Boris Yeltsin resigned in 1999, had not changed despite years of Western sanctions, Biden quipped: "He's Vladimir Putin".

"Autocrats have enormous power and they don't have to answer to a public and the fact is that it may very well be if I respond in kind, as I will, that it doesn't dissuade him - he wants to keep going," Biden said of Putin.

The two former Cold War foes have had a turbulent relationship for years though relations soured after Putin sought to rebuild some of the clout lost in the chaotic 1991 Soviet collapse and began meddling far beyond Russia's borders.

U.S. and other Western leaders now see Putin and Xi Jinping's China as their main strategic threats, though the Kremlin dismisses as fiction almost all allegations against Russia and says the West is gripped by anti-Russian hysteria.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that 'autocrat' Vladimir Putin was right to suggest that relations between USA and Russia were at their lowest. Biden suggested that Russia might be weaker than it seemed. Joe Biden argued that the world's richest democracies faced existential contest from "autocrats". This, he said would define 21st century. Biden is scheduled to attend NATO summit on Monday. He will then meet Putin in Geneva on June 16. The meeting of the two presidents is likely to be a combative encounter given the disputes between the two countries over spying, hacking, election meddling, Ukraine, Belarus and human rights Also Read: China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world Biden, who called the former KGB spy a killer in March, cast Russia as engaging in unacceptable behaviour on a range of fronts but also pointed to Russia's own "dilemmas" - its post-Soviet economic collapse, what he called overreach in Syria and problems with COVID-19. Asked why Putin, who has served as Russia's paramount leader since Boris Yeltsin resigned in 1999, had not changed despite years of Western sanctions, Biden quipped: "He's Vladimir Putin". "Autocrats have enormous power and they don't have to answer to a public and the fact is that it may very well be if I respond in kind, as I will, that it doesn't dissuade him - he wants to keep going," Biden said of Putin. The two former Cold War foes have had a turbulent relationship for years though relations soured after Putin sought to rebuild some of the clout lost in the chaotic 1991 Soviet collapse and began meddling far beyond Russia's borders. U.S. and other Western leaders now see Putin and Xi Jinping's China as their main strategic threats, though the Kremlin dismisses as fiction almost all allegations against Russia and says the West is gripped by anti-Russian hysteria. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden says 'autocrat' Putin's Russia might be weaker than it seems

In Today's news,&nbsp;G7 leaders in their last communique of the UK G7 summit have vowed to start delivering the one million coronavirus vaccine doses it had promised earlier, the leaders while acknowledging the problem climate change poses have also vowed to step up action,&nbsp;in what is believed to be a call of arms of&nbsp;a revived democratic alliance that is also confronting&nbsp;China and Russia.&nbsp;Meanwhile, taking offence and&nbsp;hitting back at what China perceives as attempts by Western powers to contain the country, China has cautioned the G7 leaders that&nbsp;the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world were&nbsp;long gone. We also have a video report on a new study, according to which, Antarctic ice shelves are breaking up faster than expected. 
 
Click on the headlines for more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-vows-action-on-covid-vaccines-climate-change-391197">G7 vows action on Covid vaccines, Climate Change</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/13/198284-g7-logo.jpg" />

In&nbsp;the final communique issued at the first physical summit of world leaders in two years, G7 leaders vowed to start delivering the pledged one billion doses of Covid vaccines and also to step up action on climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cautions-g7-small-groups-dont-rule-the-world-391151">China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/12/173674-china-flag.jpg" />Hitting back at the G7 leaders, who have sought a unified position over Beijing, during the recent G7 meet,&nbsp;China has pointedly cautioned the Group of Seven leaders that the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world was long gone.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g7-pm-modi-highlights-indias-civilisational-commitment-to-democracy-391208">At G7, PM Modi highlights India's civilisational commitment to democracy</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/13/198290-pm-modi-g7.jpg" />While speaking at&nbsp;the G7 summit,&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;highlighted India's 'civilizational commitment' to democracy and called for collective action on the issue of Climate Change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-usa-should-keep-troubles-behind-says-erdogan-391187">Turkey and USA should keep troubles behind, says Erdogan</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/02/197052-tt1.jpg" />While speaking to the press, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he and US President Joe Biden should use the upcoming NATO Summit to move on from past troubles, and try to salvage the tumultuous relationship shared by the two countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-pro-democracy-protesters-show-support-for-rohingya-391179">Myanmar pro-democracy protesters show support for Rohingya</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/02/193532-myanmar-protests.jpg" />

