<p>A tourist plane crash in western Switzerland on Saturday left several dead, reports said.</p>

<p>Regional police confirmed that a plane had crashed near Franco-Swiss border at&nbsp;Ponts-De-Martel in the Swiss canton of Neuchatel, about 150 km west of Zurich.</p>

<p>The plane crash reportedly happened around 10:20 am (0820 GMT) in a steep and forested area in the Neuchatel Mountains.</p>

<p>Police said they would hold off on providing information on the plane that crashed, how many people who had been onboard and how many who may have perished or been injured until their families had been informed of the accident.</p>

<p>Rescue services and police are at the scene of the wreckage, and authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, the RTN broadcaster reported.</p>

<p><em>More information to be added soon...</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A tourist plane crash in western Switzerland on Saturday left several dead, reports said. Regional police confirmed that a plane had crashed near Franco-Swiss border at Ponts-De-Martel in the Swiss canton of Neuchatel, about 150 km west of Zurich.

A tourist plane crash in western Switzerland on Saturday left several dead, reports said. Regional police confirmed that a plane had crashed near Franco-Swiss border at Ponts-De-Martel in the Swiss canton of Neuchatel, about 150 km west of Zurich. The plane crash reportedly happened around 10:20 am (0820 GMT) in a steep and forested area in the Neuchatel Mountains. Police said they would hold off on providing information on the plane that crashed, how many people who had been onboard and how many who may have perished or been injured until their families had been informed of the accident. Rescue services and police are at the scene of the wreckage, and authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, the RTN broadcaster reported. More information to be added soon... 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.

Switzerland: Tourist plane crash near French border leaves several dead

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and&nbsp;National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022.</p>

<p>"India, and I, personally would do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Zelensky in Hiroshima.</p>

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said he invited India to join Ukraine's peace formula during his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Zelensky also invited Modi to visit Ukraine.</p>

<p>"I briefed the interlocutor in detail on the Ukrainian Peace Formula initiative and invited India to join its implementation. I spoke about Ukraine's needs in humanitarian demining and mobile hospitals. I thank India for supporting our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, in particular, at the platforms of international organizations, and for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>Shortly after the bilateral meet, India's PM Modi also took to Twitter and stated that he conveyed India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward". "We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine," Modi said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Met President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> in Hiroshima. Conveyed our clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward. We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/1srbIIJUB3">pic.twitter.com/1srbIIJUB3</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1659885164561051648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Earlier during the bilateral meeting, Modi told Zelensky that he understands the pain of war currently faced by the Ukrainian people through the experiences of Indian students rescued from Ukraine at the onset of war last year.</p>

<p>"Since the last year and half, we are constantly in touch, but this is the first time we are meeting since Glasgow," Modi said while referring to the last bilateral meeting between the two leaders at UN Climate Change Conference in UK in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The war in Ukraine is a major issue for the world at large. It is affecting the world in multiple ways. But for me, this is not a political or economy-related issue. It is a humanitarian issue for me," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You understand the pain of war better than us. But last year, when our children came back from Ukraine and the way they described the situation there, I was able to better understand the pain you and people of Ukraine are currently going through," Modi told Zelensky.</p>

<p>While India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pointed out country's principled opposition to conflicts anywhere in the world, and even to Russian President Vladimir Putin by stating '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/todays-era-must-not-be-of-war-g20-draft-communique-uses-indian-pm-modis-remarks-to-putin-534278">Today's era is not the era of war</a>',&nbsp;New Delhi has refrained from directly criticising Russian actions at multilateral forums.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is among the nations with whom&nbsp;Russia shares "special and privileged strategic partnership". The two countries share deep ties since India's freedom from the British in 1947.</p>

<p>As of April 2023, roughly 70&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the arsenal of the Indian armed forces is&nbsp;of Russian origin.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> held talks with President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> during the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima. <a href="https://t.co/tEk3hWku7a">pic.twitter.com/tEk3hWku7a</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1659857486147637249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Shortly after the bilateral talks between the two leaders, India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters that Zelensky appreciated India's support to Kyiv during the Covid crisis.</p>

<p>"The President recalled how he himself had taken Covishield vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India," Shringla said.</p>

<p>"President Zelensky expressed appreciation for India's support not only for vaccines but also for affordable and quality pharmaceuticals. He also suggested that India and Ukraine should collaborate in joint manufacture and production of a wide range medicines and other health equipment," Shringla added.</p>

<p>As many as 354,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or injured in the Ukraine war, according to a trove of purported US intelligence documents posted online in April 2023.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022. "India, and I, personally would do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Zelensky in Hiroshima. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said he invited India to join Ukraine's peace formula during his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Zelensky also invited Modi to visit Ukraine. "I briefed the interlocutor in detail on the Ukrainian Peace Formula initiative and invited India to join its implementation. I spoke about Ukraine's needs in humanitarian demining and mobile hospitals. I thank India for supporting our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, in particular, at the platforms of international organizations, and for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on Twitter. Shortly after the bilateral meet, India's PM Modi also took to Twitter and stated that he conveyed India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward". "We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine," Modi said. Met President @ZelenskyyUa in Hiroshima. Conveyed our clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward. We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/1srbIIJUB3 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2023 × Earlier during the bilateral meeting, Modi told Zelensky that he understands the pain of war currently faced by the Ukrainian people through the experiences of Indian students rescued from Ukraine at the onset of war last year. "Since the last year and half, we are constantly in touch, but this is the first time we are meeting since Glasgow," Modi said while referring to the last bilateral meeting between the two leaders at UN Climate Change Conference in UK in 2021. "The war in Ukraine is a major issue for the world at large. It is affecting the world in multiple ways. But for me, this is not a political or economy-related issue. It is a humanitarian issue for me," Modi said. "You understand the pain of war better than us. But last year, when our children came back from Ukraine and the way they described the situation there, I was able to better understand the pain you and people of Ukraine are currently going through," Modi told Zelensky. While India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pointed out country's principled opposition to conflicts anywhere in the world, and even to Russian President Vladimir Putin by stating 'Today's era is not the era of war', New Delhi has refrained from directly criticising Russian actions at multilateral forums. India is among the nations with whom Russia shares "special and privileged strategic partnership". The two countries share deep ties since India's freedom from the British in 1947. As of April 2023, roughly 70 per cent of the arsenal of the Indian armed forces is of Russian origin. PM @narendramodi held talks with President @ZelenskyyUa during the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima. pic.twitter.com/tEk3hWku7a — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 20, 2023 × Shortly after the bilateral talks between the two leaders, India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters that Zelensky appreciated India's support to Kyiv during the Covid crisis. "The President recalled how he himself had taken Covishield vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India," Shringla said. "President Zelensky expressed appreciation for India's support not only for vaccines but also for affordable and quality pharmaceuticals. He also suggested that India and Ukraine should collaborate in joint manufacture and production of a wide range medicines and other health equipment," Shringla added. As many as 354,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or injured in the Ukraine war, according to a trove of purported US intelligence documents posted online in April 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

