Retail inflation declined to a 25-month low of 4.25 per cent in May mainly on account of softening prices of food and fuel items, with experts saying that RBI is expected to hold interest rates steady in the current fiscal.&nbsp;

This is the fourth straight month when retail inflation has declined and the third straight month of Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation remaining within the RBI's comfort zone of below 6 per cent.&nbsp;

CPI-based inflation stood at 4.7 per cent in April and 7.04 per cent in May 2022.&nbsp;

At 4.25 per cent, retail inflation is the lowest since April 2021 when it was 4.23 per cent.&nbsp;

Inflation for the food basket was at 2.91 per cent in May, lower than 3.84 per cent in April. The food basket accounts for nearly half of the CPI.&nbsp;

Inflation in fuel and light eased to 4.64 per cent, from 5.52 per cent in April.&nbsp;

CPI inflation print for May eased more than expected, with the positive surprise chiefly driven by the food and beverages segment. Nevertheless, concerns loom on the horizon regarding the potential impact of a sub-par monsoon on food inflation in the second half of this fiscal.&nbsp;

ICRA Chief Economist and Head of Research and Outreach Aditi Nayar said the headline CPI inflation may rise mildly to 4.5-4.7 per cent in June 2023 based on the early uptrend in the prices of most of the food items, barring edible oils.&nbsp;

ICRA expects an extended pause by RBI through FY2024, and the stance to remain unchanged over the next couple of policy meetings, Nayar said.&nbsp;

Barclays, MD &amp; Head of EM Asia (ex-China) Economics, Rahul Bajoria said inflation moderated further in May, given the high base and some sequential easing in energy costs. The RBI is likely to watch for the persistence of core inflation and the impact of El Nino on food prices in the coming months.&nbsp;

The decline in inflation was mainly driven by food items led by 'oils and fats' and vegetables where inflation fell by 16 per cent and 8.18 per cent respectively.&nbsp;

However, inflation in cereals and pulses came in higher at 12.65 per cent and 6.56 per cent respectively.&nbsp;

Experts said the monsoon forecast and performance will hold clues to future movements in food inflation, and pulses will be more vulnerable in this context.&nbsp;

India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said going forward inflation is expected to remain in the 4.4-5.4 per cent range for the rest of this fiscal. It expects RBI to maintain a pause on interest rates for the rest of the current fiscal.&nbsp;

Last week, the Reserve Bank kept policy rates unchanged at 6.5 per cent and projected retail inflation for the current fiscal to average 5.1 per cent. June quarter inflation was projected at 4.6 per cent.

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Retail inflation declined to a 25-month low of 4.25 per cent in May mainly on account of softening prices of food and fuel items, with experts saying that RBI is expected to hold interest rates steady in the current fiscal.

Retail inflation declined to a 25-month low of 4.25 per cent in May mainly on account of softening prices of food and fuel items, with experts saying that RBI is expected to hold interest rates steady in the current fiscal. This is the fourth straight month when retail inflation has declined and the third straight month of Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation remaining within the RBI's comfort zone of below 6 per cent. CPI-based inflation stood at 4.7 per cent in April and 7.04 per cent in May 2022. At 4.25 per cent, retail inflation is the lowest since April 2021 when it was 4.23 per cent. Inflation for the food basket was at 2.91 per cent in May, lower than 3.84 per cent in April. The food basket accounts for nearly half of the CPI. Inflation in fuel and light eased to 4.64 per cent, from 5.52 per cent in April. CPI inflation print for May eased more than expected, with the positive surprise chiefly driven by the food and beverages segment. Nevertheless, concerns loom on the horizon regarding the potential impact of a sub-par monsoon on food inflation in the second half of this fiscal. ICRA Chief Economist and Head of Research and Outreach Aditi Nayar said the headline CPI inflation may rise mildly to 4.5-4.7 per cent in June 2023 based on the early uptrend in the prices of most of the food items, barring edible oils. ICRA expects an extended pause by RBI through FY2024, and the stance to remain unchanged over the next couple of policy meetings, Nayar said. Barclays, MD & Head of EM Asia (ex-China) Economics, Rahul Bajoria said inflation moderated further in May, given the high base and some sequential easing in energy costs. The RBI is likely to watch for the persistence of core inflation and the impact of El Nino on food prices in the coming months. The decline in inflation was mainly driven by food items led by 'oils and fats' and vegetables where inflation fell by 16 per cent and 8.18 per cent respectively. However, inflation in cereals and pulses came in higher at 12.65 per cent and 6.56 per cent respectively. Experts said the monsoon forecast and performance will hold clues to future movements in food inflation, and pulses will be more vulnerable in this context. India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said going forward inflation is expected to remain in the 4.4-5.4 per cent range for the rest of this fiscal. It expects RBI to maintain a pause on interest rates for the rest of the current fiscal. Last week, the Reserve Bank kept policy rates unchanged at 6.5 per cent and projected retail inflation for the current fiscal to average 5.1 per cent. June quarter inflation was projected at 4.6 per cent. 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 May retail inflation dips to 2-year low of 4.25%, RBI likely to hold rates steady in FY 24

