Realising the true importance of Covid shots, seven gang leaders in New Zealand have joined forces in a four-minute video to urge communities to get vaccinated. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These leaders represent four of the countries’ most well-known street gangs. The concept seems to have been conjured up by a government minister. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-for-children-us-gives-final-nod-to-pfizer-jabs-for-5-11-age-group-426324" hreflang="en">COVID-19 vaccine for children: US gives final nod to Pfizer jabs for 5-11 age group</a>

After a discussion with gang leaders, the video was commissioned by the Minister for Maori development, Willie Jackson. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The leaders had provided footage that was edited by Jackson’s son, Hikurangi, reported the Herald. &nbsp;

Denis O’Reilly, who joined Black Power gang at the age of 19, said, he had “taken a few shots” in his time, including the two shots of Covid vaccine. He has asked his community “to do the same”. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-origins-china-says-us-report-without-credibility-intelligence-services-known-for-fraud-and-deception-426094" hreflang="en">China says US Covid origin report 'without credibility'</a>

Harry Tam of Mongrel Mob, said, “This is not all about gangs, this is all about our whānau (family)."

"One thing we need to be clear about is that this is not about the government telling us, it is about the experts telling the government, that is getting us to vaccinate to protect ourselves.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is a “no-brainer”, said fellow member Dennis Makalio. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Realising the true importance of Covid shots, seven gang leaders in New Zealand have joined forces in a four-minute video to urge communities to get vaccinated. These leaders represent four of the countries’ most well-known street gangs.

Realising the true importance of Covid shots, seven gang leaders in New Zealand have joined forces in a four-minute video to urge communities to get vaccinated. These leaders represent four of the countries’ most well-known street gangs. The concept seems to have been conjured up by a government minister. Also Read: COVID-19 vaccine for children: US gives final nod to Pfizer jabs for 5-11 age group After a discussion with gang leaders, the video was commissioned by the Minister for Maori development, Willie Jackson. The leaders had provided footage that was edited by Jackson’s son, Hikurangi, reported the Herald. Denis O’Reilly, who joined Black Power gang at the age of 19, said, he had “taken a few shots” in his time, including the two shots of Covid vaccine. He has asked his community “to do the same”. Also Read: China says US Covid origin report 'without credibility' Harry Tam of Mongrel Mob, said, “This is not all about gangs, this is all about our whānau (family)." "One thing we need to be clear about is that this is not about the government telling us, it is about the experts telling the government, that is getting us to vaccinate to protect ourselves.” It is a “no-brainer”, said fellow member Dennis Makalio. (With inputs from agencies)

Street gang leaders unite, urge community to get Covid jab in New Zealand

US President Joe Biden urged world leaders to take action to reduce supply-chain problems and prevent them from happening in the future. While speaking to fellow leaders gathered for the G20 summit in Rome, Biden also laid out new steps his administration is taking to address the issue at home.

US President Joe Biden urged world leaders to take action to reduce supply-chain problems and prevent them from happening in the future. While speaking to fellow leaders gathered for the G20 summit in Rome, Biden also laid out new steps his administration is taking to address the issue at home. As the coronavirus pandemic took over the world at the beginning of 2019, all kinds of transportation came to a halt. This has negatively impacted the industry and companies have had to bear massive losses, thus affecting the global supply chain. Earlier in September, the transport industry urged global leaders and the United Nations (UN) to pay attention to their worsening situation. IRU, the world road transport organisation, IATA, the International Air Transport Association, ICS, the International Chamber of Shipping, and ITF, the International Transport Workers' Federation came together to draft a letter and make an urgent plea on behalf of the whole transport industry. Also read | UK's Johnson warns on COP26: 'If Glasgow fails, the whole thing fails' "Our collective industries account for more than $20 trillion of world trade annually, and represent 65 million global transport workers, and over 3.5 million road freight and airline companies, as well as more than 80% of the world merchant shipping fleet," the chiefs said in a joint letter. The joint open letter by the global transport chiefs blamed world leaders for not offering them enough support in these difficult times. "Transport workers keep the world running and are vital for the free movement of products, including vaccines and PPE, but have been continually failed by governments and taken for granted by their officials," the letter reads.

Biden urges world leaders to help address global supply-chain issue

As Cop26 is set to begin in a few days, the United Nations Development Programme released a video of Frankie, the talking dinosaur, in an attempt to warn the world about climate disasters.

The dinosaur urged the world not to choose extinction.&nbsp;

"You're headed for a climate disaster, and yet every year governments spend hundreds of billions of public funds on fossil fuel subsidies. Think of all the other things you could do with that money. Around the world, people are living in poverty. Don't you think helping them would make more sense than paying for the demise of your entire species?", the dinosaur said, standing at the podium of the UN General Assembly.

The talking dinosaur urged the people to rebuild their economies and 'bounce back' from this pandemic.&nbsp;"This is humanity's big chance," the dinosaur said as he urged the people to not choose extinction and save their species.&nbsp;

"We can’t ignore climate change any longer. Unless we end the excuses, we’ll be another species facing extinction," said UNDP as they published the video of the dinosaur.&nbsp;

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We can’t ignore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateChange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateChange</a> any longer. Unless we end the excuses, we’ll be another species facing extinction. 
 
Join us and <a href="https://twitter.com/frankiethedino?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FrankieTheDino</a>, and let's take <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateAction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateAction</a> before it’s too late: <a href="https://t.co/vf7PQ2oLeR">https://t.co/vf7PQ2oLeR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DontChooseExtinction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DontChooseExtinction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP26</a> <a href="https://t.co/lwAXw4FCYI">pic.twitter.com/lwAXw4FCYI</a>
— UN Development (@UNDP) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNDP/status/1453210331308691459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/due-to-fuel-shortages-china-rations-diesel-424700">Also read |&nbsp;Due to fuel shortages, China rations diesel&nbsp;</a>

Meanwhile, the UK president-designate of the Cop26 talks, Alok Sharma, has said that achieving a global climate deal in Glasgow will be harder than signing the Paris agreement of 2015.&nbsp;

He further said that the task would be to get nearly 200 countries to implement stringent cuts to their greenhouse gas emissions, keeping in mind the increase in global temperature to within 1.5C of pre-industrial levels.

Sharma was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "What we’re trying to do here in Glasgow is actually really tough."

“It was brilliant what they did in Paris, it was a framework agreement, a lot of the detailed rules were left for the future."

“It’s like, we’ve got to the end of the exam paper and the most difficult questions are left and you’re running out of time, the exam’s over in half an hour and you go, ‘How are we going to answer this one?'

Also, world’s top carbon emitters are now urging the rich countries to do more to finance the developing world’s transition away from fossil fuels.&nbsp;

As Cop26 is set to begin in a few days, the United Nations Development Programme released a video of Frankie, the talking dinosaur, in an attempt to warn the world about climate disasters.

As Cop26 is set to begin in a few days, the United Nations Development Programme released a video of Frankie, the talking dinosaur, in an attempt to warn the world about climate disasters. The dinosaur urged the world not to choose extinction. "You're headed for a climate disaster, and yet every year governments spend hundreds of billions of public funds on fossil fuel subsidies. Think of all the other things you could do with that money. Around the world, people are living in poverty. Don't you think helping them would make more sense than paying for the demise of your entire species?", the dinosaur said, standing at the podium of the UN General Assembly. The talking dinosaur urged the people to rebuild their economies and 'bounce back' from this pandemic. "This is humanity's big chance," the dinosaur said as he urged the people to not choose extinction and save their species. "We can’t ignore climate change any longer. Unless we end the excuses, we’ll be another species facing extinction," said UNDP as they published the video of the dinosaur. We can’t ignore #ClimateChange any longer. Unless we end the excuses, we’ll be another species facing extinction. Join us and @FrankieTheDino, and let's take #ClimateAction before it’s too late: https://t.co/vf7PQ2oLeR#DontChooseExtinction #COP26 pic.twitter.com/lwAXw4FCYI — UN Development (@UNDP) October 27, 2021 × Also read | Due to fuel shortages, China rations diesel Meanwhile, the UK president-designate of the Cop26 talks, Alok Sharma, has said that achieving a global climate deal in Glasgow will be harder than signing the Paris agreement of 2015. He further said that the task would be to get nearly 200 countries to implement stringent cuts to their greenhouse gas emissions, keeping in mind the increase in global temperature to within 1.5C of pre-industrial levels. Sharma was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "What we’re trying to do here in Glasgow is actually really tough." “It was brilliant what they did in Paris, it was a framework agreement, a lot of the detailed rules were left for the future." “It’s like, we’ve got to the end of the exam paper and the most difficult questions are left and you’re running out of time, the exam’s over in half an hour and you go, ‘How are we going to answer this one?' Also, world’s top carbon emitters are now urging the rich countries to do more to finance the developing world’s transition away from fossil fuels.

'Humanity's big chance': Talking dinosaur Frankie urges world leaders to not choose extinction

India will be hosting young leaders under the age of 35, in November, as a part of a new initiative called "Gen Next democratic network". The event is planned by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which happens to be an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, which deals with policies relating to India's external cultural relations.

Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of ICCR at a presser said, "We will be celebrating Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav by emphasising on India's rich democratic traditions. We are establishing, one of the major events, Gen next democratic network. It is a program in which we are inviting young leaders below the age of 35 from 75 different democracies." These young leaders will be from the ruling party, the opposition party and other key parties as desirable. Around 5-7 leaders will be invited in different groups.

The inaugural batch will include Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Chile, Japan, Indonesia, Zambia. The structure includes countries representing regions and continents like South East Asia and&nbsp;Africa.

Sahasrabuddhe explained, "We are approaching and trying to build relations with the gen next of 75 democracies. These people are going to be future leader of those countries. So they get a comprehensive idea of India's rich democratic culture."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-indias-eam-jaishankar-speaks-to-wion-on-india-israel-ties-421823">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive: India's EAM Jaishankar speaks to WION on India-Israel ties</a>

The speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower house of the Indian Parliament), Om Birla will be inaugurating the event that will take place from November 25. ICCR top officials had met the speaker earlier on Monday for the same. They will be staying in India for a week. They will stay in Delhi for 3 days, where they will be hosted by the Indian parliament.&nbsp;

Interestingly, they will also go one state at least with ICCR approaching the state government.&nbsp;

DG ICCR Dinesh K. Patnaik highlighted, "ICCR is all about exchange of cultures, creating mutual understanding, not a one-way street"

The initiative comes as India has been taking a lead role in terms of geo politics of democracies.&nbsp;From quad grouping, where leaders from India, US, Japan and Australia, met in person at Washington to PM Modi referring to India's democratic credentials at his United Nations General Assembly speech calling the country as "Mother of democracy".

India will be hosting young leaders under the age of 35, in November, as a part of a new initiative called "Gen Next democratic network". The event is planned by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which happens to be an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, which deals with policies relating to India's external cultural relations.

