South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday expressed happiness at the inclusion of the African Union as a member of the G20 grouping.
"We are delighted that the #G20 has accepted the @_AfricanUnion as a member of the #G20," Ramaphosa said on X.
The African Union's induction in G20 was earlier in the morning announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid applause by all members.
"Global reconstruction in the wake of the #COVID19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, climate
resilient, sustainable societies," the South African president added.
"Developing economies are bearing the brunt of climate change, despite carrying the least responsibility for this crisis. As African and other
developing economy countries, we face the task of meeting our climate commitments in the midst of significant developmental challenges like
poverty, inequality and unemployment," Ramaphosa said while underlining the challenges faced by African nations.
Climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable consumption and production and resource scarcity are challenges that can only be addressed collectively and with a great deal of solidarity, he added.
"South Africa calls for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.This must be supported by the concrete policies and actions outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development," the South African president emphasised.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the G20 leaders are meeting at a time of challenges.
"15 years ago, #G20 leaders came together for the first time to restore global growth after the financial crisis. We meet at a time of enormous
challenges – the world is looking to the G20 once again to provide leadership. Together I believe we can address these challenges," Sunak said
on X.
Maha Kumbh: BSNL provides free SIMs, uninterrupted communication services in Mela area
From providing free SIM cards to ensuring uninterrupted communication services, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is playing a key role in strengthening the communication infrastructure at the Maha Kumbh 2025, it was announced on Sunday.
Drugs worth Rs 10.80 crore seized in Mizoram, 4 held
Despite stringent border vigil, smuggling of drugs from Myanmar into North-east India, the security forces seized drugs worth Rs 10.80 crore and arrested four drug peddlers in Mizoram, officials said here on Sunday.
At Delhi poll rally, PM Modi promises 'Vikas ka naya Basant' for residents
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Delhi is set to witness a "Vikas ka Naya Basant" (New spring of development) after the upcoming Assembly elections, comparing it to the seasonal change brought by Basant Panchami.
Custom duties rationalised in Budget to strengthen India’s economy: FM Sitharaman
The Centre has introduced customs duty rationalisation to ensure that the Indian economy becomes aatmanirbhar (self-reliant), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a post-budget interview with NDTV.
10.23 pc capex hike in Budget 2025-26 shows infrastructure remains a priority: FM Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told NDTV in a post-budget interview that the Government's focus has been on capital expenditure (capex) in the last few years, and now it has also given a huge boost to increasing consumption.
Union Budget: Outlay for tribal welfare schemes jumps by 46 per cent to Rs 14,926 crore
The overall budget allocation for the development of Scheduled Tribes has jumped by 45.79 per cent to Rs 14,925.81 crore in 2025-26 from Rs 10,237.33 crore in 2024-25.
118-member foreign delegation takes sacred bath at Maha Kumbh, praises Indian culture
At the Maha Kumbh Mela on Saturday, a special 118-member foreign delegation, including diplomats and Heads of Missions from 77 countries, took a scared dip at the Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj along with their spouses and expressed their happiness on this auspicious occasion.
North East Japan Caravian begins at Agartala for 2-day
For the first time in Agartala, the embassy of Japan in India jointly with the Japan Foundation in Delhi and the Indian Council for Cultural Relation, North East organised two days long North East Japan Caravian. The caravian has begun here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan from Saturday.