Silvio Berlusconi – who has died at 86 – dominated Italian public life for decades as a billionaire media mogul and the country's longest serving premier. But he was always dogged by scandal.

The larger-than-life character, who once compared himself to Jesus, was a kind of Trump before Trump.

He wielded huge influence through his television and newspaper interests – he effectively invented commercial TV in Italy – his ownership of AC Milan football club, and his sheer wealth, as Italy's richest person for a decade.

Long before Donald Trump parlayed business and reality television stardom into a White House bid, Berlusconi charmed millions of Italians by presenting himself as a self-made man who enjoyed life and spoke his mind, even to the extent of insulting fellow leaders.

To his critics, however, the right-winger was a tax-evading playboy who used his vast media empire to further his political career, and then exploited his power to protect his business interests.

He spent much of his life embroiled in legal action, and the cases around his notorious "Bunga Bunga" sex parties, attended by young girls including underage escorts, were only wrapped up in February 2023.

Despite remaining president of his Forza Italia party, a junior partner in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's rightwing coalition, he had largely retired from public view in recent years as he suffered increasing health problems.

But he still maintained his pride in his appearance and was always smartly dressed, his slicked-back hair never showing the slightest trace of grey, his face fixed in time by years of plastic surgery.

Berlusconi was hospitalised for 11 days in September 2020 after contracting coronavirus, describing it as "perhaps the most difficult ordeal of my life".&nbsp;

In April, doctors revealed he was suffering from leukaemia after he was admitted to hospital for a lung infection. He stayed 45 days and on leaving, declared: "I won again!"

But three weeks later he was admitted again for what doctors said were scheduled checks, and a few days later, he died.

<img alt="Silvio Berlusconi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3e7cdfc-88d9-4135-b743-ab03468e93e9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_131.jpg" />

<h2>'Contract with Italians'</h2>

Berlusconi burst onto the political scene in the early 1990s, after building up a media and real estate business, where he was viewed as a breath of fresh air after a period of corruption and scandal.

Pitching himself as a modern Italian success story, and backed by his TV stations and newspapers, he secured his first election victory in 1994 with his new movement, Forza Italia (Go Italy!), named after a football chant.

He lasted as prime minister for only nine months, but bounced back with another election win in 2001 after a populist campaign promising jobs and economic growth, signing a "Contract with Italians" live on television.&nbsp;

He served until 2006, and returned again as prime minister between 2008 and 2011, making him the longest-serving premier in Italy's post-war history.

He was forced to quit as debt-laden Italy – the eurozone's third largest economy – came under intense pressure during the financial crisis.&nbsp;

The tenure of the man dubbed "Il Cavaliere" (The Knight) divided Italians, as much as over his policies – including his controversial decision to join the US-led invasion of Iraq – as his entire approach to life.

Throughout his time in office, prosecutors snapped at his heels, even as his supporters in parliament passed laws to shield him and his allies.

Despite multiple court cases – he claimed in 2021 he had gone through 86 trials – he never spent any time behind bars and successfully appealed convictions for fraud and corruption early in his political career.

In 2013, Berlusconi received a definitive conviction for tax fraud, which saw him carry out community service in a care home for sufferers of Alzheimer's.

He was also long suspected of links to the mafia, but strongly denied it.

