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European Union leaders have rallied behind France in its anger over a multi-billion dollar submarine deal with Australia that was scuppered when Canberra signed up to a trilateral Asia Pacific security pact with the United States and the United Kingdom. Watch this report for more details.

European Union ministers express solidarity with France

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will travel to Geneva to convene a high-level conference on aid for Afghanistan on September 13, his spokesman said Friday.

The country, now under the control of the Taliban after 20 years of war, is facing a "looming humanitarian catastrophe," Stephane Dujarric warned.

"The conference will advocate for a swift scale-up in funding so the lifesaving humanitarian operation can continue; and appeal for full and unimpeded humanitarian access to make sure Afghans continue to get the essential services they need," &nbsp;he said in a statement.

He said development gains must also be protected in the country and that the rights of women were an "essential" part of Afghanistan's future stability.

Even before the Taliban victory, Afghanistan was heavily aid-dependent -- with 40 percent of the country's GDP drawn from foreign funding.

The UN has warned 18 million people are facing a humanitarian disaster, and another 18 million could quickly join them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blame-for-afghanistan-lies-on-president-biden-says-911-era-nypd-commissioner-410532">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive: Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner&nbsp;</a>

"One in three Afghans do not know where their next meal will come from. Nearly half of all children under the age of five are predicted to be acutely malnourished in the next 12 months," Dujarric said.&nbsp;

Residents in Kabul have voiced worry over the country's long-running economic difficulties, now seriously compounded by the hardline movement's takeover.

The United States ended its war in Afghanistan on August 30, two weeks after the Afghan government fell and the Taliban took control of Kabul.

Those days were marked by a frenzied evacuation of Americans, other foreigners and Afghans fleeing the new Taliban regime.&nbsp;

Since the US departure, the Taliban have been working with Qatar to get the airport in Kabul, a lifeline for aid, operational again.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the United Nations said it had resumed humanitarian flights to parts of the country, linking the Pakistani capital Islamabad with Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan and Kandahar in the south.

The country's flag carrier Ariana Afghan Airlines resumed domestic flights on Friday, while the United Arab Emirates sent a plane carrying "urgent medical and food aid."

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will travel to Geneva to convene a high-level conference on aid for Afghanistan on September 13, his spokesman said Friday.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will travel to Geneva to convene a high-level conference on aid for Afghanistan on September 13, his spokesman said Friday. The country, now under the control of the Taliban after 20 years of war, is facing a "looming humanitarian catastrophe," Stephane Dujarric warned. "The conference will advocate for a swift scale-up in funding so the lifesaving humanitarian operation can continue; and appeal for full and unimpeded humanitarian access to make sure Afghans continue to get the essential services they need," he said in a statement. He said development gains must also be protected in the country and that the rights of women were an "essential" part of Afghanistan's future stability. Even before the Taliban victory, Afghanistan was heavily aid-dependent -- with 40 percent of the country's GDP drawn from foreign funding. The UN has warned 18 million people are facing a humanitarian disaster, and another 18 million could quickly join them. Also read | Exclusive: Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner "One in three Afghans do not know where their next meal will come from. Nearly half of all children under the age of five are predicted to be acutely malnourished in the next 12 months," Dujarric said. Residents in Kabul have voiced worry over the country's long-running economic difficulties, now seriously compounded by the hardline movement's takeover. The United States ended its war in Afghanistan on August 30, two weeks after the Afghan government fell and the Taliban took control of Kabul. Those days were marked by a frenzied evacuation of Americans, other foreigners and Afghans fleeing the new Taliban regime. Since the US departure, the Taliban have been working with Qatar to get the airport in Kabul, a lifeline for aid, operational again. On Thursday, the United Nations said it had resumed humanitarian flights to parts of the country, linking the Pakistani capital Islamabad with Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan and Kandahar in the south. The country's flag carrier Ariana Afghan Airlines resumed domestic flights on Friday, while the United Arab Emirates sent a plane carrying "urgent medical and food aid."

UN chief to host Afghanistan aid meeting in Geneva on Sept 13: Spokesman

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said. 
 
The two leaders "discussed the need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways the global community can provide further humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and other vulnerable Afghans," the White House said in a statement. 
 
The decision by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to stick to the troop withdrawal deal struck by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump has stirred widespread criticism at home and among US&nbsp;allies. 
 
The United States and Western allies resumed evacuating diplomats and civilians on Tuesday, the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans thronged the runway. 
 
As they rush to evacuate, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the transformed situation on the ground after Afghan forces melted away in just days, with what many had predicted as the likely fast unraveling of women's rights. 
 
