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South Africa’s G20 Presidency To Focus On Green Financing Amid US Aid Cuts

February 27, 2025, 1:02 am

South Africa’s G20 presidency will focus on mobilizing financial assistance for developing countries to shift to low-carbon economies, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday. But the efforts come as the United States is reducing its foreign aid, with fears of funding gaps.

Addressing the meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bankers in Cape Town, Ramaphosa highlighted the imperative for stepped-up investment to ensure global climate goals under the Paris Agreement. “Much more financing is needed to cap global temperature increase in a way that is fair and just,” he said.

Though the first country to negotiate a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) agreement, South Africa has had difficulty in securing enough resources for its transition from coal. Initiated at the 2021 UN climate summit, JETPs aggregate funds from governments, multilateral financiers, and private sector investors to speed up the uptake of renewable energy while making sure local people are benifited. Such arrangements have been made with Indonesia and Vietnam.

But fears of dwindling global support have dominated talks in Cape Town. The move by the Trump administration to reduce overseas development aid, combined with European countries diverting aid to defense spending, has put extra pressure. Furthermore, large energy companies are reducing investment in renewables for oil and gas projects.

While international climate financing has grown since 2018, distribution to poorer countries is still disproportionate. African nations, for example, account for less than 5% of the overall climate funding, officials say.

Through its chairmanship of the G20, South Africa’s task is to bridge this gap in funding and obtain long-term commitments to provide a fair energy transition to developing economies.

US Deputy NSA: Resolving Debt Crisis in Developing Nations a Key G20 Priority

September 5, 2024, 5:44 am

The United States has highlighted resolving the debt crisis in low-income countries as its foremost priority for the upcoming G20 summit, where over half of these nations are facing significant debt distress, according to Daleep Singh, the US G20 Sherpa and Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA). The next G20 meeting is set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2024.

At an event titled ‘India-US Economic Partnership,’ hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Singh underscored the urgency of addressing the debt crisis, noting that more than 50 percent of low-income countries are either in or on the brink of debt distress. Many of these countries are spending more on servicing their debt than on essential areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Singh pointed out that a substantial portion of these debts is owed to wealthier nations, notably China, which has become a major source of development finance in recent years. He stressed the need for a collective solution to this issue.

Reflecting on last year’s G20 summit in India, Singh praised New Delhi’s ability to achieve consensus among nations with diverse values and interests. He emphasized that the upcoming summit in Rio will be crucial, especially considering it will occur just two weeks after the US elections. Singh commended the previous summit in Delhi as a notable achievement in multilateral diplomacy but acknowledged that reaching consensus might be more challenging this time.

Singh also addressed the role of American capital and technology in building alliances, suggesting that economic and technological cooperation is more effective than sanctions. He pointed out that many countries, which have not participated in the US-led sanctions, represent a significant portion of the global population. Therefore, fostering alliances through economic and technological means is essential.

Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, commended New Delhi’s G20 agenda, particularly its focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), green development, and technological transformation. However, he also highlighted major global challenges, including ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis, which have caused significant humanitarian issues. Kant stressed that climate action is another critical issue, noting that 2023 was the hottest year on record and that 2024 is expected to be even warmer. He also mentioned the need for regulation of emerging technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, which have the potential to greatly impact global productivity and innovation.

Additionally, Kant emphasized the importance of India’s participation in global value chains and its potential for economic growth through exports. He drew parallels to the successful export-driven economic strategies of countries like Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan, suggesting that India could achieve similar growth by enhancing its export performance.

Overall, the discussions at the event highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing the global community as it prepares for the next G20 summit, with a focus on economic stability, technological advancement, and international cooperation.

G20 Finance Leaders Pledge Cooperation On Taxing Ultra-Rich

July 27, 2024, 1:49 pm

In a landmark move, G20 finance leaders issued their first-ever joint declaration on Friday, vowing to cooperate on effectively taxing the world’s largest fortunes. Finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 major economies agreed to include references to fair taxation of “ultra-high-net-worth individuals” in both their joint communique and a separate declaration on international tax cooperation. “We will seek to engage cooperatively to ensure that ultra-high-net-worth individuals are effectively taxed,” stated the final draft of the G20 ministerial declaration in Rio de Janeiro, as seen by Reuters.

Debate Over the Right Forum

Despite this historic commitment, significant disagreements emerged regarding the appropriate forum for advancing the agenda. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressed a preference for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to handle such talks, citing its consensus-based approach and technical expertise. “We don’t want to see this shifted to the UN,” Yellen told Reuters, arguing that the OECD has made substantial progress on global tax negotiations over the past three years.

However, major developing nations and advocates for a global minimum tax on billionaires, including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, have pushed for discussions to be held at the United Nations. Susana Ruiz, Oxfam International’s Tax Policy Lead, emphasized the need for a “truly democratic process” for setting global tax standards, criticizing the OECD as a “club of mostly rich countries.”

Brazil’s Balancing Act

Brazil, holding the G20 presidency, finds itself at the center of this debate. Brazilian Finance Ministry official Guilherme Mello acknowledged the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation as a victory for developing nations seeking better representation. While recognizing both the OECD and the UN as legitimate forums, Mello emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions on how to effectively tax the super-rich.

