Chinese President Xi Jinping told Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that China will always stay beside Bangladesh and will support&nbsp;it in joining BRICS. According to a report by The Daily Star on Thursday (August 25), Jinping gave assurance to Hasina on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg. He also gave Hasina assurances of supporting Bangladesh in the Rohingya crisis, making Bangladesh a developed, prosperous Sonar Bangla and taking initiatives to quicken the signing of the Preferential Free Trade Agreement, as per the report.

Addressing press on Wednesday, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said both Xi and Hasina invited each other to visit their respective countries, and they agreed to this.

Regarding the Rohingya issue, the report said that Xi wants to resolve it through the tripartite engagement of China, Bangladesh and Myanmar and, assured Beijing would always support Dhaka to this end.

Xi also expressed China's eagerness to help Bangladesh in the development of energy, renewable energy and infrastructure.&nbsp;

Bangladesh PM Hasina, meanwhile, sought Xi's help in the quick implementation of some Chinese-funded projects which are now stuck in a fund crisis. The Chinese president assured that he would look into the matter.

Hasina pointed out that the trade gap between Bangladesh and China will be reduced if some Chinese investments come to Bangladesh.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping told Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that China will always stay beside Bangladesh and will support it in joining BRICS. According to a report by The Daily Star on Thursday (August 25), Jinping gave assurance to Hasina on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that China will always stay beside Bangladesh and will support it in joining BRICS. According to a report by The Daily Star on Thursday (August 25), Jinping gave assurance to Hasina on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg. He also gave Hasina assurances of supporting Bangladesh in the Rohingya crisis, making Bangladesh a developed, prosperous Sonar Bangla and taking initiatives to quicken the signing of the Preferential Free Trade Agreement, as per the report. Addressing press on Wednesday, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said both Xi and Hasina invited each other to visit their respective countries, and they agreed to this. Regarding the Rohingya issue, the report said that Xi wants to resolve it through the tripartite engagement of China, Bangladesh and Myanmar and, assured Beijing would always support Dhaka to this end. Xi also expressed China's eagerness to help Bangladesh in the development of energy, renewable energy and infrastructure. Bangladesh PM Hasina, meanwhile, sought Xi's help in the quick implementation of some Chinese-funded projects which are now stuck in a fund crisis. The Chinese president assured that he would look into the matter. Hasina pointed out that the trade gap between Bangladesh and China will be reduced if some Chinese investments come to Bangladesh. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China to support Bangladesh in joining BRICS, expedite signing of preferential free trade agreement

The US Justice Department on Thursday (August 24) sued Elon Musk's SpaceX over hiring practices. In a statement, the Justice Department said that it filed a lawsuit against SpaceX for discriminating against asylees and refugees in hiring.

The US Justice Department on Thursday (August 24) sued Elon Musk's SpaceX over hiring practices. In a statement, the Justice Department said that it filed a lawsuit against SpaceX for discriminating against asylees and refugees in hiring. "The lawsuit alleges that, from at least September 2018 to May 2022, SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them, because of their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)," the statement said. The statement added that over several years, SpaceX wrongly claimed that under federal regulations known as “export control laws,” it could hire only American citizens and lawful permanent residents, sometimes referred to as “green card holders.” "Export control laws impose no such hiring restrictions," the department further said. The investigation Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said on Thursday the department's investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law. "Our investigation also found that SpaceX recruiters and high-level officials took actions that actively discouraged asylees and refugees from seeking work opportunities at the company," Clarke added. The discrimination during stages of hiring process The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX discriminated against asylees and refugees based on citizenship status at multiple stages of the hiring process. SpaceX discouraged asylees and refugees from applying for open positions, it failed to consider applications submitted by asylees and refugees, and it also hired only American citizens and lawful permanent residents, from September 2018 to September 2020. "The United States seeks fair consideration and back pay for asylees and refugees who were deterred or denied employment at SpaceX due to the alleged discrimination. The United States also seeks civil penalties in an amount to be determined by the court and policy changes to ensure it complies with the INA’s nondiscrimination mandate going forward," the statement further said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Justice Department sues Elon Musk's SpaceX over hiring practices

Canadian chef Kenneth Law, who had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-chef-sold-poison-to-suicidal-youngsters-around-the-world-report-586598">been accused of selling a lethal poison to youngsters across the world</a>, has now been linked to 88 deaths in the United Kingdom (UK), according to media reports on Thursday (August 25). Law was arrested in May after an investigation by The Times found that he had been selling the poison online for two years.