Pro-democracy protesters agitating against the military coup by the junta in Myanmar, have now come out in support of Rohingya Muslims, one of the most persecuted communities in Myanmar.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-factory-ship-trawlers-pose-a-threat-to-pakistans-local-fishermen-391194">Chinese 'Factory ship' trawlers pose a threat to Pakistan's local fishermen</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/02/193581-chinese-fishing-vessel.jpg" />Posing threat to the livelihood of local fishermen, hundreds of fishing trawlers have amassed at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nato-leaders-to-bid-symbolic-adieu-to-afghanistan-at-summit-391130">NATO leaders to bid symbolic adieu to Afghanistan at summit</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/27/196438-untitled-design-41.jpg" />

Ahead of a complete withdrawal of&nbsp;US-NATO forces from Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts will bid a symbolic farewell to Afghanistan,&nbsp;in their last summit before America winds up its longest 'forever war'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whatever-it-takes-uk-pm-johnson-warns-eu-over-post-brexit-trade-391152">'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/01/14/178346-0008yp26v.jpg" />Britain PM Boris Johnson has threatened&nbsp;that if no solutions are found, Britain will do 'whatever it takes' to protect its territorial integrity in a trade dispute with the European Union.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-offers-prayers-for-famine-hit-tigray-391172">Pope offers prayers for famine-hit Tigray</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/04/190168-pope-francis.jpg" />Pope&nbsp;Francis has offered his prayers for the people of Ethiopia's conflict-wracked Tigray region, who are now facing famine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-antarctic-ice-shelf-is-breaking-up-faster-than-expected-391093">Watch: Study: Antarctic ice shelf is breaking up faster than expected</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-antarctic-ice-shelf-is-breaking-up-faster-than-expected-391093/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

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In Today's news, G7 leaders in their last communique of the UK G7 summit have vowed to start delivering the one million coronavirus vaccine doses it had promised earlier, the leaders while acknowledging the problem climate change poses have also vowed to step up action, in what is believed to be a call of arms of a revived democratic alliance that is also confronting China and Russia.

In Today's news, G7 leaders in their last communique of the UK G7 summit have vowed to start delivering the one million coronavirus vaccine doses it had promised earlier, the leaders while acknowledging the problem climate change poses have also vowed to step up action, in what is believed to be a call of arms of a revived democratic alliance that is also confronting China and Russia. Meanwhile, taking offence and hitting back at what China perceives as attempts by Western powers to contain the country, China has cautioned the G7 leaders that the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world were long gone. We also have a video report on a new study, according to which, Antarctic ice shelves are breaking up faster than expected. Click on the headlines for more: G7 vows action on Covid vaccines, Climate Change In the final communique issued at the first physical summit of world leaders in two years, G7 leaders vowed to start delivering the pledged one billion doses of Covid vaccines and also to step up action on climate change. China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world Hitting back at the G7 leaders, who have sought a unified position over Beijing, during the recent G7 meet, China has pointedly cautioned the Group of Seven leaders that the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world was long gone. At G7, PM Modi highlights India's civilisational commitment to democracy While speaking at the G7 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's 'civilizational commitment' to democracy and called for collective action on the issue of Climate Change. Turkey and USA should keep troubles behind, says Erdogan While speaking to the press, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that he and US President Joe Biden should use the upcoming NATO Summit to move on from past troubles, and try to salvage the tumultuous relationship shared by the two countries. Myanmar pro-democracy protesters show support for Rohingya Pro-democracy protesters agitating against the military coup by the junta in Myanmar, have now come out in support of Rohingya Muslims, one of the most persecuted communities in Myanmar. Chinese 'Factory ship' trawlers pose a threat to Pakistan's local fishermen Posing threat to the livelihood of local fishermen, hundreds of fishing trawlers have amassed at Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. NATO leaders to bid symbolic adieu to Afghanistan at summit Ahead of a complete withdrawal of US-NATO forces from Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts will bid a symbolic farewell to Afghanistan, in their last summit before America winds up its longest 'forever war'. 'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade Britain PM Boris Johnson has threatened that if no solutions are found, Britain will do 'whatever it takes' to protect its territorial integrity in a trade dispute with the European Union. Pope offers prayers for famine-hit Tigray Pope Francis has offered his prayers for the people of Ethiopia's conflict-wracked Tigray region, who are now facing famine. Watch: Study: Antarctic ice shelf is breaking up faster than expected

Top 10 world news: China's warning to G7, NATO farewell to Afghanistan and more

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