According to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, the government has sent letters to Oppo, Vivo India, and Xiaomi in connection with incidents of potential tax fraud. The cellphone business Oppo has received notification from the Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) regarding a total of Rs 4.38 lakh million in customs duties. Xiaomi has received three show-cause letters, and their estimated duty due is Rs 6.5 thousand million. And the third firm is Vivo India, for which a demand notice for Rs 22 billion&nbsp;was also issued, and against which they made a voluntary deposit of Rs 600 million.

Additionally, according to Sitharaman, the ED is looking into 18 Vivo-founded firms where a voluntary deposit of Rs 6.2 lakh million&nbsp;has been made. Sushil Modi, a member of parliament, stated that the department had informed him that Vivo Mobile India had sent approximately Rs. 6.2 lakh million to China and its controlled territories. He then asked what other Chinese companies had sent money to China and its controlled territories and what the amounts involved were. In response to a different question, the minister stated that there are numerous telecom businesses under DRI inquiry.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russian-oligarchs-and-putins-girlfriend-for-involvement-in-ukraine-war-503057">US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war</a>

In response to a BJD member's query on shady loan applications, she stated that the member had expressed "a legitimate concern." According to her, from the perspective of loan-related difficulties, applications are being misused, especially those coming from one specific country, and as a result, many of our residents are harassed and have money extorted from them. Although it has been correctly noted that these Apps are being downloaded in, say, one Odisha, there are other States about which there are reports. MeitY, Corporate Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and a few other Departments, among others, are all continuously debating and trying to make sure that action is implemented.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

According to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, the government has sent letters to Oppo, Vivo India, and Xiaomi in connection with incidents of potential tax fraud.

According to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, the government has sent letters to Oppo, Vivo India, and Xiaomi in connection with incidents of potential tax fraud. The cellphone business Oppo has received notification from the Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) regarding a total of Rs 4.38 lakh million in customs duties. Xiaomi has received three show-cause letters, and their estimated duty due is Rs 6.5 thousand million. And the third firm is Vivo India, for which a demand notice for Rs 22 billion was also issued, and against which they made a voluntary deposit of Rs 600 million. Additionally, according to Sitharaman, the ED is looking into 18 Vivo-founded firms where a voluntary deposit of Rs 6.2 lakh million has been made. Sushil Modi, a member of parliament, stated that the department had informed him that Vivo Mobile India had sent approximately Rs. 6.2 lakh million to China and its controlled territories. He then asked what other Chinese companies had sent money to China and its controlled territories and what the amounts involved were. In response to a different question, the minister stated that there are numerous telecom businesses under DRI inquiry. Also Read: US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war In response to a BJD member's query on shady loan applications, she stated that the member had expressed "a legitimate concern." According to her, from the perspective of loan-related difficulties, applications are being misused, especially those coming from one specific country, and as a result, many of our residents are harassed and have money extorted from them. Although it has been correctly noted that these Apps are being downloaded in, say, one Odisha, there are other States about which there are reports. MeitY, Corporate Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and a few other Departments, among others, are all continuously debating and trying to make sure that action is implemented. (with inputs from agencies)

India: Tax evasion notices issued to three Chinese mobile companies, ED investigating

With the debut launch of its next-generation megarocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), and the Orion crew capsule it is designed to carry, scheduled for next Monday, August 29, in Florida, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration hopes to make a significant advancement in its revived lunar ambitions.&nbsp;

The unmanned capsule will go around the Moon on a six-week test voyage called Artemis I when the combined SLS-Orion spacecraft lifts off from Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center.&nbsp;

Before it is certified suitable to carry passengers, the journey aims to put the SLS vehicle—which is thought to be the most complicated and potent rocketship in the world—through a rigorous stress test of its systems during an actual flight.

"This new deep space exploration system is going to take us back to the moon and to new scientific discoveries that we can't even imagine yet," said Randy Lycans, Vice President and General Manager of NASA's Enterprise Solutions.&nbsp;

The SLS is the largest new vertical launch system NASA has created since the Saturn V rockets used in the 1960s and 1970s for the Apollo lunar programme.&nbsp;

The SLS-Orion spacecraft has so far cost NASA at least $37 billion, which includes design, construction, testing, and ground facilities. Its development has taken more than ten years and has been plagued by years of delays and billion-dollar cost overruns.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-ambush-on-gold-mine-vehicle-convoy-kills-seven-in-burkina-faso-510503">Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso</a>

The Artemis programme of NASA seeks to send astronauts back to the moon as early as 2025 and to build a permanent lunar colony as a stepping stone to even more ambitious future missions transporting people to Mars. Artemis is named after the goddess who in Greek mythology was Apollo's twin sister.&nbsp;

If Artemis I is successful, it could lead to the first crewed SLS-Orion mission, an out-and-back orbital voyage around the moon called Artemis II, as early as 2024, and then an Artemis III excursion to the lunar surface a year or more later.&nbsp;

The four primary SLS engines and its solid rocket boosters are scheduled to fire at 8:33 a.m. EDT (12:33 GMT) on Monday, barring last-minute technical issues or unfavourable weather. Should the countdown take longer than the two-hour window targeted for liftoff, NASA has set Sept. 2 and Sept. 5 as alternative launch dates.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

With the debut launch of its next-generation megarocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), and the Orion crew capsule it is designed to carry, scheduled for next Monday, August 29, in Florida, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration hopes to make a significant advancement in its revived lunar ambitions.

