<p>Sri Lanka, in the midst of an economic crisis decided on Saturday that price of dozens of commonly used medicined would be increased by 40 per cent.</p>

<p>The nation is witnessing countrywide protests from citizens who are reeling from lengthy blackouts and acute shortages of food, fuel and pharmaceuticals. People are demanding government's resignation.</p>

<p>Antibiotics, non-prescription painkillers and medications for heart conditions and diabetes will all be subject to the price rise, health minister Channa Jayasumana said.</p>

<p>Industry officials said the latest hike was necessary to offset the impact of fuel prices, which have doubled since December.</p>

<p>According to official figures, Sri Lanka's inflation rate was at nearly 30 per cent in April. This was seventh consecutive record high.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka has run out of foreign currency to import sorely needed essential goods.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-agrees-to-form-all-party-interim-government-with-new-pm-say-reports-474847">Sri Lanka president agrees to form all-party interim government with a new PM, say reports</a></strong></p>

<p>The government this month announced a default on its $51 billion foreign debt and asked citizens abroad to donate money to help the island out of its economic predicament.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka has asked for an International Monetary Fund bailout, which could take up to three months to arrive.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday (April 30), Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has agreed to form an all-party interim government led by a new prime minister</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sri Lanka, in the midst of an economic crisis decided on Saturday that price of dozens of commonly used medicined would be increased by 40 per cent. The nation is witnessing countrywide protests from citizens who are reeling from lengthy blackouts and acute shortages of food, fuel and pharmaceuticals.

Sri Lanka, in the midst of an economic crisis decided on Saturday that price of dozens of commonly used medicined would be increased by 40 per cent. The nation is witnessing countrywide protests from citizens who are reeling from lengthy blackouts and acute shortages of food, fuel and pharmaceuticals. People are demanding government's resignation. Antibiotics, non-prescription painkillers and medications for heart conditions and diabetes will all be subject to the price rise, health minister Channa Jayasumana said. Industry officials said the latest hike was necessary to offset the impact of fuel prices, which have doubled since December. According to official figures, Sri Lanka's inflation rate was at nearly 30 per cent in April. This was seventh consecutive record high. Sri Lanka has run out of foreign currency to import sorely needed essential goods. Also Read | Sri Lanka president agrees to form all-party interim government with a new PM, say reports The government this month announced a default on its $51 billion foreign debt and asked citizens abroad to donate money to help the island out of its economic predicament. Sri Lanka has asked for an International Monetary Fund bailout, which could take up to three months to arrive. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × On Friday (April 30), Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has agreed to form an all-party interim government led by a new prime minister (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka hikes medicine prices amid financial crisis

<p>A British military update said on Saturday that Russia has been forced to merge and redeploy depleted units from failed advances in northeast Ukraine.</p>

<p>"Shortcomings in Russian tactical coordination remain. A lack of unit-level skills and inconsistent air support have left Russia unable to fully leverage its combat mass, despite localised improvements," the military tweeted.</p>

<p>"Russia hopes to rectify issues that have previously constrained its invasion by geographically concentrating combat power, shortening supply lines and simplifying command and control," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Euro zone inflation rises to 7.5%</strong></p>

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<p>Russia launched invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The forces advanced rapidly but the initial momentum did not sustain and Russia could not capture a single major Ukrainian city for a long time. Russian forces advansed towards Ukraine's capital Kyiv but did not capture it. Currently Russia only control of Mariupol in the south but even that city has a pocket defended by Ukrainian soldiers.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cruelty-and-depravity-us-blasts-putin-as-russia-carries-out-airstrikes-against-kyiv-475068">'Cruelty and depravity': US blasts Putin as Russia carries out airstrikes against Kyiv</a></strong></p>

<p>Western aid including weapons are arriving in Ukraine.</p>

<p>On Saturday (April 30) Russia said that its artillery had struck 389 Ukrainian targets overnight. These, said Russia included 35 control points, 15 arms and ammunition depots and more areas where Ukrainian troops and equipments were concentrated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Russia's defence ministry said that its missiles had hit four ammunition and fuel depots.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A British military update said on Saturday that Russia has been forced to merge and redeploy depleted units from failed advances in northeast Ukraine. "Shortcomings in Russian tactical coordination remain.