Despite the ambitious goals, skepticism remains about the feasibility of implementing a global “billionaire tax.” European officials noted the difficulty of achieving consensus even within the 27-nation European Union. Although France has supported a global minimum wealth tax, Germany has shown resistance. “It seems that it might be very difficult to bring this forward,” remarked one European official at the G20 meetings.

“I Want India to Become Capital of South East Asia…”: PM Modi

May 10, 2024, 11:59 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his vision for India, stating his aspiration for India to become the capital of South East Asia. He emphasized that India’s progress is not a threat to anyone and highlighted the global benefits of India’s advancement. In an interview with Republic TV, PM Modi questioned why India shouldn’t aspire to such a position and suggested Kolkata and Guwahati as potential major centres. He underscored the proximity of these cities to Southeast Asia and emphasized India’s peaceful progress.

PM Modi noted that as India strengthens, the world feels reassured and its burdens decrease. He highlighted India’s achievements, including increased GDP, rising per capita income, and efforts in solar energy. PM Modi emphasized India’s positive impact on global rankings and described India as a “mine of opportunities,” attracting attention worldwide.

Highlighting India’s proactive role on the global stage, PM Modi mentioned India’s initiative in making Africa a G20 member and its focus on the Global South. He emphasized India’s active engagement rather than mere observation, fostering natural alignments and close relationships with other nations.

Addressing concerns about increased pressure on him, PM Modi emphasized India’s shift from maintaining distance to seeking closeness with other nations. He noted global competition among countries to align with India, highlighting the strategic importance of fostering relationships. PM Modi stressed that this shift in approach is significant, indicating a fundamental change in global dynamics.

NDRF saves 6,000 lives in 900 operations conducted in 2023

January 19, 2024, 4:01 pm

At the 19th Raising Day event of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Director General Atul Karwal revealed that in 2023, the NDRF successfully rescued over 6,000 individuals in 900 operations. Additionally, the NDRF personnel saved 51,000 people and 3,000 animals in various operations throughout the year.

During the event, Karwal addressed the need for equipment authorization, noting that the last authorization was formulated in 2006 without subsequent reviews. Drawing upon the organization’s 17 years of experience, a comprehensive new authorization has been completed for all types of equipment.

To address Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) disasters, Karwal highlighted the acquisition of Hazardous Material Vehicles. He explained, “In G20, we had the threat of CBRN. So, we made a Hazardous Material Vehicle. The cost of one such vehicle is around Rs 15 crore. MHA gave us Rs 60 crore in which we made four vehicles.” These vehicles are equipped to sense CBRN attacks, draw samples, and facilitate rescue operations during such disasters.

Karwal emphasized the significant efforts made in the past year to excel in the CBRN domain, collaborating with the Department of Atomic Energy and DRDO. The new authorization, based on their recommendations, reflects the organization’s requirements and necessary quantities. The revision of the authorization letter involved assessing equipment usage, identifying obsolete items, and recognizing heavily utilized equipment.

Summing up the efforts, Karwal stated, “This involved assessing equipment usage, identifying obsolete items, and recognizing heavily utilized equipment. The approved authorization letter was crafted considering the actual needs. The authorization letter has also been approved.”

“G20 Recognized as People’s-20 During India’s Presidency,” says PM Modi at virtual summit

November 22, 2023, 6:25 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Wednesday that the G20 was recognized as the People’s 20 during India’s presidency of the grouping, emphasizing the widespread participation of millions of people in events across the country. Speaking at the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit, PM Modi expressed pride in India’s role in welcoming the African Union as a member of the G20 during its presidency.

The 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit was held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. It saw the unanimous adoption of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration which demonstrated the commitment of the G20 leaders to address global challenges in an inclusive, decisive and action-oriented manner. At the closing session of the Leaders’ Summit, PM Modi suggested to the G20 leaders to reconvene virtually towards the end of India’s G20 presidency period to take forward the guidance provided by the participating leaders in their interventions. India assumed G20 Presidency on December 1 and it will continue till November 30.

PM Modi highlighted that the G20 became a festival in India, connecting millions of people in the country with its events. He emphasized the importance of mutual trust in addressing global challenges, noting that it binds and connects nations in a world facing various difficulties.

TECHNOLOGY’S ROLE IN ADVANCING WATER SUSTAINABILITY WITH G20 FRAMEWORK

October 9, 2023, 8:13 pm

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was adopted by all the 195 member states of the United Nations (UN) in 2015 to ensure peace and prosperity among the masses across the globe. However, this could be achieved only when there was a complete eradication of poverty, deprivation, joblessness, hunger, wide economic disparities among the people, illiteracy, homelessness, poor health conditions, etc.

Therefore, a framework of 17 SDGs was developed by a core group of 20 nations called the G20 and these became the Global Goalsthatwereset to be achieved by 2030 such as:Eliminating poverty, Erase Hunger, establishing Good Health and Well-Being, Providing Quality Education, Enforce Gender Equality, Improve Clean Water and Sanitation, Grow Affordable, and Clean Energy, Create Decent Work and Economic Growth, Increase Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Reduce Inequality, Mobilize Sustainable Cities and Communities, Influence Responsible Consumption and Production, Organize Climate Action, Develop Life below Water, Advance Life on Land, Guarantee Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and Build Partnerships for the Goals.

