<p>An Italian couple and their son, who were kidnapped in Mali in May 2022, have been freed and were due to return to Rome on Tuesday, the Italian government said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rocco Langone, Maria Donata Caivano and their son, Giovanni Langone, had been seized from their home outside the southeastern Malian city of Koutiala by a "jihadist faction", it said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-ex-fm-qin-gang-missing-from-public-view-since-months-resigns-as-lawmaker-694452">China’s ex-FM Qin Gang, missing from public view since months, resigns as lawmaker</a></strong></p>

<p>Tuesday's statement did not address the fate of a Togolese citizen seized along with the family.</p>

<p>The couple, in their 60s, and son in his 40s had lived outside Koutiala for several years in a Jehovah's Witness community.</p>

<p>"I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations on the release of our three compatriots kidnapped in Mali in 2022," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her office said that despite the long captivity the family was "in good health".</p>

<p>It provided no details of their release.</p>

<p>The area where the family lived was "particularly infiltrated by jihadist militiamen", the government said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-parliament-passes-controversial-nature-law-despite-political-backlash-farmers-protest-694470">EU parliament passes controversial nature law despite political backlash, farmers’ protest</a></strong></p>

<p>Meloni's office blamed the kidnapping on a faction linked to the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which is affiliated to Al-Qaeda.</p>

<p>The Sahel has been ravaged by a jihadist campaign that began in northern Mali in 2012, sweeping over into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger in 2015.</p>

<p>Mali has been ravaged by different groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as by self-declared self-defence forces and bandits.</p>


An Italian couple and their son, who were kidnapped in Mali in May 2022, have been freed and were due to return to Rome on Tuesday, the Italian government said. Rocco Langone, Maria Donata Caivano and their son, Giovanni Langone, had been seized from their home outside the southeastern Malian city of Koutiala by a "jihadist faction", it said in a statement.

An Italian couple and their son, who were kidnapped in Mali in May 2022, have been freed and were due to return to Rome on Tuesday, the Italian government said. Rocco Langone, Maria Donata Caivano and their son, Giovanni Langone, had been seized from their home outside the southeastern Malian city of Koutiala by a "jihadist faction", it said in a statement. Also Read | China’s ex-FM Qin Gang, missing from public view since months, resigns as lawmaker Tuesday's statement did not address the fate of a Togolese citizen seized along with the family. The couple, in their 60s, and son in his 40s had lived outside Koutiala for several years in a Jehovah's Witness community. "I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations on the release of our three compatriots kidnapped in Mali in 2022," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement. Her office said that despite the long captivity the family was "in good health". It provided no details of their release. The area where the family lived was "particularly infiltrated by jihadist militiamen", the government said. Also Read | EU parliament passes controversial nature law despite political backlash, farmers’ protest Meloni's office blamed the kidnapping on a faction linked to the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which is affiliated to Al-Qaeda. The Sahel has been ravaged by a jihadist campaign that began in northern Mali in 2012, sweeping over into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger in 2015. Mali has been ravaged by different groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as by self-declared self-defence forces and bandits.

Italian family returns home two years after being kidnapped in Mali

<p>Giorgio Armani says it no like no other designer of his repute. One fashion man who steers clear of politics and only loves talking about his work, was recently asked what he felt about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia&nbsp;Meloni for her “far-right policies”. He gave a very aesthetically pleasing answer, a balanced one that made no inhibitions of not walking into a political trap of taking sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This so happened on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week as he was closing the show on February 25.</p>

<h2><strong>What unfolded?</strong></h2>

<p>That’s when a journalist asked him about the government in place in Italy, asking for a direct comment on Meloni. Giorgio Armani being himself said, “Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has two important elements in her body that are quite robust, she doesn’t have them but it’s as if she had them. On the politics and strategies that her government puts in place I am not so knowledgeable, it bothers me sometimes to see her so small and petite in Europe among so many statuesque and elegant gentlemen, she’s there in her little jacket, but she has a beautiful face.”</p>

<p>At the Milan Fashion Week, he was presenting his newest creations for Fall Winter 2024/2025. He called it the “Winter Flowers.” On the approach for the same, he said, “There are no flowers in the winter, I invented them.”</p>

<p>“When I create my designs I always think of women who can be encountered anywhere and not between intellectual and sexual excitements. I think of women who are coherent to their face. In the beginning, there were the young people of Carnaby Street and I didn’t like that fashion, so I chose to go a step ahead and put men and women in my jackets. Kind of like what I do now, no more women going around town in their underwear.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-bridgerton-actress-charithra-chandran-to-produce-reality-show-based-on-kama-sutra-694314">Bridgerton actress Charithra Chandran to produce reality show based on Kama Sutra</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-jk-rowling-calls-out-sky-news-for-calling-transgender-a-woman-sick-of-this-shit-694264">JK Rowling calls out TV channel for addressing transgender as a woman: 'Sick of this s**t'</a></p>


Giorgio Armani says it no like no other designer of his repute. One fashion man who steers clear of politics and only loves talking about his work, was recently asked what he felt about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her “far-right policies”.

Giorgio Armani says it no like no other designer of his repute. One fashion man who steers clear of politics and only loves talking about his work, was recently asked what he felt about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her “far-right policies”. He gave a very aesthetically pleasing answer, a balanced one that made no inhibitions of not walking into a political trap of taking sides. This so happened on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week as he was closing the show on February 25. What unfolded? That’s when a journalist asked him about the government in place in Italy, asking for a direct comment on Meloni. Giorgio Armani being himself said, “Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has two important elements in her body that are quite robust, she doesn’t have them but it’s as if she had them. On the politics and strategies that her government puts in place I am not so knowledgeable, it bothers me sometimes to see her so small and petite in Europe among so many statuesque and elegant gentlemen, she’s there in her little jacket, but she has a beautiful face.” At the Milan Fashion Week, he was presenting his newest creations for Fall Winter 2024/2025. He called it the “Winter Flowers.” On the approach for the same, he said, “There are no flowers in the winter, I invented them.” “When I create my designs I always think of women who can be encountered anywhere and not between intellectual and sexual excitements. I think of women who are coherent to their face. In the beginning, there were the young people of Carnaby Street and I didn’t like that fashion, so I chose to go a step ahead and put men and women in my jackets. Kind of like what I do now, no more women going around town in their underwear.” Also read: Bridgerton actress Charithra Chandran to produce reality show based on Kama Sutra JK Rowling calls out TV channel for addressing transgender as a woman: 'Sick of this s**t'

Giorgio Armani discusses Italy PM Meloni’s fashion when asked about her ‘far-right politics’

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday night (Jan 30) called her Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban to express concerns over the mistreatment of a woman from Milan who faces 11 years in prison. Meloni's phone call came hours after the Hungarian ambassador to Italy was summoned to the foreign ministry in Rome.</p>

<p>Images of Ilaria Salis, 39, chained and cuffed by the Hungarian authorities during a court hearing went viral on Italian social media platforms, inviting criticism for the inhumane treatment meted her way. Several front-page headline stories in Italian media carried the image and questioned the Meloni government for keeping mum on the issue.</p>

<p>Giuseppe Conte, leader of Italy’s opposition Five Star Movement also attacked Meloni and said: "An Italian in chains, tied hand and foot in Hungary."</p>

<p>"Giorgia Meloni, we don’t care that Orbán is a dear friend of yours. We need to act with the utmost determination and raise our voices," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Salis was arrested in the capital city of Budapest in February last year during a&nbsp;counter-demonstration against a neo-Nazi rally. She has been charged with&nbsp;conspiracy to commit assault causing grievous bodily harm.</p>

<p>While she has pleaded not guilty, the prosecutors claim that she came to Hungary to&nbsp;"carry out rapid attacks which could cause serious injury against people believed to be far-right".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-jail-term-to-more-than-330-mobsters-their-alleged-associates-world-news-wion-660990"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Italy: Jail term to more than 330 mobsters &amp; their alleged associates</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Meloni's diplomatic challenge&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The case is a test of Meloni's diplomatic acumen. She has warm relations with Orban and the case threatens to generate friction between the two leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani condemned&nbsp;Salis' treatment and said Hungary may have gone "too far" in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This time it seems to me it has gone too far. Treating a prisoner in that way really seems inappropriate, not in tune with our legal culture,"&nbsp;Tajani told RAI radio</p>

<p>“We are in the European Union and there are citizens’ rights that must be respected,” the minister added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/museum-chief-calls-florence-a-prostitute-sparks-row-in-italy-685161"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Museum chief calls Florence a ‘prostitute’, sparks row in Italy&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Hungarian prison service has pushed back against the allegations that Salis was intentionally being held in a cell "full of rats and insects". The prison authorities said&nbsp;"hygiene checks are constantly carried out in the institutions and prisoners receive proper medical care".</p>

<p>"The presence of rats is a lie and prisons meet high hygiene standards," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday night (Jan 30) called her Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban to express concerns over the mistreatment of a woman from Milan who faces 11 years in prison.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday night (Jan 30) called her Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban to express concerns over the mistreatment of a woman from Milan who faces 11 years in prison. Meloni's phone call came hours after the Hungarian ambassador to Italy was summoned to the foreign ministry in Rome. Images of Ilaria Salis, 39, chained and cuffed by the Hungarian authorities during a court hearing went viral on Italian social media platforms, inviting criticism for the inhumane treatment meted her way. Several front-page headline stories in Italian media carried the image and questioned the Meloni government for keeping mum on the issue. Giuseppe Conte, leader of Italy’s opposition Five Star Movement also attacked Meloni and said: "An Italian in chains, tied hand and foot in Hungary." "Giorgia Meloni, we don’t care that Orbán is a dear friend of yours. We need to act with the utmost determination and raise our voices," he added. Salis was arrested in the capital city of Budapest in February last year during a counter-demonstration against a neo-Nazi rally. She has been charged with conspiracy to commit assault causing grievous bodily harm. While she has pleaded not guilty, the prosecutors claim that she came to Hungary to "carry out rapid attacks which could cause serious injury against people believed to be far-right". Watch | Italy: Jail term to more than 330 mobsters & their alleged associates × Meloni's diplomatic challenge The case is a test of Meloni's diplomatic acumen. She has warm relations with Orban and the case threatens to generate friction between the two leaders. Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani condemned Salis' treatment and said Hungary may have gone "too far" in the case. “This time it seems to me it has gone too far. Treating a prisoner in that way really seems inappropriate, not in tune with our legal culture," Tajani told RAI radio “We are in the European Union and there are citizens’ rights that must be respected,” the minister added. Also read | Museum chief calls Florence a ‘prostitute’, sparks row in Italy Meanwhile, the Hungarian prison service has pushed back against the allegations that Salis was intentionally being held in a cell "full of rats and insects". The prison authorities said "hygiene checks are constantly carried out in the institutions and prisoners receive proper medical care". "The presence of rats is a lie and prisons meet high hygiene standards," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Meloni rings Orban over shackled Italian woman prisoner in Hungarian court

<p>As the grand Ram Temple rises in India’s holy city of Ayodhya, there has been a scourge of fake news on social media ahead of the consecration. For instance, a claim was widely shared by many popular accounts on X regarding the Ram Mandir and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has of late become the darling of Indian social media.</p>

<p>An X user ‘Baba Banaras’ claimed in his post that Meloni has posted a message for Hindus celebrating the consecration of the Ram Temple. The post also carried a video message by the Italian PM, showing an enchanted Meloni speaking in Italian language and then blowing a kiss in the end.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Message to Hindus for Ram Mandir <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamMandirPranPratishta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RamMandirPranPratishta</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Translation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Translation</a> : Best wishes to the Hindus in India and around the world on the Pran Pratistha ceremony. By restoring your prestige after hundreds of years of struggle, you have set an example for… <a href="https://t.co/z5fQCG5rg1">pic.twitter.com/z5fQCG5rg1</a></p>
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealBababanaras/status/1749033145759064132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The post further reads: “Translation: Best wishes to the Hindus in India and around the world on the Pran Pratistha ceremony. By restoring your prestige after hundreds of years of struggle, you have set an example for the world. Lots of love.”</p>

<p>The post immediately generated massive user interest, having amassed over 3,500 likes and 92,000 views within hours. Another user, Eminent Woke, also shared the same post, which got over 19,000 likes and was viewed by more than 600,000 people.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Italian PM Message to Hindus for Ram Mandir ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GiorgiaMeloni</a> <a href="https://t.co/w5lg9abjI7">pic.twitter.com/w5lg9abjI7</a></p>
— Eminent Woke (@WokePandemic) <a href="https://twitter.com/WokePandemic/status/1748991204895965433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>These posts were even picked by some Hindi news outlets, which attributed the translated message to the Italian PM. However, a lot of users pointed out in the comment section that the Italian PM was actually greeting her well-wishers for birthday wishes in the video and not wishing Hindus for the Ram Temple.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/Amit88339483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Amit88339483</a> Done! Here is your English dub: <a href="https://t.co/1Pis5y1vgu">https://t.co/1Pis5y1vgu</a><br />
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📺🔴 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙏𝙪𝙗𝙚: <a href="https://t.co/NOojBAvkEA">https://t.co/NOojBAvkEA</a><br />
<br />
💬🟢 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙨𝘼𝙥𝙥: <a href="https://t.co/S3vvLaDAyM">https://t.co/S3vvLaDAyM</a><br />
<br />
📱🔵 𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢: <a href="https://t.co/znXbHu1u99">https://t.co/znXbHu1u99</a> <a href="https://t.co/rAriR0RRgB">pic.twitter.com/rAriR0RRgB</a></p>
— EzDubs (@ezdubs_bot) <a href="https://twitter.com/ezdubs_bot/status/1749112369039507515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Here is the actual translation of the video message: “Thank you all for the birthday wishes you sent me privately, with the posts on social media. Really a lot of encouragement of which I will treasure. You are my strength, I love you.”<br />
The original video, in fact, was published on January 15 on Meloni’s X account.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Grazie. Siete la mia forza! <a href="https://t.co/QbPIEXWwRo">pic.twitter.com/QbPIEXWwRo</a></p>
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1746925403745169415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


As the grand Ram Temple rises in India’s holy city of Ayodhya, there has been a scourge of fake news on social media ahead of the consecration. For instance, a claim was widely shared by many popular accounts on X regarding the Ram Mandir and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has of late become the darling of Indian social media.

