Washington Commanders owner&nbsp;Dan&nbsp;Snyder&nbsp;is close to a deal to sell the NFL franchise to an investment group led by Josh Harris and including former NBA star Magic Johnson, NFL Network reported on Thursday.

The report said that while the deal is not final and no agreement has been sent to the NFL's offices, the parties are close to a deal valued at just below $6 billion.

Harris owns the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and NHL's New Jersey Devils and is currently a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and also has a stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace.

Snyder&nbsp;and his wife Tanya announced in November they were exploring purchase deals for the club.

Snyder&nbsp;has owned the Commanders, formerly the Washington Redskins, since 1999 but his ownership has been heavily criticised and faced several investigations.

A US Congressional report released in December said that&nbsp;Snyder&nbsp;"permitted and participated" in a toxic workplace culture and tried to dissuade witnesses from cooperating with a 14-month investigation launched by the league.

In 2021, the NFL fined the club -- then going by the name of the Washington Football Team -- $10 million and required&nbsp;Snyder&nbsp;to relinquish day-to-day operations for several months.

Sales of NFL franchises need to be approved by the NFL's finance committee and at least 24 of the league's 32 owners. Owners are scheduled to meet in Minneapolis in May for their Spring League Meeting.

The report said that Harris's group includes Maryland businessman and philanthropist Mitchell Rales as well as Johnson.

Johnson has held ownership stakes in baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Football Club.

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Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder is close to a deal to sell the NFL franchise to an investment group led by Josh Harris and including former NBA star Magic Johnson, NFL Network reported on Thursday.

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder is close to a deal to sell the NFL franchise to an investment group led by Josh Harris and including former NBA star Magic Johnson, NFL Network reported on Thursday. The report said that while the deal is not final and no agreement has been sent to the NFL's offices, the parties are close to a deal valued at just below $6 billion. Harris owns the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and NHL's New Jersey Devils and is currently a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and also has a stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace. Snyder and his wife Tanya announced in November they were exploring purchase deals for the club. Snyder has owned the Commanders, formerly the Washington Redskins, since 1999 but his ownership has been heavily criticised and faced several investigations. A US Congressional report released in December said that Snyder "permitted and participated" in a toxic workplace culture and tried to dissuade witnesses from cooperating with a 14-month investigation launched by the league. In 2021, the NFL fined the club -- then going by the name of the Washington Football Team -- $10 million and required Snyder to relinquish day-to-day operations for several months. Sales of NFL franchises need to be approved by the NFL's finance committee and at least 24 of the league's 32 owners. Owners are scheduled to meet in Minneapolis in May for their Spring League Meeting. The report said that Harris's group includes Maryland businessman and philanthropist Mitchell Rales as well as Johnson. Johnson has held ownership stakes in baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Football Club. 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.

Commanders owner Snyder close to sale deal: Report

The leak of classified US documents has embarrassed Washington with President Joe Biden saying on Thursday that investigators were closing in on the source of the leak in what is believed to be the most serious security breach in years. A 21-year-old Air National guardsman has been identified as the person behind the leak and was arrested on Thursday. The guardsman, identified as Jack Teixeira, 21, led Thug Shaker Central, an online group where about 20 to 30 people shared their love of guns, racist memes, and video games. 

Here's a look at the latest updates:

US leaked documents Updates: Suspected Air National Guardsman arrested

North Korea said on Friday (April 14) that it tested&nbsp;a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)&nbsp;Hwasong-18 — its "most powerful" missile to date — to "radically promote" the country's nuclear counterattack capability. According to state media, North Korea warned of causing "extreme uneasiness and horror" to enemies.

"The development of the new-type ICBM Hwasongpho-18 will extensively reform the strategic deterrence components of the DPRK, radically promote the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack posture and bring about a change in the practicality of its offensive military strategy," said a report by the&nbsp;KCNA news agency.&nbsp;

The purpose of the test launch was to confirm&nbsp;the performance of the high-power solid-fuel multi-stage engines, the stage separation technology, and the reliability of the control systems with different functions, and to evaluate the military effectiveness of the new strategic weapons system.&nbsp;

Photographs released by state media showed supreme leader Kim Jong Un- accompanied by his daughter watching the missile blast off in a cloud of smoke, and smiling in jubilation after the purportedly successful launch.

