While on her Pakistan visit on Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock tested positive for Covid 19, forcing her to cut short her trip and return to Germany.

Germany's ministry of foreign affairs confirmed her reports saying that "Annalena Baerbock had a positive screening test after lunch today" the News International reported.

After testing positive for the virus, the minister cancelled all further dates of the trip, which also included stops in Greece and Turkey, the ministry said.

As per the official Twitter handle of the ministry, Baerbock regularly tests herself for the virus. It further said that she was tested negative for the virus in the morning, the News International reported.

German FM Annalena Baerbock reached Pakistan today, where she was welcomed by the Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and other senior officials.

The minister along with her Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also planted a sapling on the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Baerbock's visit to Pakistan was scheduled for June 7 and 8 to hold a discussion on bilateral and global issues with her counterpart from Pakistan. This comes as a response to the invitation of Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

The two sides attach special importance to strengthening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, including trade and investment, energy, defence, and people-to-people contacts, said the ministry.

The visit of the German foreign minister is part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and is expected to further boost the multi-faceted Pakistan-Germany relationship, according to the statement.

This year both countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The German Foreign Minister's visit is part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.&nbsp;

[with inputs from agencies]

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While on her Pakistan visit on Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock tested positive for Covid 19, forcing her to cut short her trip and return to Germany.

While on her Pakistan visit on Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock tested positive for Covid 19, forcing her to cut short her trip and return to Germany. Germany's ministry of foreign affairs confirmed her reports saying that "Annalena Baerbock had a positive screening test after lunch today" the News International reported. After testing positive for the virus, the minister cancelled all further dates of the trip, which also included stops in Greece and Turkey, the ministry said. As per the official Twitter handle of the ministry, Baerbock regularly tests herself for the virus. It further said that she was tested negative for the virus in the morning, the News International reported. German FM Annalena Baerbock reached Pakistan today, where she was welcomed by the Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and other senior officials. The minister along with her Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also planted a sapling on the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Baerbock's visit to Pakistan was scheduled for June 7 and 8 to hold a discussion on bilateral and global issues with her counterpart from Pakistan. This comes as a response to the invitation of Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The two sides attach special importance to strengthening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, including trade and investment, energy, defence, and people-to-people contacts, said the ministry. The visit of the German foreign minister is part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and is expected to further boost the multi-faceted Pakistan-Germany relationship, according to the statement. This year both countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The German Foreign Minister's visit is part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. [with inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

German foreign minister tests Covid positive during her visit to Pakistan

Sri Lanka is in the face of spiraling financial upheaval, finally a finance minister has been appointed, it is the new PM Ranil Wickremesinghe who has taken oath as the new minister of finance and within six weeks Wickremesinghe will be presenting an interim budget.

Sri Lankan PM Wickremesinghe appointed finance minister to steer nation out of financial crunch

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe took over additional responsibility as he was sworn in as the country's new Minister of Finance, Economic Stability & National Policies. .

Sri Lanka Crisis: PM Ranil Wickremesinghe takes additional charge, sworn in as new Finance Minister

Pakistani government could withdraw subsidies on petroleum products as Pak reeling under economic crisis. Meanwhile, talks between IMF and Pakistan are scheduled to continue till May 24th.

Pakistan-IMF Talks in Doha: Pak rupee plunges to new all-time low

Sri Lanka saw a major change in their cabinet as nine more ministers were added to an ‘all-party government’ to guide the nation through the ongoing economic crisis. The new appointments came in the aftermath of Ranil Wickremesinghe becoming the new prime minister of the country following the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe promised to put together a coalition cabinet featuring all major parties in order to combat the growing unrest and crisis gripping Sri Lanka.

The new cabinet has enjoyed good support from all parties in the country with two SJB (Samagi Jana Balawegaya) – the main opposition party – joining the new government and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party also pledging their support to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after getting one cabinet seat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-looking-to-construct-military-bases-in-pakistan-report-480699" hreflang="en">China looking to construct military outposts in Pakistan: Report</a>

According to local reports, Nimal Siripala De Silva Ports was appointed minister of Naval and Aviation Services, Susil Premajayantha as the minister of education, Keheliya Rambukwella as the health minister and Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, Constitutional Reforms.

Harin Fernando became the minister of Tourism and Land while Ramesh Pathirana took oath as minister of Plantation Industries, Manusha Nanayakkara as the minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Nalin Fernando as the minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security and Tiran Alles as the minister of Public Security.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putins-daughter-katerina-tikhonova-has-been-living-zelensky-in-secret-report-480573">Vladimir Putin's daughter has been living with 'Zelensky' in secret: Report</a>

However, although major ministries like health and education were filled, the position of finance minister remains vacant. With the discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) still pending, the lack of a finance minister can cause further problems for the country’s economy.

However, Wickremesinghe’s office told AFP that the announcement will be made next week.

Sri Lanka is currently going through their worst economic crisis in history and with the government out of funds, the country has seen acute food and fuel shortages in the last few weeks. Even medicines are scarce in the country and the lack of import has affected the health system massively.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka saw a major change in their cabinet as nine more ministers were added to an ‘all-party government’ to guide the nation through the ongoing economic crisis.