A British military update said on Saturday that Russia has been forced to merge and redeploy depleted units from failed advances in northeast Ukraine. "Shortcomings in Russian tactical coordination remain. A lack of unit-level skills and inconsistent air support have left Russia unable to fully leverage its combat mass, despite localised improvements," the military tweeted. "Russia hopes to rectify issues that have previously constrained its invasion by geographically concentrating combat power, shortening supply lines and simplifying command and control," it said. Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Euro zone inflation rises to 7.5% × Russia launched invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The forces advanced rapidly but the initial momentum did not sustain and Russia could not capture a single major Ukrainian city for a long time. Russian forces advansed towards Ukraine's capital Kyiv but did not capture it. Currently Russia only control of Mariupol in the south but even that city has a pocket defended by Ukrainian soldiers. Also Read | 'Cruelty and depravity': US blasts Putin as Russia carries out airstrikes against Kyiv Western aid including weapons are arriving in Ukraine. On Saturday (April 30) Russia said that its artillery had struck 389 Ukrainian targets overnight. These, said Russia included 35 control points, 15 arms and ammunition depots and more areas where Ukrainian troops and equipments were concentrated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Russia's defence ministry said that its missiles had hit four ammunition and fuel depots. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine: Russia forced to rearrange troop deployment, says British update

<p>Bomb explosions aborad two passenger vans in Afghanistan carrying Shi'ite Muslims killed at least nine people on Thursday, said an official. The official was quoted by Reuters. The blasts took place in northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif.</p>

<p>Just last week, a Shi'ite mosque in the city was target of attack that saw an explosion killing 11 people.</p>

<p>Islamic State has claimed responsibility for blasts inside the vans.</p>

<p>"The bombs were placed inside the vans; due to those blasts nine have been killed and 13 injured," Mohammad Asif Wazeri, spokesman of Mazar-e-Sharif's commander told Reuters.</p>

<p>The public transport vans were operated and used by the local Shi'ite community, he added.</p>

<p>Islamic State often targets Shi'ite community, a minority Muslim sect in Afghanistan. Islamic State has also posed challenges for the Taliban who currently assume power in a country ravaged by war for decades.</p>

<p>Taliban authorities who took over after the Western pullout said earlier this week they had eliminated most of Islamic State's presence in Afghanistan. But despite the assertion, attacks against Shi'ites continue in many parts of the country.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Last week, blasts tore through a high school in a predominantly Shi'ite Hazara area in western Kabul, killing at least six.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bomb explosions aborad two passenger vans in Afghanistan carrying Shi'ite Muslims killed at least nine people on Thursday, said an official. The official was quoted by Reuters.

Bomb explosions aborad two passenger vans in Afghanistan carrying Shi'ite Muslims killed at least nine people on Thursday, said an official. The official was quoted by Reuters. The blasts took place in northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif. Just last week, a Shi'ite mosque in the city was target of attack that saw an explosion killing 11 people. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for blasts inside the vans. "The bombs were placed inside the vans; due to those blasts nine have been killed and 13 injured," Mohammad Asif Wazeri, spokesman of Mazar-e-Sharif's commander told Reuters. The public transport vans were operated and used by the local Shi'ite community, he added. Islamic State often targets Shi'ite community, a minority Muslim sect in Afghanistan. Islamic State has also posed challenges for the Taliban who currently assume power in a country ravaged by war for decades. Taliban authorities who took over after the Western pullout said earlier this week they had eliminated most of Islamic State's presence in Afghanistan. But despite the assertion, attacks against Shi'ites continue in many parts of the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Last week, blasts tore through a high school in a predominantly Shi'ite Hazara area in western Kabul, killing at least six. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Blasts inside vans take 9 lives, IS claims responsibility 

