US President Joe Biden is convenes the first-ever White House Summit for Democracy with countries around the world invited to take part in a discussion of how to reverse the “recession” of democratic values that’s been a trend in recent years.

US President Joe Biden hosts the Summit for Democracy with world leaders

Pakistan has turned down US' invitation for the Summit for Democracy, an event hosted by Joe Biden with representatives from more than 100 countries.

Pakistan declines invitation to Summit for Democracy by US

In a move that will most likely anger China, US President Joe Biden has invited Taiwan to a summit for democracy next month. According to the US state department, the summit is expected to focus on three principle themes- defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and respect for human rights.

Joe Biden invites Taiwan to democracy summit, China & Russia not invited

The reports in US and Taiwanese media that Taiwan is among invitees to the 'Summit of Democracy' to be hosted by US President Joe Biden could emerge as a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington.

China&nbsp;claims Taiwan as part of its mainland, and had repeatedly asked the US not to play role in Taiwan’s independence. Media reports about the virtual summit of Biden with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday said the latter warned the US against "playing with fire", or crossing "the red line" on Taiwan. Official statements from either side is awaited.

While the official list is yet to be released by the government, US news outlet Politico had recently compiled a <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000017c-ec87-df97-a9ff-fcffee940000">list</a> of potential invitees for the Democracy summit, in which Taiwan’s name has been included among over 100 countries or governments.

Taiwanese media quoted its foreign ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou as saying that the island&nbsp;had been in talks with the US about the invitation and was “looking forward to share its democratic experience.”

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-raises-taiwan-issue-during-virtual-meet-xi-warns-dont-play-with-fire-429694">&nbsp;Biden raises Taiwan issue during virtual meet, Xi warns don’t 'play with fire'</a>

More than 20 relevant Taiwanese ministries and committees and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy have actively taken stock of the progress of democracy and human rights-related work in recent years and have initiated a number of relevant projects, Taiwan news outlet Liberty Times quoted Ou as saying.

Ou further thanked the US government for reiterating its support for Taiwan’s democracy and said the foreign ministry will continue to coordinate with its American counterparts, according to the report.

The agenda for the Democracy Summit, which is scheduled to take place virtually from December 9-10, has not been finalised.

The event is part of Biden’s foreign policy which seeks to put the United States back into the global leadership to meet the authoritarian forces, led by China and Russia.

Much of the planning process is confidential, according to a report in Politico. All current plans are tentative, it said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-raises-taiwan-issue-during-virtual-meet-xi-warns-dont-play-with-fire-429694">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/insisting-china-play-by-the-rules-of-the-road-biden-xi-virtual-summit-seeks-to-settle-tense-relationship-429637">Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship</a>

Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island off the southeast coast of China, has been one of the flashpoints of US-China relations.

Beijing claims that the province is part of the mainland, with Chinese leaders threatening to take it by force if it makes any moves toward formal independence.

In recent years, China has ramped up military activities near Taiwan, with a&nbsp;record number of planes intruding&nbsp;into the island's air defence identification zone in early October.

US has repeatedly expressed support to Taiwan and had described China’s military activities as “aggression”.

Earlier in the day, during an online meet, President Joe Biden again raked up the issue of Taiwan, saying that opposes “unilateral efforts” to change the status quo or undermine peace across Taiwan—a remark not taken well by China.

According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Biden that US support for Taiwanese independence would be “like playing with fire”.

“Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly tried to rely on the US for independence,” Xi was quoted as saying by state media agency Xinhua.

(With inputs from agencies)

The reports in US and Taiwanese media that Taiwan is among invitees to the 'Summit of Democracy' to be hosted by US President Joe Biden could emerge as a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington.

The reports in US and Taiwanese media that Taiwan is among invitees to the 'Summit of Democracy' to be hosted by US President Joe Biden could emerge as a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington. China claims Taiwan as part of its mainland, and had repeatedly asked the US not to play role in Taiwan’s independence. Media reports about the virtual summit of Biden with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday said the latter warned the US against "playing with fire", or crossing "the red line" on Taiwan. Official statements from either side is awaited. While the official list is yet to be released by the government, US news outlet Politico had recently compiled a list of potential invitees for the Democracy summit, in which Taiwan’s name has been included among over 100 countries or governments. Taiwanese media quoted its foreign ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou as saying that the island had been in talks with the US about the invitation and was “looking forward to share its democratic experience.” Also read | Biden raises Taiwan issue during virtual meet, Xi warns don’t 'play with fire' More than 20 relevant Taiwanese ministries and committees and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy have actively taken stock of the progress of democracy and human rights-related work in recent years and have initiated a number of relevant projects, Taiwan news outlet Liberty Times quoted Ou as saying. Ou further thanked the US government for reiterating its support for Taiwan’s democracy and said the foreign ministry will continue to coordinate with its American counterparts, according to the report. The agenda for the Democracy Summit, which is scheduled to take place virtually from December 9-10, has not been finalised. The event is part of Biden’s foreign policy which seeks to put the United States back into the global leadership to meet the authoritarian forces, led by China and Russia. Much of the planning process is confidential, according to a report in Politico. All current plans are tentative, it said. Also read | Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island off the southeast coast of China, has been one of the flashpoints of US-China relations. Beijing claims that the province is part of the mainland, with Chinese leaders threatening to take it by force if it makes any moves toward formal independence. In recent years, China has ramped up military activities near Taiwan, with a record number of planes intruding into the island's air defence identification zone in early October. US has repeatedly expressed support to Taiwan and had described China’s military activities as “aggression”. Earlier in the day, during an online meet, President Joe Biden again raked up the issue of Taiwan, saying that opposes “unilateral efforts” to change the status quo or undermine peace across Taiwan—a remark not taken well by China. According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Biden that US support for Taiwanese independence would be “like playing with fire”. “Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly tried to rely on the US for independence,” Xi was quoted as saying by state media agency Xinhua. (With inputs from agencies)

Another flashpoint? Reports that Taiwan is among invitee list of US ‘Democracy Summit’ could rile China

In Gaelic, “Glasgow” translates to “dear green place,” a nod to the parks, gardens and flourishing green spaces throughout the city. But according to Chris Mitchell, who was a garbage collector there for more than two decades, the only thing flourishing in Glasgow these days is “a mountain of waste.”

As diplomats at the U.N. climate summit in Glasgow this week preach about the need to curb both greenhouse gas emissions and mass consumption to protect the planet, the reality of today’s throwaway society can be seen just a short way from the conference’s doorstep.

Outside the gleaming center of Scotland’s largest city, dumpsters and trash cans are overflowing. The city’s rat population has surged, with four garbage workers hospitalized because of attacks over the past five months. And litter is strewn across streets.

Mitchell, a senior official for the GMB Scotland trade union, which represents the city’s 1,000 garbage collectors among other workers, said they staged an eight-day strike that ended on Monday because they were tired of poor working conditions, lack of respect from management and low wages. It is a cry that has been echoed throughout Britain, the United States and other parts of the world, where essential workers who carried communities through the worst of the pandemic are saying they will no longer stand for being overworked and underpaid.

“We kept people safe,” said Mitchell, 45, who started working as a garbage collector when he was 16. “We cared for the most vulnerable. We cared for the elderly.” He appreciated the nightly clap for key workers during the pandemic. But now that coronavirus cases have subsided from peak levels, he feels the government has “abandoned low paid workers who have saved this nation.”

In parts of the city, trash is now collected only once every three weeks, down from once every two weeks about a year ago. That means garbage collectors, many of whom make less than 20,000 British pounds ($27,000) a year, have to carry heavier loads up and down steps.

On top of the less frequent collections, volumes of trash per household climbed over the past two years, a reflection of increased spending on takeout and online deliveries, according to Mitchell.

“The pandemic has created waste upon waste upon waste,” he said.

The city of about 635,000 has urged residents to reduce their waste to help protect the environment, but garbage collectors like Jack McGowan, 26, say that reducing collections is not an effective way to achieve that.

“The bins are always like that,” he said Wednesday, gesturing to several overflowing dumpsters behind a block of apartments in Scotstoun, an area west of the Glasgow city center. “We need better pay. Respect as well.”

McGowan said he lives with his mother because he cannot afford a mortgage on his salary of 19,000 pounds a year.

He said he had already seen four rats jump out of trash cans that morning alone.

Glasgow promotes its recycling program and efforts to become more environmentally friendly. But McGowan said he saw examples every day of people putting nonrecyclable trash in recycling bins.

Garbage collectors said they were likely to strike again in the run-up to Christmas if they do not get pay rises. In a statement, the Glasgow City Council said that the leader of the council had already had extensive conversations with the union and that the “door remains open to all trade union colleagues.”

Fiona Ross, a council spokeswoman, said she could not go into further detail because talks were continuing.

Meanwhile, the delegates inside the COP26 summit in Glasgow say they are making some progress toward an agreement to avert catastrophic levels of climate change.

On Wednesday, the United States and China issued a joint statement in which they pledged to do more to cut emissions this decade and in which China committed for the first time to address emissions from methane. Separately, the United Nations climate agency released a draft of an accord that urged nations “to accelerate the phasing out” of greenhouse gas emissions.

But outside the climate talks, there is a mounting frustration over the disconnect between policymakers and those most affected by climate change. There have been daily protests organized by youth activists, who say that pledges by countries that they will commit to goals that are decades away is not enough.

“Nobody really wants to incur the cost of preventing climate change today,” said Sayantan Ghosal, an economics professor at the University of Glasgow’s business school. “They’re willing to do it tomorrow, but they’re not willing to do it today.”

There has also been a gap between world leaders and business executives on the one hand, who have talked this week about the urgent need for a transition to clean energy, and the working class people on the other who will be most affected by the rising costs associated with that transition.

Many of the lowest paid workers in society, including garbage collectors, are more worried about increasing prices of food, rent and energy than about increasing temperatures. They often do not have the flexibility to spend more on food and clothing that are more sustainable.

As the U.S. economy picks up again, after a lull during the pandemic, people are quitting their jobs in record numbers, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. There are 5 million fewer people working than before the pandemic began, and employers have struggled to find enough health care workers, waiters, truck drivers and butchers.