I will do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine: PM Modi tells Zelensky at G7 Summit

<p>India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Vivek Raghuvanshi, a freelance journalist and former Navy commander in an espionage case under the country's Official Secrets Act. Raghuvanshi has been charged for an alleged illegal collection of sensitive information about the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and the army and sharing them with intelligence agencies of other countries.</p>

<p>Raghuvanshi's arrest follows CBI's searches in 12 locations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Jaipur in connection with the case on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drdo-espionage-case-who-is-pradeep-kurulkar-honey-trapped-scientist-accused-of-spying-589120">India | DRDO espionage case: Who is Pradeep Kurulkar? Honey-trapped scientist accused of spying</a></strong></p>

<p>“During the investigation, certain documents containing sensitive information were recovered from the possession of the accused. Today, the CBI has conducted searches at 12 locations at the premises of the accused and others in an ongoing investigation of a case registered under Section 3 of the Official Secret Act and Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code,” a CBI spokesperson had said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Raghuvanshi is accused of collecting "sensitive" and "minute" details of DRDO and army projects.</p>

<p>The CBI had registered a case on December 9 last year against Raghuvanshi after he was accused of being involved in the illegal collection of sensitive information including the minute details of the DRDO defence projects and their progress.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: US cracks down on Chinese industrial espionage</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-us-cracks-down-on-chinese-industrial-espionage-553587/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>He is also accused of collecting sensitive details about the future procurement of Indian armed forces which reveal the strategic preparedness of country's classified communications and information relating to national security, details of the strategic and diplomatic talks of India with its friendly countries and sharing such classified information with intelligence agencies of foreign countries, it was revealed.</p>

<h2><strong>Vivek Raghuvanshi and journalism</strong></h2>

<p>Raghuvanshi writes for Defense News, a Tysons, Virginia-headquartered&nbsp;American news website, which also covers politics, business, and technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defense News mentions Raghuvanshi’s name as its India correspondent for defence news.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On LinkedIn, Raghuvanshi writes he is the India Bureau Chief at Defense News with a reporting experience of over 32 years.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Vivek Raghuvanshi, a freelance journalist and former Navy commander in an espionage case under the country's Official Secrets Act.

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Vivek Raghuvanshi, a freelance journalist and former Navy commander in an espionage case under the country's Official Secrets Act. Raghuvanshi has been charged for an alleged illegal collection of sensitive information about the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and the army and sharing them with intelligence agencies of other countries. Raghuvanshi's arrest follows CBI's searches in 12 locations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Jaipur in connection with the case on Tuesday. ALSO READ | India | DRDO espionage case: Who is Pradeep Kurulkar? Honey-trapped scientist accused of spying “During the investigation, certain documents containing sensitive information were recovered from the possession of the accused. Today, the CBI has conducted searches at 12 locations at the premises of the accused and others in an ongoing investigation of a case registered under Section 3 of the Official Secret Act and Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code,” a CBI spokesperson had said on Tuesday. Raghuvanshi is accused of collecting "sensitive" and "minute" details of DRDO and army projects. The CBI had registered a case on December 9 last year against Raghuvanshi after he was accused of being involved in the illegal collection of sensitive information including the minute details of the DRDO defence projects and their progress. ALSO WATCH | WION Fineprint: US cracks down on Chinese industrial espionage × He is also accused of collecting sensitive details about the future procurement of Indian armed forces which reveal the strategic preparedness of country's classified communications and information relating to national security, details of the strategic and diplomatic talks of India with its friendly countries and sharing such classified information with intelligence agencies of foreign countries, it was revealed. Vivek Raghuvanshi and journalism Raghuvanshi writes for Defense News, a Tysons, Virginia-headquartered American news website, which also covers politics, business, and technology. Defense News mentions Raghuvanshi’s name as its India correspondent for defence news. On LinkedIn, Raghuvanshi writes he is the India Bureau Chief at Defense News with a reporting experience of over 32 years. 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.

Who is Vivek Raghuvanshi, ex-Navy commander-turned-journalist accused of spying?

<p>The humid heatwave in parts of Asia including India is at least 30 times more likely due to the deadly effects of climate change caused by human activity, according to rapid attribution analysis by an international team of leading climate scientists as part of the World Weather Attribution group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study noted the record high temperatures experienced in the last two weeks of April 2023, in parts of India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Laos.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Schools in parts of India disrupted due to heatwave</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/schools-in-parts-of-india-disrupted-due-to-heatwave-584127/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>It pointed out that extreme humid heat in South and Southeast Asia in April 2023, largely driven by climate change, is detrimental to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.</p>

<h2><strong>Spotlight on heatwave in India</strong></h2>

<p>In India, several northern and eastern cities recorded maximum temperatures above 44°C on 18th of April.</p>

<p>On April 16 alone, at least 11 persons reportedly died of heat stroke while attending the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, the Chief Minister's Office had said.</p>

<p>The study said that in India and Bangladesh, such "humid heat event(s) could be expected every 1-2 years".</p>

<h2><strong>India's heatwave planning 'most advanced': Study</strong></h2>

<p>The study also highlighted a range of solutions to heat-related harms from the individual to the regional levels respectively.</p>

<p>They are currently implemented as patchwork, to various degrees, across the countries studied, with India having the most advanced heatwave planning, it said.</p>

<p><b>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-in-india-delhi-govt-issues-these-guidelines-amid-weather-predictions-581965">Heatwave in India: Delhi, Bengal, Odisha, other states issue guidelines amid severe weather</a></b></p>

