<p>As India's inaugural solar mission, Aditya-L1, begins its countdown towards the Sun, former International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield praised India's rising stature in the space sciences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aditya-L1, India's first solar space observatory, will launch via PSLV-C57, equipped with seven payloads for an in-depth study of the sun. The launch will occur less than two weeks after India achieved historic lunar landing near Moon's south pole.</p>

<p>In an interview with news agency ANI, Hadfield said that the mission's impact on human space flight and Earth's protection, including critical systems like the electrical grid, internet, and satellites will be crucial.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aditya-L1 will orbit Lagrangian Point 1 (L1), 1.5 million km from Earth, a journey expected to take four months.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-commences-countdown-for-maiden-sun-mission-aditya-l1-launch-631132">ISRO commences countdown for launch of maiden sun mission Aditya-L1</a></strong></p>

<p>"This example of landing on the moon and sending a probe to the sun or at least to go monitor the sun and getting Indian astronauts ready to fly in space, it provides a really visible example to everybody in India, but to everybody else around the world of just where Indian technological prowess is right now and sort of a hint of everything that's to come," Hadfield said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hadfield also highlighted global reliance on technology for electricity and communications and the interconnected electric and data system.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;After moon, India aims for the sun</strong></p>

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<p>India's solar mission aims to study the solar corona, solar wind dynamics, and near-earth space weather.</p>

<p>Hadfield also praised ISRO's successful moon mission Chandrayaan-3 as a testament to Indian technology's growth and its global significance.</p>

<p>Referring to Chandrayaan-3's budget, Hadfield underscored its cost-effectiveness and competitive edge.</p>

<p>"This example of landing on the moon and sending a probe to the sun or at least to go monitor the sun and getting Indian astronauts ready to fly in space, it provides a really visible example to everybody in India, but to everybody else around the world of just where Indian technological prowess is right now and sort of a hint of everything that's to come," Hadfield said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Modi is directly involved with India's space prowess: Hadfield</strong></h2>

<p>While commending Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership with respect to the landmarks crossed and milestones achieved by the Indian space agency, Hadfield said: "I think Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seen that for several years. He is very much directly involved with the Indian space and research organisation...So it's a really smart move on India's leadership's part right now, to be pushing it, to be developing it, but also being in the process of privatising it so that the businesses and therefore the Indian people can benefit."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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As India's inaugural solar mission, Aditya-L1, begins its countdown towards the Sun, former International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield praised India's rising stature in the space sciences.

As India's inaugural solar mission, Aditya-L1, begins its countdown towards the Sun, former International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield praised India's rising stature in the space sciences. Aditya-L1, India's first solar space observatory, will launch via PSLV-C57, equipped with seven payloads for an in-depth study of the sun. The launch will occur less than two weeks after India achieved historic lunar landing near Moon's south pole. In an interview with news agency ANI, Hadfield said that the mission's impact on human space flight and Earth's protection, including critical systems like the electrical grid, internet, and satellites will be crucial. Aditya-L1 will orbit Lagrangian Point 1 (L1), 1.5 million km from Earth, a journey expected to take four months. Also read | ISRO commences countdown for launch of maiden sun mission Aditya-L1 "This example of landing on the moon and sending a probe to the sun or at least to go monitor the sun and getting Indian astronauts ready to fly in space, it provides a really visible example to everybody in India, but to everybody else around the world of just where Indian technological prowess is right now and sort of a hint of everything that's to come," Hadfield said. Hadfield also highlighted global reliance on technology for electricity and communications and the interconnected electric and data system. Also watch | After moon, India aims for the sun × India's solar mission aims to study the solar corona, solar wind dynamics, and near-earth space weather. Hadfield also praised ISRO's successful moon mission Chandrayaan-3 as a testament to Indian technology's growth and its global significance. Referring to Chandrayaan-3's budget, Hadfield underscored its cost-effectiveness and competitive edge. "This example of landing on the moon and sending a probe to the sun or at least to go monitor the sun and getting Indian astronauts ready to fly in space, it provides a really visible example to everybody in India, but to everybody else around the world of just where Indian technological prowess is right now and sort of a hint of everything that's to come," Hadfield said. Modi is directly involved with India's space prowess: Hadfield While commending Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership with respect to the landmarks crossed and milestones achieved by the Indian space agency, Hadfield said: "I think Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seen that for several years. He is very much directly involved with the Indian space and research organisation...So it's a really smart move on India's leadership's part right now, to be pushing it, to be developing it, but also being in the process of privatising it so that the businesses and therefore the Indian people can benefit." (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.

Former International Space Station commander hails India's rise as space power

<p>Just days after India achieved the first lunar landing near the unexplored south pole of Moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation launched its Aditya-L1 mission successfully to study the Sun at 11:50 am on Saturday from the launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An hour after the launch, the vehicle placed the satellite precisely into its intended orbit. "India’s first solar observatory has begun its journey to the destination of Sun-Earth L1 point," ISRO announced.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches India's first solar mission, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdityaL1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdityaL1</a> from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdityaL1Launch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdityaL1Launch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdityaL1Mission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdityaL1Mission</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fu2TKPiIFo">pic.twitter.com/Fu2TKPiIFo</a></p>
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<p>The 1,480 kg spacecraft has been carried by India’s workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and took a trajectory for its placement in a highly elliptical orbit of 235 km x 19,500 km around the Earth. The configuration of PSLV has six solid fuel-based boosters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/moon-mars-and-now-sun-pslv-indias-versatile-workhorse-rocket-turns-30-631572">Moon, Mars and now Sun - PSLV, India's versatile workhorse rocket turns 30</a></strong></p>

<p>The orbit as well as the velocity of the spacecraft will be increased till it gets closer to the Sun in&nbsp;the designated orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The distance of 1.5 million km to the Lagrange Point, named L1,&nbsp;will be covered in nearly four months (125 days).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spacecraft will then be inserted in a halo orbit around the L1 point where it will stay put because of balancing gravitational forces, thereby reducing fuel consumption for the spacecraft.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Lagrange Points&nbsp;are named after Italian-French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange.</p>

<p>Aditya-L1 mission will carry out seven science experiments, and will collect data for the next five years.</p>