Kim said the new weapon would greatly recognise North Korea's&nbsp;strategic deterrence and reinforce the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack, the KCNA reported.&nbsp;

"We will strike with deadly force and respond aggressively until the enemy gives up its idle strategy and foolish behaviour and so that it will suffer in endless fear," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-suspected-ballistic-missile-japan-tells-residents-in-hokkaido-to-take-shelter-581893">South Korea had said that North Korea&nbsp;likely tested</a> a new type of ballistic missile, with the launch briefly triggering an evacuation order in parts of Japan.

In recent months, Pyongyang has criticised the&nbsp;US-South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;joint military exercises as escalating tensions and has stepped up weapons tests.&nbsp;

The latest launch comes days after&nbsp;Kim called for strengthening war deterrence in a "more practical and offensive" manner to counter what&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;called moves of aggression by Washington.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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North Korea said on Friday (April 14) that it tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18 — its "most powerful" missile to date — to "radically promote" the country's nuclear counterattack capability.

North Korea said on Friday (April 14) that it tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18 — its "most powerful" missile to date — to "radically promote" the country's nuclear counterattack capability. According to state media, North Korea warned of causing "extreme uneasiness and horror" to enemies. "The development of the new-type ICBM Hwasongpho-18 will extensively reform the strategic deterrence components of the DPRK, radically promote the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack posture and bring about a change in the practicality of its offensive military strategy," said a report by the KCNA news agency. The purpose of the test launch was to confirm the performance of the high-power solid-fuel multi-stage engines, the stage separation technology, and the reliability of the control systems with different functions, and to evaluate the military effectiveness of the new strategic weapons system. Photographs released by state media showed supreme leader Kim Jong Un- accompanied by his daughter watching the missile blast off in a cloud of smoke, and smiling in jubilation after the purportedly successful launch. Kim said the new weapon would greatly recognise North Korea's strategic deterrence and reinforce the effectiveness of its nuclear counterattack, the KCNA reported. "We will strike with deadly force and respond aggressively until the enemy gives up its idle strategy and foolish behaviour and so that it will suffer in endless fear," he added. South Korea had said that North Korea likely tested a new type of ballistic missile, with the launch briefly triggering an evacuation order in parts of Japan. In recent months, Pyongyang has criticised the US-South Korea joint military exercises as escalating tensions and has stepped up weapons tests. The latest launch comes days after Kim called for strengthening war deterrence in a "more practical and offensive" manner to counter what North Korea called moves of aggression by Washington. (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.

North Korea tests ‘most powerful’ missile, warns enemies of ‘extreme uneasiness and horror’

US authorities on Thursday (April 13) arrested 21-year-old Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, in the case of a leak of classified documents.&nbsp;News helicopter footage showed the suspect, in red shorts with his hands behind his back, being placed by heavily-armed agents into an unmarked sports utility vehicle, in a forested area in North Dighton, Massachusetts.

According to US Attorney General Merrick Garland, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Teixeira, in connection with an investigation into alleged unauthorised removal, retention, and transmission of classified national defence information.

“Today, the Justice Department arrested Jack Douglas Teixeira in connection with an investigation into alleged unauthorised removal, retention and transmission of classified national defence information, to share it as an employee of the United States Air Force National Guard. FBI agents took Teixeira into custody earlier this afternoon without incident. He will have an initial appearance at the US&nbsp;District Court for the District of Massachusetts,"&nbsp;Garland said.

The embarrassing security breach revealed US unease over the viability of a coming counteroffensive by Ukraine's forces against Russian troops as well as concerns about Ukrainian air defences and pointed to American spying on allies.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jack-teixeira-the-young-charismatic-air-national-guardsman-suspected-of-leaking-secret-us-documents-582242">Jack Teixeira, the 'young, charismatic' Air National guardsman suspected of leaking secret US documents</a>

It was earlier reported that Jack Teixeira led Thug Shaker Central, a group on Discord. According to the Washington Post, the group of around 24 people, including some from Russia and Ukraine, bonded over their mutual love of guns, military gear and God, and formed an "invitation-only clubhouse" in 2020 on Discord.&nbsp;

The Pentagon said on Thursday that the leak was a "deliberate, criminal act."