<p>Russian rockets struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv late on Thursday (April 28). The missile strikes came even as United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres was visiting the city. In other news Tesla CEO Elon Musk sold his Tesla shares worth USD 4 billion. Read this and more in out morning news brief.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-rockets-strike-kyiv-during-un-chief-antonio-guterres-visit-474784"><strong>Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit</strong></a><br />
<br />
The strikes were first in the capital in nearly two weeks. They were carried out after Guterres toured Bucha and other suburbs in which Russia faces allegations to have committed war crimes.</p>

<p><img alt="Kyiv" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b0e79c80-fc94-414a-8ee0-8aeaccf4d1f4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/kYIV.png" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-sweden-will-begin-nato-membership-process-in-may-says-local-media-474770"><strong>Finland, Sweden will begin NATO membership process in May, says local media</strong></a><br />
<br />
The Nordic countries have tightened cooperation with NATO since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. But Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced both countries to reexamine their stance of military neutrality.</p>

<p><img alt="NATO" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0eccc27-4472-4ec1-9672-9e5f219a26ee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NATO.png" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-sells-usd-4-billion-worth-of-tesla-shares-to-bolster-twitter-acquisition-474777"><strong>Elon Musk sells USD 4 billion worth of Tesla shares to bolster Twitter acquisition</strong></a><br />
<br />
In a tweet, Elon Musk said that there were no plans to share more Tesla shares.</p>

<p><img alt="Musk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16aab0cd-cef3-4c97-9164-6d1e608bb549" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Musk.png" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-groups-concerned-as-uk-brings-about-biggest-overhaul-to-its-asylum-law-474772"><strong>Human rights groups concerned as UK brings about biggest overhaul to its asylum law</strong></a><br />
<br />
It imposes harsher prison sentences for anyone who enters the country illegally, raising concerns that it could be used against asylum seekers.</p>

<p><img alt="Human rights" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f0d6aa2-88dc-461b-948b-ce91cf342410" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/UK.png" /></p>

<p><strong>Report: US left $7 billion of military gear in Afghanistan</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russian rockets struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv late on Thursday (April 28). The missile strikes came even as United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres was visiting the city.

Russian rockets struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv late on Thursday (April 28). The missile strikes came even as United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres was visiting the city. In other news Tesla CEO Elon Musk sold his Tesla shares worth USD 4 billion. Read this and more in out morning news brief. Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit The strikes were first in the capital in nearly two weeks. They were carried out after Guterres toured Bucha and other suburbs in which Russia faces allegations to have committed war crimes. Finland, Sweden will begin NATO membership process in May, says local media The Nordic countries have tightened cooperation with NATO since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. But Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced both countries to reexamine their stance of military neutrality. Elon Musk sells USD 4 billion worth of Tesla shares to bolster Twitter acquisition In a tweet, Elon Musk said that there were no plans to share more Tesla shares. Human rights groups concerned as UK brings about biggest overhaul to its asylum law It imposes harsher prison sentences for anyone who enters the country illegally, raising concerns that it could be used against asylum seekers. Report: US left $7 billion of military gear in Afghanistan ×

Morning news brief: Russia strikes Kyiv during Guterres visit, Musk sells Tesla shares, more

<p>Russia struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (April 28) during United Nations Sectretary General Antonio Guterres' visit to the city. During his visit, Guterres spoke of and denounced 'absurdity' of war in 21st century.</p>

<p>The strikes took place in western part of the city wounding at least three people. The strikes were first in the capital in nearly two weeks. They were carried out after Guterres toured Bucha and other suburbs in which Russia faces allegations to have committed war crimes.</p>

<p>Ukrainian prosecutors said they were investigating 10 Russian soldiers for suspected atrocities in Bucha, where dozens of bodies in civilian clothes were found after Moscow's retreat, and had identified more than 8,000 alleged war crimes cases.</p>

<p>Prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova has told a German TV channel that these cases include "killing civilians, bombing of civilian infrastructure, torture" and "sexual crimes".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-21st-century-war-is-an-absurdity-un-chief-antonio-guterres-visits-destroyed-ukrainian-towns-474656">'In 21st century, war is an absurdity': UN chief Antonio Guterres visits destroyed Ukrainian towns</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has urged lawmakers in the US to approve the huge aid package worth USD 33 billion for Ukraine.</p>

<p>"The cost of this fight is not cheap. But caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen," Biden said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Biden's proposal as an "important step" and "necessary."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (April 28) during United Nations Sectretary General Antonio Guterres' visit to the city. During his visit, Guterres spoke of and denounced 'absurdity' of war in 21st century.