India will be hosting young leaders under the age of 35, in November, as a part of a new initiative called "Gen Next democratic network". The event is planned by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which happens to be an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, which deals with policies relating to India's external cultural relations. Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of ICCR at a presser said, "We will be celebrating Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav by emphasising on India's rich democratic traditions. We are establishing, one of the major events, Gen next democratic network. It is a program in which we are inviting young leaders below the age of 35 from 75 different democracies." These young leaders will be from the ruling party, the opposition party and other key parties as desirable. Around 5-7 leaders will be invited in different groups. The inaugural batch will include Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Chile, Japan, Indonesia, Zambia. The structure includes countries representing regions and continents like South East Asia and Africa. Sahasrabuddhe explained, "We are approaching and trying to build relations with the gen next of 75 democracies. These people are going to be future leader of those countries. So they get a comprehensive idea of India's rich democratic culture." Also read | Exclusive: India's EAM Jaishankar speaks to WION on India-Israel ties The speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower house of the Indian Parliament), Om Birla will be inaugurating the event that will take place from November 25. ICCR top officials had met the speaker earlier on Monday for the same. They will be staying in India for a week. They will stay in Delhi for 3 days, where they will be hosted by the Indian parliament. Interestingly, they will also go one state at least with ICCR approaching the state government. DG ICCR Dinesh K. Patnaik highlighted, "ICCR is all about exchange of cultures, creating mutual understanding, not a one-way street" The initiative comes as India has been taking a lead role in terms of geo politics of democracies. From quad grouping, where leaders from India, US, Japan and Australia, met in person at Washington to PM Modi referring to India's democratic credentials at his United Nations General Assembly speech calling the country as "Mother of democracy".

India to host 'Gen Next' leaders from 75 democratic countries

In March, when Miami Mayor Francis Suarez revealed that the city would bring on Art Acevedo, Houston's police chief, to head its Police Department, Suarez told the local newspaper that the hire was “like getting the Tom Brady or the Michael Jordan of police chiefs.”

His star pick lasted barely six months.

On Monday, Miami officials said they had decided to suspend Acevedo with the intent to terminate him, showing the chief the door after a contentious tenure in which he clashed with powerful elected commissioners who laid out their grievances against him in a series of City Hall meetings that frequently devolved into spectacle.

“The relationship between the chief and the organization has become untenable and needed to be resolved promptly,” Art Noriega, the city manager, said in a statement. “Relationships between employers and employees come down to fit and leadership style and unfortunately, Chief Acevedo is not the right fit for this organization.”

Acevedo made a series of decisions and comments that enraged commissioners, including dismissing or demoting several of the department’s top officers, investigating a City Hall sergeant-at-arms and posing for a selfie at a pro-Cuban democracy protest with a prominent member of the Proud Boys, whom the chief said he did not know.

The chief also said the Police Department was being run by a “Cuban mafia” — as a joke, he said — and later compared the reaction of commissioners to his actions to “the repressive regime and police state” of Communist Cuba. A majority of commissioners are Cuban American, as is Acevedo, although he grew up in California, not in the Cuban exile stronghold of South Florida.

Noriega had initially required Acevedo to submit an improvement plan of sorts, which the chief did. But at least one city commissioner declared that step insufficient. It had been clear for weeks that Acevedo had never won over commissioners, who had been taken aback by his surprise hiring. Noriega did not strongly defend Acevedo before the commission at its meetings. Suarez did not show up at all.

Acevedo has not spoken publicly as his tenure unraveled over the past weeks, despite his outspoken nature. (His national profile came in part from his frequent Twitter posts.) He thanked the department in a letter Monday evening.

“It has been a privilege serving with you and fighting for you,” he wrote, according to a copy of the letter posted online by WPLG, the local ABC News station.

Acevedo had accused several city commissioners of improperly meddling in personnel decisions, and he did not back away from that position in his memo.

“I promise to continue to fight the good fight to rid MPD of the political interference from City Hall that unfortunately continues to negatively impact this organization,” he wrote.

In March, when Miami Mayor Francis Suarez revealed that the city would bring on Art Acevedo, Houston's police chief, to head its Police Department, Suarez told the local newspaper that the hire was “like getting the Tom Brady or the Michael Jordan of police chiefs.

In March, when Miami Mayor Francis Suarez revealed that the city would bring on Art Acevedo, Houston's police chief, to head its Police Department, Suarez told the local newspaper that the hire was “like getting the Tom Brady or the Michael Jordan of police chiefs.” His star pick lasted barely six months. On Monday, Miami officials said they had decided to suspend Acevedo with the intent to terminate him, showing the chief the door after a contentious tenure in which he clashed with powerful elected commissioners who laid out their grievances against him in a series of City Hall meetings that frequently devolved into spectacle. “The relationship between the chief and the organization has become untenable and needed to be resolved promptly,” Art Noriega, the city manager, said in a statement. “Relationships between employers and employees come down to fit and leadership style and unfortunately, Chief Acevedo is not the right fit for this organization.” Acevedo made a series of decisions and comments that enraged commissioners, including dismissing or demoting several of the department’s top officers, investigating a City Hall sergeant-at-arms and posing for a selfie at a pro-Cuban democracy protest with a prominent member of the Proud Boys, whom the chief said he did not know. The chief also said the Police Department was being run by a “Cuban mafia” — as a joke, he said — and later compared the reaction of commissioners to his actions to “the repressive regime and police state” of Communist Cuba. A majority of commissioners are Cuban American, as is Acevedo, although he grew up in California, not in the Cuban exile stronghold of South Florida. Noriega had initially required Acevedo to submit an improvement plan of sorts, which the chief did. But at least one city commissioner declared that step insufficient. It had been clear for weeks that Acevedo had never won over commissioners, who had been taken aback by his surprise hiring. Noriega did not strongly defend Acevedo before the commission at its meetings. Suarez did not show up at all. Acevedo has not spoken publicly as his tenure unraveled over the past weeks, despite his outspoken nature. (His national profile came in part from his frequent Twitter posts.) He thanked the department in a letter Monday evening. “It has been a privilege serving with you and fighting for you,” he wrote, according to a copy of the letter posted online by WPLG, the local ABC News station. Acevedo had accused several city commissioners of improperly meddling in personnel decisions, and he did not back away from that position in his memo. “I promise to continue to fight the good fight to rid MPD of the political interference from City Hall that unfortunately continues to negatively impact this organization,” he wrote.

Miami will fire police chief who likened leaders to Cuban dictators 

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks to tell world leaders that humanity has to 'grow up' and tackle climate change.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The UK leader wants to say that humans need to stop trashing the planet like a teenager on a bender. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In six weeks, Johnson will host a major UN climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. Johnson is looking to use the UNGA forum to press governments for tougher emissions-cutting targets.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-third-kids-under-two-years-of-age-in-developing-countries-are-nourished-says-unicef-415019" hreflang="en">One third kids under two years of age in developing countries are nourished, says UNICEF</a>

He also wants to help poor countries clean up their economies by providing more money. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the advance extracts of the speech, which has been released by the British government, Johnson looks to say it's now or never if the world is to meet its goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/put-uk-on-covid-high-alert-as-over-100000-kids-go-absent-from-school-warn-headteachers-415010" hreflang="en">Put UK on Covid 'high alert' as over 100,000 kids go absent from school, warn headteachers</a>

"I'll be saying to the UN General assembly tonight: This is it, folks. This is the moment when humanity comes to an inflection point, and we either take the steps necessary to avert a catastrophic increase in temperatures over the next hundred years, or we fail,” Johnson said in Washington on Wednesday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks to tell world leaders that humanity has to 'grow up' and tackle climate change.

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks to tell world leaders that humanity has to 'grow up' and tackle climate change. Watch: × The UK leader wants to say that humans need to stop trashing the planet like a teenager on a bender. In six weeks, Johnson will host a major UN climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. Johnson is looking to use the UNGA forum to press governments for tougher emissions-cutting targets. Also Read: One third kids under two years of age in developing countries are nourished, says UNICEF He also wants to help poor countries clean up their economies by providing more money. In the advance extracts of the speech, which has been released by the British government, Johnson looks to say it's now or never if the world is to meet its goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Also Read: Put UK on Covid 'high alert' as over 100,000 kids go absent from school, warn headteachers "I'll be saying to the UN General assembly tonight: This is it, folks. This is the moment when humanity comes to an inflection point, and we either take the steps necessary to avert a catastrophic increase in temperatures over the next hundred years, or we fail,” Johnson said in Washington on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Humanity has to 'grow up', tackle climate change, UK PM wants to tell leaders at UNGA 2021

The White House has announced on Monday that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping, which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, the US President Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi. &nbsp;

A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Innocent civilians pay the price of America's war on terror

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March 12 saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad Vaccine initiative will see covid vaccines--developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Indo Pacific as a vision is being backed by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-combat-covid-19s-second-wave-india-inc-spent-over-rs-16-billion-412792" hreflang="en">To combat COVID-19's second wave, India Inc spent over Rs 16 billion</a>

The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas, such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Quad first came into existence after the 2004 Tsunami and saw some formalisation in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues, with the grouping again meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level. &nbsp;

The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral meeting with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the two leaders since the change of guard in Washington. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On September 25, he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly high-level week for the address. During his address, he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.&nbsp;

The White House has announced on Monday that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington.

The White House has announced on Monday that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping, which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, the US President Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi. A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person". Watch: Innocent civilians pay the price of America's war on terror × March 12 saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad Vaccine initiative will see covid vaccines--developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia. The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Indo Pacific as a vision is being backed by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it. Also Read: To combat COVID-19's second wave, India Inc spent over Rs 16 billion The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas, such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." Quad first came into existence after the 2004 Tsunami and saw some formalisation in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues, with the grouping again meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level. The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral meeting with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the two leaders since the change of guard in Washington. On September 25, he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly high-level week for the address. During his address, he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.

First in-person Quad leaders' Summit on September 24, says White House  

For some time, two senior Taliban leaders, the group’s supreme leader and new deputy prime minister, have been missing from public view. Several questions are being raised about their whereabouts and health. &nbsp;

Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the top Taliban leader, has not been seen by public in a month since the group seized control of Afghanistan. However, a spokesperson has denied the rumours of his death. &nbsp;

The Taliban’s most recognised face, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, seems to have gone missing too. Several eyebrows have raised over his disappearance. The concerns about the well-being of the head of the political office and key figure in peace talks has been growing in last some days.

Watch:&nbsp;Taliban co-founder releases audio statement after death rumours &nbsp;

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Several rumours of his death or getting badly injured in a fight with another senior Taliban figure in an argument about how to divide Afghanistan’s ministries seem to be doing rounds. &nbsp;

These disappearances have been fuelling rumours of growing infighting in the group. The real question is that will it be able to hold or result in a full-scale civil war. &nbsp;

The efforts of the officials to dispel the rumours seem to have deepened the mystery. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-killing-civilians-in-panjshir-valley-says-report-412897" hreflang="en">Taliban killing civilians in Panjshir Valley, says report</a>

Earlier, the Taliban released photos of a handwritten note from a Baradar deputy, which said he was in Kandahar. Then, they shared an audio message purporting to be from Baradar. The absence of a video raised more doubts. The videos and a photo, which has been shared online, doesn’t confirm about when they were taken. &nbsp;

Denying the rumours, spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter, “Mullah Bradar, deputy PM, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in a voice message rejected all those claims that he was injured or killed in a clash. He says it is lies and totally baseless.”&nbsp;

For some time, two senior Taliban leaders, the group’s supreme leader and new deputy prime minister, have been missing from public view. Several questions are being raised about their whereabouts and health.