Sri Lanka saw a major change in their cabinet as nine more ministers were added to an ‘all-party government’ to guide the nation through the ongoing economic crisis. The new appointments came in the aftermath of Ranil Wickremesinghe becoming the new prime minister of the country following the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe promised to put together a coalition cabinet featuring all major parties in order to combat the growing unrest and crisis gripping Sri Lanka. The new cabinet has enjoyed good support from all parties in the country with two SJB (Samagi Jana Balawegaya) – the main opposition party – joining the new government and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party also pledging their support to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after getting one cabinet seat. Also read | China looking to construct military outposts in Pakistan: Report According to local reports, Nimal Siripala De Silva Ports was appointed minister of Naval and Aviation Services, Susil Premajayantha as the minister of education, Keheliya Rambukwella as the health minister and Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, Constitutional Reforms. Harin Fernando became the minister of Tourism and Land while Ramesh Pathirana took oath as minister of Plantation Industries, Manusha Nanayakkara as the minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Nalin Fernando as the minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security and Tiran Alles as the minister of Public Security. Also read | Vladimir Putin's daughter has been living with 'Zelensky' in secret: Report However, although major ministries like health and education were filled, the position of finance minister remains vacant. With the discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) still pending, the lack of a finance minister can cause further problems for the country’s economy. However, Wickremesinghe’s office told AFP that the announcement will be made next week. Sri Lanka is currently going through their worst economic crisis in history and with the government out of funds, the country has seen acute food and fuel shortages in the last few weeks. Even medicines are scarce in the country and the lack of import has affected the health system massively. WATCH WION LIVE HERE - (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka appoints nine new cabinet members, finance minister yet to be announced

Cash-strapped Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund have now agreed in principle to extend a stalled bailout program that will now increase an existing loan size from six billion dollars to eight billion dollars. Pakistan's Finance Minister speaks to WION on more on this.

Watch: Pakistan's Finance Minister on WION as IMF extends bailout package for Pakistan

Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is facing a lot of criticism over his family's financial arrangements. Rishi Sunak has now asked PM Boris Johnson for a review of his declarations of interest he is urged to determine whether he stuck to the rules on ministerial declarations.

UK finance minister Rishi Sunak under scanner over wife’s tax returns

Tax arrangements of UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak's family under scrutiny

UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is now under pressure to reveal details of his private investments four days after his wife, Akshata Murthy was non-domiciled in Britain for tax purposes

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak faces quiz on blind investment holdings

Britain's embattled&nbsp;finance&nbsp;minister&nbsp;Rishi Sunak stood accused Saturday of political hypocrisy as&nbsp;new&nbsp;questions emerged over offshore&nbsp;tax&nbsp;havens reportedly held by his Indian&nbsp;wife.

Sunak was also criticised for a lack of transparency, after he admitted to holding a "Green Card" for US permanent residents until last year.

Sunak's wealthy&nbsp;wife&nbsp;Akshata Murty said she would start paying&nbsp;UK&nbsp;tax&nbsp;on "all worldwide income", in a bid to defuse a controversy that has further imperilled his waning political fortunes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-finance-minister-rishi-sunaks-wife-agrees-to-pay-more-tax-on-foreign-income-469592">British finance minister Rishi Sunak's wife agrees to pay more tax on foreign income</a>

But Labour frontbench MP Louise Haigh told BBC radio that Sunak had "come out on a number of occasions to try and muddy the waters" around his family's&nbsp;tax&nbsp;affairs.

She conceded that the "non-domicile" status enjoyed by Murty -- shielding the overseas income from her family's company Infosys against&nbsp;UK&nbsp;taxes -- was legal.&nbsp;

But Haigh queried "whether it was right that the chancellor of the exchequer, whilst piling on 15 separate&nbsp;tax&nbsp;rises to the British public, was benefiting from a&nbsp;tax&nbsp;scheme that allowed his household to pay significantly less to the tune of potentially tens of millions of pounds."

The Independent newspaper reported that Sunak was listed as the beneficiary of trusts set up in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands to help manage his&nbsp;wife's&nbsp;tax&nbsp;and business affairs.

Sunak was listed in 2020, after he became chancellor and after a prior stint as chief secretary to the Treasury, the newspaper said.

"No-one in Akshata's family is aware of this alleged trust," a spokeswoman close to the Sunak family said in response.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Rishi Sunak grilled over alleged Russia link

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As chancellor, Sunak oversaw a huge programme of government spending during the coronavirus pandemic, but is now tightening the belt just as Britons face the worst cost-of-living crisis in generations.

Once a leading contender to succeed Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Boris Johnson, Sunak has seen his popularity plummet in recent weeks as a result, and has accused critics of mounting a "smear" campaign against his&nbsp;wife.

Allies of the&nbsp;finance&nbsp;minister&nbsp;have told newspapers that Johnson's office is waging a political hit job.

They said the prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;believed Sunak had not backed him strongly enough during an ongoing scandal into Downing Street lockdown parties.

Johnson on Friday denied knowledge of any briefing operation against Sunak, and told reporters that his chancellor was doing an "absolutely outstanding job".

The White House meanwhile declined to comment about Sunak's Green Card, which the&nbsp;minister&nbsp;said he only gave up ahead of his first visit to the United States as chancellor in October last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-faces-fire-over-wife-akshata-murthys-non-domicile-tax-status-469148">UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak faces fire over wife Akshata Murthy's non-domicile tax status</a>

Under&nbsp;US law, possession of the card meant that Sunak intended to live in America and pay US taxes,&nbsp;despite&nbsp;serving as Britain's second-most powerful politician.

Sunak and Murty met as students in the United States and they married in 2009. She is the daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of the IT giant Infosys.

Britain's embattled finance minister Rishi Sunak stood accused Saturday of political hypocrisy as new questions emerged over offshore tax havens reportedly held by his Indian wife.