However, with regard to Water Management, the 6^th Sustainable Developmental Goal (SDG) was framed to Improve Clean Water and Sanitation through a synthesis of cases of best practices for water management in the G20 countries. For this purpose, a best practice template was developed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, and shared with the G20 member countries to report programs and interventions undertaken by them, but not limited to anyparticular thematic areas.

Universalisation of Water and Sanitation Services

This is one of the major targets of the 6^thSustainable Development Goal,and it aims toattainuniversal access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services by 2030.Moreover,access to clean and potable water has a positive public health impact too.The G20 member countries cover almost two-thirds of the world population with every country having adopted different approaches to ensure drinking water security. For instance, India has embarked on a mission to provide functional tap connections within premises to every rural household by 2024.

When India took over theG20 Presidency for 2023 in December 2022,it took cognizance of such initiatives and invited all the G20 members to share cases on ensuring drinking water security. It is against this backdropthat the latest technologies come into the picture in advancing water sustainabilitythrough water conservationby developing efficient irrigational systems,such asdrip irrigation and precision farming techniques.Additionally, water management software and modelling toolshelp in optimizing water usage, and water storage,reducing wastage, and promoting sustainable water practices.

As India takes the global centre stage by hosting the G20 Summit in New Delhi, it is a reflection of India’s rising influence in tackling some of the world’s core challenges in the realm of technology to climate change. With the theme of One Earth, One Family, One Future of the G20Summit, the need to need to bring technology to the forefront for better water sustainability will be of paramount importance, in line with the 6^th Sustainable Developmental Goal (SDG)

Role of Technology in Water Management

However, all the above can be achieved only when the above-mentioned 6^th SDG is backed with the latest developments in water-related technology that can be briefly discussed under the following heads, as ‘Technology’ empowers all policymakers and communities across the globe with valuable tools and insights to effectively address various water-related challenges and ensure the sustainable management of this vital resource of the planet, ‘water’ without which there would be no life in it!

Data Collection and Analysis

Technology enables real-time collection of data on water quantity, quality, and usage through remote sensing, IoTdevices, and sensor networks. This data, in turn, helps to calculate water availability, identify trends, and make informed decisions for efficient water management. As an example of bringing technology to the forefront to make water potable and safe, an Indian company with expertise in the water domain – WAE has deployed specially designed and curated water systems for the G20summit to showcase how technology can play a role in developing innovative products and solutionsto provide pure, potable and hygienic drinking water on a large commercial scale.

Water Treatment and Purification

Technologies, such as advanced filtration systems, membrane technologies, and disinfection processes(i.e., UV and ozone treatment) help to treat and purify water from different sources, making it safe for consumption and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.In this spheretoo, WAE is an example of such technology first Indian companies that have domain expertise in water management. The need for water treatment and purification can be immensely contributedthrough new age tech propelled purifiers, ETPs, STPs,and drinking water machines, thus being able to provide long-term,sustainable solutionsto reuse and recycle water-the most indispensable resource of the planet.

Water Quality Monitoring

In addition to the above, Technology plays a vital role in the continuous monitoring of water quality parameters. For example, sensors, drones, and remote sensing technologies enable the detection of pollutants, harmful algal blooms, and changes in water quality, ensuring timely remedial actions and safeguarding human and environmental health.With the advent of AI, beyond conventionally collecting and representing water purity data in easy formats that take around 5 days to report with results of water quality, there is a possibility to use machine learning models on high-resolution scanned image data to predict water quality.

Flood and Drought Management

Advanced forecasting models, satellite imagery, and real-time monitoring systems help predict and manage floods and droughts, enabling early warning systems, effective emergency response, and optimal water allocation during such events.

Public Awareness and Engagement

In this day and era “Technology”can play an important role in facilitating the dissemination of information, education, and buildingawareness about the many water conservation and sustainable good practices that have been used globally. Dissemination of such information on technologies in water treatment, water recycling, and regeneration of groundwatercan assist adoption in India. Websites, mobile applications, and social media platforms could be enablers inengaging the public, promotingbehavioral changes, and fostering community participation in water management initiatives. And this could be a trigger for the change to come! As Gandhi ji said “Let’s Be the Change, We Want to see.

BY- A VikramJoshe, Founder & MD, WAE Limited

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti:India has demonstrated most successful G20 ever

September 26, 2023, 1:15 pm

On Tuesday, the US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, claimed that India had led the most successful G20 ever.

“India’s marvellous growth, its rapid rise, its leadership in the world today has demonstrated the most successful G20 we have ever seen,” the US Ambassador said.
Garcetti was addressing the 20th Indo-US Economic Summit “Sharing ideas & Potential for sustainable partnership between India and the US for the next 25 years” organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC).

Garcetti while speaking on India-US ties, said: “The goal that we should be establishing, I think, together, is, how can we be more ambitious. Not just settle for another deal, not just settle for, as we’ve done just in the last few months, bringing down the retaliatory tariffs and the trade disputes between our countries. That’s not good enough. I think we need to close our eyes and dream of what this relationship can be like even more than we would imagine today. “

The US Ambassador congratulated India on ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission.
He said: “Congratulations on a marvellous space year here in India. Landing on the dark side of the moon, doing something that only four nations have done before and doing it so beautifully, so reasonably and so successfully. But now we’re looking at commercial space together.”

On Tuesday, the US ambassador reaffirmed how seriously the US takes its connections with Canada and India.
His remarks come amid heightened hostilities between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that India was responsible for the murder of Khalistani agent Hardeep Nijjar.