<h2>'Bunga Bunga' disgrace</h2>

On the world stage, Berlusconi was known for his friendships with the likes of Libya's Moamer Kadhafi and Russian President Vladimir Putin – the latter of whom he controversially defended following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

He had no time for traditional diplomacy, once likening a German European MP to a Nazi and describing US President Barack Obama as "suntanned".

His image was further tarnished when lurid details emerged of his sex parties at his villa near Milan with its private disco, during a hugely embarrassing trial involving a 17-year-old nightclub dancer.

Berlusconi was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2013 for paying for sex with Karima El-Mahroug, known as "Ruby the Heart Stealer" – but this was later overturned after the judge said there was reasonable doubt over whether he knew she was underage.

He then stood accused of bribing witnesses to lie about his parties, which he always insisted were elegant dinners. He was acquitted in three related trials.

A relationship with another teenager led to the end of his second marriage with former actress Veronica Lario, who left him in 2009 over his "cavorting with minors".

In March 2022, he held a bizarre fake wedding with his girlfriend Marta Fascina, then 32.

<img alt="Silvio Berlusconi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd9f38db-db2e-4c0a-b659-d5c4df70dfc4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5_85.jpg" />

<h2>Football glory</h2>

Berlusconi was born in 1936 in Milan to a bank employee father and a housewife mother. He went on to father five children, all involved in the running of his business empire.&nbsp;

As a young man, he was quick to realise his talents as an entertainer.

A huge fan of Nat King Cole, he played double bass in a band and made club audiences laugh with jokes during breaks from his law studies at the University of Milan.

As a student, he worked briefly as a cruise ship singer before launching a lucrative career in the booming construction sector in his 20s, which delivered his first fortune.

These funds were used to build a vast conglomerate spanning shops, cinemas, publishers, newspapers and cable television, where he broke new ground with commercial programmes filled with scantily clad women.

Crucially for his public persona, his empire also included football, one of Italy's great passions.

As well as providing money for AC Milan, he regularly delivered dressing room and training ground pep talks during a period in which the club became one of the world's most celebrated and trophied success stories.&nbsp;

Five of AC Milan's seven European Cup/Champions League triumphs were achieved under Berlusconi's 31-year ownership.

He sold the club in 2017 after years of lacklustre performances, and in 2018 bought Monza, then in Italy's third tier.

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Silvio Berlusconi – who has died at 86 – dominated Italian public life for decades as a billionaire media mogul and the country's longest serving premier. But he was always dogged by scandal.