For some time, two senior Taliban leaders, the group’s supreme leader and new deputy prime minister, have been missing from public view. Several questions are being raised about their whereabouts and health. Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the top Taliban leader, has not been seen by public in a month since the group seized control of Afghanistan. However, a spokesperson has denied the rumours of his death. The Taliban’s most recognised face, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, seems to have gone missing too. Several eyebrows have raised over his disappearance. The concerns about the well-being of the head of the political office and key figure in peace talks has been growing in last some days. Watch: Taliban co-founder releases audio statement after death rumours × Several rumours of his death or getting badly injured in a fight with another senior Taliban figure in an argument about how to divide Afghanistan’s ministries seem to be doing rounds. These disappearances have been fuelling rumours of growing infighting in the group. The real question is that will it be able to hold or result in a full-scale civil war. The efforts of the officials to dispel the rumours seem to have deepened the mystery. Also Read: Taliban killing civilians in Panjshir Valley, says report Earlier, the Taliban released photos of a handwritten note from a Baradar deputy, which said he was in Kandahar. Then, they shared an audio message purporting to be from Baradar. The absence of a video raised more doubts. The videos and a photo, which has been shared online, doesn’t confirm about when they were taken. Denying the rumours, spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Twitter, “Mullah Bradar, deputy PM, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in a voice message rejected all those claims that he was injured or killed in a clash. He says it is lies and totally baseless.”

Are two top Taliban leaders alive? Several questions arise after disappearance  

The entire world was shocked when al Qaeda terrorists smashed two planes into New York's World Trade Center, killing 2,753 people.&nbsp;

A third commercial jet hit the Pentagon, killing 184, and 40 more died after a fourth plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after a passenger revolt.

It was the first foreign attack on the US mainland in nearly two centuries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-attacks-and-a-money-trail-how-terrorists-planned-the-devastating-attacks-412286">Also read |&nbsp;9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks</a>

On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, world leaders from all across the globe sent messages of solidarity saying that the attackers had failed to destroy Western values.

"We can now say with the perspective of 20 years that they (the jihadists) failed to shake our belief in freedom and democracy," said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he posted a video on his Twitter handle.&nbsp;

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Today we remember the 2,977 people taken from us on September 11th 2001. 
 
But while the terrorists imposed their burden of grief and suffering, we can now say with the perspective of 20 years that they failed to shake our belief in freedom and democracy. <a href="https://t.co/BBuz9i08WZ">pic.twitter.com/BBuz9i08WZ</a>
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1436605086688546818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He further wrote, "They failed to drive our nations apart, or cause us to abandon our values, or to live in permanent fear." 
Queen Elizabeth II, in a separate message, said: "My thoughts and prayers - and those of my family and the entire nation -- remain with the victims, survivors and families affected."

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said, "On 9/11 we remember those who lost their lives and honour those who risked everything to help them. Even in the darkest, most trying of times, the very best of human nature can shine through".

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On 9/11 we remember those who lost their lives and honour those who risked everything to help them. 
 
Even in the darkest, most trying of times, the very best of human nature can shine through. 
 
The EU stands with the USA in defending freedom &amp; compassion over hate. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/September11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#September11</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1436564003581566977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The horrific attacks of #September11 20 years ago changed the course of history. We remember the victims and noble sacrifice of so many first responders and aid workers. The EU stands by the US and @POTUS in the continued fight against terrorism and extremism in all its forms," tweeted European Council head Charles Michel.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in an opinion piece said, "September 11 reminded us that freedom is always fragile. As Ronald Reagan said, it 'must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation".

He further wrote, "That day was an attack on free peoples everywhere. It was an attack on our way of life and the values of liberal democracy. Despite the pain inflicted on that day, the terrorists ultimately failed in their attempts to crush our resolve and change our way of life."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "We have now had to recognise that although we have been able to defeat terrorism, which is endangering our security, at the present time we have not achieved all our goals". She further added, "That is why it is important for us on the German side to safeguard what we have been able to achieve, education for girls and the like, although we know that this will not be easy with the Taliban.

"Above all, bringing citizens in need of protection to Germany and giving them protection is something we feel we have a moral obligation to do".

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, "We will #NeverForget. We will always fight for freedom".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on world countries to learn the lessons taught by the worst ever terror tragedy two decades ago. In his message, PM recalled the day of 9/11, calling it an attack on the humanity.&nbsp;

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सरदारधाम का 11 सितंबर यानि 9/11 को लोकार्पण हुआ है। यह तारीख जितनी अहम है, उतना ही बड़ा इससे जुड़ा संदेश है। 
 
इस तारीख को जहां एक तरफ मानवता पर प्रहार के लिए जाना जाता है, वहीं दूसरी तरफ इसी तारीख को स्वामी विवेकानंद ने दुनिया को भारत के मानवीय मूल्यों से परिचित कराया था। <a href="https://t.co/yGwKBjqzhe">pic.twitter.com/yGwKBjqzhe</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1436621726540992513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He invoked the message of Swami Vivekananda and said that it was on this day only when he had introduced the world to human values of India during his famous speech at Chicago in 1893.&nbsp;

The entire world was shocked when al Qaeda terrorists smashed two planes into New York's World Trade Center, killing 2,753 people. A third commercial jet hit the Pentagon, killing 184, and 40 more died after a fourth plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after a passenger revolt.

The entire world was shocked when al Qaeda terrorists smashed two planes into New York's World Trade Center, killing 2,753 people. A third commercial jet hit the Pentagon, killing 184, and 40 more died after a fourth plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after a passenger revolt. It was the first foreign attack on the US mainland in nearly two centuries. Also read | 9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, world leaders from all across the globe sent messages of solidarity saying that the attackers had failed to destroy Western values. "We can now say with the perspective of 20 years that they (the jihadists) failed to shake our belief in freedom and democracy," said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he posted a video on his Twitter handle. Today we remember the 2,977 people taken from us on September 11th 2001. But while the terrorists imposed their burden of grief and suffering, we can now say with the perspective of 20 years that they failed to shake our belief in freedom and democracy. pic.twitter.com/BBuz9i08WZ — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 11, 2021 × He further wrote, "They failed to drive our nations apart, or cause us to abandon our values, or to live in permanent fear." Queen Elizabeth II, in a separate message, said: "My thoughts and prayers - and those of my family and the entire nation -- remain with the victims, survivors and families affected." Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said, "On 9/11 we remember those who lost their lives and honour those who risked everything to help them. Even in the darkest, most trying of times, the very best of human nature can shine through". On 9/11 we remember those who lost their lives and honour those who risked everything to help them. Even in the darkest, most trying of times, the very best of human nature can shine through. The EU stands with the USA in defending freedom & compassion over hate. #September11 — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 11, 2021 × "The horrific attacks of #September11 20 years ago changed the course of history. We remember the victims and noble sacrifice of so many first responders and aid workers. The EU stands by the US and @POTUS in the continued fight against terrorism and extremism in all its forms," tweeted European Council head Charles Michel. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in an opinion piece said, "September 11 reminded us that freedom is always fragile. As Ronald Reagan said, it 'must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation". He further wrote, "That day was an attack on free peoples everywhere. It was an attack on our way of life and the values of liberal democracy. Despite the pain inflicted on that day, the terrorists ultimately failed in their attempts to crush our resolve and change our way of life." German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "We have now had to recognise that although we have been able to defeat terrorism, which is endangering our security, at the present time we have not achieved all our goals". She further added, "That is why it is important for us on the German side to safeguard what we have been able to achieve, education for girls and the like, although we know that this will not be easy with the Taliban. "Above all, bringing citizens in need of protection to Germany and giving them protection is something we feel we have a moral obligation to do". French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, "We will #NeverForget. We will always fight for freedom". Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on world countries to learn the lessons taught by the worst ever terror tragedy two decades ago. In his message, PM recalled the day of 9/11, calling it an attack on the humanity. सरदारधाम का 11 सितंबर यानि 9/11 को लोकार्पण हुआ है। यह तारीख जितनी अहम है, उतना ही बड़ा इससे जुड़ा संदेश है। इस तारीख को जहां एक तरफ मानवता पर प्रहार के लिए जाना जाता है, वहीं दूसरी तरफ इसी तारीख को स्वामी विवेकानंद ने दुनिया को भारत के मानवीय मूल्यों से परिचित कराया था। pic.twitter.com/yGwKBjqzhe — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2021 × He invoked the message of Swami Vivekananda and said that it was on this day only when he had introduced the world to human values of India during his famous speech at Chicago in 1893.

World leaders remember 9/11 victims and survivors

Welcoming possible US involvement in the reconstruction of the country, the Taliban says it is ready to have relations with Washington, the group’s spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sputnik. &nbsp;

The group wants relations that can serve the interests of both Afghanistan and the United States. The spokesman said, "Yes, of course, in a new chapter if America wants to have a relation with us, which could be in the interest of both countries and both peoples, and if they want to participate in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, they are welcome."

Watch: Reports challenge prospect of Mullah Baradar leading new Afghanistan govt

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Shaheen added, the Taliban will not have any relations with Israel but wants to maintain a dialogue with all of its neighbours. &nbsp;

The leader said, "Of course, we won't have any relation with Israel. We want to have relations with other countries, Israel is not among these countries… We would like to have relations with all the regional countries and neighbouring countries as well as Asian countries." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-built-databases-a-potential-tool-of-taliban-repression-411368" hreflang="en">US-built databases a potential tool of Taliban repression</a>

Meanwhile, the Taliban has also invited former Afghan military men to join the new hardline leadership. &nbsp;

"Afghan soldiers, who have been trained over the last 20 years, will be requested to rejoin security departments alongside Taliban fighters," said spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid at a press conference in Kabul. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Welcoming possible US involvement in the reconstruction of the country, the Taliban says it is ready to have relations with Washington, the group’s spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sputnik.

Welcoming possible US involvement in the reconstruction of the country, the Taliban says it is ready to have relations with Washington, the group’s spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sputnik. The group wants relations that can serve the interests of both Afghanistan and the United States. The spokesman said, "Yes, of course, in a new chapter if America wants to have a relation with us, which could be in the interest of both countries and both peoples, and if they want to participate in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, they are welcome." Watch: Reports challenge prospect of Mullah Baradar leading new Afghanistan govt × Shaheen added, the Taliban will not have any relations with Israel but wants to maintain a dialogue with all of its neighbours. The leader said, "Of course, we won't have any relation with Israel. We want to have relations with other countries, Israel is not among these countries… We would like to have relations with all the regional countries and neighbouring countries as well as Asian countries." Also Read: US-built databases a potential tool of Taliban repression Meanwhile, the Taliban has also invited former Afghan military men to join the new hardline leadership. "Afghan soldiers, who have been trained over the last 20 years, will be requested to rejoin security departments alongside Taliban fighters," said spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid at a press conference in Kabul. (With inputs from agencies)

With reconstruction on mind, Taliban ready to have relations with US

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief parliamentary leaders of various political parties on August 26 on the developments in war-torn Afghanistan.&nbsp;Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the physical briefing will take place at 11 am on Thursday in the Parliament House Annexe.

"Floor Leaders of Political Parties would be briefed by EAM @DrSJaishankar on the present situation in Afghanistan, on 26th August, 11am in Main Committee Room, PHA, New Delhi. Invites are being sent through email. All concerned are requested to attend," Joshi tweeted.