As per The Times report, an Interpol list containing the details of 232 of his British customers was passed to the National Crime Agency (NCA) from Canadian authorities. Subsequent enquiries found that 88 people died. The NCA said that after receiving intelligence in April that people in the UK were buying products to assist with suicide from Canadian websites, it immediately liaised with the police to conduct welfare checks on all the named recipients in the UK, The Guardian reported.

The report said that if Law were charged in relation to the British victims, he would have to be extradited to the UK, where assisting suicide carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

The NCA also said that at this early stage, there were no “confirmed links” between the items bought from the websites and the cause of death in any of the 88 cases in the UK.

Apart from working as a chef, Law is a former aerospace engineer and had spent six months in Coventry working on the Boeing 7E7 programme team for Dunlop Standard Aerospace.

Speaking to The Times in late April, he said that he came up with the business (of selling poison) after seeing his mother suffer greatly following a stroke. Law said that his father is religious and did not believe very much in euthanasia.&nbsp;

“She was bedridden, couldn’t speak and they had to feed her through a tube to her stomach for over seven years. And that was very painful. Not only for her family but also very painful for me to witness," Law said.&nbsp;

“This is why I created some avenue of escape, so that people if they are in such a circumstance, can undertake it either by themselves or by somebody else,” he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Canadian chef Kenneth Law, who had been accused of selling a lethal poison to youngsters across the world, has now been linked to 88 deaths in the United Kingdom (UK), according to media reports on Thursday (August 25).

Canadian chef Kenneth Law, who had been accused of selling a lethal poison to youngsters across the world, has now been linked to 88 deaths in the United Kingdom (UK), according to media reports on Thursday (August 25). Law was arrested in May after an investigation by The Times found that he had been selling the poison online for two years. As per The Times report, an Interpol list containing the details of 232 of his British customers was passed to the National Crime Agency (NCA) from Canadian authorities. Subsequent enquiries found that 88 people died. The NCA said that after receiving intelligence in April that people in the UK were buying products to assist with suicide from Canadian websites, it immediately liaised with the police to conduct welfare checks on all the named recipients in the UK, The Guardian reported. The report said that if Law were charged in relation to the British victims, he would have to be extradited to the UK, where assisting suicide carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. The NCA also said that at this early stage, there were no “confirmed links” between the items bought from the websites and the cause of death in any of the 88 cases in the UK. Apart from working as a chef, Law is a former aerospace engineer and had spent six months in Coventry working on the Boeing 7E7 programme team for Dunlop Standard Aerospace. Speaking to The Times in late April, he said that he came up with the business (of selling poison) after seeing his mother suffer greatly following a stroke. Law said that his father is religious and did not believe very much in euthanasia. “She was bedridden, couldn’t speak and they had to feed her through a tube to her stomach for over seven years. And that was very painful. Not only for her family but also very painful for me to witness," Law said. “This is why I created some avenue of escape, so that people if they are in such a circumstance, can undertake it either by themselves or by somebody else,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canadian chef who sold poison to suicidal youngsters linked to 88 deaths in UK

The United Nations on Friday (August 25) expressed concerns about the ongoing conflict in Sudan and warned that a lasting war could tie up the entire region into a humanitarian catastrophe.