<p>The mission has been designed to provide remote observations of the solar corona and record solar winds. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), the primary payload of Aditya L1 will send 1,440 images every day to the ground station for analysis after reaching the intended orbit.</p>

<p>The satellite and its payloads will revolve around the Sun will observe the Sun continuously without any eclipses. This will help observe solar activities and their effect on space weather in real-time.<br />
<br />
India has privatised space launches and is looking to open the sector to foreign investment as it targets a five-fold increase in its share of the global launch market within the next decade.</p>

<p>Indian scientists have so far observed the Sun through telescopes on the ground, while relying on the data from solar missions launched by the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Japan.</p>

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Just days after India achieved the first lunar landing near the unexplored south pole of Moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation launched its Aditya-L1 mission successfully to study the Sun at 11:50 am on Saturday from the launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Just days after India achieved the first lunar landing near the unexplored south pole of Moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation launched its Aditya-L1 mission successfully to study the Sun at 11:50 am on Saturday from the launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. An hour after the launch, the vehicle placed the satellite precisely into its intended orbit. "India’s first solar observatory has begun its journey to the destination of Sun-Earth L1 point," ISRO announced. #WATCH | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches India's first solar mission, #AdityaL1 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota#AdityaL1Launch #AdityaL1Mission pic.twitter.com/Fu2TKPiIFo — WION (@WIONews) September 2, 2023 × The 1,480 kg spacecraft has been carried by India’s workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and took a trajectory for its placement in a highly elliptical orbit of 235 km x 19,500 km around the Earth. The configuration of PSLV has six solid fuel-based boosters. Also read | Moon, Mars and now Sun - PSLV, India's versatile workhorse rocket turns 30 The orbit as well as the velocity of the spacecraft will be increased till it gets closer to the Sun in the designated orbit. The distance of 1.5 million km to the Lagrange Point, named L1, will be covered in nearly four months (125 days). The spacecraft will then be inserted in a halo orbit around the L1 point where it will stay put because of balancing gravitational forces, thereby reducing fuel consumption for the spacecraft. Lagrange Points are named after Italian-French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange. Aditya-L1 mission will carry out seven science experiments, and will collect data for the next five years. The mission has been designed to provide remote observations of the solar corona and record solar winds. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), the primary payload of Aditya L1 will send 1,440 images every day to the ground station for analysis after reaching the intended orbit. The satellite and its payloads will revolve around the Sun will observe the Sun continuously without any eclipses. This will help observe solar activities and their effect on space weather in real-time. India has privatised space launches and is looking to open the sector to foreign investment as it targets a five-fold increase in its share of the global launch market within the next decade. Indian scientists have so far observed the Sun through telescopes on the ground, while relying on the data from solar missions launched by the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Japan. 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.

Aditya L-1 launch: India's solar mission lifts off, takes country closer to sun after moon landmark

<p>The European Union&nbsp;is on track to receive record quantities of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Russia this year, despite its goal of reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027.</p>

<p>Belgium and Spain ranked second and third, respectively, in Russian LNG purchases after China during the first seven months of the year, according to data analysed by Global Witness.</p>

<p>"Spain is now the second largest buyer of Russian LNG worldwide, with Belgium close behind. During the first seven months of 2023, Spain took 18 per cent of Russia’s total sales, while Belgium took 17 per cent. China bought 20 per cent. During the same period in 2021, Spain ranked 5th and Belgium 7th," Global Witness said in an official statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-wildly-popular-indias-favourability-takes-hit-in-europe-survey-630633">PM Modi wildly popular, India’s favourability takes hit in Europe: Survey</a></strong></p>

<p>In comparison to the same period in 2021, European Union imports of LNG surged by 40 per cent&nbsp;between January and July this year.</p>

<p>This increase contrasts with the global average rise in Russian LNG imports, which stood at 6 per cent during that time.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US &amp; Europe reliant on Nuclear fuel exports &amp; Russia's revenue boost | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Global Witness, while citing data from&nbsp;an industry analytics firm Kpler, noted that the European Union imported about 1.7 per cent more Russian LNG than its previous record high last year.</p>

<p>The cost of LNG imports from January to July totalled €5.29 billion (USD 5.78 billion) at spot market prices.</p>

<p>The majority of Russian LNG comes from the Yamal LNG joint venture, primarily owned by Russian company Novatek, alongside stakes held by other companies.</p>

<p>This venture remains exempted from export duties.</p>

<p>The rise in imports leaves the EU vulnerable to potential supply cuts by Russia, and while EU officials aim to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, an outright ban on LNG imports could lead to an energy crisis.</p>

<h2><strong>But isn't EU advocating phase-out of Russian energy imports?</strong></h2>

<p>Yes, it is. And quite vehemently at that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But in contrast to its public commitments, instead of phasing out its energy imports from Russia, they in fact have gone up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Europe’s fossil gas-based energy system is a climate disaster and security risk, funding warmongering regimes and fueling deadly extreme weather. That national capitals are buying more LNG from Russia than before the war shows that we are simply not moving fast enough to replace gas with renewables. Governments need to wake up to the reality of our dependence on fossil gas and come up with an emergency plan for a full phase-out – starting with a ban on the trade of the Russian gas which is lining Putin’s pockets,"&nbsp;Jonathan Noronha-Gant, senior fossil fuel campaigner at Global Witness said in an official statement.&nbsp;</p>

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The European Union is on track to receive record quantities of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Russia this year, despite its goal of reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