A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson in the call with Biden "stressed the importance of not losing the gains made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, of protecting ourselves against any emerging threat from terrorism and of continuing to support the people of Afghanistan," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

US President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said. The two leaders "discussed the need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways the global community can provide further humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and other vulnerable Afghans," the White House said in a statement. The decision by US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to stick to the troop withdrawal deal struck by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump has stirred widespread criticism at home and among US allies. The United States and Western allies resumed evacuating diplomats and civilians on Tuesday, the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans thronged the runway. As they rush to evacuate, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the transformed situation on the ground after Afghan forces melted away in just days, with what many had predicted as the likely fast unraveling of women's rights. A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson in the call with Biden "stressed the importance of not losing the gains made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, of protecting ourselves against any emerging threat from terrorism and of continuing to support the people of Afghanistan," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Biden, Johnson discuss Afghanistan on call, agree to hold G7 meeting

A meeting between Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has led to a turmoil in the political circles of the country.&nbsp;

The pictures of the meeting were shared on Twitter by the National Security Council of Afghanistan on Saturday, along with a statement a day after the meeting was held in London.&nbsp;

The news of the meeting seems to have spread on social media like a wild fire. It also led some senior government figures to criticise the PML-N leader.&nbsp;

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NSA <a href="https://twitter.com/hmohib?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hmohib</a> and State Minister for Peace Sayed Sadat Naderi called on Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London to discuss matters of mutual interest. <a href="https://t.co/bOs1PmwdmJ">pic.twitter.com/bOs1PmwdmJ</a>
— NSC Afghanistan (@NSCAfghan) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSCAfghan/status/1418648084515598336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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At a press conference later, several leaders also demanded an explanation. They asked Nawaz, why he met a hostile Afghan official whom Islamabad had cut off all contacts with after he made controversial remarks against Pakistan earlier this year.&nbsp;

The meeting took place during the Afghan NSA’s two-day visit to the UK. In the visit, Hamdullah Mohib met senior UK government and military officials, politicians and journalists.&nbsp;

After the meeting, a statement was released, where the Afghan NSC said, the participants discussed “matters of mutual interest”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A meeting between Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has led to a turmoil in the political circles of the country.

A meeting between Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has led to a turmoil in the political circles of the country. The pictures of the meeting were shared on Twitter by the National Security Council of Afghanistan on Saturday, along with a statement a day after the meeting was held in London. The news of the meeting seems to have spread on social media like a wild fire. It also led some senior government figures to criticise the PML-N leader. NSA @hmohib and State Minister for Peace Sayed Sadat Naderi called on Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London to discuss matters of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/bOs1PmwdmJ — NSC Afghanistan (@NSCAfghan) July 23, 2021 × At a press conference later, several leaders also demanded an explanation. They asked Nawaz, why he met a hostile Afghan official whom Islamabad had cut off all contacts with after he made controversial remarks against Pakistan earlier this year. The meeting took place during the Afghan NSA’s two-day visit to the UK. In the visit, Hamdullah Mohib met senior UK government and military officials, politicians and journalists. After the meeting, a statement was released, where the Afghan NSC said, the participants discussed “matters of mutual interest”. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan NSA, Sharif’s London meeting kicks off political storm in Pakistan 

As the US troops handed over Afghanistan's Bagram airbase to Afghan forces, US President Joe Biden on Friday said there were no immediate plans for complete troop withdrawal from the country. "No. We're on, we're on track exactly as to where we expect to be," the US president said.

Troops drawdown in Afghanistan is on track, says US President Joe Biden

US president Joe Biden met his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani at the white house on Friday to demonstrate a continuing US commitment to Afghanistan. Watch this report to know more.

Our support for Afghanistan is not ending: Joe Biden

The three weeks long UN subsidiary bodies meeting has finally concluded with little progress on a series of key issues. Aimed at clearing decks ahead of the COP26 gathering in Glasgow in November, the meeting was hindered by several factors including technical glitches, and multiple time zones.

The three weeks long UN subsidiary bodies meeting has finally concluded with little progress on a series of key issues. Aimed at clearing decks ahead of the COP26 gathering in Glasgow in November, the meeting was hindered by several factors including technical glitches, and multiple time zones. Ministers from 40 countries will meet in July to take the process forward. Various developing nations are worried that a lack of vaccines may hinder their ability to take part in the Glasgow conference. However, the UK said that it will ensure that all accredited delegates will get their jabs ahead of the summit. UK minister Alok Sharma, who will be chairing the global gathering, told a news conference that the delegates who are unable to get jabs from their own countries "will get support from us". Also Read | World Environment School is geared toward shaping a future generation for a green planet Despite an extended session, various issues remained unresolved. Quamrul Chowdhury, a climate negotiator from Bangladesh, was quoted by BBC saying that, "I think this was technically challenging for many parties, connectivity problems compounded and complicated the trust deficits that exist". He added, "Even the low hanging fruits couldn't be harvested". To move forward, the process will require ministerial intervention. Ambassador Diann Black-Layne of Antigua and Barbuda, who is a lead negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States, was quoted by BBC saying that, "Covid-19 remains a serious concern for many of us, and travel restrictions continue for many countries". She added, "A significant portion of our membership face onerous travel restrictions regardless of their personal vaccination status. Some islands in the Pacific have just two flights per month, with one month of quarantine, while other islands still have closed borders. This will not change unless their entire populations have vaccine access".

UN subsidiary bodies meeting makes little progress on key issues

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body.&nbsp;

Taiwan is excluded from most global organisations, such as the WHO because of the objections of China, which considers the island one of its provinces and not a country.&nbsp;

Taiwan, with the strong backing of major Western powers, had been lobbying for access to the WHO's World Health Assembly, which opens on Monday, as an observer.&nbsp;

In a joint statement by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's government said that they would continue to seek participation.&nbsp;

"As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization (WHO) should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member," Chen said, referring to China.&nbsp;

Wu expressed regret at the "WHO Secretariat's continued indifference to the health rights of Taiwan's 23.5 million people".&nbsp;

China says Taiwan can only take part if it accepts it is part of 'one China', which Taipei's government will not do, and that only Beijing has a right to speak for Taiwan on the international stage and Taiwan has in any case been given the access it needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Taiwan's statement said China was falsely claiming that appropriate arrangements have been made for Taiwan's WHO participation, adding that only the island's democratically elected government can speak for its people.&nbsp;

Taiwan urges the WHO to "maintain a professional and neutral stance, reject China's political interference, and allow Taiwan to join WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities in order to protect the welfare of humanity and jointly combat disease".&nbsp;

While the WHO cooperates with Taiwan's technical experts on COVID-19, it is up to member states whether to invite Taiwan to observe the WHO meeting, the WHO's principal legal officer Steve Solomon said last week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body.

