<p>A student in a Philadelphia high school graduation ceremony was denied her diploma after her quirky dance performance on stage resulted in laughter from the audience.</p>

<p>The student, identified as Hafsah Abdul-Rahman, belonged to the 2023 senior class at Philadelphia High School for Girls.</p>

<p>She was captured in a viral video as she awaited her turn to be called during the ceremony held last Friday. When her name was announced, she made her way across the stage towards the school's principal, spontaneously breaking into dance along the way.</p>

<h2><strong>Watch | The moment when Abdul-Rahman was denied diploma</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>To the utter surprise of everyone, the principal — identified as Lisa Mesi – refused to present the girl with her diploma and instead instructed her to sit down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the school officials had previously instructed students to inform their families that cheering or applause would not be permitted for individual students when their names were called.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Abdul-Rahman stated that an assistant principal had told the girls just before the ceremony that they could showcase their personal style while walking.</p>

<p>Despite this, when Abdul-Rahman briefly danced over to the principal, Mesi claimed that she had caused laughter in the crowd and, as a result, would not receive her diploma.</p>

<p>Abdul-Rahman's grandmother, who initially shared a video of the incident on Instagram, acknowledged that the graduates and attendees had been instructed to maintain silence."Everyone respected that," she wrote.</p>

<p>"But if someone didn't, how can you punish these young girls for something someone in the audience did?"</p>

<p>A video of the ceremony shared on Twitter stoked massive outrage.</p>

<p>"Appalling that she was not given her diploma," one wrote. "Outrageous behavior from the school."</p>

<p>"I can’t even make sense of this, she’s excited and she should be," another commented. "She did nothing wrong. I don’t understand this world today."</p>

<p>Others, meanwhile, fully supported the school, claiming the student "knew the rules" and flaunted them anyway.</p>

<p>"Lots of schools do this, and have done it for years!" one viewer wrote. "You have a short time to do the ceremony, and if there was a celebration after each child, you would be there all day. You can’t read the next name if there is [noise]. We have to stop making excuses for our kids."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This young woman, Hafsah Abdur-Rahman, was denied her high school diploma for dancing on stage. Philadelphia High School for Girls should be ashamed of themselves. They humiliated this young woman. For NOTHING. <a href="https://t.co/x60EaIgEmI">pic.twitter.com/x60EaIgEmI</a></p>
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) <a href="https://twitter.com/marclamonthill/status/1669676465170817024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Abdul-Rahman was not the only student whose diploma was withheld during the June 9 ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Social media videos alleged that at least two other teenagers were denied their diplomas, one for briefly pointing an index finger in the air and another for waving at attendees.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-texas-high-school-postpones-graduation-after-majority-of-students-fail-597447">US: Texas high school postpones graduation after majority of students fail</a></strong></p>

<p>The School District of Philadelphia, to which Girls' High belongs, has expressed its disapproval of the school administration's actions.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, according to a spokesperson for the school district, Abdul-Rahman and the other girls eventually received their diplomas after the ceremony. But for Abdul-Rahman, the experience was marred by the incident and did not hold the same significance.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A student in a Philadelphia high school graduation ceremony was denied her diploma after her quirky dance performance on stage resulted in laughter from the audience.

A student in a Philadelphia high school graduation ceremony was denied her diploma after her quirky dance performance on stage resulted in laughter from the audience. The student, identified as Hafsah Abdul-Rahman, belonged to the 2023 senior class at Philadelphia High School for Girls. She was captured in a viral video as she awaited her turn to be called during the ceremony held last Friday. When her name was announced, she made her way across the stage towards the school's principal, spontaneously breaking into dance along the way. Watch | The moment when Abdul-Rahman was denied diploma To the utter surprise of everyone, the principal — identified as Lisa Mesi – refused to present the girl with her diploma and instead instructed her to sit down. According to a report in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the school officials had previously instructed students to inform their families that cheering or applause would not be permitted for individual students when their names were called. However, Abdul-Rahman stated that an assistant principal had told the girls just before the ceremony that they could showcase their personal style while walking. Despite this, when Abdul-Rahman briefly danced over to the principal, Mesi claimed that she had caused laughter in the crowd and, as a result, would not receive her diploma. Abdul-Rahman's grandmother, who initially shared a video of the incident on Instagram, acknowledged that the graduates and attendees had been instructed to maintain silence."Everyone respected that," she wrote. "But if someone didn't, how can you punish these young girls for something someone in the audience did?" A video of the ceremony shared on Twitter stoked massive outrage. "Appalling that she was not given her diploma," one wrote. "Outrageous behavior from the school." "I can’t even make sense of this, she’s excited and she should be," another commented. "She did nothing wrong. I don’t understand this world today." Others, meanwhile, fully supported the school, claiming the student "knew the rules" and flaunted them anyway. "Lots of schools do this, and have done it for years!" one viewer wrote. "You have a short time to do the ceremony, and if there was a celebration after each child, you would be there all day. You can’t read the next name if there is [noise]. We have to stop making excuses for our kids." This young woman, Hafsah Abdur-Rahman, was denied her high school diploma for dancing on stage. Philadelphia High School for Girls should be ashamed of themselves. They humiliated this young woman. For NOTHING. pic.twitter.com/x60EaIgEmI — Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) June 16, 2023 × Abdul-Rahman was not the only student whose diploma was withheld during the June 9 ceremony. Social media videos alleged that at least two other teenagers were denied their diplomas, one for briefly pointing an index finger in the air and another for waving at attendees. Also read | US: Texas high school postpones graduation after majority of students fail The School District of Philadelphia, to which Girls' High belongs, has expressed its disapproval of the school administration's actions. Meanwhile, according to a spokesperson for the school district, Abdul-Rahman and the other girls eventually received their diplomas after the ceremony. But for Abdul-Rahman, the experience was marred by the incident and did not hold the same significance. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | US high school student denied diploma after she danced her heart out in graduation ceremony

<p>Non-provision of dollars has forced commercial importers in Pakistan to stop&nbsp;the import of all eatables and drinks from June 25.</p>

<p>The Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association Secretary, Farhat Siddique, has issued a statement for body members, saying that all banks have refused to provide them with dollars, reports in Pakistani media said.</p>

<p>He said the association in this regard held a meeting in which all importers and indenting agents participated.</p>

<p>After a thorough discussion, it was decided that importers should inform their indenters that no shipment should be dispatched after June 25, the report by Pakistan's The News added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pakistan-unveils-51-billion-budget-with-half-to-service-debt-602703">Pakistan unveils $51 billion budget with focus on ‘elements of real economy’, hikes defence spending</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the statement, the importers are only responsible for the clearance of goods that have reached the port or are on the way. No shipment would be cleared that was dispatched after June 25. The Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association said that due to lack of foreign currency, thousands of containers are stuck at the port and they are paying fines and other charges on them.</p>

<p>The statement said the State Bank of Pakistan is not providing the much-needed foreign exchange and that its policies are extremely harmful to the country’s economy.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Is Pakistan's economic crisis getting worse?</strong></p>

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<p>Concerns continue to&nbsp;rise over the health of Pakistan's economy as foreign reserves continue to run staggeringly low amid an intensifying political crisis marked by a tug-of-war between former prime minister Imran Khan and the ruling People's Democratic Movement.</p>

<p>The Pakistani rupee&nbsp;has weakened and inflation stands at decades-high levels.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, the food crisis in Pakistan&nbsp;reached unprecedented proportions when visuals of stampedes at wheat flour shops in different parts of the country dominated the South Asian news cycle,</p>

<p>Years of economic mismanagement by Islamabad have come to haunt its current rulers.&nbsp;While the Pakistani economy was declining for quite some time, the floods of 2022 caused unprecedented damage to the country with critical infrastructure destroyed and millions displaced.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Non-provision of dollars has forced commercial importers in Pakistan to stop the import of all eatables and drinks from June 25. The Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association Secretary, Farhat Siddique, has issued a statement for body members, saying that all banks have refused to provide them with dollars, reports in Pakistani media said.

