Indonesia, the current President of G20, has appointed 27-year-old popstar Maudy Ayunda as the country's G20 spokesperson. Ayunda has no experience in diplomacy. What explains her appointment?

Gravitas: Indonesia appoints popstar as G20 spokesperson

G20 finance meeting is scheduled for today. Finance Ministers and Central bank governors are all set to assemble under one roof.

G20 Finance meeting today: Finance Ministers & Central bank governors to assemble

US is all set to welcome and host G20 financial leaders amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia will join G20 meetings virtually.

Washington, D.C. to welcome G20 financial leaders, Russia to join G20 meetings virtually

&nbsp;US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Janet&nbsp;Yellen&nbsp;said on Wednesday that Russia should be expelled from the Group of 20 major economies forum, and the United States will boycott "a number of G20 meetings" if Russian officials show up.

Her comments at a US&nbsp;House Financial Services Committee hearing raised questions about the G20's future role in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Since 2008, the club has served as a key international forum for issues from COVID-19 relief to cross-border debt and also includes China, India, Saudi Arabia and other countries that have been reluctant to condemn Russia's actions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-united-nations-to-vote-on-suspending-russia-from-human-rights-council-469018">Ukraine war: United Nations to vote on suspending Russia from Human Rights Council</a>

Yellen&nbsp;told lawmakers Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the killings of civilians in Bucha "are reprehensible, represent an unacceptable affront to the rules-based global order, and will have enormous economic repercussions in Ukraine and beyond."

The United States and its key allies have placed greater emphasis in recent months on the G7 grouping of industrial democracies, whose interests are more aligned, using G7 meetings to coordinate their response to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Yellen&nbsp;said the Biden administration wants to push Russia out of active participation in major international institutions, but acknowledged it was unlikely that Russia could be expelled from the International Monetary Fund given its rules.

"President Biden's made it clear, and I certainly agree with him, that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in any of the financial institutions,"&nbsp;Yellen&nbsp;said. "He's asked that Russia be removed from the G20, and I've made clear to my colleagues in Indonesia that we will not be participating in a number of meetings if the Russians are there,"&nbsp;Yellen&nbsp;said.

Indonesia holds the presidency this year and will host a finance meeting in July and a leaders summit in November.

A Treasury spokesperson later said that&nbsp;Yellen&nbsp;was referring to an April 20 G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington and associated deputies meetings.

The April finance meeting will be held both in-person and virtually and Russia's participation is unclear at present.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Zelensky addresses Irish Parliament | Candlelight vigil for war victims

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-zelensky-addresses-irish-parliament-candlelight-vigil-for-war-victims-468942/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia has said that President Vladimir Putin intends to attend the G20 summit in Bali this year and has received China's backing to stay in the group.

Indonesia could not expel or "disinvite" any G20 members, including Russia, a government official familiar with the matter said, adding whether a country attended was up to that nation.

Energy flexibility

Yellen's testimony came as the Biden administration announced a new round of sanctions to punish Russia, including banning Americans from investing in Russia and locking Sberbank, Russia's largest lender and holder of a third of its bank deposits, out of the U.S. financial system, along with other institutions.

But transactions allowing European allies to purchase Russian oil and natural gas were exempted through special Treasury licenses.

Yellen&nbsp;said that flexibility on Russian energy transactions was needed because many European countries "remain heavily dependent on Russian natural gas, as well as oil, and they are committed to making the transition away from that dependence as rapidly as possible."

But she acknowledged that this would take time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russian-forces-completely-withdrawn-from-kyiv-and-chernihiv-ukraine-can-absolutely-win-war-469001">US: Russian forces 'completely' withdrawn from Kyiv and Chernihiv; Ukraine can 'absolutely' win war</a>

A complete ban on oil exports from Russia, the world's third-largest producer after the United States and Saudi Arabia, would likely prompt "skyrocketing" prices that would hurt both the United States and Europe,&nbsp;Yellen&nbsp;said.

She added that she hoped that currently high prices would entice oil companies in the United States and elsewhere to ramp up production in the next six months, which, along with the Biden's release of oil from the US&nbsp;Strategic Petroleum Reserve, may allow for tougher restrictions on Russian oil.

China warning

Yellen&nbsp;also issued a warning to China that Treasury was prepared to turn its sanctions tools against Beijing in the event of Chinese aggression against Taiwan, which China claims as a wayward province.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-us-threatens-beijing-with-sanctions-if-it-provides-material-support-to-moscow-468963">Russia-Ukraine war: US threatens Beijing with sanctions if it provides ‘material support’ to Moscow</a>

Asked if the United States would take such steps if Taiwan was threatened, she said: "Absolutely. I believe we've shown that we can. In the case of Russia, we threatened significant consequences. We've imposed significant consequences. And I think that you should not doubt our ability and resolve to do the same in other situations."

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Wednesday that Russia should be expelled from the Group of 20 major economies forum, and the United States will boycott "a number of G20 meetings" if Russian officials show up.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Wednesday that Russia should be expelled from the Group of 20 major economies forum, and the United States will boycott "a number of G20 meetings" if Russian officials show up. Her comments at a US House Financial Services Committee hearing raised questions about the G20's future role in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since 2008, the club has served as a key international forum for issues from COVID-19 relief to cross-border debt and also includes China, India, Saudi Arabia and other countries that have been reluctant to condemn Russia's actions. Also read | Ukraine war: United Nations to vote on suspending Russia from Human Rights Council Yellen told lawmakers Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the killings of civilians in Bucha "are reprehensible, represent an unacceptable affront to the rules-based global order, and will have enormous economic repercussions in Ukraine and beyond." The United States and its key allies have placed greater emphasis in recent months on the G7 grouping of industrial democracies, whose interests are more aligned, using G7 meetings to coordinate their response to Russia's war in Ukraine. Yellen said the Biden administration wants to push Russia out of active participation in major international institutions, but acknowledged it was unlikely that Russia could be expelled from the International Monetary Fund given its rules. "President Biden's made it clear, and I certainly agree with him, that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in any of the financial institutions," Yellen said. "He's asked that Russia be removed from the G20, and I've made clear to my colleagues in Indonesia that we will not be participating in a number of meetings if the Russians are there," Yellen said. Indonesia holds the presidency this year and will host a finance meeting in July and a leaders summit in November. A Treasury spokesperson later said that Yellen was referring to an April 20 G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington and associated deputies meetings. The April finance meeting will be held both in-person and virtually and Russia's participation is unclear at present. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Zelensky addresses Irish Parliament | Candlelight vigil for war victims Russia has said that President Vladimir Putin intends to attend the G20 summit in Bali this year and has received China's backing to stay in the group. Indonesia could not expel or "disinvite" any G20 members, including Russia, a government official familiar with the matter said, adding whether a country attended was up to that nation. Energy flexibility Yellen's testimony came as the Biden administration announced a new round of sanctions to punish Russia, including banning Americans from investing in Russia and locking Sberbank, Russia's largest lender and holder of a third of its bank deposits, out of the U.S. financial system, along with other institutions. But transactions allowing European allies to purchase Russian oil and natural gas were exempted through special Treasury licenses. Yellen said that flexibility on Russian energy transactions was needed because many European countries "remain heavily dependent on Russian natural gas, as well as oil, and they are committed to making the transition away from that dependence as rapidly as possible." But she acknowledged that this would take time. Also read | US: Russian forces 'completely' withdrawn from Kyiv and Chernihiv; Ukraine can 'absolutely' win war A complete ban on oil exports from Russia, the world's third-largest producer after the United States and Saudi Arabia, would likely prompt "skyrocketing" prices that would hurt both the United States and Europe, Yellen said. She added that she hoped that currently high prices would entice oil companies in the United States and elsewhere to ramp up production in the next six months, which, along with the Biden's release of oil from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, may allow for tougher restrictions on Russian oil. China warning Yellen also issued a warning to China that Treasury was prepared to turn its sanctions tools against Beijing in the event of Chinese aggression against Taiwan, which China claims as a wayward province. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: US threatens Beijing with sanctions if it provides ‘material support’ to Moscow Asked if the United States would take such steps if Taiwan was threatened, she said: "Absolutely. I believe we've shown that we can. In the case of Russia, we threatened significant consequences. We've imposed significant consequences. And I think that you should not doubt our ability and resolve to do the same in other situations."