Russia struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (April 28) during United Nations Sectretary General Antonio Guterres' visit to the city. During his visit, Guterres spoke of and denounced 'absurdity' of war in 21st century. The strikes took place in western part of the city wounding at least three people. The strikes were first in the capital in nearly two weeks. They were carried out after Guterres toured Bucha and other suburbs in which Russia faces allegations to have committed war crimes. Ukrainian prosecutors said they were investigating 10 Russian soldiers for suspected atrocities in Bucha, where dozens of bodies in civilian clothes were found after Moscow's retreat, and had identified more than 8,000 alleged war crimes cases. Prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova has told a German TV channel that these cases include "killing civilians, bombing of civilian infrastructure, torture" and "sexual crimes". Also Read | 'In 21st century, war is an absurdity': UN chief Antonio Guterres visits destroyed Ukrainian towns Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has urged lawmakers in the US to approve the huge aid package worth USD 33 billion for Ukraine. "The cost of this fight is not cheap. But caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen," Biden said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Biden's proposal as an "important step" and "necessary." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit

<p>Tesla CEO Elon Musk sold 4.4 million shares of the electric carmaker, showed US securities filings on Thursday. The shares are worth USD 8.5 billion. This mover from the billionaire is likely to help him to generate funds for his proposed acquisition of Twitter.</p>

<p>In a tweet, Musk said that there were no plans to share more Tesla shares.</p>

<p>Musk has offered to but social media giant Twitter for USD 44 billion. Market watchers and speculators are watching Musk's moves very closely for a sign that he might backtrack on his offer to buy Twitter.</p>

<p>In past, Elon Musk has backtracked after making mega-announcements. He declined to take up a seat on Twitter's board at the last minute earlier this month. In 2018, Musk had declared that he would take Tesla private. He even said that he had "funding secured" for USD 72 billion deal. But he didn't move ahead with the offer.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-ceo-elon-musks-purchase-of-initial-9-stake-in-twitter-under-scrutiny-says-report-474755">Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s purchase of initial 9% stake in Twitter under scrutiny, says report &nbsp;</a></strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Musk wants to walk away from Twitter acquisition, he would have to pay UD 1 billion acquisition fee. Although the amount appears huge, it is a but a sliver of Musk's estimated total wealth of USD 240 billion.</p>

<p>On Thursday (April 28), Twitter shares climbed after having reported mixed earnings.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Near 1850 GMT, shares in the microblogging company stood at $49.18, up 1.1 percent from Wednesday, but well below the $54.20 price in the agreement between Twitter and Musk.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tesla CEO Elon Musk sold 4.4 million shares of the electric carmaker, showed US securities filings on Thursday. The shares are worth USD 8.5 billion. This mover from the billionaire is likely to help him to generate funds for his proposed acquisition of Twitter.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk sold 4.4 million shares of the electric carmaker, showed US securities filings on Thursday. The shares are worth USD 8.5 billion. This mover from the billionaire is likely to help him to generate funds for his proposed acquisition of Twitter. In a tweet, Musk said that there were no plans to share more Tesla shares. Musk has offered to but social media giant Twitter for USD 44 billion. Market watchers and speculators are watching Musk's moves very closely for a sign that he might backtrack on his offer to buy Twitter. In past, Elon Musk has backtracked after making mega-announcements. He declined to take up a seat on Twitter's board at the last minute earlier this month. In 2018, Musk had declared that he would take Tesla private. He even said that he had "funding secured" for USD 72 billion deal. But he didn't move ahead with the offer. Also Read | Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s purchase of initial 9% stake in Twitter under scrutiny, says report If Musk wants to walk away from Twitter acquisition, he would have to pay UD 1 billion acquisition fee. Although the amount appears huge, it is a but a sliver of Musk's estimated total wealth of USD 240 billion. On Thursday (April 28), Twitter shares climbed after having reported mixed earnings. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Near 1850 GMT, shares in the microblogging company stood at $49.18, up 1.1 percent from Wednesday, but well below the $54.20 price in the agreement between Twitter and Musk. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk sells USD 8.5 billion worth of Tesla shares to bolster Twitter acquisition