<p>"In fact, heat-related fatalities have decreased in regions where heat action plans have been in place, e.g. in the city of Ahmedabad and the region of Odisha in India," the study said in its summary of findings.</p>

<p>It, however, added that these solutions are often out of reach for the most vulnerable people, and highlighted the need to improve vulnerability assessments and design interventions that account for group-specific needs.</p>

<h2><strong>Heatwaves one of the deadliest disasters: Expert</strong></h2>

<p>According to Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Tirupati, while the world has "recognised heat waves as one of the deadliest disasters", there is a lack of knowledge with respect to who is vulnerable, loss and damage estimation, household coping mechanisms, and the most effective heat action plans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As it often happens, marginalised people are the worst affected. Many of them are still recovering from the pandemic, and from past heat waves and cyclones, which leaves them trapped in a vicious cycle. It is fundamental to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies to avoid visible and invisible loss and damage," said Emmanuel Raju, Director of Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research at the University of Copenhagen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The humid heatwave in parts of Asia including India is at least 30 times more likely due to the deadly effects of climate change caused by human activity, according to rapid attribution analysis by an international team of leading climate scientists as part of the World Weather Attribution group.

The humid heatwave in parts of Asia including India is at least 30 times more likely due to the deadly effects of climate change caused by human activity, according to rapid attribution analysis by an international team of leading climate scientists as part of the World Weather Attribution group. The study noted the record high temperatures experienced in the last two weeks of April 2023, in parts of India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Laos. ALSO WATCH | Schools in parts of India disrupted due to heatwave × It pointed out that extreme humid heat in South and Southeast Asia in April 2023, largely driven by climate change, is detrimental to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Spotlight on heatwave in India In India, several northern and eastern cities recorded maximum temperatures above 44°C on 18th of April. On April 16 alone, at least 11 persons reportedly died of heat stroke while attending the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, the Chief Minister's Office had said. The study said that in India and Bangladesh, such "humid heat event(s) could be expected every 1-2 years". India's heatwave planning 'most advanced': Study The study also highlighted a range of solutions to heat-related harms from the individual to the regional levels respectively. They are currently implemented as patchwork, to various degrees, across the countries studied, with India having the most advanced heatwave planning, it said. ALSO READ | Heatwave in India: Delhi, Bengal, Odisha, other states issue guidelines amid severe weather "In fact, heat-related fatalities have decreased in regions where heat action plans have been in place, e.g. in the city of Ahmedabad and the region of Odisha in India," the study said in its summary of findings. It, however, added that these solutions are often out of reach for the most vulnerable people, and highlighted the need to improve vulnerability assessments and design interventions that account for group-specific needs. Heatwaves one of the deadliest disasters: Expert According to Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Tirupati, while the world has "recognised heat waves as one of the deadliest disasters", there is a lack of knowledge with respect to who is vulnerable, loss and damage estimation, household coping mechanisms, and the most effective heat action plans. "As it often happens, marginalised people are the worst affected. Many of them are still recovering from the pandemic, and from past heat waves and cyclones, which leaves them trapped in a vicious cycle. It is fundamental to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies to avoid visible and invisible loss and damage," said Emmanuel Raju, Director of Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research at the University of Copenhagen. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's planning to combat heatwave crisis 'most advanced': Study

Top Countries With Most Coffee Consumption

https://images1.wionews.com/video/wion/WhatsApp Video 2023-05-18 at 1-1684353984303.mp4

According to World Population Review, annually, these countries have highest per person coffee consumption

Canada's annual coffee consumption per person stands at 14 lbs or 6.35 kg

Luxembourg's annual coffee consumption per person, like Canada's, stands at 14 lbs or 6.35 kg

Belgium's annual coffee consumption per person stands at 15 lbs or 6.80 kg

An average Swiss person annually drinks 17 lbs or 7.71 kg coffee

In Sweden, people annually drink 18 lbs or 8.16 kg of coffee

Thought of sipping coffee while walking down Amsterdam's canal alleys? Well, the Dutch do not disappoint with their coffee game. At an average, annually, they consume 19 lbs or 8.61 kg coffee

In Iceland, people annually consume 20 lbs or a little over 9 kg of coffee 

Annually, people in Norway consume 22 lbs or 9.97 kg coffee. This makes Norway the world's second biggest coffee consuming nation

As world's biggest coffee consuming nation, Finland's annual per person coffee consumption stands at 26 lbs or 11.79 kg

According to World Population Review, annually, these countries have highest per person coffee consumption.

<p>US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and top congressional Republican Kevin McCarthy will meet&nbsp;on Tuesday to make progress on a deal to raise the US government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. The meeting will be aimed at averting what the experts have cautioned as an&nbsp;economically catastrophic default that may become a reality amid the ongoing debt ceiling deadlock.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department on Monday reiterated its warning that it could run short of money to pay all its bills as soon as June 1. This, the department added, would trigger a default which is&nbsp;likely to spark a sharp economic downturn.</p>

<p><strong>ASLO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pres-biden-house-speaker-mccarthy-meeting-on-debt-ceiling-ends-with-no-movement-talks-to-continue-590804">US Pres Biden, House Speaker McCarthy meeting on debt ceiling fails to break deadlock, threat of default looms</a></strong></p>

<p>House of Representatives Speaker McCarthy on Tuesday told reporters that his party, which controls the chamber by a 222-213 margin, would only agree to a deal that cuts spending.</p>

<p>"We can raise the debt ceiling if we limit what we're going to spend in the future," McCarthy told reporters.</p>

<p>Both Republican and Democratic parties have agreed on the need for urgent action on debt ceiling.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden, McCarthy debt ceiling meeting postponed, spending cuts on table</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-meeting-postponed-spending-cuts-on-table-591541/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The White House meeting, which will include Biden, McCarthy, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell and top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday late afternoon.</p>

<p><strong>'Time is running out'</strong></p>

<p>In the past week, staffs for both sides have discussed a range of issues, including spending caps, new work requirements for some benefit programs for low-income Americans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Time is running out. Every single day that Congress does not act, we are experiencing increased economic costs that could slow down the US economy," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told a group of bankers. "There is no time to waste."</p>

<p>Earlier in 2011, a&nbsp;similar 2011 standoff led to a historic downgrade of the United States' credit rating. That downgrade sparked a selloff in stocks and pushed the government's borrowing costs higher.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden, McCarthy debt ceiling meeting postponed, spending cuts on table</strong></p>