The European Union is on track to receive record quantities of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Russia this year, despite its goal of reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Belgium and Spain ranked second and third, respectively, in Russian LNG purchases after China during the first seven months of the year, according to data analysed by Global Witness. "Spain is now the second largest buyer of Russian LNG worldwide, with Belgium close behind. During the first seven months of 2023, Spain took 18 per cent of Russia’s total sales, while Belgium took 17 per cent. China bought 20 per cent. During the same period in 2021, Spain ranked 5th and Belgium 7th," Global Witness said in an official statement. Also read | PM Modi wildly popular, India’s favourability takes hit in Europe: Survey In comparison to the same period in 2021, European Union imports of LNG surged by 40 per cent between January and July this year. This increase contrasts with the global average rise in Russian LNG imports, which stood at 6 per cent during that time. Also watch | US & Europe reliant on Nuclear fuel exports & Russia's revenue boost | World News | WION × Global Witness, while citing data from an industry analytics firm Kpler, noted that the European Union imported about 1.7 per cent more Russian LNG than its previous record high last year. The cost of LNG imports from January to July totalled €5.29 billion (USD 5.78 billion) at spot market prices. The majority of Russian LNG comes from the Yamal LNG joint venture, primarily owned by Russian company Novatek, alongside stakes held by other companies. This venture remains exempted from export duties. The rise in imports leaves the EU vulnerable to potential supply cuts by Russia, and while EU officials aim to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, an outright ban on LNG imports could lead to an energy crisis. But isn't EU advocating phase-out of Russian energy imports? Yes, it is. And quite vehemently at that. But in contrast to its public commitments, instead of phasing out its energy imports from Russia, they in fact have gone up. "Europe’s fossil gas-based energy system is a climate disaster and security risk, funding warmongering regimes and fueling deadly extreme weather. That national capitals are buying more LNG from Russia than before the war shows that we are simply not moving fast enough to replace gas with renewables. Governments need to wake up to the reality of our dependence on fossil gas and come up with an emergency plan for a full phase-out – starting with a ban on the trade of the Russian gas which is lining Putin’s pockets," Jonathan Noronha-Gant, senior fossil fuel campaigner at Global Witness said in an official statement. 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.

European doublespeak? EU imports of Russian gas this year surged by 40 per cent till July

<p>Miami-headquartered fast food chain Burger King will face a lawsuit that accuses it of&nbsp;exaggerating the size of its Whopper burger on the menus.</p>

<p>The lawsuit asserts that the fast-food giant deceives its actual and potential customers by portraying the burger with a larger patty and overflowing ingredients.</p>

<p>Burger King has countered the claims and has denounced them as baseless.</p>

<p>In a similar discourse, rivals McDonald's and Wendy's are also grappling with comparable legal actions.</p>

<h2><strong>Burger King faces class-action lawsuit</strong></h2>

<p>The lawsuit against Burger King presented as a class action, says that the Whopper's appearance is inflated by 35 per cent and that it&nbsp;features more than double the meat compared to the actual serving.</p>

<p>Burger King previously argued that exact replication of the image was unnecessary.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: McDonald's sued for alleged bias against Black-owned media</strong></p>

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<p>While accepting the lawsuit, US District Judge Roy Altman deferred to jurors to ascertain what was reasonable.</p>

<p>Following the ruling, a Burger King spokesperson told the BBC that the flame-grilled beef patties depicted in advertising mirror those served nationwide.</p>

<p>The Whopper is touted on the Burger King website as "the burger to rule them all," featuring a genuinely meaty beef patty and other ingredients.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mcdonalds-employee-claims-sweet-tea-made-of-whole-four-pound-sugar-bag-fetch-split-reactions-from-netizens-623415">A four-pound sugar bag goes into making McDonald's sweet tea, a staffer claims</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this year, Taco Bell faced a US lawsuit alleging their pizzas and wraps contained only half the advertised fillings.</p>

<p>Last year, a New York resident initiated a class-action lawsuit against McDonald's and Wendy's, accusing them of unfair and deceptive trade practices.</p>

<p>The lawsuit argued that the burgers presented in their marketing were at least 15 per cent larger than their real-life counterparts.</p>

<p>In the United Kingdom, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld a 2010 complaint concerning an advertisement for one of Burger King's chicken burgers.</p>

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Miami-headquartered fast food chain Burger King will face a lawsuit that accuses it of exaggerating the size of its Whopper burger on the menus. The lawsuit asserts that the fast-food giant deceives its actual and potential customers by portraying the burger with a larger patty and overflowing ingredients.

Miami-headquartered fast food chain Burger King will face a lawsuit that accuses it of exaggerating the size of its Whopper burger on the menus. The lawsuit asserts that the fast-food giant deceives its actual and potential customers by portraying the burger with a larger patty and overflowing ingredients. Burger King has countered the claims and has denounced them as baseless. In a similar discourse, rivals McDonald's and Wendy's are also grappling with comparable legal actions. Burger King faces class-action lawsuit The lawsuit against Burger King presented as a class action, says that the Whopper's appearance is inflated by 35 per cent and that it features more than double the meat compared to the actual serving. Burger King previously argued that exact replication of the image was unnecessary. Also watch | World Business Watch: McDonald's sued for alleged bias against Black-owned media × While accepting the lawsuit, US District Judge Roy Altman deferred to jurors to ascertain what was reasonable. Following the ruling, a Burger King spokesperson told the BBC that the flame-grilled beef patties depicted in advertising mirror those served nationwide. The Whopper is touted on the Burger King website as "the burger to rule them all," featuring a genuinely meaty beef patty and other ingredients. Also read | A four-pound sugar bag goes into making McDonald's sweet tea, a staffer claims Earlier this year, Taco Bell faced a US lawsuit alleging their pizzas and wraps contained only half the advertised fillings. Last year, a New York resident initiated a class-action lawsuit against McDonald's and Wendy's, accusing them of unfair and deceptive trade practices. The lawsuit argued that the burgers presented in their marketing were at least 15 per cent larger than their real-life counterparts. In the United Kingdom, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld a 2010 complaint concerning an advertisement for one of Burger King's chicken burgers. 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.