Britain's embattled finance minister Rishi Sunak stood accused Saturday of political hypocrisy as new questions emerged over offshore tax havens reportedly held by his Indian wife. Sunak was also criticised for a lack of transparency, after he admitted to holding a "Green Card" for US permanent residents until last year. Sunak's wealthy wife Akshata Murty said she would start paying UK tax on "all worldwide income", in a bid to defuse a controversy that has further imperilled his waning political fortunes. Also read | British finance minister Rishi Sunak's wife agrees to pay more tax on foreign income But Labour frontbench MP Louise Haigh told BBC radio that Sunak had "come out on a number of occasions to try and muddy the waters" around his family's tax affairs. She conceded that the "non-domicile" status enjoyed by Murty -- shielding the overseas income from her family's company Infosys against UK taxes -- was legal. But Haigh queried "whether it was right that the chancellor of the exchequer, whilst piling on 15 separate tax rises to the British public, was benefiting from a tax scheme that allowed his household to pay significantly less to the tune of potentially tens of millions of pounds." The Independent newspaper reported that Sunak was listed as the beneficiary of trusts set up in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands to help manage his wife's tax and business affairs. Sunak was listed in 2020, after he became chancellor and after a prior stint as chief secretary to the Treasury, the newspaper said. "No-one in Akshata's family is aware of this alleged trust," a spokeswoman close to the Sunak family said in response. Watch | Gravitas: Rishi Sunak grilled over alleged Russia link As chancellor, Sunak oversaw a huge programme of government spending during the coronavirus pandemic, but is now tightening the belt just as Britons face the worst cost-of-living crisis in generations. Once a leading contender to succeed Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Sunak has seen his popularity plummet in recent weeks as a result, and has accused critics of mounting a "smear" campaign against his wife. Allies of the finance minister have told newspapers that Johnson's office is waging a political hit job. They said the prime minister believed Sunak had not backed him strongly enough during an ongoing scandal into Downing Street lockdown parties. Johnson on Friday denied knowledge of any briefing operation against Sunak, and told reporters that his chancellor was doing an "absolutely outstanding job". The White House meanwhile declined to comment about Sunak's Green Card, which the minister said he only gave up ahead of his first visit to the United States as chancellor in October last year. Also read | UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak faces fire over wife Akshata Murthy's non-domicile tax status Under US law, possession of the card meant that Sunak intended to live in America and pay US taxes, despite serving as Britain's second-most powerful politician. Sunak and Murty met as students in the United States and they married in 2009. She is the daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of the IT giant Infosys.

UK finance minister under new attack despite wife's tax U-turn

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;must look at restructuring a $1 billion sovereign debt due for payment in July, the outgoing finance minister told parliament on Thursday, urging an end to calls for a change in government amid the country's worst economic crisis in decades.

The opposition and some partners of the ruling coalition rejected calls this week for a unity government from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after he disbanded his cabinet, in the hope of quelling weeks-long street protests over shortages of fuel, power, food and medicine.

With its foreign exchange reserves shrinking quickly, massive debt payments due and the rupee currency slumping, analysts say the government is running out of options.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-our-big-brother-grateful-to-pm-modi-sri-lankas-sanath-jayasuriya-amid-economic-crisis-469085">India our big brother, grateful to PM Modi: Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya amid economic crisis</a>

"We must look at how to structure the $1 billion international sovereign bond payment maturing in July. We must go to the IMF, there is no other solution that I can see," said Ali Sabry, who sent his resignation to Rajapaksa on Tuesday, a day after he was moved to finance from the justice ministry.

It was not immediately clear if the president had accepted his resignation, which was submitted just days ahead of scheduled talks with the International Monetary Fund for emergency loans.

"We must have political stability to find solutions to the financial crisis," Sabry said.

"We must discuss with the World Bank and we must have a bridge-financing plan with the ADB. If we don’t have stability, who will conduct these talks?," he said, referring to the Philippines-based Asian Development Bank.

Opposition lawmakers, however, continued to call for the president to step down.

Critics have accused the government of mismanagement, but the economy has also been hit by drought and a sharp drop in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Help from the IMF would also likely come with some tough political choices -- policy reforms that could add to the pain in the short-term in hopes of getting the economy back on more solid footing in a few years.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How can Sri Lanka escape this mess?

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J.P. Morgan analysts estimated this week that&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's gross debt servicing would amount to $7 billion this year, with the current account deficit coming in at around $3 billion. As of February, the country had only $2.31 billion in reserves.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that asset managers Blackrock Inc and Ashmore Group Plc were among the top holders of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's international bonds that form part of a creditor group as markets prepare for a potential debt restructuring - which would be a first for the island nation.

Monetary Policy

As the search for a replacement for Sabry continues, a new central bank governor was set to take over on Thursday in place of Ajith Nivard Cabraal, who quit on Monday.

P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, a former senior deputy governor of the Central Bank of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;who has worked with the IMF, will hold a monetary policy meeting on Friday. It was originally supposed to be held on Monday.

An analyst said the central bank was expected to hike key interest rates by 300-400 basis points (bps) - following a 100 bps increase in early March - to tame inflation that hit 18.7% in March.

"We also expect the newly appointed governor to outline potential measures to be included in the IMF reform plan, views on potential debt restructuring, and currency management," said Lakshini Fernando of Asia Securities, adding she also expected Weerasinghe to address the need for "higher stability and transparency" at the bank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-appoints-advisory-committee-of-economic-and-fiscal-experts-to-tackle-debt-crisis-469042">Sri Lanka appoints advisory committee of economic and fiscal experts to tackle debt crisis</a>

Protests over shortages of food, fuel, and other essentials have gone unabated in the country of 22 million people. Little money is left to pay for imports.

The&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;rupee currency's 40% depreciation against the U.S. dollar in one month has compounded problems.

The stock market, which is down a third this year, fell about 4% on Thursday.

Sri Lanka must look at restructuring a $1 billion sovereign debt due for payment in July, the outgoing finance minister told parliament on Thursday, urging an end to calls for a change in government amid the country's worst economic crisis in decades.