<p>The current standoff has rattled investors, sending the cost of insuring exposure to US government debt to record highs. A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday found that three-quarters of Americans fear that a default would take a heavy toll on families like theirs.</p>

<p>"Nobody should use default as a hostage," Schumer said in a Senate speech on Tuesday. "The consequences would be devastating for America."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, McCarthy is keen to hold&nbsp;one-on-one talks with Biden.</p>

<p>"If the president comes to an agreement, the Democrats in the Senate will vote for it. The House will pass it, if we are all in agreement," McCarthy said. "Why do we waste more time going around and around, not solving any of the real problems? I think you’re putting the country in jeopardy when you do that."</p>

<p>Adding to the challenge of striking a deal, McCarthy agreed when he became speaker early this year to a change in House rules that allows for just one member to call for his ouster as leader of the chamber, which gives greater power to hardliners, including the roughly three dozen members of the House Freedom Caucus.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


US President Joe Biden and top congressional Republican Kevin McCarthy will meet on Tuesday to make progress on a deal to raise the US government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling.

US President Joe Biden and top congressional Republican Kevin McCarthy will meet on Tuesday to make progress on a deal to raise the US government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. The meeting will be aimed at averting what the experts have cautioned as an economically catastrophic default that may become a reality amid the ongoing debt ceiling deadlock. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department on Monday reiterated its warning that it could run short of money to pay all its bills as soon as June 1. This, the department added, would trigger a default which is likely to spark a sharp economic downturn. ASLO READ | US Pres Biden, House Speaker McCarthy meeting on debt ceiling fails to break deadlock, threat of default looms House of Representatives Speaker McCarthy on Tuesday told reporters that his party, which controls the chamber by a 222-213 margin, would only agree to a deal that cuts spending. "We can raise the debt ceiling if we limit what we're going to spend in the future," McCarthy told reporters. Both Republican and Democratic parties have agreed on the need for urgent action on debt ceiling. ALSO WATCH | Biden, McCarthy debt ceiling meeting postponed, spending cuts on table × The White House meeting, which will include Biden, McCarthy, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell and top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday late afternoon. 'Time is running out' In the past week, staffs for both sides have discussed a range of issues, including spending caps, new work requirements for some benefit programs for low-income Americans. "Time is running out. Every single day that Congress does not act, we are experiencing increased economic costs that could slow down the US economy," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told a group of bankers. "There is no time to waste." Earlier in 2011, a similar 2011 standoff led to a historic downgrade of the United States' credit rating. That downgrade sparked a selloff in stocks and pushed the government's borrowing costs higher. ALSO WATCH | Biden, McCarthy debt ceiling meeting postponed, spending cuts on table The current standoff has rattled investors, sending the cost of insuring exposure to US government debt to record highs. A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday found that three-quarters of Americans fear that a default would take a heavy toll on families like theirs. "Nobody should use default as a hostage," Schumer said in a Senate speech on Tuesday. "The consequences would be devastating for America." Meanwhile, McCarthy is keen to hold one-on-one talks with Biden. "If the president comes to an agreement, the Democrats in the Senate will vote for it. The House will pass it, if we are all in agreement," McCarthy said. "Why do we waste more time going around and around, not solving any of the real problems? I think you’re putting the country in jeopardy when you do that." Adding to the challenge of striking a deal, McCarthy agreed when he became speaker early this year to a change in House rules that allows for just one member to call for his ouster as leader of the chamber, which gives greater power to hardliners, including the roughly three dozen members of the House Freedom Caucus. (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.

‘Time is running out’ as Joe Biden, McCarthy meet in bid to resolve US debt ceiling deadlock

<p>Srichand Parmanand Hinduja, the eldest of four Hinduja brothers,&nbsp;Hinduja Group chairman and founder of IndusInd Bank, died at the age of 87 in London, the family spokesperson said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>SP Hinduja, Indian-born British billionaire businessman, investor, and philanthropist, had been unwell for some time, the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>In a statement, the family said, "Gopichand, Prakash, Ashok and the whole Hinduja family with a heavy heart regret to announce the passing away of our family patriarch, and Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Mr S P Hinduja today."<br />
<br />
SP Hinduja had lost his wife Madhu in January this year. She was 82. He is survived by his daughters, Shanu and Vinoo.<br />
<br />
"He was a visionary and mentor to the family bestowing the founding principles and values of our late father, PD Hinduja. He played a very important role alongside his brothers in building a strong relationship between his host country, the UK and his home country, India," it added.<br />
<br />
Since the 1990s, he was consistently ranked among the UK and Asia's wealthiest people. In 2022, Hinduja topped the <i>Sunday Times&nbsp;</i>Rich List with an estimated wealth of £28.472&nbsp;billion sterling. Based on the rich list compiled by Asian Media &amp; Marketing Group, Hinduja's wealth is estimated at £25.2&nbsp;billion (US$31.7&nbsp;billion).</p>

<p>The Hinduja family patriarch and his brothers, Gopichand and Prakash, were accused of receiving nearly SEK 81 million in illegal commissions to help Swedish gunmaker AB Bofors secure an Indian government contract. A court had, however, exonerated them.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Srichand Parmanand Hinduja, the eldest of four Hinduja brothers, Hinduja Group chairman and founder of IndusInd Bank, died at the age of 87 in London, the family spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Srichand Parmanand Hinduja, the eldest of four Hinduja brothers, Hinduja Group chairman and founder of IndusInd Bank, died at the age of 87 in London, the family spokesperson said on Wednesday. SP Hinduja, Indian-born British billionaire businessman, investor, and philanthropist, had been unwell for some time, the spokesperson said. In a statement, the family said, "Gopichand, Prakash, Ashok and the whole Hinduja family with a heavy heart regret to announce the passing away of our family patriarch, and Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Mr S P Hinduja today." SP Hinduja had lost his wife Madhu in January this year. She was 82. He is survived by his daughters, Shanu and Vinoo. "He was a visionary and mentor to the family bestowing the founding principles and values of our late father, PD Hinduja. He played a very important role alongside his brothers in building a strong relationship between his host country, the UK and his home country, India," it added. Since the 1990s, he was consistently ranked among the UK and Asia's wealthiest people. In 2022, Hinduja topped the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated wealth of £28.472 billion sterling. Based on the rich list compiled by Asian Media & Marketing Group, Hinduja's wealth is estimated at £25.2 billion (US$31.7 billion). The Hinduja family patriarch and his brothers, Gopichand and Prakash, were accused of receiving nearly SEK 81 million in illegal commissions to help Swedish gunmaker AB Bofors secure an Indian government contract. A court had, however, exonerated them. 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.