Earlier, US President Joe Biden said he was "concerned" but that the intelligence community and Justice Department were "getting close" to identifying the source of the leak.

"There's a full-blown investigation going on, as you know, with the intelligence community and the Justice Department, and they're getting close," Biden said during a visit to Ireland.&nbsp;

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US authorities on Thursday (April 13) arrested 21-year-old Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, in the case of a leak of classified documents.

US authorities on Thursday (April 13) arrested 21-year-old Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, in the case of a leak of classified documents. News helicopter footage showed the suspect, in red shorts with his hands behind his back, being placed by heavily-armed agents into an unmarked sports utility vehicle, in a forested area in North Dighton, Massachusetts. According to US Attorney General Merrick Garland, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Teixeira, in connection with an investigation into alleged unauthorised removal, retention, and transmission of classified national defence information. “Today, the Justice Department arrested Jack Douglas Teixeira in connection with an investigation into alleged unauthorised removal, retention and transmission of classified national defence information, to share it as an employee of the United States Air Force National Guard. FBI agents took Teixeira into custody earlier this afternoon without incident. He will have an initial appearance at the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts," Garland said. The embarrassing security breach revealed US unease over the viability of a coming counteroffensive by Ukraine's forces against Russian troops as well as concerns about Ukrainian air defences and pointed to American spying on allies. ALSO READ | Jack Teixeira, the 'young, charismatic' Air National guardsman suspected of leaking secret US documents It was earlier reported that Jack Teixeira led Thug Shaker Central, a group on Discord. According to the Washington Post, the group of around 24 people, including some from Russia and Ukraine, bonded over their mutual love of guns, military gear and God, and formed an "invitation-only clubhouse" in 2020 on Discord. The Pentagon said on Thursday that the leak was a "deliberate, criminal act." Earlier, US President Joe Biden said he was "concerned" but that the intelligence community and Justice Department were "getting close" to identifying the source of the leak. "There's a full-blown investigation going on, as you know, with the intelligence community and the Justice Department, and they're getting close," Biden said during a visit to Ireland. 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 documents leak case: Air National guardsman Jack Teixeira arrested

The World Bank on Wednesday (April 12) announced a grant of $200 million for repairing Ukraine's energy infrastructure. In a statement, the World Bank said that Russia damaged over 50% of Ukraine's power infrastructure in attacks on its neighbour over the autumn and winter months. The statement added that Ukraine's east, where fighting is fiercest, has been particularly hard hit.

The World Bank added that the funds were provided by the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF), with a goal of up to $300 million in additional funding from partners "as the project expands its scope."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-board-approves-156-billion-loan-for-war-torn-ukraine-577840">IMF board approves $15.6 billion loan for war-torn Ukraine</a>

Anna Bjerde, the World Bank Managing Director of Operations, said on Wednesday that energy infrastructure suffered $11 billion in damages over the last year and was one of the areas where Ukraine needed urgent support.&nbsp;

This announcement by the World Bank comes ahead of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During the event, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked partners via video link for their support and urged further backing.

"By rebuilding what has been ruined, we defeat the goal of terror, we return the normal life," President Zelensky said.&nbsp;

On March 31, the IMF announced that it had approved a $15.6 billion support package for Ukraine, forming the fund's portion of a $115 billion overall support package.&nbsp;

A recent study by the World Bank, the United Nations (UN), the European Commission, and Ukraine said that the war-torn country would need an estimated $411 billion for recovery and reconstruction.&nbsp;

The sum is an increase on the $349 billion estimated in September last year and is likely to only grow as the war continues.

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The World Bank on Wednesday (April 12) announced a grant of $200 million for repairing Ukraine's energy infrastructure. In a statement, the World Bank said that Russia damaged over 50% of Ukraine's power infrastructure in attacks on its neighbour over the autumn and winter months.