<p>Local media in Finland and Sweden said that both countries will express there intention of joining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in May. Finnish tabloid newspaper Iltalehti and Expressen in Sweden cited sources close to the matter while reporting this.</p>

<p>The Nordic countries have tightened cooperation with NATO since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. But Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced both countries to reexamine their stance of military neutrality</p>

<p>According to Iltalehti, the leaders of Finland and Sweden plan to meet in the week of May 16 and after that publicly announce their plans to apply to join the alliance.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Who is winning the war in Ukraine?</strong></p>

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<p>Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto declined to comment as per Reuters, but repeated his longstanding view that he would prefer Finland and Sweden made similar choices.</p>

<p>Swedish daily Aftonbladet reported separately, citing sources close to Swedish government offices, that the United States and Britain had promised Sweden increased military presence, more in-depth military exercises and 'strong political' support from NATO countries" during a possible NATO application process.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-21st-century-war-is-an-absurdity-un-chief-antonio-guterres-visits-destroyed-ukrainian-towns-474656">Also Read | 'In 21st century, war is an absurdity': UN chief Antonio Guterres visits destroyed Ukrainian towns</a></strong></p>

<p>The Swedish foreign ministry has declined to comment on media reports</p>

<p>Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin said two weeks ago, while visiting her Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersson, that she expected Finland to make its decision whether to apply for NATO membership within weeks.</p>

<p>Stockholm is conducting a review of security policy, which includes a view on possible NATO membership, with the results due by mid-May.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Separately, Sweden's ruling Social Democrats are also reviewing their long-held objection to NATO membership. That is expected at the latest by May 24.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Local media in Finland and Sweden said that both countries will express there intention of joining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in May. Finnish tabloid newspaper Iltalehti and Expressen in Sweden cited sources close to the matter while reporting this.

Local media in Finland and Sweden said that both countries will express there intention of joining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in May. Finnish tabloid newspaper Iltalehti and Expressen in Sweden cited sources close to the matter while reporting this. The Nordic countries have tightened cooperation with NATO since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. But Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced both countries to reexamine their stance of military neutrality According to Iltalehti, the leaders of Finland and Sweden plan to meet in the week of May 16 and after that publicly announce their plans to apply to join the alliance. Gravitas: Who is winning the war in Ukraine? × Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto declined to comment as per Reuters, but repeated his longstanding view that he would prefer Finland and Sweden made similar choices. Swedish daily Aftonbladet reported separately, citing sources close to Swedish government offices, that the United States and Britain had promised Sweden increased military presence, more in-depth military exercises and 'strong political' support from NATO countries" during a possible NATO application process. Also Read | 'In 21st century, war is an absurdity': UN chief Antonio Guterres visits destroyed Ukrainian towns The Swedish foreign ministry has declined to comment on media reports Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin said two weeks ago, while visiting her Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersson, that she expected Finland to make its decision whether to apply for NATO membership within weeks. Stockholm is conducting a review of security policy, which includes a view on possible NATO membership, with the results due by mid-May. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Separately, Sweden's ruling Social Democrats are also reviewing their long-held objection to NATO membership. That is expected at the latest by May 24. (With inputs from agencies)

Finland, Sweden will begin NATO membership process in May, says local media

<p>A video showing hundreds of pilgrims shouting "chor chor" (thieves) at Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's delegation while it made way to Masjid-e-Nawabi in Madina, has gone viral online. Police reportedly later made arrests for violating sanctity.</p>

