G20 Summit LIVE Updates: India's G20 has truly been a people's G20, says Jaishankar

15:16 (IST)

India Government LIVE Updates

Government seeks public input on draft guidelines to curb deceptive online practices

The Government of India's Department of Consumer Affairs has requested public feedback on the Draught Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns.

According to a news statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the rules aim to prevent misleading practises used by internet platforms known as dark patterns that are harmful to consumer interests.

15:11 (IST)

Sanatan Dharma Row LIVE Updates

‘INDIA alliance to take country on the path of destruction’: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday took a jibe at the INDIA alliance and said that it would take the country on the path of destruction.

“The manner in which the INDIA Alliance is commenting on Sanatan Dharma is inappropriate and highly condemnable. They say that Sanatan Dharma should be destroyed. This is the real face of the INDIA alliance, which I want to put before the people of Madhya Pradesh and the country, this group of 28 parties is to take the country on the path of destruction, to destroy Sanatan Dharma, to spread corruption, to broaden the appeasement,” Scindia said.

15:10 (IST)

Sanatana Dharma Row LIVE Updates

‘My religion is Constitution’: Priyank Kharge on ‘Sanatana Dharma’ row

A day after a FIR was filed against Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge for statements made on the 'Sanatana Dharma,' the latter explained on Thursday that he did not want to offend any religious emotions.

"I said that any religion that discriminates between human beings is not a religion. I follow the Constitution, my religion is the Constitution. If they want to file an FIR against me or they want to arrest me, it is up to the individuals, I really don't care," news agency ANI quoted Kharge as saying.

#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says "My statement was not against any religion. I said that any religion that discriminates between human beings is not a religion. I follow the Constitution, my religion is the Constitution. If they want to file an FIR… pic.twitter.com/z7PBzQukyR— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2023

14:39 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

India's G20 has truly been a people's G20: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India has celebrated the G20 across the country and has strived to create a pan-national experience that would benefit both the country and the globe, adding that the efforts have made "India world-ready and the world more India-ready."

The minister stated that India's G20 was genuinely a people's G20, with widespread public engagement or 'Jan Bhagidari'.

He stated that it saw broad-based debates and discussions on topics critical to the people's collective aspirations. 

14:31 (IST)

Udhayanidhi Stalin Sanatan Row LIVE

Udhayanidhi spoke about ‘inhuman principles’ in Sanatan Dharma, unfair for PM to target him, says Stalin

In the midst of a raging debate across the country over his cabinet colleague Udhayanidhi Stalin's alleged anti-Sanatan Dharma remarks, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Thursday that his son had made comments about the "inhuman principles" preached in it and accused the BJP of being 'desperate' to sow discord in the INDIA alliance.

Pro-BJP forces, unable to accept Udhayanidhi's opposition to oppressive principles, have spread a false narrative alleging he called for the genocide of people with Sanatan thoughts, Stalin said in a statement, questioning why Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also join those targeting the TN minister.

14:25 (IST)

Parliament Special Session LIVE Updates

Manoj Jha questions govt over keeping agenda of Parliament’s special session under wraps

Manoj Jha, a Rashtriya Janata Dal MP, took a jab at the ruling BJP-led coalition at the Centre on Thursday, asking them to define out the topic for the five-day Special Session of Parliament.

Speaking to ANI, the RJD leader stated that nobody save Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah understands the subject of the session commencing from September 18 and said that 'this is the new transparency'.

14:23 (IST)

Udhayanidhi Stalin Sanatan Row LIVE

'Constitution gives respect to Sanatana Dharma': BJP leader Ravi Shankar on Udhyanidhi's remark

Responding to Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's comments on 'Sanatana Dharma,' BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad stated on Thursday that 'Sanatana Dharma' has been given respect in the Constitution and no one can erase it.

While speaking to ANI, the BJP leader said, "The Indian Constitution has the images of Lord Ram, Krishna, Arjuna, Nataraja and Hanuman on it and the signatures of Dr Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, BR Ambedkar and others. 'Sanatana Dharma' has been given respect in the Constitution, no one can eradicate it."

14:01 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Embellished trees, G20 floral boards, city getting final touch ahead of Summit

To prepare for the G20 Leaders Summit, the New Delhi Municipal Council is adorning thousands of trees and putting G20 floral boards.

NDMC Vice Chairman Satish Upadhyay said work has already begun on the preparation and installation of 20 flower boards prominently displaying the G20 logo and slogan – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future” at strategic locations across New Delhi.

13:39 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Security checks underway in Delhi for upcoming G20 Summit

Preparations and security inspections for the forthcoming G20 Summit, which will be held in Delhi on September 9-10, are ongoing.

On Thursday morning, security checks were conducted at Raj Ghat. Sniffer dogs and security workers conducted security checks near the Mahatma Gandhi monument.