Yellen says Russia should be expelled from G20, US may boycott some meetings

US President Joe Biden said that he wants Russia out of the G-20. Biden made the comments during a press conference in Brussels following a series of urgent NATO meetings on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Also, the world leaders have convene first of trio of emergency summits in Brussels focusing on Russia’s month-long war in Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden supports calls to exclude Moscow from G-20

Despite suggestions by some members that Russia could be barred from the group, Beijing has backed President Vladimir Putin in planning to attend the G20 summit in Indonesia later this year.

As per reports US and its allies are considering whether Russia should remain part of the Group of Twenty major economies after its invasion of Ukraine.

However, any move to exclude Russia would probably be vetoed by others, which could mean some countries skip G20 meetings instead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-spies-in-poland-country-expels-45-russian-diplomats-for-espionage-464868" hreflang="en">Russian spies in Poland?: Country expels 45 Russian diplomats for espionage</a>

The Russian ambassador to Indonesia, which currently holds the rotating G20 chair, said Putin intended to attend the G20 summit on Bali in November.

"It will depend on many, many things, including the COVID situation, which is getting better. So far, his intention is... he wants to," Ambassador Lyudmila Vorobieva told a news conference.

A question about the possible expulsion of Russia from the G20 led her to say that the forum was for discussing economic issues, not a crisis like Ukraine.

"Of course expulsion of Russia from this kind of forum will not help these economic problems to be resolved. On the contrary, without Russia it would be difficult to do so."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-invasion-russia-intesifies-crackdown-on-media-464863" hreflang="en">Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intensifies crackdown on media</a>

The Chinese government, which is yet to condemn Russia's invasion on Wednesday called Russia an "important member" of the G20.

According to Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the G20 is a group that needs to find answers to critical issues, such as economic recovery from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic.</a>

"No member has the right to remove another country as a member. The G20 should implement real multilateralism, strengthen unity and cooperation," he told a news briefing.

The Indonesian foreign ministry declined to comment on calls for Russia to be excluded from the G20.

In a statement on Tuesday, Poland said it had proposed replacing Russia within the G20 group to officials from the US Department of Commerce and that the suggestion had been met with a "positive response".

Watch |&nbsp;Day 28 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia reiterates 'Nuclear' threat

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/day-28-of-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-russia-reiterates-nuclear-threat-464786/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, said G20 members would have to decide, but the matter was not a priority at the moment.

"When it comes to the question of how to proceed with the WTO (World Trade Organization) and the G20, it is imperative to discuss this question with the countries that are involved and not to decide individually," Scholz said.

"It is quite clear that we are busy with something else than coming together in such meetings. We urgently need a ceasefire."

As US President Joe Biden meets with allies in Brussels on Thursday, the topic of Russia's participation in the G20 is almost certain to come up.

"We believe that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in international institutions and in the international community," US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.

(With inputs from agencies)

Despite suggestions by some members that Russia could be barred from the group, Beijing has backed President Vladimir Putin in planning to attend the G20 summit in Indonesia later this year.

Despite suggestions by some members that Russia could be barred from the group, Beijing has backed President Vladimir Putin in planning to attend the G20 summit in Indonesia later this year. As per reports US and its allies are considering whether Russia should remain part of the Group of Twenty major economies after its invasion of Ukraine. However, any move to exclude Russia would probably be vetoed by others, which could mean some countries skip G20 meetings instead. Also read | Russian spies in Poland?: Country expels 45 Russian diplomats for espionage The Russian ambassador to Indonesia, which currently holds the rotating G20 chair, said Putin intended to attend the G20 summit on Bali in November. "It will depend on many, many things, including the COVID situation, which is getting better. So far, his intention is... he wants to," Ambassador Lyudmila Vorobieva told a news conference. A question about the possible expulsion of Russia from the G20 led her to say that the forum was for discussing economic issues, not a crisis like Ukraine. "Of course expulsion of Russia from this kind of forum will not help these economic problems to be resolved. On the contrary, without Russia it would be difficult to do so." Also read | Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intensifies crackdown on media The Chinese government, which is yet to condemn Russia's invasion on Wednesday called Russia an "important member" of the G20. According to Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the G20 is a group that needs to find answers to critical issues, such as economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. "No member has the right to remove another country as a member. The G20 should implement real multilateralism, strengthen unity and cooperation," he told a news briefing. The Indonesian foreign ministry declined to comment on calls for Russia to be excluded from the G20. In a statement on Tuesday, Poland said it had proposed replacing Russia within the G20 group to officials from the US Department of Commerce and that the suggestion had been met with a "positive response". Watch | Day 28 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia reiterates 'Nuclear' threat Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, said G20 members would have to decide, but the matter was not a priority at the moment. "When it comes to the question of how to proceed with the WTO (World Trade Organization) and the G20, it is imperative to discuss this question with the countries that are involved and not to decide individually," Scholz said. "It is quite clear that we are busy with something else than coming together in such meetings. We urgently need a ceasefire." As US President Joe Biden meets with allies in Brussels on Thursday, the topic of Russia's participation in the G20 is almost certain to come up. "We believe that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in international institutions and in the international community," US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

As US, allies talk of expelling Russia from G20, China defends Moscow, calls it an 'important member'

The European Union (EU) has imposed a tax rate of 15 per cent on multinational firms as a part of a deal agreed upon by 136 nations.

The tax will be imposed upon international companies of 27 countries that are a part of the bloc and have an annual turnover of over $916 million in two consecutive years.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">According to EU economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, the rule aims at "tightening the screws on shell companies&nbsp;or letterbox companies,&nbsp;used as vehicles for tax avoidance or evasion."</div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-leaders-agree-on-historic-corporate-tax-deal-425387">Also read |&nbsp;G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal</a>

It consists of three benchmarks, looking at a company's passive income, whether most of its transactions are cross-border, and if its management and administration are outsourced.

The Oxfam charity group criticised that saying many of the world's tax havens were not on the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions and therefore would avoid scrutiny.

"Transparency for only the 27 EU member states and the 21 currently blacklisted or greylisted jurisdictions means keeping corporate secrecy for over three&nbsp;out of four&nbsp;of the world's nearly 200 countries," the Oxfam charity group said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-detain-11-across-europe-in-mafia-probe-of-luxury-cars-422446">Also read |&nbsp;Police detain 11 across Europe in mafia probe of luxury cars</a>

"EU legislators have granted multinational corporations plenty of opportunities to continue dodging taxes in secrecy by shifting their profits to tax havens outside the EU, like Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Switzerland," Oxfam's tax expert Chiara  Putaturo said.

EU badly needs cash to finance an economic recovery after the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic.

"The directive we are putting forward will ensure that the new 15 percent minimum effective tax rate for large companies will be applied in a way that is fully compatible with EU law," Gentiloni said.

"These tax transparency measures will help to ensure that multinational companies pay their fair share and can bring some fairness to how they operate," said Greens MEP Ernest Urtasun of the parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee.

