Brazil's First Lady, Rosangela da Silva, criticized Elon Musk at an event in Rio de Janeiro, expressing frustration over the influence of his social media platform, X, on the spread of fake news. Her comments came as her husband, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, prepared to host the G-20 summit, highlighting the need for social media regulation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance at the G-20 summit, with India, the U.S., and Brazil leading the initiative. The alliance aims to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions by promoting sustainable biofuels made from plant and animal waste. Argentina, Italy, Mauritius, and the UAE joined as members, while Bangladesh and Singapore are observers. Critics argue that biofuel technology may not be as environmentally friendly as claimed, citing issues such as deforestation. India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, plans to expand biofuel production and aims to become carbon neutral by 2070.
President Joe Biden has arrived in India for the G-20 summit, which will be the country's first time hosting the event. The summit will bring together leaders from the world's top economies to discuss major international economic issues. However, both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are notably absent from the summit. This absence provides an opportunity for President Biden to rally support from democratic partners and allies and strengthen the rule of law and transparent infrastructure. The summit will address various topics, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the promotion of equitable and sustainable growth.
As India hosts the G-20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is focused on showcasing India's growth and positioning it as a global leader. The country has undertaken extensive branding efforts, including hosting over 200 G-20 events across the country and sprucing up infrastructure with signage. India aims to promote its digital infrastructure and priorities for the world, such as bringing the African Union into the G-20 fold and advocating for the needs of poorer countries. However, there are concerns about India's excessive self-promotion and contradictions between its global image and domestic repression of critical voices.
India has lodged a diplomatic protest against China over a new map that reaffirms Beijing's claims to contested territory, including Arunachal Pradesh, a state in India's far northeast. The map's release comes at a sensitive time as speculation grows about a possible settlement of the border dispute between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Philippines have also criticized China's claims over the South China Sea and Taiwan. Xi's expected absence from the upcoming G-20 summit in New Delhi is seen as a snub to India, which has invested heavily in promoting the event.
President Joe Biden will travel to Vietnam on September 10 following the G-20 summit in India to meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other leaders. The visit aims to promote a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, strengthen people-to-people ties, combat climate change, and increase peace and stability in the region. Biden's trip comes as his administration seeks to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region and improve relationships with key allies.
President Joe Biden will commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at a memorial ceremony in Alaska with military members, first responders, and their families. The event will take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage and will include units from various branches of the military. Biden will stop in Alaska while returning from the G-20 summit in India and will also visit Vietnam to discuss cooperation between the two countries. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will participate in a commemoration ceremony in New York City, while First Lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
Indian police halted a conference of activists, academics, and politicians discussing global issues ahead of the G-20 summit in New Delhi, claiming the meeting lacked proper permission in a high-security zone. The conference, called "We20," focused on topics such as food security, climate change, labor rights, natural resources, and rising inequality. Critics argue that the government's actions are an attack on democracy and freedom of expression, while the Indian government has been promoting the G-20 summit to showcase the country's growing global influence.