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body. Taiwan is excluded from most global organisations, such as the WHO because of the objections of China, which considers the island one of its provinces and not a country. Taiwan, with the strong backing of major Western powers, had been lobbying for access to the WHO's World Health Assembly, which opens on Monday, as an observer. In a joint statement by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's government said that they would continue to seek participation. "As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization (WHO) should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member," Chen said, referring to China. Wu expressed regret at the "WHO Secretariat's continued indifference to the health rights of Taiwan's 23.5 million people". China says Taiwan can only take part if it accepts it is part of 'one China', which Taipei's government will not do, and that only Beijing has a right to speak for Taiwan on the international stage and Taiwan has in any case been given the access it needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan's statement said China was falsely claiming that appropriate arrangements have been made for Taiwan's WHO participation, adding that only the island's democratically elected government can speak for its people. Taiwan urges the WHO to "maintain a professional and neutral stance, reject China's political interference, and allow Taiwan to join WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities in order to protect the welfare of humanity and jointly combat disease". While the WHO cooperates with Taiwan's technical experts on COVID-19, it is up to member states whether to invite Taiwan to observe the WHO meeting, the WHO's principal legal officer Steve Solomon said last week. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting, which will be attended by key ministers and officials, on Sunday to review preparations to deal with the approaching cyclone Yaas.&nbsp;

Representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), secretaries from Telecom, Power, Civil aviation and Earth Sciences ministries will attend the meeting besides the home minister among others.&nbsp;

Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Odisha and the West Bengal coasts on May 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting, which will be attended by key ministers and officials, on Sunday to review preparations to deal with the approaching cyclone Yaas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting, which will be attended by key ministers and officials, on Sunday to review preparations to deal with the approaching cyclone Yaas. Representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), secretaries from Telecom, Power, Civil aviation and Earth Sciences ministries will attend the meeting besides the home minister among others. Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Odisha and the West Bengal coasts on May 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

PM Modi to review preparations to deal with cyclone Yaas 

As the daily COVID-19 cases surged to a staggering record-high level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reviewed the availability and supply of ventilators, oxygen and medicines to fight this pandemic.

India: PM Modi holds review meet on COVID-19

India has reported more than 90,000 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. The country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a high-level meeting to review COVID-19 related issues and discuss vaccination updates.

India: 93,249 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday.&nbsp;

The participation of both the ministers at the conference has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;

Qureshi on Sunday told the Dawn newspaper that no meeting (between him and Jaishankar) has been finalised or requested.&nbsp;

When asked about media speculation that India and Pakistan have been quietly negotiating for the full resumption of diplomatic relations, Qureshi said, "No such decision yet".&nbsp;

Jaishankar last week also did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference.&nbsp;

"My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said, at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26.&nbsp;

While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference.&nbsp;

The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi would hold consultations with key regional and international partners on the sidelines of the conference.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan are without high commissioners in each other's capital, New Delhi and Islamabad, respectively, since the relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in August 2019.&nbsp;

On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'.&nbsp;

India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility.&nbsp;

The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011 in Turkey. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday. The participation of both the ministers at the conference has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army. Qureshi on Sunday told the Dawn newspaper that no meeting (between him and Jaishankar) has been finalised or requested. When asked about media speculation that India and Pakistan have been quietly negotiating for the full resumption of diplomatic relations, Qureshi said, "No such decision yet". Jaishankar last week also did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference. "My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said, at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26. While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference. The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister. Pakistan's Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi would hold consultations with key regional and international partners on the sidelines of the conference. India and Pakistan are without high commissioners in each other's capital, New Delhi and Islamabad, respectively, since the relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in August 2019. On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'. India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility. The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011 in Turkey. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak Foreign Minister: Meeting with Jaishankar not 'finalised or requested' 

A highly secretive conclave of the Communist Party is about to be held. It is a meeting that even the Chinese President Xi Jinping is afraid to attend. It's a conference that happens far away from the limelight of Beijing.

The Beidaihe conference is an annual gathering of luminaries of the Communist Party that sets the political agenda for the year&nbsp;but this time around, the Beidaihe meeting could add to Xi Jinping’s headaches.

Mao Zedong has been there so has Deng Xiaoping. A visit to the beach resort of Beidaihe was an annual affair for the two leaders but, they were not on a holiday. Every year, Beidaihe plays host to a secret conclave of the Communist Party. An informal gathering is used to brainstorm the political agenda.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-secret-conclave-to-grill-xi-jinping-313862/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The tradition was started by the founder of Communist China -&nbsp;Mao Zedong and continues even today. The meeting is never announced and&nbsp;there is no press release. Leaders of the Communist Party arrive in Beidaihe quietly and never rub shoulders with the public.