Burger King sued for allegedly exaggerating size of Whopper burger in advertisements

<p>For the first time, the British parliament has officially referred to Taiwan as an "independent country" in an official document. The move breaks a geopolitical quid pro quo for London amid Foreign Secretary James Cleverly's visit to China this week.&nbsp;Cleverly is the first high-ranking British envoy to visit Beijing in five years.</p>

<p>The new phrasing appears in a report released by the influential foreign affairs committee of the House of Commons on Wednesday, August 29. The move has irked Beijing amid a strained relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-extended-conscription-and-loss-of-face-for-xi-jinping-547113">Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping</a></strong></p>

<p>China has accused London of distorting facts. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson called on the British parliament to adhere to the 'one China' principle and stop sending signals supportive of Taiwanese independence.</p>

<p>China has consistently denied Taiwan's statehood, maintaining that the self-governing democratic island is part of its territory. Only 13 nations worldwide recognise Taipei diplomatically.</p>

<h2><strong>What exactly did the report say?</strong></h2>

<p>The report said that Taiwan has all the credentials to be a nation-state independent of China.</p>

<p>"Taiwan is already an independent country, under the name Republic of China," the committee report says. "Taiwan possesses all the qualifications for statehood, including a permanent population, a defined territory, government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states — it is only lacking greater international recognition."</p>

<p>House of Commons foreign affairs committee chairperson Alicia Kearns of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party, stated that this marks the first time a UK parliamentary report has made such a declaration.</p>

<p>She emphasised, "We acknowledge China's position, but we, as the foreign affairs committee, do not accept it."</p>

<p>Kearns urged the foreign secretary to stand by Taiwan and call for its right to self-determination.</p>

<h2><strong>Reaction from Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>The Taiwanese foreign ministry expressed gratitude to the British parliament for its support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are grateful [for] the British parliament’s support for Taiwan’s status and international participation," a ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Politico.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The committee's report also criticised Sunak's government for its cautious approach to supporting Taiwan.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US-China war over Taiwan? Xi Jinping demands 'modern system for military governance' | Details</strong></p>

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<p>It called for the preparation of sanctions alongside allies to deter potential military actions and economic blockades from Beijing, which controls the island that produces 90 per cent of the world's advanced semiconductors.</p>

<p>The committee suggested that the United Kingdom could strengthen its relationship with Taiwan if it weren't overly concerned about offending the Chinese Communist Party.</p>

<p>It recommended relaxing self-imposed restrictions on interactions with Taiwanese officials, citing the examples of the US and Japan.</p>

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For the first time, the British parliament has officially referred to Taiwan as an "independent country" in an official document. The move breaks a geopolitical quid pro quo for London amid Foreign Secretary James Cleverly's visit to China this week.

For the first time, the British parliament has officially referred to Taiwan as an "independent country" in an official document. The move breaks a geopolitical quid pro quo for London amid Foreign Secretary James Cleverly's visit to China this week. Cleverly is the first high-ranking British envoy to visit Beijing in five years. The new phrasing appears in a report released by the influential foreign affairs committee of the House of Commons on Wednesday, August 29. The move has irked Beijing amid a strained relationship between the two countries. Also read | Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping China has accused London of distorting facts. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson called on the British parliament to adhere to the 'one China' principle and stop sending signals supportive of Taiwanese independence. China has consistently denied Taiwan's statehood, maintaining that the self-governing democratic island is part of its territory. Only 13 nations worldwide recognise Taipei diplomatically. What exactly did the report say? The report said that Taiwan has all the credentials to be a nation-state independent of China. "Taiwan is already an independent country, under the name Republic of China," the committee report says. "Taiwan possesses all the qualifications for statehood, including a permanent population, a defined territory, government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states — it is only lacking greater international recognition." House of Commons foreign affairs committee chairperson Alicia Kearns of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party, stated that this marks the first time a UK parliamentary report has made such a declaration. She emphasised, "We acknowledge China's position, but we, as the foreign affairs committee, do not accept it." Kearns urged the foreign secretary to stand by Taiwan and call for its right to self-determination. Reaction from Taiwan The Taiwanese foreign ministry expressed gratitude to the British parliament for its support. "We are grateful [for] the British parliament’s support for Taiwan’s status and international participation," a ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Politico. The committee's report also criticised Sunak's government for its cautious approach to supporting Taiwan. Also watch | US-China war over Taiwan? Xi Jinping demands 'modern system for military governance' | Details × It called for the preparation of sanctions alongside allies to deter potential military actions and economic blockades from Beijing, which controls the island that produces 90 per cent of the world's advanced semiconductors. The committee suggested that the United Kingdom could strengthen its relationship with Taiwan if it weren't overly concerned about offending the Chinese Communist Party. It recommended relaxing self-imposed restrictions on interactions with Taiwanese officials, citing the examples of the US and Japan. 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.

Taiwan an 'independent country', says British parliament

<p>Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's partner Andrea Giambruno, a journalist, suggested that women could avoid sexual assaults if they do not get too drunk. The country's opposition parties have asked Meloni to clarify and distance herself from Giambruno's comments.</p>

<p>“If you go dancing you are fully entitled to get drunk, but if you avoid getting drunk and losing consciousness, perhaps you’d also avoid getting into trouble, because then you’ll find the wolf,” Andrea Giambruno was heard saying on his show on Rete 4 channel.</p>

<p>Giambruno was hosting a show in the wake of a recent high-profile gang rape case near Naples and in Palermo.</p>

<p>Giambruno is father to a seven-year-old with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather</strong></p>

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<p>Giambruno did not cross-question the editor of&nbsp;Libero newspaper, Pietro Senaldi, when he reportedly said: “If you want to avoid rape, above all don’t lose consciousness, keep your wits about you.”</p>

<p>While both men condemned the alleged rapists, describing them as 'wolves', they came under fire both on and off social media. Giambruno was accused of blaming the survivor for a sexual assault.</p>

<p>Cecilia D’Elia, a senator of the&nbsp;opposition's Democratic party (PD) and vice-president of the commission of inquiry into femicide, was quoted as saying by The Guardian: "They just can’t help but blame women. Don’t go out alone, don’t go where it’s dark, don’t dress provocatively. All this is no longer acceptable."</p>

<p>"If a girl drinks too much, she can expect a headache, not a rape," she added and called on Meloni to distance herself from her partner’s comments.</p>

<p>“Giambruno’s words are unacceptable and shameful and they represent a male-dominated and retrograde culture,"&nbsp;the opposition Five Star Movement party (M5S) said in an official statement&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Did nothing wrong: Giambruno</strong></h2>

<p>Responding to the row that erupted after his show, Giambruno said: "If I had said something wrong, I would have apologised, but that’s not the case and there will never be a day when a politician tells me what to say."</p>

<p>"I said rape is an abominable act. I took the liberty of telling young people not to go out on purpose to get drunk and do drugs. I advised them to be careful because, unfortunately, the bad guys are always out there. I never said that men are entitled to rape drunk women."</p>