Sri Lanka must look at restructuring a $1 billion sovereign debt due for payment in July, the outgoing finance minister told parliament on Thursday, urging an end to calls for a change in government amid the country's worst economic crisis in decades. The opposition and some partners of the ruling coalition rejected calls this week for a unity government from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after he disbanded his cabinet, in the hope of quelling weeks-long street protests over shortages of fuel, power, food and medicine. With its foreign exchange reserves shrinking quickly, massive debt payments due and the rupee currency slumping, analysts say the government is running out of options. Also read | India our big brother, grateful to PM Modi: Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya amid economic crisis "We must look at how to structure the $1 billion international sovereign bond payment maturing in July. We must go to the IMF, there is no other solution that I can see," said Ali Sabry, who sent his resignation to Rajapaksa on Tuesday, a day after he was moved to finance from the justice ministry. It was not immediately clear if the president had accepted his resignation, which was submitted just days ahead of scheduled talks with the International Monetary Fund for emergency loans. "We must have political stability to find solutions to the financial crisis," Sabry said. "We must discuss with the World Bank and we must have a bridge-financing plan with the ADB. If we don’t have stability, who will conduct these talks?," he said, referring to the Philippines-based Asian Development Bank. Opposition lawmakers, however, continued to call for the president to step down. Critics have accused the government of mismanagement, but the economy has also been hit by drought and a sharp drop in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Help from the IMF would also likely come with some tough political choices -- policy reforms that could add to the pain in the short-term in hopes of getting the economy back on more solid footing in a few years. Watch | Gravitas: How can Sri Lanka escape this mess? J.P. Morgan analysts estimated this week that Sri Lanka's gross debt servicing would amount to $7 billion this year, with the current account deficit coming in at around $3 billion. As of February, the country had only $2.31 billion in reserves. Reuters reported on Wednesday that asset managers Blackrock Inc and Ashmore Group Plc were among the top holders of Sri Lanka's international bonds that form part of a creditor group as markets prepare for a potential debt restructuring - which would be a first for the island nation. Monetary Policy As the search for a replacement for Sabry continues, a new central bank governor was set to take over on Thursday in place of Ajith Nivard Cabraal, who quit on Monday. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, a former senior deputy governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka who has worked with the IMF, will hold a monetary policy meeting on Friday. It was originally supposed to be held on Monday. An analyst said the central bank was expected to hike key interest rates by 300-400 basis points (bps) - following a 100 bps increase in early March - to tame inflation that hit 18.7% in March. "We also expect the newly appointed governor to outline potential measures to be included in the IMF reform plan, views on potential debt restructuring, and currency management," said Lakshini Fernando of Asia Securities, adding she also expected Weerasinghe to address the need for "higher stability and transparency" at the bank. Also read | Sri Lanka appoints advisory committee of economic and fiscal experts to tackle debt crisis Protests over shortages of food, fuel, and other essentials have gone unabated in the country of 22 million people. Little money is left to pay for imports. The Sri Lanka rupee currency's 40% depreciation against the U.S. dollar in one month has compounded problems. The stock market, which is down a third this year, fell about 4% on Thursday.

Crisis deepens: Sri Lanka needs stability, must restructure $1 billion debt, says outgoing finance minister

A week after some 200 nations struck an agreement aimed at intensifying global efforts to fight climate change, the finance minister of France warned that the cost of the energy transition will be “much higher than expected.”

French finance minister warns of climate action cost

Indonesia could phase out coal-fired power plants by 2040 if it gets sufficient financial help from the international community, the finance minister told Reuters.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is the world's fourth-most populous country and eighth biggest emitter of greenhouse gas, with coal making up about 65 per cent&nbsp;of its energy mix. It is also the world's biggest coal exporter.

Visiting the Scottish city of Glasgow for the COP26 conference, Sri Mulyani Indrawati said Indonesia would announce on Wednesday detailed plans to move to cleaner energy, with the phase-out of coal being the key issue.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eco-hypocrite-leaders-businessmen-arrive-in-fuel-guzzling-private-jets-at-cop26-425903">&nbsp;'Eco-hypocrite': Leaders, businessmen arrive in fuel-guzzling private jets at COP26</a>

Previously, Indonesia said it planned to phase out coal for electricity by 2056, as part of a plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2060 or earlier.

"If we are going to put forward until 2040, then we need to have funding to retire coal earlier and to build the new capacity of renewable energy," Sri Mulyani said.

"That is exactly what has now become the core issue and I'm now as the finance minister calculating what does it mean to retire coal earlier. How much does it cost us" she said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-india-uk-to-launch-solar-green-grids-initiative-425642">COP26: India, UK to launch solar Green Grids Initiative</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week told the UK parliament Engagements that President Joko Widodo had said Indonesia was going to bring forward the abolition of coal use to 2040.

Indonesia had not previously confirmed such a plan.

Sri Mulyani told Reuters that meeting such a target was conditional on getting financial help from multilateral institutions, the private sector and developed countries.

She said the plans to be announced on Wednesday moved Indonesia's climate targets beyond "rhetoric" into the technical details and that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other financial institutions were "very excited" with their ideas.

The ADB is leading a group of financial institutions to devise plans to speed up the closings of coal-fired power plants in Asia, including in Indonesia, by buying the assets and winding them down.

Jakarta has identified 5.5 gigawatts of coal power plants that could be retired early in the next 8 years, estimating this would cost $25 billion to $30 billion.

Sri Mulyani said the country would also need international support to ensure electricity remains affordable when it switches to renewable sources, citing a temporary calculation of a need for $10 billion to $23 billion in "implicit subsidies" for renewable power projects until 2030.

"If this is all supposed to be financed from my taxpayers'&nbsp;money, that won't work. The world is asking us, so now the question is what the world could do to help Indonesia."