With the debut launch of its next-generation megarocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), and the Orion crew capsule it is designed to carry, scheduled for next Monday, August 29, in Florida, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration hopes to make a significant advancement in its revived lunar ambitions. The unmanned capsule will go around the Moon on a six-week test voyage called Artemis I when the combined SLS-Orion spacecraft lifts off from Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center. Before it is certified suitable to carry passengers, the journey aims to put the SLS vehicle—which is thought to be the most complicated and potent rocketship in the world—through a rigorous stress test of its systems during an actual flight. "This new deep space exploration system is going to take us back to the moon and to new scientific discoveries that we can't even imagine yet," said Randy Lycans, Vice President and General Manager of NASA's Enterprise Solutions. The SLS is the largest new vertical launch system NASA has created since the Saturn V rockets used in the 1960s and 1970s for the Apollo lunar programme. The SLS-Orion spacecraft has so far cost NASA at least $37 billion, which includes design, construction, testing, and ground facilities. Its development has taken more than ten years and has been plagued by years of delays and billion-dollar cost overruns. Also Read: Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso The Artemis programme of NASA seeks to send astronauts back to the moon as early as 2025 and to build a permanent lunar colony as a stepping stone to even more ambitious future missions transporting people to Mars. Artemis is named after the goddess who in Greek mythology was Apollo's twin sister. If Artemis I is successful, it could lead to the first crewed SLS-Orion mission, an out-and-back orbital voyage around the moon called Artemis II, as early as 2024, and then an Artemis III excursion to the lunar surface a year or more later. The four primary SLS engines and its solid rocket boosters are scheduled to fire at 8:33 a.m. EDT (12:33 GMT) on Monday, barring last-minute technical issues or unfavourable weather. Should the countdown take longer than the two-hour window targeted for liftoff, NASA has set Sept. 2 and Sept. 5 as alternative launch dates. (with inputs from agencies)

NASA all set to 'create history' with Artemis moon mission, precursor to first crewed Orion mission

Seven civilians were killed in an ambush on a convoy of trucks leaving a gold mine in Burkina Faso on Friday, according to a military source and locals. Since 2015, the poor Sahel state has experienced a steady stream of deadly terrorist strikes, many of which target gold miners.&nbsp;

A military source reported that "a&nbsp;terrorist attack caused the death of at least seven civilians this morning" in Nadiabonli's eastern region. The insider further said that once a convoy from the Boungou gold mine came to a stop because of technical difficulties, it was attacked.

Residents reported eight fatalities, all of them were civilian drivers, bringing the death toll somewhat higher.&nbsp;

11 victims were lost in an attack on the northern gold mining town of Baliata in March by unidentified gunmen. At least 10 workers were killed just two days prior in another attack on an illegal gold mine in the northeast close to the Niger border.&nbsp;

In November 2019, a convoy carrying workers to the Boungou mine was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of 38 people and the three-month closure of the site by Canadian mining company Semafo.

The Taparko mine in northern Burkina Faso was shut down in April of this year, according to Russian gold company Nordgold, because it was "under terrorist threat."&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-nations-display-military-might-at-international-army-games-hosted-by-russia-508292">&nbsp;In pics: Nations display military might at International Army Games hosted by Russia</a>

Since taking over in a coup in January, the nation's new strongman Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba has promised to make combating instability a top priority, but attacks against soldiers and civilians have continued.&nbsp;

Following considerable criticism of Roch Marc Christian Kabore's claimed inability to stop the Islamist bloodshed, Sandaogo deposed the elected president.&nbsp;

Thousands of people have died as a result of the seven-year insurgency led by organisations affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, and almost two million more have been forced from their homes.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Seven civilians were killed in an ambush on a convoy of trucks leaving a gold mine in Burkina Faso on Friday, according to a military source and locals. Since 2015, the poor Sahel state has experienced a steady stream of deadly terrorist strikes, many of which target gold miners.

Seven civilians were killed in an ambush on a convoy of trucks leaving a gold mine in Burkina Faso on Friday, according to a military source and locals. Since 2015, the poor Sahel state has experienced a steady stream of deadly terrorist strikes, many of which target gold miners. A military source reported that "a terrorist attack caused the death of at least seven civilians this morning" in Nadiabonli's eastern region. The insider further said that once a convoy from the Boungou gold mine came to a stop because of technical difficulties, it was attacked. Residents reported eight fatalities, all of them were civilian drivers, bringing the death toll somewhat higher. 11 victims were lost in an attack on the northern gold mining town of Baliata in March by unidentified gunmen. At least 10 workers were killed just two days prior in another attack on an illegal gold mine in the northeast close to the Niger border. In November 2019, a convoy carrying workers to the Boungou mine was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of 38 people and the three-month closure of the site by Canadian mining company Semafo. The Taparko mine in northern Burkina Faso was shut down in April of this year, according to Russian gold company Nordgold, because it was "under terrorist threat." Also Read: In pics: Nations display military might at International Army Games hosted by Russia Since taking over in a coup in January, the nation's new strongman Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba has promised to make combating instability a top priority, but attacks against soldiers and civilians have continued. Following considerable criticism of Roch Marc Christian Kabore's claimed inability to stop the Islamist bloodshed, Sandaogo deposed the elected president. Thousands of people have died as a result of the seven-year insurgency led by organisations affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, and almost two million more have been forced from their homes. (with inputs from agencies)

Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso

Jens Stoltenberg&nbsp;stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area.&nbsp;This includes, according to him, using the high north "as a testbed for the most advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles," and reopening "hundreds of new and former Soviet-era Arctic military sites."&nbsp;

As he concluded a trip to Canada that included a tour of its Arctic defences, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasised the need to increase security along the alliance's northern flank to deter Russia.&nbsp;

At a press conference held at an air base in Cold Lake, Alberta, Stoltenberg stated, "The high north is strategically important for Euro-Atlantic security," emphasising that after the accession of Finland and Sweden, seven of the eight Arctic states will be NATO members.&nbsp;

He also cautioned that the North Pole would be the shortest route for Russian missiles and bombers to reach North America. As a result, NATO and North America both rely heavily on NORAD.&nbsp;

The US-Canadian organisation NORAD stands for North American Aerospace Defense Command.

The head of NATO and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited a Cold War-era early warning radar station and saw military drills in the Canadian Arctic.&nbsp;

He stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area.&nbsp;

This includes, according to him, using the high north "as a testbed for the most advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles," and reopening "hundreds of new and former Soviet-era Arctic military sites."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-ambush-on-gold-mine-vehicle-convoy-kills-seven-in-burkina-faso-510503">Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso</a>

In addition, Stoltenberg raised alarm over China's intentions to develop the largest icebreaker fleet in the world and its plans to conduct resource exploitation and commerce in the Arctic.

"Beijing and Moscow have pledged to intensify practical cooperation in the Arctic. This forms part of the deepening strategic partnership that challenges our values and our interests, "added Stoltenberg.&nbsp;

He asserted that NATO must react by stepping up its presence in the far north and investing in new tools.&nbsp;

He stated that the increased "security challenges" posed by climate change necessitate a serious reevaluation of NATO's Arctic stance.

( with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Jens Stoltenberg stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area.

Jens Stoltenberg stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area. This includes, according to him, using the high north "as a testbed for the most advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles," and reopening "hundreds of new and former Soviet-era Arctic military sites." As he concluded a trip to Canada that included a tour of its Arctic defences, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasised the need to increase security along the alliance's northern flank to deter Russia. At a press conference held at an air base in Cold Lake, Alberta, Stoltenberg stated, "The high north is strategically important for Euro-Atlantic security," emphasising that after the accession of Finland and Sweden, seven of the eight Arctic states will be NATO members. He also cautioned that the North Pole would be the shortest route for Russian missiles and bombers to reach North America. As a result, NATO and North America both rely heavily on NORAD. The US-Canadian organisation NORAD stands for North American Aerospace Defense Command. The head of NATO and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited a Cold War-era early warning radar station and saw military drills in the Canadian Arctic. He stated that the capabilities of Russia in the far north "are a strategic challenge for the whole alliance" due to the country's massive military buildup in the area. This includes, according to him, using the high north "as a testbed for the most advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles," and reopening "hundreds of new and former Soviet-era Arctic military sites." Also Read: Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso In addition, Stoltenberg raised alarm over China's intentions to develop the largest icebreaker fleet in the world and its plans to conduct resource exploitation and commerce in the Arctic. "Beijing and Moscow have pledged to intensify practical cooperation in the Arctic. This forms part of the deepening strategic partnership that challenges our values and our interests, "added Stoltenberg. He asserted that NATO must react by stepping up its presence in the far north and investing in new tools. He stated that the increased "security challenges" posed by climate change necessitate a serious reevaluation of NATO's Arctic stance. ( with inputs from agencies)

Russian militarisation in Arctic region 'strategic challenge', says NATO chief

A neighbourhood in Los Angeles that has appeared in the "Fast and Furious" films protested against the filming of the newest entry in the series on Friday, claiming the area has been negatively impacted by a wave of dangerous and illegal street racing.&nbsp;

Residents of Angelino Heights, a historic neighbourhood near downtown Los Angeles, who are home to Vin Diesel's fictitious Dominic Toretto in the hugely successful, long-running film series, have expressed outrage at this weekend's planned taping of "Fast X."&nbsp;

The films portray the hidden world of street racing and contribute to the spread of customs like "street takeovers," where spectators assemble, typically at night, to watch automobiles rev their engines and scream through city streets.