As the grand Ram Temple rises in India’s holy city of Ayodhya, there has been a scourge of fake news on social media ahead of the consecration. For instance, a claim was widely shared by many popular accounts on X regarding the Ram Mandir and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has of late become the darling of Indian social media. An X user ‘Baba Banaras’ claimed in his post that Meloni has posted a message for Hindus celebrating the consecration of the Ram Temple. The post also carried a video message by the Italian PM, showing an enchanted Meloni speaking in Italian language and then blowing a kiss in the end. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Message to Hindus for Ram Mandir #RamMandirPranPratishta.#Translation : Best wishes to the Hindus in India and around the world on the Pran Pratistha ceremony. By restoring your prestige after hundreds of years of struggle, you have set an example for… pic.twitter.com/z5fQCG5rg1 — Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) January 21, 2024 × The post further reads: “Translation: Best wishes to the Hindus in India and around the world on the Pran Pratistha ceremony. By restoring your prestige after hundreds of years of struggle, you have set an example for the world. Lots of love.” The post immediately generated massive user interest, having amassed over 3,500 likes and 92,000 views within hours. Another user, Eminent Woke, also shared the same post, which got over 19,000 likes and was viewed by more than 600,000 people. Italian PM Message to Hindus for Ram Mandir ❤️@GiorgiaMeloni pic.twitter.com/w5lg9abjI7 — Eminent Woke (@WokePandemic) January 21, 2024 × These posts were even picked by some Hindi news outlets, which attributed the translated message to the Italian PM. However, a lot of users pointed out in the comment section that the Italian PM was actually greeting her well-wishers for birthday wishes in the video and not wishing Hindus for the Ram Temple. @Amit88339483 Done! Here is your English dub: https://t.co/1Pis5y1vgu 📺🔴 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙏𝙪𝙗𝙚: https://t.co/NOojBAvkEA 💬🟢 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙨𝘼𝙥𝙥: https://t.co/S3vvLaDAyM 📱🔵 𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢: https://t.co/znXbHu1u99 pic.twitter.com/rAriR0RRgB — EzDubs (@ezdubs_bot) January 21, 2024 × Here is the actual translation of the video message: “Thank you all for the birthday wishes you sent me privately, with the posts on social media. Really a lot of encouragement of which I will treasure. You are my strength, I love you.” The original video, in fact, was published on January 15 on Meloni’s X account. Grazie. Siete la mia forza! pic.twitter.com/QbPIEXWwRo — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) January 15, 2024 ×

Did Italian PM Meloni wish Hindus for Ram Mandir consecration? Here is the truth

<p>Leaders from Italy's opposition parties on Monday (January 8) urged Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to disband neo-fascist organisations following a viral video purportedly showing hundreds of people making the fascist salute.</p>

<p>"Rome, January 7, 2024. It seems like 1924," when Italy was run by Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party, Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, posted on Facebook.</p>

<p>"Neo-fascist organisations must be dissolved, as the Constitution says."</p>

<p>The media in Italy took note of the video including the Corriere della Sera, Italy's newspaper of record. The video shows hundreds of people. They can be seen standing in lines and making the fascist salute as they shout "present". Most of the people in the video appeared to be men who were dressed in black. WION could not independently verify the video.</p>

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<p>As per reports in local media, the video was recorded on Sunday night. It was an event marking the anniversary of murders of two teenaged right-wing activists. The murders reportedly took place in 1978.</p>

<p>It was reported that the gathering took place in front of former headquarters of the Italian Social Movement (MSI) in Rome. MSI was formed by supporters of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini after the Second World War.</p>

<p>It has been alleged that the teenaged right-wing activists were killed by far-left activists in 1978. No one was ever convicted in the case.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party grew out of the MSI in post-fascist years. Elly Schlein called on Meloni to condemn the fascist salute event.</p>

<p>The AGI news agency has reported that opposition Five Star Movement is preparing to file a complaint to Rome prosecutor's office and ask it to probe if any crime was committed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Leaders from Italy's opposition parties on Monday (January 8) urged Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to disband neo-fascist organisations following a viral video purportedly showing hundreds of people making the fascist salute.

Leaders from Italy's opposition parties on Monday (January 8) urged Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to disband neo-fascist organisations following a viral video purportedly showing hundreds of people making the fascist salute. "Rome, January 7, 2024. It seems like 1924," when Italy was run by Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party, Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, posted on Facebook. "Neo-fascist organisations must be dissolved, as the Constitution says." The media in Italy took note of the video including the Corriere della Sera, Italy's newspaper of record. The video shows hundreds of people. They can be seen standing in lines and making the fascist salute as they shout "present". Most of the people in the video appeared to be men who were dressed in black. WION could not independently verify the video. × As per reports in local media, the video was recorded on Sunday night. It was an event marking the anniversary of murders of two teenaged right-wing activists. The murders reportedly took place in 1978. It was reported that the gathering took place in front of former headquarters of the Italian Social Movement (MSI) in Rome. MSI was formed by supporters of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini after the Second World War. It has been alleged that the teenaged right-wing activists were killed by far-left activists in 1978. No one was ever convicted in the case. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party grew out of the MSI in post-fascist years. Elly Schlein called on Meloni to condemn the fascist salute event. The AGI news agency has reported that opposition Five Star Movement is preparing to file a complaint to Rome prosecutor's office and ask it to probe if any crime was committed. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy PM Meloni urged to rein in neo-fascists after fascist salute video goes viral

Giorgia Meloni, Italy's first female Prime Minister, has said it is absolutely possible to be a mother and run a country. She has told mothers to return to the office and to combine motherhood with working. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Italian PM says it is absolutely possible to be a mother and run a country

Supporting African development and tackling the dangers posed by artificial intelligence (AI) will be two key themes for Italy during its one-year presidency of the G7, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday.

Giorgia Meloni: AI, Africa to be key G7 issue for Italy

Africa's development will be Italy's central theme for G7, says Giorgia Meloni

<p>Chinese leader Xi Jinping was seen doing away with his pursed lips and feigned smile twice this year. First in July, when a 100-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/dubious-strategist-ruthless-diplomat-south-asian-loser-kissingers-bull-run-was-stopped-by-indian-defiance-664604">Henry Kissinger</a>, the controversial US foreign policy wizard and architect of US-China ties visited Beijing. Secondly, in October during a summit in Beijing to celebrate 10 years of the Belt and Road Initiative, China's ambitious transcontinental trade project mired in accusations of exploitative practices.</p>

<p>Xi frequently broke into an uncharacteristic chuckle and threw expressions of diplomatic affection with Kissinger, who is credited with bringing China out of isolation in the 1970s.&nbsp;<img alt="China's President Xi Jinping (R) speaks with former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2728c580-b473-483f-90a5-855ee278e27a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-29T213550.658.png" /></p>

<p><em>China's President Xi Jinping with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during a meeting in Beijing on July 20, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>But while a smiling Xi was "very glad to see" Kissinger in July 2023, the visit came in the backdrop of the 21st-century contest between Washington and Beijing for semiconductors,&nbsp;dubbed the 'Chip Wars'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weeks before Kissinger's Beijing visit, in June, the United States along with the Netherlands gave China's chipmaking capabilities a setback by imposing more restrictions on the sales of chipmaking equipment to the Chinese market. The measures were part of a broader strategy to prevent China from leveraging foreign technology to enhance its military capabilities.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chip-war-intensifies-us-and-netherlands-impose-stricter-controls-on-chipmaking-equipment-sales-to-china-610417">Chip War Intensifies: U.S. and Netherlands impose stricter controls on chipmaking equipment sales to China</a></strong></p>

<p>Then in July, just two days after Kissinger's Beijing visit, the Biden administration gave another blow to China's chipmaking ambitions as a consensus emerged on the need for '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-chip-war-intensify-amid-calls-for-small-yard-high-fence-approach-to-contain-china-618392">small yard, high fence</a>' restrictions on chip exports.</p>

<p>Beijing's chipmaking ambitions are intricately linked with a wish to enmesh the world in Chinese-built infrastructure that includes not just roads and bridges but network equipment as well.</p>

<p>"We must march out, deepen international internet exchange and collaboration, and vigorously participate in the construction of 'One Belt, One Road'," Xi had declared in April 2016, three years after the Belt and Road Initiative was first launched.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The project originally devised to link East Asia and Europe through physical infrastructure, &nbsp;has since expanded to Africa, Oceania, and Latin America. But across continents, skepticism has replaced initial euphoria as there remains minimal accrual of benefits that Beijing initially promised.&nbsp;<img alt="Chinese leader Xi Jinping" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5860f0b-c8b3-4628-a3b7-2b28179f9609" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-29T214253.154.png" /></p>

<p><em>Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of a summit in Beijing to celebrate the Belt and Road Initiative on October 18, 2023 | Reuters</em></p>

<p>"The opaque nature of contracts did not allow for public scrutiny," Commodore R.S. Vasan (Retd.), Director General of Chennai Centre of China Studies told WION.</p>

<p>And this &nbsp;December, Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni notified Beijing that it was ceasing its participation in the BRI ahead of a deadline at the year's end.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Losing Momentum: China’s belt &amp; road initiative</strong></p>

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<p>Italy was the only major Western nation to sign up for the BRI in 2019, a move heavily criticised by the West at the time.</p>

<p>Washington calls BRI an example of Beijing's "debt-trap diplomacy", as it involves unsustainably large projects that countries are unable to finance, giving Beijing leverage for its aims. India has denounced the project as it passes through parts of Jammu and Kashmir currently under illegal occupation by Pakistan and China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, only a fraction of the over&nbsp;$22 billion worth of investment in Italy promised by Xi in 2019 has materialised, according to an official readout from Italy's government.</p>

<p>Italian exports to China were worth $18.13bn last year, compared to $14.37bn in 2019. By contrast, Chinese exports to Italy rose to $63.57bn from $35bn over the same period, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cited as an example of "clear imbalances and differences" that must be addressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"From all counts it is a reality check for China as well as the countries who are part of the BRI," Commodore Vasan added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The realisation that the funding benefited only the Chinese companies and hardly contributed to job generation in the destination countries is out there as the year closes," he said.</p>

<p>Italy under Meloni was wise to see the pitfalls of BRI and pulled out this year. But several countries are already indebted to China, possibly at a point of no return.</p>

<p>Did 2023 mark&nbsp;the beginning of the end of Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative? The world will know soon enough.&nbsp;</p>


Chinese leader Xi Jinping was seen doing away with his pursed lips and feigned smile twice this year. First in July, when a 100-year-old Henry Kissinger, the controversial US foreign policy wizard and architect of US-China ties visited Beijing.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping was seen doing away with his pursed lips and feigned smile twice this year. First in July, when a 100-year-old Henry Kissinger, the controversial US foreign policy wizard and architect of US-China ties visited Beijing. Secondly, in October during a summit in Beijing to celebrate 10 years of the Belt and Road Initiative, China's ambitious transcontinental trade project mired in accusations of exploitative practices. Xi frequently broke into an uncharacteristic chuckle and threw expressions of diplomatic affection with Kissinger, who is credited with bringing China out of isolation in the 1970s. China's President Xi Jinping with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during a meeting in Beijing on July 20, 2023 | AFP But while a smiling Xi was "very glad to see" Kissinger in July 2023, the visit came in the backdrop of the 21st-century contest between Washington and Beijing for semiconductors, dubbed the 'Chip Wars'. Weeks before Kissinger's Beijing visit, in June, the United States along with the Netherlands gave China's chipmaking capabilities a setback by imposing more restrictions on the sales of chipmaking equipment to the Chinese market. The measures were part of a broader strategy to prevent China from leveraging foreign technology to enhance its military capabilities. Also read | Chip War Intensifies: U.S. and Netherlands impose stricter controls on chipmaking equipment sales to China Then in July, just two days after Kissinger's Beijing visit, the Biden administration gave another blow to China's chipmaking ambitions as a consensus emerged on the need for 'small yard, high fence' restrictions on chip exports. Beijing's chipmaking ambitions are intricately linked with a wish to enmesh the world in Chinese-built infrastructure that includes not just roads and bridges but network equipment as well. "We must march out, deepen international internet exchange and collaboration, and vigorously participate in the construction of 'One Belt, One Road'," Xi had declared in April 2016, three years after the Belt and Road Initiative was first launched. The project originally devised to link East Asia and Europe through physical infrastructure, has since expanded to Africa, Oceania, and Latin America. But across continents, skepticism has replaced initial euphoria as there remains minimal accrual of benefits that Beijing initially promised. Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of a summit in Beijing to celebrate the Belt and Road Initiative on October 18, 2023 | Reuters "The opaque nature of contracts did not allow for public scrutiny," Commodore R.S. Vasan (Retd.), Director General of Chennai Centre of China Studies told WION. And this December, Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni notified Beijing that it was ceasing its participation in the BRI ahead of a deadline at the year's end. Also watch | Losing Momentum: China’s belt & road initiative × Italy was the only major Western nation to sign up for the BRI in 2019, a move heavily criticised by the West at the time. Washington calls BRI an example of Beijing's "debt-trap diplomacy", as it involves unsustainably large projects that countries are unable to finance, giving Beijing leverage for its aims. India has denounced the project as it passes through parts of Jammu and Kashmir currently under illegal occupation by Pakistan and China. Besides, only a fraction of the over $22 billion worth of investment in Italy promised by Xi in 2019 has materialised, according to an official readout from Italy's government. Italian exports to China were worth $18.13bn last year, compared to $14.37bn in 2019. By contrast, Chinese exports to Italy rose to $63.57bn from $35bn over the same period, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cited as an example of "clear imbalances and differences" that must be addressed. "From all counts it is a reality check for China as well as the countries who are part of the BRI," Commodore Vasan added. "The realisation that the funding benefited only the Chinese companies and hardly contributed to job generation in the destination countries is out there as the year closes," he said. Italy under Meloni was wise to see the pitfalls of BRI and pulled out this year. But several countries are already indebted to China, possibly at a point of no return. Did 2023 mark the beginning of the end of Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative? The world will know soon enough.

Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check'

<p>Weeks after India and Italy signed a mobility pact aimed at enhancing people-to-people contact between the citizens of two countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Dec 27) notified the pact.</p>

<p>"The Agreement would enhance people-to-people contacts, foster mobility of students, skilled workers, business people and young professionals and strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration between the two sides," an official readout by the Indian side stated.</p>

<p>The agreement will remain in&nbsp;force for a period of five years and will be automatically renewed for a successive period unless it's terminated by either&nbsp;signatory.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Italy mobility pact: What does it entail?</strong></h2>

<p>The pact locks-in the present-day Italian visa regime including the mechanism for post-study opportunities, internships and professional trainings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-bittersweet-melodi-in-india-italy-ties-during-swaraj-jaishankar-years-667672">Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years</a></strong></p>

<p>"Cooperation between the two parties in fight against irregular migration has also been formalised through the Agreement," an official readout says.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean for Indians intending to work in Italy?</strong></h2>

<p>Under the now-formalised mobility pact, Indian students wishing to gather initial professional experience, after completing academic or vocational training in Italy may be granted temporary residence in Italy for up to 12 months, according to an official readout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, the Italian side has detailed provisions related to professional training, extracurricular and curricular internships which allow Indian students/trainees to gain experience in Italian skill/training standards.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India and Italy celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations</strong></p>

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<p>For 2023, Italian side has reserved a quota of 5000 non-seasonal Indian workers. For 2024, this number is 6,000 and for 2025, it stands at 7,000 non-seasonal Indian workers respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The total quota stands at 12,000 for non-seasonal workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for the seasonal workers, the Italian side has reserved a quota of 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 Indian workers respectively, for 2023, 2024 and 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The total quota stands at 8,000 for seasonal workers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Italy ties in ‘Melodi’ era</strong></h2>

<p>The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just taken over the internet but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good friends at COP28.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melodi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/g0W6R0RJJo">pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo</a></p>
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1730644622198657314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The India-Italy bilateral relationship between the two countries stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An India-Italy summit was held in 2020 in which 15 Memorandums of Understanding covering areas like energy, media, finance, and ship building were signed.</p>


Weeks after India and Italy signed a mobility pact aimed at enhancing people-to-people contact between the citizens of two countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Dec 27) notified the pact.

Weeks after India and Italy signed a mobility pact aimed at enhancing people-to-people contact between the citizens of two countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Dec 27) notified the pact. "The Agreement would enhance people-to-people contacts, foster mobility of students, skilled workers, business people and young professionals and strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration between the two sides," an official readout by the Indian side stated. The agreement will remain in force for a period of five years and will be automatically renewed for a successive period unless it's terminated by either signatory. India-Italy mobility pact: What does it entail? The pact locks-in the present-day Italian visa regime including the mechanism for post-study opportunities, internships and professional trainings. Also read | Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years "Cooperation between the two parties in fight against irregular migration has also been formalised through the Agreement," an official readout says. What does it mean for Indians intending to work in Italy? Under the now-formalised mobility pact, Indian students wishing to gather initial professional experience, after completing academic or vocational training in Italy may be granted temporary residence in Italy for up to 12 months, according to an official readout. Furthermore, the Italian side has detailed provisions related to professional training, extracurricular and curricular internships which allow Indian students/trainees to gain experience in Italian skill/training standards. Also watch | India and Italy celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations × For 2023, Italian side has reserved a quota of 5000 non-seasonal Indian workers. For 2024, this number is 6,000 and for 2025, it stands at 7,000 non-seasonal Indian workers respectively. The total quota stands at 12,000 for non-seasonal workers. As for the seasonal workers, the Italian side has reserved a quota of 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 Indian workers respectively, for 2023, 2024 and 2025. The total quota stands at 8,000 for seasonal workers. India-Italy ties in ‘Melodi’ era The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just taken over the internet but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome. Good friends at COP28.#Melodi pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) December 1, 2023 × The India-Italy bilateral relationship between the two countries stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific. An India-Italy summit was held in 2020 in which 15 Memorandums of Understanding covering areas like energy, media, finance, and ship building were signed.

India-Italy move forward in ‘Melodi’ era with approval of key migration and mobility pact

Italy's far-right ruling party, Brothers of Italy, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has proposed a law mandating nativity scenes in schools, stirring controversy. While the party frames it as protecting Christian traditions, critics accuse it of using religious symbols for political gain. This move follows Meloni's stringent immigration policies and previous attempts to regulate Muslim prayer spaces.

Gravitas | Italy's far-right proposes Nativity Scene Law: Cultural preservation or political move?

<p>In an old video, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the Islamic culture is not entirely "compatible" with European civilisation, and the controversial remarks are now going viral on social media forums.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I believe that there is a problem of compatibility between Islamic culture and the values ​​and rights of our civilisation," she said in the old video, whose exact date is not revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Brothers of Italy party leader further added in the video: "The Islamic cultural centres in Italy are financed by Saudi Arabia where Sharia is in force. In Europe, there is a very Islamisation process distant from the values ​​of our civilisation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video has re-surfaced after the Italian prime minister hosted a political festival organised by her Brothers of Italy party in Rome which had UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in attendance.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨Watch: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GiorgiaMeloni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GiorgiaMeloni</a>: "I believe... there is a problem of compatibility between Islamic culture and the values ​​and rights of our civilization... Will not allow Sharia law to be implemented in italy.... values ​​of our civilization are different! <a href="https://t.co/VGWNix7936">pic.twitter.com/VGWNix7936</a></p>
— Geopolitical Kid (@Geopoliticalkid) <a href="https://twitter.com/Geopoliticalkid/status/1736587651606811000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/opinions-blogs/what-makes-italys-giorgia-meloni-a-woman-leader-with-difference-1699171804008">What Makes Italy’s Giorgia Meloni a Woman Leader With Difference</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Sunak&nbsp;on the refugee issue&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Separately, Rishi Sunak said that he would push for global reforms to the asylum system and warned that the threat of a growing number of refugees could "overwhelm" parts of Europe.</p>

<p>He warned that some "enemies" were deliberately "driving people to our shores to try and destabilise our societies".</p>

<p>"If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who actually need our help the most," Rishi Sunak said, adding, "If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, then we must do that."</p>

<p>Among others, billionaire business magnate Elon Musk was also present at the annual gathering.</p>

<p>"Immigration isn’t enough to combat population shrinking," he said, explaining, "There is value in cultures, we don’t want Italy as a culture to disappear, we want to maintain a reasonable cultural identity of those countries or they won’t be those countries," Musk added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Meloni's other controversial references to Islam</strong></h2>

<p>The video&nbsp;is not the first time Meloni made headlines for a controversial reference to Islam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In September 2019, Meloni wrote a foreword to the 'First Report on Europe's Islamisation', which was presented by the Farefuturo Foundation think-tank, where she wrote: "Because we fear the 'prophecy' of [Michel] Houellebecq, if Europe, and Italy which concerns us closely, do not decide to have policies and tools to preserve itself, may inevitably turn into reality."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Italy migrant crisis: EU Chief, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni visit Lampedusa island</strong></p>

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<p>French novelist Michel Houellebecq, in a satirical novel,&nbsp;imagined a France of the near future in which the citizenry, starved of the meaning of Christianity, elects a Muslim leader into power who converts the country en masse to create&nbsp;a French Islamic theocracy. European leaders often refer to Houellebecq as 'Islamophobic'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report published in the Middle East Eye, Italy neither supports the construction of Muslim religious buildings nor does it recognise Islam legally.</p>

<p>Present-day Italy, however, recognises the Catholic Church as an independent and sovereign authority. It has signed contracts of recognition with a total of 13 religious communities, including Hindus and Jews. But Muslims lack similar legal recognition.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an old video, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the Islamic culture is not entirely "compatible" with European civilisation, and the controversial remarks are now going viral on social media forums.

In an old video, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the Islamic culture is not entirely "compatible" with European civilisation, and the controversial remarks are now going viral on social media forums. "I believe that there is a problem of compatibility between Islamic culture and the values and rights of our civilisation," she said in the old video, whose exact date is not revealed. The Brothers of Italy party leader further added in the video: "The Islamic cultural centres in Italy are financed by Saudi Arabia where Sharia is in force. In Europe, there is a very Islamisation process distant from the values of our civilisation." The video has re-surfaced after the Italian prime minister hosted a political festival organised by her Brothers of Italy party in Rome which had UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in attendance. 🚨Watch: #GiorgiaMeloni: "I believe... there is a problem of compatibility between Islamic culture and the values and rights of our civilization... Will not allow Sharia law to be implemented in italy.... values of our civilization are different! pic.twitter.com/VGWNix7936 — Geopolitical Kid (@Geopoliticalkid) December 18, 2023 × Also read | What Makes Italy’s Giorgia Meloni a Woman Leader With Difference Sunak on the refugee issue Separately, Rishi Sunak said that he would push for global reforms to the asylum system and warned that the threat of a growing number of refugees could "overwhelm" parts of Europe. He warned that some "enemies" were deliberately "driving people to our shores to try and destabilise our societies". "If we do not tackle this problem, the numbers will only grow. It will overwhelm our countries and our capacity to help those who actually need our help the most," Rishi Sunak said, adding, "If that requires us to update our laws and lead an international conversation to amend the post-war frameworks around asylum, then we must do that." Among others, billionaire business magnate Elon Musk was also present at the annual gathering. "Immigration isn’t enough to combat population shrinking," he said, explaining, "There is value in cultures, we don’t want Italy as a culture to disappear, we want to maintain a reasonable cultural identity of those countries or they won’t be those countries," Musk added. Meloni's other controversial references to Islam The video is not the first time Meloni made headlines for a controversial reference to Islam. In September 2019, Meloni wrote a foreword to the 'First Report on Europe's Islamisation', which was presented by the Farefuturo Foundation think-tank, where she wrote: "Because we fear the 'prophecy' of [Michel] Houellebecq, if Europe, and Italy which concerns us closely, do not decide to have policies and tools to preserve itself, may inevitably turn into reality." Also watch | Italy migrant crisis: EU Chief, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni visit Lampedusa island × French novelist Michel Houellebecq, in a satirical novel, imagined a France of the near future in which the citizenry, starved of the meaning of Christianity, elects a Muslim leader into power who converts the country en masse to create a French Islamic theocracy. European leaders often refer to Houellebecq as 'Islamophobic'. According to a report published in the Middle East Eye, Italy neither supports the construction of Muslim religious buildings nor does it recognise Islam legally. Present-day Italy, however, recognises the Catholic Church as an independent and sovereign authority. It has signed contracts of recognition with a total of 13 religious communities, including Hindus and Jews. But Muslims lack similar legal recognition. (With inputs from agencies)

'No place for Islam in Europe, compatibility problem': Italy's Giorgia Meloni said in an old video

<p>The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-pm-giorgia-melonis-melodi-selfie-with-indian-pm-narendra-modi-breaks-internet-665269">taken over the internet</a> but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome. The bilateral relationship between the two countries stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But all was not well between India and Italy.</p>

<p>While the two countries have shared warmer ties since India achieved freedom from the British Empire in 1947, the bilateral frost came in 2012 when two Italian marines were accused of killing two Indian fishermen near the coast line of southern state of Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The marines claimed they mistook the fishermen for pirates, and Italy argued the fishermen failed to heed warnings to stay away from the MV Enrica Lexie tanker. The two were arrested and charged with murder.</p>

<p>The case was moved from Kerala to New Delhi. It blew up. The marines stayed on at the Italian embassy complex while the trial went on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a pending trial, the two marines were allowed to return to Italy.</p>

<p>In 2015, New Delhi and Rome took the case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Netherlands' Hague.</p>

<p>The PCA ordered Italy to pay ₹100mn in compensation to India "for loss of life".</p>

<p>Finally, the case was closed in 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>India-Italy relations: Effort to repair ties before 'Melodi' bonhomie</strong></h2>

<p>In September 2016, India's then foreign minister Sushma Swaraj led an official delegation for the canonisation ceremony of Albanian-Indian social reformer Mother Teresa at the Vatican City. While the Catholic mass at St Peter's square presided over by Pope Francis had an obvious religious fervour, the corridors of diplomacy witnessed a crucial bilateral breakthrough between India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and her Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni.&nbsp;<img alt="Former Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj (centre) along with former minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal in Vatican City" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d6ee272-fe9c-42f1-bb69-2b021d87125a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-08T200257.568.png" /></p>

<p><em>Former Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj (centre) along with former minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal in Vatican City | Agencies</em></p>

<p>Swaraj and Gentiloni decided that their countries will celebrate the 70th year of India-Italy diplomatic ties. In 2018, the India-Italy ties were celebrated with cultural events in both India and Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2019, during the second tenure of Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the current foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Rome and met the predecessor of Giorgia Meloni, the then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar's Italy visit in December 2019 took place months after Italy -- in March 2019 -- became the only G7 nation to join China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a transcontinental Chinese connectivity project India has opposed since it passes through a part of India's Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani and Chinese occupation respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foundation was laid for an upcoming India-Italy summit in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid Covid pandemic, a virtual India-Italy summit was held in November 2020. The summit saw the adoption of 2020-2025 Action Plan which further established the ambitious agenda for an enhanced partnership between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 15 Memorandums of Understanding covering areas like energy, media, finance, and ship building were signed.</p>

<p>The two sides "underscored the need to further expand defence engagement through greater two-way collaboration and technology cooperation, co-development and co-production, by expediting discussions through the Joint Defence Committee and Military Cooperation Group".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Italy ties: The 'melodi' bonhomie</strong></h2>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his first official visit to Italy in October 2021 to attend the G20 leaders’ summit. On the sidelines of the Summit, he held a bilateral meeting with then PM Mario Draghi in which the two leaders "exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest".</p>

<p>In&nbsp;March&nbsp;2023, the newly elected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid a state visit to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meloni and Modi held discussions on promoting green economy, energy security and transition, defence co-production and co-innovation, and the blue economy.</p>

<p>The top outcome of Meloni's state visit was the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the level of Strategic Partnership. A startup bridge between Indian and Italian startup companies was also established.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, it was was during her March visit to India when&nbsp;Meloni praised Modi as "the most loved leader" of the world. The netizens then held on to that snippet and 'Melodi' (the fusion of the last names of two prime ministers) came into vogue.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-pm-giorgia-melonis-melodi-selfie-with-indian-pm-narendra-modi-breaks-internet-665269">Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's 'Melodi' selfie with Indian PM Narendra Modi breaks internet</a></strong></p>

<p>The 'Melodi' continued to be a social media catchphrase during G20 summit which India hosted in September 2023 and achieved a new height of popularity last week when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a selfie of herself with Modi by using the hashtag: #Melodi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The selfie, clicked on the sidelines of the COP28 meet in Dubai, was captioned by Meloni: "Good friends at COP28. #Melodi".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Melodi Selfie | Indian PM Modi reacts to 'Melodi' selfie</strong></p>

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<p>Modi reposted the picture, writing: “Meeting friends is always a delight.”</p>

<h2><strong>India-Italy relations: The China factor</strong></h2>

<p>India and Italy were on the same page when a consensus was reached on India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, widely hailed as a response to China's Belt and Road Initiative.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delhi-g20-modi-biden-mbs-launch-inter-continent-economic-corridor-to-outfox-chinas-bri-634176">G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal'</a></strong></p>

<p>Italy's move to pull itself out of the Belt and Road Initiative this month has brought a specific bilateral convergence in terms of Rome and New Delhi's shared interests on global connectivity.</p>


The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just taken over the internet but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome.