This has given employees newfound leverage and power.

The number of workers on strike in the United States increased in October to more than 25,000, versus an average of about 10,000 in the previous three months, according to data collected by the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.

The shortages have disrupted Britain, which has struggled to find workers to make up for the thousands of European workers who left in five years since Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Mitchell, the senior union official, said that 20 drivers had left the garbage collection team in recent weeks for other truck driving jobs that are offering better pay.

Peter Welsh, a union spokesman, said Scotland needed to invest in the workers who will help deliver a transition to a greener economy.

“There are huge, huge challenges that I don’t quite think mainstream politics have begun to grasp and understand,” he said.

In Gaelic, “Glasgow” translates to “dear green place,” a nod to the parks, gardens and flourishing green spaces throughout the city. But according to Chris Mitchell, who was a garbage collector there for more than two decades, the only thing flourishing in Glasgow these days is “a mountain of waste.

In Gaelic, “Glasgow” translates to “dear green place,” a nod to the parks, gardens and flourishing green spaces throughout the city. But according to Chris Mitchell, who was a garbage collector there for more than two decades, the only thing flourishing in Glasgow these days is “a mountain of waste.” As diplomats at the U.N. climate summit in Glasgow this week preach about the need to curb both greenhouse gas emissions and mass consumption to protect the planet, the reality of today’s throwaway society can be seen just a short way from the conference’s doorstep. Outside the gleaming center of Scotland’s largest city, dumpsters and trash cans are overflowing. The city’s rat population has surged, with four garbage workers hospitalized because of attacks over the past five months. And litter is strewn across streets. Mitchell, a senior official for the GMB Scotland trade union, which represents the city’s 1,000 garbage collectors among other workers, said they staged an eight-day strike that ended on Monday because they were tired of poor working conditions, lack of respect from management and low wages. It is a cry that has been echoed throughout Britain, the United States and other parts of the world, where essential workers who carried communities through the worst of the pandemic are saying they will no longer stand for being overworked and underpaid. “We kept people safe,” said Mitchell, 45, who started working as a garbage collector when he was 16. “We cared for the most vulnerable. We cared for the elderly.” He appreciated the nightly clap for key workers during the pandemic. But now that coronavirus cases have subsided from peak levels, he feels the government has “abandoned low paid workers who have saved this nation.” In parts of the city, trash is now collected only once every three weeks, down from once every two weeks about a year ago. That means garbage collectors, many of whom make less than 20,000 British pounds ($27,000) a year, have to carry heavier loads up and down steps. On top of the less frequent collections, volumes of trash per household climbed over the past two years, a reflection of increased spending on takeout and online deliveries, according to Mitchell. “The pandemic has created waste upon waste upon waste,” he said. The city of about 635,000 has urged residents to reduce their waste to help protect the environment, but garbage collectors like Jack McGowan, 26, say that reducing collections is not an effective way to achieve that. “The bins are always like that,” he said Wednesday, gesturing to several overflowing dumpsters behind a block of apartments in Scotstoun, an area west of the Glasgow city center. “We need better pay. Respect as well.” McGowan said he lives with his mother because he cannot afford a mortgage on his salary of 19,000 pounds a year. He said he had already seen four rats jump out of trash cans that morning alone. Glasgow promotes its recycling program and efforts to become more environmentally friendly. But McGowan said he saw examples every day of people putting nonrecyclable trash in recycling bins. Garbage collectors said they were likely to strike again in the run-up to Christmas if they do not get pay rises. In a statement, the Glasgow City Council said that the leader of the council had already had extensive conversations with the union and that the “door remains open to all trade union colleagues.” Fiona Ross, a council spokeswoman, said she could not go into further detail because talks were continuing. Meanwhile, the delegates inside the COP26 summit in Glasgow say they are making some progress toward an agreement to avert catastrophic levels of climate change. On Wednesday, the United States and China issued a joint statement in which they pledged to do more to cut emissions this decade and in which China committed for the first time to address emissions from methane. Separately, the United Nations climate agency released a draft of an accord that urged nations “to accelerate the phasing out” of greenhouse gas emissions. But outside the climate talks, there is a mounting frustration over the disconnect between policymakers and those most affected by climate change. There have been daily protests organized by youth activists, who say that pledges by countries that they will commit to goals that are decades away is not enough. “Nobody really wants to incur the cost of preventing climate change today,” said Sayantan Ghosal, an economics professor at the University of Glasgow’s business school. “They’re willing to do it tomorrow, but they’re not willing to do it today.” There has also been a gap between world leaders and business executives on the one hand, who have talked this week about the urgent need for a transition to clean energy, and the working class people on the other who will be most affected by the rising costs associated with that transition. Many of the lowest paid workers in society, including garbage collectors, are more worried about increasing prices of food, rent and energy than about increasing temperatures. They often do not have the flexibility to spend more on food and clothing that are more sustainable. As the U.S. economy picks up again, after a lull during the pandemic, people are quitting their jobs in record numbers, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. There are 5 million fewer people working than before the pandemic began, and employers have struggled to find enough health care workers, waiters, truck drivers and butchers. This has given employees newfound leverage and power. The number of workers on strike in the United States increased in October to more than 25,000, versus an average of about 10,000 in the previous three months, according to data collected by the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. The shortages have disrupted Britain, which has struggled to find workers to make up for the thousands of European workers who left in five years since Britain voted to leave the European Union. Mitchell, the senior union official, said that 20 drivers had left the garbage collection team in recent weeks for other truck driving jobs that are offering better pay. Peter Welsh, a union spokesman, said Scotland needed to invest in the workers who will help deliver a transition to a greener economy. “There are huge, huge challenges that I don’t quite think mainstream politics have begun to grasp and understand,” he said.

Outside climate summit, trash in Glasgow piles high

Vladimir Putin expected to visit India in December for annual summit. The last edition of the Summit in 2020 had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

Russian President Vladmir Putin to visit India in December

China President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for co-operation between US and China. His words have come ahead of long-awaited talks with Joe Biden. Relations between the two powers have been strained lately. Both the leaders have not met in person since Biden was elected as US president.

As per diplomats, the two presidents are expected to hold a virtual summit soon. CNN quoted sources as saying the talks could take place next week.

In a letter read by China's ambassador Qin Gang, Xi Jinping set a conciliatory tone.

"Right now, China-US relations are at a critical historical juncture. Both countries will gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation," Xi said, according to an embassy statement.

"Cooperation is the only right choice," he said.

"China stands ready to work with the United States to enhance exchanges and cooperation across the board, jointly address regional and international issues as well as global challenges and, in the meantime, properly manage differences."

Relations between the United States and China have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with the US worried about Xi's assertive push both at home and abroad.

Tensions have risen in particular over Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy claimed by China and backed by the United States, with Beijing last month making a record number of incursions near the island.

Other areas of tension include human rights, with the United States asserting that Beijing is carrying out genocide against the Uyghur minority, and trade policies that the United States says are unfair.

Biden has largely kept the tougher approach on China of his predecessor Donald Trump, with both administrations considering a rising China to be the top challenge of the 21st century.

But Biden, who as vice president met extensively with Xi, has also indicated he will take a more diplomatic tone and prioritize working with allies on concerns about China.

Biden initially hoped to meet Xi on the sidelines of the recent Group of 20 summit in Rome but the Chinese leader has not gone abroad since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

China President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for co-operation between US and China. His words have come ahead of long-awaited talks with Joe Biden. Relations between the two powers have been strained lately.

China President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for co-operation between US and China. His words have come ahead of long-awaited talks with Joe Biden. Relations between the two powers have been strained lately. Both the leaders have not met in person since Biden was elected as US president. As per diplomats, the two presidents are expected to hold a virtual summit soon. CNN quoted sources as saying the talks could take place next week. In a letter read by China's ambassador Qin Gang, Xi Jinping set a conciliatory tone. "Right now, China-US relations are at a critical historical juncture. Both countries will gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation," Xi said, according to an embassy statement. "Cooperation is the only right choice," he said. "China stands ready to work with the United States to enhance exchanges and cooperation across the board, jointly address regional and international issues as well as global challenges and, in the meantime, properly manage differences." Relations between the United States and China have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with the US worried about Xi's assertive push both at home and abroad. Tensions have risen in particular over Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy claimed by China and backed by the United States, with Beijing last month making a record number of incursions near the island. Other areas of tension include human rights, with the United States asserting that Beijing is carrying out genocide against the Uyghur minority, and trade policies that the United States says are unfair. Biden has largely kept the tougher approach on China of his predecessor Donald Trump, with both administrations considering a rising China to be the top challenge of the 21st century. But Biden, who as vice president met extensively with Xi, has also indicated he will take a more diplomatic tone and prioritize working with allies on concerns about China. Biden initially hoped to meet Xi on the sidelines of the recent Group of 20 summit in Rome but the Chinese leader has not gone abroad since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi Jinping sets conciliatory tone ahead of Biden talks

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

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

Ahead of a crucial United Nations summit on climate change, US President Joe Biden has contributed immensely towards carbon emissions when he went to meet Pope Francis in an&nbsp;85-vehicle motorcade. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Friday, Biden travelled in a massive motorcade on his way to meet Pope Francis. The motorcade was caught on camera. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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Biden arriving at the Vatican. His motorcade is lonnnnnng. <a href="https://t.co/fDzAH2ENsk">pic.twitter.com/fDzAH2ENsk</a>
— Chico Harlan (@chicoharlan) <a href="https://twitter.com/chicoharlan/status/1454025249889079296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Due to a Covid restrictions in Italy, the number of passengers in each vehicle was limited. Usually, a motorcade for the president includes a dozen vehicles, plus some cars to block traffic. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-delegate-applications-for-six-afghans-rejected-days-before-event-425289" hreflang="en">COP26: Delegate applications for six Afghans rejected days before event</a>

The motorcade was filled with security personnel, a dozen associates for meeting and press. &nbsp;

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Is this necessary? I mean really necessary? <a href="https://t.co/cuf5wVIDIB">https://t.co/cuf5wVIDIB</a>
— E Brolly (@Ebrolly1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ebrolly1/status/1454514097584803844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The president’s trip seems to have left a massive carbon footprint as the vehicles were not environment-friendly. It includes the 244-horsepower vehicle ‘The Beast’ in which the president travels. Most vehicles were SUVs, vans, etc, which have low gas mileage. &nbsp;

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Biden's contribution to fighting climate change. 
 