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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's partner Andrea Giambruno, a journalist, suggested that women could avoid sexual assaults if they do not get too drunk. The country's opposition parties have asked Meloni to clarify and distance herself from Giambruno's comments.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's partner Andrea Giambruno, a journalist, suggested that women could avoid sexual assaults if they do not get too drunk. The country's opposition parties have asked Meloni to clarify and distance herself from Giambruno's comments. “If you go dancing you are fully entitled to get drunk, but if you avoid getting drunk and losing consciousness, perhaps you’d also avoid getting into trouble, because then you’ll find the wolf,” Andrea Giambruno was heard saying on his show on Rete 4 channel. Giambruno was hosting a show in the wake of a recent high-profile gang rape case near Naples and in Palermo. Giambruno is father to a seven-year-old with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Also watch | 11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather × Giambruno did not cross-question the editor of Libero newspaper, Pietro Senaldi, when he reportedly said: “If you want to avoid rape, above all don’t lose consciousness, keep your wits about you.” While both men condemned the alleged rapists, describing them as 'wolves', they came under fire both on and off social media. Giambruno was accused of blaming the survivor for a sexual assault. Cecilia D’Elia, a senator of the opposition's Democratic party (PD) and vice-president of the commission of inquiry into femicide, was quoted as saying by The Guardian: "They just can’t help but blame women. Don’t go out alone, don’t go where it’s dark, don’t dress provocatively. All this is no longer acceptable." "If a girl drinks too much, she can expect a headache, not a rape," she added and called on Meloni to distance herself from her partner’s comments. “Giambruno’s words are unacceptable and shameful and they represent a male-dominated and retrograde culture," the opposition Five Star Movement party (M5S) said in an official statement Did nothing wrong: Giambruno Responding to the row that erupted after his show, Giambruno said: "If I had said something wrong, I would have apologised, but that’s not the case and there will never be a day when a politician tells me what to say." "I said rape is an abominable act. I took the liberty of telling young people not to go out on purpose to get drunk and do drugs. I advised them to be careful because, unfortunately, the bad guys are always out there. I never said that men are entitled to rape drunk women." 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.

Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni's partner accused of blaming survivor for rape

<p>Celebrating sibling bond on Raksha Bandhan, schoolgirls tied rakhis to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a school in New Delhi. The schoolchildren greeted PM Modi with smiles as he entered the classroom and tied the sacred thread to him.</p>

<p>As the girls stepped up to tie the rakhi, Prime Minister Modi greeted them with an affectionate smile, asking their names and classes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/on-raksha-bandhan-meet-these-bollywood-siblings-who-we-absolutely-love-629932">On Raksha Bandhan, meet these Bollywood siblings we absolutely love</a></strong></p>

<p>In an adorable moment, one of the girls gave PM Modi a peck on his cheek as he proceeded to bend down and bless her. PM Modi was seen sitting on a chair with the schoolgirls taking turns to tie rakhis.</p>

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<p>Prime Minister also posed for a group photo with schoolgirls and teachers on the occasion. The customised rakhis, which the girls tied on PM Modi’s wrist, had his image on them.</p>

<p>The festival marking the eternal bond between a brother and a sister is being celebrated with signature pomp and fervour across the country. In Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, schoolgirls tied rakhis to CRPF jawans. In the Samba district of the Valley, BSF jawans celebrated Raksha Bandhan with school children.<br />
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Celebrating sibling bond on Raksha Bandhan, schoolgirls tied rakhis to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a school in New Delhi. The schoolchildren greeted PM Modi with smiles as he entered the classroom and tied the sacred thread to him.

Celebrating sibling bond on Raksha Bandhan, schoolgirls tied rakhis to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a school in New Delhi. The schoolchildren greeted PM Modi with smiles as he entered the classroom and tied the sacred thread to him. As the girls stepped up to tie the rakhi, Prime Minister Modi greeted them with an affectionate smile, asking their names and classes. Also read | On Raksha Bandhan, meet these Bollywood siblings we absolutely love In an adorable moment, one of the girls gave PM Modi a peck on his cheek as he proceeded to bend down and bless her. PM Modi was seen sitting on a chair with the schoolgirls taking turns to tie rakhis. #WATCH | School girls tie Rakhi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, as they celebrate the festival of #RakshaBandhan with him. pic.twitter.com/Hhyjx63xgi — ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2023 × Prime Minister also posed for a group photo with schoolgirls and teachers on the occasion. The customised rakhis, which the girls tied on PM Modi’s wrist, had his image on them. The festival marking the eternal bond between a brother and a sister is being celebrated with signature pomp and fervour across the country. In Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, schoolgirls tied rakhis to CRPF jawans. In the Samba district of the Valley, BSF jawans celebrated Raksha Bandhan with school children. 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.

Watch: Indian PM Narendra Modi celebrates Rakshabandhan with school girls

<p>Military officers of Central African nation Gabon announced on August 30 that they have taken power "on behalf of the Gabonese people" and that they were "putting an end to the current regime". The coup occurred just after the results of country's general elections were announced to pave the way for a third presidential term to Ali Bongo Ondimba, who over the years gained notoriety for his alleged corrupt practices.</p>

<p>"The general elections of August 26, 2023, as well as the truncated results, are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice. All institutions of the Republic are dissolved," a military officer announced on television.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military described August 26 elections as having not met the conditions for a transparent ballot. "In addition, irresponsible, unpredictable governance has led to a steady deterioration in social cohesion, threatening to drive the country into chaos," the military officer reasoned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Ali Bongo currently remains under house arrest, after the Central African state's election body announced that he had won a third term. The ousted president released &nbsp;video of himself in which he can be seen appealing to his 'friends' in the world to 'make noise'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world to tell them to make noise for... the people here who arrested me and my family," he said in English.</p>

<p>"I'm at the residence and nothing is happening, I don't know what's going on. I'm calling (on) you to make noise," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Where is Gabon?</strong></h2>

<p>The nation of a little more than 2 million people, a former French colony, is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and borders Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France occupied Gabon in 1885. In 1910 Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa. On 15 July 1960, Gabon gained independence from France.</p>