The United Nations on Friday (August 25) expressed concerns about the ongoing conflict in Sudan and warned that a lasting war could tie up the entire region into a humanitarian catastrophe. In a statement, Martin Griffiths, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the UN, said, "This viral conflict and the hunger, disease and displacement left in its wake now threatens to consume the entire country." Griffiths highlighted specific concerns about the safety of civilians in the country's breadbasket Gezira State. "Hundreds of thousands of children are severely malnourished and at imminent risk of death if left untreated," he added. The conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been going on for more than four months now. Nearly 5,000 people have been killed and millions have been forced to flee their homes. Paramilitary fights army for fourth straight day On Wednesday, the RSF fought the army for a fourth straight day, for the control of a key armoured corps base in Khartoum's south. The RSF began its assault last Sunday, on the vast strategic on several fronts. Residents of Al-Shajara, the neighbourhood where the base is situated, reported "large losses on both sides" on the first day of the attack. Sudan's army chief seen outside HQ Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was seen outside his headquarters on Thursday for the first time since fighting started. According to a report by the news agency AFP, footage showed Burhan speaking to soldiers, with the caption indicating that he was at the Wadi Seidna air base north of Khartoum. In other images, the army chief was seen surrounded by civilians in the capital's twin-city of Omdurman, where residents also reported fighting on Thursday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan conflict: UN warns of regional catastrophe due to war

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Greece on Thursday (August 25), met his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Athens.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Greece on Thursday (August 25), met his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Athens. Modi is the first Indian PM in the last 40 years to visit Greece. He arrived in the Balkan country at the invitation of Mitsotakis. During the meeting (with President Katerina Sakellaropoulou), Modi talked about the success of Chandrayaan-3. "The success of Chandrayaan-3 is not only of India alone but it is a success for the whole of humankind," Modi told the Greek president, adding that the results of data collected by the mission would help the entire scientific fraternity and humankind." #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi meets his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens pic.twitter.com/YAQ9JEpVQu — ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2023 × Modi was greeted with a ceremonial reception upon his arrival in Athens. Modi meets Indian community amid 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' chants PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian community in Athens' Hotel Grande Bretagne. The community was seen waving the Indian flag and chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Modi, Modi." #WATCH | Indian community presents Greek headdress to PM Modi in Athens, accords him a warm welcome pic.twitter.com/XdH9Sf1mXY — ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2023 × Speaking to the news agency ANI, an Indian businessman in Greece said, "We feel great that PM Modi has come here. I am sure the PM's visit to Greece will raise the name of the country here." Modi laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens. He will also meet business leaders from both countries and will have an interaction with the Indian community. A business lunch by the Greek PM has also been scheduled during the visit. Earlier, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that Modi would have restricted and delegation-level talks with Mitsotakis. Both leaders would address key businesses of India and Greece. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Modi in Greece: Indian PM meets Greek counterpart, president

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday (August 25) adjourned former Pakistan prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson Imran Khan's plea challenging jail sentence and seeking suspension of the verdict in the Toshakhana case till August 28.

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday (August 25) adjourned former Pakistan prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson Imran Khan's plea challenging jail sentence and seeking suspension of the verdict in the Toshakhana case till August 28. The adjournment happened as Amjad Pervaiz, the lawyer of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) fell sick. Khan's lawyer Latif Khosa called out the ECP on their delay tactics. On Wednesday, Khosa argued before a division bench of the high court focusing on three aspects - the release of Imran owing to a short sentence, jurisdictional defects and improper authorisation by the ECP, a report by Dawn said. However, Pervaiz argued against the suspension of the sentence, asserting that superior courts could suspend the sentence of those condemned prisoners who completed at least six months imprisonment. The Toshakhana case accuses Khan of buying gifts, including an expensive Graff wristwatch, he received as the prime minister, at a discounted price from the state depository called Toshakhana and selling them for profit. Imran faces charges over state secrets Khan faces more trouble as Pakistani authorities on Monday opened a criminal investigation against him on charges of leaking state secrets, after naming him and three aides in a fresh case. The matter is related to a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington last year, which the PTI chairperson is alleged to have made public. Khan accused the cable was part of an American conspiracy to push the Pakistani military to oust him in 2022 because he had visited Moscow ahead of Russia's war on Ukraine. Both the US and the Pakistani military have denied this. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Toshakhana case: Court adjourns hearing on Imran's plea challenging jail sentence till Aug 28