Angelino Heights has turned into "a tourist destination for illegal street racing," according to Damian Kevitt, a local resident and the creator of Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) because the Hollywood film series "glorifies an illegal activity."&nbsp;

There will be three, four, five, or six automobiles passing through here on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings performing burnouts and donuts, according to Kevitt.&nbsp;

Before "Fast and Furious" was filmed in this area, there was no street racing, he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-militarization-in-arctic-region-strategic-challenge-says-nato-chief-510517">Russian militarisation in Arctic region 'strategic challenge', says NATO chief</a>

Another neighbour, Bella, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that her children were frightened by the incessant sound of cars outside her home during the night and were now afraid to play outside.&nbsp;

They had witnessed the moment when a car spins out of control and nearly collides with a pedestrian who is standing on the corner, the woman claimed.&nbsp;

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, traffic violence has resulted in a 30 per cent spike in fatalities and a 21 per cent increase in serious injuries in Los Angeles over the past year.&nbsp;

Bella demanded that Universal Pictures relocate any upcoming productions, while SAFE asked the city to put up speed bumps and adopt a zero-tolerance street racing policy.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

A neighbourhood in Los Angeles that has appeared in the "Fast and Furious" films protested against the filming of the newest entry in the series on Friday, claiming the area has been negatively impacted by a wave of dangerous and illegal street racing.

A neighbourhood in Los Angeles that has appeared in the "Fast and Furious" films protested against the filming of the newest entry in the series on Friday, claiming the area has been negatively impacted by a wave of dangerous and illegal street racing. Residents of Angelino Heights, a historic neighbourhood near downtown Los Angeles, who are home to Vin Diesel's fictitious Dominic Toretto in the hugely successful, long-running film series, have expressed outrage at this weekend's planned taping of "Fast X." The films portray the hidden world of street racing and contribute to the spread of customs like "street takeovers," where spectators assemble, typically at night, to watch automobiles rev their engines and scream through city streets. Angelino Heights has turned into "a tourist destination for illegal street racing," according to Damian Kevitt, a local resident and the creator of Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) because the Hollywood film series "glorifies an illegal activity." There will be three, four, five, or six automobiles passing through here on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings performing burnouts and donuts, according to Kevitt. Before "Fast and Furious" was filmed in this area, there was no street racing, he said. Also Read: Russian militarisation in Arctic region 'strategic challenge', says NATO chief Another neighbour, Bella, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that her children were frightened by the incessant sound of cars outside her home during the night and were now afraid to play outside. They had witnessed the moment when a car spins out of control and nearly collides with a pedestrian who is standing on the corner, the woman claimed. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, traffic violence has resulted in a 30 per cent spike in fatalities and a 21 per cent increase in serious injuries in Los Angeles over the past year. Bella demanded that Universal Pictures relocate any upcoming productions, while SAFE asked the city to put up speed bumps and adopt a zero-tolerance street racing policy. (with inputs from agencies)

LA residents protest against 'Fast and Furious' street race filming in neighbourhood

The owners of a pipeline that spilt crude oil into beaches in California have agreed to admit guilt to charges of environmental contamination and pay $13 million, these businesses announced on Friday.&nbsp;

Two of its subsidiaries, Beta Operating Co. and San Pedro Bay Pipeline Co., along with Texas-based Amplify Energy, which runs the pipeline off Huntington Beach, have stated they will formally acknowledge letting oil contaminate the waters off southern California in October of last year.&nbsp;

They will pay a $7.1 million fine and $5.8 million in restitution to federal agencies that helped clean up 25,000 gallons of crude oil that leaked from their pipeline as part of plea pleas made in federal court.

South of Los Angeles, between Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach, a stretch of coast that is popular with surfers and is also home to dolphins, was blackened by the spill for 18 miles (24 kilometres).&nbsp;

Inspections conducted underwater found that a significant portion of the pipeline had been moved and had a pipe rupture.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-militarization-in-arctic-region-strategic-challenge-says-nato-chief-510517">Russian militarisation in Arctic region 'strategic challenge', says NATO chief</a>

Given that the area is frequently crowded with cargo ships waiting to reach the big ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, investigators stated last year that they feared the damage may have been caused by the anchor of a ship.&nbsp;

Amplify's president and CEO, Martyn Willsher, stated that the business had "cooperatively" worked to fix the issue as soon as it was identified.

"We believe this resolution, which is subject to court review and approval, reflects the commitments we made immediately following the incident to impacted parties and is in the best interest of Amplify and its stakeholders. We are committed to safely operating in a way that ensures the protection of the environment and the surrounding communities," said Willsher.

Amplify has also promised to upgrade the pipeline's leak detection system and improve inspections there.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The owners of a pipeline that spilt crude oil into beaches in California have agreed to admit guilt to charges of environmental contamination and pay $13 million, these businesses announced on Friday.

The owners of a pipeline that spilt crude oil into beaches in California have agreed to admit guilt to charges of environmental contamination and pay $13 million, these businesses announced on Friday. Two of its subsidiaries, Beta Operating Co. and San Pedro Bay Pipeline Co., along with Texas-based Amplify Energy, which runs the pipeline off Huntington Beach, have stated they will formally acknowledge letting oil contaminate the waters off southern California in October of last year. They will pay a $7.1 million fine and $5.8 million in restitution to federal agencies that helped clean up 25,000 gallons of crude oil that leaked from their pipeline as part of plea pleas made in federal court. South of Los Angeles, between Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach, a stretch of coast that is popular with surfers and is also home to dolphins, was blackened by the spill for 18 miles (24 kilometres). Inspections conducted underwater found that a significant portion of the pipeline had been moved and had a pipe rupture. Also Read: Russian militarisation in Arctic region 'strategic challenge', says NATO chief Given that the area is frequently crowded with cargo ships waiting to reach the big ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, investigators stated last year that they feared the damage may have been caused by the anchor of a ship. Amplify's president and CEO, Martyn Willsher, stated that the business had "cooperatively" worked to fix the issue as soon as it was identified. "We believe this resolution, which is subject to court review and approval, reflects the commitments we made immediately following the incident to impacted parties and is in the best interest of Amplify and its stakeholders. We are committed to safely operating in a way that ensures the protection of the environment and the surrounding communities," said Willsher. Amplify has also promised to upgrade the pipeline's leak detection system and improve inspections there. (with inputs from agencies)