Non-provision of dollars has forced commercial importers in Pakistan to stop the import of all eatables and drinks from June 25. The Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association Secretary, Farhat Siddique, has issued a statement for body members, saying that all banks have refused to provide them with dollars, reports in Pakistani media said. He said the association in this regard held a meeting in which all importers and indenting agents participated. After a thorough discussion, it was decided that importers should inform their indenters that no shipment should be dispatched after June 25, the report by Pakistan's The News added. Also read | Pakistan unveils $51 billion budget with focus on ‘elements of real economy’, hikes defence spending According to the statement, the importers are only responsible for the clearance of goods that have reached the port or are on the way. No shipment would be cleared that was dispatched after June 25. The Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association said that due to lack of foreign currency, thousands of containers are stuck at the port and they are paying fines and other charges on them. The statement said the State Bank of Pakistan is not providing the much-needed foreign exchange and that its policies are extremely harmful to the country’s economy. Also watch | Is Pakistan's economic crisis getting worse? × Concerns continue to rise over the health of Pakistan's economy as foreign reserves continue to run staggeringly low amid an intensifying political crisis marked by a tug-of-war between former prime minister Imran Khan and the ruling People's Democratic Movement. The Pakistani rupee has weakened and inflation stands at decades-high levels. Earlier this year, the food crisis in Pakistan reached unprecedented proportions when visuals of stampedes at wheat flour shops in different parts of the country dominated the South Asian news cycle, Years of economic mismanagement by Islamabad have come to haunt its current rulers. While the Pakistani economy was declining for quite some time, the floods of 2022 caused unprecedented damage to the country with critical infrastructure destroyed and millions displaced. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan's Karachi city to stop import of eatables, drinks due to lack of dollars

<p>Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals.<br />
<br />
This week, the African leaders spoke as the world listened. Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in Kyiv and St. Petersburg, the leaders from the world's second most populous continent pitched their peace plan to end the raging war between Russia and Ukraine now in its 17th month. It finally culminated into a verbally explosive blame-game between Kyiv and Moscow but the message has become clear: Africa's geo-economic credence gives it a rare heft unique to the continent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Far away from Kyiv and St Petersburg, in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the leaders of G20 nations to include African Union — a bloc of 55 nations of Africa&nbsp;— in the crucial diplomatic grouping.</p>

<p>Read this and more, in The Capitals this week.</p>

<h2><strong>New Delhi</strong></h2>

<h2><strong><img alt="India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d817402c-a640-4ddf-870c-f31e885a3d03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T185217.852.png" /></strong></h2>

<p><em>Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in New Delhi | Reuters</em></p>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon all G20 nations for the African Union be given full, permanent membership of the diplomatic group at its upcoming summit in India.</p>

<p>The move demonstrated India's commitment to strengthening Africa's representation and partnership in shaping global affairs.</p>

<h2><strong>Kyiv</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Ramaphosa Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5cbef54a-c953-4c40-a3d4-21976c6eacd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T183210.231.png" /></p>

<p><em>Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa | Reuters photo for representation</em></p>

<p>South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa presented a 10-point peace plan of the African Peace Mission during his visit to Kyiv this week.</p>

<p>As the main points, Ramaphosa emphasised that the war must be settled, and peace has to be achieved through diplomatic means as soon as possible. Ukraine's President Zelensky later responded, however, that talks with Moscow are possible only after a full withdrawal of Russian troops.</p>

<h2><strong>Cairo</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Egypt President Sisi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8037291e-f2ab-4545-8b16-2c668ca1fc31" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T183527.299.png" /></p>

<p><em>Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi | Reuters</em></p>

<p>From Egyptian capital Cairo, a formal application to be the part of five-member BRICS bloc of emerging economies became a major geo-economic moment of significance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.</p>

<p>The development comes after Cairo joined the BRICS bank to help the crisis-hit Egypt reduce dependence on US dollars.</p>

<p>Egypt has become the latest entrant to shed the US currency in trade with several member states of the BRICS economic bloc.</p>

<h2><strong>Jerusalem</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Jerusalem Netanyahu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83c4ef31-3c6b-4825-99e7-c858898c5e8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T184134.023.png" /></p>

<p><em>Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a hearing on corruption charges at Jerusalem's District Court, in Jerusalem | Reuters image for representation</em></p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial entered a momentous stage this week when the former prime minister and current Opposition leader Yair Lapid testified against Netanyahu.</p>

<p>Lapid was called as a witness to speak about his time as finance minister in 2013-2014, when he was approached by both Netanyahu and billionaire Arnon Milchan about the idea of extending the duration of the tax break given to returning Israelis who have lived abroad, from 10 years to 20.</p>

<p>Netanyahu’s trial began three years ago, and according to the current schedule is slated to last for another five years, although various reports have said that the extensive witness list could be trimmed, potentially shortening the trial by a couple of years.</p>

<h2><strong>Pyongyang</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Putin Kim Jong-un" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86b4a879-7b19-4c31-bad2-81c1f48a6e44" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T184440.901.png" /></p>

<p><em>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Russia in this undated photo | Reuters image for representation</em></p>

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this week vowed to "hold hands" with Russian President Vladimir Putin and bolster strategic cooperation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim made the pledge in a message to Putin marking Russia's national day, defending his decision to invade Ukraine and displaying "full support and solidarity." An isolated communist dictatorship, North Korea has sought to forge closer ties with the Kremlin and backed Moscow after it invaded Ukraine last year.</p>

<h2><strong>Kabul</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="A Taliban guard posted at a checkpoint in Kabul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e09bd45c-84a4-42a8-80bd-38066b5a31ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-06-18T184606.897.png" /></p>

<p><em>A Taliban guard posted at a checkpoint in Kabul | Reuters</em></p>

<p>A United Nations report this week further decreased the chances of Kabul's Taliban regime to have any form of international legitimacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN report vindicated the skepticism that was widely expressed when the US withdrawal from Afghanistan pushed Taliban back to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That Kabul will end up nurturing the sanctuaries of terrorism, either directly or indirectly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said that the connection between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and mutually beneficial for all the parties involved with the Taliban as current rulers of Afghanistan acting as the nucleus of the entire set-up harbouring terror activities.</p>

<p>That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. This week, the African leaders spoke as the world listened. Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in Kyiv and St.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. This week, the African leaders spoke as the world listened. Led by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in Kyiv and St. Petersburg, the leaders from the world's second most populous continent pitched their peace plan to end the raging war between Russia and Ukraine now in its 17th month. It finally culminated into a verbally explosive blame-game between Kyiv and Moscow but the message has become clear: Africa's geo-economic credence gives it a rare heft unique to the continent. Far away from Kyiv and St Petersburg, in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the leaders of G20 nations to include African Union — a bloc of 55 nations of Africa — in the crucial diplomatic grouping. Read this and more, in The Capitals this week. New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in New Delhi | Reuters India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon all G20 nations for the African Union be given full, permanent membership of the diplomatic group at its upcoming summit in India. The move demonstrated India's commitment to strengthening Africa's representation and partnership in shaping global affairs. Kyiv Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa | Reuters photo for representation South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa presented a 10-point peace plan of the African Peace Mission during his visit to Kyiv this week. As the main points, Ramaphosa emphasised that the war must be settled, and peace has to be achieved through diplomatic means as soon as possible. Ukraine's President Zelensky later responded, however, that talks with Moscow are possible only after a full withdrawal of Russian troops. Cairo Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi | Reuters From Egyptian capital Cairo, a formal application to be the part of five-member BRICS bloc of emerging economies became a major geo-economic moment of significance. BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The development comes after Cairo joined the BRICS bank to help the crisis-hit Egypt reduce dependence on US dollars. Egypt has become the latest entrant to shed the US currency in trade with several member states of the BRICS economic bloc. Jerusalem Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a hearing on corruption charges at Jerusalem's District Court, in Jerusalem | Reuters image for representation Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial entered a momentous stage this week when the former prime minister and current Opposition leader Yair Lapid testified against Netanyahu. Lapid was called as a witness to speak about his time as finance minister in 2013-2014, when he was approached by both Netanyahu and billionaire Arnon Milchan about the idea of extending the duration of the tax break given to returning Israelis who have lived abroad, from 10 years to 20. Netanyahu’s trial began three years ago, and according to the current schedule is slated to last for another five years, although various reports have said that the extensive witness list could be trimmed, potentially shortening the trial by a couple of years. Pyongyang North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Russia in this undated photo | Reuters image for representation North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this week vowed to "hold hands" with Russian President Vladimir Putin and bolster strategic cooperation. Kim made the pledge in a message to Putin marking Russia's national day, defending his decision to invade Ukraine and displaying "full support and solidarity." An isolated communist dictatorship, North Korea has sought to forge closer ties with the Kremlin and backed Moscow after it invaded Ukraine last year. Kabul A Taliban guard posted at a checkpoint in Kabul | Reuters A United Nations report this week further decreased the chances of Kabul's Taliban regime to have any form of international legitimacy. The UN report vindicated the skepticism that was widely expressed when the US withdrawal from Afghanistan pushed Taliban back to power. That Kabul will end up nurturing the sanctuaries of terrorism, either directly or indirectly. It said that the connection between the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains strong and mutually beneficial for all the parties involved with the Taliban as current rulers of Afghanistan acting as the nucleus of the entire set-up harbouring terror activities. That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