Xi Jinping would like to keep things quiet this year too because this year’s summit conclave would be far from smooth sailing for Xi Jinping.

During the Beidaihe summit, he will come face to face with the party elders and&nbsp;retired members of the Communist party including&nbsp;former leaders of the Chinese state, leaders&nbsp;who could have things to say about how China handled the coronavirus outbreak, the situation in Hong Kong and China’s tensions with the US.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that there are 10 to 20 figures who still influence the Communist Party. But four names stand out-&nbsp;former president Jiang Zemin, former Premier Zhu Rongji, former president Hu Jintao and former Premier Wen Jiabao.

The Beidaihe meeting is perhaps one of the few forums where China’s leading political figures can criticise the leader in charge and this year’s meeting is happening under extraordinary circumstances.

After the pandemic spread from China to the world, Beijing has launched an unprecedented diplomatic mission to assert itself.

Several military standoffs are playing out in China’s neighbourhood. For the first time this year, China hasn’t set a GDP target and economic growth is what binds the elders as all four elders oversaw China’s high economic growth.

According to various accounts of the Beidaihe meeting, the elders never hesitate to criticise leaders in power and even&nbsp;offer binding advice to the president. Even in retirement&nbsp;these elders enjoy considerable perks and powers.

They are assigned elite bodyguards, special housing, secretaries and drivers. They can even access restricted documents and information. It&nbsp;allows them to keep tabs on the party's activities and influence decisions.

The challenge for Xi Jinping is to keep the party united&nbsp;because&nbsp;if the party elders were to go against him, their anger could spread to party cadres triggering a wave of dissent within the Chinese ruling establishment.

A highly secretive conclave of the Communist Party is about to be held. It is a meeting that even the Chinese President Xi Jinping is afraid to attend. It's a conference that happens far away from the limelight of Beijing.

A highly secretive conclave of the Communist Party is about to be held. It is a meeting that even the Chinese President Xi Jinping is afraid to attend. It's a conference that happens far away from the limelight of Beijing. The Beidaihe conference is an annual gathering of luminaries of the Communist Party that sets the political agenda for the year but this time around, the Beidaihe meeting could add to Xi Jinping’s headaches. Mao Zedong has been there so has Deng Xiaoping. A visit to the beach resort of Beidaihe was an annual affair for the two leaders but, they were not on a holiday. Every year, Beidaihe plays host to a secret conclave of the Communist Party. An informal gathering is used to brainstorm the political agenda. The tradition was started by the founder of Communist China - Mao Zedong and continues even today. The meeting is never announced and there is no press release. Leaders of the Communist Party arrive in Beidaihe quietly and never rub shoulders with the public. Xi Jinping would like to keep things quiet this year too because this year’s summit conclave would be far from smooth sailing for Xi Jinping. During the Beidaihe summit, he will come face to face with the party elders and retired members of the Communist party including former leaders of the Chinese state, leaders who could have things to say about how China handled the coronavirus outbreak, the situation in Hong Kong and China’s tensions with the US. Reports suggest that there are 10 to 20 figures who still influence the Communist Party. But four names stand out- former president Jiang Zemin, former Premier Zhu Rongji, former president Hu Jintao and former Premier Wen Jiabao. The Beidaihe meeting is perhaps one of the few forums where China’s leading political figures can criticise the leader in charge and this year’s meeting is happening under extraordinary circumstances. After the pandemic spread from China to the world, Beijing has launched an unprecedented diplomatic mission to assert itself. Several military standoffs are playing out in China’s neighbourhood. For the first time this year, China hasn’t set a GDP target and economic growth is what binds the elders as all four elders oversaw China’s high economic growth. According to various accounts of the Beidaihe meeting, the elders never hesitate to criticise leaders in power and even offer binding advice to the president. Even in retirement these elders enjoy considerable perks and powers. They are assigned elite bodyguards, special housing, secretaries and drivers. They can even access restricted documents and information. It allows them to keep tabs on the party's activities and influence decisions. The challenge for Xi Jinping is to keep the party united because if the party elders were to go against him, their anger could spread to party cadres triggering a wave of dissent within the Chinese ruling establishment.

China's President Xi Jinping dreads Beidaihe summit, here's why!

Climate activist Greta Thunberg met Malala Yousafzai at the University of Oxford where the Nobel peace prize winner is a student. 22-year-old Yousafzai posted a photo on Instagram of herself and Thunberg sitting on a bench on Tuesday, with the caption: “Thank you, @gretathunberg” and a heart emoji.

Greta Thunberg meets Malala Yousafzai at Oxford University

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-to-inaugurate-kolkata-port-trusts-150th-anniversary-event-today-273682">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will on Wednesday chair the 32nd interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for pro-active governance and timely implementation.&nbsp;

According to a release issued by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prime-minister-narendra-modi-speaking-at-inauguration-of-integrated-check-post-icp-at-jogbani-biratnagar-275661">Narendra Modi </a>website, in the previous 31 interactions of PRAGATI, projects worth over Rs 12 lakh crores have been reviewed by the Prime Minister.