Watch:&nbsp;146 Indians evacuated from Kabul repatriated to Delhi via Doha

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Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)) to brief the floor leaders of the political parties. "In view of developments in Afghanistan, PM @narendramodi has instructed that MEA brief Floor Leaders of political parties. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs @JoshiPralhad will be intimating further details," Jaishankar tweeted earlier.

The government's briefing is expected to focus on its evacuation mission from Afghanistan as well as its assessment of the situation in that country. The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, following the withdrawal of the US forces from the country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kabul-evacuations-several-indians-return-to-home-country-from-many-destinations-407551">Kabul evacuations: Several Indians return to home country from many destinations&nbsp;</a>

As part of its evacuation mission from Afghanistan, India has already brought back around 730 people including members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities. India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country.

On Sunday, 392 people including two Afghan lawmakers were evacuated in three different flights under the evacuation mission. The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban's capture of Kabul, India had evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in the Afghan capital.

The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy, on August 16. The second aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on August 17.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief parliamentary leaders of various political parties on August 26 on the developments in war-torn Afghanistan. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the physical briefing will take place at 11 am on Thursday in the Parliament House Annexe.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will brief parliamentary leaders of various political parties on August 26 on the developments in war-torn Afghanistan. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the physical briefing will take place at 11 am on Thursday in the Parliament House Annexe. "Floor Leaders of Political Parties would be briefed by EAM @DrSJaishankar on the present situation in Afghanistan, on 26th August, 11am in Main Committee Room, PHA, New Delhi. Invites are being sent through email. All concerned are requested to attend," Joshi tweeted. Watch: 146 Indians evacuated from Kabul repatriated to Delhi via Doha × Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)) to brief the floor leaders of the political parties. "In view of developments in Afghanistan, PM @narendramodi has instructed that MEA brief Floor Leaders of political parties. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs @JoshiPralhad will be intimating further details," Jaishankar tweeted earlier. The government's briefing is expected to focus on its evacuation mission from Afghanistan as well as its assessment of the situation in that country. The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, following the withdrawal of the US forces from the country. Also Read | Kabul evacuations: Several Indians return to home country from many destinations As part of its evacuation mission from Afghanistan, India has already brought back around 730 people including members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities. India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country. On Sunday, 392 people including two Afghan lawmakers were evacuated in three different flights under the evacuation mission. The Taliban seized control of Kabul on August 15. Within two days of the Taliban's capture of Kabul, India had evacuated 200 people, including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in the Afghan capital. The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy, on August 16. The second aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on August 17.

Indian external affairs minister Jaishankar to brief political party leaders on developments in Afghanistan

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. 
 
The effort is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families, he told a news conference. 
 
"As the Taliban continues to take over more of Afghanistan, many more Afghans' lives are under increasing threat," he said. He did not provide a timetable. 
 
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said some Canadian special forces were in Afghanistan taking part in the relocation effort but gave no details. 
 
"The challenges on the ground are quite immense," he said. 
 
Canada's new plan would focus on those who are particularly vulnerable, including women leaders, human rights defenders, reporters, persecuted religious minorities and members of the gay and lesbian community, Mendicino said. 
 
It covers both people who want to leave Afghanistan and those already in neighbouring countries. 
 
The Taliban have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities as resistance from government forces crumbled. 
 
"We know the situation is dire. It's getting worse by the hour," said Mendicino.

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday.

Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday. The effort is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families, he told a news conference. "As the Taliban continues to take over more of Afghanistan, many more Afghans' lives are under increasing threat," he said. He did not provide a timetable. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said some Canadian special forces were in Afghanistan taking part in the relocation effort but gave no details. "The challenges on the ground are quite immense," he said. Canada's new plan would focus on those who are particularly vulnerable, including women leaders, human rights defenders, reporters, persecuted religious minorities and members of the gay and lesbian community, Mendicino said. It covers both people who want to leave Afghanistan and those already in neighbouring countries. The Taliban have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities as resistance from government forces crumbled. "We know the situation is dire. It's getting worse by the hour," said Mendicino.

Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers

France, India and Australia trilateral is all set to be elevated to leaders' level as President Emmanuel Macron, PM Narendra Modi and PM Scott Morrison meet is being envisaged. The meet is likely to happen on the sidelines of any major multilateral summit. G20 summit in Italy in October could provide an opportunity for the meet.&nbsp;

The development comes almost a year after the group first met at the secretary level. The France, India and Australia trilateral was launched in September 2020 at foreign secretaries' level&nbsp;with three joint priorities, maritime security, environment and multilateralism.&nbsp;

This year's May saw the first foreign ministers meet on the sidelines of the G7 summit in London. Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Australian FM Marise Payne met and discussed a number of issues.&nbsp;

The focus of the grouping has been on Indo-Pacific largely. Remember, both France and Australia are part of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) announced by India in 2019. In fact, Paris announced that it will join IPOI and take the lead of its 'Maritime Resources' pillar during the French foreign minister's visit to New Delhi in April 2020. The mandate of the trilateral is being expanded. Ahead of the G20 FMs meet in Italy, the trilateral had coordinated amongst themselves on a joint strategy at the forum.&nbsp;

Earlier, this year also saw the grouping having met at the senior officials’ level. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA, Sandeep Chakravorty; French by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania), and the Australian side was led by Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division). An official level meeting is also expected to happen in September.

France, India and Australia trilateral is all set to be elevated to leaders' level as President Emmanuel Macron, PM Narendra Modi and PM Scott Morrison meet is being envisaged.

France, India and Australia trilateral is all set to be elevated to leaders' level as President Emmanuel Macron, PM Narendra Modi and PM Scott Morrison meet is being envisaged. The meet is likely to happen on the sidelines of any major multilateral summit. G20 summit in Italy in October could provide an opportunity for the meet. The development comes almost a year after the group first met at the secretary level. The France, India and Australia trilateral was launched in September 2020 at foreign secretaries' level with three joint priorities, maritime security, environment and multilateralism. This year's May saw the first foreign ministers meet on the sidelines of the G7 summit in London. Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Australian FM Marise Payne met and discussed a number of issues. The focus of the grouping has been on Indo-Pacific largely. Remember, both France and Australia are part of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) announced by India in 2019. In fact, Paris announced that it will join IPOI and take the lead of its 'Maritime Resources' pillar during the French foreign minister's visit to New Delhi in April 2020. The mandate of the trilateral is being expanded. Ahead of the G20 FMs meet in Italy, the trilateral had coordinated amongst themselves on a joint strategy at the forum. Earlier, this year also saw the grouping having met at the senior officials’ level. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA, Sandeep Chakravorty; French by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania), and the Australian side was led by Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division). An official level meeting is also expected to happen in September.

France, India & Australia trilateral to be elevated to leaders' level as Modi, Macron, Morrison's meet envisaged

Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC, including US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic. 
 
The leaders, struggling to tame outbreaks exacerbated by the Delta variant of coronavirus, said they would encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies 'on mutually agreed terms' as the region prepared for future health shocks. 
 
"The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our region’s people and economies," the leaders said in a joint statement issued after a virtual meeting chaired by New Zealand. 
 
"We will only overcome this health emergency by accelerating equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable COVID-19 vaccines," they said. 
 
The APEC leaders met virtually to discuss collective actions to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts. 
 
New Zealand, the revolving Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host, said this week it would chair the extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held. 
 
"Our discussions moved us beyond vaccine nationalism. Now we are focusing on all aspects of contributing to the global vaccination effort — making vaccines, sharing vaccines and using vaccines," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after the meeting. She said the leaders agreed this will not be the world`s last pandemic and that preparedness was critical. 
 
The meeting highlights growing concerns around COVID-19, which is raging in the region as countries including Indonesia, Thailand and Australia face new waves of infections.

Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC, including US President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic.

Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC, including US President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic. The leaders, struggling to tame outbreaks exacerbated by the Delta variant of coronavirus, said they would encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies 'on mutually agreed terms' as the region prepared for future health shocks. "The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our region’s people and economies," the leaders said in a joint statement issued after a virtual meeting chaired by New Zealand. "We will only overcome this health emergency by accelerating equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable COVID-19 vaccines," they said. The APEC leaders met virtually to discuss collective actions to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts. New Zealand, the revolving Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host, said this week it would chair the extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held. "Our discussions moved us beyond vaccine nationalism. Now we are focusing on all aspects of contributing to the global vaccination effort — making vaccines, sharing vaccines and using vaccines," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after the meeting. She said the leaders agreed this will not be the world`s last pandemic and that preparedness was critical. The meeting highlights growing concerns around COVID-19, which is raging in the region as countries including Indonesia, Thailand and Australia face new waves of infections.

World leaders pledge to redouble pandemic fight at special APEC meeting

According to a report of North Korea's KCNA news agency on Sunday,&nbsp;the leaders of North Korea and China have traded messages vowing to strengthen cooperation on the anniversary of their treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between the two countries.

While giving a&nbsp;message to China's President Xi Jinping,&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said their relationship is vital in the face of hostile foreign forces, while Jinping promised to bring cooperation 'to a new stage', KCNA said.

In the message,&nbsp;Kim said,&nbsp;"Despite the unprecedentedly complicated international situation in recent years, the comradely trust and militant friendship between the DPRK and China gets stronger day by day."

China has been North Korea's only major ally since the two signed the treaty in 1961, and international sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes have made it more dependent than ever on Beijing for trade and other support. 
 
The treaty is defending socialism and peace in Asia 'now that the hostile forces become more desperate in their challenge and obstructive moves," Kim said. 
 
Xi said he plans to provide greater happiness to the two countries and their people by strengthening communication with Kim and 'by steadily leading the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to a new stage,' KCNA said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

According to a report of North Korea's KCNA news agency on Sunday, the leaders of North Korea and China have traded messages vowing to strengthen cooperation on the anniversary of their treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between the two countries.

According to a report of North Korea's KCNA news agency on Sunday, the leaders of North Korea and China have traded messages vowing to strengthen cooperation on the anniversary of their treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between the two countries. While giving a message to China's President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said their relationship is vital in the face of hostile foreign forces, while Jinping promised to bring cooperation 'to a new stage', KCNA said. In the message, Kim said, "Despite the unprecedentedly complicated international situation in recent years, the comradely trust and militant friendship between the DPRK and China gets stronger day by day." China has been North Korea's only major ally since the two signed the treaty in 1961, and international sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes have made it more dependent than ever on Beijing for trade and other support. The treaty is defending socialism and peace in Asia 'now that the hostile forces become more desperate in their challenge and obstructive moves," Kim said. Xi said he plans to provide greater happiness to the two countries and their people by strengthening communication with Kim and 'by steadily leading the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to a new stage,' KCNA said. (With inputs from agencies)

N Korean, Chinese leaders vow greater cooperation in face of foreign hostility: Report

Authorities in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;issued search warrants and offered&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;Thursday of up to $500,000&nbsp;for&nbsp;gang&nbsp;bosses fueling deadly clashes between armed bandits and security forces in the capital Caracas.

The biggest&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;were for three criminal&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;known by their aliases of "Koki," "El Galvis" and "El Vampi," while others had prices of between $20,000&nbsp;and $50,000&nbsp;placed on their heads.

Koki, real name Carlos Luis Revete, is a leader of the&nbsp;gang&nbsp;Cota 905, one of several involved in a fresh outbreak of running battles with police in the poorer neighborhoods of Caracas since Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-covid-19-origins-reflect-initial-spread-of-sars-virus-17-years-ago-396714">Also read |&nbsp;Study shows COVID-19 origins reflect initial spread of SARS virus 17 years ago</a>

Local media say a dozen people have been killed, including a number of bystanders.