According to the Tax Justice Network think tank, EU countries are responsible for 36 per cent&nbsp;of tax lost globally to corporate tax abuse, costing countries worldwide over $154 billion every year as profits are shifted to low tax jurisdictions like Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union (EU) has imposed a tax rate of 15 per cent on multinational firms as a part of a deal agreed upon by 136 nations. The tax will be imposed upon international companies of 27 countries that are a part of the bloc and have an annual turnover of over $916 million in two consecutive years.

The European Union (EU) has imposed a tax rate of 15 per cent on multinational firms as a part of a deal agreed upon by 136 nations. The tax will be imposed upon international companies of 27 countries that are a part of the bloc and have an annual turnover of over $916 million in two consecutive years. According to EU economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, the rule aims at "tightening the screws on shell companies or letterbox companies, used as vehicles for tax avoidance or evasion." Also read | G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal It consists of three benchmarks, looking at a company's passive income, whether most of its transactions are cross-border, and if its management and administration are outsourced. The Oxfam charity group criticised that saying many of the world's tax havens were not on the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions and therefore would avoid scrutiny. "Transparency for only the 27 EU member states and the 21 currently blacklisted or greylisted jurisdictions means keeping corporate secrecy for over three out of four of the world's nearly 200 countries," the Oxfam charity group said. Also read | Police detain 11 across Europe in mafia probe of luxury cars "EU legislators have granted multinational corporations plenty of opportunities to continue dodging taxes in secrecy by shifting their profits to tax havens outside the EU, like Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Switzerland," Oxfam's tax expert Chiara  Putaturo said. EU badly needs cash to finance an economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic. "The directive we are putting forward will ensure that the new 15 percent minimum effective tax rate for large companies will be applied in a way that is fully compatible with EU law," Gentiloni said. "These tax transparency measures will help to ensure that multinational companies pay their fair share and can bring some fairness to how they operate," said Greens MEP Ernest Urtasun of the parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee. According to the Tax Justice Network think tank, EU countries are responsible for 36 per cent of tax lost globally to corporate tax abuse, costing countries worldwide over $154 billion every year as profits are shifted to low tax jurisdictions like Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union imposes 15% tax on multinational firms with turnover of more than $916 million

India joined the G20 Troika on Wednesday. The troika now consists of Indonesia, Italy and India.

The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, which reflects a recognition that global prosperity is interdependent and our economic opportunities and challenges are interlinked, MEA said in a release.G20 countries have come together to better prepare for the future.&nbsp;

As a founding member of the grouping, India has used the platform to raise issues of vital importance globally

Indonesia has assumed the G20 Presidency today and will convene various G20 meetings throughout the year culminating with the G20 Leaders` Summit on October 30-31, 2022 under the overall theme of&nbsp;

"Recover Together Recover Stronger".As a Troika-member, India will work closely with Indonesia and Italy to ensure consistency and continuity of the G20`s agenda, MEA said.

India will assume the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, from Indonesia and will convene the G20 Leaders` Summit for the first time in India in 2023.

India joined the G20 Troika on Wednesday. The troika now consists of Indonesia, Italy and India. The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, which reflects a recognition that global prosperity is interdependent and our economic opportunities and challenges are interlinked, MEA said in a release.

India joined the G20 Troika on Wednesday. The troika now consists of Indonesia, Italy and India. The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, which reflects a recognition that global prosperity is interdependent and our economic opportunities and challenges are interlinked, MEA said in a release.G20 countries have come together to better prepare for the future. As a founding member of the grouping, India has used the platform to raise issues of vital importance globally Indonesia has assumed the G20 Presidency today and will convene various G20 meetings throughout the year culminating with the G20 Leaders` Summit on October 30-31, 2022 under the overall theme of "Recover Together Recover Stronger".As a Troika-member, India will work closely with Indonesia and Italy to ensure consistency and continuity of the G20`s agenda, MEA said. India will assume the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, from Indonesia and will convene the G20 Leaders` Summit for the first time in India in 2023.

India becomes part of G20 Troika, to host summit in 2023

Mega summits are always a logistics nightmare, and when heads of state of over a dozen countries are coming, it is a challenge in every sense. Even amidst challenge, hosts Italy and UK for the G20 and Glasgow COP26 climate summit gave "special protocol consideration" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian delegation, it is learnt. This meant the the PM’s movement between hotel and venue were coordinated according to leader’s other engagements. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/palestines-pm-seeks-indias-support-at-international-forums-427083" hreflang="en">Palestine's PM seeks India's support at international forums</a>

The Indian delegation was also in Indian PM's hotel. This may sound easy, but when a country is hosting mega summits, hotel space and bookings are impossible to get. Especially with thousands of journalists, delegations, activists also descending to the particular city. This is especially cumbersome in a post-Covid crisis world where protocols need to be followed. Remember, many countries had their delegation divide into several hotels across Rome and Glasgow during last week's key summits. &nbsp;

Interestingly, hosts had also provided flexibility in order to accommodate India’s other bilateral engagements. Indian Prime Minister had over 15 bilateral meetings on the sidelines of G20 and COP26 summit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-in-kedarnath-modi-offers-prayers-unveils-adi-shankaracharya-statue-426909" hreflang="en">PM in Kedarnath: Modi offers prayers, unveils Adi Shankaracharya statue</a>

This included meetings with Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi, French President Emmanuel Macron, outgoing German chancellor Angela Merkel in Rome and the new Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba, Israel PM Naftali Bennett, UK PM Boris Johnson at Glasgow. He also met Indian community members in a Covid complaint protocol in Italy and Glasgow. &nbsp;

This year's G20 summit is happening in-person since 2019. Last year's summit was virtual for the first time due to Covid crisis since the group came into being since the 2008. India will be hosting the summit in 2023, which will be the first time, the country hosts the summit.&nbsp;

Mega summits are always a logistics nightmare, and when heads of state of over a dozen countries are coming, it is a challenge in every sense. Even amidst challenge, hosts Italy and UK for the G20 and Glasgow COP26 climate summit gave "special protocol consideration" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian delegation, it is learnt.

Mega summits are always a logistics nightmare, and when heads of state of over a dozen countries are coming, it is a challenge in every sense. Even amidst challenge, hosts Italy and UK for the G20 and Glasgow COP26 climate summit gave "special protocol consideration" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian delegation, it is learnt. This meant the the PM’s movement between hotel and venue were coordinated according to leader’s other engagements. Also Read: Palestine's PM seeks India's support at international forums The Indian delegation was also in Indian PM's hotel. This may sound easy, but when a country is hosting mega summits, hotel space and bookings are impossible to get. Especially with thousands of journalists, delegations, activists also descending to the particular city. This is especially cumbersome in a post-Covid crisis world where protocols need to be followed. Remember, many countries had their delegation divide into several hotels across Rome and Glasgow during last week's key summits. Interestingly, hosts had also provided flexibility in order to accommodate India’s other bilateral engagements. Indian Prime Minister had over 15 bilateral meetings on the sidelines of G20 and COP26 summit. Also Read | PM in Kedarnath: Modi offers prayers, unveils Adi Shankaracharya statue This included meetings with Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi, French President Emmanuel Macron, outgoing German chancellor Angela Merkel in Rome and the new Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba, Israel PM Naftali Bennett, UK PM Boris Johnson at Glasgow. He also met Indian community members in a Covid complaint protocol in Italy and Glasgow. This year's G20 summit is happening in-person since 2019. Last year's summit was virtual for the first time due to Covid crisis since the group came into being since the 2008. India will be hosting the summit in 2023, which will be the first time, the country hosts the summit.

G20, COP26 saw special protocol for Indian PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches India after concluding five-day foreign visit to Rome, Italy and Glasgow, UK. PM Modi enhanced India's self-declared renewable energy commitments at COP26 in Glasgow, and outlined India's position on global issues at G20 Summit.