The Capitals: Pretoria, New Delhi lead Africa's ascent in global diplomacy

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has triggered controversy&nbsp;by saying that he plans to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925. This is part of his plan to make Gurbani free for all. The proposed law is scheduled to be introduced in the Punjab state assembly on Tuesday, June 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With the blessings of God, we are going to make a historic decision tomorrow, as per the demand of all devotes, we are adding a new clause in the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 that the transmission of Gurbani from Harminder Sahib will be free for all... no tender required... tomorrow in the cabinet... on June 20, a vote will be taken in the state assembly," his tweet read.</p>

<p>His office also confirmed the decision. The move is&nbsp;“aimed at ensuring the free-to-air telecast of sacred Gurbani from Sri Harmandar Sahib", an official statement said.</p>

<p>However, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body responsible for the&nbsp;management of Gurdwaras in India, has slammed Mann for the move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gurbani, literally meaning the voice of Guru (spiritual teacher), refers&nbsp;to various compositions of wisdom and lessons by ten Sikh Gurus -- collectively assorted in Guru Granth Sahib in the central holy religious scripture of Sikhism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-court-slams-punjab-government-amid-manhunt-for-amritpal-singh-574449">India: Court slams Punjab government amid manhunt for Amritpal Singh</a></p>

<p>In the form of hymns, there is a continuous singing of Gurbani in the Golden Temple -- the holiest Sikh shrine located in Amritsar in India's Punjab state -- throughout the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the SGPC has granted the rights to broadcast the Gurbani to&nbsp;one channel&nbsp;owned by the&nbsp;Badal family. The latest decision is expected to break the&nbsp;network's monopoly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;50 volunteers from UK reach India for cleaning the Golden Temple</strong></p>

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<p>The government is set to introduce an amendment in the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925, following which the live telecast rights of Gurbani from Golden Temple will no longer remain exclusive to PTC.</p>

<h2><strong>Political slugfest follows</strong></h2>

<p>In a tweet in Punjabi, Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal condemned the proposed move and said it was the "first dangerous step towards snatching away right of 'Gurbani parchar' from 'Sikh sangat' and put the gurdwaras under the government control."</p>

<p>"This decision has come as a reminiscent of excesses committed by the Mughals, the British and [slain PM] Indira Gandhi, but Khalsa Panth will give a befitting reply to this," he added.</p>

<p>"The announcement made by Bhagwant Mann relating to the telecast of Gurbani is not merely a direct attack on gurdwaras of Khalsa Panth, but on Sikh community also."</p>

<p>Tweeting in Punjabi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sunil Jakhar cautioned the Punjab government that gurdwaras are meant to pay obeisance, and not to pick a confrontation. "I am of the view that there should not be monopoly over telecast of Gurbani, but it is highly condemnable the way you are interfering in Sikh religious affairs to settle political scores and I strongly oppose the move to amend Gurdwara Act (Which is not even in the domain of State’s right)," he said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has triggered controversy by saying that he plans to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925. This is part of his plan to make Gurbani free for all.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has triggered controversy by saying that he plans to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925. This is part of his plan to make Gurbani free for all. The proposed law is scheduled to be introduced in the Punjab state assembly on Tuesday, June 20. "With the blessings of God, we are going to make a historic decision tomorrow, as per the demand of all devotes, we are adding a new clause in the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 that the transmission of Gurbani from Harminder Sahib will be free for all... no tender required... tomorrow in the cabinet... on June 20, a vote will be taken in the state assembly," his tweet read. His office also confirmed the decision. The move is “aimed at ensuring the free-to-air telecast of sacred Gurbani from Sri Harmandar Sahib", an official statement said. However, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body responsible for the management of Gurdwaras in India, has slammed Mann for the move. Gurbani, literally meaning the voice of Guru (spiritual teacher), refers to various compositions of wisdom and lessons by ten Sikh Gurus -- collectively assorted in Guru Granth Sahib in the central holy religious scripture of Sikhism. Also read | India: Court slams Punjab government amid manhunt for Amritpal Singh In the form of hymns, there is a continuous singing of Gurbani in the Golden Temple -- the holiest Sikh shrine located in Amritsar in India's Punjab state -- throughout the day. Notably, the SGPC has granted the rights to broadcast the Gurbani to one channel owned by the Badal family. The latest decision is expected to break the network's monopoly. Also watch | 50 volunteers from UK reach India for cleaning the Golden Temple × The government is set to introduce an amendment in the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925, following which the live telecast rights of Gurbani from Golden Temple will no longer remain exclusive to PTC. Political slugfest follows In a tweet in Punjabi, Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal condemned the proposed move and said it was the "first dangerous step towards snatching away right of 'Gurbani parchar' from 'Sikh sangat' and put the gurdwaras under the government control." "This decision has come as a reminiscent of excesses committed by the Mughals, the British and [slain PM] Indira Gandhi, but Khalsa Panth will give a befitting reply to this," he added. "The announcement made by Bhagwant Mann relating to the telecast of Gurbani is not merely a direct attack on gurdwaras of Khalsa Panth, but on Sikh community also." Tweeting in Punjabi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sunil Jakhar cautioned the Punjab government that gurdwaras are meant to pay obeisance, and not to pick a confrontation. "I am of the view that there should not be monopoly over telecast of Gurbani, but it is highly condemnable the way you are interfering in Sikh religious affairs to settle political scores and I strongly oppose the move to amend Gurdwara Act (Which is not even in the domain of State’s right)," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Proposal to make broadcast of Gurbani from Golden Temple free triggers massive row in Punjab

<p>Nigeria’s newly elected President Bola Tinubu has wasted no time in implementing a series of much-needed reforms aimed at realising the potential of Africa's largest economy, after a decade-long swing between slowdown and inflation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: What do Tinubu’s reforms entail?</strong></h2>

<p>The reforms have been cited as bold and comprehensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They include the elimination of a costly fuel subsidy, the replacement of the country's central bank governor, and the initiation of a deep overhaul of Nigeria's power industry described as chronically inadequate in recent memory.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: What do they mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The measures have garnered a positive response, with Nigeria's dollar bonds experiencing a rally and stocks reaching a 15-year high as per a Bloomberg report. The economic reforms have been reported as Nigeria’s shift towards economic orthodoxy – unconventional leadership decisions taken with an aim towards overall betterment of the economy in the face of scarcity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigerians-have-chosen-well-president-muhammudu-buhari-hails-successor-tinubu-597537">'Nigerians have chosen well': President Muhammudu Buhari hails successor Tinubu</a></strong></p>

<p>While there remains skepticism on overall implementation of the reforms given the country's tumultuous history of leaders failing to scale through the initial economic optimism, investors view these policy changes as the beginning of a broader economic transformation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shift also aligns Nigeria with other countries like Turkey and Colombia, where similar policy changes have generated market enthusiasm after authorities signaled a departure from investor-unfriendly economic practices.</p>

<p>In a Bloomberg report, Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group, commended the swift implementation of challenging reforms during the initial period of Tinubu's presidency.</p>

<p>This demonstrates determination and creates momentum and goodwill, which in turn boosts both domestic and international confidence and encourages investment, he noted.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: Ordinary Nigerians face burden</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the negative effects of these adjustments are primarily affecting the currency and the Nigerian population itself. The currency naira has significantly depreciated against the dollar since Tinubu assumed office, while the price of petrol has tripled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This combination is expected to burden ordinary Nigerians, who are already grappling with widespread unemployment and soaring inflation.</p>