The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just taken over the internet but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome. The bilateral relationship between the two countries stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific. But all was not well between India and Italy. While the two countries have shared warmer ties since India achieved freedom from the British Empire in 1947, the bilateral frost came in 2012 when two Italian marines were accused of killing two Indian fishermen near the coast line of southern state of Kerala. The marines claimed they mistook the fishermen for pirates, and Italy argued the fishermen failed to heed warnings to stay away from the MV Enrica Lexie tanker. The two were arrested and charged with murder. The case was moved from Kerala to New Delhi. It blew up. The marines stayed on at the Italian embassy complex while the trial went on. With a pending trial, the two marines were allowed to return to Italy. In 2015, New Delhi and Rome took the case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Netherlands' Hague. The PCA ordered Italy to pay ₹100mn in compensation to India "for loss of life". Finally, the case was closed in 2021. India-Italy relations: Effort to repair ties before 'Melodi' bonhomie In September 2016, India's then foreign minister Sushma Swaraj led an official delegation for the canonisation ceremony of Albanian-Indian social reformer Mother Teresa at the Vatican City. While the Catholic mass at St Peter's square presided over by Pope Francis had an obvious religious fervour, the corridors of diplomacy witnessed a crucial bilateral breakthrough between India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and her Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni. Former Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj (centre) along with former minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal in Vatican City | Agencies Swaraj and Gentiloni decided that their countries will celebrate the 70th year of India-Italy diplomatic ties. In 2018, the India-Italy ties were celebrated with cultural events in both India and Italy. In December 2019, during the second tenure of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the current foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Rome and met the predecessor of Giorgia Meloni, the then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Jaishankar's Italy visit in December 2019 took place months after Italy -- in March 2019 -- became the only G7 nation to join China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is a transcontinental Chinese connectivity project India has opposed since it passes through a part of India's Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani and Chinese occupation respectively. The foundation was laid for an upcoming India-Italy summit in 2020. Amid Covid pandemic, a virtual India-Italy summit was held in November 2020. The summit saw the adoption of 2020-2025 Action Plan which further established the ambitious agenda for an enhanced partnership between the two countries. A total of 15 Memorandums of Understanding covering areas like energy, media, finance, and ship building were signed. The two sides "underscored the need to further expand defence engagement through greater two-way collaboration and technology cooperation, co-development and co-production, by expediting discussions through the Joint Defence Committee and Military Cooperation Group". India-Italy ties: The 'melodi' bonhomie Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his first official visit to Italy in October 2021 to attend the G20 leaders’ summit. On the sidelines of the Summit, he held a bilateral meeting with then PM Mario Draghi in which the two leaders "exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest". In March 2023, the newly elected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid a state visit to India. Meloni and Modi held discussions on promoting green economy, energy security and transition, defence co-production and co-innovation, and the blue economy. The top outcome of Meloni's state visit was the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the level of Strategic Partnership. A startup bridge between Indian and Italian startup companies was also established. Besides, it was was during her March visit to India when Meloni praised Modi as "the most loved leader" of the world. The netizens then held on to that snippet and 'Melodi' (the fusion of the last names of two prime ministers) came into vogue. Also read | Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's 'Melodi' selfie with Indian PM Narendra Modi breaks internet The 'Melodi' continued to be a social media catchphrase during G20 summit which India hosted in September 2023 and achieved a new height of popularity last week when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a selfie of herself with Modi by using the hashtag: #Melodi. The selfie, clicked on the sidelines of the COP28 meet in Dubai, was captioned by Meloni: "Good friends at COP28. #Melodi". Also watch | Melodi Selfie | Indian PM Modi reacts to 'Melodi' selfie × Modi reposted the picture, writing: “Meeting friends is always a delight.” India-Italy relations: The China factor India and Italy were on the same page when a consensus was reached on India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, widely hailed as a response to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Also read | G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal' Italy's move to pull itself out of the Belt and Road Initiative this month has brought a specific bilateral convergence in terms of Rome and New Delhi's shared interests on global connectivity.

Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years

<p>Italy's Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman featured among world's most powerful women of 2023. While Meloni was listed as world's fourth most powerful woman by the Forbes, Sitharaman was ranked at 32nd spot.</p>

<p>Forbes said that its 2023 Power List was determined by four main metrics, "money, media, impact and spheres of influence".</p>

<p>"For political leaders, we weighed gross domestic products and populations; for corporate chiefs, revenues, valuations and employee counts were critical," it said.</p>

<p>"Media mentions and social reach were analysed for all. The result: 100 women who are shaping the policies, products and political fights that define our world," Forbes wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen topped the Forbes List of the world's most powerful women leaders followed by European Central Bank's president Christine Lagarde and the US Vice President Kamala Harris.</p>

<p>Popstar Taylor Swift was listed as the world's fifth most powerful woman in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Philanthropist Melinda Gates was listed as the tenth most powerful woman in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Giorgia Meloni fourth most powerful woman leader: Why is it so?</strong></h2>

<p>Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took office in October 2022 and became the first woman in the modern history to hold that role. The president of Italy's right-wing Brothers of Italy party since March 2014, Meloni's role has been consequential in ensuring Italy's exit from the Chinese expansionist project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).&nbsp;</p>

<p>She has been unapologetic about saying "yes to natural families and no to the LGBT lobby", deeming the parenting of children by same-sex couples as unnatural, in a row that snowballed into an unprecedented controversy in Europe's liberal landscape.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-very-real-fears-for-lgbt-community-after-melonis-win-as-the-new-prime-minister-520379">Italy: 'Very real fears' for LGBT community after Meloni's win as the new prime minister</a></strong></p>

<p>But her most notable moment of political prominence has been a constitutional reform that she backed in November 2023. The said proposal&nbsp;would allow for the direct election of the prime minister in a nearly presidential manner.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nirmala Sitharaman among world's most powerful women leaders: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman figuratively helms over the world's fifth largest economy. After former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj's death in 2019 and&nbsp;toning down of Union minister Smriti Irani's cabinet portfolios, Sitharaman is the&nbsp;most senior female figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Finance Minister since 2019, Sitharaman is a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman top ranked Indian woman in Forbes list of Powerful Women 2023</strong></p>

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<p>Besides, Roshni Malhotra Nadar (60), Soma Mandal (70)&nbsp;and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (76), also feature in the Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women.&nbsp;</p>


Italy's Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman featured among world's most powerful women of 2023. While Meloni was listed as world's fourth most powerful woman by the Forbes, Sitharaman was ranked at 32nd spot.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman featured among world's most powerful women of 2023. While Meloni was listed as world's fourth most powerful woman by the Forbes, Sitharaman was ranked at 32nd spot. Forbes said that its 2023 Power List was determined by four main metrics, "money, media, impact and spheres of influence". "For political leaders, we weighed gross domestic products and populations; for corporate chiefs, revenues, valuations and employee counts were critical," it said. "Media mentions and social reach were analysed for all. The result: 100 women who are shaping the policies, products and political fights that define our world," Forbes wrote. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen topped the Forbes List of the world's most powerful women leaders followed by European Central Bank's president Christine Lagarde and the US Vice President Kamala Harris. Popstar Taylor Swift was listed as the world's fifth most powerful woman in 2023. Philanthropist Melinda Gates was listed as the tenth most powerful woman in 2023. Giorgia Meloni fourth most powerful woman leader: Why is it so? Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took office in October 2022 and became the first woman in the modern history to hold that role. The president of Italy's right-wing Brothers of Italy party since March 2014, Meloni's role has been consequential in ensuring Italy's exit from the Chinese expansionist project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). She has been unapologetic about saying "yes to natural families and no to the LGBT lobby", deeming the parenting of children by same-sex couples as unnatural, in a row that snowballed into an unprecedented controversy in Europe's liberal landscape. Also read | Italy: 'Very real fears' for LGBT community after Meloni's win as the new prime minister But her most notable moment of political prominence has been a constitutional reform that she backed in November 2023. The said proposal would allow for the direct election of the prime minister in a nearly presidential manner. Nirmala Sitharaman among world's most powerful women leaders: What does it mean? India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman figuratively helms over the world's fifth largest economy. After former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj's death in 2019 and toning down of Union minister Smriti Irani's cabinet portfolios, Sitharaman is the most senior female figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Finance Minister since 2019, Sitharaman is a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament. Also watch | Nirmala Sitharaman top ranked Indian woman in Forbes list of Powerful Women 2023 × Besides, Roshni Malhotra Nadar (60), Soma Mandal (70) and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (76), also feature in the Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women.

Italy's Giorgia Meloni, India's Nirmala Sitharaman listed among world's most powerful women

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the viral 'Melodi' selfie posted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Dec 1) from the sidelines of COP28 summit in Dubai. The selfie, posted by Meloni on Instagram as well as X (formerly Twitter) became the most-talked about trend on internet in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meloni captioned the selfie with hashtag 'Melodi' while describing herself and Modi as 'good friends at COP28'.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good friends at COP28.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melodi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/g0W6R0RJJo">pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo</a></p>
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1730644622198657314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 46-year-old Italian leader&nbsp;captured the attention of netizens with the hashtag 'Melodi', a popular play on the surname of the two leaders created from sarcastic alleys of social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi replied on Dec 2: "Meeting friends is always a delight."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meeting friends is always a delight. <a href="https://t.co/4PWqZZaDKC">https://t.co/4PWqZZaDKC</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1730886406677881184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(More information will be added soon.)</em></p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the viral 'Melodi' selfie posted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Dec 1) from the sidelines of COP28 summit in Dubai.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the viral 'Melodi' selfie posted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Dec 1) from the sidelines of COP28 summit in Dubai. The selfie, posted by Meloni on Instagram as well as X (formerly Twitter) became the most-talked about trend on internet in India. Meloni captioned the selfie with hashtag 'Melodi' while describing herself and Modi as 'good friends at COP28'. Good friends at COP28.#Melodi pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) December 1, 2023 × The 46-year-old Italian leader captured the attention of netizens with the hashtag 'Melodi', a popular play on the surname of the two leaders created from sarcastic alleys of social media. Modi replied on Dec 2: "Meeting friends is always a delight." Meeting friends is always a delight. https://t.co/4PWqZZaDKC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 2, 2023 × (More information will be added soon.)

'Always a delight': India's PM Modi reacts to viral 'Melodi' selfie

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<p>It appears that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is well-versed with the internet sub-culture as she posted a selfie with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on her official Instagram account on Friday (Dec 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 46-year-old Italian leader captured the attention of netizens with her caption and the hashtag,&nbsp;which read #Melodi, a popular play on the surname of the two leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time of the update, the post had garnered over 110,000 likes and several thousand comments, suggesting the two powerful figures of world politics were a favourite on online platforms.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Meloni and Modi met on the sidelines of the ongoing COP28 climate summit in Dubai, UAE where sustainability and environment conservation have&nbsp;dominated the talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi posted a photo with Meloni saying India and Italy were looking for a sustainable and prosperous future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Meeting with PM @GiorgiaMeloni of Italy on the sidelines of the #COP 28 Summit. I trust in the joint efforts of India and Italy for a prosperous and sustainable future," the PM wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Incontro con PM <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GiorgiaMeloni</a> dell'Italia a margine del <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP</a> 28 Summit.<br />
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Confido negli sforzi congiunti di India e Italia per un futuro prospero e sostenibile. <a href="https://t.co/zdCSLHOKya">pic.twitter.com/zdCSLHOKya</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1730578147102605755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The camaraderie between the two leaders first came to light at the G20 Summit in Delhi in September, earlier this year. Meloni was received by PM Modi as they shook hands, and exchanged pleasantries while bursting into laughter following a brief conversation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also wished PM Modi on his birthday with an endearing message that read: "Happy Birthday Wishes @narendramodi. A friend committed to building the future and proud of the history of a great nation close to Italy."</p>

<p>Prior to the G20 Summit, Meloni visited India in March on her maiden trip as the two leaders engaged in various bilateral meetings. Notably, the Italian leader's visit to New Delhi coincided with the diamond anniversary of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-italian-pm-giorgia-meloni-appreciates-support-for-indias-g20-presidency-634295"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, appreciates support for India’s G20 Presidency</strong></a></p>

<p>Apart from Meloni, PM Modi, during his busy day at the summit, also met&nbsp;Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, among other leaders.</p>

<p>In his speech, PM Modi called on nations around the globe to work together to cut emissions and batted for a 'green credit' initiative that focuses on creating carbon skins.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


It appears that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is well-versed with the internet sub-culture as she posted a selfie with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on her official Instagram account on Friday (Dec 1).