Indian-born British billionaire SP Hinduja passes away at 87 in London

<p>US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, on Wednesday expressed confidence about reaching a deal with his Republican counterparts to reach a deal to avoid a catastrophic US debt default. The said default, may happen by as early as June 1, if the deadlock between two sides over US debt ceiling is not solved soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am confident that we will get the agreement that we need on the budget and that America will not default," Biden said at the White House on Wednesday, shortly before he left for Japan for a meeting of the Group of Seven (G-7) leaders.</p>

<p>Joe Biden and the US congressional leaders, including the House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have held two rounds of face-to-face talks to reach an agreement on a deal to raise Washington's borrowing limit that will allow the country to pay for its existing commitments as well as the obligations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US debt ceiling row: The potential timeline of default</strong></h2>

<p>While the Congressional Budget Office has forecast a US default on its debts by June 15, the Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday said that the United States could begin defaulting on its debts "potentially as early as June".</p>

<p>On Wednesday, McCarthy said that the time was running out to find a deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/time-is-running-out-as-biden-mccarthy-meet-over-debt-ceiling-deadlock-593039">‘Time is running out’ as Joe Biden, McCarthy meet in bid to resolve US debt ceiling deadlock</a></strong></p>

<p>"Our timeline is short", McCarthy told reporters on Wednesday, adding that Joe Biden and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had "finally backed off the insane, irrational, unsensible idea that you just raise the debt ceiling".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;What is the US debt ceiling &amp; what happens if it isn’t raised?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-the-us-debt-ceiling-what-happens-if-it-isnt-raised-593402/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Describing a potential debt default as 'Biden default', McCarthy said that while he is optimistic about the ability of both Democrats and the Republicans to work together, "the only question of whether we have a Biden default is the president himself."</p>

<h2><strong>US potential debt default: It's Democrats Vs Republicans</strong></h2>

<p>The Republicans continue to insist that &nbsp;Biden must agree to significant spending cuts in exchange for their support to raise the ceiling. The Democrats have called for a "clean" increase of the borrowing limit with no strings attached.</p>

<p>Democrats have accused Republicans of using extreme tactics to push their political agenda ahead of the so-called "X-date" at which the United States starts defaulting on its debts because the government has run out of money.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, more than 140 top US chief executives sent a letter to Biden and congressional leaders on Tuesday stressing the need for an agreement.</p>

<p>"We strongly urge that an accord be reached quickly so that the country can avert this potentially devastating scenario," the letter signed by the CEOs from Pfizer and Morgan Stanley, among others, said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, on Wednesday expressed confidence about reaching a deal with his Republican counterparts to reach a deal to avoid a catastrophic US debt default.

US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, on Wednesday expressed confidence about reaching a deal with his Republican counterparts to reach a deal to avoid a catastrophic US debt default. The said default, may happen by as early as June 1, if the deadlock between two sides over US debt ceiling is not solved soon. "I am confident that we will get the agreement that we need on the budget and that America will not default," Biden said at the White House on Wednesday, shortly before he left for Japan for a meeting of the Group of Seven (G-7) leaders. Joe Biden and the US congressional leaders, including the House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have held two rounds of face-to-face talks to reach an agreement on a deal to raise Washington's borrowing limit that will allow the country to pay for its existing commitments as well as the obligations. US debt ceiling row: The potential timeline of default While the Congressional Budget Office has forecast a US default on its debts by June 15, the Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday said that the United States could begin defaulting on its debts "potentially as early as June". On Wednesday, McCarthy said that the time was running out to find a deal. ALSO READ | ‘Time is running out’ as Joe Biden, McCarthy meet in bid to resolve US debt ceiling deadlock "Our timeline is short", McCarthy told reporters on Wednesday, adding that Joe Biden and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had "finally backed off the insane, irrational, unsensible idea that you just raise the debt ceiling". ALSO WATCH | What is the US debt ceiling & what happens if it isn’t raised? × Describing a potential debt default as 'Biden default', McCarthy said that while he is optimistic about the ability of both Democrats and the Republicans to work together, "the only question of whether we have a Biden default is the president himself." US potential debt default: It's Democrats Vs Republicans The Republicans continue to insist that Biden must agree to significant spending cuts in exchange for their support to raise the ceiling. The Democrats have called for a "clean" increase of the borrowing limit with no strings attached. Democrats have accused Republicans of using extreme tactics to push their political agenda ahead of the so-called "X-date" at which the United States starts defaulting on its debts because the government has run out of money. Meanwhile, more than 140 top US chief executives sent a letter to Biden and congressional leaders on Tuesday stressing the need for an agreement. "We strongly urge that an accord be reached quickly so that the country can avert this potentially devastating scenario," the letter signed by the CEOs from Pfizer and Morgan Stanley, among others, said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Biden backs off 'raise the debt ceiling' idea, confident of reaching deal to avoid default

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Ecuadoran President Guillermo Lasso, who was facing through impeachment proceedings over alleged corruption, has issued a decree on Wednesday, May 17, to dissolve the legislature.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The decree released by the Ecuadorian president’s office states that Lasso is "dissolving the National Assembly due to a grave political crisis and national commotion."</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">President Lasso made his stance clear in a tweet stating: “I have signed Executive Decree 741, with the objective of dissolving the National Assembly and requesting the electoral council to call elections. Ecuadoreans: this is the best decision to give a constitutional solution to the political crisis.”&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violent-protests-erupt-in-ecuador-against-govts-economic-policies-488395/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Corruption charges against Lasso</strong></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The decree issued by the Ecuadorian President comes at a time when the opposition-dominated National Assembly was trying to oust the Lasso over alleged corruption.&nbsp;<br />
Impeachment proceedings against Lasso started on Tuesday, May 16, following the vote of 88 lawmakers who voted on May 10, to continue the impeachment trial against Lasso.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-12-inmates-were-killed-after-gang-clashes-erupted-in-ecuador-prison-582853">At least 12 inmates were killed after gang clashes in Ecuador prison</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Decoding the impeachment charges</strong></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Supporters of self-exiled former president Rafael Correa, and centre-left parties Pachakutik and Democratic Left claim that Lasso is guilty of embezzlement for failing to cancel an oil shipping contract. Whereas, Lasso has denied these allegations repeatedly and further maintained that under his watch, FLOPEC, the state shipping company made a record profit.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Lawmakers also accused Lasso of not ending a contract between the state-owned oil transport company Flota Petrolera Ecuatoriana (FLOPEC) and the private entity Amazonas Tankers, even after knowing that the contract was full of irregularities. Lasso has denied these allegations repeatedly and further maintained that under his watch, FLOPEC, the state shipping company made a record profit. &nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Following the commencement of the impeachment proceedings on Tuesday, May 16, Lasso stated that "There is no evidence, nor relevant testimonies. Rather, all there is, is information that proves my total, evident and unquestionable innocence." &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Dissolution of the Congress</strong></h2>

