FirstUp: Virtual G20 Leaders' Summit and more… The big news today

November is coming to an end in a little over a week. It is Wednesday (22 November) and the day is full of some big developments. A virtual G20 Summit is on the cards which India is hosting before its presidency concludes by the end of the month.

The Supreme Court will hear important pleas today, including one related to the Women's Reservation Bill.

Today marks 60 years since United States president John F Kennedy was assassinated in downtown Dallas, Texas. His killing continues to generate widespread speculation across the world.

Returning to the present-day happenings, here’s a simple overview of what to expect today.

Virtual G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the G20 summit virtually to take stock of the New Delhi Declaration adopted in September during the in-person summit. The leaders of the world’s largest economies will also follow up on the myriad decisions taken during the New Delhi Summit.

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India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said earlier that while development will be the main agenda of the meeting, the leaders of the G20 grouping may delve into other issues.

"The virtual summit will provide an opportunity not only to discuss the implementation of the leaders' declaration but also for the leaders to share views and enhance cooperation on critical challenges that we confront and address gaps in global governance, reaffirm our existing commitment to SDGs and move toward a reinvigorated multilateral system that is better positioned to positively impact people's lives,” Kant was quoted as saying by PTI.

There is uncertainty over the presence of US president Joe Biden at the virtual summit. Chinese premier Li Qiang will attend the virtual G20 Leaders' Summit instead of President Xi Jinping. He had not visited India to attend the in-person summit either. However, Russian president Vladimir Putin is set to take part in the virtual conclave after skipping the in-person meeting in New Delhi in September.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the virtual G20 summit. Reuters File Photo

Busy day for Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will be hearing a review petition challenging its verdict upholding various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The apex court will only address issues related to PMLA on certain parameters.

The top court will also hear a plea seeking the immediate implementation of the Women's Reservation Act before the country holds general elections next year. Previously, the court said it would be "very difficult" for it to quash a portion of the law as per which the legislation will come into effect only after the Census.

PM Modi’s roadshows

The prime minister has a jam-packed schedule today. Besides attending the virtual G20 Summit, he will be campaigning in poll-bound Rajasthan. Modi is expected to hold roadshows in Jaipur and Jodhpur. The Assembly elections are slated for 25 November in the desert state, with the counting of votes on 3 December.

DK Shivakumar's plea before HC 

Karnataka High Court will hear state deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar’s plea against the sanction granted by the previous BJP government to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute him in a disproportionate assets case.

This came after the CBI informed the division bench of the HC about the apex court’s order that said "the application filed by the CBI seeking vacation of stay and the appeal pending before it (be disposed) as expeditiously as possible and preferably within two weeks”.

The Karnataka HC will hear DK Shivakumar's plea in a disproportionate assets case. PTI file Photo

Netherlands general elections

The Netherlands goes to polls today to elect a new Parliament. Outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government collapsed in July over the row of the entry of asylum-seekers in the country, paving way for snap elections.

Dilan Yesilgoz, from conservative VVD Party; Frans Timmermans, who has a combined ticket for the Labour and Green Left Parties; Pieter Omtzigt from the party called New Social Contract; and Freedom party’s Geert Wilders are the main contenders for Rutte's job.

Born this day

It is the birth anniversary of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. The first phase of SP’s ‘Desh Bachao, Desh Banao’ yatra will conclude today, coinciding with the late leader’s birthday.

Poet George Eliot, choreographer Saroj Khan, Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo, tennis players Billie Jean King and Boris Becker were also born on this day.