It appears that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is well-versed with the internet sub-culture as she posted a selfie with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on her official Instagram account on Friday (Dec 1). The 46-year-old Italian leader captured the attention of netizens with her caption and the hashtag, which read #Melodi, a popular play on the surname of the two leaders. At the time of the update, the post had garnered over 110,000 likes and several thousand comments, suggesting the two powerful figures of world politics were a favourite on online platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Giorgia Meloni (@giorgiameloni) × Meloni and Modi met on the sidelines of the ongoing COP28 climate summit in Dubai, UAE where sustainability and environment conservation have dominated the talks. Earlier in the day, PM Modi posted a photo with Meloni saying India and Italy were looking for a sustainable and prosperous future. "Meeting with PM @GiorgiaMeloni of Italy on the sidelines of the #COP 28 Summit. I trust in the joint efforts of India and Italy for a prosperous and sustainable future," the PM wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). Incontro con PM @GiorgiaMeloni dell'Italia a margine del #COP 28 Summit. Confido negli sforzi congiunti di India e Italia per un futuro prospero e sostenibile. pic.twitter.com/zdCSLHOKya — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 1, 2023 × The camaraderie between the two leaders first came to light at the G20 Summit in Delhi in September, earlier this year. Meloni was received by PM Modi as they shook hands, and exchanged pleasantries while bursting into laughter following a brief conversation. She also wished PM Modi on his birthday with an endearing message that read: "Happy Birthday Wishes @narendramodi. A friend committed to building the future and proud of the history of a great nation close to Italy." Prior to the G20 Summit, Meloni visited India in March on her maiden trip as the two leaders engaged in various bilateral meetings. Notably, the Italian leader's visit to New Delhi coincided with the diamond anniversary of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Also read | PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, appreciates support for India’s G20 Presidency Apart from Meloni, PM Modi, during his busy day at the summit, also met Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, among other leaders. In his speech, PM Modi called on nations around the globe to work together to cut emissions and batted for a 'green credit' initiative that focuses on creating carbon skins. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's 'Melodi' selfie with Indian PM Narendra Modi breaks internet

<p>In a tragic turn of events, Indi Gregory, an eight-month-old British girl at the centre of a legal battle over her treatment, passed away within 24 hours of specialists withdrawing life support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This happened, despite her being granted an Italian citizenship to facilitate her treatment abroad.</p>

<h2><strong>A desperate bid for treatment abroad&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Indi was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, a genetic condition that made it hard for her to breathe and also impaired cells in her body from producing energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The condition has no cure, due to which a UK court ruled that medics can lawfully limit Indi's treatment.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/feeling-of-rich-getting-elusive-survey-finds-92-millionaires-consider-themselves-middle-class-658139">Feeling of 'rich' getting elusive, survey finds 92% millionaires consider themselves 'middle class'</a></strong></p>

<p>Her parents, Claire Staniforth and Dean Gregory, however, had sought to transfer her to the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesu hospital in Italy.</p>

<p>The hope was to explore treatment options for mitochondrial disease. However, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and multiple courts consistently ruled against the transfer, arguing it wasn't in the child's best interests.</p>

<h2><strong>Courts reject parental pleas</strong></h2>

<p>Even the parents' plea to have Indi's life support removed at home instead of a hospital or hospice was rejected by the Court of Appeal on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, as reported by AFP, her parents expressed anger and heartbreak and said: "The NHS and the courts not only took away her chance to live a longer life, but they also took away Indi's dignity to pass away in the family home where she belonged."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-claims-world-record-for-spacex-delivering-over-1000-tonnes-to-orbit-in-2023-658075">Elon Musk claims 'world record' for SpaceX delivering over 1,000 tonnes to orbit in 2023</a></strong></p>

<p>"They did succeed in taking Indi's body and dignity, but they can never take her soul," said Gregory.</p>

<h2><strong>International support and intervention</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni granted Indi Italian citizenship, hoping to facilitate her treatment in Italy.&nbsp;Pope Francis too expressed his support, and said that he "prays for them and for her".</p>

<p>However, British courts deemed the intervention from Rome as "wholly misconceived," and blocked her transfer to Italy.</p>

<p>Expressing her grief at Indi's passing, Meloni posted on X, "We did everything we could, everything possible. Unfortunately, it was not enough. Bon voyage, little Indi."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Abbiamo fatto tutto quello che potevamo, tutto il possibile. Purtroppo non è bastato.<br />
Buon viaggio piccola Indi. <a href="https://t.co/io7scfTf3O">pic.twitter.com/io7scfTf3O</a></p>
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1723969172831383818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a tragic turn of events, Indi Gregory, an eight-month-old British girl at the centre of a legal battle over her treatment, passed away within 24 hours of specialists withdrawing life support.

In a tragic turn of events, Indi Gregory, an eight-month-old British girl at the centre of a legal battle over her treatment, passed away within 24 hours of specialists withdrawing life support. This happened, despite her being granted an Italian citizenship to facilitate her treatment abroad. A desperate bid for treatment abroad Indi was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, a genetic condition that made it hard for her to breathe and also impaired cells in her body from producing energy. The condition has no cure, due to which a UK court ruled that medics can lawfully limit Indi's treatment. Also read | Feeling of 'rich' getting elusive, survey finds 92% millionaires consider themselves 'middle class' Her parents, Claire Staniforth and Dean Gregory, however, had sought to transfer her to the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesu hospital in Italy. The hope was to explore treatment options for mitochondrial disease. However, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and multiple courts consistently ruled against the transfer, arguing it wasn't in the child's best interests. Courts reject parental pleas Even the parents' plea to have Indi's life support removed at home instead of a hospital or hospice was rejected by the Court of Appeal on Friday. In a statement, as reported by AFP, her parents expressed anger and heartbreak and said: "The NHS and the courts not only took away her chance to live a longer life, but they also took away Indi's dignity to pass away in the family home where she belonged." Also read | Elon Musk claims 'world record' for SpaceX delivering over 1,000 tonnes to orbit in 2023 "They did succeed in taking Indi's body and dignity, but they can never take her soul," said Gregory. International support and intervention Last week, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni granted Indi Italian citizenship, hoping to facilitate her treatment in Italy. Pope Francis too expressed his support, and said that he "prays for them and for her". However, British courts deemed the intervention from Rome as "wholly misconceived," and blocked her transfer to Italy. Expressing her grief at Indi's passing, Meloni posted on X, "We did everything we could, everything possible. Unfortunately, it was not enough. Bon voyage, little Indi." Abbiamo fatto tutto quello che potevamo, tutto il possibile. Purtroppo non è bastato. Buon viaggio piccola Indi. pic.twitter.com/io7scfTf3O — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) November 13, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies)

Indi Gregory: Legal battle over treatment ends in tragedy as terminally-ill British infant dies

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Oct 3) proposed a constitutional change that will pave the way for the direct election of the premier. The PM is justifying the move by citing the persistent political instability that has rocked the nation over the last decade.</p>

<p>"This is the mother of all reforms," Meloni’s office announced while talking to the media, shortly after a cabinet meeting where the bill was introduced.</p>

<p>That would favour "the stability of the government and (its) political direction", said the statement by the PM office.</p>

<p>The fact that the Meloni government is Italy’s seventh in the last decade speaks volumes of the persistent political chaos in the country.</p>

<h2><strong>The current regime</strong></h2>

<p>Under the current system, Italian voters don’t choose the premier but party lists. Then, the elected representatives select their leader, who need not to be a politician, to head the government.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Italy's PM Georgia Meloni announces separation from husband</strong></p>

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<p>Under the new system, the government also wants the list linked to the prime minister to be assured of at least 55 per cent of seats in parliament "so as to ensure governability".</p>

<p>“Should the prime minister need to be replaced, in case of sickness or death, for example, he or she could only be replaced by a parliamentarian from the majority, and "only for the purpose of continuing the implementation of the same government programme," said the statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Provisions regarding dissolution</strong></h2>

<p>If the elected prime minister faces two consecutive votes of no confidence in parliament, it would lead to the dissolution of the legislative body and the organisation of new elections.</p>

<p>This automatic dissolution of parliament could limit the authority of Italy's president, who primarily holds a ceremonial role but can intervene during crises. Currently, the president has the power to appoint a prime minister or dissolve parliament.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-ciaran-death-toll-rises-to-16-after-heavy-rain-and-record-winds-batter-western-europe-654908"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Storm Ciaran: Death toll rises to 16 after heavy rain and record winds batter Western Europe</strong></a></p>

<p>Meloni's proposed reform would also restrict the possibility of appointing a technocrat like Mario Draghi as prime minister during challenging times. Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank, held this position from February 2021 to October 2022 following the collapse of the previous government.</p>

<p>The success of this bill is uncertain, as amending the constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of parliament or approval through a referendum, something that Meloni’s party lacks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Oct 3) proposed a constitutional change that will pave the way for the direct election of the premier. The PM is justifying the move by citing the persistent political instability that has rocked the nation over the last decade.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Oct 3) proposed a constitutional change that will pave the way for the direct election of the premier. The PM is justifying the move by citing the persistent political instability that has rocked the nation over the last decade. "This is the mother of all reforms," Meloni’s office announced while talking to the media, shortly after a cabinet meeting where the bill was introduced. That would favour "the stability of the government and (its) political direction", said the statement by the PM office. The fact that the Meloni government is Italy’s seventh in the last decade speaks volumes of the persistent political chaos in the country. The current regime Under the current system, Italian voters don’t choose the premier but party lists. Then, the elected representatives select their leader, who need not to be a politician, to head the government. Watch: Italy's PM Georgia Meloni announces separation from husband × Under the new system, the government also wants the list linked to the prime minister to be assured of at least 55 per cent of seats in parliament "so as to ensure governability". “Should the prime minister need to be replaced, in case of sickness or death, for example, he or she could only be replaced by a parliamentarian from the majority, and "only for the purpose of continuing the implementation of the same government programme," said the statement. Provisions regarding dissolution If the elected prime minister faces two consecutive votes of no confidence in parliament, it would lead to the dissolution of the legislative body and the organisation of new elections. This automatic dissolution of parliament could limit the authority of Italy's president, who primarily holds a ceremonial role but can intervene during crises. Currently, the president has the power to appoint a prime minister or dissolve parliament. Also read: Storm Ciaran: Death toll rises to 16 after heavy rain and record winds batter Western Europe Meloni's proposed reform would also restrict the possibility of appointing a technocrat like Mario Draghi as prime minister during challenging times. Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank, held this position from February 2021 to October 2022 following the collapse of the previous government. The success of this bill is uncertain, as amending the constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of parliament or approval through a referendum, something that Meloni’s party lacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian PM Meloni proposes direct election of premier in ‘mother of all reforms’

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni got tricked by Russian pranksters who posed as head of the African Union Commission. The pranksters involved in the incident are well-known Russian "comedians" - Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, also known as Vovan and Lexus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the hoax call, Meloni touched upon a range of topics from the response of European leaders on war in Ukraine to the issue of increasing migrant arrivals on Italy's shores.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident came to light when the 13-minute-long spoof call was released online on Wednesday (Nov 1) by the two Russian pranksters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vovan and Lexus are known widely for pranking top world leaders, including Polish president Andrzej Duda, former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-ambassador-iraj-elahi-sees-indias-constructive-role-in-reaching-ceasefire-amid-west-asia-crisis-654041">Iran's Ambassador Iraj Elahi sees India's 'constructive' role in reaching ceasefire amid West Asia crisis</a></p>

<p>The duo fooled these leaders into making frank comments about geopolitics.</p>

<p>Meloni was made to believe by the pranksters that she was holding a discussion with the head of the African Union Commission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-tourists-students-in-russia-can-now-open-bank-accounts-make-transactions-remotely-654029">Indian tourists, students in Russia can now open bank accounts &amp; make transactions remotely</a></p>

<p>Speaking about the Russia-Ukraine war, Meloni, who spoke in English, said that the European leaders have a "lot of fatigue."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I see that there is a lot of fatigue, I have to say the truth, from all the sides. We (are) near the moment in which everybody understands that we need a way out," she said adding, "The problem is to find a way out which can be acceptable for both without destroying the international law."</p>

<p>According to Meloni's office, which released a statement about the call, showed regret and said that the conversation took place on September 18.&nbsp;As per the statement, the talks took place ahead of the meetings with African leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).</p>

<h2><strong>Migrants issue&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Italian PM also deplored European leaders for their stance on the migrant issue.</p>

<p>Commenting on Italy's position over the migrants influx from across the Mediterranean, Meloni said, "They do all agree that only Italy has to solve this problem alone. It's a very stupid way of thinking."</p>

<p>Russian prankster Lexus hailed the Italian PM Meloni saying that at least she shared her true opinions over the call, something which is&nbsp;claimed to not have been seen in conversations with other world leaders the duo managed to trick.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/humanitarian-crisis-worsen-how-much-water-and-power-does-gaza-have-654022">Humanitarian crisis worsen, how much water and power does Gaza have?</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Unfortunately, unlike her, many European politicians behave like some kind of programmed robot and express points of view that are only voiced in their own circles," Lexus told Reuters in a telephonic conversation.</p>

<p>Lexus said that he was the one who spoke with Meloni and Vovan was only listening to the call. Meloni made headlines recently when she split with her TV presenter partner last month following his sexist remarks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni got tricked by Russian pranksters who posed as head of the African Union Commission. The pranksters involved in the incident are well-known Russian "comedians" - Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, also known as Vovan and Lexus.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni got tricked by Russian pranksters who posed as head of the African Union Commission. The pranksters involved in the incident are well-known Russian "comedians" - Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, also known as Vovan and Lexus. During the hoax call, Meloni touched upon a range of topics from the response of European leaders on war in Ukraine to the issue of increasing migrant arrivals on Italy's shores. The incident came to light when the 13-minute-long spoof call was released online on Wednesday (Nov 1) by the two Russian pranksters. Vovan and Lexus are known widely for pranking top world leaders, including Polish president Andrzej Duda, former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Also Read | Iran's Ambassador Iraj Elahi sees India's 'constructive' role in reaching ceasefire amid West Asia crisis The duo fooled these leaders into making frank comments about geopolitics. Meloni was made to believe by the pranksters that she was holding a discussion with the head of the African Union Commission. Also Read | Indian tourists, students in Russia can now open bank accounts & make transactions remotely Speaking about the Russia-Ukraine war, Meloni, who spoke in English, said that the European leaders have a "lot of fatigue." "I see that there is a lot of fatigue, I have to say the truth, from all the sides. We (are) near the moment in which everybody understands that we need a way out," she said adding, "The problem is to find a way out which can be acceptable for both without destroying the international law." According to Meloni's office, which released a statement about the call, showed regret and said that the conversation took place on September 18. As per the statement, the talks took place ahead of the meetings with African leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Migrants issue The Italian PM also deplored European leaders for their stance on the migrant issue. Commenting on Italy's position over the migrants influx from across the Mediterranean, Meloni said, "They do all agree that only Italy has to solve this problem alone. It's a very stupid way of thinking." Russian prankster Lexus hailed the Italian PM Meloni saying that at least she shared her true opinions over the call, something which is claimed to not have been seen in conversations with other world leaders the duo managed to trick. Watch | Humanitarian crisis worsen, how much water and power does Gaza have? × "Unfortunately, unlike her, many European politicians behave like some kind of programmed robot and express points of view that are only voiced in their own circles," Lexus told Reuters in a telephonic conversation. Lexus said that he was the one who spoke with Meloni and Vovan was only listening to the call. Meloni made headlines recently when she split with her TV presenter partner last month following his sexist remarks. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian PM Meloni tricked by Russian pranksters posing as top official in spoof call

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday (Oct 21), said that the international community must sidestep an intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and develop a roadmap towards the two-state solution.</p>