Several dignitaries are slated to visit Rajghat during the two-day summit to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

13:35 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Expectations are high, says UNESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Alisjahbana on India hosting G20

Armida Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), stated that her expectations in terms of geopolitical scenarios are quite high because India is hosting the G20 meeting this year.

“The expectation (from India) is very high, especially in the geopolitical context which is not easy, but because G20 is the 20th largest economy in the world and not to mention also the largest number of population globally,” Alisjahbana said.

She further said, “Expectation is very high, especially on the G20 leadership and commitment on the most pressing development issue and challenges of our time, the one, which is climate change.”

13:22 (IST)

Udhayanidhi Stalin Sanatan Row LIVE

Udhayanidhi Stalin claims BJP twisting his statement on 'Sanatan Dharma'

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Tamil Nadu Sports Minister, released a letter on Thursday explaining his views on 'Sanatan Dharma' and questioned the BJP leaders for distorting his speech as 'inciting genocide' and said that they are using it as a weapon to defend themselves.

Stalin accused the BJP-led central government of distorting his remarks on September 2, and accused the centre of achieving 'nothing' in the last nine years of its rule.

13:08 (IST)

Rahul Gandhi LIVE Updates

Rahul Gandhi arrives in Brussels for week-long Europe tour

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, arrived in Brussels on Thursday morning after a week-long visit to Europe.

Gandhi will meet the Indian Diaspora as well as European Union (EU) attorneys during his tour to Europe, according to the Congress party.

The 'Indian Overseas Congress' is in charge of organising the programme. Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by telecom entrepreneur Sam Pitroda, who will also be present at all of Gandhi's appearances in several European nations.

12:59 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Absent Putin and Ukraine war cast long shadow over G20

The presidents of Russia and China are missing the G20 meeting, but their absence, as well as rifts over the Ukraine crisis, will have a significant impact on the proceedings.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the G20 Leaders' Summit, but he and the Russia-Ukraine conflict are likely to have a greater impact on results than even the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The announcement came only days before world leaders were set to meet in New Delhi for the summit on September 9-10. Xi's absence will surely hinder progress on the various crises affecting the global economy.

12:32 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

India's G20 presidency strives to bridge divides, sow seeds of collaboration: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India's G20 presidency became a people-driven movement, saying the country's leadership of the bloc has strived to bridge divides, dismantle barriers, and sow seeds of collaboration that nourish a world where unity triumphs over discord and shared destiny triumphs over isolation.

"As the G20 president, we had pledged to make the global table larger, ensuring that every voice is heard and every country contributes. I am positive that we have matched our pledge with actions and outcomes," Modi said in an article.

He emphasised that the Voice of the Global South Summit, which drew 125 nations, was one of India's most important achievements during its presidency.

12:16 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

G20 agrees membership for African Union on par with EU

According to Bloomberg News, the G20 grouping of nations has decided to grant the African Union permanent membership, citing sources familiar with the subject.

The decision would elevate the African Union to the same level as the European Union, up from its present status of "invited international organisation," it noted.

The G20 leaders are scheduled to announce the decision this weekend during a conference in India, according to the article.

12:00 (IST)

Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 LIVE Updates

Indian Air Force and Drone Federation of India to co-host Bharat Drone Shakti 2023

Recognising the potential of indigenous drone design and development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is cooperating with the Drone Federation of India to co-host 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023.'

According to a Ministry of Defence news release, this event, slated for September 25th and 26th, will take place at the IAF's Hindan airfield in Ghaziabad and will involve live flying displays. Drone use is increasing in India, with uses ranging from military to civilian.

11:52 (IST)

PM Modi LIVE Updates

PM Modi departs from Jakarta after concluding 20^th ASEAN-India Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs Jakarta, Indonesia, following the completion of the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs from Jakarta, Indonesia after concluding the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit. pic.twitter.com/tA8RZMjtQm— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2023

11:42 (IST)

Delhi LIVE Updates

Ghazipur flower market blooms with activity for Janmashtami, G20 Summit

The Ghazipur flower market is buzzing with activity on the holy date of Krishna Janmashtami, as people gather to buy flowers for both the festival and the forthcoming G20 Summit.

A trader at the Ghazipur flower market told ANI that the previous few days have witnessed a rise in consumers purchasing flowers for both festivities, bringing excellent business and enthusiasm to both merchants and growers.

11:33 (IST)

Delhi LIVE Updates

TMC writes fresh letter to Delhi police seeking permission for rally in city

Derek O' Brien, a Trinamool Congress MP, has filed a new petition to the Delhi Police requesting permission to stage a protest against the central government in three locations around the national capital.