The World Bank on Wednesday (April 12) announced a grant of $200 million for repairing Ukraine's energy infrastructure. In a statement, the World Bank said that Russia damaged over 50% of Ukraine's power infrastructure in attacks on its neighbour over the autumn and winter months. The statement added that Ukraine's east, where fighting is fiercest, has been particularly hard hit. The World Bank added that the funds were provided by the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF), with a goal of up to $300 million in additional funding from partners "as the project expands its scope." ALSO READ | IMF board approves $15.6 billion loan for war-torn Ukraine Anna Bjerde, the World Bank Managing Director of Operations, said on Wednesday that energy infrastructure suffered $11 billion in damages over the last year and was one of the areas where Ukraine needed urgent support. This announcement by the World Bank comes ahead of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During the event, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked partners via video link for their support and urged further backing. "By rebuilding what has been ruined, we defeat the goal of terror, we return the normal life," President Zelensky said. On March 31, the IMF announced that it had approved a $15.6 billion support package for Ukraine, forming the fund's portion of a $115 billion overall support package. A recent study by the World Bank, the United Nations (UN), the European Commission, and Ukraine said that the war-torn country would need an estimated $411 billion for recovery and reconstruction. The sum is an increase on the $349 billion estimated in September last year and is likely to only grow as the war continues. 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.

World Bank announces grant of $200 million to repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure

The Japanese government early Thursday (April 13) urged residents in the northern Hokkaido region to take shelter after North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile. As per the Yonhap news agency, South Korea's military said that North Korea fired the missile toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan.&nbsp;

Tokyo confirmed the launch, with the office of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tweeting at 10.34 GMT that "North Korea launched what appears to be a ballistic missile."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-calls-for-more-practical-offensive-war-deterrence-to-counter-us-south-korea-581166">North Korea’s Kim calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence to counter US, South Korea</a>

"Evacuate immediately. Evacuate immediately," the government said in a warning, telling residents of Hokkaido to take shelter in a building or underground and warning that the missile was expected to land around 8:00 am local time (23.00 GMT), according to a report by the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

However, not long after, the Asahikawa City in Hokkaido tweeted that there was no longer any concern of danger.

"After we confirmed the information, there is no possibility that the missile will fall on Hokkaido or areas around the region," the tweet, citing the national government's emergency network, read.&nbsp;

Thursday's incident comes as North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un called for strengthening the country's war deterrence in a "more practical and offensive" manner to counter what the country called moves of aggression by the United States.

Pyongyang has criticised the recent series of joint military exercises between the US and South Korea as escalating tensions, stepping up its weapons tests in recent months.

North Korea has claimed to have conducted three tests of underwater drones -- known as Haeil, which means tsunami in Korean -- in less than three weeks so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Japanese government early Thursday (April 13) urged residents in the northern Hokkaido region to take shelter after North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile.

The Japanese government early Thursday (April 13) urged residents in the northern Hokkaido region to take shelter after North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile. As per the Yonhap news agency, South Korea's military said that North Korea fired the missile toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. Tokyo confirmed the launch, with the office of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tweeting at 10.34 GMT that "North Korea launched what appears to be a ballistic missile." ALSO READ | North Korea’s Kim calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence to counter US, South Korea "Evacuate immediately. Evacuate immediately," the government said in a warning, telling residents of Hokkaido to take shelter in a building or underground and warning that the missile was expected to land around 8:00 am local time (23.00 GMT), according to a report by the news agency AFP. However, not long after, the Asahikawa City in Hokkaido tweeted that there was no longer any concern of danger. "After we confirmed the information, there is no possibility that the missile will fall on Hokkaido or areas around the region," the tweet, citing the national government's emergency network, read. Thursday's incident comes as North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un called for strengthening the country's war deterrence in a "more practical and offensive" manner to counter what the country called moves of aggression by the United States. Pyongyang has criticised the recent series of joint military exercises between the US and South Korea as escalating tensions, stepping up its weapons tests in recent months. North Korea has claimed to have conducted three tests of underwater drones -- known as Haeil, which means tsunami in Korean -- in less than three weeks so far. (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.

North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile, Japan warns Hokkaido residents

An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 hit the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia, the news agency ANI reported on Thursday (April 13) citing the United States Geological Survey (USGS). No casualties have been reported so far. The earthquake occurred at UTC+05:30 at a depth of 70.2 kilometres.&nbsp;

According to the USGS, &nbsp;latitude and longitude were found to be at 6.420°S and 131.152°E respectively.&nbsp;

Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

More than 65 islands make up the Tanimbar Islands which are located in Indonesia`s Maluku province.&nbsp;

This earthquake comes a week after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Sumatra island in western Indonesia on April 3. According to the&nbsp;USGS, the quake's epicentre was at sea southwest of Padangsidempuan city in northern Sumatra at a depth of 84 kilometres, and the earthquake occurred at&nbsp;9:59 pm (1459 GMT).