<p>Consumer inflation rate could&nbsp;climb as high as 29.8 per cent in June, from 22.4 per cent in May, as rising gasoline prices lift the cost of food and transport, according to Rand Merchant Bank analysts cited in Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This could force the central bank to raise its policy rate to 22 per cent in the second half, from 18.5 per cent, they said.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: Stocks rise after firing of&nbsp;central bank governor</strong></h2>

<p>Nigerian stocks and Eurobonds have continued to rise since the ousting of Godwin Emefiele, the former head of the Central Bank of Nigeria, on June 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Investors interpret his dismissal, along with his subsequent arrest, as an indication that President Tinubu will adopt a more market-friendly approach compared to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-political-life-of-president-muhammadu-buhari-who-bid-farewell-to-nigeria-597476">Explained: The political life of outgoing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari</a></strong></p>

<p>Buhari's multiple exchange rate regime, which hindered the economy, was largely attributed to Emefiele, making him unpopular among the new president's allies.</p>

<p>Gordon Bowers, an analyst at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, described that the removal of the fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms will positively impact Nigeria's fiscal and external accounts, reducing long-standing distortions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These reforms were considered essential minimum requirements, allowing Tinubu to shift his focus to growth-oriented and productivity-enhancing reforms that can substantially raise Nigeria's potential growth rate.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: Where would the currency settle?</strong></h2>

<p>The ultimate settling price for the naira under the new administration remains uncertain. But a pre-election report from a Tinubu advisory committee suggested a target range of 550-600 naira per dollar, with commercial banks acting as primary dealers through a willing-buyer-willing-seller model.</p>

<p>Experts anticipate further depreciation of the currency before it stabilises at a significantly weaker level.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Nigeria's Naira hits record low</strong></p>

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<p>JPMorgan analysts cited by Bloomberg previously indicated that the exchange rate should be adjusted to approximately 700-750 naira per dollar.</p>

<p>Despite concerns about the government's ability to maintain momentum, markets have responded positively to Tinubu's ambitious policy shift.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tinubu is currently working alongside his chief of staff, advisers, an interim central bank chief, and a trusted informal team, having not yet appointed ministers.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: What else is on cards?</strong></h2>

<p>In addition to the aforementioned reforms, Tinubu's team is advocating for significant changes in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, aiming to reduce the role of the state energy company, which had expanded under Tinubu’s predecessor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, Nigeria’s national assembly passed legislation that’s expected to set off the biggest shakeup of the West African nation’s chronically inadequate power industry in almost two decades.</p>

<p>Further reforms will be necessary to get Nigeria’s economy back on track, experts say.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group, the Tinubu administration will have to "focus on the harder, more long-term stuff, especially boosting revenue generation."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Nigeria’s newly elected President Bola Tinubu has wasted no time in implementing a series of much-needed reforms aimed at realising the potential of Africa's largest economy, after a decade-long swing between slowdown and inflation.

Nigeria’s newly elected President Bola Tinubu has wasted no time in implementing a series of much-needed reforms aimed at realising the potential of Africa's largest economy, after a decade-long swing between slowdown and inflation. Nigeria economic reforms: What do Tinubu’s reforms entail? The reforms have been cited as bold and comprehensive. They include the elimination of a costly fuel subsidy, the replacement of the country's central bank governor, and the initiation of a deep overhaul of Nigeria's power industry described as chronically inadequate in recent memory. Nigeria economic reforms: What do they mean? The measures have garnered a positive response, with Nigeria's dollar bonds experiencing a rally and stocks reaching a 15-year high as per a Bloomberg report. The economic reforms have been reported as Nigeria’s shift towards economic orthodoxy – unconventional leadership decisions taken with an aim towards overall betterment of the economy in the face of scarcity. Also read | 'Nigerians have chosen well': President Muhammudu Buhari hails successor Tinubu While there remains skepticism on overall implementation of the reforms given the country's tumultuous history of leaders failing to scale through the initial economic optimism, investors view these policy changes as the beginning of a broader economic transformation. The shift also aligns Nigeria with other countries like Turkey and Colombia, where similar policy changes have generated market enthusiasm after authorities signaled a departure from investor-unfriendly economic practices. In a Bloomberg report, Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group, commended the swift implementation of challenging reforms during the initial period of Tinubu's presidency. This demonstrates determination and creates momentum and goodwill, which in turn boosts both domestic and international confidence and encourages investment, he noted. Nigeria economic reforms: Ordinary Nigerians face burden Meanwhile, the negative effects of these adjustments are primarily affecting the currency and the Nigerian population itself. The currency naira has significantly depreciated against the dollar since Tinubu assumed office, while the price of petrol has tripled. This combination is expected to burden ordinary Nigerians, who are already grappling with widespread unemployment and soaring inflation. Consumer inflation rate could climb as high as 29.8 per cent in June, from 22.4 per cent in May, as rising gasoline prices lift the cost of food and transport, according to Rand Merchant Bank analysts cited in Bloomberg. This could force the central bank to raise its policy rate to 22 per cent in the second half, from 18.5 per cent, they said. Nigeria economic reforms: Stocks rise after firing of central bank governor Nigerian stocks and Eurobonds have continued to rise since the ousting of Godwin Emefiele, the former head of the Central Bank of Nigeria, on June 9. Investors interpret his dismissal, along with his subsequent arrest, as an indication that President Tinubu will adopt a more market-friendly approach compared to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Also read | Explained: The political life of outgoing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari's multiple exchange rate regime, which hindered the economy, was largely attributed to Emefiele, making him unpopular among the new president's allies. Gordon Bowers, an analyst at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, described that the removal of the fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms will positively impact Nigeria's fiscal and external accounts, reducing long-standing distortions. These reforms were considered essential minimum requirements, allowing Tinubu to shift his focus to growth-oriented and productivity-enhancing reforms that can substantially raise Nigeria's potential growth rate. Nigeria economic reforms: Where would the currency settle? The ultimate settling price for the naira under the new administration remains uncertain. But a pre-election report from a Tinubu advisory committee suggested a target range of 550-600 naira per dollar, with commercial banks acting as primary dealers through a willing-buyer-willing-seller model. Experts anticipate further depreciation of the currency before it stabilises at a significantly weaker level. Also watch | Nigeria's Naira hits record low × JPMorgan analysts cited by Bloomberg previously indicated that the exchange rate should be adjusted to approximately 700-750 naira per dollar. Despite concerns about the government's ability to maintain momentum, markets have responded positively to Tinubu's ambitious policy shift. Tinubu is currently working alongside his chief of staff, advisers, an interim central bank chief, and a trusted informal team, having not yet appointed ministers. Nigeria economic reforms: What else is on cards? In addition to the aforementioned reforms, Tinubu's team is advocating for significant changes in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, aiming to reduce the role of the state energy company, which had expanded under Tinubu’s predecessor. Last week, Nigeria’s national assembly passed legislation that’s expected to set off the biggest shakeup of the West African nation’s chronically inadequate power industry in almost two decades. Further reforms will be necessary to get Nigeria’s economy back on track, experts say. According to Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group, the Tinubu administration will have to "focus on the harder, more long-term stuff, especially boosting revenue generation." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | Why Nigeria's economic reforms under President Tinubu are creating a buzz

<p>Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in the Punjabi-dominated Surrey city of Canada's British Columbia province, reportedly by two unidentified gunmen.&nbsp;India's National Investigation Agency&nbsp;in the past had announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakhs ($12,192) on him.<br />
<br />
He had played a key role in organising the so-called Khalistan referendum in Brampton city that created anti-India optics.</p>

<h2><strong>Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?</strong></h2>

<p>Hardeep Singh Nijjar&nbsp;was the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A native of Harsinghpur in Jalandhar district of India's Punjab state, the 46-year-old has been accused of promoting secessionist and terror agenda of banned 'Sikhs for Justice' organisation of conspiring to kill a Hindu priest at Phillaur in Punjab.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistani-terrorist-avtar-singh-khanda-amritpal-singhs-aide-dies-in-london-604649">Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda, handler of Amritpal Singh, dies in London</a></strong><br />
<br />
He was the president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey and was associated with Sikhs for Justice, an organisation banned by India for its secessionist activities.</p>