- 85-car motorcade in Rome 
- His own 244-horsepower car "the Beast" 
- Each car generates 10x the normal amount CO2 
- 10,000 mile return trip on Air Force One 
- 2.2 million pounds of carbon total 
 
They're taking the piss.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cop26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cop26</a>
— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrisonPlanet/status/1454373356673847305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In Glasgow on the weekend, the world leaders will be converging for UN's "COP26" climate summit to come up with a vital climate change solution for securing the survival of the world by conserving Earth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-leaders-face-tough-climate-talks-on-second-day-of-summit-425445">G20 leaders face tough climate talks on second day of summit</a>

The gathering will be attended by almost 200 countries in Scotland, where most G20 leaders will fly directly from Rome. &nbsp;

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Saving the planet one motorcade at a time <a href="https://t.co/SlQ5A4M51j">https://t.co/SlQ5A4M51j</a>
— OutRun Legend (@legend_out) <a href="https://twitter.com/legend_out/status/1454486597798354950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Currently, the heads of world's 20 biggest economies have gathered in Rome for two-day G20 Summit. The leaders are focusing on Covid, economy and climate issues. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ahead of a crucial United Nations summit on climate change, US President Joe Biden has contributed immensely towards carbon emissions when he went to meet Pope Francis in an 85-vehicle motorcade.

Ahead of a crucial United Nations summit on climate change, US President Joe Biden has contributed immensely towards carbon emissions when he went to meet Pope Francis in an 85-vehicle motorcade. On Friday, Biden travelled in a massive motorcade on his way to meet Pope Francis. The motorcade was caught on camera. Biden arriving at the Vatican. His motorcade is lonnnnnng. pic.twitter.com/fDzAH2ENsk — Chico Harlan (@chicoharlan) October 29, 2021 × Due to a Covid restrictions in Italy, the number of passengers in each vehicle was limited. Usually, a motorcade for the president includes a dozen vehicles, plus some cars to block traffic. Also Read | COP26: Delegate applications for six Afghans rejected days before event The motorcade was filled with security personnel, a dozen associates for meeting and press. Is this necessary? I mean really necessary? https://t.co/cuf5wVIDIB — E Brolly (@Ebrolly1) October 30, 2021 × The president’s trip seems to have left a massive carbon footprint as the vehicles were not environment-friendly. It includes the 244-horsepower vehicle ‘The Beast’ in which the president travels. Most vehicles were SUVs, vans, etc, which have low gas mileage. Biden's contribution to fighting climate change. - 85-car motorcade in Rome - His own 244-horsepower car "the Beast" - Each car generates 10x the normal amount CO2 - 10,000 mile return trip on Air Force One - 2.2 million pounds of carbon total They're taking the piss.#Cop26 — Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) October 30, 2021 × In Glasgow on the weekend, the world leaders will be converging for UN's "COP26" climate summit to come up with a vital climate change solution for securing the survival of the world by conserving Earth. Also Read: G20 leaders face tough climate talks on second day of summit The gathering will be attended by almost 200 countries in Scotland, where most G20 leaders will fly directly from Rome. Saving the planet one motorcade at a time https://t.co/SlQ5A4M51j — OutRun Legend (@legend_out) October 30, 2021 × Currently, the heads of world's 20 biggest economies have gathered in Rome for two-day G20 Summit. The leaders are focusing on Covid, economy and climate issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Ahead of COP26 summit, US President Biden's 85-vehicle motorcade raises emissions' concerns

The world's 20 richest countries are meeting soon in Rome, world leaders are gathering for a two-day summit. The focus is on three things- climate, covid-19 and building back better. WION's Siddhant Sibal brings you all the latest inputs.

Rome: G20 leaders'summit from October 30-31; Putin, Xi Jinping to skip meet

The world's 20 richest countries are meeting soon in Rome, world leaders are gathering for a two-day summit. The focus is on three things- climate, covid-19 and building back better.

G20 leaders' summit in Rome; climate, Covid-19 and building back better on agenda

Myanmar's junta cancelled a Southeast Asian conference on Tuesday after its leader was barred from attending, escalating the regime's isolation nine months after a deadly takeover.

The virtual conference marked the start of three days of discussions held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which will include US President Joe Biden, as well as Chinese and Russian leaders.

Myanmar was at the top of the agenda at Tuesday's regional leaders' meeting, with the nation mired in upheaval following the military takeover in February and the accompanying violent crackdown on opposition.&nbsp;

Faced with requests to defuse the crisis, ASEAN — which includes Myanmar — has drafted a roadmap aimed at restoring peace, but the junta's adherence to the plan has been questioned.

The group barred junta commander Min Aung Hlaing from this week's meeting after it refused to allow a special envoy meet with deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar's brief trial with democracy was wiped out by the coup, and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is now facing a slew of accusations in a junta court that may land her in prison for decades.&nbsp;

The 76-year-old, who has been a thorn in the side of the generals for years, was scheduled to speak in court for the first time on Tuesday in a closed-door session from which the media was prohibited.

Min Aung Hlaing's absence from the Southeast Asian summit was a first for an organisation that has been chastised for its lack of clout.&nbsp;

The decision was criticised by the junta as a violation of the bloc's non-interference stance in member nations' affairs.

In his stead, a top official from the junta-appointed foreign ministry was invited by the 10-member delegation.

On the eve of the conference, however, the government stated that sending a lower-ranking official would "damage our country's sovereignty and reputation."

A large screen displayed the leaders attending the summit at the start, but where the country's delegate was supposed to be, there was only a blue display with the word "Myanmar" on it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's junta cancelled a Southeast Asian conference on Tuesday after its leader was barred from attending, escalating the regime's isolation nine months after a deadly takeover.

Myanmar's junta cancelled a Southeast Asian conference on Tuesday after its leader was barred from attending, escalating the regime's isolation nine months after a deadly takeover. The virtual conference marked the start of three days of discussions held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which will include US President Joe Biden, as well as Chinese and Russian leaders. Myanmar was at the top of the agenda at Tuesday's regional leaders' meeting, with the nation mired in upheaval following the military takeover in February and the accompanying violent crackdown on opposition. Faced with requests to defuse the crisis, ASEAN — which includes Myanmar — has drafted a roadmap aimed at restoring peace, but the junta's adherence to the plan has been questioned. The group barred junta commander Min Aung Hlaing from this week's meeting after it refused to allow a special envoy meet with deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar's brief trial with democracy was wiped out by the coup, and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is now facing a slew of accusations in a junta court that may land her in prison for decades. The 76-year-old, who has been a thorn in the side of the generals for years, was scheduled to speak in court for the first time on Tuesday in a closed-door session from which the media was prohibited. Min Aung Hlaing's absence from the Southeast Asian summit was a first for an organisation that has been chastised for its lack of clout. The decision was criticised by the junta as a violation of the bloc's non-interference stance in member nations' affairs. In his stead, a top official from the junta-appointed foreign ministry was invited by the 10-member delegation. On the eve of the conference, however, the government stated that sending a lower-ranking official would "damage our country's sovereignty and reputation." A large screen displayed the leaders attending the summit at the start, but where the country's delegate was supposed to be, there was only a blue display with the word "Myanmar" on it. (With inputs from agencies)

ASEAN summit begins without Myanmar: Junta boycotts in response to the snub

Australia was the worst climate performer among comparable developed countries since nations pledged in the 2015 Paris agreement to take action to limit global warming, a think tank said Thursday ahead of a key climate conference in Scotland later this month.

The UN&nbsp;summit in Glasgow, known as COP26, will bring together thousands of diplomats, scientists and environmental campaigners to assess progress since nations agreed in the Paris accord to limit warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The meeting in Glasgow is widely seen as the last chance to hold global warming to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison plans to attend the conference starting October&nbsp;31, but lawmakers in his governing coalition are arguing over adoption of a tougher national carbon reduction target.

Morrison wants to commit Australia to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, but some lawmakers in the conservative government's junior coalition partner, the Nationals party, are resisting.

"Australia ranks dead last among comparable nations (in) addressing the climate challenge at its source -- by cutting emissions," the report from the Climate Council said. The council is an independently funded non-profit that replaced the Climate Commission, a publicly funded agency abolished in 2013 by the newly elected conservative government in which Morrison was a Cabinet minister.

The report ranked Australia last among 31 wealthy, developed countries on the criteria of emissions reduction performances and pledges.

Britain was first, followed by Switzerland and Sweden. The United States was 23rd.

Australia was tied for last with Canada in terms of fossil fuel extraction and use. Next from the bottom was Norway, then the United States. The Czech Republic came first with Sweden and Switzerland sharing second place.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-sponsors-deem-the-climate-summit-as-mismanaged-and-very-last-minute-421757">COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute'</a>

Major emitters including China, India and Russia were not included in the tables.

Morrison is unlikely to persuade his colleagues to agree to a more ambitious 2030 target before he goes to Glasgow.

Australia has not budged from its 2015 pledge in Paris to reduce emissions by 26 per cent&nbsp;to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, despite many countries adopting far more ambitious targets.

The Climate Council recommended Australia reduce emissions by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2035.

Australian emissions from electricity have increased by a third since 1990, while transport emissions have grown by more than half, the report said.

If Australia achieves its current 2030 targets, the progress will mostly be reached through reduced land clearing and other land use changes, Climate Council Head of Research Simon Bradshaw told The Associated Press.

"Now that, of course, is important, but it's no substitute for actually stopping emissions at their source," Bradshaw said.

Reducing emissions is a politically fraught issue in Australia, which is one of the world's largest exporters of coal and liquified natural gas. The nation is also one of the world's worst greenhouse gas emitters per capita because of its heavy reliance on coal-fired power.