In the last PRAGATI meeting of the year 2019, nine projects worth over Rs. 61,000 crores related to 16 states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir were taken up for discussion.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-orders-distribution-of-equipment-to-farmers-on-priority-to-stop-stubble-burning-260465">PM Modi orders distribution of equipment to farmers on 'priority' to stop stubble burning</a>

<img alt="PM Narendra Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="06f98e59-8ddb-41b2-8a36-cb42704ad675" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2845%29_3.jpg" /> 
[ Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Courtesy: ANI) ]

There were also discussions on various topics like grievances of Indian citizens working abroad, National Agriculture Market, Aspirational District Programme and infrastructure development programmes and initiatives.

The Prime Minister had launched the multi-purpose and multi-modal governance platform PRAGATI on March 25, 2015. PRAGATI - is an integrating and interactive platform, aimed at addressing the common man's grievances.&nbsp;

PRAGATI also helps in simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India, as well as projects flagged by various state governments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday chair the 32nd interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for pro-active governance and timely implementation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday chair the 32nd interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for pro-active governance and timely implementation. According to a release issued by Narendra Modi website, in the previous 31 interactions of PRAGATI, projects worth over Rs 12 lakh crores have been reviewed by the Prime Minister. In the last PRAGATI meeting of the year 2019, nine projects worth over Rs. 61,000 crores related to 16 states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir were taken up for discussion. Also Read: PM Modi orders distribution of equipment to farmers on 'priority' to stop stubble burning [ Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Courtesy: ANI) ] There were also discussions on various topics like grievances of Indian citizens working abroad, National Agriculture Market, Aspirational District Programme and infrastructure development programmes and initiatives. The Prime Minister had launched the multi-purpose and multi-modal governance platform PRAGATI on March 25, 2015. PRAGATI - is an integrating and interactive platform, aimed at addressing the common man's grievances. PRAGATI also helps in simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India, as well as projects flagged by various state governments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chair 32nd PRAGATI meeting

Macron meets Rouhani at UNGA but Trump stays away

Amidst heightened tensions in the region following the drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-heading-to-saudi-arabia-over-iran-tensions-pence-250263">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> on Wednesday met Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) and expressed support for the Kingdom's right to defend itself.

"Met with #Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today to discuss the unprecedented attacks against Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure. The US&nbsp;stands with #SaudiArabia and supports its right to defend itself. The Iranian regime's threatening behaviour will not be tolerated," Pompeo said in a tweet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Met with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Saudi</a> Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today to discuss the unprecedented attacks against Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure. The U.S. stands with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a> and supports its right to defend itself. The Iranian regime’s threatening behavior will not be tolerated.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1174451339042144256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A US State Department spokesperson said Pompeo discussed "the recent attacks by Iran against oil facilities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-aramco-pursues-ipo-planning-despite-attack-damage-doubts-250228">Saudi Arabia</a>" with the Saudi Crown Prince.

Both of them agreed that "this was an unacceptable and unprecedented attack that not only threatened Saudi Arabian national security but also endangered the lives of all the American citizens living and working in Saudi Arabia, as well as the world's energy supply in general."

"The Secretary and the Crown Prince discussed the need for the international community to come together to counter the continued threat of the Iranian regime and agreed that the Iranian regime must be held accountable for its continued aggressive, reckless, and threatening behaviour," the Spokesperson added.

The drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia was claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran.

The attack took place on Saturday escalating tensions in the region.

Amidst heightened tensions in the region following the drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday met Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) and expressed support for the Kingdom's right to defend itself.

Amidst heightened tensions in the region following the drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday met Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) and expressed support for the Kingdom's right to defend itself. "Met with #Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today to discuss the unprecedented attacks against Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure. The US stands with #SaudiArabia and supports its right to defend itself. The Iranian regime's threatening behaviour will not be tolerated," Pompeo said in a tweet. Met with #Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today to discuss the unprecedented attacks against Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure. The U.S. stands with #SaudiArabia and supports its right to defend itself. The Iranian regime’s threatening behavior will not be tolerated. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 18, 2019 × A US State Department spokesperson said Pompeo discussed "the recent attacks by Iran against oil facilities in Saudi Arabia" with the Saudi Crown Prince. Both of them agreed that "this was an unacceptable and unprecedented attack that not only threatened Saudi Arabian national security but also endangered the lives of all the American citizens living and working in Saudi Arabia, as well as the world's energy supply in general." "The Secretary and the Crown Prince discussed the need for the international community to come together to counter the continued threat of the Iranian regime and agreed that the Iranian regime must be held accountable for its continued aggressive, reckless, and threatening behaviour," the Spokesperson added. The drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia was claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran. The attack took place on Saturday escalating tensions in the region.

US stands with Saudi Arabia, says Mike Pompeo after meeting Crown Prince

Iran on Wednesday rejected the possibility of a meeting between&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/iran-says-boltons-departure-will-not-push-tehran-to-talks-with-us-249008">President Hassan Rouhani</a>&nbsp;and US counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-on-a-meeting-with-irans-rouhani-anything-is-possible-247640">Donald Trump</a> after the White House signalled it was open to such an encounter.

Two of Trump's top lieutenants on Tuesday indicated he was ready to meet the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/irans-hassan-rouhani-rules-out-bilateral-talks-with-us-247279">Iranian president</a> without preconditions after the US leader sacked his hawkish national security adviser John Bolton.

But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stressed the United States would maintain its campaign of "maximum pressure" against the Islamic republic.

The idea of a Trump-Rouhani meeting was floated last month by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been spearheading European efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States.