PM Modi reaches India after concluding five-day visit to G20 and COP26 summit

World leaders began arriving on Monday at a UN&nbsp;conference critical to averting the most disastrous effects of climate change, their challenge made even more daunting by the failure of major industrial nations to agree ambitious new commitments.

The COP26 conference in the Scottish city of Glasgow opens a day after the G20 economies failed to commit to a 2050 target to halt net carbon emissions - a deadline widely cited as necessary to prevent the most extreme global warming.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-world-makes-new-bid-to-avert-climate-disaster-425496">COP26: World makes new bid to avert climate disaster</a>

Instead, their talks in Rome only recognised "the key relevance" of halting net emissions "by or around mid-century", set no timetable for phasing out coal at home and watered down promises to cut emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas many times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg asked her millions of supporters to sign an open letter accusing leaders of betrayal.

"As citizens across the planet, we urge you to face up to the climate emergency," she tweeted. "Not next year. Not next month. Now."

Many of those leaders take to the stage in Glasgow on Monday to defend their climate change records and in some cases make new pledges at the start of two weeks of negotiations that conference host Britain is billing as make-or-break.

"Humanity has long since run down the clock on climate change. It's one minute to midnight and we need to act now," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell the opening ceremony, according to advance excerpts of his speech.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-deal-will-be-harder-than-paris-accord-says-alok-sharma-423292">Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma</a>

"If we don't get serious about climate change today, it will be too late for our children to do so tomorrow." 
But discord among some of the world's biggest emitters about how to cut back on coal, oil and gas, and help poorer countries to adapt to global warming, will not make the task any easier.

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden singled out China and Russia, neither of which is sending its leader to Glasgow, for not bringing proposals to the table.

"Russia and&nbsp;China basically didn't show up in terms of any commitments to deal with climate change," Biden, who faces domestic resistance to his climate ambitions, told reporters at the G20.

Absentees

Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country is by far the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, will address the conference on Monday in a written statement, according to an official schedule.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will also stay away from Glasgow. Two Turkish officials said Britain had failed to meet Ankara's demands on security arrangements and protocol.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-sponsors-deem-the-climate-summit-as-mismanaged-and-very-last-minute-421757">COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute'</a>

Delayed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, COP26 aims to keep alive a target of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels - a level scientists say would avoid its most destructive consequences.

To do that, the conference needs to secure more ambitious pledges to reduce emissions, lock in billions in climate-related financing for developing countries, and finish the rules for implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement, signed by nearly 200 countries.

Existing pledges to cut emissions would allow the planet's average surface temperature to rise 2.7C this century, which the United Nations says would supercharge the destruction that climate change is already causing by intensifying storms, exposing more people to deadly heat and floods, raising sea levels and destroying natural habitats.

"Africa is responsible for only 3 per cent&nbsp;of global emissions, but Africans are suffering the most violent consequences of the climate crisis," Ugandan activist Evelyn Acham told the Italian newspaper La Stampa.

"They are not responsible for the crisis, but they are still paying the price of colonialism, which exploited Africa's wealth for centuries," she said. "We have to share responsibilities fairly."

Two days of speeches by world leaders starting Monday will be followed by technical negotiations. Any deal may not be struck until close to or even after the event's November&nbsp;12 finish date.

World leaders began arriving on Monday at a UN conference critical to averting the most disastrous effects of climate change, their challenge made even more daunting by the failure of major industrial nations to agree ambitious new commitments.

World leaders began arriving on Monday at a UN conference critical to averting the most disastrous effects of climate change, their challenge made even more daunting by the failure of major industrial nations to agree ambitious new commitments. The COP26 conference in the Scottish city of Glasgow opens a day after the G20 economies failed to commit to a 2050 target to halt net carbon emissions - a deadline widely cited as necessary to prevent the most extreme global warming. Also Read | COP26: World makes new bid to avert climate disaster Instead, their talks in Rome only recognised "the key relevance" of halting net emissions "by or around mid-century", set no timetable for phasing out coal at home and watered down promises to cut emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas many times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg asked her millions of supporters to sign an open letter accusing leaders of betrayal. "As citizens across the planet, we urge you to face up to the climate emergency," she tweeted. "Not next year. Not next month. Now." Many of those leaders take to the stage in Glasgow on Monday to defend their climate change records and in some cases make new pledges at the start of two weeks of negotiations that conference host Britain is billing as make-or-break. "Humanity has long since run down the clock on climate change. It's one minute to midnight and we need to act now," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell the opening ceremony, according to advance excerpts of his speech. Also Read | Cop26 climate deal will be harder than Paris accord, says Alok Sharma "If we don't get serious about climate change today, it will be too late for our children to do so tomorrow." But discord among some of the world's biggest emitters about how to cut back on coal, oil and gas, and help poorer countries to adapt to global warming, will not make the task any easier. US President Joe Biden singled out China and Russia, neither of which is sending its leader to Glasgow, for not bringing proposals to the table. "Russia and China basically didn't show up in terms of any commitments to deal with climate change," Biden, who faces domestic resistance to his climate ambitions, told reporters at the G20. Absentees Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country is by far the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, will address the conference on Monday in a written statement, according to an official schedule. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will also stay away from Glasgow. Two Turkish officials said Britain had failed to meet Ankara's demands on security arrangements and protocol. Also Read | COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute' Delayed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, COP26 aims to keep alive a target of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels - a level scientists say would avoid its most destructive consequences. To do that, the conference needs to secure more ambitious pledges to reduce emissions, lock in billions in climate-related financing for developing countries, and finish the rules for implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement, signed by nearly 200 countries. Existing pledges to cut emissions would allow the planet's average surface temperature to rise 2.7C this century, which the United Nations says would supercharge the destruction that climate change is already causing by intensifying storms, exposing more people to deadly heat and floods, raising sea levels and destroying natural habitats. "Africa is responsible for only 3 per cent of global emissions, but Africans are suffering the most violent consequences of the climate crisis," Ugandan activist Evelyn Acham told the Italian newspaper La Stampa. "They are not responsible for the crisis, but they are still paying the price of colonialism, which exploited Africa's wealth for centuries," she said. "We have to share responsibilities fairly." Two days of speeches by world leaders starting Monday will be followed by technical negotiations. Any deal may not be struck until close to or even after the event's November 12 finish date.

Global climate talks open to ever more daunting challenge

The world's leaders assembled at the G20 Leaders'&nbsp;Summit in Rome, hosted by the G20 presidency of Italy, have expressed their support for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

"We look ahead to Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2022, as opportunities for competition for athletes from around the world, which serves as a symbol of humanity's resilience," the Heads of State and Heads of Government were quoted as saying by the official website of IOC.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-grows-on-g-20-nations-to-get-covid-19-vaccines-to-the-poor-425671">Pressure grows on G-20 nations to get COVID-19 vaccines to the poor</a>

IOC President Thomas Bach thanked the leaders for their support and said, "The IOC warmly welcomes the recognition and support of the G20 Leaders'&nbsp;Summit for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, with the Olympic athletes demonstrating humanity's resilience against COVID-19.

"The Declaration from the Rome Summit is another strong signal of support from the G20 for the upcoming Games. The Games were also supported by the United Nations in a declaration last November.

A resolution entitled "Sport as an enabler of sustainable development" from November 23, 2020, welcomed "with appreciation all upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, in particular, those to be held in Tokyo in 2021, in Beijing in 2022, in Paris in 2024, in Milano-Cortina, Italy, in 2026 and in Los Angeles, United States of America, in 2028, as well as the Youth Olympic Games to be held in Dakar in 2026," and called upon "future hosts of such Games and the other Member States to include sport, as appropriate, in conflict prevention activities and to ensure the effective implementation of the Olympic Truce during the Games".