California crude oil leaking pipeline operators to pay $13m pollution charges

According to Federal Reserve head Jerome Powell, taming United States (US) inflation will cause "pain" to American families and businesses, but failing to force prices down from their current 40-year high would be even more harmful. Powell made the remarks in a highly-anticipated speech to international policymakers on Friday.&nbsp;

Powell did not hold back or leave any space for doubt when he spoke to the annual meeting of central bankers at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, promising to act "forcefully."&nbsp;

The strong US employment market will suffer as a result of the world's greatest economy possibly slowing for an extended period, he warned. He referred to these repercussions as the "unfortunate costs of reducing inflation."

This year, the Fed aggressively campaigned to raise interest rates, and Powell made it clear in his unusually brief and very forthright speech that the struggle against inflation is far from done.&nbsp;

In front of the breathtaking Grand Teton mountains, he said, "Restoring price stability will take some time and requires using our tools forcefully to bring demand and supply into better balance."&nbsp;

Inflation will be reduced by higher interest rates, slower growth, and softer labour market conditions, but Powell warned that this will hurt both households and companies.&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-ambush-on-gold-mine-vehicle-convoy-kills-seven-in-burkina-faso-510503">&nbsp;Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso</a>

But failing to bring back price stability will cause even more suffering.

The US economy is showing modest indications of slowing down, and price pressures are lessening, which has given financial markets hope that the central bank may scale down its aggressive rate hikes and possibly start to reverse course next year.&nbsp;

Powell, however, put an end to expectations of a change in policy by emphasising that the Fed's monetary policy and the benchmark borrowing rate would need to stay "sufficiently restrictive" in order to bring inflation back down to the goal rate of 2 per cent.&nbsp;

The announcement caused a downturn in the US stock market, with all three major stock indices falling three per cent or more, with the Dow shedding 1,000 points.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

According to Federal Reserve head Jerome Powell, taming United States (US) inflation will cause "pain" to American families and businesses, but failing to force prices down from their current 40-year high would be even more harmful.

According to Federal Reserve head Jerome Powell, taming United States (US) inflation will cause "pain" to American families and businesses, but failing to force prices down from their current 40-year high would be even more harmful. Powell made the remarks in a highly-anticipated speech to international policymakers on Friday. Powell did not hold back or leave any space for doubt when he spoke to the annual meeting of central bankers at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, promising to act "forcefully." The strong US employment market will suffer as a result of the world's greatest economy possibly slowing for an extended period, he warned. He referred to these repercussions as the "unfortunate costs of reducing inflation." This year, the Fed aggressively campaigned to raise interest rates, and Powell made it clear in his unusually brief and very forthright speech that the struggle against inflation is far from done. In front of the breathtaking Grand Teton mountains, he said, "Restoring price stability will take some time and requires using our tools forcefully to bring demand and supply into better balance." Inflation will be reduced by higher interest rates, slower growth, and softer labour market conditions, but Powell warned that this will hurt both households and companies. Also Read: Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso But failing to bring back price stability will cause even more suffering. The US economy is showing modest indications of slowing down, and price pressures are lessening, which has given financial markets hope that the central bank may scale down its aggressive rate hikes and possibly start to reverse course next year. Powell, however, put an end to expectations of a change in policy by emphasising that the Fed's monetary policy and the benchmark borrowing rate would need to stay "sufficiently restrictive" in order to bring inflation back down to the goal rate of 2 per cent. The announcement caused a downturn in the US stock market, with all three major stock indices falling three per cent or more, with the Dow shedding 1,000 points. (with inputs from agencies)

Fed's Powell says higher interest rates will bring down inflation, but also inflict 'pain' on Americans

Beijing and Washington signed a deal on Friday that will let US authorities inspect accounting firms in China and Hong Kong, marking a significant step toward resolving a dispute that threatened to bar Chinese corporations from the US stock exchanges, including Alibaba.&nbsp;

For more than a decade, US regulators have wanted access to the audit records of Chinese companies that are listed on US exchanges, but Beijing has been reluctant to allow foreign regulators to check out its accounting firms due to national security concerns.&nbsp;

The agreement, which comes as a relief to hundreds of Chinese businesses, investors, and US exchanges, signals a partial thawing in US-China relations amid tensions over Taiwan. If it goes through as planned, China will have the opportunity to continue accessing the deepest capital markets in the world.

Gary Gensler, the chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), warned that 200 Chinese companies would face a ban from US markets in the absence of this. Alibaba Group, JD.Com Inc., and NIO INC. were among entities previously named by the government as being in danger.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadist-ambush-on-gold-mine-vehicle-convoy-kills-seven-in-burkina-faso-510503">Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso</a>

When announcing the agreement, US officials were circumspect, stressing that it was only the beginning and that their assessment of China's compliance would depend on whether they could carry out their inspections without interference, as the agreement provides.&nbsp;

The deal, according to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), was beneficial to investors, businesses, and both countries in resolving the auditing issue.