<p>The National Electoral Council now has seven days to call presidential and legislative elections, which must be held within 90 days. Those elected will finish the terms of Lasso and the lawmakers he ousted, set to end in May 2025.</p>

<h2><strong>Denying claims of corruption&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a televised message, Lasso called his move as ‘democratic’ while accusing the National Assembly of “destabilising the government.” He further added that his move gave the local people of Ecuador the “the power to decide their future in the next elections.”</p>

<h2><strong>Lasso’s supporters come out in his support</strong></h2>

<p>Supporters of President Lasso protested peacefully outside the parliament. Protesters waved Ecuadorean flags, held up banners and shouted angry chants against the legislators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interior Minister Henry Cucalon stated, "The only thing that interests the opposition is the destabilization&nbsp;of the country's institutions. Meanwhile, the Organisation of American States (OAS) urged the parliament to guarantee justice and respect the rules of due process."<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Ecuadoran President Guillermo Lasso, who was facing through impeachment proceedings over alleged corruption, has issued a decree on Wednesday, May 17, to dissolve the legislature.

Ecuadoran President Guillermo Lasso, who was facing through impeachment proceedings over alleged corruption, has issued a decree on Wednesday, May 17, to dissolve the legislature. The decree released by the Ecuadorian president’s office states that Lasso is "dissolving the National Assembly due to a grave political crisis and national commotion." President Lasso made his stance clear in a tweet stating: “I have signed Executive Decree 741, with the objective of dissolving the National Assembly and requesting the electoral council to call elections. Ecuadoreans: this is the best decision to give a constitutional solution to the political crisis.” × Corruption charges against Lasso The decree issued by the Ecuadorian President comes at a time when the opposition-dominated National Assembly was trying to oust the Lasso over alleged corruption. Impeachment proceedings against Lasso started on Tuesday, May 16, following the vote of 88 lawmakers who voted on May 10, to continue the impeachment trial against Lasso. ALSO READ | At least 12 inmates were killed after gang clashes in Ecuador prison Decoding the impeachment charges Supporters of self-exiled former president Rafael Correa, and centre-left parties Pachakutik and Democratic Left claim that Lasso is guilty of embezzlement for failing to cancel an oil shipping contract. Whereas, Lasso has denied these allegations repeatedly and further maintained that under his watch, FLOPEC, the state shipping company made a record profit. Lawmakers also accused Lasso of not ending a contract between the state-owned oil transport company Flota Petrolera Ecuatoriana (FLOPEC) and the private entity Amazonas Tankers, even after knowing that the contract was full of irregularities. Lasso has denied these allegations repeatedly and further maintained that under his watch, FLOPEC, the state shipping company made a record profit. Following the commencement of the impeachment proceedings on Tuesday, May 16, Lasso stated that "There is no evidence, nor relevant testimonies. Rather, all there is, is information that proves my total, evident and unquestionable innocence." Dissolution of the Congress The National Electoral Council now has seven days to call presidential and legislative elections, which must be held within 90 days. Those elected will finish the terms of Lasso and the lawmakers he ousted, set to end in May 2025. Denying claims of corruption In a televised message, Lasso called his move as ‘democratic’ while accusing the National Assembly of “destabilising the government.” He further added that his move gave the local people of Ecuador the “the power to decide their future in the next elections.” Lasso’s supporters come out in his support Supporters of President Lasso protested peacefully outside the parliament. Protesters waved Ecuadorean flags, held up banners and shouted angry chants against the legislators. Interior Minister Henry Cucalon stated, "The only thing that interests the opposition is the destabilization of the country's institutions. Meanwhile, the Organisation of American States (OAS) urged the parliament to guarantee justice and respect the rules of due process." 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.

Ecuador’s president Lasso dissolves National Assembly to forestall impeachment action against self

<p>Elon Musk's Tesla, in a bid to diversify its supply chain beyond China, has eyed India as the next potential spot of manufacturing. A group of senior Tesla executives next week will reportedly meet officials in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting will be held to discuss local sourcing of components for Tesla's models, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the matter.</p>

<h2><strong>Tesla's road to India and a Chinese stumble</strong></h2>

<p>Tesla has not yet entered the world's fifth largest economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Elon Musk has criticised what he said were India's high import taxes, India is averse to the idea of letting Tesla sell electric vehicles made in China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April 2022, speaking at Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that Tesla's proposition of "manufacturing in China and selling in India" cannot be an acceptable one.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/manufacturing-in-china-and-selling-in-india-when-nitin-gadkari-took-a-dig-at-musk-473921">'Manufacturing in China and selling in India'... when Nitin Gadkari took a dig at Musk</a></strong></p>

<p>He said, "If Elon Musk is ready to manufacture in India, we have all the competencies and technology. Our request to him is to manufacture in India. India is a huge market, we have ports here. He could make in India and export all over."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;India: Tesla shouldn't import cars from China, says India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-tesla-shouldnt-import-cars-from-china-says-indias-road-transport-minister-nitin-gadkari-473960/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>At the same time, while Tesla has found it difficult to break into India, its global rivals such as Mercedes-Benz AG have taken steps to sell locally assembled cars. They are betting on rising demand for electric vehicles in what is the world’s most populous country and an automobile market with high growth potential.</p>