The Indian government has dismissed China's claim that the request for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping came from New Delhi. Speaking to WION, sources said on Friday (August 25) there was a pending request from China for a bilateral meeting, adding, that Modi and Xi had an informal conversation at the leaders lounge on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

Relations between India and China have been sour for over three years after soldiers&nbsp;from both sides clashed in the Himalayan frontier in June 2020,&nbsp;resulting in 24 deaths.

The dismissal from the Indian side came after Modi and Xi had a similar interaction during the G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali in November last year. According to an official statement, the two leaders had reached an important consensus to stabilise relations between the two countries. Here too, China said the meeting was requested by India but New Delhi denied the claim.

<h2>Modi highlights concerns with Xi on border issue</h2>

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that Prime Minister Modi highlighted concerns with Chinese President Xi on border issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;and Xi agreed "to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation,"&nbsp;Foreign Secretary Kwatra said.

Modi "underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship".

Meanwhile, a report by the Xinhua news agency said Xi told Modi that improving relations China-India relations served the interests of both countries and was conducive to peace, stability and development.

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The Indian government has dismissed China's claim that the request for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping came from New Delhi.

The Indian government has dismissed China's claim that the request for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping came from New Delhi. Speaking to WION, sources said on Friday (August 25) there was a pending request from China for a bilateral meeting, adding, that Modi and Xi had an informal conversation at the leaders lounge on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Relations between India and China have been sour for over three years after soldiers from both sides clashed in the Himalayan frontier in June 2020, resulting in 24 deaths. The dismissal from the Indian side came after Modi and Xi had a similar interaction during the G20 summit in Indonesia's Bali in November last year. According to an official statement, the two leaders had reached an important consensus to stabilise relations between the two countries. Here too, China said the meeting was requested by India but New Delhi denied the claim. Modi highlights concerns with Xi on border issue Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that Prime Minister Modi highlighted concerns with Chinese President Xi on border issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Modi and Xi agreed "to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation," Foreign Secretary Kwatra said. Modi "underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship". Meanwhile, a report by the Xinhua news agency said Xi told Modi that improving relations China-India relations served the interests of both countries and was conducive to peace, stability and development. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

BRICS summit: India dismisses China's claim that New Delhi made a request for Modi-Xi meet

The Republican Presidential Primary Debate took place on Wednesday night (August 23). One of the highlights of the discussion was the controversial topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). Debate moderator Martha MacCallum asked former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie his opinion about a president's responsibility to provide the American public with the truth about UFOs.

"I get the UFO question?" Christie quipped.

Christie, one of the eight potential presidential candidates, said that the job of the US president was to level with citizens about everything. "The job of the president of the United States is to stand for truth," he added.

"Especially coming from a woman from New Jersey, I think it's horrible that just because I'm from New Jersey, you asked me about unidentified flying objects and Martians. We're different but we're not that different," he further told the moderator.&nbsp;

The New Jersey reference made by Christie was about the infamous Mercury Theatre radio broadcast of HG&nbsp;Wells' "War of the Worlds" in 1938 when people believed that Martian tripod machines were rampaging around the countryside near Grovers Mill.&nbsp;

The topic of UFOs has taken centre stage in recent months. On July 26, the House of Representatives Subcommittee on National Security at the Border and Foreign Affairs held a hearing called Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP): Implications on National Security, Public Safety, and Government Transparency.

Three witnesses testified at the hearing- Ryan Graves, David Fravor and David Grushch. Graves and Fravor are former Navy aviators. During the hearing, Grusch claimed he was told about the existence of a "multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse-engineering program" and was denied access to it. This prompted him to file a whistleblower complaint.

Graves, on the other hand, said that UAPs were severely under-reported in American airspace. &nbsp;"These sightings are not rare or isolated. They are routine," Graves said.