Venezuela, once a wealthy oil-producing nation, is in its fourth year of hyperinflation and its eight year of recession.&nbsp;

It is one of the most violent countries on Earth, with heavily armed gangs rife in poor neighborhoods.

The&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;offered are astronomical sums in a country where the monthly minimum wage is about $2.50 -- not enough to buy a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of meat.

In 2020,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;registered 12,000&nbsp;violent deaths, according to the Venezuelan Violence Observatory. This is a rate of 45.6 per 100,000&nbsp;inhabitants -- seven times higher than the global average.

Authorities in Venezuela issued search warrants and offered rewards Thursday of up to $500,000 for gang bosses fueling deadly clashes between armed bandits and security forces in the capital Caracas.

Authorities in Venezuela issued search warrants and offered rewards Thursday of up to $500,000 for gang bosses fueling deadly clashes between armed bandits and security forces in the capital Caracas. The biggest rewards were for three criminal leaders known by their aliases of "Koki," "El Galvis" and "El Vampi," while others had prices of between $20,000 and $50,000 placed on their heads. Koki, real name Carlos Luis Revete, is a leader of the gang Cota 905, one of several involved in a fresh outbreak of running battles with police in the poorer neighborhoods of Caracas since Wednesday. Also read | Study shows COVID-19 origins reflect initial spread of SARS virus 17 years ago Local media say a dozen people have been killed, including a number of bystanders. Venezuela, once a wealthy oil-producing nation, is in its fourth year of hyperinflation and its eight year of recession. It is one of the most violent countries on Earth, with heavily armed gangs rife in poor neighborhoods. The rewards offered are astronomical sums in a country where the monthly minimum wage is about $2.50 -- not enough to buy a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of meat. In 2020, Venezuela registered 12,000 violent deaths, according to the Venezuelan Violence Observatory. This is a rate of 45.6 per 100,000 inhabitants -- seven times higher than the global average.

Venezuela offers $500,000 rewards for gang leaders

G7 leaders will agree to expand global Covid vaccine manufacturing to provide at least one billion doses to the world through sharing and financing schemes, Britain said Thursday.

G7 leaders will agree to expand global Covid vaccine manufacturing to provide at least one billion doses to the world through sharing and financing schemes, Britain said Thursday. The announcement came after the United States said it would donate 500 million jabs to 92 poor and lower-middle-income nations. The UK, which is hosting the big powers' gathering in southwest England, added it would donate at least 100 million surplus doses within the next year, including five million beginning in the coming weeks. The commitments follow growing calls for richer countries to step up their efforts to share Covid-19 shots with less-developed nations, with charities warning the current situation is leading to "vaccine apartheid". Britain, which has orders for more than 400 million doses, has faced criticism for failing to begin making donations to poorer countries. But on the eve of welcoming world leaders from the group of seven wealthy nations to their first summit in almost two years, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed that would soon change. "As a result of the success of the UK's vaccine program we are now in a position to share some of our surplus doses with those who need them," he said. "At the G7 Summit, I hope my fellow leaders will make similar pledges". Also Read | Ahead of G7 summit, US President Biden meets UK PM Johnson A Downing Street statement said: "At the Summit world leaders are expected to announce they will provide at least one billion coronavirus vaccine doses to the world.. and set out a plan to expand vaccine manufacturing in order to achieve that goal." 'Humanitarian obligation' Meanwhile, EU members have agreed to donate at least 100 million doses by the end of 2021 -- with France and Germany each committing to providing 30 million. French President Emmanuel Macron issued his own call for pharma groups producing vaccines to donate 10 percent of their production to poor nations. US President Joe Biden on Thursday saluted a "historic" moment in the fight against the pandemic after Washington announced its donation. "This is about our responsibility, our humanitarian obligation to save as many lives as we can," Biden told reporters at the start of his first overseas trip as president. Biden said the move was also in the US interest because of the risk of variants while the White House said the decision would "supercharge the global fight against the pandemic". The enduring challenge to defeat the virus was earlier laid bare by the World Health Organization which warned Europeans not to drop their guard because vaccination levels remain too low to stop another wave of infections. Although pockets of the rich world have scored successes against the disease, the gains are fragile and billions of mostly poor people remain unprotected. Over 100 million people in the 27-nation European Union, or 22.6 percent of its population, have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to an AFP count. The contrast with developing nations was further evidenced Thursday when South Africa's National Institute For Communicable Diseases announced his country had technically entered the third wave with more than 9,000 cases over the past 24 hours. On Thursday, India reported a global record of more than 6,000 Covid-19 deaths in a day after one state dramatically revised its data upwards, fuelling concerns that the official tally of almost 360,000 deaths, the world's third-highest toll, is woefully understated. WHO warns against complacency The United States has also faced criticism for sitting on huge stocks of unused vaccines. But with more than 60 percent of Americans have received at least one shot, Washington has moved to reclaim global leadership with its huge donation which will be channeled through the Covax program which aims to ensure equitable global vaccine distribution. The White House said the doses will start shipping in August. Also Read | UK report says Hong Kong security law used to 'drastically curtail freedoms' Dismissing suggestions that it is in a so-called vaccine diplomacy contest with Russia and China, Washington has described its initiatives as a return to multilateral action after the nationalist isolationism under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump. In Europe, some lockdown restrictions have been eased of late notably ahead of the Euro football competition starting Friday. But Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director, said he feared complacency. "Vaccination coverage is far from sufficient to protect the region from a resurgence," Kluge told reporters, warning against repeating the "mistake" of last summer by easing protective measures prematurely. Iran's government meanwhile warned that recent success in containing the Middle East's deadliest coronavirus outbreak risks being reversed should the public cease being diligent in their precautions amid a shortage of vaccines. The country saw total infections pass the three million mark on Thursday, adding to the global total of almost 174,350,990. The pandemic has claimed more than 3.7 million lives worldwide.

G7 leaders agree to provide 1 billion Covid vaccine doses to world: UK

Indigenous leaders and school survivors on Sunday dismissed Pope Francis' expressions of pain at the discovery of 215 children's remains at a former Catholic residential school in Canada, saying the church needed to do much more. 
 
In his weekly blessing in St&nbsp;Peter's Square on Sunday, Francis said he was pained by the news about the former school for indigenous students and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. But he stopped short of the direct apology some Canadians had demanded.&nbsp; 
 
"We're all pained and saddened. Who isn't? This is a worldwide travesty," Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan, Bobby Cameron, said. 
 
"How hard is it for the Pope to say: 'I'm very sorry for the way our organisation treated the First Nations people, the First Nations students during those times, we are sorry, we pray.'" 
 
The discovery last month at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, which closed in 1978, reopened old wounds in Canada about the lack of information and accountability around the residential school system, which forcibly separated indigenous children from their families. 
 
On Sunday, demonstrators tore down a statue of Egerton Ryerson, one of the architects of the residential school system, at the Toronto university named for him. 
 
Kamloops survivor Saa Hiil Thut, 72, said people have not been held responsible for the suffering he endured during his years at the school. 
 
"The culprits sort of get off scot-free," he said. 
 
"The Pope won't say, 'You know what? I heard there was (thousands of) cases of physical and sexual abuse in those residential schools run by our church.' He won't say that. He won't say 'There's 215 children in an unmarked grave in Kamloops and probably every residential school in Canada.'" 
 
The system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, forcibly separated about 150,000 indigenous children from their homes, with many subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition. Most were run by the Catholic Church on behalf of the government. 
 
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday, the church must take responsibility for its role in the schools. A spokesman for Trudeau declined further comment on Sunday. 
 
The Pope's statement "does not go far enough," said a spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett on Sunday. 
 
"(The) government calls again upon the Pope and Church to apologise for their role." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Indigenous leaders and school survivors on Sunday dismissed Pope Francis' expressions of pain at the discovery of 215 children's remains at a former Catholic residential school in Canada, saying the church needed to do much more.

Indigenous leaders and school survivors on Sunday dismissed Pope Francis' expressions of pain at the discovery of 215 children's remains at a former Catholic residential school in Canada, saying the church needed to do much more. In his weekly blessing in St Peter's Square on Sunday, Francis said he was pained by the news about the former school for indigenous students and called for respect for the rights and cultures of native peoples. But he stopped short of the direct apology some Canadians had demanded. "We're all pained and saddened. Who isn't? This is a worldwide travesty," Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations in Saskatchewan, Bobby Cameron, said. "How hard is it for the Pope to say: 'I'm very sorry for the way our organisation treated the First Nations people, the First Nations students during those times, we are sorry, we pray.'" The discovery last month at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, which closed in 1978, reopened old wounds in Canada about the lack of information and accountability around the residential school system, which forcibly separated indigenous children from their families. On Sunday, demonstrators tore down a statue of Egerton Ryerson, one of the architects of the residential school system, at the Toronto university named for him. Kamloops survivor Saa Hiil Thut, 72, said people have not been held responsible for the suffering he endured during his years at the school. "The culprits sort of get off scot-free," he said. "The Pope won't say, 'You know what? I heard there was (thousands of) cases of physical and sexual abuse in those residential schools run by our church.' He won't say that. He won't say 'There's 215 children in an unmarked grave in Kamloops and probably every residential school in Canada.'" The system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, forcibly separated about 150,000 indigenous children from their homes, with many subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition. Most were run by the Catholic Church on behalf of the government. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday, the church must take responsibility for its role in the schools. A spokesman for Trudeau declined further comment on Sunday. The Pope's statement "does not go far enough," said a spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett on Sunday. "(The) government calls again upon the Pope and Church to apologise for their role." (With inputs from agencies)

'We're all pained': Canada indigenous leaders dismiss Pope remarks on chidren's remains in school

Coronavirus vaccine producers promised billions of doses for poorer countries at a G20 health summit Friday, where leaders vowed to expand access to jabs as the only way to end the pandemic.&nbsp;

The bosses of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson announced they would supply around 3.5 billion vaccine doses at cost or discount to low- and middle-income countries this year and next.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the European Union pledged to donate 100 million doses and invest in regional manufacturing hubs in Africa to reduce the continent's reliance on imports.&nbsp;

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the 'generous announcements', but warned, 'in the coming months, we will need hundreds of millions more doses’.&nbsp;

In their summit declaration, the Group of 20 most powerful countries emphasised the importance of open supply chains and equitable access to tools to tackle Covid-19.&nbsp;

"It is a very clear 'no' to health nationalism," said European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who co-hosted the summit with Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, the current G20 chair.&nbsp;

But the five-page text, containing a list of 16 principles, stopped short of endorsing the contentious idea of a temporary global waiver on patent protections for coronavirus vaccines to boost global production.&nbsp;

Instead, it called for other tools such as 'data sharing, capacity building, licensing agreements, and voluntary technology and know-how transfers on mutually agreed terms’.&nbsp;

Coronavirus vaccine producers promised billions of doses for poorer countries at a G20 health summit Friday, where leaders vowed to expand access to jabs as the only way to end the pandemic.