PM Modi :”During G20, India emerged as a ‘Vishwa Mitra'”

September 18, 2023, 5:15 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the emotional moment when the African Union was admitted to the G20 during India’s presidency. He added that India has carved out a place for itself as the “Vishwa Mitra” and that 140 crore Indians are responsible for the success of the G20. In his opening remarks at the special session of Parliament on Monday, PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the Chair’s acknowledgment of the G20’s success.

The success of the G20, according to the prime minister, is due to the 140 crore Indians and not to any one person or political group. The success of more than 200 events in more than 60 locations throughout India is a testament to the diversity of that country. “India will always feel pride for the inclusion of the African Union in G20 during its presidency,” he said recalling the emotional moment of the inclusion.

Pointing out the negative tendencies of a few people to create doubt about the capabilities of India, the PM Modi stated that a consensus was achieved for the G20 Declaration and a roadmap for the future was created here.

The Prime Minister supported the Speaker’s motion to hold a P20 Summit (Parliamentary 20) under his chairmanship, reiterating that India’s G20 Presidency runs through the last day of November and that the country intends to make the most of it.

He said, “It is a matter of pride for all that India has carved a place for itself as ‘Vishwa Mitra’ and the entire world is seeing a friend in India. Reasons for that are our ‘Sanskaars’ that we gathered from Vedas to Vivekanand. The Mantra of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is uniting us to bring the world with us.”

British PM Rishi Sunak calls India visit for G20 “important”

September 11, 2023, 4:12 pm

As the G20 Summit comes to a close, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak describes his two-day visit to India as “important” and shares some photos from his trip on social media.

Sharing the video on his social media ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter, he stated, “An important trip to India for the G20, delivering for the UK on the world stage.” In the video message, he highlighted Russian President Putin’s absence in the G20 Summit, and said that “Isolation is the policy that Vladimir Putin has chosen.”

“Global issues matter. They impact all of us. We saw that during Covid and we have seen the devastating consequences of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, both on the Ukrainian people and the rise in global energy prices. But we are under no illusion these issues can’t be solved in isolation. Isolation is the policy that Vladimir Putin has chosen, ripping up the Black Sea Grain Deal, which has provided a lifeline for millions,” the message adds.

“Putin wasn’t at the G20 to face the world. But we were, working with our allies, our partners from around the world to address some of the biggest challenges that we face. Stabilising the global economy, isolating Putin and strengthening our international relationships. And by doing that, delivering the jobs, growth and security that the British public rightly expect from their Prime Minister,” he added in the video.

G20: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces USD 2bn Green Climate Fund

September 10, 2023, 12:21 pm

As the G20 Summit in India approaches its start, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a record-breaking commitment to climate aid, according to the British High Commission in India on Sunday. The Green Climate Fund (GCF), which was established by 194 countries in the wake of the Copenhagen Accord at COP15, will receive USD 2 billion from the UK. This is the largest single financial commitment the UK has made to assist the world in addressing climate change.

“Uplift makes a significant contribution towards the UK’s pledge to spend 11.6bn Pounds on international climate finance, cementing our global climate leadership. UK continues to show global climate leadership, having cut emissions faster than any other G7 country,” said a release by the British High Commission.

The UK has contributed the most money to date to assisting the most vulnerable populations around the world in coping with the effects of climate change and adjusting to them. The GCF is the biggest international fund devoted to aiding developing nations in lowering global emissions and assisting local communities in coping with the effects of climate change. The pledge made today represents a 12.7% increase over the UK’s prior contribution to the GCF for the years 2020–2023, which itself was a doubling of our initial funding to create the fund in 2014, according to the press release.

At the G20 Summit UK PM Sunak has called on leaders to work together ahead of the COP28 Summit this December to both reduce their countries’ own carbon emissions and support vulnerable economies to deal with the consequences of climate change.
Addressing G20 leaders, Sunak said, “The UK is stepping up and delivering on our climate commitments, both by decarbonising our own economy and supporting the world’s most vulnerable to deal with the impact of climate change.”
“This is the kind of leadership that the world rightly expects from G20 countries. And this government will continue to lead by example in making the UK, and the world, more prosperous and secure,” he added.

In addition to promising to invest 11.6 billion pounds in international climate finance between 2021 and 2026, the UK has been at the forefront of international efforts to assist developing countries combat climate change. Following the Prime Minister’s declaration at COP27 that the UK would triple our funding for climate adaptation, this announcement “marks a major contribution towards this commitment.”

G20: PM Modi, President Biden alongwith other leaders pay homage at Raj Ghat

September 10, 2023, 10:06 am

US President Joe Biden was greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Delhi’s Raj Ghat on Sunday as he arrived to pay respects to the nation’s founding father Mahatma Gandhi. As President Joe Biden arrived at Raj Ghat, PM Modi greeted him and gave him a khadi gift.

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, also traveled to Delhi’s Rajghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. Joko Widodo, the president of Indonesia, also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by going to Rajghat. Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, also traveled to Delhi’s Rajghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. Asaad bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said, the deputy prime minister of Oman, arrived at Rajghat. PM Modi gave him khadi as a gift to say “hello.” Lee Hsien Loong, the prime minister of Singapore, also went to Rajghat.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom, Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Ajay Banga, the managing director of the World Bank, Kristalina Georgieva, and other delegates made their way to Rajghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath.