The world's leaders assembled at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rome, hosted by the G20 presidency of Italy, have expressed their support for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

The world's leaders assembled at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rome, hosted by the G20 presidency of Italy, have expressed their support for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. "We look ahead to Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2022, as opportunities for competition for athletes from around the world, which serves as a symbol of humanity's resilience," the Heads of State and Heads of Government were quoted as saying by the official website of IOC. Also Read | Pressure grows on G-20 nations to get COVID-19 vaccines to the poor IOC President Thomas Bach thanked the leaders for their support and said, "The IOC warmly welcomes the recognition and support of the G20 Leaders' Summit for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, with the Olympic athletes demonstrating humanity's resilience against COVID-19. "The Declaration from the Rome Summit is another strong signal of support from the G20 for the upcoming Games. The Games were also supported by the United Nations in a declaration last November. A resolution entitled "Sport as an enabler of sustainable development" from November 23, 2020, welcomed "with appreciation all upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, in particular, those to be held in Tokyo in 2021, in Beijing in 2022, in Paris in 2024, in Milano-Cortina, Italy, in 2026 and in Los Angeles, United States of America, in 2028, as well as the Youth Olympic Games to be held in Dakar in 2026," and called upon "future hosts of such Games and the other Member States to include sport, as appropriate, in conflict prevention activities and to ensure the effective implementation of the Olympic Truce during the Games".

G20 leaders look ahead to Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022

The summit between the world's 20 major economies in Rome has concluded, the G20 countries have made progress in tackling the growing threats of global warming.

G20 Rome summit concludes, leaders to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden will warn Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting on Sunday that any precipitous actions would not benefit US-Turkish relations and that crises should be avoided, a US&nbsp;official said on Saturday.

Erdogan earlier this month ordered 10 envoys, including the US&nbsp;ambassador, to be declared "persona non grata" for seeking the release of jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala, though he later withdrew the threat to expel them.

"Certainly the president will indicate that we need to find a way to avoid crises like that one going forward and precipitous action is not going to benefit the US-Turkey partnership and alliance," the US&nbsp;official told reporters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fatf-puts-turkey-on-grey-list-pakistan-to-remain-on-grey-list-422766">FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list'</a>

The official said a meeting between the two leaders may not have happened if Erdogan had expelled the US&nbsp;ambassador. But the issue had been resolved, for the moment at least, he said.

Biden, who is in Rome for the G20 summit, will also discuss Turkey's request to purchase F-16 fighter jets, its defence relationship with the United States and a range of regional issues such as Syria and Libya.

US&nbsp;lawmakers have urged the Biden administration not to sell F-16s to Turkey and threatened to block any such exports on the grounds that Turkey had purchased Russian missile defence systems and "behaved like an adversary".

Reuters reported earlier this month that Turkey had made a request to the United States to buy 40 Lockheed Martin-made F-16s and nearly 80 modernization kits for its existing warplanes.

The alliance between the United States and Turkey, both members of NATO, has come under strain in recent years over policy differences on Syria, Turkey's Russian S-400 missile defence purchase, and human rights.

US President Joe Biden will warn Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting on Sunday that any precipitous actions would not benefit US-Turkish relations and that crises should be avoided, a US official said on Saturday.

US President Joe Biden will warn Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting on Sunday that any precipitous actions would not benefit US-Turkish relations and that crises should be avoided, a US official said on Saturday. Erdogan earlier this month ordered 10 envoys, including the US ambassador, to be declared "persona non grata" for seeking the release of jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala, though he later withdrew the threat to expel them. "Certainly the president will indicate that we need to find a way to avoid crises like that one going forward and precipitous action is not going to benefit the US-Turkey partnership and alliance," the US official told reporters. Also Read | FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list' The official said a meeting between the two leaders may not have happened if Erdogan had expelled the US ambassador. But the issue had been resolved, for the moment at least, he said. Biden, who is in Rome for the G20 summit, will also discuss Turkey's request to purchase F-16 fighter jets, its defence relationship with the United States and a range of regional issues such as Syria and Libya. US lawmakers have urged the Biden administration not to sell F-16s to Turkey and threatened to block any such exports on the grounds that Turkey had purchased Russian missile defence systems and "behaved like an adversary". Reuters reported earlier this month that Turkey had made a request to the United States to buy 40 Lockheed Martin-made F-16s and nearly 80 modernization kits for its existing warplanes. The alliance between the United States and Turkey, both members of NATO, has come under strain in recent years over policy differences on Syria, Turkey's Russian S-400 missile defence purchase, and human rights.

Biden to talk to Turkey's Erdogan over threat to expel western nations' envoys

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

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

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

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

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Rome to discuss broadening strategic cooperation across the world as the two democracies are raising their relations to new levels.

They discussed "efforts to deepen the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership" during their meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the 16th G20 Summit, according to State Department Spokesperson Ned Price.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-calls-on-israeli-prez-pm-discusses-bilateral-relations-422302">Jaishankar calls on Israeli Prez, PM; discusses bilateral relations</a>

New Delhi and Washington have turned to the other side of the Indian Ocean that India straddles after firming up cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region multilaterally with the Quad&nbsp;the grouping of their countries and Australia and Japan.

Earlier this month, Jaishankar and Blinken held a virtual meeting with Foreign Ministers Yair Lapid of Israel and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) -- four countries that share many regional strategic interests -- and discussed "future opportunities for collaboration in the region and globally", according to the State Department.

Jaishankar tweeted after the Rome meeting that they had a "good meeting" and "discussed a wide gamut of issues relating to our partnership. Updated each other on important regional concerns".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A very good meeting with Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> in Rome on sidelines of <a href="https://twitter.com/g20org?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@G20org</a>. 
 
Discussed a wide gamut of issues relating to our partnership. Updated each other on important regional concerns. <a href="https://t.co/IB4fQJtQmw">pic.twitter.com/IB4fQJtQmw</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1454506606771654659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Price said that efforts to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region through the Quad and common regional priorities were also discussed.

Expanding global access to vaccines was another topic they discussed given India`s position as the world`s largest producer of vaccines, he said.

India is the linchpin in the Quad's initiative to supply 1.2 billion vaccines that was reiterated at the summit of the leaders of the four countries last month in Washington.

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India and Scott Morrison of Australia, US President Joe Biden and the then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced at their summit that their Vaccine Partnership was on track to expand the capacity of India's Biological E Ltd to produce at least 1 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines by the end of next year.

Price's readout of the meeting between Jaishankar and Blinken also contained the obligatory reference to democracy, which some in India and in the US would latch on to giving it deeper meanings.

It said they discussed "reinforcing their mutual commitments to and support for shared democratic values".

However, despite Biden's statements making his administration the global beacon of democracy, such references to democracy are missing in readouts of Blinken's meetings with leaders of most countries, especially those that are not democratic.

For example, references to democracy were left out of the India, US, Israel and UAE meeting, likely in deference to the Gulf nation.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pics-pm-modi-joins-world-leaders-for-g20-summit-in-rome-425321">Pics: PM Modi joins world leaders for G20 summit in Rome</a>

It didn't figure in the readout of his recent meetings with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani or Zayed or Saudi Foreign Ministers Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

Blinken and Jaishankar have been in close contact through phone calls and virtual meetings and have met in London in May, in Washington also in May and in New Delhi in July.