In theory, the agreement appears to grant the PCAOB what it has long requested, including complete access to Chinese audit working papers with no redactions, the opportunity to interview employees of audit organisations in China, and complete control over which businesses it inspects.&nbsp;

The selected companies were informed on Friday morning, according to US authorities, and they anticipate arriving in Hong Kong, where the inspections will take place, by mid-September.

(with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Beijing and Washington signed a deal on Friday that will let US authorities inspect accounting firms in China and Hong Kong, marking a significant step toward resolving a dispute that threatened to bar Chinese corporations from the US stock exchanges, including Alibaba.

Beijing and Washington signed a deal on Friday that will let US authorities inspect accounting firms in China and Hong Kong, marking a significant step toward resolving a dispute that threatened to bar Chinese corporations from the US stock exchanges, including Alibaba. For more than a decade, US regulators have wanted access to the audit records of Chinese companies that are listed on US exchanges, but Beijing has been reluctant to allow foreign regulators to check out its accounting firms due to national security concerns. The agreement, which comes as a relief to hundreds of Chinese businesses, investors, and US exchanges, signals a partial thawing in US-China relations amid tensions over Taiwan. If it goes through as planned, China will have the opportunity to continue accessing the deepest capital markets in the world. Gary Gensler, the chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), warned that 200 Chinese companies would face a ban from US markets in the absence of this. Alibaba Group, JD.Com Inc., and NIO INC. were among entities previously named by the government as being in danger. Also Read: Jihadist ambush on gold mine vehicle convoy kills seven in Burkina Faso When announcing the agreement, US officials were circumspect, stressing that it was only the beginning and that their assessment of China's compliance would depend on whether they could carry out their inspections without interference, as the agreement provides. The deal, according to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), was beneficial to investors, businesses, and both countries in resolving the auditing issue. In theory, the agreement appears to grant the PCAOB what it has long requested, including complete access to Chinese audit working papers with no redactions, the opportunity to interview employees of audit organisations in China, and complete control over which businesses it inspects. The selected companies were informed on Friday morning, according to US authorities, and they anticipate arriving in Hong Kong, where the inspections will take place, by mid-September. (with inputs from agencies)

Beijing and Washington sign pact allowing regulators to vet US-listed Chinese companies

According to a new Yale University report backed by the US&nbsp;State Department in an effort to hold Moscow accountable, Russia and its proxy forces in Ukraine are running 21 facilities used to detain, question, and process prisoners of war and civilians.&nbsp;

The report, published on Thursday, uses open-source data and commercial satellite imagery to identify the various locations with "high confidence," including buildings that have previously been used as markets, schools, and regular prisons. Additionally, it pinpoints potential graves at one prison complex.

The Conflict Observatory was established in May with funding from the U.S. State Department to gather and examine proof of war crimes and other alleged atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine. The Conflict Observatory's Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health, which produced the report, is a partner in the Conflict Observatory.&nbsp;

The findings, according to the lab's executive director Nathaniel Raymond, show that Russia and its allies have set up a "system of filtration" to separate people in regions under Russian occupation, which constitutes a "human rights emergency."

At one of the locations, a prison complex close to Olenivka, where 53 Ukrainian prisoners of war were allegedly killed in an explosion on July 29, reports of abuses had already surfaced.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-200-ukrainian-troops-killed-in-chaplyne-railway-station-attack-claims-russia-510118">Over 200 Ukrainian troops killed in Chaplyne railway station attack, claims Russia</a>

According to the study, Yale researchers have discovered ground disturbances that are consistent with individual or mass graves as early as April, correlating with a former prisoner's testimony that captives were made to dig graves around that time.&nbsp;

The researchers discovered other disturbances elsewhere in the property were captured on July 27, before to the explosion at Olenivka, even though they were unable to draw any conclusions about the fate of the Ukrainian prisoners of war held at the prison. Unrest at the compound in July was previously covered by The New York Times.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

According to a new Yale University report backed by the US State Department in an effort to hold Moscow accountable, Russia and its proxy forces in Ukraine are running 21 facilities used to detain, question, and process prisoners of war and civilians.

According to a new Yale University report backed by the US State Department in an effort to hold Moscow accountable, Russia and its proxy forces in Ukraine are running 21 facilities used to detain, question, and process prisoners of war and civilians. The report, published on Thursday, uses open-source data and commercial satellite imagery to identify the various locations with "high confidence," including buildings that have previously been used as markets, schools, and regular prisons. Additionally, it pinpoints potential graves at one prison complex. The Conflict Observatory was established in May with funding from the U.S. State Department to gather and examine proof of war crimes and other alleged atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine. The Conflict Observatory's Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health, which produced the report, is a partner in the Conflict Observatory. The findings, according to the lab's executive director Nathaniel Raymond, show that Russia and its allies have set up a "system of filtration" to separate people in regions under Russian occupation, which constitutes a "human rights emergency." At one of the locations, a prison complex close to Olenivka, where 53 Ukrainian prisoners of war were allegedly killed in an explosion on July 29, reports of abuses had already surfaced. Also Read: Over 200 Ukrainian troops killed in Chaplyne railway station attack, claims Russia According to the study, Yale researchers have discovered ground disturbances that are consistent with individual or mass graves as early as April, correlating with a former prisoner's testimony that captives were made to dig graves around that time. The researchers discovered other disturbances elsewhere in the property were captured on July 27, before to the explosion at Olenivka, even though they were unable to draw any conclusions about the fate of the Ukrainian prisoners of war held at the prison. Unrest at the compound in July was previously covered by The New York Times. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia operating 21 'filtration' locations to process Ukraine PoW: US Report