<h2><strong>Hardeep Singh Nijjar's criminal history</strong></h2>

<p>In 2010, Punjab Police had filed a FIR against Nijjar for his involvement in an explosion near Satya Narayan temple in Patiala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Separately, in 2015 another FIR was filed against him for plotting to kill religious leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later in 2016 another FIR was filed for organizing training camp in Canada in December 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Look out Circular (LOC) and a Red Corner Notice (RCN) were also lodged against him in 2015 and 2016. Although Canadian authorities had briefly detained him in April 2018, he was released without any charges being filed.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>Hardeep Singh Nijjar dead: What did he do in Canada?</b></h2>

<p>Nijjar claimed to be earning a livelihood by doing "hard work as a plumber". But a report in Hindustan Times states that&nbsp;he forcibly occupied Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh temple to become its president.</p>

<p>In the last couple of years, he was regularly seen as part of protests in front of the Consulate General of India, in Canada's Vancouver.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;The India Story| ANALYSING KHALISTANI ACTIVISM</strong></p>

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<p>Nijjar became friendly with people like separatist Moninder Boyle, an educated Canada-born Sikh. Boyle, till recently, was the president of another gurdwara in Surrey – Sri Dashmesh Darbar.</p>

<p>Both the gurdwaras – Guru Nanak Sikh Temple and Sri Dashmesh Darbar – are known for promoting anti-India Khalistani elements in and beyond India's intelligence circles.</p>

<h2><strong>Nijjar was on radar of India's anti-terror agency</strong></h2>

<p>India's&nbsp;National Investigation Agency had earlier filed a chargesheet against Nijjar for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror attacks.</p>

<p>India had previously asked Canadian authorities to take action against Nijjar for his alleged involvement in terrorist acts in Punjab.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in the Punjabi-dominated Surrey city of Canada's British Columbia province, reportedly by two unidentified gunmen.

Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in the Punjabi-dominated Surrey city of Canada's British Columbia province, reportedly by two unidentified gunmen. India's National Investigation Agency in the past had announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakhs ($12,192) on him. He had played a key role in organising the so-called Khalistan referendum in Brampton city that created anti-India optics. Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar? Hardeep Singh Nijjar was the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force. A native of Harsinghpur in Jalandhar district of India's Punjab state, the 46-year-old has been accused of promoting secessionist and terror agenda of banned 'Sikhs for Justice' organisation of conspiring to kill a Hindu priest at Phillaur in Punjab. Also read | Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda, handler of Amritpal Singh, dies in London He was the president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey and was associated with Sikhs for Justice, an organisation banned by India for its secessionist activities. Hardeep Singh Nijjar's criminal history In 2010, Punjab Police had filed a FIR against Nijjar for his involvement in an explosion near Satya Narayan temple in Patiala. Separately, in 2015 another FIR was filed against him for plotting to kill religious leaders. Later in 2016 another FIR was filed for organizing training camp in Canada in December 2015. A Look out Circular (LOC) and a Red Corner Notice (RCN) were also lodged against him in 2015 and 2016. Although Canadian authorities had briefly detained him in April 2018, he was released without any charges being filed. Hardeep Singh Nijjar dead: What did he do in Canada? Nijjar claimed to be earning a livelihood by doing "hard work as a plumber". But a report in Hindustan Times states that he forcibly occupied Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh temple to become its president. In the last couple of years, he was regularly seen as part of protests in front of the Consulate General of India, in Canada's Vancouver. Also watch | The India Story| ANALYSING KHALISTANI ACTIVISM × Nijjar became friendly with people like separatist Moninder Boyle, an educated Canada-born Sikh. Boyle, till recently, was the president of another gurdwara in Surrey – Sri Dashmesh Darbar. Both the gurdwaras – Guru Nanak Sikh Temple and Sri Dashmesh Darbar – are known for promoting anti-India Khalistani elements in and beyond India's intelligence circles. Nijjar was on radar of India's anti-terror agency India's National Investigation Agency had earlier filed a chargesheet against Nijjar for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror attacks. India had previously asked Canadian authorities to take action against Nijjar for his alleged involvement in terrorist acts in Punjab. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar shot dead in Canada's Surrey

<p>The workings of Afghanistan's Taliban government have been reportedly curtailed due to ban on WhatsApp accounts operated by hardline operators as part of the US sanctions.</p>

<p>Such bans or temporarily deactivation of WhatsApp accounts of Taliban officials&nbsp;have become widespread in recent months, New York Times reported.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>These interruptions highlight&nbsp;the consequences of international sanctions on Afghanistan's isolated Taliban government.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-80-afghan-school-girls-poisoned-in-taliban-ruled-afghanistan-600753">Nearly 80 Afghan school girls poisoned in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The United States, as part of sanctions imposed on Taliban&nbsp;criminalises any form of support for the Taliban. The impact of this has been deemed selective over the years.</p>

<h2><strong>How the ban takes place?</strong></h2>

<p>WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, scans group names, descriptions and group profile photos on the messaging app to identify users among the Taliban and blocks their accounts, according to a Meta spokesman quoted by New York Times.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The ban has affected the Taliban men&nbsp;who relied on WhatsApp’s voice message feature, with which they could send messages and listen to the verbal instructions from their commanders with the press of a button.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US, UK and UN criticise the Taliban's ban on Afghan women from universities</strong></p>

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<p>The Taliban’s reliance on WhatsApp became more far-reaching as smartphone use proliferated and high-speed internet networks improved across Afghanistan by the end of US withdrawal from the nation.</p>

<p>As the Taliban consolidated control and settled into governance,&nbsp;WhatsApp central to their official communications.</p>

<h2><strong>How WhatsApp has become the medium for Taliban's functioning?</strong></h2>

<p>Taliban's government departments use WhatsApp groups to disseminate information among all organs of the government.</p>

<p>Officials rely on WhatsApp groups to distribute statements to journalists and transmit official communiqués between ministries. Security forces also plan and coordinate raids on Islamic State cells by communicating through WhatsApp.</p>

<p>Overall, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, the popularity and accessibility of WhatsApp among the group’s ranks has grown rapidly. Former Taliban fighters began using their smartphones around the clock, no longer afraid that Western forces could use the signal to track or target them in drone strikes as was the case when the US was still stationed there.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The workings of Afghanistan's Taliban government have been reportedly curtailed due to ban on WhatsApp accounts operated by hardline operators as part of the US sanctions.

The workings of Afghanistan's Taliban government have been reportedly curtailed due to ban on WhatsApp accounts operated by hardline operators as part of the US sanctions. Such bans or temporarily deactivation of WhatsApp accounts of Taliban officials have become widespread in recent months, New York Times reported. What does it mean? These interruptions highlight the consequences of international sanctions on Afghanistan's isolated Taliban government. Also read | Nearly 80 Afghan school girls poisoned in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan The United States, as part of sanctions imposed on Taliban criminalises any form of support for the Taliban. The impact of this has been deemed selective over the years. How the ban takes place? WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, scans group names, descriptions and group profile photos on the messaging app to identify users among the Taliban and blocks their accounts, according to a Meta spokesman quoted by New York Times. What does it mean? The ban has affected the Taliban men who relied on WhatsApp’s voice message feature, with which they could send messages and listen to the verbal instructions from their commanders with the press of a button. Also watch | US, UK and UN criticise the Taliban's ban on Afghan women from universities × The Taliban’s reliance on WhatsApp became more far-reaching as smartphone use proliferated and high-speed internet networks improved across Afghanistan by the end of US withdrawal from the nation. As the Taliban consolidated control and settled into governance, WhatsApp central to their official communications. How WhatsApp has become the medium for Taliban's functioning? Taliban's government departments use WhatsApp groups to disseminate information among all organs of the government. Officials rely on WhatsApp groups to distribute statements to journalists and transmit official communiqués between ministries. Security forces also plan and coordinate raids on Islamic State cells by communicating through WhatsApp. Overall, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, the popularity and accessibility of WhatsApp among the group’s ranks has grown rapidly. Former Taliban fighters began using their smartphones around the clock, no longer afraid that Western forces could use the signal to track or target them in drone strikes as was the case when the US was still stationed there. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Selective WhatsApp ban on hardliners hits Taliban's functioning in Afghanistan

<p>The suburbs of India's financial capital Mumbai have found their real estate value just marginally increased over a span of 10 years between 2013 to 2023. This, despite Greater Mumbai area being considered the most expensive real estate market in the country.</p>