Coronavirus vaccine producers promised billions of doses for poorer countries at a G20 health summit Friday, where leaders vowed to expand access to jabs as the only way to end the pandemic. The bosses of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson announced they would supply around 3.5 billion vaccine doses at cost or discount to low- and middle-income countries this year and next. Meanwhile, the European Union pledged to donate 100 million doses and invest in regional manufacturing hubs in Africa to reduce the continent's reliance on imports. World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the 'generous announcements', but warned, 'in the coming months, we will need hundreds of millions more doses’. In their summit declaration, the Group of 20 most powerful countries emphasised the importance of open supply chains and equitable access to tools to tackle Covid-19. "It is a very clear 'no' to health nationalism," said European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who co-hosted the summit with Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, the current G20 chair. But the five-page text, containing a list of 16 principles, stopped short of endorsing the contentious idea of a temporary global waiver on patent protections for coronavirus vaccines to boost global production. Instead, it called for other tools such as 'data sharing, capacity building, licensing agreements, and voluntary technology and know-how transfers on mutually agreed terms’.

Pharma firms, G20 leaders pledge vaccines for poorer nations 

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties, including defence cooperation and post-pandemic economic recovery.&nbsp;

The Chinese defence minister arrived here along with a high-level delegation on Tuesday on a two-day official visit after he made a brief trip to Bangladesh.&nbsp;

"Had a fruitful discussion with #china defense minister General Wei Fenghe this morning. This visit will further strengthen the ties between two countries," the president tweeted along with photographs of their meeting.&nbsp;

The Chinese defence minister also called on President Gotabaya's brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

"I conveyed my gratitude to the Govt Of China for the generous donation of Sinopharm vaccines and PPE kits since the outbreak of the #COVID19 pandemic," the Prime Minister tweeted.&nbsp;

"We also discussed post-pandemic economic recovery and steps to be taken to ensure economic stability. Assistance in rebuilding investor confidence and attracting investments- I explained is a key priority for #SriLanka and essential in the path to economic growth of the country," Mahinda Rajapaksa said in another tweet.&nbsp;

Earlier, a Sri Lankan delegation led by Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) had a fruitful discussion with the visiting Chinese delegation led by General Wei, the Sri Lankan defence ministry said in a press release.&nbsp;

Recalling the long existed bilateral ties between two countries, General Gunaratne said China had been a 'historical ally' of Sri Lanka across a multitude of avenues including Buddhism, trade, infrastructure development and global connectivity.&nbsp;

He also appreciated the recent supportive measure extended by Beijing during the UN Human Rights Council resolution tabled against Sri Lanka, the statement said.&nbsp;

The UN body passed a strong resolution, which establishes a new accountability process to collect, analyse and preserve evidence of international crimes allegedly committed in Sri Lanka for use in future prosecutions. &nbsp;

"We are looking forward to work together with Sri Lanka to enhance practical cooperation and to promote bilateral relations to a greater extent,” said Wei, while highlighting the existing military ties between two countries.&nbsp;

The Chinese defence minister also launched the official website of the Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka, the statement said. &nbsp;

The two sides also signed a military assistance protocol, it said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties, including defence cooperation and post-pandemic economic recovery.

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties, including defence cooperation and post-pandemic economic recovery. The Chinese defence minister arrived here along with a high-level delegation on Tuesday on a two-day official visit after he made a brief trip to Bangladesh. "Had a fruitful discussion with #china defense minister General Wei Fenghe this morning. This visit will further strengthen the ties between two countries," the president tweeted along with photographs of their meeting. The Chinese defence minister also called on President Gotabaya's brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. "I conveyed my gratitude to the Govt Of China for the generous donation of Sinopharm vaccines and PPE kits since the outbreak of the #COVID19 pandemic," the Prime Minister tweeted. "We also discussed post-pandemic economic recovery and steps to be taken to ensure economic stability. Assistance in rebuilding investor confidence and attracting investments- I explained is a key priority for #SriLanka and essential in the path to economic growth of the country," Mahinda Rajapaksa said in another tweet. Earlier, a Sri Lankan delegation led by Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) had a fruitful discussion with the visiting Chinese delegation led by General Wei, the Sri Lankan defence ministry said in a press release. Recalling the long existed bilateral ties between two countries, General Gunaratne said China had been a 'historical ally' of Sri Lanka across a multitude of avenues including Buddhism, trade, infrastructure development and global connectivity. He also appreciated the recent supportive measure extended by Beijing during the UN Human Rights Council resolution tabled against Sri Lanka, the statement said. The UN body passed a strong resolution, which establishes a new accountability process to collect, analyse and preserve evidence of international crimes allegedly committed in Sri Lanka for use in future prosecutions. "We are looking forward to work together with Sri Lanka to enhance practical cooperation and to promote bilateral relations to a greater extent,” said Wei, while highlighting the existing military ties between two countries. The Chinese defence minister also launched the official website of the Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka, the statement said. The two sides also signed a military assistance protocol, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese def minister calls on Lanka's leaders; discusses steps to boost ties

US President Joe Biden will join a video conference of European Union leaders on Thursday, a top EU official said, as both sides try to repair ties after four difficult years with former president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

"Looking forward to welcome @POTUS at this week's European Council meeting," European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs summits, said on Twitter. "I have invited the President of the US to join our meeting for him to share his views on our future cooperation. Time to rebuild our transatlantic alliance."&nbsp;

EU leaders will meet via video conference on Thursday and Friday to discuss vaccines, Russia, Turkey and industrial policy. Biden is expected to join at 1945 GMT, an EU spokesman said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday pledged to rebuild and revitalise the transatlantic military alliance after a bruising four years when Washington portrayed NATO as outdated, divided and in crisis. &nbsp;

The first top US official to visit NATO since President Joe Biden took office in January, Blinken said the alliance was at a pivotal moment but could emerge stronger after internal disputes over Turkey and Russian gas. &nbsp;

"I've come here to express the United States' steadfast commitment (to NATO)," Blinken told reporters as he met NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. "The United States wants to rebuild our partnerships, first and foremost with our NATO allies, we want to revitalise the alliance." &nbsp;

After four years of friction with Washington under the presidency of Donald Trump, who said the alliance was obsolete and harangued allies over defence spending targets, NATO's European members have welcomed the change in tone, saying they are once again being consulted on strategy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden will join a video conference of European Union leaders on Thursday, a top EU official said, as both sides try to repair ties after four difficult years with former president Donald Trump.

US President Joe Biden will join a video conference of European Union leaders on Thursday, a top EU official said, as both sides try to repair ties after four difficult years with former president Donald Trump. "Looking forward to welcome @POTUS at this week's European Council meeting," European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs summits, said on Twitter. "I have invited the President of the US to join our meeting for him to share his views on our future cooperation. Time to rebuild our transatlantic alliance." EU leaders will meet via video conference on Thursday and Friday to discuss vaccines, Russia, Turkey and industrial policy. Biden is expected to join at 1945 GMT, an EU spokesman said. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday pledged to rebuild and revitalise the transatlantic military alliance after a bruising four years when Washington portrayed NATO as outdated, divided and in crisis. The first top US official to visit NATO since President Joe Biden took office in January, Blinken said the alliance was at a pivotal moment but could emerge stronger after internal disputes over Turkey and Russian gas. "I've come here to express the United States' steadfast commitment (to NATO)," Blinken told reporters as he met NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. "The United States wants to rebuild our partnerships, first and foremost with our NATO allies, we want to revitalise the alliance." After four years of friction with Washington under the presidency of Donald Trump, who said the alliance was obsolete and harangued allies over defence spending targets, NATO's European members have welcomed the change in tone, saying they are once again being consulted on strategy. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to join EU leaders' video conference on Thursday

Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Bringing education to rural and underprivileged children is crucial to achieving this goal.&nbsp;

With this aim, Mobius Foundation has been running Gyan Anant Vidyalaya (GAV) in the rural area of Ghaziabad district of the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

GAV will be a K-12 CBSE board, Co-education School, with the session beginning on April 21. &nbsp;

Located near village Atrauli, the Vidyalaya provides quality education to rural children. GAV has all the facilities of an urban school to fulfil the aspirations of the rural population.

The school is different as it focuses on the all-round development of the children, to help them become responsible citizens.

GAV seeks to support rural children in nurturing various skills and talents to the fullest extent. Besides shaping up responsible and competent citizens, the emphasis is on spreading knowledge and awareness on sustainability, to ensure children resonate with nature and feel responsible towards it.

GAV's vision is to provide quality education in a secure, eco-friendly and nurturing environment. Its mission is to help students develop into proactive thinkers and responsible citizens committed to the goals of sustainability.&nbsp;

GAV aims to address environmental issues by bringing awareness through sustainable education. It is a place where new ideas germinate, develop roots and grow tall and sturdy.&nbsp;

GAV has infrastructure comparable to any urban school, thereby addressing the requirement of best in class infrastructure in the rural areas to reduce urban-rural divide.

Diversity of subjects and co-curricular activities along with the guidance of competent teachers is aimed at ensuring that students reach their full potential.&nbsp;

Education at GAV is meant to spread awareness about environmental issues and thus aims to be an epicentre for spreading awareness on sustainability and efforts to lead to a self-sustained society.

Students will understand key areas of sustainability such as reducing air pollution, maximising the use of renewable energy, waste management and recycling of resources, which have become the prime concern for the preservation of our planet and the survival of future generation.

The School has been awarded IGBC Green School Platinum rating for sustainable design and development for its infrastructure.

Teachers with excellence in their respective domains will be chosen from a vast pool of talent to guide the school towards excellence.

They will focus on shaping the leaders of tomorrow by providing quality education. They will help students put sustainability education into practice.&nbsp;

Teachers with a learning approach to impart knowledge with enthusiasm will be selected. The team will undergo a training programme to imbibe and acquire Mobius values, SDGs and aspects of climate reality on joining.

The school will employ the latest teaching techniques to ensure that students not only earn certificates but also accumulate knowledge during their stay.&nbsp;

The school believes in creating mature, knowledgeable individuals who are an asset to their society. &nbsp;

Renewable Energy Park on the campus is planned to reflect usage of solar light, airpower and biogas.

It will promote eco-friendly commuting practice by providing bicycle facility and bus services.&nbsp;

The campus is designed for universal accessibility, having separate specially designed toilets and parking, proper ramps, and tactile flooring for the especially abled.

Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Bringing education to rural and underprivileged children is crucial to achieving this goal. With this aim, Mobius Foundation has been running Gyan Anant Vidyalaya (GAV) in the rural area of Ghaziabad district of the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. GAV will be a K-12 CBSE board, Co-education School, with the session beginning on April 21. Located near village Atrauli, the Vidyalaya provides quality education to rural children. GAV has all the facilities of an urban school to fulfil the aspirations of the rural population. The school is different as it focuses on the all-round development of the children, to help them become responsible citizens. GAV seeks to support rural children in nurturing various skills and talents to the fullest extent. Besides shaping up responsible and competent citizens, the emphasis is on spreading knowledge and awareness on sustainability, to ensure children resonate with nature and feel responsible towards it. GAV's vision is to provide quality education in a secure, eco-friendly and nurturing environment. Its mission is to help students develop into proactive thinkers and responsible citizens committed to the goals of sustainability. GAV aims to address environmental issues by bringing awareness through sustainable education. It is a place where new ideas germinate, develop roots and grow tall and sturdy. GAV has infrastructure comparable to any urban school, thereby addressing the requirement of best in class infrastructure in the rural areas to reduce urban-rural divide. Diversity of subjects and co-curricular activities along with the guidance of competent teachers is aimed at ensuring that students reach their full potential. Education at GAV is meant to spread awareness about environmental issues and thus aims to be an epicentre for spreading awareness on sustainability and efforts to lead to a self-sustained society. Students will understand key areas of sustainability such as reducing air pollution, maximising the use of renewable energy, waste management and recycling of resources, which have become the prime concern for the preservation of our planet and the survival of future generation. The School has been awarded IGBC Green School Platinum rating for sustainable design and development for its infrastructure. Teachers with excellence in their respective domains will be chosen from a vast pool of talent to guide the school towards excellence. They will focus on shaping the leaders of tomorrow by providing quality education. They will help students put sustainability education into practice. Teachers with a learning approach to impart knowledge with enthusiasm will be selected. The team will undergo a training programme to imbibe and acquire Mobius values, SDGs and aspects of climate reality on joining. The school will employ the latest teaching techniques to ensure that students not only earn certificates but also accumulate knowledge during their stay. The school believes in creating mature, knowledgeable individuals who are an asset to their society. Renewable Energy Park on the campus is planned to reflect usage of solar light, airpower and biogas. It will promote eco-friendly commuting practice by providing bicycle facility and bus services. The campus is designed for universal accessibility, having separate specially designed toilets and parking, proper ramps, and tactile flooring for the especially abled.

Gyan Anant Vidyalaya is turning rural children into thinkers and leaders

How do we ensure that future generations work towards a sustainable future, and use the precious resources of the planet responsibly? The answer is, catch them young.

Mobius Foundation is setting up World Environment School, the first-ever such institution in India and South Asia to take a leading role in promoting Education for Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development.

Located in Kodagu, India, the school will open its doors to students in April 2021.

With the objective of creating awareness among students and providing quality education with respect to the environment, the school aims to provide value-based education in flexible and innovative learning spaces. It will have an international curriculum with a regional and global focus.

WES will create leaders dedicated to environmental custodianship, who will become global citizens, empathetic in the use of natural resources and totally committed to the principles of sustainability.

With a focus on academic excellence, environmental consciousness and character development, WES is committed to educating the whole person in a school of warm-heartedness.

WES will strive to nurture tomorrow’s leaders through experiential education, where students achieve more than they think is possible. It is open to all students who wish to share the school’s vision.

The school, set alongside a lively community and a natural setting, will extend a safe, stimulating environment that will instil in students an awareness of the fragility of our natural world and a sense of appreciation of the larger community that we inhabit. With a dedication to achieve the highest standards of education, the school will keep the needs of the students at the forefront so that they can flourish and find independence of thought.

Imbued with the magic of India, the students will be kept in touch with their local traditions and roots, so that they can appreciate the heritage and cultural richness of the country.

The school environment will foster excellence by challenging students to explore and find themselves intellectually, physically, creatively and spiritually.

A creative and challenging curriculum will allow students to learn about the global issues that plague the environment, in order to inculcate in them a compassionate mindset to stay self-motivated and make a difference in the world. 
WES’s academic spaces will be centred around a state of the art library and learning centre.

The academic departments will be divided into ‘pods’ for Mathematics, Physical and Environmental Sciences; English; Languages; Social Sciences; Design and Innovation Centre; Expressive and Performing Arts.

There will be comprehensive facilities like spacious boarding houses, a fully equipped medical centre, a central dining room, a 500-seating main hall as well as extensive sporting and outdoor education spaces including a swimming pool and indoor sports centre.

How do we ensure that future generations work towards a sustainable future, and use the precious resources of the planet responsibly? The answer is, catch them young.

How do we ensure that future generations work towards a sustainable future, and use the precious resources of the planet responsibly? The answer is, catch them young. Mobius Foundation is setting up World Environment School, the first-ever such institution in India and South Asia to take a leading role in promoting Education for Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development. Located in Kodagu, India, the school will open its doors to students in April 2021. With the objective of creating awareness among students and providing quality education with respect to the environment, the school aims to provide value-based education in flexible and innovative learning spaces. It will have an international curriculum with a regional and global focus. WES will create leaders dedicated to environmental custodianship, who will become global citizens, empathetic in the use of natural resources and totally committed to the principles of sustainability. With a focus on academic excellence, environmental consciousness and character development, WES is committed to educating the whole person in a school of warm-heartedness. WES will strive to nurture tomorrow’s leaders through experiential education, where students achieve more than they think is possible. It is open to all students who wish to share the school’s vision. The school, set alongside a lively community and a natural setting, will extend a safe, stimulating environment that will instil in students an awareness of the fragility of our natural world and a sense of appreciation of the larger community that we inhabit. With a dedication to achieve the highest standards of education, the school will keep the needs of the students at the forefront so that they can flourish and find independence of thought. Imbued with the magic of India, the students will be kept in touch with their local traditions and roots, so that they can appreciate the heritage and cultural richness of the country. The school environment will foster excellence by challenging students to explore and find themselves intellectually, physically, creatively and spiritually. A creative and challenging curriculum will allow students to learn about the global issues that plague the environment, in order to inculcate in them a compassionate mindset to stay self-motivated and make a difference in the world. WES’s academic spaces will be centred around a state of the art library and learning centre. The academic departments will be divided into ‘pods’ for Mathematics, Physical and Environmental Sciences; English; Languages; Social Sciences; Design and Innovation Centre; Expressive and Performing Arts. There will be comprehensive facilities like spacious boarding houses, a fully equipped medical centre, a central dining room, a 500-seating main hall as well as extensive sporting and outdoor education spaces including a swimming pool and indoor sports centre.

World Environment School is geared toward shaping a future generation for a green planet

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday said that he does not want his country to return to the late Soviet-era practice of having lifelong rulers. Most of these rulers died in power without a proper succession strategy.

Putin made the comments while addressing the veterans of World War Two in St Petersburg.

Recently, he shook up the cabinet which led to the resignation of Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister along with his government.

After this, Mikhail Mishustin, the head of the country's tax service was chosen as the prime minister. More members of the cabinet will be announced shortly.

Putin's recent changes in the Russian polity triggered fears of the president trying to indefinitely extend his power. The constitutional amendment put forth by Putin would create new centres of power outside of the presidency.

<h6><img alt="iii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="063c6bc3-82b1-4ffb-b139-d80ad5da5d7e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_48.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) visits a 3D panorama ‘Memory speaks. The road through the war’ in St Petersburg on January 18, 2020, as part of the 75th anniversary since the Leningrad siege was lifted during the World War Two. Putin attended events marking the 77th anniversary of the break of Nazi's siege of Leningrad. The Red Army broke the nearly 900-day blockade of the city on January 19, 1943 after fierce fighting | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Putin has dominated the Russian political landscape as president or as prime minister for the last two decades. His current term terminates in 2024.

Many critics believe that Putin wants to exercise power over Russia even after his term ends. 
 
The president had also earlier said that he wants to limit the maximum terms of any presidents to two. However, he is himself serving his fourth term.

&nbsp;"As regards (presidential) terms for staying in power I understand ... that (concern over this) is linked for many people with worries about societal, state and domestic and external stability'', Putin said.

"But it would be very worrying to return to the situation we had in the mid-1980s when state leaders stayed in power, one by one, until the end of their days and left office without ensuring the necessary conditions for a transition of power. So thanks, but I think it would be better not to return to that situation", he added.

<h6><img alt="iii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c82de3-9c5a-4b01-ab1e-eeeee6ea051d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_55.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a wreath laying commemoration ceremony for the 75th anniversary since the Leningrad siege was lifted during the World War Two at the Boundary Stone monument, around 50 kilometers east of Saint Petersburg on January 18, 2020. The Russian city of St. Petersburg, then called Leningrad, marked the 75th anniversary of the end of the devastating WWII siege by Nazi forces, lasted 872 days until the Soviet Army drove the Nazis away on January 27, 1944 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Putin was alluding to the late Soviet period whereby senior leaders like Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov and Konstantin Chernenko all died in office. This was usually followed by attempts to grab power by others.&nbsp;

Could Putin be suggesting that he does not intend to return as president after his term ends?

Many believe that Putin would continue to wield influence behind the scenes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mikhail-mishustin-tax-service-head-and-hockey-player-picked-by-putin-as-russian-pm-274590">Mikhail Mishustin -&nbsp;Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM</a>

(With inputs from Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday said that he does not want his country to return to the late Soviet-era practice of having lifelong rulers. Most of these rulers died in power without a proper succession strategy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday said that he does not want his country to return to the late Soviet-era practice of having lifelong rulers. Most of these rulers died in power without a proper succession strategy. Putin made the comments while addressing the veterans of World War Two in St Petersburg. Recently, he shook up the cabinet which led to the resignation of Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister along with his government. After this, Mikhail Mishustin, the head of the country's tax service was chosen as the prime minister. More members of the cabinet will be announced shortly. Putin's recent changes in the Russian polity triggered fears of the president trying to indefinitely extend his power. The constitutional amendment put forth by Putin would create new centres of power outside of the presidency. Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) visits a 3D panorama ‘Memory speaks. The road through the war’ in St Petersburg on January 18, 2020, as part of the 75th anniversary since the Leningrad siege was lifted during the World War Two. Putin attended events marking the 77th anniversary of the break of Nazi's siege of Leningrad. The Red Army broke the nearly 900-day blockade of the city on January 19, 1943 after fierce fighting | AFP Putin has dominated the Russian political landscape as president or as prime minister for the last two decades. His current term terminates in 2024. Many critics believe that Putin wants to exercise power over Russia even after his term ends. The president had also earlier said that he wants to limit the maximum terms of any presidents to two. However, he is himself serving his fourth term. "As regards (presidential) terms for staying in power I understand ... that (concern over this) is linked for many people with worries about societal, state and domestic and external stability'', Putin said. "But it would be very worrying to return to the situation we had in the mid-1980s when state leaders stayed in power, one by one, until the end of their days and left office without ensuring the necessary conditions for a transition of power. So thanks, but I think it would be better not to return to that situation", he added. Image: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a wreath laying commemoration ceremony for the 75th anniversary since the Leningrad siege was lifted during the World War Two at the Boundary Stone monument, around 50 kilometers east of Saint Petersburg on January 18, 2020. The Russian city of St. Petersburg, then called Leningrad, marked the 75th anniversary of the end of the devastating WWII siege by Nazi forces, lasted 872 days until the Soviet Army drove the Nazis away on January 27, 1944 | AFP Putin was alluding to the late Soviet period whereby senior leaders like Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov and Konstantin Chernenko all died in office. This was usually followed by attempts to grab power by others. Could Putin be suggesting that he does not intend to return as president after his term ends? Many believe that Putin would continue to wield influence behind the scenes. Also read: Mikhail Mishustin - Tax Service head and Hockey player picked by Putin as Russian PM (With inputs from Reuters)

Putin rejects idea of Soviet-style lifelong leaders for Russia while addressing war veterans

Six tribal elders were reportedly abducted by the Taliban in northern Afghanistan today, Jowzjan province's governor confirmed.&nbsp;

According to the provincial governor's spokesperson Mohammad Maruf Azar, the abductees were picked up from the Jowzjan-Balkh highway today afternoon.

The incident coincides with the resumption of Taliban and American negotiations to end the war in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from ANI, further details awaited)

Six tribal elders were reportedly abducted by the Taliban in northern Afghanistan today, Jowzjan province's governor confirmed. According to the provincial governor's spokesperson Mohammad Maruf Azar, the abductees were picked up from the Jowzjan-Balkh highway today afternoon.