The social development minister of Chile's Cabinet has resigned, according to President Gabriel Boric, who made the announcement on Thursday. This is the first change to his young administration since it took office in March.&nbsp;

Following a news report that one of her advisers had spoken to a radical Mapuche indigenous leader who had called for an armed struggle against the state and who had been arrested on Wednesday, Social Development Minister Jeanette Vega resigned.&nbsp;

The decision is a setback for Boric's center-left government, which was elected with a high turnout. But as a crucial vote on a new constitution, he has backed approaches, and Boric has watched his support quickly dwindle.

Prior to the constitutional vote, Boric previously declared he would refrain from making changes to the Cabinet.&nbsp;

At a ceremony in northern Chile, Boric urged caution. It is appropriate to consider the weight of the minister's political responsibility in light of what we have learned.&nbsp;

An adviser to Vega spoke with Hector Llaitul, the head of an indigenous Mapuche organisation, according to a confidential police record that was leaked earlier in the day by the online news source Ex-Ante.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-demands-un-nuclear-watchdog-to-drop-issue-of-three-undeclared-sites-510214">&nbsp;Iran demands UN nuclear watchdog to drop issue of three undeclared sites</a>

Llaitul was taken into custody on Wednesday in the country's troubled south, where raging disputes over land ownership and the forestry sector continue between the Chilean government and indigenous groups. He is charged with stealing timber and challenging the law.&nbsp;

Boric stated that he was "worried" about the news release of legal documents.&nbsp;

In May, the same month her adviser contacted Llaitul, Vega raised controversy by claiming that Chile had detained several Mapuche as political prisoners. She later claimed that there had been a miscommunication.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

The social development minister of Chile's Cabinet has resigned, according to President Gabriel Boric, who made the announcement on Thursday. This is the first change to his young administration since it took office in March.

The social development minister of Chile's Cabinet has resigned, according to President Gabriel Boric, who made the announcement on Thursday. This is the first change to his young administration since it took office in March. Following a news report that one of her advisers had spoken to a radical Mapuche indigenous leader who had called for an armed struggle against the state and who had been arrested on Wednesday, Social Development Minister Jeanette Vega resigned. The decision is a setback for Boric's center-left government, which was elected with a high turnout. But as a crucial vote on a new constitution, he has backed approaches, and Boric has watched his support quickly dwindle. Prior to the constitutional vote, Boric previously declared he would refrain from making changes to the Cabinet. At a ceremony in northern Chile, Boric urged caution. It is appropriate to consider the weight of the minister's political responsibility in light of what we have learned. An adviser to Vega spoke with Hector Llaitul, the head of an indigenous Mapuche organisation, according to a confidential police record that was leaked earlier in the day by the online news source Ex-Ante. Also Read: Iran demands UN nuclear watchdog to drop issue of three undeclared sites Llaitul was taken into custody on Wednesday in the country's troubled south, where raging disputes over land ownership and the forestry sector continue between the Chilean government and indigenous groups. He is charged with stealing timber and challenging the law. Boric stated that he was "worried" about the news release of legal documents. In May, the same month her adviser contacted Llaitul, Vega raised controversy by claiming that Chile had detained several Mapuche as political prisoners. She later claimed that there had been a miscommunication. (with inputs from agencies)

Chilean President Boric endures first Cabinet shakeup, social development minister resigns

NASA astronauts performed a flyby of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket as it awaited the launch of Artemis 1 on August 29 in a stunning set of photos that they published on social media.&nbsp;

The pictures, which were recently taken above the 322-foot-tall (98-meter) SLS megarocket at Launch Complex 39B and the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, were posted on Twitter by astronauts Andrew Morgan, Reid Wiseman, and Christina Birch.

For more than 50 years, NASA has utilised Northrop T-38 Talon jets as training and pursuit aircraft. The twin-seat trainer can travel faster than most commercial aircraft—up to Mach 1.6 supersonic—and up to 40,000 feet in height.

"The T-38 is a great aircraft for what we need at NASA because it's fast, it's high-performance and it's very simple," retired NASA astronaut and former International Space Station Commander Terry Virts said in a NASA statement in 2011. "It's safe and it's known. So compared to other airplanes, it's definitely one of the best."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-forest-fires-in-brazilian-amazon-hit-15-year-high-this-week-3358-fires-detected-in-one-day-510218">Number of forest fires in Brazilian Amazon hit 15-year high this week, 3,358 fires detected in one day</a>

The launch of Artemis 1, which will carry an unmanned Orion spacecraft to lunar orbit and back, is expected to take place on Monday, August 29, according to a forecast from the U.S. Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron as of Thursday (August 25).