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The Republican Presidential Primary Debate took place on Wednesday night (August 23). One of the highlights of the discussion was the controversial topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

The Republican Presidential Primary Debate took place on Wednesday night (August 23). One of the highlights of the discussion was the controversial topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). Debate moderator Martha MacCallum asked former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie his opinion about a president's responsibility to provide the American public with the truth about UFOs. "I get the UFO question?" Christie quipped. Christie, one of the eight potential presidential candidates, said that the job of the US president was to level with citizens about everything. "The job of the president of the United States is to stand for truth," he added. "Especially coming from a woman from New Jersey, I think it's horrible that just because I'm from New Jersey, you asked me about unidentified flying objects and Martians. We're different but we're not that different," he further told the moderator. The New Jersey reference made by Christie was about the infamous Mercury Theatre radio broadcast of HG Wells' "War of the Worlds" in 1938 when people believed that Martian tripod machines were rampaging around the countryside near Grovers Mill. The topic of UFOs has taken centre stage in recent months. On July 26, the House of Representatives Subcommittee on National Security at the Border and Foreign Affairs held a hearing called Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP): Implications on National Security, Public Safety, and Government Transparency. Three witnesses testified at the hearing- Ryan Graves, David Fravor and David Grushch. Graves and Fravor are former Navy aviators. During the hearing, Grusch claimed he was told about the existence of a "multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse-engineering program" and was denied access to it. This prompted him to file a whistleblower complaint. Graves, on the other hand, said that UAPs were severely under-reported in American airspace. "These sightings are not rare or isolated. They are routine," Graves said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'I get the UFO question?' An amused Chris Christie promises to 'stand for truth' in Republican debate

All the eight people trapped mid-air in a cable car in Pakistan were successfully rescued, but recalling the ordeal, one of the survivors said he thought it was his last day and it was over for him. Speaking to BBC on Wednesday (August 23), Attaullah Shah said, "When the chairlift was halfway there, its rope broke. It was dangling and I was terrified." Fahim Udin Shah, the uncle of one of the rescued children, said it was like doomsday for the area, adding, everyone rushed out of their houses to see the operation.&nbsp;

"A kid from almost every household was here," he added. Those stranded on the cable car included seven school students (aged between 10-16 years) and one man. The high-risk operation in the north of Pakistan was completed on Tuesday night after a car was left hanging precariously at an angle all day.

There were fears that&nbsp;the remaining cable could give way any time, and cries of 'God is Great' arose from people gathered around to see the children brought down on harnesses by soldiers on a zip line.

According to a report by the news agency Reuters, a military helicopter rescue operation was called off on Tuesday as night fell after two children had been pulled to safety. Floodlights were installed and a ground-based rescue continued.

"All the kids have been successfully and safely rescued," caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;

The seven students had been stuck in the cable car since 7 am (2 GMT) when they were travelling to school in a remote mountainous area in Battagram. The journey by cable car usually takes just a matter of minutes, whereas travelling on the rough mountain roads and tracks takes hours.

&nbsp;

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All the eight people trapped mid-air in a cable car in Pakistan were successfully rescued, but recalling the ordeal, one of the survivors said he thought it was his last day and it was over for him.

All the eight people trapped mid-air in a cable car in Pakistan were successfully rescued, but recalling the ordeal, one of the survivors said he thought it was his last day and it was over for him. Speaking to BBC on Wednesday (August 23), Attaullah Shah said, "When the chairlift was halfway there, its rope broke. It was dangling and I was terrified." Fahim Udin Shah, the uncle of one of the rescued children, said it was like doomsday for the area, adding, everyone rushed out of their houses to see the operation. "A kid from almost every household was here," he added. Those stranded on the cable car included seven school students (aged between 10-16 years) and one man. The high-risk operation in the north of Pakistan was completed on Tuesday night after a car was left hanging precariously at an angle all day. There were fears that the remaining cable could give way any time, and cries of 'God is Great' arose from people gathered around to see the children brought down on harnesses by soldiers on a zip line. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, a military helicopter rescue operation was called off on Tuesday as night fell after two children had been pulled to safety. Floodlights were installed and a ground-based rescue continued. "All the kids have been successfully and safely rescued," caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The seven students had been stuck in the cable car since 7 am (2 GMT) when they were travelling to school in a remote mountainous area in Battagram. The journey by cable car usually takes just a matter of minutes, whereas travelling on the rough mountain roads and tracks takes hours. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan cable car accident | 'Thought it was my last day': Survivor recalls ordeal