The dharna (protest) involving West Bengal employees who have been denied salaries under the MGNREGA system is set for October 2 and 3 at Lodhi Street, outside Union Minister Giriraj Singh's house, Krishi Bhawan, and Jantar Mantar.

11:31 (IST)

Rahul Gandhi LIVE Updates

Rahul Gandhi shares glimpse from his Bharat Jodo Yatra as it completes one year

On the first anniversary of his Bharat Jodi Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi uploaded a video on X depicting his 136-day trek from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

"Crores of steps towards unity and love of Bharat Jodo Yatra have become the foundation of a better tomorrow for the country," he captioned the video. "The journey continues—till hatred vanishes, till India unites. This is my promise! he added.

11:04 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE

Gujarat man paints car with G20-themed colours, drives to Delhi

Maulik Jani, a man from Gujarat, covered his Jaguar automobile in India's G20 Presidency colours and complimented the people of India on hosting the G20 Summit.

10:51 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

G20 Summit outcomes under India's Presidency to 'bear fruitful results' for the globe

Hosting the G20 is a wonderful opportunity for India, and the frameworks developed during its presidency would "bear fruitful results for the entire world," according to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

For the first time, India assumed the G20 Presidency, guiding conversations and actions among member nations on broad macroeconomic issues, trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.

The hosting of the G20 Summit is a significant, historical, and golden time for India, the coal and mines minister told PTI in an interview ahead of the Summit, which begins on Friday.

10:21 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

India’s rising geopolitical clout will be tested as it hosts the G20 summit

In January, before of India's hosting of the G20 summit of top economies, its prime minister convened a virtual conference of 125 primarily poor nations to emphasise New Delhi's desire to be their champion on the global arena.

As the leaders connected through Zoom, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined important concerns that he thought might be better tackled if poor nations had a larger role in the emerging global order: the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, terrorism, and the Ukraine conflict.

“The world is in a state of crisis,” Modi said. “Most of the global challenges have not been created by the Global South. But they affect us more.”

10:14 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Committed to ensure India has successful G20 this year: US

The US is dedicated to ensuring that India has a successful G20 this year, according to the White House on Wednesday.

In response to a question on US President Joe Biden's assessment of the G20's achievements under India's leadership, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the President is looking forward to continuing their work with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at this week's G20 Summit.

10:07 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

US President Joe Biden to arrive in Delhi tomorrow

According to the White House, US President Joe Biden will arrive in New Delhi on Friday and will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Biden's calendar is jam-packed for three days beginning Friday. After leaving the United States, he will make a brief layover in Ramstein, Germany, before continuing on to New Delhi the next day.

According to a White House news release, President Trump will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bilateral meeting on Friday.

10:05 (IST)

G20 Summit 2023 LIVE Updates

Boarding, deboarding of passengers to be not allowed at SC metro station on Sep 9-10

Passengers will not be able to board or deboard at the Supreme Court metro station on September 9 and 10 due to the G20 Summit, authorities stated.

Officials announced on Wednesday that in preparation for the G20 Summit, Delhi Metro services will begin at 4 a.m. from terminal stations on all lines of the network on September 8-10.

09:40 (IST)

Andhra Pradesh LIVE Updates

Operation Leopard: Fifth big cat captured near Andhra's Narasimhaswamy Temple

In the early hours of Thursday, forest officers managed to catch and capture yet another leopard, bringing the total to five, near the seventh mile of the Narasimhaswamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh.

This is the sixth big cat taken since the start of 'Operation Leopard,' which began in August when three leopards were spotted on the walkway to the mountaintop shrine.

09:21 (IST)

ASEAN-India Summit LIVE Updates

PM Modi calls for rules-based post-Covid world order

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for the establishment of a rules-based post-COVID international order and the strengthening of the Global South's voice.

The prime minister also emphasised the need of keeping a free and open Indo-Pacific in his speech at the biennial ASEAN-India summit here.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is regarded as one of the most powerful organisations in the area, with conversation partners including the United States, China, Japan, and Australia.

Modi informed the ASEAN leaders that India supports the ASEAN view on the Indo-Pacific.

09:15 (IST)

PM Modi LIVE Updates

PM Modi greets people on Janmashtami

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Janmashtami on Thursday.

He wished new energy and enthusiasm in the lives of "every member of my family", a reference to citizens, on this auspicious occasion. "Jai Shri Krishna," Modi added in his post on X.

Janmashtami is observed to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.

जन्माष्टमी की बहुत-बहुत बधाई। श्रद्धा और भक्ति का यह पावन अवसर मेरे सभी परिवारजनों के जीवन में नई ऊर्जा और नए उत्साह का संचार करे, यही कामना है। जय श्रीकृष्ण!— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 7, 2023

09:07 (IST)

Tripura LIVE Updates

Tripura bypolls: Alleging large-scale rigging, CPI(M) announces boycott of counting

Alleging that the Election Commission did not take steps to prevent large-scale rigging in the Tripura by-elections, the CPI(M)-led Left Front announced that it will boycott the counting of votes.