"The president always says, 'I'm going to be ambitious if the international (community) also aligns with this ambition'," she added.

Indonesia could phase out coal-fired power plants by 2040 if it gets sufficient financial help from the international community, the finance minister told Reuters.

Indonesia could phase out coal-fired power plants by 2040 if it gets sufficient financial help from the international community, the finance minister told Reuters. The Southeast Asian archipelago is the world's fourth-most populous country and eighth biggest emitter of greenhouse gas, with coal making up about 65 per cent of its energy mix. It is also the world's biggest coal exporter. Visiting the Scottish city of Glasgow for the COP26 conference, Sri Mulyani Indrawati said Indonesia would announce on Wednesday detailed plans to move to cleaner energy, with the phase-out of coal being the key issue. Also Read | 'Eco-hypocrite': Leaders, businessmen arrive in fuel-guzzling private jets at COP26 Previously, Indonesia said it planned to phase out coal for electricity by 2056, as part of a plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2060 or earlier. "If we are going to put forward until 2040, then we need to have funding to retire coal earlier and to build the new capacity of renewable energy," Sri Mulyani said. "That is exactly what has now become the core issue and I'm now as the finance minister calculating what does it mean to retire coal earlier. How much does it cost us" she said. Also Read | COP26: India, UK to launch solar Green Grids Initiative British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week told the UK parliament Engagements that President Joko Widodo had said Indonesia was going to bring forward the abolition of coal use to 2040. Indonesia had not previously confirmed such a plan. Sri Mulyani told Reuters that meeting such a target was conditional on getting financial help from multilateral institutions, the private sector and developed countries. She said the plans to be announced on Wednesday moved Indonesia's climate targets beyond "rhetoric" into the technical details and that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other financial institutions were "very excited" with their ideas. The ADB is leading a group of financial institutions to devise plans to speed up the closings of coal-fired power plants in Asia, including in Indonesia, by buying the assets and winding them down. Jakarta has identified 5.5 gigawatts of coal power plants that could be retired early in the next 8 years, estimating this would cost $25 billion to $30 billion. Sri Mulyani said the country would also need international support to ensure electricity remains affordable when it switches to renewable sources, citing a temporary calculation of a need for $10 billion to $23 billion in "implicit subsidies" for renewable power projects until 2030. "If this is all supposed to be financed from my taxpayers' money, that won't work. The world is asking us, so now the question is what the world could do to help Indonesia." "The president always says, 'I'm going to be ambitious if the international (community) also aligns with this ambition'," she added.

Indonesia could phase out coal by 2040 with financial help, says finance minister

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) via video conference on Tuesday.

Every year at the Annual Meeting, the Board of Governors meets to take key decisions on important matters relating to AIIB, and its future vision. India is a founding member and the second-largest shareholder in AIIB.India also has one of the largest project portfolios within AIIB.&nbsp;

This year`s annual meeting has been jointly organized by AIIB and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on the theme of "Investing Today and Transforming Tomorrow".The finance minister shared her thoughts in the Governor`s Roundtable Discussion on the theme "COVID-19 Crisis and Post-COVID Support".

Sitharaman appreciated AIIB`s prompt actions in providing financial support to Member Countries, including India, in their efforts to contain and combat COVID-19.The Finance Minister said that the social protection and economic stimulus packages brought out by the Government of India, along with timely structural reforms in various sectors, have been pivotal in India`s economic recovery process.

The stimulus packages, including the credit guarantee scheme for microfinance institutions, boosters for project exports through National Export Insurance Account, additional subsidies for fertilizers, free food grains for 800 million people under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, and several welfare schemes with a strong public health focus, helped to effectively and efficiently boost the economy and protect lives and livelihoods, especially of the poor and vulnerable.

Sitharaman emphasised the Government of India`s successful drive to rapidly vaccinate its citizens, administering over 1 billion vaccines - a milestone achieved with the help of the strong scientific and technological ecosystem in India.

The Finance Minister also highlighted India`s "Vaccine Maitri" initiative, a global health outreach, under which 70 million doses of the `Made in India` COVID-19 vaccines have been supplied to 95 countries and UN entities, including nearly 20 million doses to 47 countries under the COVAX facility and more than 12 million vaccine doses as a grant to 47 countries and UN peacekeepers.Sitharaman pointed out that the current crisis and the looming climate crisis have reinforced the importance of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and the urgency for supplementing country efforts with multilateral development finance.&nbsp;

In this context, she highlighted some of the expectations from the Bank, including the need to explore investment opportunities in the creation and development of assets in social infrastructure sectors; to further intensify private sector capital mobilisation for inclusive and green development; and to set up a Resident Board and Regional Offices to ensure accountability, transparency and quality of operations and investments.

Sitharaman assured India`s cooperation and support to the AIIB for its future endeavours as a leading financial institution.&nbsp;

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) via video conference on Tuesday.