Australia was the worst climate performer among comparable developed countries since nations pledged in the 2015 Paris agreement to take action to limit global warming, a think tank said Thursday ahead of a key climate conference in Scotland later this month.

Australia was the worst climate performer among comparable developed countries since nations pledged in the 2015 Paris agreement to take action to limit global warming, a think tank said Thursday ahead of a key climate conference in Scotland later this month. The UN summit in Glasgow, known as COP26, will bring together thousands of diplomats, scientists and environmental campaigners to assess progress since nations agreed in the Paris accord to limit warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The meeting in Glasgow is widely seen as the last chance to hold global warming to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels. Also Read | Boris Johnson is playing another trick Prime Minister Scott Morrison plans to attend the conference starting October 31, but lawmakers in his governing coalition are arguing over adoption of a tougher national carbon reduction target. Morrison wants to commit Australia to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, but some lawmakers in the conservative government's junior coalition partner, the Nationals party, are resisting. "Australia ranks dead last among comparable nations (in) addressing the climate challenge at its source -- by cutting emissions," the report from the Climate Council said. The council is an independently funded non-profit that replaced the Climate Commission, a publicly funded agency abolished in 2013 by the newly elected conservative government in which Morrison was a Cabinet minister. The report ranked Australia last among 31 wealthy, developed countries on the criteria of emissions reduction performances and pledges. Britain was first, followed by Switzerland and Sweden. The United States was 23rd. Australia was tied for last with Canada in terms of fossil fuel extraction and use. Next from the bottom was Norway, then the United States. The Czech Republic came first with Sweden and Switzerland sharing second place. Also Read | COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute' Major emitters including China, India and Russia were not included in the tables. Morrison is unlikely to persuade his colleagues to agree to a more ambitious 2030 target before he goes to Glasgow. Australia has not budged from its 2015 pledge in Paris to reduce emissions by 26 per cent to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, despite many countries adopting far more ambitious targets. The Climate Council recommended Australia reduce emissions by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2035. Australian emissions from electricity have increased by a third since 1990, while transport emissions have grown by more than half, the report said. If Australia achieves its current 2030 targets, the progress will mostly be reached through reduced land clearing and other land use changes, Climate Council Head of Research Simon Bradshaw told The Associated Press. "Now that, of course, is important, but it's no substitute for actually stopping emissions at their source," Bradshaw said. Reducing emissions is a politically fraught issue in Australia, which is one of the world's largest exporters of coal and liquified natural gas. The nation is also one of the world's worst greenhouse gas emitters per capita because of its heavy reliance on coal-fired power.

Australia branded worst climate performer ahead of UN summit

Companies that spent millions of pounds to sponsor the Cop26 climate summit have condemned it as “mismanaged” and “very last minute."

The sponsors include some of Britain’s biggest companies and they have raised formal complaints blaming “very inexperienced” civil servants for delayed decisions, poor communication and a breakdown in relations between the organisers and firm.

Ten major sponsors of the summit include Sky, energy giants Hitachi, National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE, US tech titan Microsoft, and FTSE companies GSK, NatWest, Reckitt, Sainsbury’s and Unilever.&nbsp;

According to a report by The Guardian, a letter has been sent to the organisers, which is written by broadcaster Sky and co-signed by senior leaders from other Cop26 sponsors.&nbsp;

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This has raised concerns with them over various problems. Unilever has denied signing the letter penned by Sky. Other partners include the carmaker Jaguar Land Rover and the furniture retailer Ikea.

Organisers of the Cop26 promised sponsors an “outstanding opportunity” and “unique benefits” in exchange for their support.&nbsp;

This will give them a chance to promote their brands at the conference “green zone” exhibition space and the participation of government ministers at their events.

One source, employed by a Cop26 sponsor said that “the biggest frustration” was the lack of information about how the event will run.&nbsp;

“They had an extra year to prepare for Cop due to Covid, but it doesn’t feel like this time was used to make better progress. Everything feels very last minute," the source was quoted by The Guardian.

There have been complaints about unmet expectations, and deepening concerns over delays to the green zone plans.&nbsp;

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They have also raised complaints that ministers have not always been available for their events, as agreed as part of the sponsor deals.

Energy company sponsors, Hitachi, National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE were particularly frustrated because they were under the impression that no other energy brands would feature at Cop26.&nbsp;

However, the “blue zone”, which is organised by the UN, will include rival brands.

In response, a Cop26 spokesperson has said the organisers were “working closely” with sponsors. This is expected to increase the value-for-money for taxpayers, and reduce the overall financial cost of Cop26.

Companies that spent millions of pounds to sponsor the Cop26 climate summit have condemned it as “mismanaged” and “very last minute." The sponsors include some of Britain’s biggest companies and they have raised formal complaints blaming “very inexperienced” civil servants for delayed decisions, poor communication and a breakdown in relations between the organisers and firm.

Companies that spent millions of pounds to sponsor the Cop26 climate summit have condemned it as “mismanaged” and “very last minute." The sponsors include some of Britain’s biggest companies and they have raised formal complaints blaming “very inexperienced” civil servants for delayed decisions, poor communication and a breakdown in relations between the organisers and firm. Ten major sponsors of the summit include Sky, energy giants Hitachi, National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE, US tech titan Microsoft, and FTSE companies GSK, NatWest, Reckitt, Sainsbury’s and Unilever. According to a report by The Guardian, a letter has been sent to the organisers, which is written by broadcaster Sky and co-signed by senior leaders from other Cop26 sponsors. Also read | Women must play a greater role at the Cop26 summit, say rights groups This has raised concerns with them over various problems. Unilever has denied signing the letter penned by Sky. Other partners include the carmaker Jaguar Land Rover and the furniture retailer Ikea. Organisers of the Cop26 promised sponsors an “outstanding opportunity” and “unique benefits” in exchange for their support. This will give them a chance to promote their brands at the conference “green zone” exhibition space and the participation of government ministers at their events. One source, employed by a Cop26 sponsor said that “the biggest frustration” was the lack of information about how the event will run. “They had an extra year to prepare for Cop due to Covid, but it doesn’t feel like this time was used to make better progress. Everything feels very last minute," the source was quoted by The Guardian. There have been complaints about unmet expectations, and deepening concerns over delays to the green zone plans. Also read | COP26: UK to push plan to halt and reverse global deforestation by 2030 They have also raised complaints that ministers have not always been available for their events, as agreed as part of the sponsor deals. Energy company sponsors, Hitachi, National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE were particularly frustrated because they were under the impression that no other energy brands would feature at Cop26. However, the “blue zone”, which is organised by the UN, will include rival brands. In response, a Cop26 spokesperson has said the organisers were “working closely” with sponsors. This is expected to increase the value-for-money for taxpayers, and reduce the overall financial cost of Cop26.

COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually participate in the G20 Extraordinary Leaders' Summit, which has been organized to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. The agenda of the meeting will include a discussion on response to humanitarian needs and access to basic services and livelihood.

PM Modi to address G20 summit on Afghanistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually participate in a G-20 leaders' summit on Afghanistan on Tuesday that is expected to deliberate extensively on the overall situation in the war-torn country after its takeover by the Taliban.

Announcing Prime Minister Modi's participation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the agenda of the summit will include a discussion on response to humanitarian needs, security and the fight against terrorism and human rights in Afghanistan.

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"At the invitation of the Italian Presidency of the G-20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the upcoming G20 Extraordinary Leaders' Summit on Afghanistan on October 12 in virtual format," it said.

The summit is being convened by Italy, the current chair of the G20 that comprises 20 of the world's major economies.

"The agenda of the meeting will include a discussion on response to humanitarian needs and access to basic services and livelihood; security and the fight against terrorism; and mobility, migration and human rights," the MEA said.

Modi had earlier participated in the SCOCSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organisation) outreach summit on Afghanistan last month.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the meeting of G20 foreign ministers on Afghanistan on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York recently.

The MEA said that G20 is an important platform to help build international consensus and facilitate a coordinated approach between multilateral organisations, including the UN and its agencies, and global and regional actors to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually participate in a G-20 leaders' summit on Afghanistan on Tuesday that is expected to deliberate extensively on the overall situation in the war-torn country after its takeover by the Taliban.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually participate in a G-20 leaders' summit on Afghanistan on Tuesday that is expected to deliberate extensively on the overall situation in the war-torn country after its takeover by the Taliban. Announcing Prime Minister Modi's participation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the agenda of the summit will include a discussion on response to humanitarian needs, security and the fight against terrorism and human rights in Afghanistan. Also Read | Indian agriculture witnessing golden period under PM Modi, says MoS Jitendra Singh "At the invitation of the Italian Presidency of the G-20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the upcoming G20 Extraordinary Leaders' Summit on Afghanistan on October 12 in virtual format," it said. The summit is being convened by Italy, the current chair of the G20 that comprises 20 of the world's major economies. "The agenda of the meeting will include a discussion on response to humanitarian needs and access to basic services and livelihood; security and the fight against terrorism; and mobility, migration and human rights," the MEA said. Modi had earlier participated in the SCOCSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organisation) outreach summit on Afghanistan last month. Also Read | 'Thankful to be here': Denmark PM meets PM Modi on a three-day India visit External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the meeting of G20 foreign ministers on Afghanistan on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York recently. The MEA said that G20 is an important platform to help build international consensus and facilitate a coordinated approach between multilateral organisations, including the UN and its agencies, and global and regional actors to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

PM Modi to participate in G20 leaders' summit on Afghanistan on Tuesday

A key United Nations summit to protect biodiversity has officially opened in China. It focuses on the '30 by 30 plan' on ecosystems.

UN summit to protect biodiversity opens in China

EU leaders will get together in three weeks to discuss soaring energy prices and how to mitigate their impact on European consumers, European Council President Charles Michel's office said on Thursday.

The "important topic" has been added to the agenda of a summit taking place on October 21 and 22, said Michel's spokesman, Barend Leyts.

While the short-term impact being felt by households and businesses is primarily for individual EU countries to tackle, "we need to discuss how the EU can help," Leyts said in a statement.

A surge in energy prices across Europe, driven largely by a three-fold jump in wholesale gas prices, is exacerbating fears of high inflation as the EU's economy bounces back strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic.