<p>In a video, Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and member of the National Assembly Shahzain Bugti were seen along with others. According to a&nbsp;Pakistani newspaper, Aurangzeb indirectly blamed ousted Imran Khan for the protest.</p>

<p>"I will not name this person on this holy land because I do not want to use this land for politics. But they have destroyed the [Pakistani] society," The Express Tribune quoted Aurangzeb as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan PM in Saudi: Shehbaz Sharif may seek a $7.4 bn Saudi aid package</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif is on a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. Dozens of Pakistani officials and political leaders have accompanied Sharif.</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter and sharing the video, netizens wrote, "Proud Pakistanis, please be heartened by witnessing what a wonderful welcome our PM and his Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) gang of criminals got in Saudi Arabia."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/naya-pakistan-against-sharia-make-banking-system-interest-free-by-dec-2027-federal-shariat-court-tells-govt-474728">Naya Pakistan? Shariat court calls banking system against Sharia, tells govt to make it interest-free by 2027</a></strong></p>

<p>Another Twitter user, Muhammad Ibrahim Qazi said that Saudi Arabia citizens are calling out ousted PM Imran Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Citizens of Saudi Arabia are calling out Ousted PM Imran Khan to have exported the moral obscenity to the Prophet`s Mosque in Madinah. They are also condemning Pakistanis for violating the Kingdom`s laws," Qazi said.</p>

<p>Sharif was sworn in as Pakistan`s 23rd Prime Minister on April 11 after his predecessor Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote.</p>

<p>During his Saudi Arabia visit, Sharif is likely to seek additional package of USD 3.2 billion from Saudi Arabia. He is understood to be going to make this request to Saudi Arabia to prevent further depletion of Pakistan's foreign currency reserves.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Saudi Arabia had already given USD 3 billion deposits to the debt-ridden country and an oil facility on deferred payment worth USD 1.2 billion during Imran Khan`s tenure. Estimates say Pakistan requires USD 12 billion to prevent the balance of payment crisis and further depletion of the foreign currency reserves.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A video showing hundreds of pilgrims shouting "chor chor" (thieves) at Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's delegation while it made way to Masjid-e-Nawabi in Madina, has gone viral online.

A video showing hundreds of pilgrims shouting "chor chor" (thieves) at Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's delegation while it made way to Masjid-e-Nawabi in Madina, has gone viral online. Police reportedly later made arrests for violating sanctity. In a video, Pakistan's Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and member of the National Assembly Shahzain Bugti were seen along with others. According to a Pakistani newspaper, Aurangzeb indirectly blamed ousted Imran Khan for the protest. "I will not name this person on this holy land because I do not want to use this land for politics. But they have destroyed the [Pakistani] society," The Express Tribune quoted Aurangzeb as saying. Watch | Pakistan PM in Saudi: Shehbaz Sharif may seek a $7.4 bn Saudi aid package × Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif is on a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. Dozens of Pakistani officials and political leaders have accompanied Sharif. Taking to Twitter and sharing the video, netizens wrote, "Proud Pakistanis, please be heartened by witnessing what a wonderful welcome our PM and his Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) gang of criminals got in Saudi Arabia." Also Read | Naya Pakistan? Shariat court calls banking system against Sharia, tells govt to make it interest-free by 2027 Another Twitter user, Muhammad Ibrahim Qazi said that Saudi Arabia citizens are calling out ousted PM Imran Khan. "Citizens of Saudi Arabia are calling out Ousted PM Imran Khan to have exported the moral obscenity to the Prophet`s Mosque in Madinah. They are also condemning Pakistanis for violating the Kingdom`s laws," Qazi said. Sharif was sworn in as Pakistan`s 23rd Prime Minister on April 11 after his predecessor Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote. During his Saudi Arabia visit, Sharif is likely to seek additional package of USD 3.2 billion from Saudi Arabia. He is understood to be going to make this request to Saudi Arabia to prevent further depletion of Pakistan's foreign currency reserves. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Saudi Arabia had already given USD 3 billion deposits to the debt-ridden country and an oil facility on deferred payment worth USD 1.2 billion during Imran Khan`s tenure. Estimates say Pakistan requires USD 12 billion to prevent the balance of payment crisis and further depletion of the foreign currency reserves. (With inputs from agencies)