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) via video conference on Tuesday. Every year at the Annual Meeting, the Board of Governors meets to take key decisions on important matters relating to AIIB, and its future vision. India is a founding member and the second-largest shareholder in AIIB.India also has one of the largest project portfolios within AIIB. This year`s annual meeting has been jointly organized by AIIB and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on the theme of "Investing Today and Transforming Tomorrow".The finance minister shared her thoughts in the Governor`s Roundtable Discussion on the theme "COVID-19 Crisis and Post-COVID Support". Sitharaman appreciated AIIB`s prompt actions in providing financial support to Member Countries, including India, in their efforts to contain and combat COVID-19.The Finance Minister said that the social protection and economic stimulus packages brought out by the Government of India, along with timely structural reforms in various sectors, have been pivotal in India`s economic recovery process. The stimulus packages, including the credit guarantee scheme for microfinance institutions, boosters for project exports through National Export Insurance Account, additional subsidies for fertilizers, free food grains for 800 million people under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, and several welfare schemes with a strong public health focus, helped to effectively and efficiently boost the economy and protect lives and livelihoods, especially of the poor and vulnerable. Sitharaman emphasised the Government of India`s successful drive to rapidly vaccinate its citizens, administering over 1 billion vaccines - a milestone achieved with the help of the strong scientific and technological ecosystem in India. The Finance Minister also highlighted India`s "Vaccine Maitri" initiative, a global health outreach, under which 70 million doses of the `Made in India` COVID-19 vaccines have been supplied to 95 countries and UN entities, including nearly 20 million doses to 47 countries under the COVAX facility and more than 12 million vaccine doses as a grant to 47 countries and UN peacekeepers.Sitharaman pointed out that the current crisis and the looming climate crisis have reinforced the importance of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and the urgency for supplementing country efforts with multilateral development finance. In this context, she highlighted some of the expectations from the Bank, including the need to explore investment opportunities in the creation and development of assets in social infrastructure sectors; to further intensify private sector capital mobilisation for inclusive and green development; and to set up a Resident Board and Regional Offices to ensure accountability, transparency and quality of operations and investments. Sitharaman assured India`s cooperation and support to the AIIB for its future endeavours as a leading financial institution.

Indian finance minister participates in AIIB board meet

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister Rishi Sunak will be limited to working from their offices and subject to daily COVID-19 testing after being identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for the virus. 
 
Health minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said he had tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
“The Prime Minister and Chancellor have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace as contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid," a statement from Johnson's Downing Street office said on Sunday. 
 
Typically, anyone identified as a contact by the tracing scheme would be required by law to self isolate for 10 days. 
 
However, the government's two most senior ministers will instead take part in a pilot study that allows them to continue working from their offices, and only self-isolate when not working. 
 
“They will be participating in the daily contact testing pilot to allow them to continue to work from Downing Street," Downing Street said. “They will be conducting only essential government business during this period.” 
 
Britain will remove almost all its remaining coronavirus restrictions on Monday, even as the country faces a new wave of COVID-19 cases. Minister argue that the vaccination programme has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. 
 
The surge in cases is causing problems for employers though, with more than half a million people told to self isolate in the week to July 7 because they had been exposed to the virus. 
 
The pilot scheme that exempts Johnson and Sunak is currently running in 20 workplaces, including transport and immigration infrastructure, and eligibility is assessed on a case by case basis. 
 
The study is designed to look at whether daily contact testing is an effective way of identifying new cases and whether it has any impact on transmission of the virus. 
 
In mid-August, Britain plans to change its rules on self isolation to exempt those who have been double vaccinated from the requirement to stay at home for 10 days.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister Rishi Sunak will be limited to working from their offices and subject to daily COVID-19 testing after being identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for the virus.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister Rishi Sunak will be limited to working from their offices and subject to daily COVID-19 testing after being identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for the virus. Health minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said he had tested positive for COVID-19. “The Prime Minister and Chancellor have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace as contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid," a statement from Johnson's Downing Street office said on Sunday. Typically, anyone identified as a contact by the tracing scheme would be required by law to self isolate for 10 days. However, the government's two most senior ministers will instead take part in a pilot study that allows them to continue working from their offices, and only self-isolate when not working. “They will be participating in the daily contact testing pilot to allow them to continue to work from Downing Street," Downing Street said. “They will be conducting only essential government business during this period.” Britain will remove almost all its remaining coronavirus restrictions on Monday, even as the country faces a new wave of COVID-19 cases. Minister argue that the vaccination programme has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. The surge in cases is causing problems for employers though, with more than half a million people told to self isolate in the week to July 7 because they had been exposed to the virus. The pilot scheme that exempts Johnson and Sunak is currently running in 20 workplaces, including transport and immigration infrastructure, and eligibility is assessed on a case by case basis. The study is designed to look at whether daily contact testing is an effective way of identifying new cases and whether it has any impact on transmission of the virus. In mid-August, Britain plans to change its rules on self isolation to exempt those who have been double vaccinated from the requirement to stay at home for 10 days.

UK PM, finance minister exposed to COVID-19, confined to office work

British former finance minister Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as the country's health minister, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock resigned after revelation that he himself violated coronavirus restrictions during an affair with his aide.&nbsp;Photos apparently showing&nbsp;him hugging and kissing the woman was published in a section of the media.

Hancock conceded he had let the public down after The Sun newspaper published a security camera photo. The image was reportedly obtained from a whistleblower showing him with the aide in his office on May 6.

Javid had resigned as finance minister last year after he refused to fire his political advisers as demanded by Johnson.

Hancock, the frontman for Britain's response to the pandemic, particularly the vaccine roll-out, quit in a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reiterating his earlier apology.

"We owe it to people, who have sacrificed so much on this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down as I have done by breaching the guidance," he wrote.

Prime Minister Johnson said that he was 'sorry' to receive Hancock's resignation. He added that Hancock should be 'immensely proud' of his service.

Johnson had initially stood by Hancock after he admitted to have broken social distancing rules at a time when he was urging the public to stick by the measures, including curbs on funeral numbers.

Opposition parties had kept up the pressure on the government accusing it of hypocrisy over lockdown rule breaches. Many members of the public have been slapped with fines.

The main opposition Labour party said the government needed to answer questions about the undisclosed appointment of the aide, former lobbyist Gina Coladangelo, to Hancock's top advisory team.&nbsp;

Both she and Hancock are married, and first met at university.

(With inputs from agencies)

British former finance minister Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as the country's health minister, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said on Saturday. Earlier, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock resigned after revelation that he himself violated coronavirus restrictions during an affair with his aide.