It also threatens to undermine an EU push towards a low-carbon future that entails a profound transformation of many sectors -- and with it, bigger costs for Europeans.

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EU envoys and representatives have already been addressing the issue, which they deem "critical", and the European Commission has also taken it up.

Some lawmakers in the European Parliament accuse Russia, which accounts for much of the gas imported into the EU, of manipulating prices in an effort to get Germany to activate the newly completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline across the Baltic, bypassing Ukraine.

Russia's gas giant Gazprom denies that, but has allowed its gas tanks in Europe to drop to nearly empty.

The EU is considering short-term measures such as cutting value-added tax and excises on energy, in a bid to protect its medium- and long-term plans for more renewable energy sources and better energy efficiency.

EU leaders will get together in three weeks to discuss soaring energy prices and how to mitigate their impact on European consumers, European Council President Charles Michel's office said on Thursday.

EU leaders will get together in three weeks to discuss soaring energy prices and how to mitigate their impact on European consumers, European Council President Charles Michel's office said on Thursday. The "important topic" has been added to the agenda of a summit taking place on October 21 and 22, said Michel's spokesman, Barend Leyts. While the short-term impact being felt by households and businesses is primarily for individual EU countries to tackle, "we need to discuss how the EU can help," Leyts said in a statement. A surge in energy prices across Europe, driven largely by a three-fold jump in wholesale gas prices, is exacerbating fears of high inflation as the EU's economy bounces back strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic. It also threatens to undermine an EU push towards a low-carbon future that entails a profound transformation of many sectors -- and with it, bigger costs for Europeans. Also read | Transport chiefs warn world leaders and UN about incoming collapse of global supply chain EU envoys and representatives have already been addressing the issue, which they deem "critical", and the European Commission has also taken it up. Some lawmakers in the European Parliament accuse Russia, which accounts for much of the gas imported into the EU, of manipulating prices in an effort to get Germany to activate the newly completed Nord Stream 2 pipeline across the Baltic, bypassing Ukraine. Russia's gas giant Gazprom denies that, but has allowed its gas tanks in Europe to drop to nearly empty. The EU is considering short-term measures such as cutting value-added tax and excises on energy, in a bid to protect its medium- and long-term plans for more renewable energy sources and better energy efficiency.

EU leaders to discuss rising energy prices at next summit

A coalition of feminist groups has recently said that women must be enabled to play a greater role at the Cop26 summit.&nbsp;

This is because the needs of women and girls are being overlooked amid the global climate crisis.

The Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice urged for action at the UN general assembly, including demands that world leaders meeting at Cop26, in Glasgow must end fossil fuel expansion and move to 100 per cent renewable energy.

Also, more than 120 groups have signed the call.&nbsp;

This also includes demands to promote women’s leadership and equity, protect the rights of indigenous peoples, improve food security, recognise a human right to water, and to protect forests, oceans and other ecosystems.

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Osprey Orielle Lake, of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network, and convener of the assembly was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Every day, we can see for ourselves forest fires burning, massive flooding, extreme droughts, people losing their livelihoods and lives– – we are in a global climate emergency.

“As the world prepares for one of the most important climate talks since the Paris agreement, we know solutions exist, and that women are leading the way.”

Many of the remedies to the climate crisis would also benefit women.&nbsp;

Like, replacing cooking fires with solar stoves would reduce indoor air pollution that affects women and children more as they spend more time at home.&nbsp;

Also, bringing clean renewable energy to low-income countries would enable more women and girls to gain access to education.

A coalition of feminist groups has recently said that women must be enabled to play a greater role at the Cop26 summit. This is because the needs of women and girls are being overlooked amid the global climate crisis.

A coalition of feminist groups has recently said that women must be enabled to play a greater role at the Cop26 summit. This is because the needs of women and girls are being overlooked amid the global climate crisis. The Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice urged for action at the UN general assembly, including demands that world leaders meeting at Cop26, in Glasgow must end fossil fuel expansion and move to 100 per cent renewable energy. Also, more than 120 groups have signed the call. This also includes demands to promote women’s leadership and equity, protect the rights of indigenous peoples, improve food security, recognise a human right to water, and to protect forests, oceans and other ecosystems. Also read | 'Remote, but connected': New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern talks about Covid, climate change and peace at UNGA Osprey Orielle Lake, of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network, and convener of the assembly was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Every day, we can see for ourselves forest fires burning, massive flooding, extreme droughts, people losing their livelihoods and lives– – we are in a global climate emergency. “As the world prepares for one of the most important climate talks since the Paris agreement, we know solutions exist, and that women are leading the way.” Many of the remedies to the climate crisis would also benefit women. Like, replacing cooking fires with solar stoves would reduce indoor air pollution that affects women and children more as they spend more time at home. Also, bringing clean renewable energy to low-income countries would enable more women and girls to gain access to education.

Women must play a greater role at the Cop26 summit, say rights groups

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;

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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  

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will&nbsp;host&nbsp;a virtual&nbsp;summit&nbsp;with world leaders&nbsp;on&nbsp;the coronavirus pandemic next&nbsp;Wednesday. This comes a day after he addresses&nbsp;the United Nations General Assembly, the&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;said Friday.

"This meeting is about expanding and enhancing our shared efforts to defeat&nbsp;Covid-19" and will seek to "align&nbsp;on&nbsp;a common vision" against the virus, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. The&nbsp;summit&nbsp;will be "on&nbsp;the margins of the UN General Assembly."

Biden, who is due to address the annual UN meeting&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday, has pitched the United States as the global leader&nbsp;on&nbsp;the fight to get the world vaccinated. No details about participants were provided.

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In her statement, Psaki said that the&nbsp;summit&nbsp;will build "from previous gatherings of world leaders and ministers in fora like the&nbsp;G7,&nbsp;G20, and Act Accelerator to rally civil society, NGOs, philanthropists, and industry along with world leaders and align&nbsp;on&nbsp;a common vision for defeating&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;together."

The statement further added that it will be asking participants to commit to a higher level of ambition across four themes- Vaccinate the world by enhancing equitable access to vaccines and getting shots in arms,&nbsp;save lives now by solving the oxygen crisis, and making tests, therapeutics and PPE more available, build back better by establishing a sustainable health security financing mechanism, and global leadership for emerging threats and calling the world to account by aligning around targets, tracking progress, and supporting one another in fulfilling our commitments.

US is by far the biggest donor of vaccines around the world, with&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;likening his government's efforts to the US military entry into World War II.

Meanwhile, in New York, which is home to the United Nations, strict safety measures have been announced, including a requirement for delegates to show proof of vaccination before entering the main hall.

President Joe Biden will host a virtual summit with world leaders on the coronavirus pandemic next Wednesday. This comes a day after he addresses the United Nations General Assembly, the White House said Friday.

President Joe Biden will host a virtual summit with world leaders on the coronavirus pandemic next Wednesday. This comes a day after he addresses the United Nations General Assembly, the White House said Friday. "This meeting is about expanding and enhancing our shared efforts to defeat Covid-19" and will seek to "align on a common vision" against the virus, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. The summit will be "on the margins of the UN General Assembly." Biden, who is due to address the annual UN meeting on Tuesday, has pitched the United States as the global leader on the fight to get the world vaccinated. No details about participants were provided. Also read | Aukus: Angry France cancels gala event in Washington In her statement, Psaki said that the summit will build "from previous gatherings of world leaders and ministers in fora like the G7, G20, and Act Accelerator to rally civil society, NGOs, philanthropists, and industry along with world leaders and align on a common vision for defeating COVID-19 together." The statement further added that it will be asking participants to commit to a higher level of ambition across four themes- Vaccinate the world by enhancing equitable access to vaccines and getting shots in arms, save lives now by solving the oxygen crisis, and making tests, therapeutics and PPE more available, build back better by establishing a sustainable health security financing mechanism, and global leadership for emerging threats and calling the world to account by aligning around targets, tracking progress, and supporting one another in fulfilling our commitments. US is by far the biggest donor of vaccines around the world, with Biden likening his government's efforts to the US military entry into World War II. Meanwhile, in New York, which is home to the United Nations, strict safety measures have been announced, including a requirement for delegates to show proof of vaccination before entering the main hall.

Biden to convene COVID-19 summit on Wednesday: White House

The world's poorest countries have said that they are worried about getting to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in November.

Twenty are on the UK's Covid red list, which means hotel quarantine for arrivals. They say the fortnight-long talks may involve being away for seven weeks as they will also have to isolate themselves on return.

Also, the countries have warned that the flights from Pacific islands have virtually stopped and that some transit hubs are refusing non-residents.

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The warning comes from the group made up of the world's 46 poorest countries which are on the United Nations' list of least developed countries.&nbsp;

The 20 countries that are also on the UK's foreign red travel list include Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Nepal.

The chairman of the LDC group, Bhutan's Sonam Phuntsho Wangdi, said, "It's our people who are hardest hit by this ever worsening crisis. They must be well represented in the climate talks".

He added, "The world cannot risk unambitious and unfair decisions being taken at COP26, there is far too much at stake."

The world's poorest countries have said that they are worried about getting to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in November. Twenty are on the UK's Covid red list, which means hotel quarantine for arrivals.

The world's poorest countries have said that they are worried about getting to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow in November. Twenty are on the UK's Covid red list, which means hotel quarantine for arrivals. They say the fortnight-long talks may involve being away for seven weeks as they will also have to isolate themselves on return. Also, the countries have warned that the flights from Pacific islands have virtually stopped and that some transit hubs are refusing non-residents. Also read | 'Clearly unconstitutional': US Justice Department sues Texas over restrictive abortion law The warning comes from the group made up of the world's 46 poorest countries which are on the United Nations' list of least developed countries. The 20 countries that are also on the UK's foreign red travel list include Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Nepal. The chairman of the LDC group, Bhutan's Sonam Phuntsho Wangdi, said, "It's our people who are hardest hit by this ever worsening crisis. They must be well represented in the climate talks". He added, "The world cannot risk unambitious and unfair decisions being taken at COP26, there is far too much at stake."