The arch-foes have been at loggerheads since May last year when Trump unilaterally withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal and began reimposing crippling sanctions on Iran.

Iran's representative at the United Nations reiterated Rouhani's position in an interview published Wednesday by state news agency IRNA.

Majid Takht-Ravanchi said a meeting could take place only if Washington ends its "economic terrorism" by lifting all of its sanctions against Tehran.

The Iranian envoy said any meeting must also be held in the framework of the group of major powers that negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal.

"As long as the US government's economic terrorism and such cruel sanctions are imposed on the Iranian people, there is no room for negotiations," he was quoted as saying by IRNA.

The diplomat said Trump's decision to dismiss Bolton a hardliner accused of pushing Trump towards war against Iran was a matter for the Americans.

"The removal of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-boltons-departure-an-iran-hawk-leaves-the-chessboard-248951">John Bolton</a> is an internal affair and we don't take stands on domestic issues," said Takht-Ravanchi.

Asked about the impact of Bolton's sacking on long-fraught relations between Iran and the United States, he said it was "too soon" to make any judgements.

"Whether the extremist policy of the US changes or not depends on various factors in US foreign policy," he told ISNA.

Bolton is a controversial figure closely linked to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and other aggressive US foreign policy decisions.

He had been seen as one of the main driving forces in the White House's muscular approach to Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela among others.

Iran on Wednesday rejected the possibility of a meeting between President Hassan Rouhani and US counterpart Donald Trump after the White House signalled it was open to such an encounter.

Iran on Wednesday rejected the possibility of a meeting between President Hassan Rouhani and US counterpart Donald Trump after the White House signalled it was open to such an encounter. Two of Trump's top lieutenants on Tuesday indicated he was ready to meet the Iranian president without preconditions after the US leader sacked his hawkish national security adviser John Bolton. But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stressed the United States would maintain its campaign of "maximum pressure" against the Islamic republic. The idea of a Trump-Rouhani meeting was floated last month by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been spearheading European efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States. The arch-foes have been at loggerheads since May last year when Trump unilaterally withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal and began reimposing crippling sanctions on Iran. Iran's representative at the United Nations reiterated Rouhani's position in an interview published Wednesday by state news agency IRNA. Majid Takht-Ravanchi said a meeting could take place only if Washington ends its "economic terrorism" by lifting all of its sanctions against Tehran. The Iranian envoy said any meeting must also be held in the framework of the group of major powers that negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal. "As long as the US government's economic terrorism and such cruel sanctions are imposed on the Iranian people, there is no room for negotiations," he was quoted as saying by IRNA. The diplomat said Trump's decision to dismiss Bolton a hardliner accused of pushing Trump towards war against Iran was a matter for the Americans. "The removal of John Bolton is an internal affair and we don't take stands on domestic issues," said Takht-Ravanchi. Asked about the impact of Bolton's sacking on long-fraught relations between Iran and the United States, he said it was "too soon" to make any judgements. "Whether the extremist policy of the US changes or not depends on various factors in US foreign policy," he told ISNA. Bolton is a controversial figure closely linked to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and other aggressive US foreign policy decisions. He had been seen as one of the main driving forces in the White House's muscular approach to Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela among others.

Iran again rebuffs US talk of Trump-Rouhani meeting

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Theresa May had not moved far enough in crisis talks aimed at breaking the deadlock over Britain's exit from the European Union.

The United Kingdom was supposed to leave the EU last Friday, but, nearly three years after Britons narrowly voted for Brexit in a referendum, it is still unclear how, when or even whether it will quit the bloc it joined in 1973.

After her EU withdrawal deal was rejected three times by lawmakers, May invited Corbyn, a veteran socialist, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-may-to-meet-opposition-leader-corbyn-but-deal-could-tear-her-party-apart-207740">to talks in parliament to try to plot a way out of the crisis</a>.

"There hasn't been as much change as I expected," Corbyn, 69, said. "The meeting was useful but inconclusive."

Asked if May had accepted his preference for a post-Brexit customs union with the EU, he said: "We did have a discussion about all of that."

Corbyn is under pressure from some in his party not to agree a Brexit deal without ensuring that it can be confirmed or rejected in a new referendum that also offers the option to stay in the EU.

"I said: 'Look, this is a policy of our party that we would want to pursue the option of a public vote to prevent crashing out or prevent leaving on a bad deal,'" he said. "There was no agreement reached on that. We just put it there as one of the issues."

A Downing Street spokesman said the meeting, which lasted an hour and 40 minutes, had been "constructive, with both sides showing flexibility and a commitment to bring the current Brexit uncertainty to a close".

"We have agreed a programme of work to ensure we deliver for the British people, protecting jobs and security," he added.

May's overture to Corbyn, whose party has 245 out of 650 lawmakers, offers a possible way for her to secure a majority for an exit deal as she seeks a second short delay to Brexit.

But some in the Labour Party have cast her gambit as a trap aimed at scaring her own lawmakers into backing her thrice-defeated deal, or as a way to extend responsibility for the difficulties of Brexit to the Labour Party.

CORBYN AND MAY

May's last-ditch approach to Corbyn, who is loathed by many of her Conservatives and mocked by May herself as unfit to govern, provoked anger in her febrile party.

Two junior ministers quit on Wednesday - one of them from the Brexit department.