They are expected to meet again this year in Washington along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin for the 2+2 ministerial meeting of the defence and foreign policy heads of the two nations.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Rome to discuss broadening strategic cooperation across the world as the two democracies are raising their relations to new levels.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Rome to discuss broadening strategic cooperation across the world as the two democracies are raising their relations to new levels. They discussed "efforts to deepen the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership" during their meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the 16th G20 Summit, according to State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. Also Read | Jaishankar calls on Israeli Prez, PM; discusses bilateral relations New Delhi and Washington have turned to the other side of the Indian Ocean that India straddles after firming up cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region multilaterally with the Quad the grouping of their countries and Australia and Japan. Earlier this month, Jaishankar and Blinken held a virtual meeting with Foreign Ministers Yair Lapid of Israel and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) -- four countries that share many regional strategic interests -- and discussed "future opportunities for collaboration in the region and globally", according to the State Department. Jaishankar tweeted after the Rome meeting that they had a "good meeting" and "discussed a wide gamut of issues relating to our partnership. Updated each other on important regional concerns". A very good meeting with Secretary of State @SecBlinken in Rome on sidelines of @G20org. Discussed a wide gamut of issues relating to our partnership. Updated each other on important regional concerns. pic.twitter.com/IB4fQJtQmw — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 30, 2021 × Price said that efforts to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region through the Quad and common regional priorities were also discussed. Expanding global access to vaccines was another topic they discussed given India`s position as the world`s largest producer of vaccines, he said. India is the linchpin in the Quad's initiative to supply 1.2 billion vaccines that was reiterated at the summit of the leaders of the four countries last month in Washington. Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India and Scott Morrison of Australia, US President Joe Biden and the then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced at their summit that their Vaccine Partnership was on track to expand the capacity of India's Biological E Ltd to produce at least 1 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines by the end of next year. Price's readout of the meeting between Jaishankar and Blinken also contained the obligatory reference to democracy, which some in India and in the US would latch on to giving it deeper meanings. It said they discussed "reinforcing their mutual commitments to and support for shared democratic values". However, despite Biden's statements making his administration the global beacon of democracy, such references to democracy are missing in readouts of Blinken's meetings with leaders of most countries, especially those that are not democratic. For example, references to democracy were left out of the India, US, Israel and UAE meeting, likely in deference to the Gulf nation. Also Read | Pics: PM Modi joins world leaders for G20 summit in Rome It didn't figure in the readout of his recent meetings with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani or Zayed or Saudi Foreign Ministers Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Blinken and Jaishankar have been in close contact through phone calls and virtual meetings and have met in London in May, in Washington also in May and in New Delhi in July. They are expected to meet again this year in Washington along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin for the 2+2 ministerial meeting of the defence and foreign policy heads of the two nations.

Jaishankar, Blinken meet in Rome, discuss 'Global Strategic Partnership'

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

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

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

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

<article>
Having powered the industrial era, coal made many of the Group of 20 countries what they are today: the world’s 20 largest economies.

On Sunday, leaders from the G-20, who today represent the world’s biggest coal producers and consumers, agreed to take the first steps to weaken coal’s future, although they fell far short of what is necessary to sufficiently address climate change. In a joint communiqué released at the end of their summit in Rome, the G-20 leaders said they would end the financing of coal power plants overseas, but the statement included no new commitments on curbing the use of coal domestically.

The communiqué also sent an important symbolic message as United Nations-led climate talks get underway this week in Glasgow, Scotland. The leaders pledged to “pursue efforts” to limit the global average temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, compared with preindustrial times.

But the world is currently not on track to achieve that goal, which scientists say is necessary to avert the worst effects of climate change. This stark fact hangs over the Glasgow climate summit, raising fears that the summit will yield similar half-steps.

Beyond vague if well-meaning targets, what matters are concrete measures that countries are taking to rein in the emissions of planet-warming gases more quickly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hopes-unfulfilled-g20-summit-ends-without-firm-commitment-on-emissions-425666">Also read |&nbsp;'Hopes unfulfilled': G20 summit ends without firm commitment on emissions</a>

“We remain committed to the Paris Agreement goal to hold the global average temperature increase well below 2 degrees C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees C above preindustrial levels,” the final statement read, referring to the agreement among world nations to work together to cut emissions to limit global warming.

To actually achieve the 1.5-degree target, countries in the group would have to strengthen their national climate targets. The existing country commitments put the world on a path to far higher levels of warming, with the global average temperature rising by 2.7 degrees Celsius by 2100, which could lead to far more harrowing heat waves, fires and flooding.

Nor did the G-20 agree to specific financial arrangements to encourage emerging economies to make the energy transition away from fossil fuels.

Climate advocates said it is imperative to deliver tangible new commitments in Glasgow.

“The G-20 leaders’ call to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is very significant,” said Ulka Kelkar, climate director for the India office of the World Resources Institute. The Glasgow conference “now needs to back it up with measures to cut emissions rapidly in this decade and urgently scale up climate finance.”

Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International, was more blunt. “If the G-20 was a dress rehearsal,” she said, for the U.N. summit in Glasgow, “then world leaders fluffed their lines.”

“Their communiqué was weak, lacking both ambition and vision, and simply failed to meet the moment,” Morgan said.

In their statement, the G-20 leaders said: “Keeping 1.5 within reach will require meaningful and effective actions and commitment by all countries, taking into account different approaches, through the development of clear national pathways.”

The communiqué also added an important caveat for big, emerging economies like India that have pressed for money and technology to make the transition away from coal: It said that reaching this goal will require “different approaches,” as well as “international cooperation and support, including finance and technology.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-warns-on-cop26-if-glasgow-fails-the-whole-thing-fails-425669">Also read |&nbsp;UK's Johnson warns on COP26: 'If Glasgow fails, the whole thing fails'</a>

The communiqué was lacking in specific financial commitments, which are necessary to persuade developing countries to make the energy transition, especially the phasing out of coal.

But in a first for the G-20, members agreed to take steps to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. “We acknowledge that methane emissions represent a significant contribution to climate change and recognize, according to national circumstances, that its reduction can be one of the quickest, most feasible and most cost-effective ways to limit climate change and its impacts,” they wrote.

Coal remains the single largest source of electricity globally, yet its combustion is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions. Those emissions trap heat in the atmosphere and have already warmed the planet by more than 1 degree Celsius, wreaking havoc on weather patterns around the world.

The host of the summit, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, pressed G-20 leaders to speed up the exit from coal. “We need to set long-term goals that are consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and make short-term changes to achieve them,” he told reporters in Rome. “We must accelerate the phasing out of coal and invest more in renewable energy.”

Moving the world’s biggest economies away from coal by 2030 is vital to reaching the 1.5-degree target, analysts have said. But there are powerful countries that rely on coal.

China consumes more coal than any other country and has stepped up coal power production in recent weeks, in the wake of electricity shortages. India, too, relies on coal to produce most of its electricity and plans to consume more of it to meet its energy needs. Australia is a large coal exporter and keen to hold onto the revenues it creates.

The United States, Britain and the countries of the European Union have begun to pivot sharply away from coal, relying instead on natural gas. Although gas burns more cleanly than coal, it is also a fossil fuel that produces carbon dioxide.

António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, has pushed countries to stop building new coal plants and to end subsidies on fossil fuels. Agreement on these issues has proved elusive.

The G-20 statement did pledge to end the practice of financing coal power plants in foreign countries, which in recent years had been a way for countries, including Japan, South Korea and China, to sell coal power infrastructure to developing nations. Turkey held out on the language regarding coal financing until the last minute, according to a G-20 official familiar with the matter, but ultimately agreed.

“The necessity of the coal phase out challenge has now been elevated all the way to G20 Leaders, but it is evident that some are still resisting agreeing to explicit language on coal,” Chris Littlecott, who follows coal for E3G, a London-based research group, said on Twitter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-meets-erdogan-in-rome-f-16-deal-human-rights-dominate-agenda-425653">Also read |&nbsp;Biden meets Erdogan in Rome; F-16 deal, human rights dominate agenda</a>

He noted that the G-20 was following global trends, not leading them. The number of proposed coal plants has fallen sharply. That is because coal is no longer the cheapest source of energy, as it once was, and civil society groups in Asian countries including Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan&nbsp;have vigorously pushed back against coal projects in the pipeline.

