India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on Monday reaffirmed steadfast support for Indonesia during its G20 presidency. Amitabh Kant led an Indian delegation to the second G20 Sherpa meeting convened by Indonesia in Labuan Bajo on July 10-11. Kant reaffirmed India's steadfast support to Indonesia during its G20 presidency, outlined India's achievements and experiences and called for addressing global challenges in an inclusive, forward-looking and cooperative manner, said the Ministry of External Affairs press release. Indonesia's presidency began on December 1, 2021, and will end on November 30, 2022, after which India will assume the presidency. The first Sherpa meeting under the Indonesian G20 presidency was held on December 7-8, 2021. The G20 Sherpa meeting reviewed the progress made under various Working Groups of the G20 Sherpa Track. In his interventions in various sector-specific sessions (Health, Agriculture, Tourism, Digital Economy, Education, Employment, Trade-Investment-Industry, Energy, Environment & Climate, Development, Anti-Corruption and Empower), Amitabh Kant reaffirmed India's steadfast support to Indonesia, read the release. He emphasized the importance of all G20 members collectively addressing health, food and energy security challenges expeditiously, in an urgent, cooperative, non-politicized and equitable manner. Kant also spoke about the need to protect and promote the interests of small and marginal farmers, and to mainstream sustainability into the tourism sector. He highlighted the importance of data and digitalization for development, empowerment, financial inclusion, capacity building and sustainable job creation, added the release. On disaster risk, climate and environmental issues, he called for the development and climate discourse to be considered holistically, on an equal footing, to ensure just transitions. The Indian Sherpa highlighted the rapid strides made by India in scaling up renewable energy and reiterated India's COP 26 commitments. On migration issues, he emphasized the need to further deepen international engagement and facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration. Kant also held bilateral interactions on the sidelines with all his G20 counterparts, guest countries and participating international organizations. In these meetings, he shared India's thinking on global issues and our forthcoming G20 `presidency and discussed ways to further support the Indonesian Presidency to achieve its outcomes. Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant was appointed as India's new G20 Sherpa instead of Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goel because he gave up his position and has been tasked with other pressing duties. Source: ANI  

Amitabh Bachchan, one of the biggest superstars of Indian cinema, has tested positive for COVID-19. The 77-years-old actor himself shared this news on his official Twitter account on Saturday night. "I have tested CoviD positive .. shifted to Hospital .. hospital informing authorities .. family and staff undergone tests , results awaited .. All that have been in close proximity to me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested !" - Amitabh posted from his verified Twitter account. He was admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai where he was accompanied by his son Abhishek Bachchan on Saturday night. Known for his 'angry young man' avatars in films like 'Don', ‘Coolie’ and ‘Zanjeer’ - the celebrated actor was previously admitted to a hospital for his recurring liver problem - which according to reports, damaged 75 percent of his liver.  Additionally, the actor contracted Hepatitis B virus in 1982 while undergoing treatment for a near-fatal accident on the sets of his film 'Coolie'. Bachchan was last seen in director Shoojit Sircar’s film 'Gulabo Sitabo', starring alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. The film premiered on an OTT platform after the coronavirus pandemic-induced nationwide lockdown prevented it from getting released in cinema halls. His upcoming projects include Ayan Mukerji directed film 'Brahmastra' alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, and a possible comeback on his popular television show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. Often called as 'Big B' among his fans and peers, Amitabh Bachchan is known for maintaining sound health and disciplined lifestyle among Bollywood celebrities. He was seen to actively aware people in television and social media platforms since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and helped many nationals during the crisis.    Source: UNB Read In Bangla Version AH