There were no casualties. Local media said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries but&nbsp;some residents reported their homes shook, according to the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 hit the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia, the news agency ANI reported on Thursday (April 13) citing the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 hit the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia, the news agency ANI reported on Thursday (April 13) citing the United States Geological Survey (USGS). No casualties have been reported so far. The earthquake occurred at UTC+05:30 at a depth of 70.2 kilometres. According to the USGS, latitude and longitude were found to be at 6.420°S and 131.152°E respectively. Further details are awaited. More than 65 islands make up the Tanimbar Islands which are located in Indonesia`s Maluku province. This earthquake comes a week after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Sumatra island in western Indonesia on April 3. According to the USGS, the quake's epicentre was at sea southwest of Padangsidempuan city in northern Sumatra at a depth of 84 kilometres, and the earthquake occurred at 9:59 pm (1459 GMT). There were no casualties. Local media said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries but some residents reported their homes shook, according to the news agency AFP. (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.

Earthquake of magnitude 4.9 hits Indonesia's Tanimbar Islands: Report

Pakistan Supreme Court set up a larger bench on Wednesday (April 12) to hear petitions against the bill recently passed by the Parliament to curtail the powers of the Chief Justice.

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial will preside over the proceedings of the eight-member bench, which will start hearing on Thursday against the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill.

Other members of the panel are Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Mazahir Naqvi, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazahar Naqvi, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, and Justice Shahid Waheed.

The bill was passed again this week after President Dr Arif Alvi returned the original bill to the Parliament, urging the lawmakers to reconsider the proposed law. However, the Parliament in a joint sitting passed the same bill again and sent it to Alvi for assent.

The present can now delay it for ten days only and after the lapse of the mandatory period, it will become a law even without his signature.

The Express Tribune reported that one of the petitions filed by Advocate Shafay Munir claimed that the bill should be declared illegal and unconstitutional as only the top court had the authority to make its own rules.

The petition contended that the Constitution had made it clear that the ?independence of the judiciary? should be fully secured and the ?Parliament has no powers to pass such an act to curtail the powers of (the) Supreme Court or its Chief Justice or the judges?.

It maintained that the president had ?highlighted the aspects? that required reconsideration, but the Parliament failed to reconsider the same and passed the bill beyond its powers.

The petition stated that Article 191 of the Constitution stated that ?subject to the Constitution and law, the Supreme Court may make rules regulating the practice and procedure of the court?. It continued that the powers to make SC rules were ?expressly entrusted? to the court itself and not to the Parliament.

Therefore, it stated, the Parliament did not have the powers to ?enact any sort of legislation in relation to the powers and procedures of the Supreme Court?.

The petition prayed that the top court accept the petition and declare the bill as ?ultra vires and unconstitutional and of no legal effect?.

Earlier, the government sponsored bill was passed by the parliament to reduce the powers of the chief justice to take sup motu action and set up panels of judges for cases. It also provided the right of appeal against the suo motu decisions.

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Pakistan Supreme Court set up a larger bench on Wednesday (April 12) to hear petitions against the bill recently passed by the Parliament to curtail the powers of the Chief Justice.

Pakistan Supreme Court set up a larger bench on Wednesday (April 12) to hear petitions against the bill recently passed by the Parliament to curtail the powers of the Chief Justice. Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial will preside over the proceedings of the eight-member bench, which will start hearing on Thursday against the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill. Other members of the panel are Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Mazahir Naqvi, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazahar Naqvi, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, and Justice Shahid Waheed. The bill was passed again this week after President Dr Arif Alvi returned the original bill to the Parliament, urging the lawmakers to reconsider the proposed law. However, the Parliament in a joint sitting passed the same bill again and sent it to Alvi for assent. The present can now delay it for ten days only and after the lapse of the mandatory period, it will become a law even without his signature. The Express Tribune reported that one of the petitions filed by Advocate Shafay Munir claimed that the bill should be declared illegal and unconstitutional as only the top court had the authority to make its own rules. The petition contended that the Constitution had made it clear that the ?independence of the judiciary? should be fully secured and the ?Parliament has no powers to pass such an act to curtail the powers of (the) Supreme Court or its Chief Justice or the judges?. It maintained that the president had ?highlighted the aspects? that required reconsideration, but the Parliament failed to reconsider the same and passed the bill beyond its powers. The petition stated that Article 191 of the Constitution stated that ?subject to the Constitution and law, the Supreme Court may make rules regulating the practice and procedure of the court?. It continued that the powers to make SC rules were ?expressly entrusted? to the court itself and not to the Parliament. Therefore, it stated, the Parliament did not have the powers to ?enact any sort of legislation in relation to the powers and procedures of the Supreme Court?. The petition prayed that the top court accept the petition and declare the bill as ?ultra vires and unconstitutional and of no legal effect?. Earlier, the government sponsored bill was passed by the parliament to reduce the powers of the chief justice to take sup motu action and set up panels of judges for cases. It also provided the right of appeal against the suo motu decisions. 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 SC sets up larger bench against bill recently passed to curtail powers of Chief Justice