British former finance minister Sajid Javid will replace Matt Hancock as the country's health minister, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said on Saturday. Earlier, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock resigned after revelation that he himself violated coronavirus restrictions during an affair with his aide. Photos apparently showing him hugging and kissing the woman was published in a section of the media. Hancock conceded he had let the public down after The Sun newspaper published a security camera photo. The image was reportedly obtained from a whistleblower showing him with the aide in his office on May 6. Javid had resigned as finance minister last year after he refused to fire his political advisers as demanded by Johnson. Hancock, the frontman for Britain's response to the pandemic, particularly the vaccine roll-out, quit in a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reiterating his earlier apology. "We owe it to people, who have sacrificed so much on this pandemic to be honest when we have let them down as I have done by breaching the guidance," he wrote. Prime Minister Johnson said that he was 'sorry' to receive Hancock's resignation. He added that Hancock should be 'immensely proud' of his service. Johnson had initially stood by Hancock after he admitted to have broken social distancing rules at a time when he was urging the public to stick by the measures, including curbs on funeral numbers. Opposition parties had kept up the pressure on the government accusing it of hypocrisy over lockdown rule breaches. Many members of the public have been slapped with fines. The main opposition Labour party said the government needed to answer questions about the undisclosed appointment of the aide, former lobbyist Gina Coladangelo, to Hancock's top advisory team. Both she and Hancock are married, and first met at university. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's former finance minister Javid appointed as health minister after Matt Hancock quits

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30.&nbsp;

"Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year.&nbsp;

The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent.&nbsp;

It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns.&nbsp;

"The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin.&nbsp;

Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth.&nbsp;

He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors. &nbsp;

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30. "Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year. The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent. It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns. "The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin. Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth. He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors.

Pakistan will achieve 5 per cent GDP growth in next fiscal: Finance minister 

Qatar Finance Minister Ali Sherif al-Emadi was arrested over embezzlement allegations and stripped of his duties. Trade and Industry Minister Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari will take over the responsibilities of finance minister in addition to the duties of his current role.

Qatar finance minister Al-Emadi arrested over embezzlement allegations

The Govt of India in its latest announcement withdraws its decision of slashing down interest rates on Public Provident Fund and on other schemes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday through her official Twitter handle announces 'Interest rates of small savings schemes of GoI shall continue to be at the rates which existed in the last quarter of 2020-2021'.

India: Govt withdraws interest rate cut order on PPF

The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement to increase the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit for the insurance sector is a welcome move.

Budget 2021: Increase in FDI limit in insurance sector a welcome move

On being asked to BBC former senior journalist Andrew Whitehead over gigantic allocation to healthcare sector in this budget, he says 'It's a good and important step, but we have to remember two things; firstly it would be India's spending over healthcare that is still very low as compared to many nations with 10% of their GDP, Secondly, allocation of 35,000 crores to Covid vaccine could be a radical turning point as far as India's health sector is concerned'.

Budget 2021: Rs 35,000 crore allotted for Covid-19 vaccines

Finance Ministery today launched new job scheme called Atma Nirbhar Rozgar Yojana to create jobs in the country. The new scheme will be effective from October 1, 2020.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana will be aimed at incentivising the creation of employment opportunities during the&nbsp;COVID-19 recovery phase. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-atmanirbhar-bharat-rozgar-yojana-and-who-can-avail-it-342612">Also read | What is Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana and who can avail it?</a>

The announcement comes a day after the Union Cabinet approved a ₹2 lakh crore production-linked incentive (PLI) package to boost demand in the country.

India is seeing a "strong recovery" taking root in the economy, as seen by increased goods and service tax collections and other metrics, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday.

The recovery is not due to just pent-up demand, Sitharaman told a news conference, ahead of announcing a new set of stimulus measures.

Government officials said on Wednesday that India was set to announce fresh stimulus this week to help pull the economy out of a historic contraction. 
 
Here are the highlights of FM Sitharaman's press conference:

11 States have availed Rs 3,621 crore under interest-free loans towards capital expenditure. IT refunds have gone in a big way to people; 1.32 lakh crore refunds given.

Under the Emergency Credit Liquidity Guarantee Scheme, a total amount of Rs 2.05 lakh crore has been sanctioned to 61 lakh borrowers, out of which Rs 1.52 lakh crore has been disbursed. Rs 1.18 lakh crore has been sanctioned to discoms of 17 states/UTs.

Bank credit growth is up 5.1%; markets are at a record high. RBI predicting a strong likelihood of economy returning to positive growth in Q3 says FM. She also noted that Moody’s has reassessed India's economic outlook, making an upward revision to its GDP forecast. 
 
The work has commenced on creating a portal for migrant workers.

There has been very good progress on 'One Nation-One Ration Card' in 28 states covering 68.8 crore beneficiaries.

About 157.44 lakh eligible farmers have received Kisan Credit Cards and sanctioned a limit of ₹1,43,262 crore in two phases.

26.2 lakh loan applications were received under the PM SVANidhi scheme for street vendors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Finance Ministery today launched new job scheme called Atma Nirbhar Rozgar Yojana to create jobs in the country. The new scheme will be effective from October 1, 2020.