<p>Gabon is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. According to the latest count, the country produces 181,000 barrels of crude a day, making it the eighth-largest producer of oil in sub-Saharan Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gabon is slightly smaller in area than the Indian state of Maharashtra.</p>

<h2><strong>Gabon latest addition in African 'coup belt'</strong></h2>

<p>The coup in Gabon comes a month after military in West African nation Niger took over power and detained democratically-elected Mohamed Bazoum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Africa now has the longest corridor of military rule on Earth. The continent now has a total over seven countries under military rule.</p>

<p>Apart from Gabon, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan are now controlled by juntas that came to power in a coup — all but one in the past two years.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gabon coup: Reaction of public</strong></h2>

<p>Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Gabonese capital Libreville on Wednesday (August 30) to celebrate the announcement of a military coup that was filmed from the presidential palace.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-nuclear-reserves-how-this-coup-can-throw-europe-into-deep-energy-crisis-621073">Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>The visuals were not much different from the kind of public reception that the military takeover in Niger received a month ago.</p>

<p>In the Gabonese capital Libreville, visuals shared on social media showed people cheering on the marching army convoys.</p>

<h2><strong>How coup in Gabon is different from the ones in rest of Africa?</strong></h2>

<p>The military takeover in Gabon is different in a way that unlike its counterparts in the Sahel region of Africa, the country is least affected by jihadist violence. The country is relatively stable despite high proportion of unemployed people in the population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly 40 per cent of Gabonese people aged 15-24 were out of work in 2020, according to the World Bank.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gabon after Niger: Why coups are getting popular public support?</strong></h2>

<p>This is largely because the democratically elected leaders have attained infamy for their alleged corrupt practices and overwhelming allegiance to the West, especially France, a former colonial power in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Gabon, for instance, one of the symbolic descriptions of outlandish expenditure of state funds by people-in-power is this image that shows now-ousted President Ali Bongo with his family.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="President Ali Bongo/@AfricaFacts/X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="18a504b3-6e16-46c6-a232-147c1f879735" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-30T185921.556.png" /></p>

<p><em>Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo/@AfricaFacts/X</em></p>

<p>President Ali Bongo, once imported fake snow to the Presidential Palace, so that his family could have a snowy Christmas in Gabonese capital Libreville.</p>

<p>President Ali Bongo ruled Gabon since 2009 while his father President Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 to 2009. That is, for a whopping 56 of 63 years of independent Gabon's existence, the Ali Bongo's ruled the resource-rich nation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Instability in Africa: The French factor</strong></h2>

<p>All the seven countries in Africa where coups have occurred in the last two years have one marked similarity: they all were former French colonies. Many commentators have asked if France or the legacy of the French colonialism is to blame for the range of instabilities in the region.</p>

<p>Anti-French vitriol has flourished across the Sahel region, where a number of French companies have had controlling stakes over mining resources.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Military officers of Central African nation Gabon announced on August 30 that they have taken power "on behalf of the Gabonese people" and that they were "putting an end to the current regime".

Military officers of Central African nation Gabon announced on August 30 that they have taken power "on behalf of the Gabonese people" and that they were "putting an end to the current regime". The coup occurred just after the results of country's general elections were announced to pave the way for a third presidential term to Ali Bongo Ondimba, who over the years gained notoriety for his alleged corrupt practices. "The general elections of August 26, 2023, as well as the truncated results, are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice. All institutions of the Republic are dissolved," a military officer announced on television. The military described August 26 elections as having not met the conditions for a transparent ballot. "In addition, irresponsible, unpredictable governance has led to a steady deterioration in social cohesion, threatening to drive the country into chaos," the military officer reasoned. President Ali Bongo currently remains under house arrest, after the Central African state's election body announced that he had won a third term. The ousted president released video of himself in which he can be seen appealing to his 'friends' in the world to 'make noise'. "I'm sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world to tell them to make noise for... the people here who arrested me and my family," he said in English. "I'm at the residence and nothing is happening, I don't know what's going on. I'm calling (on) you to make noise," he added. Where is Gabon? The nation of a little more than 2 million people, a former French colony, is located on the Atlantic Ocean, and borders Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. France occupied Gabon in 1885. In 1910 Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa. On 15 July 1960, Gabon gained independence from France. Gabon is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. According to the latest count, the country produces 181,000 barrels of crude a day, making it the eighth-largest producer of oil in sub-Saharan Africa. Gabon is slightly smaller in area than the Indian state of Maharashtra. Gabon latest addition in African 'coup belt' The coup in Gabon comes a month after military in West African nation Niger took over power and detained democratically-elected Mohamed Bazoum. Africa now has the longest corridor of military rule on Earth. The continent now has a total over seven countries under military rule. Apart from Gabon, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and Sudan are now controlled by juntas that came to power in a coup — all but one in the past two years. Gabon coup: Reaction of public Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Gabonese capital Libreville on Wednesday (August 30) to celebrate the announcement of a military coup that was filmed from the presidential palace. Also read | Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis The visuals were not much different from the kind of public reception that the military takeover in Niger received a month ago. In the Gabonese capital Libreville, visuals shared on social media showed people cheering on the marching army convoys. How coup in Gabon is different from the ones in rest of Africa? The military takeover in Gabon is different in a way that unlike its counterparts in the Sahel region of Africa, the country is least affected by jihadist violence. The country is relatively stable despite high proportion of unemployed people in the population. Nearly 40 per cent of Gabonese people aged 15-24 were out of work in 2020, according to the World Bank. Gabon after Niger: Why coups are getting popular public support? This is largely because the democratically elected leaders have attained infamy for their alleged corrupt practices and overwhelming allegiance to the West, especially France, a former colonial power in the region. In Gabon, for instance, one of the symbolic descriptions of outlandish expenditure of state funds by people-in-power is this image that shows now-ousted President Ali Bongo with his family. Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo/@AfricaFacts/X President Ali Bongo, once imported fake snow to the Presidential Palace, so that his family could have a snowy Christmas in Gabonese capital Libreville. President Ali Bongo ruled Gabon since 2009 while his father President Omar Bongo ruled Gabon from 1967 to 2009. That is, for a whopping 56 of 63 years of independent Gabon's existence, the Ali Bongo's ruled the resource-rich nation. Instability in Africa: The French factor All the seven countries in Africa where coups have occurred in the last two years have one marked similarity: they all were former French colonies. Many commentators have asked if France or the legacy of the French colonialism is to blame for the range of instabilities in the region. Anti-French vitriol has flourished across the Sahel region, where a number of French companies have had controlling stakes over mining resources. 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.

