Highlights of the day: G7 nations commit to reduce 75% of methane emissions by 2030

G7 Summit 2024 LIVE Updates: Catch all the latest news updates here

8:20 PM

G7 commits to cut methane emissions by 75% by 2030

"We will transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly, and equitable manner, accelerating actions in this critical decade, to achieve net-zero by 2050 in keeping with the best available science," said the G7 draft. The document commits to discontinuing current coal power generation without carbon capture and storage in G7 energy systems by the early 2030s, following an agreement by G7 energy ministers in April.

8:16 PM

G7 commit to accelerating transition to clean energy

G7 leaders will commit to accelerating their transition away from fossil fuels during this decade, and pledge "to phase out existing unabated coal power generation in our energy systems during the first half of 2030s."

7:36 PM

We would condemn humanity to future without hope if we took away people's ability to make decisions: Pope

Francis emphasized that politicians should lead efforts to prioritize human oversight in AI, stressing the importance of ensuring human decisions remain central, not replaced by machines. He warned against a future where people lose autonomy to AI, highlighting the need to protect human dignity through robust controls over AI programs. His comments align with global calls for stricter regulations on AI, amid rapid advancements in generative artificial intelligence kickstarted by OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot.

6:54 PM

G7 summit: Biden interacte with Pope Francis ahead of session on AI

U.S. President Joe Biden and Pope Francis exchange words ahead of a session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Energy, Africa and Mediterranean on second day of the G7 summit.

6:51 PM

Pope Francis becomes first pontiff to address G7

Pope Francis becomes first pontiff to speak to the Group of Seven nations, discussing the potentials and risks of artificial intelligence with leaders from the world's top industrialized countries at their annual summit in southern Italy. His arrival brought a hush over the room, bustling with delegations, as he greeted each G7 member.

6:33 PM

Pope Francis hosts over 100 comedians at Vatican, says 'You bring joy to God'

Ahead of attending the Group of Seven summit in Italy's southern Puglia region, Pope Francis hosted an unconventional gathering at the Vatican on Friday. He welcomed over 100 comedians from 15 countries, including prominent US figures like Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O'Brien, celebrating the significance of humor.

5:55 PM

G7 leaders unveil initiative aimed at enhancing global food security

Leaders of the Group of Seven have committed to intensifying actions against global malnutrition, as stated in a preliminary document on Friday. The statement highlighted that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had worsened global food issues. The G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative (AFSI), named after the Southern Italian region where the summit is held, aims to "address underlying obstacles to food security and nutrition," according to the draft. This initiative will concentrate on supporting initiatives in Africa and other low-income regions, reflecting Italy's focus as the current G7 president.

5:52 PM

G7 leaders strategize on how to tackle China on economic front

Group of Seven (G7) leaders are considering further measures to ensure a level playing field with China and safeguard their economic security, a senior U.S. official stated on Friday. The official noted that Washington anticipates unprecedented unity among the G7 in addressing China's non-market policies and practices.

5:35 PM

G7 nations condemn China's 'dangerous' foray into South China Sea

"We persist in opposing China's dangerous use of its coastguard and maritime militia in the South China Sea, as well as its continual obstruction of countries' freedom of navigation in international waters," the bloc said in a draft statement.

5:15 PM

India believes in a human-centric approach, says PM Modi on meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky

4:58 PM

Great scope to deepen ties in sectors like semiconductors, technology, says PM Modi on meeting with Sunak

4:46 PM

Pope Francis set to deliver address on AI regulation

This is the first time a leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics is attending the G7 summit.

4:25 PM

G7 Summit 2024: PM Modi meets Ukrainian President Zelensky

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.

3:48 PM

News update: PM Modi meets UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on sidelines of G7 summit

Rishi Sunak had concluded his first day without any formal bilateral meetings with any other G7 leaders.

3:19 PM

News update: PM Modi, French President Macron meet on sidelines of G7 event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit here in the southern resort town of Italy.

3:02 PM

G7 Summit 2024 LIVE: G7 leaders discussing migration

1:49 PM

G7 leaders to hold talks on migration

Leaders of the Group of Seven nations will focus migration on the second day of their summit Friday, seeking ways to combat trafficking 

12:45 PM

PM Modi's itinerary at G7 summit

- PM Modi will take part in a summit session on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

- PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni.

- PM Modi is also expected to have discussions with US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and other prominent G7 leaders.

- PM Modi could also likely interact with Pope Francis.

12:30 PM

Biden, Zelenskiy ink 10-year defense agreement at G7 summit

US President Joe Biden and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy inked a 10-year bilateral security pact on Thursday, which seeks to strengthen bolstering Ukraine's defense against Russian invaders and getting Ukraine closer to NATO membership.

11:47 AM

PM Modi to have one-on one meetings with world leaders on Friday: MEA

 

“Tomorrow (Friday) is a packed day for him. We have several bilateral meetings with world leaders lined up. He will also be addressing the Outreach session of the G7 Summit,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a video message from the Brindisi Airport.

 

11:08 AM

Italy president hosts leaders for seafront dinner at Castello Svevo

At the end of the first day of the G7 summit in Puglia,  leaders attended a dinner hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The Castello Svevo of Brindisi was chosen as the location for the event.

10:49 AM

India to focus on AI, energy, Africa

PM Modi had undercored  that the country will focus on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean during the G7 Summit outreach session. 

10:32 AM

We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, says PM Modi

 

"We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," said PM Modi.

10:22 AM

We (world leaders) aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation, says PM Modi

"Landed in Italy to take part in the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging in productive discussions with world leaders. Together, we aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation for a brighter future," says PM Modi.

10:16 AM

Pope to attend G7 summit, engage in discussion on AI's ramifications

According to a Vatican statement, Pope Francis will participate in a dialogue on ethical ramifications of artificial intelligence during a meeting open to representatives from nations outside the G7.

9:20 AM

PM Modi arrives in Italy's Apulia, to hold talks with world leaders today

PM Modi arrived in Apulia, southern Italy, to attend the Outreach session of the G7 Summit. "Landed in Italy to take part in the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging in productive discussions with world leaders. Together, we aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation for a brighter future," PM Modi wrote on X.