Finance Ministery today launched new job scheme called Atma Nirbhar Rozgar Yojana to create jobs in the country. The new scheme will be effective from October 1, 2020. Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana will be aimed at incentivising the creation of employment opportunities during the COVID-19 recovery phase. Also read | What is Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana and who can avail it? The announcement comes a day after the Union Cabinet approved a ₹2 lakh crore production-linked incentive (PLI) package to boost demand in the country. India is seeing a "strong recovery" taking root in the economy, as seen by increased goods and service tax collections and other metrics, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday. The recovery is not due to just pent-up demand, Sitharaman told a news conference, ahead of announcing a new set of stimulus measures. Government officials said on Wednesday that India was set to announce fresh stimulus this week to help pull the economy out of a historic contraction. Here are the highlights of FM Sitharaman's press conference: 11 States have availed Rs 3,621 crore under interest-free loans towards capital expenditure. IT refunds have gone in a big way to people; 1.32 lakh crore refunds given. Under the Emergency Credit Liquidity Guarantee Scheme, a total amount of Rs 2.05 lakh crore has been sanctioned to 61 lakh borrowers, out of which Rs 1.52 lakh crore has been disbursed. Rs 1.18 lakh crore has been sanctioned to discoms of 17 states/UTs. Bank credit growth is up 5.1%; markets are at a record high. RBI predicting a strong likelihood of economy returning to positive growth in Q3 says FM. She also noted that Moody’s has reassessed India's economic outlook, making an upward revision to its GDP forecast. The work has commenced on creating a portal for migrant workers. There has been very good progress on 'One Nation-One Ration Card' in 28 states covering 68.8 crore beneficiaries. About 157.44 lakh eligible farmers have received Kisan Credit Cards and sanctioned a limit of ₹1,43,262 crore in two phases. 26.2 lakh loan applications were received under the PM SVANidhi scheme for street vendors. (With inputs from agencies)

Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana: FM announces measures to boost employment

The Finance Ministry on Tuesday said there has been no increase in service charges by any public sector bank even as Bank of Baroda decided to withdraw changes made with regard to the number of free cash deposit transactions in a bank account per month.

Bank of Baroda had made certain changes with effect from November 1, 2020, with regard to the number of free cash deposits and withdrawals per month, a Finance Ministry statement said.

The number of free cash deposits and withdrawals has been reduced from five each per month to three each per month, with no change in the charges for transactions in excess of these free transactions, it said.

“Bank of Baroda has since informed that in the light of the current Covid-related situation, they have decided to withdraw the changes. Further, no other PSB has increased such charges recently,” it said.

Although, as per RBI guidelines, all banks, including public sector banks (PSBs), are permitted to levy charges for their services in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner, based upon costs involved, other PSBs have also intimated that they do not propose to raise bank charges in the near future in view of the Covid pandemic, it said.

With regard to Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts, it said, no service charge is applicable on the 60.04 crore such accounts, including 41.13 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened by the poor and unbanked segments of society, for the free services prescribed by RBI.&nbsp;

The Finance Ministry on Tuesday said there has been no increase in service charges by any public sector bank even as Bank of Baroda decided to withdraw changes made with regard to the number of free cash deposit transactions in a bank account per month.

The Finance Ministry on Tuesday said there has been no increase in service charges by any public sector bank even as Bank of Baroda decided to withdraw changes made with regard to the number of free cash deposit transactions in a bank account per month. Bank of Baroda had made certain changes with effect from November 1, 2020, with regard to the number of free cash deposits and withdrawals per month, a Finance Ministry statement said. The number of free cash deposits and withdrawals has been reduced from five each per month to three each per month, with no change in the charges for transactions in excess of these free transactions, it said. “Bank of Baroda has since informed that in the light of the current Covid-related situation, they have decided to withdraw the changes. Further, no other PSB has increased such charges recently,” it said. Although, as per RBI guidelines, all banks, including public sector banks (PSBs), are permitted to levy charges for their services in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner, based upon costs involved, other PSBs have also intimated that they do not propose to raise bank charges in the near future in view of the Covid pandemic, it said. With regard to Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts, it said, no service charge is applicable on the 60.04 crore such accounts, including 41.13 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened by the poor and unbanked segments of society, for the free services prescribed by RBI.

No hike in service charges by PSU banks due to COVID-19, says Finance Ministry

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister.

Given how central Asia is geographically connected with Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar has also been invited.&nbsp;

A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, "The Ministers will exchange views on a wide gamut of areas including political, security, economic and commercial, humanitarian and cultural spheres as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-military-agreement-with-us-on-sharing-of-satellite-data-338409">Also read|&nbsp;India signs military agreement with US on sharing of satellite data</a>

India and central Asian countries are working to start an air corridor to boost connectivity as well as increase trade between the two sides. India already has an air corridor with Afghanistan, that has been bringing Afghan products to cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. &nbsp;Focus is also on how the Chabahar port in Iran can help increase India's connectivity to Central Asia via Afghanistan.

India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat, recently said that New Delhi is "working on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Uzbekistan can also become its member. An air corridor between India and Central Asia is also being worked on. Indian carriers should also target direct flights to Uzbekistan.”

This is the second such India Central Asia Dialogue, a platform created to increase and strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and the Central Asian region. The inaugural meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was jointly organized by India and Uzbekistan on 13 January 2019 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister.

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister. Given how central Asia is geographically connected with Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar has also been invited. A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, "The Ministers will exchange views on a wide gamut of areas including political, security, economic and commercial, humanitarian and cultural spheres as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest." Also read| India signs military agreement with US on sharing of satellite data India and central Asian countries are working to start an air corridor to boost connectivity as well as increase trade between the two sides. India already has an air corridor with Afghanistan, that has been bringing Afghan products to cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Focus is also on how the Chabahar port in Iran can help increase India's connectivity to Central Asia via Afghanistan. India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat, recently said that New Delhi is "working on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Uzbekistan can also become its member. An air corridor between India and Central Asia is also being worked on. Indian carriers should also target direct flights to Uzbekistan.” This is the second such India Central Asia Dialogue, a platform created to increase and strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and the Central Asian region. The inaugural meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was jointly organized by India and Uzbekistan on 13 January 2019 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

With connectivity in focus, India-central Asian FMs to meet virtually today

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