Poorest countries fear not reaching for UK climate summit

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday. 
 
The report of Moon's visit comes amid a political uproar in Seoul triggered by comments by a Japanese diplomat on Moon that created new tension in already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries. 
 
Moon's office said on Monday the visit was still uncertain. 
 
The leaders are likely to discuss issues that have strained relations over generations, including compensation for people forced to work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, the Yomiuri report said. 
 
Japan is also planning to replace a senior Seoul-based diplomat after his widely reported comment last week likening Moon's dealings with Japan to "masturbation", the Yomiuri said. 
 
On Monday, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement that the two countries were in discussions but that there has been no decision on a trip by Moon. 
 
"It is still uncertain whether a visit to Japan and a meeting will take place as there has been no satisfactory action taken by the Japanese side over the last-minute obstacle to a (summit) meeting," it said. 
 
South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Friday that a senior diplomat at Japan's embassy in Seoul had said Moon was "masturbating" when describing the South Korean leader's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo. 
 
South Korea’s vice foreign minister, Choi Jong-kun, summoned Japan's Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi on Saturday to protest. 
 
"He also demanded the Japanese government to promptly take tangible and due steps to prevent a recurrence of such situation," the foreign ministry said in a statement. 
 
A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said no one could immediately comment on the reports. 
 
Suga this month called relations between Japan and South Korea "very difficult", adding that it was up to Seoul to provide a response to the problems. South Korea's presidential Blue House has said a visit by Moon may be possible if he could meet Suga and if progress on some agreements could be expected.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday. The report of Moon's visit comes amid a political uproar in Seoul triggered by comments by a Japanese diplomat on Moon that created new tension in already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries. Moon's office said on Monday the visit was still uncertain. The leaders are likely to discuss issues that have strained relations over generations, including compensation for people forced to work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, the Yomiuri report said. Japan is also planning to replace a senior Seoul-based diplomat after his widely reported comment last week likening Moon's dealings with Japan to "masturbation", the Yomiuri said. On Monday, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement that the two countries were in discussions but that there has been no decision on a trip by Moon. "It is still uncertain whether a visit to Japan and a meeting will take place as there has been no satisfactory action taken by the Japanese side over the last-minute obstacle to a (summit) meeting," it said. South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Friday that a senior diplomat at Japan's embassy in Seoul had said Moon was "masturbating" when describing the South Korean leader's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo. South Korea’s vice foreign minister, Choi Jong-kun, summoned Japan's Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi on Saturday to protest. "He also demanded the Japanese government to promptly take tangible and due steps to prevent a recurrence of such situation," the foreign ministry said in a statement. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said no one could immediately comment on the reports. Suga this month called relations between Japan and South Korea "very difficult", adding that it was up to Seoul to provide a response to the problems. South Korea's presidential Blue House has said a visit by Moon may be possible if he could meet Suga and if progress on some agreements could be expected.

Japan's Suga, S Korea's Moon to hold first summit meeting on Friday: Report

European Union leaders failed to agree on a proposal by&nbsp;France&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;to hold a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;soon with&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;after&nbsp;Poland and Baltic countries said it would send the wrong message as East-West ties deteriorate.

After&nbsp;U.S. President Joe Biden met&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16, French President Emmanuel Macron said the first&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summit&nbsp;with Putin since January 2014 would be "a dialogue to defend our interests". He insisted the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;could not only be reactive in its diplomacy with&nbsp;Russia.

But&nbsp;after&nbsp;late-night talks at their meeting in Brussels, the 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders failed to reach an agreement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early on Friday.

"It was a very comprehensive discussion and not an easy one," she told reporters. "There was no agreement today on an immediate leaders' meeting," she said.

EU&nbsp;summits with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;ended&nbsp;after&nbsp;Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in March 2014 and the West imposed sanctions.

While Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said he supported the Franco-German proposal, many other leaders were opposed.

"It was a common position of many leaders" not to change the stance on&nbsp;Russia, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said&nbsp;after&nbsp;the meeting broke up. He earlier said the idea was like "trying to engage the bear to keep a pot of honey safe".

Latvia's Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;risked rewarding&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;with a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;even though diplomacy has failed to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine with&nbsp;Russian-backed separatists.

Instead,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders fell back to a familiar position of warning of more sanctions on Moscow if it continued what the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;says is a&nbsp;Russian policy of disinformation, cyber and covert attacks and interference to try to divide the bloc.

Russia&nbsp;denies any wrongdoing.

In a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;statement, leaders called on the&nbsp;European Commission and the&nbsp;EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell "to present options for additional restrictive measures, including economic sanctions" against&nbsp;Russia.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has sanctions on the&nbsp;Russian energy, financial and arms sectors and individual sanctions on&nbsp;Russians accused of human rights abuses and for using banned chemical weapons.

Diplomats say further sanctions could target&nbsp;Russian money laundering or powerful oligarchs suspected of serious corruption abroad, as non-EU&nbsp;member Britain did for the first time in April.

SEARCH FOR DIALOGUE

Macron had tried in September 2019 to seek less frosty ties with Putin, without success, and&nbsp;Germany's outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel met Putin in Moscow in January 2020. Putin held a phone call with&nbsp;European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summits, on June 7 this year.

France&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;want to be able to work with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on combating climate change and to find ways to stabilise relations. Merkel said even without a&nbsp;summit: "Formats will be explored ... under which dialogues can be started."

Many&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries are concerned that the Kremlin does not take the bloc seriously after&nbsp;Borrell was publicly humiliated in February by the Kremlin.&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;EU&nbsp;diplomats during Borrell's visit to Moscow without warning.

Lithuania's Nauseda said: "We should be extremely cautious, this is not like the relationship of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;with the United States".

While&nbsp;France&nbsp;is a nuclear power, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;relies on NATO for its territorial defence and takes decisions among 27 states, making it easier for the Kremlin to exploit divisions.

The Kremlin earlier welcomed the idea of a&nbsp;summit, saying both Brussels and Moscow needed dialogue, although&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he wanted more details.

On opposing sides in standoffs in Ukraine and Belarus, and at odds over human rights, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;accuse each other of threatening security and stability from the Baltics to the Black Sea.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;on Thursday imposed economic sanctions on Belarus, an ally of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;that the Kremlin sees as a buffer state between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and NATO.

European Union leaders failed to agree on a proposal by France and Germany to hold a summit soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Poland and Baltic countries said it would send the wrong message as East-West ties deteriorate.

European Union leaders failed to agree on a proposal by France and Germany to hold a summit soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Poland and Baltic countries said it would send the wrong message as East-West ties deteriorate. After U.S. President Joe Biden met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16, French President Emmanuel Macron said the first EU summit with Putin since January 2014 would be "a dialogue to defend our interests". He insisted the EU could not only be reactive in its diplomacy with Russia. But after late-night talks at their meeting in Brussels, the 27 EU leaders failed to reach an agreement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early on Friday. "It was a very comprehensive discussion and not an easy one," she told reporters. "There was no agreement today on an immediate leaders' meeting," she said. EU summits with Russia ended after Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in March 2014 and the West imposed sanctions. While Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said he supported the Franco-German proposal, many other leaders were opposed. "It was a common position of many leaders" not to change the stance on Russia, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said after the meeting broke up. He earlier said the idea was like "trying to engage the bear to keep a pot of honey safe". Latvia's Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said the EU risked rewarding Russia with a summit even though diplomacy has failed to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine with Russian-backed separatists. Instead, EU leaders fell back to a familiar position of warning of more sanctions on Moscow if it continued what the EU says is a Russian policy of disinformation, cyber and covert attacks and interference to try to divide the bloc. Russia denies any wrongdoing. In a summit statement, leaders called on the European Commission and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell "to present options for additional restrictive measures, including economic sanctions" against Russia. The EU has sanctions on the Russian energy, financial and arms sectors and individual sanctions on Russians accused of human rights abuses and for using banned chemical weapons. Diplomats say further sanctions could target Russian money laundering or powerful oligarchs suspected of serious corruption abroad, as non-EU member Britain did for the first time in April. SEARCH FOR DIALOGUE Macron had tried in September 2019 to seek less frosty ties with Putin, without success, and Germany's outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel met Putin in Moscow in January 2020. Putin held a phone call with European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs EU summits, on June 7 this year. France and Germany want to be able to work with Russia on combating climate change and to find ways to stabilise relations. Merkel said even without a summit: "Formats will be explored ... under which dialogues can be started." Many EU countries are concerned that the Kremlin does not take the bloc seriously after Borrell was publicly humiliated in February by the Kremlin. Russia expelled EU diplomats during Borrell's visit to Moscow without warning. Lithuania's Nauseda said: "We should be extremely cautious, this is not like the relationship of Russia with the United States". While France is a nuclear power, the EU relies on NATO for its territorial defence and takes decisions among 27 states, making it easier for the Kremlin to exploit divisions. The Kremlin earlier welcomed the idea of a summit, saying both Brussels and Moscow needed dialogue, although Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he wanted more details. On opposing sides in standoffs in Ukraine and Belarus, and at odds over human rights, the EU and Russia accuse each other of threatening security and stability from the Baltics to the Black Sea. The EU on Thursday imposed economic sanctions on Belarus, an ally of Russia that the Kremlin sees as a buffer state between Russia and NATO.

France, Germany drop plans for Russia summit after EU outcry

US President Joe Biden accomplished his greatest task at the G7 summit, showing the world that he is not Donald Trump. He brought in a different tone to the summit from his predecessor by indulging in a frank and collaborative discussion of global issues.&nbsp;

As quoted by ABC, Biden in his first remarks at the summit said, "At every point along the way, we're going to make it clear that the United States is back". He added, "Democracies of the world are standing together to tackle the toughest challenges and the issues that matter most to our future, that we're committed to leading with strength, defending our values, and delivering for our people".&nbsp;

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed US President Joe Biden as "a big breath of fresh air". Johnson said, "It’s a big breath of fresh air. It’s new, it’s interesting and we’re working very hard together. We went on for about an hour and 20 or so. It was a long, long, good session. We covered a huge range of subjects".&nbsp;

The next stop of Biden’s itinerary is a stop in Brussels for a NATO summit. As per an ABC news report, Biden's national security adviser told reporters it is a given that he will "of course" reiterate his strong commitment to the allies' common defence. Jake Sullivan said, "He feels the need to restate support for Article 5 as often as he is able to do so because for him, it's an article of faith -- for President Joe Biden and for the United States of America. And so he will proclaim that loudly and proudly".