<h2><strong>Tesla executives India visit: Who will meet whom?</strong></h2>

<p>The visitors are set to include C-suite executives and managers from Austin, Texas-based Tesla’s supply chain, production and business development teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The executives are expected to reiterate Tesla’s request for India to cut import taxes on its vehicles, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the matter.</p>

<p>Among other American companies, Apple has carved out India as an alternative manufacturing base and now produces 7 per cent of its global smartphone output in India.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Elon Musk's Tesla, in a bid to diversify its supply chain beyond China, has eyed India as the next potential spot of manufacturing. A group of senior Tesla executives next week will reportedly meet officials in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

Elon Musk's Tesla, in a bid to diversify its supply chain beyond China, has eyed India as the next potential spot of manufacturing. A group of senior Tesla executives next week will reportedly meet officials in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. The meeting will be held to discuss local sourcing of components for Tesla's models, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the matter. Tesla's road to India and a Chinese stumble Tesla has not yet entered the world's fifth largest economy. While Elon Musk has criticised what he said were India's high import taxes, India is averse to the idea of letting Tesla sell electric vehicles made in China. In April 2022, speaking at Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that Tesla's proposition of "manufacturing in China and selling in India" cannot be an acceptable one. ALSO READ | 'Manufacturing in China and selling in India'... when Nitin Gadkari took a dig at Musk He said, "If Elon Musk is ready to manufacture in India, we have all the competencies and technology. Our request to him is to manufacture in India. India is a huge market, we have ports here. He could make in India and export all over." ALSO WATCH | India: Tesla shouldn't import cars from China, says India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari × At the same time, while Tesla has found it difficult to break into India, its global rivals such as Mercedes-Benz AG have taken steps to sell locally assembled cars. They are betting on rising demand for electric vehicles in what is the world’s most populous country and an automobile market with high growth potential. Tesla executives India visit: Who will meet whom? The visitors are set to include C-suite executives and managers from Austin, Texas-based Tesla’s supply chain, production and business development teams. The executives are expected to reiterate Tesla’s request for India to cut import taxes on its vehicles, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the matter. Among other American companies, Apple has carved out India as an alternative manufacturing base and now produces 7 per cent of its global smartphone output in India. 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.

Elon Musk choosing India over China? Big meet to decide Tesla's road to New Delhi

<p>Wells Fargo will pay $1 billion to settle a lawsuit which accused it of defrauding shareholders. The exercise involved the San Francisco-headquartered bank reportedly defrauding shareholders&nbsp;about its progress in recovering from a series of scandals over its treatment of customers.</p>

<p>The settlement would be an all-cash one, according to a preliminary approval granted by the US district judge&nbsp;Gregory Woods in Manhattan federal court.</p>

<p>The final approval's hearing has been scheduled for September 8.</p>

<p>Wells Fargo has operated since 2018 under consent orders from the Federal Reserve and two other financial regulators requiring that it improve governance and oversight.</p>

<p>Wells Fargo is the fourth largest US bank. It is also subject to an asset cap by the Feds. This asset cap limits its growth and furthermore, depletes its ability to compete with its competitors such as JPMorgan, Bank of America Corp and CItigroup Inc.</p>

<h2><strong>Wells Fargo overstated its compliance-related developments: Shareholders</strong></h2>

<p>Shareholders accused Wells Fargo of overstating how well it was complying with Feds' orders. They further stated that&nbsp;the bank's market value fell by more than $54 billion over two years ending in March 2020 as the shortcomings became known.</p>

<p>The San Francisco-based bank denied wrongdoing, and settled to eliminate the burden and cost of litigation, court papers show.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/economy/wells-fargo-ordered-to-pay-37-billion-fine-for-consumer-loan-violations-largest-ever-penalty-against-a-bank-544943">Wells Fargo ordered to pay $3.7 billion fine for consumer loan violations, largest ever penalty against a bank</a></strong></p>

<p>"While we disagree with the allegations in this case, we are pleased to have resolved this matter," Wells Fargo said in a statement.</p>

<p>Lawyers for the plaintiffs may seek up to 19&nbsp;&nbsp;per cent of the settlement fund for legal fees.</p>

<p>Wells Fargo has since 2016 paid or set aside several billion dollars to resolve regulatory probes and litigation over its business practices.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;World Business Watch: U.S. banks get ready for profit crunch</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-us-banks-get-ready-for-profit-crunch-551369/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>These practices included opening about 3.5 million accounts without customer permission, and charging hundreds of thousands of borrowers for auto insurance they did not need.</p>

<p>Chief Executive Charlie Scharf has said repairing the 171-year-old bank founded by Henry Wells and William Fargo has taken longer than he expected when he took over in 2019.</p>

<p>"When I arrived, we did not have the culture, effective processes, or appropriate management oversight in place to remediate weaknesses on a timely basis," he said in his March 3 letter to shareholders. "Today, we approach these issues differently."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Wells Fargo will pay $1 billion to settle a lawsuit which accused it of defrauding shareholders. The exercise involved the San Francisco-headquartered bank reportedly defrauding shareholders about its progress in recovering from a series of scandals over its treatment of customers.

Wells Fargo will pay $1 billion to settle a lawsuit which accused it of defrauding shareholders. The exercise involved the San Francisco-headquartered bank reportedly defrauding shareholders about its progress in recovering from a series of scandals over its treatment of customers. The settlement would be an all-cash one, according to a preliminary approval granted by the US district judge Gregory Woods in Manhattan federal court. The final approval's hearing has been scheduled for September 8. Wells Fargo has operated since 2018 under consent orders from the Federal Reserve and two other financial regulators requiring that it improve governance and oversight. Wells Fargo is the fourth largest US bank. It is also subject to an asset cap by the Feds. This asset cap limits its growth and furthermore, depletes its ability to compete with its competitors such as JPMorgan, Bank of America Corp and CItigroup Inc. Wells Fargo overstated its compliance-related developments: Shareholders Shareholders accused Wells Fargo of overstating how well it was complying with Feds' orders. They further stated that the bank's market value fell by more than $54 billion over two years ending in March 2020 as the shortcomings became known. The San Francisco-based bank denied wrongdoing, and settled to eliminate the burden and cost of litigation, court papers show. ALSO READ | Wells Fargo ordered to pay $3.7 billion fine for consumer loan violations, largest ever penalty against a bank "While we disagree with the allegations in this case, we are pleased to have resolved this matter," Wells Fargo said in a statement. Lawyers for the plaintiffs may seek up to 19 per cent of the settlement fund for legal fees. Wells Fargo has since 2016 paid or set aside several billion dollars to resolve regulatory probes and litigation over its business practices. ALSO WATCH | World Business Watch: U.S. banks get ready for profit crunch × These practices included opening about 3.5 million accounts without customer permission, and charging hundreds of thousands of borrowers for auto insurance they did not need. Chief Executive Charlie Scharf has said repairing the 171-year-old bank founded by Henry Wells and William Fargo has taken longer than he expected when he took over in 2019. "When I arrived, we did not have the culture, effective processes, or appropriate management oversight in place to remediate weaknesses on a timely basis," he said in his March 3 letter to shareholders. "Today, we approach these issues differently." (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.