Syria will reopen its embassy in Tunisia as Syria's top diplomat visited Saudi Arabia seeking to restore ties that have been severed for over 10 years, Associated Press has reported. A joint statement from the foreign ministries of the two countries said that Tunisian President Kais&nbsp;Saied's move to appoint a new ambassador to Syria was reciprocated by the Syrian government.&nbsp;

"In response to the initiative of the President of the Tunisian Republic... the Syrian government... decided to reopen the Syrian embassy in Tunisia, and to appoint an ambassador soon," the statement read.&nbsp;

Tunisia expelled Syria's ambassador in 2012 over the government's repression of peaceful protesters that triggered over a decade of civil war which killed around half a million people and displaced millions more since 2011.

In March, Tunisian President Saied said that he planned to restore diplomatic relations with Syria. This was the latest example of Arab outreach to the internationally isolated government in Damascus that has gathered pace since Syria and Turkey were hit by a massive earthquake in February.

Since the quake, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has received calls and aid from Arab leaders. President Assad has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman.

And last month, Saudi Arabia said it has started talks with Damascus about resuming consular services.

On Wednesday, A delegation headed by Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks about bilateral relations between the two countries. This was the first such visit since 2012.&nbsp;

Saudi state media reported that Mikdad was received by the kingdom’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji. The meeting focused on “efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria’s unity, security and stability, facilitates the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and secures the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected areas in Syria.”

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Syria will reopen its embassy in Tunisia as Syria's top diplomat visited Saudi Arabia seeking to restore ties that have been severed for over 10 years, Associated Press has reported.

Syria will reopen its embassy in Tunisia as Syria's top diplomat visited Saudi Arabia seeking to restore ties that have been severed for over 10 years, Associated Press has reported. A joint statement from the foreign ministries of the two countries said that Tunisian President Kais Saied's move to appoint a new ambassador to Syria was reciprocated by the Syrian government. "In response to the initiative of the President of the Tunisian Republic... the Syrian government... decided to reopen the Syrian embassy in Tunisia, and to appoint an ambassador soon," the statement read. Tunisia expelled Syria's ambassador in 2012 over the government's repression of peaceful protesters that triggered over a decade of civil war which killed around half a million people and displaced millions more since 2011. In March, Tunisian President Saied said that he planned to restore diplomatic relations with Syria. This was the latest example of Arab outreach to the internationally isolated government in Damascus that has gathered pace since Syria and Turkey were hit by a massive earthquake in February. Since the quake, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has received calls and aid from Arab leaders. President Assad has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman. And last month, Saudi Arabia said it has started talks with Damascus about resuming consular services. On Wednesday, A delegation headed by Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks about bilateral relations between the two countries. This was the first such visit since 2012. Saudi state media reported that Mikdad was received by the kingdom’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji. The meeting focused on “efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves Syria’s unity, security and stability, facilitates the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and secures the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected areas in Syria.” 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.