<p>While the media often highlights the sale of luxurious apartments or extravagant penthouses in Mumbai at record-breaking prices, data shows that individuals who purchased flats during the past decade and later sold their properties barely made any significant gains.</p>

<p>According to real estate research and rating firm, Liases Foras, Mumbai has demonstrated zero net&nbsp;growth in property prices over the past 10 years. In fact, the average price in the larger Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has declined by 10 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: Hong Kong property market tumbling as unsold homes pile up</strong></p>

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<p>In comparison, locations in the western and central suburbs appreciated just 23 per cent and 17 per cent&nbsp;respectively, in the past 10 years.</p>

<p>"The city's new development control and promotion regulation (DCPR 2034) has further increased the floor space index (FSI) in all housing schemes. This will ensure that property prices do not increase in the coming years," a developer was quoted as saying by The Times of India.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-housing-market-witnesses-a-slump-for-the-16th-month-553088">China's housing market witnesses a slump for the 16th month</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2013, the average price per square foot in MMR was Rs 18,845, and after a decade, it currently stands at Rs 18,708 per square foot, indicating a decline of 1 per cent.</p>

<h2><strong>Hyderabad city had most increase in its real estate value&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In contrast, other cities have experienced substantial increase&nbsp;in property prices during the same period. Hyderabad witnessed an impressive 98 per cent&nbsp;appreciation, almost doubling its prices, followed by NCR with a 63 per cent average price increase, Ahmedabad with 58 per cent, Bengaluru with 38 per cent, Chennai with 35 per cent, Kolkata with 37 per cent, and Pune with a 20 per cent growth rate.</p>

<p>Mumbai recorded unprecedented growth in property prices between 2004 and 2008. Rates in many projects across the city doubled and even tripled during this period. But in&nbsp;the last 10 years, there has been a virtual stagnation in the prices.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The suburbs of India's financial capital Mumbai have found their real estate value just marginally increased over a span of 10 years between 2013 to 2023. This, despite Greater Mumbai area being considered the most expensive real estate market in the country.

The suburbs of India's financial capital Mumbai have found their real estate value just marginally increased over a span of 10 years between 2013 to 2023. This, despite Greater Mumbai area being considered the most expensive real estate market in the country. While the media often highlights the sale of luxurious apartments or extravagant penthouses in Mumbai at record-breaking prices, data shows that individuals who purchased flats during the past decade and later sold their properties barely made any significant gains. According to real estate research and rating firm, Liases Foras, Mumbai has demonstrated zero net growth in property prices over the past 10 years. In fact, the average price in the larger Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has declined by 10 per cent. Also watch | World Business Watch: Hong Kong property market tumbling as unsold homes pile up × In comparison, locations in the western and central suburbs appreciated just 23 per cent and 17 per cent respectively, in the past 10 years. "The city's new development control and promotion regulation (DCPR 2034) has further increased the floor space index (FSI) in all housing schemes. This will ensure that property prices do not increase in the coming years," a developer was quoted as saying by The Times of India. Also read | China's housing market witnesses a slump for the 16th month In 2013, the average price per square foot in MMR was Rs 18,845, and after a decade, it currently stands at Rs 18,708 per square foot, indicating a decline of 1 per cent. Hyderabad city had most increase in its real estate value In contrast, other cities have experienced substantial increase in property prices during the same period. Hyderabad witnessed an impressive 98 per cent appreciation, almost doubling its prices, followed by NCR with a 63 per cent average price increase, Ahmedabad with 58 per cent, Bengaluru with 38 per cent, Chennai with 35 per cent, Kolkata with 37 per cent, and Pune with a 20 per cent growth rate. Mumbai recorded unprecedented growth in property prices between 2004 and 2008. Rates in many projects across the city doubled and even tripled during this period. But in the last 10 years, there has been a virtual stagnation in the prices. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Mumbai property prices buck trend, show overall decline in last decade

<p>Over two decades after the previous Taliban government of Afghanistan blew up two great Buddha figures in Bamian, the extremist regime is focusing on selling tickets for the gaping hole in the 125-foor cliff.</p>

<p>Authorities have set up a ticket office at the foot of the larger of the two figures, where they charge Afghans 58 cents and foreigners $3.45 (₹282) to visit, Washington Post reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-destroying-the-bamiyan-buddha-statues-taliban-attempts-to-destroy-the-historic-bazaar-nearby-502907">After destroying the Bamiyan Buddha statues, Taliban attempts to destroy the historic bazaar nearby</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2001, Taliban founder Mullah Omar declared the Buddhas false gods and announced plans to destroy them. Despite relentless pursuance from around the world, the Taliban detonated explosives and fired antiaircraft guns to smash the huge sixth-century reliefs to pieces, as the world watched.</p>

<h2><strong>Why this change of heart?</strong></h2>

<p>As Taliban administration&nbsp;is vying for legitimacy from the world, Afghanistan is currently undergoing a massive economic crisis. The Taliban see the Buddha remnants as a potentially lucrative source of revenue and are working to draw tourism around the site.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;South Asia Diary | The Taliban return to Bamiyan</strong></p>

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<p>"Bamian and the Buddhas in particular are of great importance to our government, just as they are to the world," Atiqullah Azizi, the Taliban’s deputy culture minister, said in an interview. He said more than 1,000 guards have been assigned to protect cultural heritage across Afghanistan, restricting access and overseeing ticket sales.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, senior Taliban officials were present at the inauguration of a prominent section dedicated to Buddhist artifacts at Kabul’s national museum.</p>

<h2><strong>Destruction of Bamian Buddhas was 'good decision': Governor</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Bamian provincial governor Abdullah Sarhadi said said that tourists should be steered toward other sites.</p>

<p>"We are Muslims," Sarhadi said in an interview. "We should follow the demands of God," adding, that destruction of iconic Buddhas was a "good decision".<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Over two decades after the previous Taliban government of Afghanistan blew up two great Buddha figures in Bamian, the extremist regime is focusing on selling tickets for the gaping hole in the 125-foor cliff.

Over two decades after the previous Taliban government of Afghanistan blew up two great Buddha figures in Bamian, the extremist regime is focusing on selling tickets for the gaping hole in the 125-foor cliff. Authorities have set up a ticket office at the foot of the larger of the two figures, where they charge Afghans 58 cents and foreigners $3.45 (₹282) to visit, Washington Post reported. Also read | After destroying the Bamiyan Buddha statues, Taliban attempts to destroy the historic bazaar nearby In 2001, Taliban founder Mullah Omar declared the Buddhas false gods and announced plans to destroy them. Despite relentless pursuance from around the world, the Taliban detonated explosives and fired antiaircraft guns to smash the huge sixth-century reliefs to pieces, as the world watched. Why this change of heart? As Taliban administration is vying for legitimacy from the world, Afghanistan is currently undergoing a massive economic crisis. The Taliban see the Buddha remnants as a potentially lucrative source of revenue and are working to draw tourism around the site. Also watch | South Asia Diary | The Taliban return to Bamiyan × "Bamian and the Buddhas in particular are of great importance to our government, just as they are to the world," Atiqullah Azizi, the Taliban’s deputy culture minister, said in an interview. He said more than 1,000 guards have been assigned to protect cultural heritage across Afghanistan, restricting access and overseeing ticket sales. Last month, senior Taliban officials were present at the inauguration of a prominent section dedicated to Buddhist artifacts at Kabul’s national museum. Destruction of Bamian Buddhas was 'good decision': Governor Meanwhile, Bamian provincial governor Abdullah Sarhadi said said that tourists should be steered toward other sites. "We are Muslims," Sarhadi said in an interview. "We should follow the demands of God," adding, that destruction of iconic Buddhas was a "good decision". WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taliban selling tickets to ruins of iconic Bamian Buddhas it blasted two decades ago

<p>Days after at least 78 migrants looking to enter Greece died when a boat capsized, over 300 Pakistani refugees on the ill-fated vessel are believed have been aboard and most of&nbsp;them&nbsp;killed. Only 78 bodies had been recovered after the boat capsized.</p>

<p>Official sources told WION that at least 150 Pakistanis are confirmed to be dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports claimed that nearly 100 kids could have been trapped in the ship's hold while 298 kids are still missing, according to Dunya News and News360.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-die-several-missing-after-boat-capsizes-and-sinks-off-greece-604406">At least 78 die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece</a></strong></p>