The polling for the by-elections to the Dhanpur and Boxanagar assembly seats in Sepahijala district was held on Tuesday. An average turnout of 86.50 per cent was recorded in the two seats.

The Left Front alleged that large-scale rigging happened during the polling.

08:57 (IST)

One Nation, One Election LIVE Updates

Ready for polls as per legal provisions, says CEC Rajiv Kumar on 'One Nation, One Election'

In the midst of a backlash over the Centre's 'One Nation, One Election' notion of holding simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state legislatures throughout the nation, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Wednesday that the Commission is ready to conduct elections in accordance with the law.

“According to the legal procedures, the Constitution and RP Act, we have the mandate to conduct the election and we are ready,” Kumar said while responding to the reporters on 'One Nation, One Election, in a press conference held on the preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh.

08:56 (IST)

Mumbai LIVE Updates

BMC keeps 125 beds ready at civic hospitals to treat Govindas if they get injured during Dahi Handi celebrations

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stated that it has prepared 125 beds at municipal hospitals in the city in the event that any 'Govinda,' a person who forms a human pyramid as part of a collective activity during the Dahi Handi festival, is hurt during the act.

On Thursday, Dahi Handi will be observed in Mumbai and other areas of Maharashtra. It is part of the Krishna Janmashtami celebration, which commemorates Lord Krishna's birth day. During the celebration, Govindas construct a human pyramid to smash a hung 'dahi handi' (curd pot).

In a release issued on Wednesday, the BMC said that of the 125 beds, 10 are kept ready at Sion hospital, seven at KEM hospital, four at Nair hospital and the remaining ones at various civic hospitals in the city and suburbs.

08:38 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit, Delhi LG VK Saxena takes stock of preparations

#WATCH | Ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit, Delhi LG VK Saxena takes stock of preparations & cleanliness of the city.

(Visuals from Raj Ghat area) pic.twitter.com/N5eNOblT26— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2023

08:28 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Delhi is set to host the upcoming G20 Summit

From 9 September to 10 September, Delhi will host the upcoming G20 Summit.

#WATCH | The national capital is all set to host the upcoming G20 Summit that will be held on September 9-10.

(Visuals from Palam area) pic.twitter.com/vUVhSZhaEP— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2023

08:19 (IST)

ASEAN-India Summit LIVE Updates

India supports ASEAN's outlook on ASEAN-India centrality and Indo-Pacific, says PM Modi

#WATCH | At the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Our history and geography unite India and ASEAN. Along with it, our shared values, regional integration, and our shared belief in peace, prosperity and a multipolar world also unite us.… pic.twitter.com/u7oUNXKqS2— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2023

08:17 (IST)

ASEAN-India Summit LIVE Updates

ASEAN matters because here everyone's voice is heard, says PM Modi at ASEAN-India Summit

#WATCH | At the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "This year's theme is ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth. ASEAN matters because here everyone's voice is heard & ASEAN is epicentrum of growth because ASEAN plays an important role in… pic.twitter.com/8LGB02Tqea— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2023

08:04 (IST)

ASEAN-India Summit LIVE Updates

Our partnership has reached the fourth decade says PM Modi 

#WATCH | At the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "Our partnership has reached the fourth decade. It is an honour for me to co-chair this Summit. I want to congratulate Indonesian President Joko Widodo for organising this Summit..." pic.twitter.com/MQfVQayV3G— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2023

08:00 (IST)

20TH ASEAN-India Summit LIVE Updates

PM Modi, other leaders of the ASEAN, pose for a photograph amid the 20th ASEAN-India Summit 

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders of the ASEAN, pose for a photograph amid the 20TH ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/KWpFCDp29c— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2023

07:48 (IST)

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

PM Modi, Biden expected to discuss on G20 agenda, multilateral development bank reform: White House

A White House official said that US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to hold a discussion on the G20 agenda, particularly the economic cooperation and multilateral investment opportunities that lie ahead, as well as the American leader's strong desire to see multilateral development banks reform and reshape.

According to John Kirby, National Security Council (NSC) coordinator for strategic communications, there is very little chance that PM Modi and President Biden would discuss climate change and the continuing Ukraine crisis.

07:25 (IST)

PM Modi LIVE Updates

PM Modi gets rousing welcome from Indian diaspora in Indonesia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Jakarta early Thursday morning, was greeted warmly by the Indian community.

When PM Modi arrived, he was met by members of the Indian diaspora who had assembled at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Jakarta to meet him, amid calls of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Modi Modi'.