Syria and Tunisia to restore diplomatic ties after over a decade: Report

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (April 12) urged Northern Irish politicians to&nbsp;restore their powersharing government with the promise that scores of major American corporations were ready to invest in the region. Biden, who began a tour of the&nbsp;Republic of Ireland, had a brief stop at Belfast. Speaking at the&nbsp;Ulster University campus, Biden said, "Today's Belfast is the beating heart of Northern Ireland and is poised to drive unprecedented economic opportunity. There are scores of major American corporations wanting to come here wanting to invest," the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Biden said that powersharing&nbsp;remained critical to the future of Northern Ireland and that an effective devolved government would "draw even greater opportunity in this region."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/security-breach-occurred-during-bidens-belfast-trip-northern-ireland-police-confirms-581862">'Security breach' occurred during Biden's Belfast trip, Northern Ireland police confirms</a>

"So I hope the assembly and the executive will soon be restored. That's a judgment for you to make, not me, but I hope it happens," the US president added.&nbsp;

Joe Biden's brief stop at Belfast&nbsp;was against the backdrop of the latest political stalemate in which the devolved powersharing government, an important part of the 1998 peace deal, has not met for over a year because of a row about&nbsp;post-Brexit trade arrangements.

The 1998 peace deal&nbsp;was backed by the US&nbsp;and largely ended three decades of bloodshed between mainly Catholic nationalist opponents and mainly Protestant unionist supporters of British rule. However, political progress has been held back by a series of rows, most recently over how Britain's departure from the European Union (EU) affects the border with EU member Ireland.

Biden&nbsp;said the recent Windsor Framework deal between the EU and Britain to ease post-Brexit trade barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK the stability and predictability to encourage greater investment.

On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the US president about incredible economic opportunities&nbsp;for Northern Ireland, their hope that powersharing would be restored as soon as possible, and described both countries as very close partners.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (April 12) urged Northern Irish politicians to restore their powersharing government with the promise that scores of major American corporations were ready to invest in the region.

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (April 12) urged Northern Irish politicians to restore their powersharing government with the promise that scores of major American corporations were ready to invest in the region. Biden, who began a tour of the Republic of Ireland, had a brief stop at Belfast. Speaking at the Ulster University campus, Biden said, "Today's Belfast is the beating heart of Northern Ireland and is poised to drive unprecedented economic opportunity. There are scores of major American corporations wanting to come here wanting to invest," the news agency Reuters reported. Biden said that powersharing remained critical to the future of Northern Ireland and that an effective devolved government would "draw even greater opportunity in this region." ALSO READ | 'Security breach' occurred during Biden's Belfast trip, Northern Ireland police confirms "So I hope the assembly and the executive will soon be restored. That's a judgment for you to make, not me, but I hope it happens," the US president added. Joe Biden's brief stop at Belfast was against the backdrop of the latest political stalemate in which the devolved powersharing government, an important part of the 1998 peace deal, has not met for over a year because of a row about post-Brexit trade arrangements. The 1998 peace deal was backed by the US and largely ended three decades of bloodshed between mainly Catholic nationalist opponents and mainly Protestant unionist supporters of British rule. However, political progress has been held back by a series of rows, most recently over how Britain's departure from the European Union (EU) affects the border with EU member Ireland. Biden said the recent Windsor Framework deal between the EU and Britain to ease post-Brexit trade barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK the stability and predictability to encourage greater investment. On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the US president about incredible economic opportunities for Northern Ireland, their hope that powersharing would be restored as soon as possible, and described both countries as very close partners. (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.

Joe Biden urges Northern Ireland leaders to restore their powersharing govt

Poland&nbsp;aims to become the service centre for US-made Abrams tanks in Europe, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday during a visit to the United States.

"I want a service centre for Abrams tanks for the whole of Europe, for maintaining their battle readiness, to be located in&nbsp;Poland. This is possible, I am in talks regarding this...," Morawiecki told a press conference in Anniston, Alabama broadcast by Polish public television.

"We are also striving for the production of depleted uranium ammunition cores for the Abrams to be located in&nbsp;Poland."

Poland, a close ally of the United States within NATO, has ordered 250 state-of-the-art Abrams battle tanks in addition to 116 modernised ones.

"...I have confirmation that by June at the latest 14 Abrams tanks will be delivered to&nbsp;Poland...", he said, adding that these would replace Soviet-era tanks his country had donated to Ukraine to help fight off Russia's invasion.

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Poland aims to become the service centre for US-made Abrams tanks in Europe, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday during a visit to the United States.