Biden will be in Brussels alongside dozens of heads of state for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit. It will take place on Monday, 14 June, at the NATO Headquarters in Evere.&nbsp; 
Approximately 2,000 police officers, 300 motorcyclists, and members of State Security and military intelligence are being called in to give every delegation an appropriate escort and security.

US President Joe Biden accomplished his greatest task at the G7 summit, showing the world that he is not Donald Trump. He brought in a different tone to the summit from his predecessor by indulging in a frank and collaborative discussion of global issues.

US President Joe Biden accomplished his greatest task at the G7 summit, showing the world that he is not Donald Trump. He brought in a different tone to the summit from his predecessor by indulging in a frank and collaborative discussion of global issues. As quoted by ABC, Biden in his first remarks at the summit said, "At every point along the way, we're going to make it clear that the United States is back". He added, "Democracies of the world are standing together to tackle the toughest challenges and the issues that matter most to our future, that we're committed to leading with strength, defending our values, and delivering for our people". Also Read | UK's Johnson hails Biden as 'a big breath of fresh air' British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed US President Joe Biden as "a big breath of fresh air". Johnson said, "It’s a big breath of fresh air. It’s new, it’s interesting and we’re working very hard together. We went on for about an hour and 20 or so. It was a long, long, good session. We covered a huge range of subjects". The next stop of Biden’s itinerary is a stop in Brussels for a NATO summit. As per an ABC news report, Biden's national security adviser told reporters it is a given that he will "of course" reiterate his strong commitment to the allies' common defence. Jake Sullivan said, "He feels the need to restate support for Article 5 as often as he is able to do so because for him, it's an article of faith -- for President Joe Biden and for the United States of America. And so he will proclaim that loudly and proudly". Biden will be in Brussels alongside dozens of heads of state for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit. It will take place on Monday, 14 June, at the NATO Headquarters in Evere. Approximately 2,000 police officers, 300 motorcyclists, and members of State Security and military intelligence are being called in to give every delegation an appropriate escort and security.

Biden's greatest task accomplished, heads forward for the NATO summit

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold their June 16 summit in an 18th-century Swiss villa overlooking Lake Geneva, a soothing setting for what promises to be heated talks.

Bitter disputes over election interference, cyber-attacks, human rights, and Ukraine hang over their first face-to-face meeting since Biden took office on Jan 20. 
 
Strategic nuclear stability and regional conflicts will be on the table. Biden, who is due to arrive in Britain on Wednesday at the start of his first trip abroad as president, has said he would press Putin to respect human rights. 
 
<img alt="The Villa La Grange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d410448-b91d-43fe-ba18-24f94c7a86b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/villa_0.jpg" /> 
 
The Villa La Grange with Lake Geneva in the background. (Reuters Photo)

Putin said last Friday he expected the talks to be held in a positive atmosphere, though he anticipated no breakthrough. 
 
He said allegations that Russian hackers were behind a cyber attack that disrupted meat production in North America and Australia were an attempt to provoke a political row ahead of the summit, Interfax news agency reported.

Despite "destructive noise" by both sides, a mutual objective has emerged to put their relationship "on a more predictable and stable basis", said Robert Legvold, professor emeritus at Colombia University and a Russia expert. 
 
"Over time Geneva summits have been critical to the relationship," he told reporters in the Swiss city on Wednesday. 
 
"And when it comes to actually work out important areas of cooperation, strategic nuclear arms control, the majority of those talks have been in Geneva too."

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Diplomatic sources expect confirmation of the venue later on Wednesday or Thursday. The Swiss police and army have closed the two parks surrounding the Villa La Grange and installed barricades and barbed wire. 
 
Neutral Switzerland, which did not join Western sanctions against Russia for its 2014 annexation of the Crimea region from Ukraine, lobbied hard to land the first big power summit in the Alpine country in decades.

'RESET' 
 
In the Cold War era, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev held their first summit in Geneva in Nov. 1985 and agreed to pursue cuts in their nuclear arsenals. 
 
In Geneva in 2009, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov a yellow box bearing a red "reset" button to symbolize improved ties under President Barack Obama. But the word "reset" was mistranslated into the Russian word for "overcharge", creating an awkward moment.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lavrov will accompany Biden and Putin. 
 
The classic villa is located in a park along the left bank. Dotted with redwood trees, rose bushes and ancient fountains, the park offers a stunning view of Lake Geneva and sailboats.

Biden is also scheduled to hold talks with Swiss President Guy Parmelin. 
 
Switzerland has represented U.S. interests in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, often facilitating the transfer of prisoners between the two foes. Tax issues are likely to be raised after Biden referred to Switzerland as a "fiscal paradise" in April.

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold their June 16 summit in an 18th-century Swiss villa overlooking Lake Geneva, a soothing setting for what promises to be heated talks.

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold their June 16 summit in an 18th-century Swiss villa overlooking Lake Geneva, a soothing setting for what promises to be heated talks. Bitter disputes over election interference, cyber-attacks, human rights, and Ukraine hang over their first face-to-face meeting since Biden took office on Jan 20. Strategic nuclear stability and regional conflicts will be on the table. Biden, who is due to arrive in Britain on Wednesday at the start of his first trip abroad as president, has said he would press Putin to respect human rights. The Villa La Grange with Lake Geneva in the background. (Reuters Photo) Putin said last Friday he expected the talks to be held in a positive atmosphere, though he anticipated no breakthrough. He said allegations that Russian hackers were behind a cyber attack that disrupted meat production in North America and Australia were an attempt to provoke a political row ahead of the summit, Interfax news agency reported. Despite "destructive noise" by both sides, a mutual objective has emerged to put their relationship "on a more predictable and stable basis", said Robert Legvold, professor emeritus at Colombia University and a Russia expert. "Over time Geneva summits have been critical to the relationship," he told reporters in the Swiss city on Wednesday. "And when it comes to actually work out important areas of cooperation, strategic nuclear arms control, the majority of those talks have been in Geneva too." Also Read | US Prez Joe Biden to meet 55 world leaders during his visit Diplomatic sources expect confirmation of the venue later on Wednesday or Thursday. The Swiss police and army have closed the two parks surrounding the Villa La Grange and installed barricades and barbed wire. Neutral Switzerland, which did not join Western sanctions against Russia for its 2014 annexation of the Crimea region from Ukraine, lobbied hard to land the first big power summit in the Alpine country in decades. 'RESET' In the Cold War era, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev held their first summit in Geneva in Nov. 1985 and agreed to pursue cuts in their nuclear arsenals. In Geneva in 2009, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov a yellow box bearing a red "reset" button to symbolize improved ties under President Barack Obama. But the word "reset" was mistranslated into the Russian word for "overcharge", creating an awkward moment. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lavrov will accompany Biden and Putin. The classic villa is located in a park along the left bank. Dotted with redwood trees, rose bushes and ancient fountains, the park offers a stunning view of Lake Geneva and sailboats. Biden is also scheduled to hold talks with Swiss President Guy Parmelin. Switzerland has represented U.S. interests in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, often facilitating the transfer of prisoners between the two foes. Tax issues are likely to be raised after Biden referred to Switzerland as a "fiscal paradise" in April.

Biden set to meet Putin in 18th-century Swiss villa for first summit

The summit meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin next week in Geneva is about communicating America's views to the Russians and not about deliverables, the White House has said.

Biden and Putin are scheduled to meet in Geneva on June 16, after the US president attends the G-7 Summit in the United Kingdom, a NATO meeting and the US-European Union Summit in Brussels.

"We don't think in terms of US-Russia Summits as being about deliverables because if you are going to wait for really significant deliverables you could be waiting a long time conceivably," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House on Monday.

"So what we need to think about the summit is doing and is fundamentally, is giving us an opportunity to communicate from our president to their president what American intentions and capabilities are and to hear the same from their side. That has value in and of itself," he said.

Responding to a question, Sullivan said in terms of the timing, it is hard from US perspective to find a better context for a meeting with the Russian president than after time spent with the world's leading market economies, the G7, plus India, South Korea, Australia and South Africa.

"After his meeting with the presidents of the European Union. And then, and only then going into this session to be able to talk through the complex set of issues in the US-Russia relationship. That from our perspective is the right context within which to engage Russia," he said.

On the US-Russia Summit, he said as far as whether it comes too early in his presidency, "if you think about what we've dealt with from the outset on Russia it has been a busy time". "We've extended the New START Agreement. We've imposed costs for election interference and for SolarWinds. We've dealt with a Russian build up on the Ukraine border and of course, we are contending with a range of issues on the cyber and ransomware domain. So we feel that it is an effective and appropriate context and time period for us to have this summit," Sullivan said.

He said the relationship between the US and Russia is not about relationship and trust. "It's about a relationship of verification, it's about a relationship of clarifying what our expectations are and laying out that if certain types of harmful activities continue to occur there will be responses from the United States," Sullivan said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The summit meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin next week in Geneva is about communicating America's views to the Russians and not about deliverables, the White House has said.