President Joe Biden has urged his fellow world leaders at the summit to act aggressively on climate, and his administration pushed for the agreement to end coal financing. But at home, Biden has struggled to hasten the shift away from coal and other fossil fuels.

He has thus far fallen short in his promise to end fossil fuel subsidies in the U.S. tax code. His attempt to raise billions of dollars by ending those subsidies was removed from a framework deal to fund investments in low-emission energy production, child care and a range of social policies, which Democrats were hoping to pass in the House and Senate as early as this week. A handful of Democrats, including coal-state Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, have resisted Biden’s push to limit the subsidies.
</article>

Having powered the industrial era, coal made many of the Group of 20 countries what they are today: the world’s 20 largest economies. On Sunday, leaders from the G-20, who today represent the world’s biggest coal producers and consumers, agreed to take the first steps to weaken coal’s future, although they fell far short of what is necessary to sufficiently address climate change.

Having powered the industrial era, coal made many of the Group of 20 countries what they are today: the world’s 20 largest economies. On Sunday, leaders from the G-20, who today represent the world’s biggest coal producers and consumers, agreed to take the first steps to weaken coal’s future, although they fell far short of what is necessary to sufficiently address climate change. In a joint communiqué released at the end of their summit in Rome, the G-20 leaders said they would end the financing of coal power plants overseas, but the statement included no new commitments on curbing the use of coal domestically. The communiqué also sent an important symbolic message as United Nations-led climate talks get underway this week in Glasgow, Scotland. The leaders pledged to “pursue efforts” to limit the global average temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, compared with preindustrial times. But the world is currently not on track to achieve that goal, which scientists say is necessary to avert the worst effects of climate change. This stark fact hangs over the Glasgow climate summit, raising fears that the summit will yield similar half-steps. Beyond vague if well-meaning targets, what matters are concrete measures that countries are taking to rein in the emissions of planet-warming gases more quickly. Also read | 'Hopes unfulfilled': G20 summit ends without firm commitment on emissions “We remain committed to the Paris Agreement goal to hold the global average temperature increase well below 2 degrees C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees C above preindustrial levels,” the final statement read, referring to the agreement among world nations to work together to cut emissions to limit global warming. To actually achieve the 1.5-degree target, countries in the group would have to strengthen their national climate targets. The existing country commitments put the world on a path to far higher levels of warming, with the global average temperature rising by 2.7 degrees Celsius by 2100, which could lead to far more harrowing heat waves, fires and flooding. Nor did the G-20 agree to specific financial arrangements to encourage emerging economies to make the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Climate advocates said it is imperative to deliver tangible new commitments in Glasgow. “The G-20 leaders’ call to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is very significant,” said Ulka Kelkar, climate director for the India office of the World Resources Institute. The Glasgow conference “now needs to back it up with measures to cut emissions rapidly in this decade and urgently scale up climate finance.” Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International, was more blunt. “If the G-20 was a dress rehearsal,” she said, for the U.N. summit in Glasgow, “then world leaders fluffed their lines.” “Their communiqué was weak, lacking both ambition and vision, and simply failed to meet the moment,” Morgan said. In their statement, the G-20 leaders said: “Keeping 1.5 within reach will require meaningful and effective actions and commitment by all countries, taking into account different approaches, through the development of clear national pathways.” The communiqué also added an important caveat for big, emerging economies like India that have pressed for money and technology to make the transition away from coal: It said that reaching this goal will require “different approaches,” as well as “international cooperation and support, including finance and technology.” Also read | UK's Johnson warns on COP26: 'If Glasgow fails, the whole thing fails' The communiqué was lacking in specific financial commitments, which are necessary to persuade developing countries to make the energy transition, especially the phasing out of coal. But in a first for the G-20, members agreed to take steps to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. “We acknowledge that methane emissions represent a significant contribution to climate change and recognize, according to national circumstances, that its reduction can be one of the quickest, most feasible and most cost-effective ways to limit climate change and its impacts,” they wrote. Coal remains the single largest source of electricity globally, yet its combustion is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions. Those emissions trap heat in the atmosphere and have already warmed the planet by more than 1 degree Celsius, wreaking havoc on weather patterns around the world. The host of the summit, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, pressed G-20 leaders to speed up the exit from coal. “We need to set long-term goals that are consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and make short-term changes to achieve them,” he told reporters in Rome. “We must accelerate the phasing out of coal and invest more in renewable energy.” Moving the world’s biggest economies away from coal by 2030 is vital to reaching the 1.5-degree target, analysts have said. But there are powerful countries that rely on coal. China consumes more coal than any other country and has stepped up coal power production in recent weeks, in the wake of electricity shortages. India, too, relies on coal to produce most of its electricity and plans to consume more of it to meet its energy needs. Australia is a large coal exporter and keen to hold onto the revenues it creates. The United States, Britain and the countries of the European Union have begun to pivot sharply away from coal, relying instead on natural gas. Although gas burns more cleanly than coal, it is also a fossil fuel that produces carbon dioxide. António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, has pushed countries to stop building new coal plants and to end subsidies on fossil fuels. Agreement on these issues has proved elusive. The G-20 statement did pledge to end the practice of financing coal power plants in foreign countries, which in recent years had been a way for countries, including Japan, South Korea and China, to sell coal power infrastructure to developing nations. Turkey held out on the language regarding coal financing until the last minute, according to a G-20 official familiar with the matter, but ultimately agreed. “The necessity of the coal phase out challenge has now been elevated all the way to G20 Leaders, but it is evident that some are still resisting agreeing to explicit language on coal,” Chris Littlecott, who follows coal for E3G, a London-based research group, said on Twitter. Also read | Biden meets Erdogan in Rome; F-16 deal, human rights dominate agenda He noted that the G-20 was following global trends, not leading them. The number of proposed coal plants has fallen sharply. That is because coal is no longer the cheapest source of energy, as it once was, and civil society groups in Asian countries including Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan have vigorously pushed back against coal projects in the pipeline. President Joe Biden has urged his fellow world leaders at the summit to act aggressively on climate, and his administration pushed for the agreement to end coal financing. But at home, Biden has struggled to hasten the shift away from coal and other fossil fuels. He has thus far fallen short in his promise to end fossil fuel subsidies in the U.S. tax code. His attempt to raise billions of dollars by ending those subsidies was removed from a framework deal to fund investments in low-emission energy production, child care and a range of social policies, which Democrats were hoping to pass in the House and Senate as early as this week. A handful of Democrats, including coal-state Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, have resisted Biden’s push to limit the subsidies.

G-20 nations agree to new limits on coal-burning power plants

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of sustainable lifestyles finds resonance in the G-20's Rome declaration on sustainable consumption and responsible production patterns in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12, Union Commerce Minister and India's G20 Sherpa Piyush Goyal said here on Sunday.

"For the first time, G20 has identified sustainable and responsible consumption and production along with the provision of finance and technology as critical enablers for achieving climate goals first decided at Paris," said Goyal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-spanish-pm-pedro-sanchez-on-sidelines-of-g20-summit-in-rome-425627">PM Modi meets Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez on sidelines of G20 summit in Rome</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the G-20 summit here and held several bilaterals with his counterparts.

Detailing the Rome declaration, Goyal said, "Coming out of the sustainable development point number 12 — which is aimed at encouraging the developed countries to reduce their luxurious and energy-intensive lifestyle — has been discussed and accepted.

"Underlining that energy and climate was clearly the centre stage of the discussion, Goyal said that India and many other developing countries have pushed for safeguarding the interest of the developing world.