Explained | After Niger, this is why coup in Gabon is receiving public support

<p>Former US marine veteran Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia, appeared in a rare video broadcasted by Russian state media. The video showed him in the prison where he is currently serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges.</p>

<p>The US government has dismissed the charges.</p>

<p>Russia Today television network aired the video on Monday and also shared it on X, formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<p>In the video, Whelan can be seen in black prison attire at a penal colony situated in Russia's Mordovia region, about 566 km east of Moscow.</p>

<p>Whelan was accused of espionage by Russia in 2018 and subsequently convicted in 2020.</p>

<p>The video footage showed the former US marine operating a sewing machine when an English-speaking reporter requests an interview. Politely, Whelan declined, stating, "Sir, you understand when I say that I can't do an interview, which means that I can't answer any questions."</p>

<p>In different segments of the video, Whelan could be seen engaging in conversations with fellow inmates within the prison yard and having a meal in the cafeteria.</p>

<p>Following the video's release, Whelan's brother, David Whelan, expressed his appreciation for the chance to see his brother's appearance after such a prolonged period.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>According to David Whelan, a prior interview request from the same network in May had led to retaliatory actions by prison staff due to his brother's non-participation.</p>

<p>Efforts to secure Paul Whelan's release have persisted, including recent communication between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Whelan.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich appeals extension of pretrial detention in Russia</strong></p>

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<p>Furthermore, American citizen and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has faced espionage charges and faces a potential&nbsp;sentence for up to 20 years in a Russian prison.</p>

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Former US marine veteran Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia, appeared in a rare video broadcasted by Russian state media. The video showed him in the prison where he is currently serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges.

Former US marine veteran Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia, appeared in a rare video broadcasted by Russian state media. The video showed him in the prison where he is currently serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges. The US government has dismissed the charges. Russia Today television network aired the video on Monday and also shared it on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the video, Whelan can be seen in black prison attire at a penal colony situated in Russia's Mordovia region, about 566 km east of Moscow. Whelan was accused of espionage by Russia in 2018 and subsequently convicted in 2020. The video footage showed the former US marine operating a sewing machine when an English-speaking reporter requests an interview. Politely, Whelan declined, stating, "Sir, you understand when I say that I can't do an interview, which means that I can't answer any questions." In different segments of the video, Whelan could be seen engaging in conversations with fellow inmates within the prison yard and having a meal in the cafeteria. Following the video's release, Whelan's brother, David Whelan, expressed his appreciation for the chance to see his brother's appearance after such a prolonged period. Paul Whelan is a US citizen serving time in a high security prison since 2020 who was convicted of spying on Moscow for Washington and yet the White House has shown little interest in fighting for his release Follow us on Rumble: https://t.co/Nuc9nUzlmx pic.twitter.com/5kjfUhTOhV — RT (@RT_com) August 28, 2023 × According to David Whelan, a prior interview request from the same network in May had led to retaliatory actions by prison staff due to his brother's non-participation. Efforts to secure Paul Whelan's release have persisted, including recent communication between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Whelan. Also watch | Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich appeals extension of pretrial detention in Russia × Furthermore, American citizen and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has faced espionage charges and faces a potential sentence for up to 20 years in a Russian prison. The Biden administration has asserted its commitment to secure the release of both Whelan and Gershkovich. 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.

Watch: Rare footage of former US marine Paul Whelan inside Russian prison

<p>The Biden administration on Tuesday (August 29) unveiled a list of ten prescription medications that will undergo groundbreaking price negotiations within the US Medicare program.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Medicare program covers 66 million individuals. Notably, Eliquis, a widely used blood thinner from Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer, is included in the list of prescription medications that will undergo the price negotiations.</p>

<h2><strong>US medication price reforms: Why negotiations?</strong></h2>

<p>This is because the Inflation Reduction Act, deemed a significant achievement for President Joe Biden, permits the Medicare program for individuals aged 65 and above to engage in price negotiations for expensive drugs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-xylazine-how-is-the-medicine-turning-people-into-zombies-565219">What is Xylazine? How is the medicine turning people into zombies?</a></strong></p>

<p>Biden in recent past has asserted the need to prevent Americans from overpaying for life-saving medications and boosting pharmaceutical companies' profits.</p>

<p>Upon implementation, the negotiated drug prices are expected to drop for around 9 million senior citizens, potentially reducing their current out-of-pocket expenses that can reach up to $6,497 annually.</p>

<h2><strong>Inflation Reduction Act: Which all medications are included?</strong></h2>

<p>The list comprises various medicines, such as Januvia by Merck &amp; Co, Xarelto by Johnson &amp; Johnson, and Imbruvica by AbbVie, among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This move initiates negotiations for these drugs, with their new prices set to take effect in 2026. The program aims to save $25 billion each year on drug costs by 2031.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;U.S.-EU spat over America's Inflation Reduction Act</strong></p>

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<p>Some drug manufacturers, including Bristol Myers, Johnson &amp; Johnson, Merck, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim, have contested the pricing process through legal action against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.</p>

<p>The selection of the initial ten drugs for negotiation is based on specific criteria outlined by Medicare. These drugs must be sold in pharmacies, lack significant generic competition, and have been available on the market for at least nine years, or 13 years for more complex biotech drugs.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The Biden administration on Tuesday (August 29) unveiled a list of ten prescription medications that will undergo groundbreaking price negotiations within the US Medicare program.