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

NASA astronauts performed a flyby of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket as it awaited the launch of Artemis 1 on August 29 in a stunning set of photos that they published on social media.

NASA astronauts performed a flyby of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket as it awaited the launch of Artemis 1 on August 29 in a stunning set of photos that they published on social media. The pictures, which were recently taken above the 322-foot-tall (98-meter) SLS megarocket at Launch Complex 39B and the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, were posted on Twitter by astronauts Andrew Morgan, Reid Wiseman, and Christina Birch. For more than 50 years, NASA has utilised Northrop T-38 Talon jets as training and pursuit aircraft. The twin-seat trainer can travel faster than most commercial aircraft—up to Mach 1.6 supersonic—and up to 40,000 feet in height. "The T-38 is a great aircraft for what we need at NASA because it's fast, it's high-performance and it's very simple," retired NASA astronaut and former International Space Station Commander Terry Virts said in a NASA statement in 2011. "It's safe and it's known. So compared to other airplanes, it's definitely one of the best." Also Read: Number of forest fires in Brazilian Amazon hit 15-year high this week, 3,358 fires detected in one day The launch of Artemis 1, which will carry an unmanned Orion spacecraft to lunar orbit and back, is expected to take place on Monday, August 29, according to a forecast from the U.S. Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron as of Thursday (August 25). (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: NASA T-38 trainer jets fly in formation above SLS megarocket launch pad

Official statistics that delivered the most recent warning on the accelerating destruction of the largest rainforest in the world revealed this week that the number of forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon reached a nearly 15-year high.&nbsp;

According to the Brazilian space agency, INPE, 3,358 flames were discovered on Monday, August 22, the most for any 24-hour period since September 2007.&nbsp;

The number was almost three times higher than what was reported on the so-called "Day of Fire" on August 10, 2019, when farmers in the northern state of Para initiated a concerted effort to burn vast quantities of felled rainforest.

Then, flames caused a global outcry over images of one of the most important resources on Earth burning by sending thick, grey smoke 2,500 kilometres (1,500 miles) to Sao Paulo.&nbsp;

According to Alberto Setzer, director of INPE's fire surveillance programme, there is no evidence that the fires on Monday were planned. Instead, he said, they seem to follow a trend of escalating burning and deforestation.&nbsp;

According to experts, illicit farmers, ranchers, and investors destroy the land and burn trees to start fires in the Amazon.

With the arrival of drier weather in August, the Amazon fire season often begins in earnest.&nbsp;

For the forest, a crucial barrier against global warming, this year has been concerning thus far: INPE identified 5,373 fires last month, up 8% from July of last year.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-will-prominently-label-american-medical-facilities-that-perform-abortion-510215">Google will prominently label American medical facilities&nbsp;that perform abortion</a>

With 24,124 fires reported so far this month, it is on track to be the worst August under President Jair Bolsonaro, albeit that number is still significantly below the 63,764 fires reported in August 2005, the worst August on record going back to the start of records in 1998.

Agribusiness ally Bolsonaro is under fire internationally for a rise of Amazon devastation that occurred under his administration. The average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has surged by 75% since he assumed office in January 2019 compared to the preceding ten years.&nbsp;

That critique is rejected by the far-right president.

(with inputs from agencies)

Official statistics that delivered the most recent warning on the accelerating destruction of the largest rainforest in the world revealed this week that the number of forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon reached a nearly 15-year high.

Official statistics that delivered the most recent warning on the accelerating destruction of the largest rainforest in the world revealed this week that the number of forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon reached a nearly 15-year high. According to the Brazilian space agency, INPE, 3,358 flames were discovered on Monday, August 22, the most for any 24-hour period since September 2007. The number was almost three times higher than what was reported on the so-called "Day of Fire" on August 10, 2019, when farmers in the northern state of Para initiated a concerted effort to burn vast quantities of felled rainforest. Then, flames caused a global outcry over images of one of the most important resources on Earth burning by sending thick, grey smoke 2,500 kilometres (1,500 miles) to Sao Paulo. According to Alberto Setzer, director of INPE's fire surveillance programme, there is no evidence that the fires on Monday were planned. Instead, he said, they seem to follow a trend of escalating burning and deforestation. According to experts, illicit farmers, ranchers, and investors destroy the land and burn trees to start fires in the Amazon. With the arrival of drier weather in August, the Amazon fire season often begins in earnest. For the forest, a crucial barrier against global warming, this year has been concerning thus far: INPE identified 5,373 fires last month, up 8% from July of last year. Also Read: Google will prominently label American medical facilities that perform abortion With 24,124 fires reported so far this month, it is on track to be the worst August under President Jair Bolsonaro, albeit that number is still significantly below the 63,764 fires reported in August 2005, the worst August on record going back to the start of records in 1998. Agribusiness ally Bolsonaro is under fire internationally for a rise of Amazon devastation that occurred under his administration. The average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has surged by 75% since he assumed office in January 2019 compared to the preceding ten years. That critique is rejected by the far-right president. (with inputs from agencies)

Number of forest fires in Brazilian Amazon hit 15-year high this week, 3,358 fires detected in one day

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