"It now seems that you and your cabinet have decided that a deal - cooked up with a Marxist who has never once in his political life put British interests first - is better than 'no- deal'," Nigel Adams said as he resigned as a minister for Wales.

May turned to Labour after a hardcore eurosceptic group of her own Conservatives repeatedly rejected her divorce deal, saying it would leave Britain a 'vassal state'.

Using a nickname that plays on May's reputed robotic inflexibility, one Brexit-supporting Conservative lawmaker told Reuters: "The Maybot has gone haywire - we've got to find the 'off' switch."

Corbyn, who voted against EU membership in a 1975 referendum, has said Brexit should include a customs union with the EU and access to its Single Market as well as protection for consumer and environmental standards and workers’ rights.

Many supporters want the party to throw its weight behind a second referendum. But some Labour lawmakers who represent areas that voted strongly to leave the EU not only reject this but also fear that such a 'soft' Brexit would be seen as a betrayal.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said the government would accept a soft Brexit if parliament voted for it. Sterling hit its highest level since March 28.&nbsp;

May said on Tuesday she would seek "as short as possible" a delay to the current Brexit date of April 12.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he believed EU leaders were open to further delay and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would "fight until the last minute" for an orderly British exit.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Theresa May had not moved far enough in crisis talks aimed at breaking the deadlock over Britain's exit from the European Union.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Theresa May had not moved far enough in crisis talks aimed at breaking the deadlock over Britain's exit from the European Union. The United Kingdom was supposed to leave the EU last Friday, but, nearly three years after Britons narrowly voted for Brexit in a referendum, it is still unclear how, when or even whether it will quit the bloc it joined in 1973. After her EU withdrawal deal was rejected three times by lawmakers, May invited Corbyn, a veteran socialist, to talks in parliament to try to plot a way out of the crisis. "There hasn't been as much change as I expected," Corbyn, 69, said. "The meeting was useful but inconclusive." Asked if May had accepted his preference for a post-Brexit customs union with the EU, he said: "We did have a discussion about all of that." Corbyn is under pressure from some in his party not to agree a Brexit deal without ensuring that it can be confirmed or rejected in a new referendum that also offers the option to stay in the EU. "I said: 'Look, this is a policy of our party that we would want to pursue the option of a public vote to prevent crashing out or prevent leaving on a bad deal,'" he said. "There was no agreement reached on that. We just put it there as one of the issues." A Downing Street spokesman said the meeting, which lasted an hour and 40 minutes, had been "constructive, with both sides showing flexibility and a commitment to bring the current Brexit uncertainty to a close". "We have agreed a programme of work to ensure we deliver for the British people, protecting jobs and security," he added. May's overture to Corbyn, whose party has 245 out of 650 lawmakers, offers a possible way for her to secure a majority for an exit deal as she seeks a second short delay to Brexit. But some in the Labour Party have cast her gambit as a trap aimed at scaring her own lawmakers into backing her thrice-defeated deal, or as a way to extend responsibility for the difficulties of Brexit to the Labour Party. CORBYN AND MAY May's last-ditch approach to Corbyn, who is loathed by many of her Conservatives and mocked by May herself as unfit to govern, provoked anger in her febrile party. Two junior ministers quit on Wednesday - one of them from the Brexit department. "It now seems that you and your cabinet have decided that a deal - cooked up with a Marxist who has never once in his political life put British interests first - is better than 'no- deal'," Nigel Adams said as he resigned as a minister for Wales. May turned to Labour after a hardcore eurosceptic group of her own Conservatives repeatedly rejected her divorce deal, saying it would leave Britain a 'vassal state'. Using a nickname that plays on May's reputed robotic inflexibility, one Brexit-supporting Conservative lawmaker told Reuters: "The Maybot has gone haywire - we've got to find the 'off' switch." Corbyn, who voted against EU membership in a 1975 referendum, has said Brexit should include a customs union with the EU and access to its Single Market as well as protection for consumer and environmental standards and workers’ rights. Many supporters want the party to throw its weight behind a second referendum. But some Labour lawmakers who represent areas that voted strongly to leave the EU not only reject this but also fear that such a 'soft' Brexit would be seen as a betrayal. Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said the government would accept a soft Brexit if parliament voted for it. Sterling hit its highest level since March 28. May said on Tuesday she would seek "as short as possible" a delay to the current Brexit date of April 12. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he believed EU leaders were open to further delay and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would "fight until the last minute" for an orderly British exit.

May meets opposition leader Corbyn to avoid no-deal Brexit, he says meeting 'useful but inconclusive'

A selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Wednesday night to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alok-verma-resumes-office-after-77-day-forced-leave-189139">decide on the fate of CBI Director Alok Verma</a>, reinstated by a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-sets-aside-government-order-reinstates-alok-verma-as-cbi-chief-188935">Supreme Court order</a> after he was sent on forced leave by the government, officials said Wednesday.

The meeting is scheduled to be held at the prime minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, they said.

The apex court had Tuesday reinstated Verma as the CBI director. It quashed the government's unprecedented "overnight" order over two months ago, stripping him of his powers and sending him on leave after he and his deputy Rakesh Asthana traded corruption charges sparking a bitter feud.

The court, while reinstating Verma, however, made it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of "divestment of power and authority".&nbsp;

Verma's two-year tenure as CBI director ends on January 31.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge are among the members of the panel, the officials said.

