FirstUp: PM Modi to attend G7 Summit in Canada and other headlines of the day

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6 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Canada today to attend the G7 Summit, following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This will be his first visit since relations between New Delhi and Ottawa strained over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Notably, the Prime Minister is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the G7 Summit in Canada today. This will be his sixth time taking part in the annual gathering.
Several other key events are also lined up.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit China, aiming to boost trade and improve ties in education and tourism.
In the United Kingdom, lawmakers are expected to hold an open debate on whether abortion laws should be decriminalised.
French actor Gerard Depardieu is due to appear before a judge in Rome over allegations of assaulting a paparazzi photographer.
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The United Nations Security Council is also expected to meet today to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria, following the collapse of the Assad regime months ago.
Here is a look at the events:
PM Modi to attend G7 Summit in Canada
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Canada to attend the G7 Summit today, following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
This is his first trip to Canada since ties between New Delhi and Ottawa soured over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
It is also his sixth straight appearance at the G7 Summit .
The Prime Minister is also likely to hold multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event. PTI/File Photo
Though not a G7 member, India has been invited to the gathering on several occasions since 2003.
'The Summit will provide space for the exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South. I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries," PM Modi said in a statement.
The Prime Minister is also likely to hold multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.
New Zealand PM Luxon heads to China
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to China today, leading a business delegation to Shanghai.
His visit aims to boost tourism and education links and raise the country's profile in the region.
'China is New Zealand's largest trading partner and a vital part of our economic story,' Luxon had said earlier.
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This marks Luxon's first China trip since becoming Prime Minister in late 2023. His predecessor, Chris Hipkins, had visited in June last year.
His visit aims to boost tourism and education links. Reuters/File Photo
The visit will focus on trade, valued at over NZ$38 billion ($23 billion) in 2024, as well as finding new opportunities for New Zealand businesses, the government said.
UK MPs to vote on decriminalising abortion
A debate on decriminalising abortion is set to take place in the United Kingdom today.
MPs will be given a free vote, allowing them to decide independently without party direction.
The discussion comes amid growing concern over an increase in police investigations into women suspected of ending pregnancies unlawfully.
In England and Wales, abortion remains a criminal offence under the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act. However, it is permitted up to 24 weeks under the 1967 Abortion Act and in specific circumstances.
The proposed changes would ensure that women are no longer prosecuted for terminating a pregnancy.
French actor in court over alleged assault of photographer
French actor Gerard Depardieu is expected to appear before a judge in Rome today over claims he assaulted a paparazzi photographer.
Photographer Rino Barillari alleges Depardieu punched him three times in the face when he tried to take pictures of the actor last May at Harry's Bar on Via Veneto.
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Barillari also claims Depardieu showed him the middle finger and threw an ice cube.
French actor Gerard Depardieu is accused of assaulting a paparazzi photographer. Reuters/File Photo
Depardieu has denied the allegations, saying he accidentally fell on Barillari while trying to protect his partner, Magda Vavrusova, who was attempting to stop the photographer from taking their picture.
UN Security Council expected to review situation in Syria
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is likely to meet today to assess the current situation in Syria, months after President Bashar al-Assad was removed from power .
At a session in April, the Council was informed that interim authorities had taken early steps toward political reform, including appointing a broader cabinet and planning to form an interim People's Assembly.
Despite these moves, the transition remains fragile, with many Syrians still unsure of their place in the country's future.
Assad was ousted in December after nearly 14 years in power, bringing an end to a long and violent civil war that drew in outside powers and devastated the nation.
With inputs from agencies