'Chor chor': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif greeted in Saudi Arabia with chants calling him thief

<p>As Tesla CEO Elon Musk takes steps to complete the process to buy Twitter, US Senators of the Democratic Party are mulling calling the billionaire to testify before US Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re thinking about it,” Senate Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell said as quoted by Bloomberg.</p>

<p>Elon Musk has offered to buy social media giant Twitter for USD 44 billion. This is the third biggest acquisition in the tech world. Twitter has reached an agreement with Musk. The entire process is likely to take six months.</p>

<p>News of Musk taking over Twitter has elicited positive reactions from politicians of Republican Party.</p>

<p>There are voices in the tech world and outside expressing worry over Musk's acquisition of Twitter. It is being observed warily whether Elon Musk intends to loosen control on content on Twitter, the control measures that have been designed to reduce spread of disinformation.</p>

<p>When Musk made his offer, Twitter initially tried adopting 'poison pill' strategy. This strategy enables companies to flood the market with expensive shares making hostile acquisition impossible.</p>

<p>However, Twitter later on decided against this approach and struck an agreement with Elon Musk.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk has sold 4 billion dollar worth of his Tesla shares apparently to bolster fund generation for Twitter acquisition.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Tesla CEO Elon Musk takes steps to complete the process to buy Twitter, US Senators of the Democratic Party are mulling calling the billionaire to testify before US Congress.

As Tesla CEO Elon Musk takes steps to complete the process to buy Twitter, US Senators of the Democratic Party are mulling calling the billionaire to testify before US Congress. “We’re thinking about it,” Senate Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell said as quoted by Bloomberg. Elon Musk has offered to buy social media giant Twitter for USD 44 billion. This is the third biggest acquisition in the tech world. Twitter has reached an agreement with Musk. The entire process is likely to take six months. News of Musk taking over Twitter has elicited positive reactions from politicians of Republican Party. There are voices in the tech world and outside expressing worry over Musk's acquisition of Twitter. It is being observed warily whether Elon Musk intends to loosen control on content on Twitter, the control measures that have been designed to reduce spread of disinformation. When Musk made his offer, Twitter initially tried adopting 'poison pill' strategy. This strategy enables companies to flood the market with expensive shares making hostile acquisition impossible. However, Twitter later on decided against this approach and struck an agreement with Elon Musk. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Musk has sold 4 billion dollar worth of his Tesla shares apparently to bolster fund generation for Twitter acquisition. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senators mull calling Elon Musk to testify

<p>California and 15 other states that want the US Postal Service to buy more electric delivery vehicles are suing to halt purchases of thousands of gas-powered trucks as the agency modernises its mail delivery fleet.</p>

<p>Three separate lawsuits, filed by 16 states and environmental groups Thursday in New York and California, ask judges to order a more thorough environmental review before the Postal Service moves forward with the next-generation delivery vehicle programme.</p>

<p>Plaintiffs contend that buying fossil fuel-powered delivery vehicles will cause environmental harm for decades to come.</p>

<p>“Louis DeJoy’s gas-guzzling fleet guarantees decades of pollution with every postcard and package,” said Scott Hochberg, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, referring to the postmaster general.</p>

<p>Rob Bonta, Attorney General of California said that the purchase needs to be stopped before it is late.</p>

<p>“Once this purchase goes through, we’ll be stuck with more than 100,000 new gas-guzzling vehicles on neighborhood streets, serving homes across our state and across the country, for the next 30 years. There won’t be a reset button,” he said, as quoted in The Guardian.</p>

<p>The United States Postal Service (USPS) defended its actions.</p>

<p>“The Postal Service conducted a robust and thorough review and fully complied with all of our obligations under (the National Environmental Policy Act),” it said.</p>


California and 15 other states that want the US Postal Service to buy more electric delivery vehicles are suing to halt purchases of thousands of gas-powered trucks as the agency modernises its mail delivery fleet.