The Biden administration on Tuesday (August 29) unveiled a list of ten prescription medications that will undergo groundbreaking price negotiations within the US Medicare program. The US Medicare program covers 66 million individuals. Notably, Eliquis, a widely used blood thinner from Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer, is included in the list of prescription medications that will undergo the price negotiations. US medication price reforms: Why negotiations? This is because the Inflation Reduction Act, deemed a significant achievement for President Joe Biden, permits the Medicare program for individuals aged 65 and above to engage in price negotiations for expensive drugs. Also read | What is Xylazine? How is the medicine turning people into zombies? Biden in recent past has asserted the need to prevent Americans from overpaying for life-saving medications and boosting pharmaceutical companies' profits. Upon implementation, the negotiated drug prices are expected to drop for around 9 million senior citizens, potentially reducing their current out-of-pocket expenses that can reach up to $6,497 annually. Inflation Reduction Act: Which all medications are included? The list comprises various medicines, such as Januvia by Merck & Co, Xarelto by Johnson & Johnson, and Imbruvica by AbbVie, among others. This move initiates negotiations for these drugs, with their new prices set to take effect in 2026. The program aims to save $25 billion each year on drug costs by 2031. Also watch | U.S.-EU spat over America's Inflation Reduction Act × Some drug manufacturers, including Bristol Myers, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim, have contested the pricing process through legal action against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The selection of the initial ten drugs for negotiation is based on specific criteria outlined by Medicare. These drugs must be sold in pharmacies, lack significant generic competition, and have been available on the market for at least nine years, or 13 years for more complex biotech drugs. 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 Inflation Reduction Act: Diabetes medications among first ten drugs for US price negotiations

Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) - 6/35 vs Bangladesh

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A soluble fibre called beta-glucans is present in oats which helps in reducing cholesterol levels.

The wonderful film, adapted from a Chinese film of the same name, follows a playful chaos of meeting and parting, longing and jealousy.



The film is an adaptation of the Spanish thriller The Invisible Guest. This classic crime noir plot is something you wouldn't want to miss.


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5 Best Korean Films Of 2023 So Far


<p>By 2035, the world may very well have its sixth-generation fighter jet as a landmark project involving the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan will reportedly stick to its current timetable, it was revealed.</p>

<p>One of the Global Combat Air Programme's industrial partners told the Financial Times that despite Saudi Arabia's request to join the initiative, the project is very well on time.</p>

<p>The project, launched in December 2022, had the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan coming together to build the most advanced sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035.</p>

<p>At present, the fifth-generation fighter jets, such as&nbsp;Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor are the most advanced fighter jets&nbsp;used by the United States Air Force.</p>

<h2><strong>Global Combat Air Programme: 2035 deadline a 'fundamental requirement'</strong></h2>

<p>The managing director of Future Combat Air Systems&nbsp;Herman Claesen said that for the tri-national grouping, the 2035 deadline to deliver the sixth-generation fighter jets is a "fundamental requirement".</p>

<p>In its explainer, <em>Inside Saudi Arabia's bid to build the world's most advanced fighter jets</em>, WION reported that Saudi Arabia has made a vehement push to become a full partner in the Global Combat Air Programme.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-inside-saudi-arabias-bid-to-build-most-advanced-sixth-generation-fighter-jets-624814">Explained | Inside Saudi Arabia's bid to build most advanced sixth-generation fighter jets</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Saudi Arabia's request has met with opposition from Japan.</p>

<p>The UK and Italy are open to Riyadh joining the idea, the Financial Times reported.</p>

<h2><strong>Sixth-generation fighter jet's expedited development</strong></h2>

<p>The UK, Italy and Japan are aiming to develop the aircraft in record time by using advanced manufacturing methods and digital tools.</p>

<h2><strong>Saudi Arabia's bid for inclusion in GCAP</strong></h2>

<p>Riyadh has been one of the leading buyers of combat aircraft from European nations, especially the United Kingdom. Saudis are also pushing domestically for the defence industry.</p>

<p>The UK defence ministry said it was "committed to delivering this world-leading fighter jet alongside our partners by 2035".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ukraine to get F-16 fighter jets from Netherlands, Denmark; US approves transfer</strong></p>

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<p>"You start to look more at a tiering system or other mechanisms, where at the minimum people could have observer status, all the way to being a full-blown partner," Claesen told the Financial Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>GCAP is being developed at the same time as a rival Franco-German programme, called&nbsp;Future Combat Air System (FCAS),&nbsp;which has been marred by industrial tensions between the partners.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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By 2035, the world may very well have its sixth-generation fighter jet as a landmark project involving the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan will reportedly stick to its current timetable, it was revealed.

By 2035, the world may very well have its sixth-generation fighter jet as a landmark project involving the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan will reportedly stick to its current timetable, it was revealed. One of the Global Combat Air Programme's industrial partners told the Financial Times that despite Saudi Arabia's request to join the initiative, the project is very well on time. The project, launched in December 2022, had the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan coming together to build the most advanced sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035. At present, the fifth-generation fighter jets, such as Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor are the most advanced fighter jets used by the United States Air Force. Global Combat Air Programme: 2035 deadline a 'fundamental requirement' The managing director of Future Combat Air Systems Herman Claesen said that for the tri-national grouping, the 2035 deadline to deliver the sixth-generation fighter jets is a "fundamental requirement". In its explainer, Inside Saudi Arabia's bid to build the world's most advanced fighter jets, WION reported that Saudi Arabia has made a vehement push to become a full partner in the Global Combat Air Programme. Also read | Explained | Inside Saudi Arabia's bid to build most advanced sixth-generation fighter jets However, Saudi Arabia's request has met with opposition from Japan. The UK and Italy are open to Riyadh joining the idea, the Financial Times reported. Sixth-generation fighter jet's expedited development The UK, Italy and Japan are aiming to develop the aircraft in record time by using advanced manufacturing methods and digital tools. Saudi Arabia's bid for inclusion in GCAP Riyadh has been one of the leading buyers of combat aircraft from European nations, especially the United Kingdom. Saudis are also pushing domestically for the defence industry. The UK defence ministry said it was "committed to delivering this world-leading fighter jet alongside our partners by 2035". Also watch | Ukraine to get F-16 fighter jets from Netherlands, Denmark; US approves transfer × "You start to look more at a tiering system or other mechanisms, where at the minimum people could have observer status, all the way to being a full-blown partner," Claesen told the Financial Times. GCAP is being developed at the same time as a rival Franco-German programme, called Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which has been marred by industrial tensions between the partners. 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.

Most advanced sixth-generation fighter jets poised to be developed by 2035

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