<p>Over 700 refugees were reportedly on the boat which included over 300 from Pakistan, said reports.</p>

<p>Greek authorities said 104 survivors had been brought ashore so far.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Greece: Migrant boat tragedy leaves hundreds missing</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the Pakistani embassy in Greece issued a statement saying that its representatives have met the 12 Pakistani survivors in Kalamata from the June 15 disaster. Following that meet, DNA reports and identification reports have been obtained from the family members.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistanis in Greece</strong></h2>

<p>In the 1970s, Greece and Pakistan signed a bilateral agreement allowing Pakistanis to gain temporary employment in Greek shipyards. Shortly after, another agreement facilitated the migration of Pakistanis to work in Greece’s textile industries.</p>

<p>The official number of Pakistanis in the country are stated to be around 50,000, the unofficial estimates that include the illegal migrants are as high as 400,000 to 500,000 that constitutes around 5 per cent of the total population in Greece.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike most other countries, where migrants from India outnumber Pakistanis, Greece presents a different situation where the majority of people from South Asian origins are from Pakistan.</p>

<p>Most of the Pakistanis in the country were single, young men who had entered the country illegally with the help of human smugglers through the land route of Iran and Turkey to Greece</p>

<p>The four districts in Punjab, which had the largest share of migrants included Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin.</p>

<p>The UN estimates there are 680,000 migrants in Libya, some looking to travel by boat to Europe and others working full-time in Libya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN’s international organisation for migration said nearly 3,800 people died on migration routes within and from the Middle East and north Africa region last year, the highest number since 2017.</p>

<h2>Pakistan authorities arrest&nbsp;10 human traffickers</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan authorities are said to have arrested 10 alleged human traffickers after it emerged that many of the migrants and refugees who drowned off the coast of Greece were from the South Asian nation, officials said on Sunday.</p>

<p>As pwer an Al Jazeera report, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also ordered an immediate crackdown on agents engaged in people smuggling, saying they would be “severely punished”.</p>

<p>Young men, mostly from east&nbsp;Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, use the&nbsp;route through Iran, Libya, Turkey, and Greece to enter Europe for livelihood as Pakistan is battling an unprecedented economic and political crisis, the Al Jazeera report added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Days after at least 78 migrants looking to enter Greece died when a boat capsized, over 300 Pakistani refugees on the ill-fated vessel are believed have been aboard and most of them killed.

Days after at least 78 migrants looking to enter Greece died when a boat capsized, over 300 Pakistani refugees on the ill-fated vessel are believed have been aboard and most of them killed. Only 78 bodies had been recovered after the boat capsized. Official sources told WION that at least 150 Pakistanis are confirmed to be dead. Reports claimed that nearly 100 kids could have been trapped in the ship's hold while 298 kids are still missing, according to Dunya News and News360. Also read | At least 78 die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece Over 700 refugees were reportedly on the boat which included over 300 from Pakistan, said reports. Greek authorities said 104 survivors had been brought ashore so far. Also watch | Greece: Migrant boat tragedy leaves hundreds missing × Meanwhile, the Pakistani embassy in Greece issued a statement saying that its representatives have met the 12 Pakistani survivors in Kalamata from the June 15 disaster. Following that meet, DNA reports and identification reports have been obtained from the family members. Pakistanis in Greece In the 1970s, Greece and Pakistan signed a bilateral agreement allowing Pakistanis to gain temporary employment in Greek shipyards. Shortly after, another agreement facilitated the migration of Pakistanis to work in Greece’s textile industries. The official number of Pakistanis in the country are stated to be around 50,000, the unofficial estimates that include the illegal migrants are as high as 400,000 to 500,000 that constitutes around 5 per cent of the total population in Greece. Unlike most other countries, where migrants from India outnumber Pakistanis, Greece presents a different situation where the majority of people from South Asian origins are from Pakistan. Most of the Pakistanis in the country were single, young men who had entered the country illegally with the help of human smugglers through the land route of Iran and Turkey to Greece The four districts in Punjab, which had the largest share of migrants included Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin. The UN estimates there are 680,000 migrants in Libya, some looking to travel by boat to Europe and others working full-time in Libya. The UN’s international organisation for migration said nearly 3,800 people died on migration routes within and from the Middle East and north Africa region last year, the highest number since 2017. Pakistan authorities arrest 10 human traffickers Meanwhile, Pakistan authorities are said to have arrested 10 alleged human traffickers after it emerged that many of the migrants and refugees who drowned off the coast of Greece were from the South Asian nation, officials said on Sunday. As pwer an Al Jazeera report, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also ordered an immediate crackdown on agents engaged in people smuggling, saying they would be “severely punished”. Young men, mostly from east Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, use the route through Iran, Libya, Turkey, and Greece to enter Europe for livelihood as Pakistan is battling an unprecedented economic and political crisis, the Al Jazeera report added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Greece boat tragedy: Hundreds of Pakistanis believed to be among dead

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of signing a peace treaty with Russia to end the ongoing war and throwing it into the 'garbage of history' shortly after that. Putin's comments came during a meeting with the leaders of African Union spearheaded by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at St. Petersberg's historic Konstantinovsky Palace on Saturday, June 17.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting included leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic, and the Comoro Islands. These leaders had previously visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, before their meeting with President Putin.</p>

<h2><strong>Africa's pitch for peace between Russia and Ukraine: What did Putin say?</strong></h2>

<p>Putin said that in the spring of 2022 — when the war between Russia and Ukraine was in its initial phase — a peace treaty was signed by the leader of negotiation group from the Ukrainian side and his Russian counterpart in Istanbul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey hosted a series of negotiations starting in the spring of 2022 to help develop "trust" between the two warring sides.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks</strong></p>

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<p>"It was called Treaty of permanent neutrality and security guarantees of Ukraine," Putin said, after flapping the supposed draft of the treaty in air, stating: "We never agreed with the Ukrainian side that the text will be confidential but we never showed it before nor commented on it."</p>

<p>"This draft of the treaty was initialled by the leader of the negotiation group from Kyiv. He put his signature. There it exists," he added while showing the supposed draft of the treaty.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian side has not reacted on Putin's comments.</p>

<p>The peace agreement was purportedly based on the condition that Moscow withdraws its troops from Kyiv.&nbsp;Alongside, it specified the number of troops to be stationed in other parts of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇷🇺‼️Putin: "Peace was signed between Ukraine and Russia in the spring of 2022."‼️<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> publicly showed the previously unpublished document in front of South African President Ramaphosa.<br />
<br />
(Nato reportedly sent disgraced US puppet Boris Johnson to force Kiev to back down.) <a href="https://t.co/DQ4stmvAD3">pic.twitter.com/DQ4stmvAD3</a></p>
— Djole 🇷🇸 (@onlydjole) <a href="https://twitter.com/onlydjole/status/1670141702797967361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The peace agreement was immediately discarded by Ukraine as soon as Russia obliged the request and withdrew troops from Kyiv, Putin accused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Where are the guarantees that they will not renounce any other agreements in the future?," he asked.</p>