The United Kingdom's (UK) backlog of asylum applications awaiting a decision has hit a record high in the year to June, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (August 24) citing official figures.

The United Kingdom's (UK) backlog of asylum applications awaiting a decision has hit a record high in the year to June, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (August 24) citing official figures. The interior ministry said that 78,768 applications were made by people who arrived in the country illegally in the 12 months to June, up 19% than the previous year. The backlog of asylums was just over 134,000, or 175,457 once dependents are included. This adds more pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who in December last year pledged to clear the initial backlog of cases by the end of this year. Around 80% of those have been waiting for more than six months. Earlier, the government had said that in the year to June, there were 23,702 initial decisions made on asylum applications, up 61 per cent on the previous year. Of those, 71 per cent were grants of refugee status, humanitarian protection, or alternative forms of leave. Committed to reducing levels of immigration: Govt Prime Minister Sunak made cracking down on illegal migration a priority before the national election which is expected next year, pitching his Conservative party leaders as being tougher on the issue than the opposition. Reuters reported that seeking to deter people from arriving in the UK, the government is moving migrants onto disused military sites and barges and intends to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. Speaking to BBC, an interior ministry spokesperson said the ministry remained committed to reducing levels of immigration, adding that the system was working to encourage the "best and the brightest" to come to the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK asylum applications' backlog rises to record high, reveal official figures

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (August 24) raised the border issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. Speaking to reporters, &nbsp;Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said Modi told Xi that “maintenance of peace, tranquillity in border areas and respecting LAC (Line of Actual Control)” is essential for the normalisation of India-China ties.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, the Ukrainian military on Thursday claimed that it launched a "special operation" in Russian-occupied Crimea overnight. The announcement comes on the day when Ukraine was celebrating its independence day.

In other news, speaking for the first time at the BRICS summit, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday made a strong case for the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and sought revision of the Bretton Woods system.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-chinas-xi-agree-to-at-expeditious-disengagement-in-eastern-ladakh-628844">Indian PM Modi rasied border issue with China’s Xi at sidelines of BRICS</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/24/375316-modi.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at the sidelines of the BRICS summit where both leaders agreed to “expeditious de-escalation" in the eastern Ladakh region, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra briefed reporters on Thursday (Aug 24).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-independence-day-ukraine-claims-it-carried-out-special-operation-in-russia-occupied-crimea-628778">On independence day, Ukraine claims it carried out ‘special operation’ in Russian-occupied Crimea</a>