Poland aims to become the service centre for US-made Abrams tanks in Europe, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday during a visit to the United States. "I want a service centre for Abrams tanks for the whole of Europe, for maintaining their battle readiness, to be located in Poland. This is possible, I am in talks regarding this...," Morawiecki told a press conference in Anniston, Alabama broadcast by Polish public television. "We are also striving for the production of depleted uranium ammunition cores for the Abrams to be located in Poland." Poland, a close ally of the United States within NATO, has ordered 250 state-of-the-art Abrams battle tanks in addition to 116 modernised ones. "...I have confirmation that by June at the latest 14 Abrams tanks will be delivered to Poland...", he said, adding that these would replace Soviet-era tanks his country had donated to Ukraine to help fight off Russia's invasion. 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.

Poland aims to set up Abrams tank service centre for Europe

Canada on Tuesday (April 11) pledged fresh military support for war-torn Ukraine and imposed new sanctions on Russia. After meeting Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Toronto, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government would send 21,000 assault rifles, 38 machine guns, and 2.4 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine and impose sanctions on 14 Russian individuals and 34 entities, including security targets linked to Wagner Group, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-hackers-claim-hacking-russian-spy-who-targetted-us-democrats-in-2016-581419">Ukraine hackers claim hacking Russian spy who targetted US Democrats in 2016</a>

"We will continue to support Ukraine with everything needed for as long as necessary," Trudeau said. The Canadian prime minister added that Ottawa was also imposing sanctions on nine entities tied to the Belarusian financial sector to further pressure Russia's "enablers in Belarus."

Since January last year, Canada has committed over C$ 8 billion to Ukraine in financial, military, humanitarian, and other assistance, a month before Russia's invasion began.&nbsp;

On February 24 this year, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-canada-pledges-4-more-leopard-tanks-to-kyiv-imposes-new-sanctions-on-russia-565866">Prime Minister Trudeau announced that his government was sanctioning an additional</a> 192 Russian individuals and entities. These sanctions targeted Russian lawmakers who supported Moscow's offensive in Ukraine, including ministers in Putin's cabinet, the military and defence sector as well as family members of individuals already on the sanctions list of Canada. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukraine's general staff said on Tuesday that Russia pressed on with its offensive in the eastern Donetsk region where several cities and towns came under heavy bombardment.&nbsp;

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine's ground forces, accused Moscow of "scorched earth". Speaking about Bakhmut, Colonel General Syrskyi said, "The enemy switched to so-called scorched earth tactics from Syria. It is destroying buildings and positions with air strikes and artillery fire," Reuters further reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Canada on Tuesday (April 11) pledged fresh military support for war-torn Ukraine and imposed new sanctions on Russia. After meeting Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Toronto, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government would send 21,000 assault rifles, 38 machine guns, and 2.

Canada on Tuesday (April 11) pledged fresh military support for war-torn Ukraine and imposed new sanctions on Russia. After meeting Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Toronto, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government would send 21,000 assault rifles, 38 machine guns, and 2.4 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine and impose sanctions on 14 Russian individuals and 34 entities, including security targets linked to Wagner Group, the news agency Reuters reported. ALSO READ | Ukraine hackers claim hacking Russian spy who targetted US Democrats in 2016 "We will continue to support Ukraine with everything needed for as long as necessary," Trudeau said. The Canadian prime minister added that Ottawa was also imposing sanctions on nine entities tied to the Belarusian financial sector to further pressure Russia's "enablers in Belarus." Since January last year, Canada has committed over C$ 8 billion to Ukraine in financial, military, humanitarian, and other assistance, a month before Russia's invasion began. On February 24 this year, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that his government was sanctioning an additional 192 Russian individuals and entities. These sanctions targeted Russian lawmakers who supported Moscow's offensive in Ukraine, including ministers in Putin's cabinet, the military and defence sector as well as family members of individuals already on the sanctions list of Canada. Meanwhile, Ukraine's general staff said on Tuesday that Russia pressed on with its offensive in the eastern Donetsk region where several cities and towns came under heavy bombardment. Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine's ground forces, accused Moscow of "scorched earth". Speaking about Bakhmut, Colonel General Syrskyi said, "The enemy switched to so-called scorched earth tactics from Syria. It is destroying buildings and positions with air strikes and artillery fire," Reuters further reported. (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.

Ukraine war: Canada pledges fresh military support for Kyiv, imposes new sanctions on Russia

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