Leaders and delegation heads will first pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before proceeding to Bharat Mandapam. At Bharat Mandapam, a tree-planting ceremony will be held. The leaders will then take part in the G20 summit’s third session, titled “One Future.”

Former G20 Sherpa Montek Singh Ahluwalia : “I hope we have a good G20”

September 8, 2023, 12:25 pm

Prior to the G20 summit taking place here in the national capital, former G20 Sherpa Montek Singh Ahluwalia expressed his hopes that India would have a successful G20 summit. “I hope the G20 is successful. It’s a challenging situation because for the first time, there are international issues on which nations don’t actually concur. However, a lot of the other topics being discussed are extremely pertinent. I am confident that we are focusing on the appropriate problems. The G20 is more like a forum for creating a broad sense of consensus, and then negotiations take place at other forums,” said former Sherpa.

Ahluwalia also emphasized the need for sustainable development, inclusive growth, and a focus on climate change, and he promised to do so during the meeting. On September 9–10, India will host the G20 Leaders Summit in its capital at the recently opened Bharat Mandapam. More than 30 heads of state and other senior government representatives from the European Union, invited guest nations, 14 heads of international organizations, and more are present at the summit. India hopes to accomplish the dual goals of bringing the African Union into the G20 and resolving differences over a joint statement regarding the conflict in Ukraine at the Summit.

India has concentrated on a number of topics during its presidency, including equitable access to global health care, inclusive growth, digital innovation, and climate resilience. India is fostering cooperative solutions that benefit its own population and contribute to the overall well-being of the world by using its presidency, Participating nations at the G20 Summit include South Africa, Nigeria, Argentina, Italy, and the AU (represented by Comros). Bangladesh, Japan, and the United Kingdom Saudi Arabia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, Australia, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Indonesia, and Turkey Spain, Germany, France, Mauritius, Singapore, and the European Union.

PM Modi to hold more than 15 bilateral meetings with world leaders on G20 sidelines

September 8, 2023, 11:35 am

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, which will take place on September 9–10 under India’s Presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with more than 15 world leaders bilaterally, according to sources. According to sources, PM Modi will meet with his counterparts from Bangladesh and Mauritius in person at Lok Kalyan Marg on September 8. Additionally, he will meet privately with US Vice President Joe Biden.

On September 9, Prime Minister Modi will meet separately with the Prime Ministers of Japan, Fumio Kishida, and the UK, Rishi Sunak. He will have a private meeting with Giorgia Meloni, his Italian counterpart. In addition, the Prime Minister and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will meet in private. On September 10, PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will meet for a working lunch. He will meet privately with Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada. According to sources, he will meet separately with the leaders of the Comoros, Turkey, South Korea, UAE, Nigeria, Brazil, the European Union, and the European Council.

On September 9–10, India will host the G20 Leaders Summit at the recently opened Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. International dignitaries have begun to arrive in India for the G20 Summit. The European Council President Charles Michel, the President of Argentina, Alberto Angel Fernandez, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and a number of other world leaders have already arrived in India for the G20 Summit.

The G20 Summit is being held for the first time while India is in the presidency. The G20 was established in 1999 with the goal of preserving global financial stability by including middle-income nations. On December 1 of last year, India took over as G20 president, and 60 cities across the nation hosted 200 G20 meetings. The culmination of all G20 processes and meetings among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies will take place at the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi.

G20 : According to the World Bank the impact of India’s digital public infrastructure goes beyond financial inclusion

September 8, 2023, 11:00 am

According to the World Bank, India’s digital public infrastructure has had a profound impact that goes well beyond financial inclusion. In a document, the international financial institution praised India, noting that the progress it has made in only six years would have taken roughly five decades otherwise.

India has created some of the best digital public goods infrastructure, which has the potential to transform lives all over the world. Examples include UPI, Jan Dhan, Aadhar, ONDC, and CoWin. The World Bank document created in advance of the significant G20 Summit in New Delhi emphasized the important steps taken by the Modi administration as well as the crucial role that government policy and regulation play in determining the landscape of digital public infrastructure (DPI).

World Bank said JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile) trinity – a combination of bank accounts for all, Aadhaar, and mobile connectivity — has propelled financial inclusion rate from 25 per cent in 2008 to over 80 per cent of adults in past six years, a journey which according to it shortened by up to 47 years — thanks to DPIs.
“While DPIs’ role in this leapfrogging is undoubtable, other ecosystem variables and policies that build on the availability of DPIs were critical. These included interventions to create a more enabling legal and regulatory framework, national policies to expand account ownership, and leveraging Aadhaar for identity verification,” the World Bank document noted.

The number of PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts has tripled since its launch in 2014, the first year of Narendra Modi’s tenure as prime minister; women own 56 percent of these accounts, totaling more than 260 million.

Know PM Modi’s hectic schedule fo the next 3 days leading up to G20 Summit

September 6, 2023, 8:15 pm

In the run-up to the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Jakarta on Wednesday evening to attend the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Prime Minister presided over a meeting of the Council of Ministers as well as a cabinet meeting. According to government sources, he will hold back-to-back meetings till 7:30 p.m.

They stated that the Prime Minister will depart for Indonesia at 8 p.m., fly for approximately 7 hours, and arrive in Jakarta at 3 a.m. IST on September 7.