<p>The peace mission undertaken by African leaders holds significant importance for Africa, as the region heavily relies on food and fertiliser deliveries from both Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Then Zelensky signed decree forbidding negotiations with Russia and ver fake back for talks. <a href="https://t.co/v3Hv6NsAMM">pic.twitter.com/v3Hv6NsAMM</a></p>
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MyLordBebo/status/1670125910815547400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The war has caused disruptions to exports from one of the world's key sources of agricultural produce, affecting food security and supply chains.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of signing a peace treaty with Russia to end the ongoing war and throwing it into the 'garbage of history' shortly after that.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of signing a peace treaty with Russia to end the ongoing war and throwing it into the 'garbage of history' shortly after that. Putin's comments came during a meeting with the leaders of African Union spearheaded by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at St. Petersberg's historic Konstantinovsky Palace on Saturday, June 17. The meeting included leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic, and the Comoro Islands. These leaders had previously visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, before their meeting with President Putin. Africa's pitch for peace between Russia and Ukraine: What did Putin say? Putin said that in the spring of 2022 — when the war between Russia and Ukraine was in its initial phase — a peace treaty was signed by the leader of negotiation group from the Ukrainian side and his Russian counterpart in Istanbul. Turkey hosted a series of negotiations starting in the spring of 2022 to help develop "trust" between the two warring sides. Also watch | Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks × "It was called Treaty of permanent neutrality and security guarantees of Ukraine," Putin said, after flapping the supposed draft of the treaty in air, stating: "We never agreed with the Ukrainian side that the text will be confidential but we never showed it before nor commented on it." "This draft of the treaty was initialled by the leader of the negotiation group from Kyiv. He put his signature. There it exists," he added while showing the supposed draft of the treaty. The Ukrainian side has not reacted on Putin's comments. The peace agreement was purportedly based on the condition that Moscow withdraws its troops from Kyiv. Alongside, it specified the number of troops to be stationed in other parts of Ukraine. 🇷🇺‼️Putin: "Peace was signed between Ukraine and Russia in the spring of 2022."‼️ #Putin publicly showed the previously unpublished document in front of South African President Ramaphosa. (Nato reportedly sent disgraced US puppet Boris Johnson to force Kiev to back down.) pic.twitter.com/DQ4stmvAD3 — Djole 🇷🇸 (@onlydjole) June 17, 2023 × The peace agreement was immediately discarded by Ukraine as soon as Russia obliged the request and withdrew troops from Kyiv, Putin accused. "Where are the guarantees that they will not renounce any other agreements in the future?," he asked. The peace mission undertaken by African leaders holds significant importance for Africa, as the region heavily relies on food and fertiliser deliveries from both Russia and Ukraine. Then Zelensky signed decree forbidding negotiations with Russia and ver fake back for talks. pic.twitter.com/v3Hv6NsAMM — Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) June 17, 2023 × The war has caused disruptions to exports from one of the world's key sources of agricultural produce, affecting food security and supply chains. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin says Ukraine signed peace treaty with Russia in spring of 2022, then threw it into 'garbage of history'

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Beijing on Sunday (June 17), nearly five months after Washington's ties with world's second biggest economy deteriorated over&nbsp; Chinese spy balloons and escalating chip wars. Blinken's visit comes ahead of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States, with China repetitively deemed a geopolitical player that both New Delhi and Washington find unreliable primarily due to its territorial assertiveness in the region.</p>

<p>Blinken is the highest-ranking US government official to visit China since the US President Joe Biden took office in January 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>Antony Blinken's China visit: What does it entail?</strong></h2>

<p>Blinken is expected to meet with Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, country's top diplomat Wang Yi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-warns-chinas-wang-yi-that-spy-balloon-incident-must-never-again-occur-563538">Blinken warns China’s Wang Yi that spy balloon incident ‘must never occur again’</a></strong><br />
<br />
It remains unclear if Blinken would meet the Chinese leader Xi Jinping.</p>

<h2><strong>Antony Blinken's China visit: Key priorities</strong></h2>

<p>Blinken would aim to break a bilateral situation which is currently one of tough posturing and statements besides growing lack of mutual trust between the two economic and military powers. Foremost, Blinken's visit is about re-establishing diplomatic interactions with due bilateral moments of courtesy.</p>

<p>Secondly, the trade conflict between the United States and China continues to be the most rocky part of bilateral pathway that Blinken would attempt to pave next week while in Beijing. Biden has not withdrawn the&nbsp;import tariffs imposed by erstwhile Donald Trump's administration.</p>

<p>China has responded by enacting its own ban on computer memory chips sold by Micron, the top semiconductor player in the United States.</p>

<p>The rest of the world will closely follow Blinken's trip as any escalation between the two&nbsp; superpowers could have worldwide repercussions on everything from financial markets to trade routes and practices and global supply chains.</p>

<p>"There's a recognition on both sides that we do need to have senior-level channels of communication," a senior State Department official told reporters during a refuelling stop in Tokyo on the way to Beijing.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Blinken stresses on better US-China communications as he heads to Beijing</strong></p>

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<p>"That we are at an important point in the relationship where I think reducing the risk of miscalculation, or as our Chinese friends often say, stopping the downward spiral in the relationship, is something that's important," the official said.</p>

<p>Speaking at a press conference on Friday before departing for Beijing, Blinken said his trip had three main objectives: Setting up mechanisms for crisis management, advancing U.S. and allies' interests and speaking directly about related concerns, and exploring areas of potential cooperation.</p>

<p>"If we want to make sure, as we do, that the competition that we have with China doesn't veer into conflict, the place you start is with communicating," Blinken said. He said he would also be raising the issue of U.S. citizens detained in China on charges Washington says are politically motivated.</p>

<h2><strong>US-China ties: New Delhi an X-factor</strong></h2>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi would embark on a state visit to the United States next week. Prior to that, reports have emerged that months after being banned by China, Micron is likely to announce an investment potentially up to $2 billion for semiconductors packaging facility in India.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-expects-to-trump-china-with-landmark-semiconductor-deal-during-us-visit-605556">Modi expects to trump China with landmark semiconductor deal during US visit</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, continuing standoff between Indian and Chinese forces at unresolved international boundary in the Himalayas have pushed New Delhi to immediately assort top defence equipment such as MQ-9 Reaper or Predator B drones.</p>

<p>India's defence ministry has reportedly approved a $3bn drone deal with the United States for Modi's state visit. China's continued territorial assertions, thereby, have been bringing New Delhi and Washington closer.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Beijing on Sunday (June 17), nearly five months after Washington's ties with world's second biggest economy deteriorated over Chinese spy balloons and escalating chip wars.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Beijing on Sunday (June 17), nearly five months after Washington's ties with world's second biggest economy deteriorated over Chinese spy balloons and escalating chip wars. Blinken's visit comes ahead of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States, with China repetitively deemed a geopolitical player that both New Delhi and Washington find unreliable primarily due to its territorial assertiveness in the region. Blinken is the highest-ranking US government official to visit China since the US President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. Antony Blinken's China visit: What does it entail? Blinken is expected to meet with Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, country's top diplomat Wang Yi. Also read | Blinken warns China’s Wang Yi that spy balloon incident ‘must never occur again’ It remains unclear if Blinken would meet the Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Antony Blinken's China visit: Key priorities Blinken would aim to break a bilateral situation which is currently one of tough posturing and statements besides growing lack of mutual trust between the two economic and military powers. Foremost, Blinken's visit is about re-establishing diplomatic interactions with due bilateral moments of courtesy. Secondly, the trade conflict between the United States and China continues to be the most rocky part of bilateral pathway that Blinken would attempt to pave next week while in Beijing. Biden has not withdrawn the import tariffs imposed by erstwhile Donald Trump's administration. China has responded by enacting its own ban on computer memory chips sold by Micron, the top semiconductor player in the United States. The rest of the world will closely follow Blinken's trip as any escalation between the two superpowers could have worldwide repercussions on everything from financial markets to trade routes and practices and global supply chains. "There's a recognition on both sides that we do need to have senior-level channels of communication," a senior State Department official told reporters during a refuelling stop in Tokyo on the way to Beijing. Also watch | Blinken stresses on better US-China communications as he heads to Beijing × "That we are at an important point in the relationship where I think reducing the risk of miscalculation, or as our Chinese friends often say, stopping the downward spiral in the relationship, is something that's important," the official said. Speaking at a press conference on Friday before departing for Beijing, Blinken said his trip had three main objectives: Setting up mechanisms for crisis management, advancing U.S. and allies' interests and speaking directly about related concerns, and exploring areas of potential cooperation. "If we want to make sure, as we do, that the competition that we have with China doesn't veer into conflict, the place you start is with communicating," Blinken said. He said he would also be raising the issue of U.S. citizens detained in China on charges Washington says are politically motivated. US-China ties: New Delhi an X-factor India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi would embark on a state visit to the United States next week. Prior to that, reports have emerged that months after being banned by China, Micron is likely to announce an investment potentially up to $2 billion for semiconductors packaging facility in India. Also read | Modi expects to trump China with landmark semiconductor deal during US visit Meanwhile, continuing standoff between Indian and Chinese forces at unresolved international boundary in the Himalayas have pushed New Delhi to immediately assort top defence equipment such as MQ-9 Reaper or Predator B drones. India's defence ministry has reportedly approved a $3bn drone deal with the United States for Modi's state visit. China's continued territorial assertions, thereby, have been bringing New Delhi and Washington closer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US-China ties: Blinken lands in Beijing ahead of Modi's state visit to the US, growing chip wars

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