<p>She made the remarks during her address at the Cairo International Summit for Peace in the Middle East.</p>

<p>"Although our starting points are far apart, our interests overlap perfectly: that what is happening in Gaza does not become a much wider conflict, a religious war, a clash of civilisations," Meloni said speaking in Italian.</p>

<p>"I have the impression that this was the real aim of the Hamas attack, not to defend the rights of the Palestinian people, but an attack that would create an unbridgeable gap between the Palestinians and the Israelis, meaning that the target is all of us, and we cannot fall into this trap, which would be very stupid."</p>

<p>The Italian prime minister met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo and travelled to Tel Aviv to meet her Israeli counterpart&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p>During her conversation with Abbas, the two leaders raised concerns about the need to make efforts for a de-escalation of the war between Israel and Hams and for a two-state solution, referring to the idea of establishing two separate and independent states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians.</p>

<p>"I hope that there is a responsibility on the part of the whole international community, and it seems to me that there is, to speed up this process and provide a structural solution to the conflict," Meloni said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-dials-american-hostages-released-by-hamas-649777">US President Joe Biden dials American hostages released by Hamas</a></p>

<p>She further emphasised that a two-state solution must have an exact timeframe.</p>

<h2><strong>Guterres urges ceasefire</strong></h2>

<p>UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, while addressing a Cairo summit, urged for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the ongoing conflict demanding "action to end this godawful nightmare".</p>

<p>He said that the Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people was living through "a humanitarian catastrophe" with thousands dead and more than a million displaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We meet in the heart of a region that is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice," he told the meeting that included the leaders of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as well as of Italy, Spain and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday (Oct 21), said that the international community must sidestep an intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and develop a roadmap towards the two-state solution.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday (Oct 21), said that the international community must sidestep an intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and develop a roadmap towards the two-state solution. She made the remarks during her address at the Cairo International Summit for Peace in the Middle East. "Although our starting points are far apart, our interests overlap perfectly: that what is happening in Gaza does not become a much wider conflict, a religious war, a clash of civilisations," Meloni said speaking in Italian. "I have the impression that this was the real aim of the Hamas attack, not to defend the rights of the Palestinian people, but an attack that would create an unbridgeable gap between the Palestinians and the Israelis, meaning that the target is all of us, and we cannot fall into this trap, which would be very stupid." The Italian prime minister met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo and travelled to Tel Aviv to meet her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. During her conversation with Abbas, the two leaders raised concerns about the need to make efforts for a de-escalation of the war between Israel and Hams and for a two-state solution, referring to the idea of establishing two separate and independent states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians. "I hope that there is a responsibility on the part of the whole international community, and it seems to me that there is, to speed up this process and provide a structural solution to the conflict," Meloni said. Also read: US President Joe Biden dials American hostages released by Hamas She further emphasised that a two-state solution must have an exact timeframe. Guterres urges ceasefire UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, while addressing a Cairo summit, urged for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the ongoing conflict demanding "action to end this godawful nightmare". He said that the Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people was living through "a humanitarian catastrophe" with thousands dead and more than a million displaced. "We meet in the heart of a region that is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice," he told the meeting that included the leaders of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as well as of Italy, Spain and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni urges international community to avoid escalation of Israel-Hamas war

The longtime boyfriend of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, television journalist Andrea Giambruno, who recently faced backlash for sexist remarks he made on broadcast, and Meloni announced their split on Friday.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni parts ways with journalist Andrea Giambruno

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Oct 20) announced that she had separated from her longtime beau and television journalist partner Andrea Giambruno, who recently was criticised for making sexist comments on air.<br />
<br />
“My relationship with Andrea Giambruno, which lasted almost ten years, ends here. I thank him for the splendid years we spent together, for the difficulties we went through, and for giving me the most important thing in my life, which is our daughter Ginevra,” Meloni wrote on X and Facebook.<br />
<br />
“Our paths have diverged for some time, and the time has come to acknowledge it. I will defend what we were, I will defend our friendship, and I will defend, at all costs, a seven-year-old girl who loves her mother and loves her father, as I was unable to love mine. I have nothing else to say about this. Ps. all those who hoped to weaken me by hitting me at home should know that however much the drop may hope to dig out the stone, the stone remains stone and the drop is only water," she added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">La mia relazione con Andrea Giambruno, durata quasi dieci anni, finisce qui. Lo ringrazio per gli anni splendidi che abbiamo trascorso insieme, per le difficoltà che abbiamo attraversato, e per avermi regalato la cosa più importante della mia vita, che è nostra figlia Ginevra.… <a href="https://t.co/1IpvfN8MgA">pic.twitter.com/1IpvfN8MgA</a></p>
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1715255386058506377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meloni and her partner have a young daughter together.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-and-giorgia-meloni-we-are-two-of-the-closest-friends-in-europe-today-643494">Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni: 'We are two of the closest friends in Europe today'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Giambruno's sexist comments on air</strong></h2>

<p>Giambruno has been working as the presenter of a news programme which was aired by Mediaset. Mediaset is part of the MFE media group, which is owned by the heirs of the late Silvio Berlusconi, who is the country's former premier and Meloni ally.<br />
<br />
On two days of this week, off-air excerpts from the programme of Giambruno were broadcasted on another Mediaset show in which he was seen making use of foul language and appeared to make advances towards a female colleague.<br />
<br />
"Why didn't I meet you before?", he was seen telling her. In the second and more explicit recording which was aired on Thursday, Giambruno can be heard speaking with pride about an affair and saying to his female colleagues that they can work for him if they are willing to take part in group sex.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Italy migrant crisis: EU Chief, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni visit Lampedusa island</strong></p>

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<p>In August, the TV journalist was criticised widely for apparent victim-blaming comments after a gang rape case.<br />
<br />
"If you go dancing, you have every right to get drunk - there shouldn't be any kind of misunderstanding and any kind of problem - but if you avoid getting drunk and losing your senses, you might also avoid running into certain problems and coming across a wolf," he stated, during his programme.<br />
<br />
After that episode, Meloni stated that people should not judge her for the comments made by her partner and that she is not willing to answer any questions related to his behaviour in future.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Oct 20) announced that she had separated from her longtime beau and television journalist partner Andrea Giambruno, who recently was criticised for making sexist comments on air.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Oct 20) announced that she had separated from her longtime beau and television journalist partner Andrea Giambruno, who recently was criticised for making sexist comments on air. “My relationship with Andrea Giambruno, which lasted almost ten years, ends here. I thank him for the splendid years we spent together, for the difficulties we went through, and for giving me the most important thing in my life, which is our daughter Ginevra,” Meloni wrote on X and Facebook. “Our paths have diverged for some time, and the time has come to acknowledge it. I will defend what we were, I will defend our friendship, and I will defend, at all costs, a seven-year-old girl who loves her mother and loves her father, as I was unable to love mine. I have nothing else to say about this. Ps. all those who hoped to weaken me by hitting me at home should know that however much the drop may hope to dig out the stone, the stone remains stone and the drop is only water," she added. La mia relazione con Andrea Giambruno, durata quasi dieci anni, finisce qui. Lo ringrazio per gli anni splendidi che abbiamo trascorso insieme, per le difficoltà che abbiamo attraversato, e per avermi regalato la cosa più importante della mia vita, che è nostra figlia Ginevra.… pic.twitter.com/1IpvfN8MgA — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) October 20, 2023 × Meloni and her partner have a young daughter together. ALSO READ | Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni: 'We are two of the closest friends in Europe today' Giambruno's sexist comments on air Giambruno has been working as the presenter of a news programme which was aired by Mediaset. Mediaset is part of the MFE media group, which is owned by the heirs of the late Silvio Berlusconi, who is the country's former premier and Meloni ally. On two days of this week, off-air excerpts from the programme of Giambruno were broadcasted on another Mediaset show in which he was seen making use of foul language and appeared to make advances towards a female colleague. "Why didn't I meet you before?", he was seen telling her. In the second and more explicit recording which was aired on Thursday, Giambruno can be heard speaking with pride about an affair and saying to his female colleagues that they can work for him if they are willing to take part in group sex. WATCH | Italy migrant crisis: EU Chief, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni visit Lampedusa island In August, the TV journalist was criticised widely for apparent victim-blaming comments after a gang rape case. "If you go dancing, you have every right to get drunk - there shouldn't be any kind of misunderstanding and any kind of problem - but if you avoid getting drunk and losing your senses, you might also avoid running into certain problems and coming across a wolf," he stated, during his programme. After that episode, Meloni stated that people should not judge her for the comments made by her partner and that she is not willing to answer any questions related to his behaviour in future. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni announces end of relationship with partner after his sexist comments

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her British counterpart, Rishi Sunak, jointly issued a call to address undocumented migration, and asked other European nations to match the sense of urgency purportedly demonstrated by London and Rome tackling what they describe as a "moral and humanitarian crisis."</p>

<p>In a joint op-ed published in The Times, these leaders, who represent Brothers of Italy and the UK's Conservative Party respectively, affirmed their collaborative efforts to prevent the entry of thousands of migrants into Europe through Italy and their onward journey to the UK.</p>

<h2><strong>'We are two of the closest friends in Europe today'</strong></h2>

<p>Sunak and Meloni expressed their pride in the shared leadership of Italy and the UK, highlighting the alignment of their perspectives and goals across various areas, positioning both nations as close allies in Europe.</p>

<p>"We are proud that Italy and the UK are leading on this together, because in this, and many other areas, our perspectives and our goals are the same. In fact, we are two of the closest friends in Europe today," the two leaders wrote in The Times.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UK PM Rishi Sunak and Italy PM Giorgia Meloni call for tougher EU action on migration</strong></p>

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<p>Sunak and Meloni characterised migration as a "moral," "humanitarian," and "European crisis" which they said has already claimed the lives of over 2,000 individuals this year alone. The two leaders stressed the immediate need for action and underscored their commitment to seeking comprehensive, enduring solutions to address the world's most pressing global challenges.</p>

<p>This op-ed follows the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain, held on Thursday, where discussions, or the lack thereof, concerning migration led to tensions between Madrid, London and Rome.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Failing to persuade Spain to prioritise migration on the main agenda, Sunak organised a meeting on the summit's sidelines with Italy, the Netherlands, France, Albania, and the European Commission, resulting in the agreement on an "eight-point plan" aimed at addressing the migration issue.</p>

<p>"Together, the UK and Italy are seeking serious, long-term solutions to the greatest global challenges we face. That’s why we will be putting the focus on illegal migration at today’s summit, and why we’re determined to do whatever it takes to stop the criminal gangs, to end this moral and humanitarian crisis once and for all and to restore legality in migration," they wrote.</p>

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her British counterpart, Rishi Sunak, jointly issued a call to address undocumented migration, and asked other European nations to match the sense of urgency purportedly demonstrated by London and Rome tackling what they describe as a "moral and humanitarian crisis.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her British counterpart, Rishi Sunak, jointly issued a call to address undocumented migration, and asked other European nations to match the sense of urgency purportedly demonstrated by London and Rome tackling what they describe as a "moral and humanitarian crisis." In a joint op-ed published in The Times, these leaders, who represent Brothers of Italy and the UK's Conservative Party respectively, affirmed their collaborative efforts to prevent the entry of thousands of migrants into Europe through Italy and their onward journey to the UK. 'We are two of the closest friends in Europe today' Sunak and Meloni expressed their pride in the shared leadership of Italy and the UK, highlighting the alignment of their perspectives and goals across various areas, positioning both nations as close allies in Europe. "We are proud that Italy and the UK are leading on this together, because in this, and many other areas, our perspectives and our goals are the same. In fact, we are two of the closest friends in Europe today," the two leaders wrote in The Times. Also watch | UK PM Rishi Sunak and Italy PM Giorgia Meloni call for tougher EU action on migration × Sunak and Meloni characterised migration as a "moral," "humanitarian," and "European crisis" which they said has already claimed the lives of over 2,000 individuals this year alone. The two leaders stressed the immediate need for action and underscored their commitment to seeking comprehensive, enduring solutions to address the world's most pressing global challenges. This op-ed follows the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain, held on Thursday, where discussions, or the lack thereof, concerning migration led to tensions between Madrid, London and Rome. Failing to persuade Spain to prioritise migration on the main agenda, Sunak organised a meeting on the summit's sidelines with Italy, the Netherlands, France, Albania, and the European Commission, resulting in the agreement on an "eight-point plan" aimed at addressing the migration issue. "Together, the UK and Italy are seeking serious, long-term solutions to the greatest global challenges we face. That’s why we will be putting the focus on illegal migration at today’s summit, and why we’re determined to do whatever it takes to stop the criminal gangs, to end this moral and humanitarian crisis once and for all and to restore legality in migration," they wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni: 'We are two of the closest friends in Europe today'

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidijxfLZwlpeNX" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Tuesday (September 19), his government will not welcome any migrants coming from Italy's tiny Lampedusa island which saw the arrival of a record number of aliens last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on French television, Darmanin said the French government had conveyed to Italy that it was "ready to help them return people to countries with which we have good diplomatic relations", citing the example of Ivory Coast and Senegal. However, France "will not welcome migrants" from the island, he added.</p>

<p>Last week, more than 8,500 migrants crashed on the island whose total population is only 6,000, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration. Images and videos of thousands of migrants, arriving on the island, scaling the perimeter fence and wandering around went viral on social media platforms.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Assessing the gravity of the situation, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen travelled to the island over the weekend and announced a 10-point emergency action plan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lampedusa-grapples-with-surge-in-migrant-arrivals-635877"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Lampedusa grapples with surge in migrant arrivals</strong></a></p>

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<p>However, her plan of sharing the burden of new arrival&nbsp;met with stiff resistance from bloc members. Prior to France, the right-wing governments in Poland and Hungary refused to accept the migrants from Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reflecting on the situation, Italy's Minister Giorgia Meloni said the pressure of migrants arriving in the country was "unsustainable" and called on the European Union to intervene.</p>

<p>"The migratory pressure that Italy has been experiencing since the beginning of the year is unsustainable," she said, adding that it sprang from the "difficult international situation" in Africa. The figure is almost double what was recorded in the same period of 2022.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-crisis-eu-chief-and-italys-pm-visit-lampedusa-call-for-swift-action-636962" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Migrant crisis: EU chief and Italy's PM visit Lampedusa, promise swift action</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Why Lampedusa?</strong></h2>

<p>Lampedusa, located just 90 miles (around 145 kilometres) off the eastern coast of Tunisia is Italy's first port of call for people crossing from North Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recent months have seen a great influx of migrants using Tunisia as the main departure point to enter Europe. Earlier, most migrants attempting to leave the conflict-ridden zones of Africa and the Middle East used to take the Libya route to enter the continent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the geographical closeness to Lampedusa and inaction from the Italian authorities to stop the arrivals has meant migrants are increasingly choosing this route to enter Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cumulatively, over 118,500 boat migrants have arrived in Italy since the start of the year, according to Italy's interior ministry data.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Tuesday (September 19), his government will not welcome any migrants coming from Italy's tiny Lampedusa island which saw the arrival of a record number of aliens last week.