California and 15 other states that want the US Postal Service to buy more electric delivery vehicles are suing to halt purchases of thousands of gas-powered trucks as the agency modernises its mail delivery fleet. Three separate lawsuits, filed by 16 states and environmental groups Thursday in New York and California, ask judges to order a more thorough environmental review before the Postal Service moves forward with the next-generation delivery vehicle programme. Plaintiffs contend that buying fossil fuel-powered delivery vehicles will cause environmental harm for decades to come. “Louis DeJoy’s gas-guzzling fleet guarantees decades of pollution with every postcard and package,” said Scott Hochberg, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, referring to the postmaster general. Rob Bonta, Attorney General of California said that the purchase needs to be stopped before it is late. “Once this purchase goes through, we’ll be stuck with more than 100,000 new gas-guzzling vehicles on neighborhood streets, serving homes across our state and across the country, for the next 30 years. There won’t be a reset button,” he said, as quoted in The Guardian. The United States Postal Service (USPS) defended its actions. “The Postal Service conducted a robust and thorough review and fully complied with all of our obligations under (the National Environmental Policy Act),” it said.

16 US states sue postal service to make it buy electric vehicles

In Sri Lanka, the Rajapaksa family is facing intense pressure to step down. The public backlash is creating divisions between the brothers. There are growing reports of a rift. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: The Rift Between The Rajapaksa Brothers

<p>Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has agreed to form an all-party interim government led by a new prime minister, said a report in Sri Lankan media quoting former president Maithripala Sirisena. The prime minister, says that report, will lead a new cabinet.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka is currently facing acute economic problems and the interim government is being constituted with a view to steer the country out of the current situation.</p>

<p>Prio to the meeting, Jeevan Thondaman, a leader of Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) told WION's Dasuni Athouda that his party won't be in attendance. CWC is a former ally of government headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa. Thondaman was even a minister in the government. He told WION that formation of all-party interim government was just another attempt to shuffle the deck and no concrete solution was likely.</p>

<p>He further added that the CWC remained firm in its stance to support a No Confidence Motion put forward by any party as long as the motion fits with the party ideologies and principles.</p>

<p>Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is under tremendous pressure to quit as citizens are staging massive protests in many parts of the country. The country witnessed a nationwide strike on Thursday (April 28)</p>

<p>The island nation of 22 million people has been hit by months of acute shortages of food, fuel and medicines, prompting widespread protests.</p>

<p>But Thursday's nationwide strike was the first time the entire country had been brought to a standstill since the demonstrations began, with both state and private sector employees taking part.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Public transport was stopped, teachers quit school while shops and offices closed, police and regional officials said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has agreed to form an all-party interim government led by a new prime minister, said a report in Sri Lankan media quoting former president Maithripala Sirisena.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has agreed to form an all-party interim government led by a new prime minister, said a report in Sri Lankan media quoting former president Maithripala Sirisena. The prime minister, says that report, will lead a new cabinet. Sri Lanka is currently facing acute economic problems and the interim government is being constituted with a view to steer the country out of the current situation. Prio to the meeting, Jeevan Thondaman, a leader of Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) told WION's Dasuni Athouda that his party won't be in attendance. CWC is a former ally of government headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa. Thondaman was even a minister in the government. He told WION that formation of all-party interim government was just another attempt to shuffle the deck and no concrete solution was likely. He further added that the CWC remained firm in its stance to support a No Confidence Motion put forward by any party as long as the motion fits with the party ideologies and principles. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is under tremendous pressure to quit as citizens are staging massive protests in many parts of the country. The country witnessed a nationwide strike on Thursday (April 28) The island nation of 22 million people has been hit by months of acute shortages of food, fuel and medicines, prompting widespread protests. But Thursday's nationwide strike was the first time the entire country had been brought to a standstill since the demonstrations began, with both state and private sector employees taking part. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Public transport was stopped, teachers quit school while shops and offices closed, police and regional officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka president agrees to form all-party interim government with a new PM, say reports

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