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Ukrainian military on Thursday (Aug 24) claimed that it launched a "special operation" in Russian-occupied Crimea overnight. The defence ministry's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) said they carried out the operation in cooperation with the navy in which their personnel entered the peninsula territory to achieve a specific “goal”.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (August 24) raised the border issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. Speaking to reporters, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said Modi told Xi that “maintenance of peace, tranquillity in border areas and respecting LAC (Line of Actual Control)” is essential for the normalisation of India-China ties. As the war in Ukraine rages on, the Ukrainian military on Thursday claimed that it launched a "special operation" in Russian-occupied Crimea overnight. The announcement comes on the day when Ukraine was celebrating its independence day. In other news, speaking for the first time at the BRICS summit, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday made a strong case for the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and sought revision of the Bretton Woods system. Click on the headlines to read more: Indian PM Modi rasied border issue with China’s Xi at sidelines of BRICS Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at the sidelines of the BRICS summit where both leaders agreed to “expeditious de-escalation" in the eastern Ladakh region, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra briefed reporters on Thursday (Aug 24). On independence day, Ukraine claims it carried out ‘special operation’ in Russian-occupied Crimea Ukrainian military on Thursday (Aug 24) claimed that it launched a "special operation" in Russian-occupied Crimea overnight. The defence ministry's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) said they carried out the operation in cooperation with the navy in which their personnel entered the peninsula territory to achieve a specific “goal”. At BRICS summit, UN chief calls for reform of UNSC, Bretton Woods institutions Speaking for the first time at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday (Aug 24) made a strong case for the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and sought revision of the Bretton Woods system—a global financial architecture created by the US-led West after the end of World War II. India: Govt approves proposals worth $944 million to enhance operational capabilities of armed forces The Indian government has approved proposals worth $944 million (Rs 7,800 crore) to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces. According to a statement issued by the defence ministry on Thursday (August 24), these proposals were approved by a Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. A diplomatic shift? Taiwan to ease restrictions on Chinese tourists Taiwan declared a significant move on Thursday (August 24), announcing plans to relax restrictions on Chinese business and group travellers. This decision marks a crucial step toward the revival of tourism exchanges with mainland China, potentially heralding a thaw in their strained relations. N. Korea condemns Japan's Fukushima wastewater release, demands immediate halt In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, North Korea's foreign ministry called for an immediate halt to Japan's release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant into the ocean. Roark Capital buys sandwich chain Subway Roark Capital is buying the Subway, marking over 50 years of family ownership of the sandwich chain. According to a report by CNBC on Thursday (August 24), Subway reportedly sought $10 billion, a price that alienated many potential suitors, leaving only private equity firms to duke it out in an auction. ‘She speaks in rhyme,’ Trump mocks VP Kamala Harris’s accent on Tucker’s show, Watch Even after having missed the GOP presidential debate Wednesday (Aug 23), former US president Donald Trump turned out to be the biggest newsmaker on social media on that night. He appeared on the Tucker Carlson Show instead, and took on his rivals, including Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. Brazil, Al Hilal star Neymar set to play in India for first time this season! Check details After watching Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Neymar tearing up the opposition with his skills over the years, his fans in India will finally get to watch him play live in the country this season. Emotional Allu Arjun gives Sukumar a tight hug after National Film Award Best Actor win - watch Allu Arjun is on cloud nine after he bagged his first National Award for his blockbuster hit film Pushpa: The Rise, Part 1. Today, the 69th National Film Awards were announced, and the Telugu star won the Best Actor award for his brilliant performance in the film.

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The Indian government has approved proposals worth $944 million (Rs 7,800 crore) to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces. According to a statement issued by the defence ministry on Thursday (August 24), these proposals were approved by a Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The Indian government has approved proposals worth $944 million (Rs 7,800 crore) to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces. According to a statement issued by the defence ministry on Thursday (August 24), these proposals were approved by a Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The defence ministry statement said all the procurements would be sourced from indigenous vendors only. From choppers to LMG The statement said that to enhance the efficiency of the air force, the DAC granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 Helicopters under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category which will enhance better survivability of Helicopters. "The EW Suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)," the statement said. "The DAC has also accorded AoN for procurement of Ground-Based Autonomous System for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments which will enable various operations like unmanned surveillance, logistic delivery of ammunition, fuel & spares and casualty evacuation in the battlefield," it added. Proposals for procurement 7.62x51 mm Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) have also been given the go-ahead by the DAC. The induction of LMG would enhance the fighting capabilities of infantry forces, and the induction of BLT would result in faster movement of mechanised forces. The AoN for procurement of ruggedised laptops and tablets for the army under Project Shakti has also been accorded, the statement further said. To enhance the operational capability of the MH-60R Helicopters of the navy, the DAC has accorded AoN for procurement of weapons for the same. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Govt approves proposals worth $944 million to enhance operational capabilities of armed forces

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