The summit meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin next week in Geneva is about communicating America's views to the Russians and not about deliverables, the White House has said. Biden and Putin are scheduled to meet in Geneva on June 16, after the US president attends the G-7 Summit in the United Kingdom, a NATO meeting and the US-European Union Summit in Brussels. "We don't think in terms of US-Russia Summits as being about deliverables because if you are going to wait for really significant deliverables you could be waiting a long time conceivably," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House on Monday. "So what we need to think about the summit is doing and is fundamentally, is giving us an opportunity to communicate from our president to their president what American intentions and capabilities are and to hear the same from their side. That has value in and of itself," he said. Responding to a question, Sullivan said in terms of the timing, it is hard from US perspective to find a better context for a meeting with the Russian president than after time spent with the world's leading market economies, the G7, plus India, South Korea, Australia and South Africa. "After his meeting with the presidents of the European Union. And then, and only then going into this session to be able to talk through the complex set of issues in the US-Russia relationship. That from our perspective is the right context within which to engage Russia," he said. On the US-Russia Summit, he said as far as whether it comes too early in his presidency, "if you think about what we've dealt with from the outset on Russia it has been a busy time". "We've extended the New START Agreement. We've imposed costs for election interference and for SolarWinds. We've dealt with a Russian build up on the Ukraine border and of course, we are contending with a range of issues on the cyber and ransomware domain. So we feel that it is an effective and appropriate context and time period for us to have this summit," Sullivan said. He said the relationship between the US and Russia is not about relationship and trust. "It's about a relationship of verification, it's about a relationship of clarifying what our expectations are and laying out that if certain types of harmful activities continue to occur there will be responses from the United States," Sullivan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Summit meeting with Russia is to communicate and not about deliverables: White House

The White House says it believes US government agencies largely fended off the latest cyberespionage onslaught blamed on Russian intelligence operatives, saying the spear-phishing campaign should not further damage relations with Moscow ahead of next month's planned presidential summit.&nbsp;

Officials downplayed the cyber assault as 'basic phishing' in which hackers used malware-laden emails to target the computer systems of US and foreign government agencies, think tanks and humanitarian groups. Microsoft, which disclosed the effort on Friday, said it believed most of the e-mails were blocked by automated systems that marked them as spam.&nbsp;

As of Friday, the company said it was "not seeing evidence of any significant number of compromised organisations at this time?”&nbsp;

Even so, the revelation of a new spy campaign so close to the June 16 summit between President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin adds to the urgency of White House efforts to confront the Kremlin over aggressive cyber activity that criminal indictments and diplomatic sanctions have done little to deter.&nbsp;

"I don't think it'll create a new point of tension because the point of tension is already so big," said James Lewis, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.&nbsp;

"This clearly has to be on the summit agenda. The president has to lay down some markers ‘to make clear’ that the days when you people could do whatever you want are over."&nbsp;

The summit comes amid simmering tensions driven in part by election interference by Moscow and by a massive breach of US government agencies and private corporations by Russian elite cyber spies, who infected the software supply chain with malicious code. The US responded with sanctions last month, prompting the Kremlin to warn of retribution.&nbsp;

Asked on Friday whether the latest hacking effort would affect the Biden-Putin summit, principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, "We're going to move forward with that."&nbsp;

The US, which has previously called out Russia or criminal groups based there for hacking operations, did not blame anyone for the latest incident.&nbsp;

In this case, hackers gained access to an email marketing account of the US Agency for International Development, and masquerading as the government body, targeted about 3,000 email accounts at more than 150 different organizations. At least a quarter of them involved in international development, humanitarian and human rights work, Microsoft Vice President Tom Burt said in a blog post late on Thursday.&nbsp;

The company did not say what portion of the attempts may have led to successful intrusions but said in a separate technical blog post that most were blocked by automated systems that marked them as spam. The White House said even if an email eluded those systems, a user would still have to click on the link to activate the malicious payload.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The White House says it believes US government agencies largely fended off the latest cyberespionage onslaught blamed on Russian intelligence operatives, saying the spear-phishing campaign should not further damage relations with Moscow ahead of next month's planned presidential summit.

The White House says it believes US government agencies largely fended off the latest cyberespionage onslaught blamed on Russian intelligence operatives, saying the spear-phishing campaign should not further damage relations with Moscow ahead of next month's planned presidential summit. Officials downplayed the cyber assault as 'basic phishing' in which hackers used malware-laden emails to target the computer systems of US and foreign government agencies, think tanks and humanitarian groups. Microsoft, which disclosed the effort on Friday, said it believed most of the e-mails were blocked by automated systems that marked them as spam. As of Friday, the company said it was "not seeing evidence of any significant number of compromised organisations at this time?” Even so, the revelation of a new spy campaign so close to the June 16 summit between President Joe Biden and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin adds to the urgency of White House efforts to confront the Kremlin over aggressive cyber activity that criminal indictments and diplomatic sanctions have done little to deter. "I don't think it'll create a new point of tension because the point of tension is already so big," said James Lewis, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "This clearly has to be on the summit agenda. The president has to lay down some markers ‘to make clear’ that the days when you people could do whatever you want are over." The summit comes amid simmering tensions driven in part by election interference by Moscow and by a massive breach of US government agencies and private corporations by Russian elite cyber spies, who infected the software supply chain with malicious code. The US responded with sanctions last month, prompting the Kremlin to warn of retribution. Asked on Friday whether the latest hacking effort would affect the Biden-Putin summit, principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, "We're going to move forward with that." The US, which has previously called out Russia or criminal groups based there for hacking operations, did not blame anyone for the latest incident. In this case, hackers gained access to an email marketing account of the US Agency for International Development, and masquerading as the government body, targeted about 3,000 email accounts at more than 150 different organizations. At least a quarter of them involved in international development, humanitarian and human rights work, Microsoft Vice President Tom Burt said in a blog post late on Thursday. The company did not say what portion of the attempts may have led to successful intrusions but said in a separate technical blog post that most were blocked by automated systems that marked them as spam. The White House said even if an email eluded those systems, a user would still have to click on the link to activate the malicious payload. (With inputs from agencies)

US says agencies largely fended off latest Russian hack 

Legendary conversationist and filmmaker Sir David Attenborough has warned the world of challenges&nbsp;far more severe than COVID-19, in the next five to 10 years.

“The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems. But the problems that await us within the next 5-10 years are even greater. It is crucial that these meetings in Glasgow, COP26, have success, and that at last, the nations will come together to solve the crippling problems that the world now faces,” Attenborough said.

On May 10, Britain has tasked&nbsp;Attenborough with inspiring action to tackle the issue of climate change as its People’s Advocate ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow, Scotland.&nbsp;

Alok Sharma, an Indian-origin Cabinet-level minister in the British government, will be the president of the COP26. Sharma termed climate change as the greatest threat facing mankind.

COP26 could accelerate measures by the world's biggest polluters to tackle climate change, which activists, scientists and world leaders say could ultimately endanger the planet. &nbsp;

Attenborough, who is 95 years old, exhorted world leaders to seize the moment given by this pandemic to reach and operationalize international agreements on major issues that concern climate change.

(With inputs from agencies)

Legendary conversationist and filmmaker Sir David Attenborough has warned the world of challenges far more severe than COVID-19, in the next five to 10 years. “The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems.

Legendary conversationist and filmmaker Sir David Attenborough has warned the world of challenges far more severe than COVID-19, in the next five to 10 years. “The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems. But the problems that await us within the next 5-10 years are even greater. It is crucial that these meetings in Glasgow, COP26, have success, and that at last, the nations will come together to solve the crippling problems that the world now faces,” Attenborough said. On May 10, Britain has tasked Attenborough with inspiring action to tackle the issue of climate change as its People’s Advocate ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow, Scotland. Alok Sharma, an Indian-origin Cabinet-level minister in the British government, will be the president of the COP26. Sharma termed climate change as the greatest threat facing mankind. COP26 could accelerate measures by the world's biggest polluters to tackle climate change, which activists, scientists and world leaders say could ultimately endanger the planet. Attenborough, who is 95 years old, exhorted world leaders to seize the moment given by this pandemic to reach and operationalize international agreements on major issues that concern climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

World will soon see challenges more severe than COVID-19: David Attenborough

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Britain has tasked naturalist David Attenborough with inspiring action to tackle the issue of climate change as its People’s Advocate ahead of the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow, Scotland.&nbsp;

COP26 could accelerate measures by the world's biggest polluters to tackle climate change, which activists, scientists and world leaders say could ultimately endanger the planet. &nbsp;

Britain holds the presidency of the conference this year.&nbsp;

Attenborough, 95, the world's most influential wildlife broadcaster, will exhort leaders at events over the next six months to put climate and the protection of nature at the top of their agenda, including at the Group of Seven summit in Cornwall, southwest England, in June, the UK government said on Monday.&nbsp;

He has also been invited to address world leaders and the public at the Glasgow summit, which has been billed as the most important climate meeting since the Paris Agreement in 2015.&nbsp;

“David Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the UK and around the world with his passion and knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations. There is no better person to build momentum for further change as we approach the COP26 climate summit in November,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

Johnson, who is keen to burnish his environmental credentials, has said he will push leaders at the G7 summit he will chair to make firm climate commitments.&nbsp;

Attenborough said COP26 had to succeed.&nbsp;

“There could not be a more important moment that we should have international agreement. The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems," he said.&nbsp;

In February, Attenborough told the UN Security Council that climate change is the biggest security threat that modern humans have ever faced. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Britain has tasked naturalist David Attenborough with inspiring action to tackle the issue of climate change as its People’s Advocate ahead of the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow, Scotland.

Britain has tasked naturalist David Attenborough with inspiring action to tackle the issue of climate change as its People’s Advocate ahead of the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow, Scotland. COP26 could accelerate measures by the world's biggest polluters to tackle climate change, which activists, scientists and world leaders say could ultimately endanger the planet. Britain holds the presidency of the conference this year. Attenborough, 95, the world's most influential wildlife broadcaster, will exhort leaders at events over the next six months to put climate and the protection of nature at the top of their agenda, including at the Group of Seven summit in Cornwall, southwest England, in June, the UK government said on Monday. He has also been invited to address world leaders and the public at the Glasgow summit, which has been billed as the most important climate meeting since the Paris Agreement in 2015. “David Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the UK and around the world with his passion and knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations. There is no better person to build momentum for further change as we approach the COP26 climate summit in November,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Johnson, who is keen to burnish his environmental credentials, has said he will push leaders at the G7 summit he will chair to make firm climate commitments. Attenborough said COP26 had to succeed. “There could not be a more important moment that we should have international agreement. The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems," he said. In February, Attenborough told the UN Security Council that climate change is the biggest security threat that modern humans have ever faced. (With inputs from agencies)

David Attenborough named COP26 People’s Advocate ahead of key climate summit 

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