"We are also joined by developed countries to increase the ambition from current levels of commitment," the union minister said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/second-day-of-g20-summit-in-rome-425592">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/second-day-of-g20-summit-in-rome-425592/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He also emphasised that the importance of energy security and the stability of energy markets has also been recognised by the G-20 leaders' summit.

The G-20 Sherpa further said that "we have also been able to push the commitment of the developed world to provide 100 billion dollars every year from now until 2025".

"And the commitment of all the countries to mobilise greater levels of capital for less developed countries and emerging economies," said Goyal.

Emphasising that G20 also agreed to extend the debt service suspension initiative, he said that through this, low-income courtiers will not be burdened with debt repayment at this critical time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of sustainable lifestyles finds resonance in the G-20's Rome declaration on sustainable consumption and responsible production patterns in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12, Union Commerce Minister and India's G20 Sherpa Piyush Goyal said here on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of sustainable lifestyles finds resonance in the G-20's Rome declaration on sustainable consumption and responsible production patterns in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12, Union Commerce Minister and India's G20 Sherpa Piyush Goyal said here on Sunday. "For the first time, G20 has identified sustainable and responsible consumption and production along with the provision of finance and technology as critical enablers for achieving climate goals first decided at Paris," said Goyal. Also read | PM Modi meets Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez on sidelines of G20 summit in Rome Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the G-20 summit here and held several bilaterals with his counterparts. Detailing the Rome declaration, Goyal said, "Coming out of the sustainable development point number 12 — which is aimed at encouraging the developed countries to reduce their luxurious and energy-intensive lifestyle — has been discussed and accepted. "Underlining that energy and climate was clearly the centre stage of the discussion, Goyal said that India and many other developing countries have pushed for safeguarding the interest of the developing world. "We are also joined by developed countries to increase the ambition from current levels of commitment," the union minister said. WATCH | He also emphasised that the importance of energy security and the stability of energy markets has also been recognised by the G-20 leaders' summit. The G-20 Sherpa further said that "we have also been able to push the commitment of the developed world to provide 100 billion dollars every year from now until 2025". "And the commitment of all the countries to mobilise greater levels of capital for less developed countries and emerging economies," said Goyal. Emphasising that G20 also agreed to extend the debt service suspension initiative, he said that through this, low-income courtiers will not be burdened with debt repayment at this critical time.

PM Modi's mantra of sustainable development finds resonance at G20 Rome declaration: Piyush Goyal

Leaders of the Group of 20 major economies sit down for a second day of talks on Sunday faced with the difficult task of bridging their differences on how to combat global warming ahead of a crucial United Nations summit on climate change.

The first day of the Rome summit - the leaders&nbsp;first face-to-face gathering since the start of the Covid pandemic - focused mainly on health and the economy, while climate and the environment is front and centre of Sunday's agenda.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-leaders-agree-on-historic-corporate-tax-deal-425387">G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal</a>

Climate scientists and activists are likely to be disappointed unless late breakthroughs are made, with drafts of the G20's final communique showing little progress in terms of new commitments to curb pollution.

The G20 bloc, which includes Brazil, China, India, Germany and the United States, accounts for an estimated 80 per cent of the global greenhouse gas emissions which scientists say must be steeply reduced to avoid climate catastrophe.

For that reason, this weekend's gathering is seen as an important stepping stone to the UN's "COP26" climate summit attended by almost 200 countries, in Glasgow, Scotland, where most of the G20 leaders will fly directly from Rome.

"The latest reports are disappointing, with little sense of urgency in the face of an existential emergency," said Oscar Soria of the activist network Avaaz. "There is no more time for vague wish-lists, we need concrete commitments and action."

A fifth draft of the G20's final statement seen by Reuters on Saturday did not toughen the language on climate action compared with previous versions, and in some key areas, such as the need to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, it softened it.

This mid-century target date is a goal that United Nations experts say is needed to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, seen as the limit to avoid a dramatic acceleration of extreme events such as droughts, storms and floods.

UN&nbsp;experts say even if current national plans to curb emissions are fully implemented, the world is headed for global warming of 2.7C.

The planet's largest carbon emitter China, is aiming for net zero in 2060, while other major polluters such as India and Russia have also not committed to the mid-century deadline.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-kicks-off-in-rome-with-focus-on-climate-covid-and-economy-425330">G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy</a>

G20 energy and environment ministers who met in Naples in July failed to reach agreement on setting a date to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and end coal power,&nbsp;asking the leaders to find a resolution at this weekend's summit.

Based on the latest draft, they have made little progress, pledging to "do our utmost" to stop building new coal power plants before the end of the 2030s and saying they will phase out fossil fuel subsidies "over the medium term."

On the other hand, they do pledge to halt financing of overseas coal-fired power generation by the end of this year.

Some developing countries are reluctant to commit to steep emission cuts until rich nations make good on a pledge made 12 years ago to provide $100 billion per year from 2020 to help them tackle the effects of global warming.

That promise has still not been kept, contributing to the "mistrust" which UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday was blighting progress in climate negotiations.

Leaders of the Group of 20 major economies sit down for a second day of talks on Sunday faced with the difficult task of bridging their differences on how to combat global warming ahead of a crucial United Nations summit on climate change.

Leaders of the Group of 20 major economies sit down for a second day of talks on Sunday faced with the difficult task of bridging their differences on how to combat global warming ahead of a crucial United Nations summit on climate change. The first day of the Rome summit - the leaders first face-to-face gathering since the start of the Covid pandemic - focused mainly on health and the economy, while climate and the environment is front and centre of Sunday's agenda. Also Read | G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal Climate scientists and activists are likely to be disappointed unless late breakthroughs are made, with drafts of the G20's final communique showing little progress in terms of new commitments to curb pollution. The G20 bloc, which includes Brazil, China, India, Germany and the United States, accounts for an estimated 80 per cent of the global greenhouse gas emissions which scientists say must be steeply reduced to avoid climate catastrophe. For that reason, this weekend's gathering is seen as an important stepping stone to the UN's "COP26" climate summit attended by almost 200 countries, in Glasgow, Scotland, where most of the G20 leaders will fly directly from Rome. "The latest reports are disappointing, with little sense of urgency in the face of an existential emergency," said Oscar Soria of the activist network Avaaz. "There is no more time for vague wish-lists, we need concrete commitments and action." A fifth draft of the G20's final statement seen by Reuters on Saturday did not toughen the language on climate action compared with previous versions, and in some key areas, such as the need to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, it softened it. This mid-century target date is a goal that United Nations experts say is needed to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, seen as the limit to avoid a dramatic acceleration of extreme events such as droughts, storms and floods. UN experts say even if current national plans to curb emissions are fully implemented, the world is headed for global warming of 2.7C. The planet's largest carbon emitter China, is aiming for net zero in 2060, while other major polluters such as India and Russia have also not committed to the mid-century deadline. Also Read | G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy G20 energy and environment ministers who met in Naples in July failed to reach agreement on setting a date to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and end coal power, asking the leaders to find a resolution at this weekend's summit. Based on the latest draft, they have made little progress, pledging to "do our utmost" to stop building new coal power plants before the end of the 2030s and saying they will phase out fossil fuel subsidies "over the medium term." On the other hand, they do pledge to halt financing of overseas coal-fired power generation by the end of this year. Some developing countries are reluctant to commit to steep emission cuts until rich nations make good on a pledge made 12 years ago to provide $100 billion per year from 2020 to help them tackle the effects of global warming. That promise has still not been kept, contributing to the "mistrust" which UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Friday was blighting progress in climate negotiations.

G20 leaders face tough climate talks on second day of summit

In the first major announcement of the two-day G20 summit in Rome, leaders of the G20 world's major economies approved a global minimum tax on the largest companies.

G20 Summit: World leaders approve global tax deal

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