Wells Fargo will pay $1 bn in class action lawsuit

<p>The Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, ended its policy of pegging fuel prices to the international market. Keeping his promise during his election campaigns to "Brazilianize" Petrobras’ pricing policy for the benefit of the local Brazilian people, President Lula da Silva has succeeded in putting an end to the pegging fuel prices. President Lula had earlier referred to the old policy being aimed to "please investors, to the detriment of the Brazilian people."</p>

<h2><strong>New policy announcement by Petrobas</strong></h2>

<p>The earlier policies adopted by the oil company had delivered record profits of $36 billion last year due to the global surge in fuel prices following the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;<br />
Faced by resistance from investors in Petrobras, the company has still gone ahead with policy changes that would use ‘market references’ for setting fuel prices.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Is Brazil the next pandemic hot-spot? | Why do bats have so many viruses? | World DNA</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-brazil-the-next-pandemic-hot-spot-why-do-bats-have-so-many-viruses-world-dna-593143/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>New policy ends subordination to the import parity prices</strong></h2>

<p>The new policy which puts an end to “the mandatory subordination (of prices) to the import parity price” in US dollars was welcomed by everyone.&nbsp;<br />
Petrobras has announced hefty price cuts to meet the new policy changes; 12.6 percent for gasoline, 12.7 percent for diesel and 21.4 percent for cooking gas.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccination-forgery-case-ex-brazil-prez-bolsonaro-questioned-by-cops-denies-tampering-records-593126"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;Covid vaccination forgery case: Ex-Brazil prez Bolsonaro questioned by cops, denies tampering records</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>A welcoming policy change</strong></h2>

<p>President Lula posted a video on his social media handle where he can be seen applauding the new policy adapted by Petrobas.&nbsp;<br />
"I am particularly happy, and I think the people will be too. More than a campaign commitment, it is a victory of the people... And it is only the beginning. We are going to invest in industry and the generation of jobs”: President Lula.</p>

<p>Jean Paul Prates, Petrobras chief executive also commented on the issue by saying that "We will continue to be the market reference, without abdicating the company's competitive advantages".</p>

<h2><strong>Rise in share prices</strong></h2>

<p>The share prices of Petrobas rose to more than four percent on the Sao Paulo stock exchange on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, before setting back at 2.2 percent at the close.<br />
The rise in share prices was an unexpected but yet a welcome occurrence. Oil industry analyst, Israel Rodrigues of Genial Investimentos expected “the market to be something much worse,” perhaps a direct intervention.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A happy ending for everyone?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Russia-Ukraine war that spiked the fuel prices around the globe had become an important issue in President Lula’s election campaign for his third term.&nbsp;<br />
The promise made by President Lula during his election campaigns to regulate the fuel prices had earlier caused anxiousness amongst investors.&nbsp;<br />
However, with the new policy changes adopted by Petrobas while maintaining its stock prices seem to be setting the tone for the fuel prices in Brazil right.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, ended its policy of pegging fuel prices to the international market. Keeping his promise during his election campaigns to "Brazilianize" Petrobras’ pricing policy for the benefit of the local Brazilian people, President Lula da Silva has succeeded in putting an end to the pegging fuel prices.

The Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, ended its policy of pegging fuel prices to the international market. Keeping his promise during his election campaigns to "Brazilianize" Petrobras’ pricing policy for the benefit of the local Brazilian people, President Lula da Silva has succeeded in putting an end to the pegging fuel prices. President Lula had earlier referred to the old policy being aimed to "please investors, to the detriment of the Brazilian people." New policy announcement by Petrobas The earlier policies adopted by the oil company had delivered record profits of $36 billion last year due to the global surge in fuel prices following the Russia-Ukraine war. Faced by resistance from investors in Petrobras, the company has still gone ahead with policy changes that would use ‘market references’ for setting fuel prices. Watch: Is Brazil the next pandemic hot-spot? | Why do bats have so many viruses? | World DNA × New policy ends subordination to the import parity prices The new policy which puts an end to “the mandatory subordination (of prices) to the import parity price” in US dollars was welcomed by everyone. Petrobras has announced hefty price cuts to meet the new policy changes; 12.6 percent for gasoline, 12.7 percent for diesel and 21.4 percent for cooking gas. Also Read: Covid vaccination forgery case: Ex-Brazil prez Bolsonaro questioned by cops, denies tampering records A welcoming policy change President Lula posted a video on his social media handle where he can be seen applauding the new policy adapted by Petrobas. "I am particularly happy, and I think the people will be too. More than a campaign commitment, it is a victory of the people... And it is only the beginning. We are going to invest in industry and the generation of jobs”: President Lula. Jean Paul Prates, Petrobras chief executive also commented on the issue by saying that "We will continue to be the market reference, without abdicating the company's competitive advantages". Rise in share prices The share prices of Petrobas rose to more than four percent on the Sao Paulo stock exchange on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, before setting back at 2.2 percent at the close. The rise in share prices was an unexpected but yet a welcome occurrence. Oil industry analyst, Israel Rodrigues of Genial Investimentos expected “the market to be something much worse,” perhaps a direct intervention. A happy ending for everyone? The Russia-Ukraine war that spiked the fuel prices around the globe had become an important issue in President Lula’s election campaign for his third term. The promise made by President Lula during his election campaigns to regulate the fuel prices had earlier caused anxiousness amongst investors. However, with the new policy changes adopted by Petrobas while maintaining its stock prices seem to be setting the tone for the fuel prices in Brazil right. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Brazilian oil company Petrobas scraps international price peg

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Mukul Sharma

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.