At 7 a.m., he will depart for the ASEAN-India Summit location. According to the sources, he would thereafter attend the East Asia Summit at 8.45 a.m. IST. According to sources, PM Modi would leave immediately after the meeting for the airport and board a flight to Delhi at 11:45 a.m., arriving around 6:45 p.m.

The ASEAN-India Summit will be the first since India-ASEAN relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. The Summit will assess the state of India-ASEAN relations and determine the future course of cooperation.

The East Asia Summit will provide a chance for ASEAN leaders and its eight dialogue partners, including India, to exchange perspectives on regional and global concerns.

According to sources, PM Modi will attend significant bilateral meetings with three countries on September 8, including US President Joe Biden. On September 9 and 10, the G20 will assemble in New Delhi.

The 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi will be the culmination of all G20 processes and discussions with ministers, senior officials, and civil society held during the year.

At the conclusion of the New Delhi Summit, a G20 Leaders’ Declaration will be adopted, declaring the Leaders’ commitment to the priorities addressed and agreed upon.

Delhi Police :“Law and order arrangements for G20 will be flawless”

September 5, 2023, 4:07 pm

Regarding the security preparations for the G20, Delhi Police Special Commissioner, Law and Order Dependra Pathak stated that the G20 was a prestigious summit and that the Delhi police was confident in the effectiveness of the law and order preparations. G20 is a prestigious summit, according to Dependra Pathak, Special Commissioner for Law and Order at the Delhi Police. It is a source of pride for Delhi and India. The primary focus of the Delhi police is on maintaining law and order, safety, and security. It’s a challenge that we are accepting. We are meticulously planning it and carrying it out on the ground. We are practicing for it. The Delhi police is concentrating on certain areas for the summit area.

“Other parts of Delhi, which affect the general perception of the summit, should also be flawless and fail-proof. We have made plans for it as its focus responsibility is with us,” Delhi Police Special Commissioner Dependra Pathak said.
“There is a national element and an international element in G20. We have analysed the law and order situation where the G20 summit has taken place before. We have done a comprehensive analysis taking into consideration several aspects like international pressure groups and local organisations” he added.

Police friends, resident associations, market associations, home guards, civil defense, and other community policing components have also joined as force multipliers. Special Commissioner Dependra Pathak stated that we are receiving assistance from paramilitary forces. “Under strategic planning, we have made sure that nothing goes wrong, from a regular protest to sensitive communal areas. The Delhi Police is confident, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that the law and order situation is perfect. We will work hard and be extremely effective on the ground, he continued.

Delhi: NSG Bomb Squad conduct anti-sabotage checks at different locations

September 2, 2023, 8:15 pm

The National Security Guard’s (NSG) Bomb Squad performed an anti-sabotage sweep across the national capital on Saturday, ahead of the G20 Summit next month.

The summit will last two days, September 9 and 10.

Earlier, as part of its preparations for the next G20 Summit in the national capital on September 9 and 10, the Delhi Traffic Police held another full dress rehearsal on Saturday.

AAP to file complaint against Delhi LG

September 1, 2023, 2:21 pm

According to AAP will complain to the Delhi LG over the ‘Shivling’-shaped fountains that were erected there before the G20 sources on Friday, Vinai Kumar Saxena, the lieutenant governor of Delhi, will face a police complaint from the Aam Aadmi Party for allegedly disrespecting Hindu sentiments by installing fountains in the shape of “Shivlings” (a representation of Lord Shiva) in the nation’s capital before the G20 summit.

According to the sources, AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak would meet with the Special CP (Law and Order) today to discuss this.
By placing “Shivling”-like fountains in the midst of the beautification of the national capital ahead of the 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit, the LG, according to the Aam Aadmi Party, “played” with the sensibilities of the Hindus.

Sanjay Singh, the head of the AAP, demanded an apology from the Bharatiya Janata Party on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter).

On September 9 and 10, the G20 Summit will take place in the nation’s capital in the brand-new, cutting-edge Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan.

Russian President Putin won’t attend G20 India Summit in person, according to Kremlin

August 25, 2023, 5:12 pm

According to Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin of Russia does not intend to go to the G20 Summit in India next month. According to the Kremlin spokesperson, a special military operation is currently the main focus. Putin also didn’t attend the most recent BRICS summit in South Africa; instead, he spoke to the group via video link.

India holds the G20 Presidency this year and the G-20 Summit will be held from September 8-10 in New Delhi. The summit will have distinguished guests from all over the world.
The G20, or Group of Twenty, is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s 20 major developed and developing economies, making it the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

An arrest warrant for Putin and another Russian official had been issued earlier in March by the International Criminal Court (ICC). As part of a global effort to hold the Russian president and the Russian Federation accountable for atrocities beginning with the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the warrant is thought to be one of the first accusations against Putin for war crimes in Ukraine. Putin is alleged to have committed war crimes. The warrant names both of them for the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territory to Russia. Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova is the Russian Federation’s commissioner for children’s rights.

New Delhi: Ahead of G20 meeting Carcade rehearsal leads to traffic congestion

August 23, 2023, 10:37 am

Special arrangements for the carcade rehearsal, which is scheduled to start next month in the nation’s capital under India’s presidency, have caused traffic congestion on some roads, according to Delhi Traffic Police.