France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Tuesday (September 19), his government will not welcome any migrants coming from Italy's tiny Lampedusa island which saw the arrival of a record number of aliens last week. Speaking on French television, Darmanin said the French government had conveyed to Italy that it was "ready to help them return people to countries with which we have good diplomatic relations", citing the example of Ivory Coast and Senegal. However, France "will not welcome migrants" from the island, he added. Last week, more than 8,500 migrants crashed on the island whose total population is only 6,000, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration. Images and videos of thousands of migrants, arriving on the island, scaling the perimeter fence and wandering around went viral on social media platforms. Assessing the gravity of the situation, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen travelled to the island over the weekend and announced a 10-point emergency action plan. Watch | Lampedusa grapples with surge in migrant arrivals × However, her plan of sharing the burden of new arrival met with stiff resistance from bloc members. Prior to France, the right-wing governments in Poland and Hungary refused to accept the migrants from Italy. Reflecting on the situation, Italy's Minister Giorgia Meloni said the pressure of migrants arriving in the country was "unsustainable" and called on the European Union to intervene. "The migratory pressure that Italy has been experiencing since the beginning of the year is unsustainable," she said, adding that it sprang from the "difficult international situation" in Africa. The figure is almost double what was recorded in the same period of 2022. Also read | Migrant crisis: EU chief and Italy's PM visit Lampedusa, promise swift action Why Lampedusa? Lampedusa, located just 90 miles (around 145 kilometres) off the eastern coast of Tunisia is Italy's first port of call for people crossing from North Africa. Recent months have seen a great influx of migrants using Tunisia as the main departure point to enter Europe. Earlier, most migrants attempting to leave the conflict-ridden zones of Africa and the Middle East used to take the Libya route to enter the continent. However, the geographical closeness to Lampedusa and inaction from the Italian authorities to stop the arrivals has meant migrants are increasingly choosing this route to enter Europe. Cumulatively, over 118,500 boat migrants have arrived in Italy since the start of the year, according to Italy's interior ministry data. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France flat out refuses to 'welcome' migrants from Lampedusa

<p>Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, on Sunday (September 10), said that leaving the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as Silk Road, will not jeopardize her country's relations with China, further stating that the decision on this matter has yet to be taken, as per Italian media reports.</p>

<p>On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, the Italian PM met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and conveyed her plan to pull out of the BRI, as per the Italian media, Corriere della Sera daily reports.</p>

<p>During the press briefing on the last day of the G20 Summit, Meloni spoke about the conversation she had with the head of the Chinese government.</p>

<p>"A cordial and constructive dialogue on how we can deepen our bilateral partnership... I intend to keep my commitment to visit China... It makes more sense to go to China when we have more information on our bilateral cooperation and how to develop it," Meloni said at the conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Leaving the Silk Road does not compromise relations, but the decision still has to be taken," the prime minister assured.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-justin-trudeau-responds-to-khalistan-extremism-says-will-push-back-against-hatred-634572"> Canadian PM Justin Trudeau responds to Khalistan extremism, says 'will push back against hatred'</a></p>

<p>"The Italian government was invited to the Belt and Road Forum, but yesterday we didn't talk about it," with the Chinese prime minister, Meloni said at the conference.</p>

<p>According to Italian media reports, the prime minister conveyed her intention to exit the strategic project to her Chinese counterpart.</p>

<p>However, one last attempt was made by Li Qiang in order to prompt the Italian authorities to think their plan over again.</p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that Italy was the only G7 country to have signed up for the BRI, a global trade and infrastructure plan modelled on the old Silk Road that linked imperial China and the West.</p>

<p>At the conference, PM Meloni also talked about Africa and said that the country was central to the work of the G20. "We also consider this to be our success. Africa will also be one of the central issues that we will bring to the G7 (under the Italian presidency) next year," she added according to Italian media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, on Sunday (September 10), said that leaving the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as Silk Road, will not jeopardize her country's relations with China, further stating that the decision on this matter has yet to be taken, as per Italian media reports.

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, on Sunday (September 10), said that leaving the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as Silk Road, will not jeopardize her country's relations with China, further stating that the decision on this matter has yet to be taken, as per Italian media reports. On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, the Italian PM met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and conveyed her plan to pull out of the BRI, as per the Italian media, Corriere della Sera daily reports. During the press briefing on the last day of the G20 Summit, Meloni spoke about the conversation she had with the head of the Chinese government. "A cordial and constructive dialogue on how we can deepen our bilateral partnership... I intend to keep my commitment to visit China... It makes more sense to go to China when we have more information on our bilateral cooperation and how to develop it," Meloni said at the conference. "Leaving the Silk Road does not compromise relations, but the decision still has to be taken," the prime minister assured. Also read: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau responds to Khalistan extremism, says 'will push back against hatred' "The Italian government was invited to the Belt and Road Forum, but yesterday we didn't talk about it," with the Chinese prime minister, Meloni said at the conference. According to Italian media reports, the prime minister conveyed her intention to exit the strategic project to her Chinese counterpart. However, one last attempt was made by Li Qiang in order to prompt the Italian authorities to think their plan over again. It is pertinent to note that Italy was the only G7 country to have signed up for the BRI, a global trade and infrastructure plan modelled on the old Silk Road that linked imperial China and the West. At the conference, PM Meloni also talked about Africa and said that the country was central to the work of the G20. "We also consider this to be our success. Africa will also be one of the central issues that we will bring to the G7 (under the Italian presidency) next year," she added according to Italian media. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni hints at quitting China's Belt and Road Initiative

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday (September 9) in New Delhi.</p>

<p>PM Modi, in a post on X, stated that the talks between the two leaders covered topics like trade, commerce, defence and emerging technologies.</p>

<p>"I had excellent meeting with PM@GiorgiaMeloni. Our talks covered sectors such as trade, commerce, defence, emerging technologies and more. India and Italy will keep working together for global prosperity," he wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I had excellent meeting with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GiorgiaMeloni</a>. Our talks covered sectors such as trade, commerce, defence, emerging technologies and more. India and Italy will keep working together for global prosperity. <a href="https://t.co/mBtyczMjB0">pic.twitter.com/mBtyczMjB0</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1700502124105547909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>He also appreciated Italy's support for India’s G20 Presidency and for joining the Global Biofuel Alliance and the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: G20: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-japanese-pm-kishida-leaders-reaffirm-commitment-to-deepen-ties-634243">PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Japanese PM Kishida, leaders reaffirm commitment to deepen ties</a></p>

<p>"Prime Minister appreciated Italy’s support for India’s G20 Presidency and Italy’s joining of the Global Biofuel Alliance and the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor," an official statement issued by the Prime Minister Office (PMO) said. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and PM <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GiorgiaMeloni</a> held a productive meeting today on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. They deliberated on bolstering the India-Italy partnership in domains such as trade and investment, commerce, defence and security. <a href="https://t.co/Mal5r3vjR1">pic.twitter.com/Mal5r3vjR1</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1700505408895418369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>PMO said that the two leaders noted with satisfaction the completion of 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.</p>

<p>"They also took stock of the progress in diverse areas of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership and agreed to bolster cooperation in areas like defence and new and emerging technologies. They noted the need for G7 and G20 to work in consonance for the greater global good," an official statement said.</p>

<p>The meeting between the two leaders was held at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, the venue of the two-day Summit.</p>

<p>This is Meloni's second visit to India. She had visited the country in March this year to attend the eighth edition of the Raisina Dialogue.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday (September 9) in New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday (September 9) in New Delhi. PM Modi, in a post on X, stated that the talks between the two leaders covered topics like trade, commerce, defence and emerging technologies. "I had excellent meeting with PM@GiorgiaMeloni. Our talks covered sectors such as trade, commerce, defence, emerging technologies and more. India and Italy will keep working together for global prosperity," he wrote on X. I had excellent meeting with PM @GiorgiaMeloni. Our talks covered sectors such as trade, commerce, defence, emerging technologies and more. India and Italy will keep working together for global prosperity. pic.twitter.com/mBtyczMjB0 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2023 × He also appreciated Italy's support for India’s G20 Presidency and for joining the Global Biofuel Alliance and the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor. Also read: G20: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Japanese PM Kishida, leaders reaffirm commitment to deepen ties "Prime Minister appreciated Italy’s support for India’s G20 Presidency and Italy’s joining of the Global Biofuel Alliance and the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor," an official statement issued by the Prime Minister Office (PMO) said. PM @narendramodi and PM @GiorgiaMeloni held a productive meeting today on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. They deliberated on bolstering the India-Italy partnership in domains such as trade and investment, commerce, defence and security. pic.twitter.com/Mal5r3vjR1 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 9, 2023 × PMO said that the two leaders noted with satisfaction the completion of 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "They also took stock of the progress in diverse areas of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership and agreed to bolster cooperation in areas like defence and new and emerging technologies. They noted the need for G7 and G20 to work in consonance for the greater global good," an official statement said. The meeting between the two leaders was held at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, the venue of the two-day Summit. This is Meloni's second visit to India. She had visited the country in March this year to attend the eighth edition of the Raisina Dialogue. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, appreciates support for India’s G20 Presidency

<p>Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's partner Andrea Giambruno, a journalist, suggested that women could avoid sexual assaults if they do not get too drunk. The country's opposition parties have asked Meloni to clarify and distance herself from Giambruno's comments.</p>

<p>“If you go dancing you are fully entitled to get drunk, but if you avoid getting drunk and losing consciousness, perhaps you’d also avoid getting into trouble, because then you’ll find the wolf,” Andrea Giambruno was heard saying on his show on Rete 4 channel.</p>

<p>Giambruno was hosting a show in the wake of a recent high-profile gang rape case near Naples and in Palermo.</p>

<p>Giambruno is father to a seven-year-old with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather</strong></p>

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<p>Giambruno did not cross-question the editor of&nbsp;Libero newspaper, Pietro Senaldi, when he reportedly said: “If you want to avoid rape, above all don’t lose consciousness, keep your wits about you.”</p>

<p>While both men condemned the alleged rapists, describing them as 'wolves', they came under fire both on and off social media. Giambruno was accused of blaming the survivor for a sexual assault.</p>

<p>Cecilia D’Elia, a senator of the&nbsp;opposition's Democratic party (PD) and vice-president of the commission of inquiry into femicide, was quoted as saying by The Guardian: "They just can’t help but blame women. Don’t go out alone, don’t go where it’s dark, don’t dress provocatively. All this is no longer acceptable."</p>

<p>"If a girl drinks too much, she can expect a headache, not a rape," she added and called on Meloni to distance herself from her partner’s comments.</p>

<p>“Giambruno’s words are unacceptable and shameful and they represent a male-dominated and retrograde culture,"&nbsp;the opposition Five Star Movement party (M5S) said in an official statement&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Did nothing wrong: Giambruno</strong></h2>

<p>Responding to the row that erupted after his show, Giambruno said: "If I had said something wrong, I would have apologised, but that’s not the case and there will never be a day when a politician tells me what to say."</p>

<p>"I said rape is an abominable act. I took the liberty of telling young people not to go out on purpose to get drunk and do drugs. I advised them to be careful because, unfortunately, the bad guys are always out there. I never said that men are entitled to rape drunk women."</p>

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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's partner Andrea Giambruno, a journalist, suggested that women could avoid sexual assaults if they do not get too drunk. The country's opposition parties have asked Meloni to clarify and distance herself from Giambruno's comments.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's partner Andrea Giambruno, a journalist, suggested that women could avoid sexual assaults if they do not get too drunk. The country's opposition parties have asked Meloni to clarify and distance herself from Giambruno's comments. “If you go dancing you are fully entitled to get drunk, but if you avoid getting drunk and losing consciousness, perhaps you’d also avoid getting into trouble, because then you’ll find the wolf,” Andrea Giambruno was heard saying on his show on Rete 4 channel. Giambruno was hosting a show in the wake of a recent high-profile gang rape case near Naples and in Palermo. Giambruno is father to a seven-year-old with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Also watch | 11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather × Giambruno did not cross-question the editor of Libero newspaper, Pietro Senaldi, when he reportedly said: “If you want to avoid rape, above all don’t lose consciousness, keep your wits about you.” While both men condemned the alleged rapists, describing them as 'wolves', they came under fire both on and off social media. Giambruno was accused of blaming the survivor for a sexual assault. Cecilia D’Elia, a senator of the opposition's Democratic party (PD) and vice-president of the commission of inquiry into femicide, was quoted as saying by The Guardian: "They just can’t help but blame women. Don’t go out alone, don’t go where it’s dark, don’t dress provocatively. All this is no longer acceptable." "If a girl drinks too much, she can expect a headache, not a rape," she added and called on Meloni to distance herself from her partner’s comments. “Giambruno’s words are unacceptable and shameful and they represent a male-dominated and retrograde culture," the opposition Five Star Movement party (M5S) said in an official statement Did nothing wrong: Giambruno Responding to the row that erupted after his show, Giambruno said: "If I had said something wrong, I would have apologised, but that’s not the case and there will never be a day when a politician tells me what to say." "I said rape is an abominable act. I took the liberty of telling young people not to go out on purpose to get drunk and do drugs. I advised them to be careful because, unfortunately, the bad guys are always out there. I never said that men are entitled to rape drunk women." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni's partner accused of blaming survivor for rape

<p>Italian&nbsp;Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her sister Arianna Meloni have both embarked on legal action this week, with the former targeting British rock band Placebo and the latter taking on a newspaper cartoonist.</p>

<p>The defamation suits have ignited a storm of controversy, shedding light on the intersection of politics, artistic expression, and freedom of speech in Italy, as reported by AFP.</p>

<p>Giorgia Meloni&nbsp;has launched a lawsuit against Brian Molko, the lead vocalist of the renowned rock band Placebo.</p>