Six tribal elders were reportedly abducted by the Taliban in northern Afghanistan today, Jowzjan province's governor confirmed. According to the provincial governor's spokesperson Mohammad Maruf Azar, the abductees were picked up from the Jowzjan-Balkh highway today afternoon. The incident coincides with the resumption of Taliban and American negotiations to end the war in Afghanistan. (With inputs from ANI, further details awaited)

Afghanistan: Taliban abducts six tribal elders

Members of political parties and civil society organisations from northeastern states met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. 
 
The meetings will take place on two more days -&nbsp;November 30 and December 3 -&nbsp;and will be chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah. 
 
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were among those who attended the meeting. 
 
"Attended an important meeting today chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah ji regarding consultation on proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill," the Tripura Chief Minister tweeted. 
 
Earlier today, Congress MPs from the northeast regions and Naga People's Front parliamentarians protested against the proposed Bill. The parliamentarians, holding placards stood in front of the Mahatama Gandhi statue in the parliament premises to register their protest over the bill. 
 
Home Minister Amit Shah had said in Rajya Sabha that the Citizenship Amendment Bill is needed so that Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Christian and Parsi refugees, who are being discriminated on the basis of religion in Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan, obtain Indian citizenship. 
 
The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 this year, aims at granting citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014.

Members of political parties and civil society organisations from northeastern states met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Members of political parties and civil society organisations from northeastern states met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The meetings will take place on two more days - November 30 and December 3 - and will be chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were among those who attended the meeting. "Attended an important meeting today chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah ji regarding consultation on proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill," the Tripura Chief Minister tweeted. Earlier today, Congress MPs from the northeast regions and Naga People's Front parliamentarians protested against the proposed Bill. The parliamentarians, holding placards stood in front of the Mahatama Gandhi statue in the parliament premises to register their protest over the bill. Home Minister Amit Shah had said in Rajya Sabha that the Citizenship Amendment Bill is needed so that Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Christian and Parsi refugees, who are being discriminated on the basis of religion in Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan, obtain Indian citizenship. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 this year, aims at granting citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014.

Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah discusses Citizenship Bill with northeastern leaders

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy.

The Fourth Plenum of the party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed.

Next week's meet will run from October 28 to 31 in Beijing and will be the first since February 2018.

State news agency Xinhua said the dates were confirmed at a meeting Thursday of the Central Committee Political Bureau, chaired by President Xi Jinping.

The state-run Global Times said on Twitter that the Politburo would update on "upholding and improvement of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, including modernising the country's governance system and capacity."

Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party.

The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life.

'National interests'

While the CCP's constitution says there must be a plenum at least once per year, next week's long-awaited conclave will end a significant delay between sessions.

Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said holding the plenum in October would represent the longest hiatus since 1977.

Their analysis in August concluded that most plenums occur every 300 to 400 days, but this one would mark a delay of at least 580 days.

While the long wait has sparked speculation that Xi is facing power struggles or opposition within the party leadership, the CSIS said a simpler explanation is possible,&nbsp;that the delay marks a balancing out after the last two plenums were held very close together, in January and February 2018.

"Since the Third Plenum, Xi has convened two extraordinary meetings of all the top Party, State and Military leaders," wrote China-watcher Bill Bishop on Monday on his Sinocism blog.

The ability to call such high-profile meetings reflects Xi's power and authority, he added.

Eleanor Olcott, the China policy analyst at research firm TS Lombard, said the plenum was likely to focus on governance and strengthening party control, as well as six new free trade zones and greater autonomy for the southern city of Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong.

"Xi has been keenly stressing all of the hazards to the party, outlining what are the greatest threats to the party," she said.

"Any moves to alter the CCP governance format will be framed as based on China's own national interests rather than a result of external pressure. The context of the trade war makes this all the more important.

"This plenum will be part of Beijing's propaganda campaign against foreign 'black hands' seeking to subvert the PRC."

Beijing marked the 70th year of Communist rule in China earlier this month with an enormous military parade that showed off the country's military strength.

But the central government has also been shaken by months of anti-Beijing unrest in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, a slowing domestic economy, and the impact of a protracted trade impasse with the United States.

China's GDP growth slowed to six per cent in the third quarter, the slowest rate in 27 years.

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy.

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy. The Fourth Plenum of the party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed. Next week's meet will run from October 28 to 31 in Beijing and will be the first since February 2018. State news agency Xinhua said the dates were confirmed at a meeting Thursday of the Central Committee Political Bureau, chaired by President Xi Jinping. The state-run Global Times said on Twitter that the Politburo would update on "upholding and improvement of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, including modernising the country's governance system and capacity." Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party. The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life. 'National interests' While the CCP's constitution says there must be a plenum at least once per year, next week's long-awaited conclave will end a significant delay between sessions. Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said holding the plenum in October would represent the longest hiatus since 1977. Their analysis in August concluded that most plenums occur every 300 to 400 days, but this one would mark a delay of at least 580 days. While the long wait has sparked speculation that Xi is facing power struggles or opposition within the party leadership, the CSIS said a simpler explanation is possible, that the delay marks a balancing out after the last two plenums were held very close together, in January and February 2018. "Since the Third Plenum, Xi has convened two extraordinary meetings of all the top Party, State and Military leaders," wrote China-watcher Bill Bishop on Monday on his Sinocism blog. The ability to call such high-profile meetings reflects Xi's power and authority, he added. Eleanor Olcott, the China policy analyst at research firm TS Lombard, said the plenum was likely to focus on governance and strengthening party control, as well as six new free trade zones and greater autonomy for the southern city of Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong. "Xi has been keenly stressing all of the hazards to the party, outlining what are the greatest threats to the party," she said. "Any moves to alter the CCP governance format will be framed as based on China's own national interests rather than a result of external pressure. The context of the trade war makes this all the more important. "This plenum will be part of Beijing's propaganda campaign against foreign 'black hands' seeking to subvert the PRC." Beijing marked the 70th year of Communist rule in China earlier this month with an enormous military parade that showed off the country's military strength. But the central government has also been shaken by months of anti-Beijing unrest in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, a slowing domestic economy, and the impact of a protracted trade impasse with the United States. China's GDP growth slowed to six per cent in the third quarter, the slowest rate in 27 years.

China's leaders to hold key conclave next week

The UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit on Monday, and the UNGA will hold a one-day high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC). After opening the 74th General Debate, the UNGA will meet to discuss Sustainable Development on September 24.

Around 200 leaders will meet at United Nations General Assembly in New York&nbsp;to discuss diplomatic issues of global value including climate change, the volatile situation in the Middle East, and trade tussles. These include six summits, 360 side events, and 50 meetings on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-climate-change-protest-in-150-countries-250860">climate change</a> alone.&nbsp;

On September 26, the UNGA will hold a high-level dialogue on Financing for Development (FfD), as well as a high-level meeting on the elimination of nuclear weapons. This will be followed by a review of the progress made in addressing the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on September 27.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, alongside Brazilian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bolsonaro-may-not-be-the-real-culprit-of-the-amazon-fire-246177">Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro</a> is expected to skip the Climate Change Summit, while those attending include German Chancellor Angela Merkel who will skip the rest of the events, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Many prominent leaders are skipping the UNGA altogether. These include President Xi Jinping of China, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, alongside Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel. Nicolas Maduro, the President of Venezuela is not expected to show either, for he is regarded as an illegitimate leader by over 50 governments, including the US. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will also not attend any events.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be present at UNGA.

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the UK, is expected to present his case to Donald Tusk, the European Council President. Even though Climate Change is one of the key topics to be discussed, the UK's discourse will still largely revolve around Brexit. Additionally, he will be a part of joint discussions with Emmanuel Macron of France and Germany’s Angela Merkel, and a meeting with Ireland’s Leo Varadkar.

The Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-arrives-in-us-ahead-of-74th-session-of-unga-251133">Imran Khan</a> will speak at the Climate Summit today.

The US and Saudi Arabia are expected to make their case against Iran. Even though Trump was supposed to meet President Hassan Rouhani of Iran, the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities have dwindled the chances of this meeting.

The United States and its ally Saudi Arabia blame Iran for the attack on the world's biggest crude oil processing facility and have said they will present evidence to back that up. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group, which has been fighting a Saudi-led military coalition since 2015, has claimed responsibility.

Rouhani is expected to put forward his case against Trump on Wednesday. Iran would present to the UN a regional cooperation plan for peace called 'The Gulf Security Plan.&nbsp; 
 
Additionally, with climate change at the forefront of UN discussions, more than 60 leaders of states are expected to speak at the Climate Action Summit.

The UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit on Monday, and the UNGA will hold a one-day high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC). After opening the 74th General Debate, the UNGA will meet to discuss Sustainable Development on September 24.

The UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit on Monday, and the UNGA will hold a one-day high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC). After opening the 74th General Debate, the UNGA will meet to discuss Sustainable Development on September 24. Around 200 leaders will meet at United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss diplomatic issues of global value including climate change, the volatile situation in the Middle East, and trade tussles. These include six summits, 360 side events, and 50 meetings on climate change alone. On September 26, the UNGA will hold a high-level dialogue on Financing for Development (FfD), as well as a high-level meeting on the elimination of nuclear weapons. This will be followed by a review of the progress made in addressing the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on September 27. US President Donald Trump, alongside Brazilian Prime Minister Jair Bolsonaro is expected to skip the Climate Change Summit, while those attending include German Chancellor Angela Merkel who will skip the rest of the events, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Many prominent leaders are skipping the UNGA altogether. These include President Xi Jinping of China, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, alongside Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel. Nicolas Maduro, the President of Venezuela is not expected to show either, for he is regarded as an illegitimate leader by over 50 governments, including the US. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will also not attend any events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be present at UNGA. Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the UK, is expected to present his case to Donald Tusk, the European Council President. Even though Climate Change is one of the key topics to be discussed, the UK's discourse will still largely revolve around Brexit. Additionally, he will be a part of joint discussions with Emmanuel Macron of France and Germany’s Angela Merkel, and a meeting with Ireland’s Leo Varadkar. The Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will speak at the Climate Summit today. The US and Saudi Arabia are expected to make their case against Iran. Even though Trump was supposed to meet President Hassan Rouhani of Iran, the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities have dwindled the chances of this meeting. The United States and its ally Saudi Arabia blame Iran for the attack on the world's biggest crude oil processing facility and have said they will present evidence to back that up. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group, which has been fighting a Saudi-led military coalition since 2015, has claimed responsibility. Rouhani is expected to put forward his case against Trump on Wednesday. Iran would present to the UN a regional cooperation plan for peace called 'The Gulf Security Plan. Additionally, with climate change at the forefront of UN discussions, more than 60 leaders of states are expected to speak at the Climate Action Summit.

UN General Assembly 2019: What to expect at the 74th session this week

Leaders Around The World Are Increasingly Feeling The Need To Keep Things Informal During Bilateral Engagements

Gravitas: 'Cool Diplomacy' in action

Former external affairs minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj passed away at New Delhi's AIIMS.

Reactions from Leaders and Political Analyst on Sushma Swaraj's demise

Leaders to discuss Global Economy, Environment and Employment in G20 Summit 2019

G20 Summit: Leaders to discuss Global Economy, Environment and Employment

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