Delhi Traffic Police took to X (formerly Twitter) and said “Due to carcade rehearsal and special traffic arrangements, some congestion is expected on Salimgarh Bypass, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhairon Marg, Mathura Road, C-Hexagon, Sardar Patel Marg and Gurgaon Road till 11 AM. Commuters are advised to plan their journey accordingly.”
Earlier, on August 21, Delhi traffic police conducted a mock drill exercise on major roads connecting Pragati Maidan – the main venue of the summit, with various hotels in the City, to review restriction and diversion arrangements.

As part of the exercise, several teams of traffic police officers were stationed at various intersections, and barricades were built at intersections and diversion points. The summit will take place at the recently opened Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Center at Pragati Maidan. A few months ago, Delhi Police began making plans and training personnel who would be sent to various locations.

Police are also teaching their employees how to handle chemical and biological weapons while emphasizing their soft skills. On September 9–10, the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam convention center at Pragati Maidan will host the G20 Summit. The G20 Leaders’ Summit is anticipated to draw numerous heads of state and diplomats, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

US Health and Human Services Secy in Gujarat for G20, bilateral meetings

August 18, 2023, 10:33 am

An official announcement states that US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Xavier Becerra, will attend the two-day G20 Health Ministers’ meeting, which will begin today in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He will take part in bilateral meetings as well.

According to a press release from the US Department of HHS, Secretary Becerra will emphasize in India that the US and India partnership is one of the most important ones and that it benefits the region’s and the world’s health. Secretary Becerra will “advance the United States’ priorities of increasing our mutual prosperity, advancing democracy and human rights, addressing the climate crisis, and upholding a rules-based order rooted in international law” while attending the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting, it was stated.

In addition, Secretary Becerra will highlight that the United States supports all three priorities of the G20 Health Track under India’s Presidency.
Firstly, improving global coordination on health emergencies prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR), with a focus on implementing a One Health approach (the intersection of humans, animals, and the environment) and combatting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Secondly, improving the global availability of and access to affordable medical countermeasures (MCMs, including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics) for health emergencies; and thirdly supporting the use of digital health systems in low- and middle-income countries to improve healthcare service delivery and to advance universal health coverage (UHC), as per the statement.

G20: Experts discuss a cyber security exercise for the banking sector

June 7, 2023, 10:06 am

Under India’s G20 presidency, the G20 International Conference on “Cyber Security Exercise for the Banking Sector” was conducted in Mumbai. The conference was jointly conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Monday. The conference commenced with a keynote address by RBI Deputy Governor MK Jain followed by a special address by CERT-In Director General Sanjay Bahl.
The Deputy Governor in his address stressed that managing cyber risks has become a key driver for ensuring financial stability. He emphasised on the imperative for global collaborative efforts to strengthen cyber security. He also outlined six specific strategies that the global community could follow.
Director General, CERT-In highlighted three global challenges in countering cyber-attacks and also emphasised on the need for global community to work together. He further mentioned, “Cyber drills and exercises could help in building long lasting relationships and in leveraging each other’s strengths to enhance preparedness.”
Moreover, Strategic and Operational Cyber Exercises and Drills were also organized as a part of the event. The participants held discussions on the new age cyber security challenges faced by the banks globally. The event also had a panel discussion on Trans-National Cyber Security Challenges in banking sector across the globe. The event was attended by over 200 participants from the RBI, MeitY, IMF, BIS, central banks and Computer Emergency Response Teams of G20 Member Countries, MD and CEOs of select commercial and urban cooperative banks, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) of Indian and foreign banks.

G20: Bengaluru to host Trade and Investment Working Group meeting

May 23, 2023, 10:33 am

On Tuesday, Bengaluru will host the start of the second Trade and Investment Working Group meeting under India’s G20 Presidency.During this three-day meeting, over 100 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries, regional groupings and international organizations will deliberate on reforming the multilateral trading system, integrating the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in global trade, making trade work for growth and prosperity and efficient logistics for trade. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, a seminar on trade and technology will be organized on the first day. Themes, such as technology reshaping trade and the role of technology in driving inclusive growth will be deliberated in two-panel discussions, featuring domain experts, academicians and practitioners.The seminar will be followed by a guided city tour, a cultural program and Gala Dinner for the G20 delegates.
The subject of World Trade Organization (WTO) Reform, which is one of the priorities pursued by the Indian Presidency will be taken up for discussion in a technical session on May 24, 2023.
On the second and third days, presentations will be made on the deliverables related to the digitalization of paper documents, such as Bills of Lading and Certificate of Origin that are critical for cross-border trade, and on developing an action plan to create Meta Information Portal for MSMEs, a framework for mapping GVCs, a compendium of best practices on Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) and on G20 Regulatory Dialogue. These deliverables have emerged from deliberations that took place during the first meeting held in Mumbai in March. The goal of India’s G20 Presidency is to create a shared awareness of the difficulties in advancing international commerce and investment, as well as utilising available opportunities to create inclusive and open growth.

Goa: Second G20 health working group meeting to commence from 17 April

April 16, 2023, 7:20 pm

According to an official release, the second Health Working Group (HWG) meeting under the G20 India Presidency will be held in Goa from April 17 to 19.

The meeting will be attended by more than 180 delegates from 19 G20 member countries, 10 invited states, and 22 international organisations, according to a press release issued on Sunday. “Thematic discussions on three G20 Health Track priorities will be held at the second HWG meeting.”