<p>The legal action comes in response to Molko's scathing comments during a performance in Italy in July, where he branded Meloni as "racist," "fascist," and a "piece of shit."</p>

<p>Simultaneously, Arianna Meloni, Giorgia's older sister and a potential candidate in the upcoming European parliament elections, has taken legal measures against a left-wing Fatto Quotidiano daily cartoonist, Mario Natangelo.</p>

<p>The basis of this suit is Natangelo's cartoon that depicts Arianna Meloni in a compromising situation with a Black man.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/italy-german-tourists-blamed-for-damaging-19th-century-statue-while-taking-photos-622360">Italy: German tourists blamed for damaging 19th-century statue while taking photos</a></p>

<h2><strong>Artistic expression and political controversy collide</strong></h2>

<p>Mario Natangelo's cartoon has stirred significant controversy due to its depiction of Arianna Meloni in bed with a Black man, accompanied by a dialogue that touches on the sensitive issue of Italy's migrant policies.</p>

<p>The cartoon elicits a response from Arianna Meloni, implying her husband's active stance against "ethnic replacement."</p>

<p>The portrayal draws from controversial remarks made by Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, a close ally of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who previously voiced concerns about the "ethnic replacement" of Italians by migrants.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suspends social welfare programme</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>The deepening legal landscape</strong></h2>

<p>Giorgia Meloni's legal pursuits extend beyond the Placebo frontman, encompassing famed anti-mafia reporter Roberto Saviano.</p>

<p>This particular defamation case has triggered alarm among press freedom watchdogs, who fear that such legal actions could have chilling effects on journalistic endeavours and the broader realm of free expression.</p>

<p>The Brothers of Italy party, rooted in the post-fascist movement established by supporters of dictator Benito Mussolini after World War II, finds itself at the centre&nbsp;of this controversy.</p>

<p>Giorgia Meloni's political platform encompasses pledges to address Italy's declining birth rate and to tighten controls on sea arrivals, an issue of paramount concern in the nation's ongoing migration debate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her sister Arianna Meloni have both embarked on legal action this week, with the former targeting British rock band Placebo and the latter taking on a newspaper cartoonist.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her sister Arianna Meloni have both embarked on legal action this week, with the former targeting British rock band Placebo and the latter taking on a newspaper cartoonist. The defamation suits have ignited a storm of controversy, shedding light on the intersection of politics, artistic expression, and freedom of speech in Italy, as reported by AFP. Giorgia Meloni has launched a lawsuit against Brian Molko, the lead vocalist of the renowned rock band Placebo. The legal action comes in response to Molko's scathing comments during a performance in Italy in July, where he branded Meloni as "racist," "fascist," and a "piece of shit." Simultaneously, Arianna Meloni, Giorgia's older sister and a potential candidate in the upcoming European parliament elections, has taken legal measures against a left-wing Fatto Quotidiano daily cartoonist, Mario Natangelo. The basis of this suit is Natangelo's cartoon that depicts Arianna Meloni in a compromising situation with a Black man. Also read | Italy: German tourists blamed for damaging 19th-century statue while taking photos Artistic expression and political controversy collide Mario Natangelo's cartoon has stirred significant controversy due to its depiction of Arianna Meloni in bed with a Black man, accompanied by a dialogue that touches on the sensitive issue of Italy's migrant policies. The cartoon elicits a response from Arianna Meloni, implying her husband's active stance against "ethnic replacement." The portrayal draws from controversial remarks made by Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, a close ally of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who previously voiced concerns about the "ethnic replacement" of Italians by migrants. Also watch | Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suspends social welfare programme The deepening legal landscape Giorgia Meloni's legal pursuits extend beyond the Placebo frontman, encompassing famed anti-mafia reporter Roberto Saviano. This particular defamation case has triggered alarm among press freedom watchdogs, who fear that such legal actions could have chilling effects on journalistic endeavours and the broader realm of free expression. The Brothers of Italy party, rooted in the post-fascist movement established by supporters of dictator Benito Mussolini after World War II, finds itself at the centre of this controversy. Giorgia Meloni's political platform encompasses pledges to address Italy's declining birth rate and to tighten controls on sea arrivals, an issue of paramount concern in the nation's ongoing migration debate. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni files lawsuit against famous rock band singer over 'fascist, racist' remark

The right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni is terminating benefits for thousands of families and individuals who are declared "fit to work." In late July, an SMS alerting them of the sudden termination of the benefits they had been receiving for the previous four years was sent to around 169,000 households throughout Italy.

Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suspends social welfare programme

<p>Extreme weather continued to batter Italy, on Tuesday (July 25), as Palermo airport was forced to shut down for hours due to wildfires, while over a dozen cities across the country were placed on red alert because of the high temperatures. Meanwhile, in northern Italy, two people were killed after an overnight storm.</p>

<h2><strong>Watch: Wildfires force closure of Palermo airport</strong></h2>

<p>The Palermo airport was closed for hours due to wildfires, however, the airport operator, shortly after 0900 GMT took to X (formerly Twitter)&nbsp;and announced that only a limited number of outbound flights would be allowed “for the moment”. It was later announced that a plane from northern Italy’s Turnin was able to land, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wildfires in Sicily continued to rage across the region&nbsp;on Tuesday amid high temperatures. The airport was closed after firefighters struggled to put out the major blaze in the nearby area which has since also disrupted local road and rail traffic.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wildfires have forced the closure of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Palermo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Palermo</a> airport in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sicily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sicily</a> as extreme weather continues to batter Italy, with severe storms causing major damage and resulting in at least two deaths in the north. The airport looks to remain closed until this evening. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sicilia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sicilia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Milano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Milano</a> <a href="https://t.co/hULrjz8a1V">pic.twitter.com/hULrjz8a1V</a></p>
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<p>The regional authorities also reported the death of a woman after an ambulance could not reach her house due to wildfire-related disruptions. The closure of the airport also further exacerbated Sicily’s travel while the region is in the midst of a peak tourist season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, the island’s main airport of Catania, also the country’s fifth-biggest, was closed after a fire in a terminal building but later reopened for a few flights. Wildfires also raged across various parts of Calabria, the southernmost part of the Italian mainland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palermo and Catania were&nbsp;also placed on red alert by Italian authorities due to soaring temperatures and witnessed power and water supply cuts. The temperature in parts of eastern Sicily rose to 47 degree&nbsp;Celsius, said Sicily’s civil protection agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the region recorded the highest temperature in Europe, two years ago, at 48.8 degree&nbsp;Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Storm in northern Italy</strong></h2>

<p>In an overnight storm in Italy’s financial capital, Milan, roofs were torn off, and trees were uprooted causing road blockages and disrupted overground transportation, reported Reuters. Milan residents reported torrential rain and hail on Tuesday morning which have also flooded parts of the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have been through 65 summers in my lifetime...and what I am seeing now is not normal, we can no longer deny it, climate change is changing our lives,” said Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two “tragic” deaths due to bad weather in northern Italy’s Lissone and near Brescia were confirmed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among those killed was a 16-year-old girl who was on a camping trip near Brescia when a tree fell on her tent overnight due to high winds and torrential rain, on Tuesday. On Monday, a middle-aged woman died after also being hit by a falling tree in Lissone.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Extreme weather continued to batter Italy, on Tuesday (July 25), as Palermo airport was forced to shut down for hours due to wildfires, while over a dozen cities across the country were placed on red alert because of the high temperatures.

Extreme weather continued to batter Italy, on Tuesday (July 25), as Palermo airport was forced to shut down for hours due to wildfires, while over a dozen cities across the country were placed on red alert because of the high temperatures. Meanwhile, in northern Italy, two people were killed after an overnight storm. Watch: Wildfires force closure of Palermo airport The Palermo airport was closed for hours due to wildfires, however, the airport operator, shortly after 0900 GMT took to X (formerly Twitter) and announced that only a limited number of outbound flights would be allowed “for the moment”. It was later announced that a plane from northern Italy’s Turnin was able to land, reported Reuters. The wildfires in Sicily continued to rage across the region on Tuesday amid high temperatures. The airport was closed after firefighters struggled to put out the major blaze in the nearby area which has since also disrupted local road and rail traffic. Wildfires have forced the closure of #Palermo airport in #Sicily as extreme weather continues to batter Italy, with severe storms causing major damage and resulting in at least two deaths in the north. The airport looks to remain closed until this evening. #Sicilia #Milano pic.twitter.com/hULrjz8a1V — Our World (@MeetOurWorld) July 25, 2023 × The regional authorities also reported the death of a woman after an ambulance could not reach her house due to wildfire-related disruptions. The closure of the airport also further exacerbated Sicily’s travel while the region is in the midst of a peak tourist season. Furthermore, the island’s main airport of Catania, also the country’s fifth-biggest, was closed after a fire in a terminal building but later reopened for a few flights. Wildfires also raged across various parts of Calabria, the southernmost part of the Italian mainland. Palermo and Catania were also placed on red alert by Italian authorities due to soaring temperatures and witnessed power and water supply cuts. The temperature in parts of eastern Sicily rose to 47 degree Celsius, said Sicily’s civil protection agency. This comes as the region recorded the highest temperature in Europe, two years ago, at 48.8 degree Celsius. Storm in northern Italy In an overnight storm in Italy’s financial capital, Milan, roofs were torn off, and trees were uprooted causing road blockages and disrupted overground transportation, reported Reuters. Milan residents reported torrential rain and hail on Tuesday morning which have also flooded parts of the city. “I have been through 65 summers in my lifetime...and what I am seeing now is not normal, we can no longer deny it, climate change is changing our lives,” said Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala. The two “tragic” deaths due to bad weather in northern Italy’s Lissone and near Brescia were confirmed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Tuesday. Among those killed was a 16-year-old girl who was on a camping trip near Brescia when a tree fell on her tent overnight due to high winds and torrential rain, on Tuesday. On Monday, a middle-aged woman died after also being hit by a falling tree in Lissone. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

VIDEO | Italy: Palermo airport partially reopens after closure due to wildfires

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<p>The nationalist Giorgia Meloni government in Italy is mulling a new law that would effectively jail people, convicted of "glorifying illegal activity” online for up to five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move comes after an Italian YouTuber named Matteo Di Pietro, driving a rented Lamborghini SUV, as part of a social media stunt, crashed into a Smart car in Rome. In the accident, a five-year-old boy [Manuel&nbsp;Proietti]&nbsp;was killed while his mother and four-year-old sister suffered serious injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Five of those inside the supercar belonged to a group called 'The Borderline'. They had been partaking in a social media challenge that sees influencers competing in stunts to win prizes. They had been attempting to spend 50 hours straight in the luxury vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The YouTube group quits&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the incident, The Borderline, which has over 600,000 subscribers said it was cancelling its YouTube channel as it was "morally impossible" to continue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Borderline expresses sincere sympathy to the family [of Manuel]. What happened has left us all with a deep wound, nothing will ever be the same again...our thoughts are only with Manuel," the group said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-governments-intervention-blocks-chinese-control-of-tyre-giant-pirelli-605882" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Italian government's intervention blocks Chinese control of tyre giant Pirelli</strong></a></p>

<p>To avoid a repeat of the tragedy, the coalition government is extending a current law that targets youth gang crime, drafted by<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Matteo Salvini’s League party.</p>

<h2><strong>Chasing views might end up in jail sentence&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Under the new law, those who “glorify illegal activity” or “instigate violence” by posting videos online to generate an income would be charged. Social media platforms have been rife with so-called 'content creators' using unconventional and unethical means to gain clicks and views.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The contrast to the production and dissemination of videos that glorify illegal conduct is one of its qualifying points," said Andrea Ostellari, an undersecretary at the justice ministry about the proposed law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ostellari added the law was aimed a fighting “an emerging phenomenon” regarding young people who “instigate violence” or who “commit crimes via digital channels” in order “to obtain a few ‘likes’ without taking the risks into account”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-italy-exposes-chinas-underground-banking-network-570737"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Italy exposes China's underground banking network</strong></a></p>

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<p>Italy's deputy prime minister and transport minister, Salvini has already promised to toughen the rules of the highway code due to the increasing trend of accidents. One of the proposals bats for delaying the issuance of a diving license, allowable from the age of 18. to young people who have been involved in episodes of violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The nationalist Giorgia Meloni government in Italy is mulling a new law that would effectively jail people, convicted of "glorifying illegal activity” online for up to five years.

The nationalist Giorgia Meloni government in Italy is mulling a new law that would effectively jail people, convicted of "glorifying illegal activity” online for up to five years. The move comes after an Italian YouTuber named Matteo Di Pietro, driving a rented Lamborghini SUV, as part of a social media stunt, crashed into a Smart car in Rome. In the accident, a five-year-old boy [Manuel Proietti] was killed while his mother and four-year-old sister suffered serious injuries. Five of those inside the supercar belonged to a group called 'The Borderline'. They had been partaking in a social media challenge that sees influencers competing in stunts to win prizes. They had been attempting to spend 50 hours straight in the luxury vehicle. The YouTube group quits After the incident, The Borderline, which has over 600,000 subscribers said it was cancelling its YouTube channel as it was "morally impossible" to continue. “The Borderline expresses sincere sympathy to the family [of Manuel]. What happened has left us all with a deep wound, nothing will ever be the same again...our thoughts are only with Manuel," the group said. Also read | Italian government's intervention blocks Chinese control of tyre giant Pirelli To avoid a repeat of the tragedy, the coalition government is extending a current law that targets youth gang crime, drafted by Matteo Salvini’s League party. Chasing views might end up in jail sentence Under the new law, those who “glorify illegal activity” or “instigate violence” by posting videos online to generate an income would be charged. Social media platforms have been rife with so-called 'content creators' using unconventional and unethical means to gain clicks and views. "The contrast to the production and dissemination of videos that glorify illegal conduct is one of its qualifying points," said Andrea Ostellari, an undersecretary at the justice ministry about the proposed law. Ostellari added the law was aimed a fighting “an emerging phenomenon” regarding young people who “instigate violence” or who “commit crimes via digital channels” in order “to obtain a few ‘likes’ without taking the risks into account”. Watch | Gravitas: Italy exposes China's underground banking network × Italy's deputy prime minister and transport minister, Salvini has already promised to toughen the rules of the highway code due to the increasing trend of accidents. One of the proposals bats for delaying the issuance of a diving license, allowable from the age of 18. to young people who have been involved in episodes of violence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Italy's Meloni government considering law against 'glorifying' crimes online after YouTubers kill a kid

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