Meanwhile, Verma had on Wednesday joined the office following the order.&nbsp;

The Modi government had in October, 2018 sent Verma and Asthana on forced leave.&nbsp;

Alok Verma's two-year tenure as CBI director ends on January 31.

A selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Wednesday night to decide on the fate of CBI Director Alok Verma, reinstated by a Supreme Court order after he was sent on forced leave by the government, officials said Wednesday. The meeting is scheduled to be held at the prime minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, they said. The apex court had Tuesday reinstated Verma as the CBI director. It quashed the government's unprecedented "overnight" order over two months ago, stripping him of his powers and sending him on leave after he and his deputy Rakesh Asthana traded corruption charges sparking a bitter feud. The court, while reinstating Verma, however, made it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of "divestment of power and authority". Verma's two-year tenure as CBI director ends on January 31. Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge are among the members of the panel, the officials said. Meanwhile, Verma had on Wednesday joined the office following the order. The Modi government had in October, 2018 sent Verma and Asthana on forced leave.

CBI Director Alok Verma case: PM-led panel scheduled Jan 9 night to meet and decide

DMK President M K Stalin Monday met Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, hours before the meeting of opposition parties.

The chief minister is expected to participate in the opposition parties meeting for the first time.

Sources in the AAP said during the 20-minute meeting held at the Chief Minister's residence here, Stalin stressed on the opposition unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president also asked Kejriwal to drop his "resistance" against the Congress and come together to strengthen opposition unity to remove the BJP-led government at the Centre, sources added.

Kejriwal is also expected to meet TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prior to the opposition parties meeting later in the day.

DMK President M K Stalin Monday met Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, hours before the meeting of opposition parties. The chief minister is expected to participate in the opposition parties meeting for the first time.

DMK President M K Stalin Monday met Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, hours before the meeting of opposition parties. The chief minister is expected to participate in the opposition parties meeting for the first time. Sources in the AAP said during the 20-minute meeting held at the Chief Minister's residence here, Stalin stressed on the opposition unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president also asked Kejriwal to drop his "resistance" against the Congress and come together to strengthen opposition unity to remove the BJP-led government at the Centre, sources added. Kejriwal is also expected to meet TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prior to the opposition parties meeting later in the day.

Stalin meets Kejriwal prior to opposition parties meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a meeting with top industrialists and policymakers over India's vision to break into the top 50 in the World Bank's ease of doing business index.&nbsp;

Addressing the crowd at the meeting 'Reflections on Ease of Doing Business', PM Modi lauded India's efforts towards economic growth and over improvement in quality of life. The Prime Minister stated that all sectors of economy need to improve to take India to the 5 trillion club.

"As per the analysis of Moody and World Economic Forum the position of India has either gone up or is rising. Now our efforts are to take India to the 5 trillion dollar club. To achieve this, we have to improve in all the sectors of the economy," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

India's rank rose 23 places to the 77th spot in the 'Doing Business' rankings released on October 31.

India was ranked 100th in the World Bank's Doing Business Report last year.

"Before 2014, those who had seen instability in policies and policy paralysis, for them it was impossible to believe that India can earn a rank in world’s Top 100 countries," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

"But within 4 years, there has been 180 degree change in the country. We are at 77 rank from 142 rank in ‘Ease of Doing Business’. It’s a record for the country," he added.&nbsp;

The meeting 'Reflections on Ease of Doing Business' was organised by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion as the government gears up for India's ranking to leapfrog on the 'Doing Business' index next year and boost the country's investment attractiveness.

Modi also informed that local leaders have been empowered and that implementation of ranking systems is underway on a district level in order to encourage better performance.&nbsp;

"There is a need for infrastructure, development, growth, man force and an increase in per capita income, which will only happen through investments," PM Modi stressed.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a meeting with top industrialists and policymakers over India's vision to break into the top 50 in the World Bank's ease of doing business index.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a meeting with top industrialists and policymakers over India's vision to break into the top 50 in the World Bank's ease of doing business index. Addressing the crowd at the meeting 'Reflections on Ease of Doing Business', PM Modi lauded India's efforts towards economic growth and over improvement in quality of life. The Prime Minister stated that all sectors of economy need to improve to take India to the 5 trillion club. "As per the analysis of Moody and World Economic Forum the position of India has either gone up or is rising. Now our efforts are to take India to the 5 trillion dollar club. To achieve this, we have to improve in all the sectors of the economy," PM Modi said. India's rank rose 23 places to the 77th spot in the 'Doing Business' rankings released on October 31. India was ranked 100th in the World Bank's Doing Business Report last year. "Before 2014, those who had seen instability in policies and policy paralysis, for them it was impossible to believe that India can earn a rank in world’s Top 100 countries," PM Modi said. "But within 4 years, there has been 180 degree change in the country. We are at 77 rank from 142 rank in ‘Ease of Doing Business’. It’s a record for the country," he added. The meeting 'Reflections on Ease of Doing Business' was organised by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion as the government gears up for India's ranking to leapfrog on the 'Doing Business' index next year and boost the country's investment attractiveness. Modi also informed that local leaders have been empowered and that implementation of ranking systems is underway on a district level in order to encourage better performance. "There is a need for infrastructure, development, growth, man force and an increase in per capita income, which will only happen through investments," PM Modi stressed.

Our efforts are to take India to the 5 trillion dollar club: PM Modi

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