The first priority is to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies, with a focus on One Health and AMR (antimicrobial resistance). The second is Strengthening Pharmaceutical Sector Cooperation, with a focus on access and availability of safe, effective, high-quality, and affordable medical countermeasures (vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics).

“The third priority includes Digital Health Innovations and Solutions to Aid Universal Health Coverage and Improve Healthcare Service Delivery,” added the release. Several cultural programmes infused with Goan flavours have been planned for the event to showcase India’s rich diversity and culture based on the Indian philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ according to the release.

G20 expert group constituted for strengthening MDBs

March 28, 2023, 5:00 pm

The G20 expert group on “Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)” was recently constituted under India’s G20 Presidency. The expert panel will deliver its findings to the Indian G20 Presidency before June 30, 2023. For the 21st century, an updated multilateral development system (MDB) ecosystem will be developed, with milestones and timelines covering all facets of its evolution, including its operational strategies and financial capacity, so that the multilateral banks are better able to finance a variety of issues like climate change and health.

The expert group will talk about ways for multilateral banks to coordinate their efforts in order to better handle and fund issues like global development.
Co-convenors include Professor Lawrence Summers, Harvard University’s emeritus president, and NK Singh, president of the Institute for Economic Growth and a former chair of India’s fifteenth finance commission.

The group consists of experts from various countries and international organizations, including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and Asian Development Bank.

Uttarakhand state prepares to welcome a two-day G20 summit beginning today

March 28, 2023, 2:10 pm

A delegation of foreign guests will arrive at Pantnagar airport in Uttarakhand this afternoon to participate in the G20 meeting scheduled for March 28-30 in Ramnagar.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Monday that adequate security preparations have been made for the upcoming G20 meeting in Ramnagar, despite threats from the public and state government officials to boycott the event.
Roads outside the airport have been decorated to give international visitors a taste of the state’s culture.
According to them, the guests will have lunch at Radiance Blue in Rudrapur.
“All administrative and security preparations for the G20 summit have been completed,” CM Dhami told the media on Monday.
“Police officers have been instructed. “Every activity is being monitored by the home department, police headquarters, and security agencies,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, a pre-recorded audio from Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a secessionist pro-Khalistan organization, emerged on social media, calling for a boycott of the G20 meetings in Ramnagar.
In the audio, SFJ president Gurpatwant Singh Pannu threatened to replace Indian flags with Khalistani flags at the G20 meeting, saying that Ramnagar is part of Khalistan, not India.
SFJ President Pannu issued a similar call earlier this month to boycott G20 meetings in Amritsar, claiming that Amritsar is part of Khalistan. The G20 summit in Amritsar ended on March 17 amid tight security.
The G20 meeting will be held in Ramnagar from March 28 to 30. 70 international guests and 30 Indian officials will attend the three-day G20 meeting in Ramnagar.

India ultimate destination for business , G20 calls for friendshoring : Sitharaman

March 5, 2023, 10:28 am

India is the destination for businesses, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the country has the right combination of factors that matter for a growing economy including a middle class, captive market with purchasing power, technology-driven public investment and products, digital infrastructure and rule of law.
In her remarks during an interaction at the Raisina Dialogue here, Sitharman also said that there is no sector in India that is not available for the private sector and rejected opposition criticism that government is on a selling spree of public assets. “There is no sector in India that is not available for the private sector to be in function. Public sector policy is not a crazy one and the government is not selling out everything. Opposition fully understands the meaning but says we are selling them off. We are not selling them off,” she said.
She said India is putting across voice of the Global South at G20.
Sithraman said that well-trained youth, middle class giving a captive market, technology-driven investment and public infrastructure were among reasons for India’s sustained growth.
“There are several ministers who are part of the G20 who have been speaking of friendshoring. India, today, is the destination for businesses. We have the right combination of things that matter for a growing economy–a middle class, captive market with purchasing power, tech-driven public investment and products. Digital infrastructure exists,” she said.
Friendshoring refers to relocating supply chains to countries with low risk of disruption from political factors or those considered political and economic allies.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had said during her visit to India last month that Washington is advancing an approach called “friendshoring” to boost resilience of its supply chains by strengthening integration with trusted trading partners including India.
Sitharaman also said the way the government responded to COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity of sustaining growth have worked out really well.

G20: India’s presidency an exceptional and unprecedented opportunity, says Experts

March 4, 2023, 1:40 pm

The experts across the world regarded India’s presidency as an exceptional and unprecedented opportunity with immense scope and potential. India has embarked the year-long journey of G20 presidency with the motto of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

There is an immense opportunity for steering international coordination towards economic stability and prosperity which is in general an over arching goal of G20 organization. However, there is something more quintessential to India’s Presidency which led experts and officials to attach a lot of expectations to it.

Beginning as an organisation addressing macroeconomic issues and financial risks, the G20 has shown the spirit of pluralism and contextual relevance by splitting itself into Finance and Sherpa streams. Moreover, the Sherpa track, dealing with various developmental issues across the globe, has over time expanded to include working groups on developmental issues related to the digital economy, environment, education, employment, and so on.

For the Presidency, India’s leadership has already committed itself to exploiting the linkages between economic growth, gender equality, peace, and security and the use of technological innovations for universal benefit.