Silvio Berlusconi – who has died at 86 – dominated Italian public life for decades as a billionaire media mogul and the country's longest serving premier. But he was always dogged by scandal. The larger-than-life character, who once compared himself to Jesus, was a kind of Trump before Trump. He wielded huge influence through his television and newspaper interests – he effectively invented commercial TV in Italy – his ownership of AC Milan football club, and his sheer wealth, as Italy's richest person for a decade. Long before Donald Trump parlayed business and reality television stardom into a White House bid, Berlusconi charmed millions of Italians by presenting himself as a self-made man who enjoyed life and spoke his mind, even to the extent of insulting fellow leaders. To his critics, however, the right-winger was a tax-evading playboy who used his vast media empire to further his political career, and then exploited his power to protect his business interests. He spent much of his life embroiled in legal action, and the cases around his notorious "Bunga Bunga" sex parties, attended by young girls including underage escorts, were only wrapped up in February 2023. Despite remaining president of his Forza Italia party, a junior partner in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's rightwing coalition, he had largely retired from public view in recent years as he suffered increasing health problems. But he still maintained his pride in his appearance and was always smartly dressed, his slicked-back hair never showing the slightest trace of grey, his face fixed in time by years of plastic surgery. Berlusconi was hospitalised for 11 days in September 2020 after contracting coronavirus, describing it as "perhaps the most difficult ordeal of my life". In April, doctors revealed he was suffering from leukaemia after he was admitted to hospital for a lung infection. He stayed 45 days and on leaving, declared: "I won again!" But three weeks later he was admitted again for what doctors said were scheduled checks, and a few days later, he died. 'Contract with Italians' Berlusconi burst onto the political scene in the early 1990s, after building up a media and real estate business, where he was viewed as a breath of fresh air after a period of corruption and scandal. Pitching himself as a modern Italian success story, and backed by his TV stations and newspapers, he secured his first election victory in 1994 with his new movement, Forza Italia (Go Italy!), named after a football chant. He lasted as prime minister for only nine months, but bounced back with another election win in 2001 after a populist campaign promising jobs and economic growth, signing a "Contract with Italians" live on television. He served until 2006, and returned again as prime minister between 2008 and 2011, making him the longest-serving premier in Italy's post-war history. He was forced to quit as debt-laden Italy – the eurozone's third largest economy – came under intense pressure during the financial crisis. The tenure of the man dubbed "Il Cavaliere" (The Knight) divided Italians, as much as over his policies – including his controversial decision to join the US-led invasion of Iraq – as his entire approach to life. Throughout his time in office, prosecutors snapped at his heels, even as his supporters in parliament passed laws to shield him and his allies. Despite multiple court cases – he claimed in 2021 he had gone through 86 trials – he never spent any time behind bars and successfully appealed convictions for fraud and corruption early in his political career. In 2013, Berlusconi received a definitive conviction for tax fraud, which saw him carry out community service in a care home for sufferers of Alzheimer's. He was also long suspected of links to the mafia, but strongly denied it. 'Bunga Bunga' disgrace On the world stage, Berlusconi was known for his friendships with the likes of Libya's Moamer Kadhafi and Russian President Vladimir Putin – the latter of whom he controversially defended following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He had no time for traditional diplomacy, once likening a German European MP to a Nazi and describing US President Barack Obama as "suntanned". His image was further tarnished when lurid details emerged of his sex parties at his villa near Milan with its private disco, during a hugely embarrassing trial involving a 17-year-old nightclub dancer. Berlusconi was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2013 for paying for sex with Karima El-Mahroug, known as "Ruby the Heart Stealer" – but this was later overturned after the judge said there was reasonable doubt over whether he knew she was underage. He then stood accused of bribing witnesses to lie about his parties, which he always insisted were elegant dinners. He was acquitted in three related trials. A relationship with another teenager led to the end of his second marriage with former actress Veronica Lario, who left him in 2009 over his "cavorting with minors". In March 2022, he held a bizarre fake wedding with his girlfriend Marta Fascina, then 32. Football glory Berlusconi was born in 1936 in Milan to a bank employee father and a housewife mother. He went on to father five children, all involved in the running of his business empire. As a young man, he was quick to realise his talents as an entertainer. A huge fan of Nat King Cole, he played double bass in a band and made club audiences laugh with jokes during breaks from his law studies at the University of Milan. As a student, he worked briefly as a cruise ship singer before launching a lucrative career in the booming construction sector in his 20s, which delivered his first fortune. These funds were used to build a vast conglomerate spanning shops, cinemas, publishers, newspapers and cable television, where he broke new ground with commercial programmes filled with scantily clad women. Crucially for his public persona, his empire also included football, one of Italy's great passions. As well as providing money for AC Milan, he regularly delivered dressing room and training ground pep talks during a period in which the club became one of the world's most celebrated and trophied success stories. Five of AC Milan's seven European Cup/Champions League triumphs were achieved under Berlusconi's 31-year ownership. He sold the club in 2017 after years of lacklustre performances, and in 2018 bought Monza, then in Italy's third tier. 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.

Bling and bunga bunga parties: The colourful life of Italy's Silvio Berlusconi

A former executive at South Korea's Samsung Electronics, who hasn't been identified yet, was indicted on Monday (June 12) over claims and suspicion that he stole company technology for a copycat chip factory in China. The prosecutors said that the person is also accused of jeopardising national economic security.&nbsp;

South Korea is a chipmaking hub, but globally, the battle to produce more and more is raging. The chip industry competition was recently described by President Yoon Suk Yeol as an "all-out war", with massive pressure from the geopolitical and economic rivalry between the United States and China.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office said that the defendant is accused of illegally acquiring Samsung data to build a rival factory only 1.5 kilometres away from a Samsung chip manufacturing facility in Xian, China.&nbsp;

The prosecutors mentioned that the executive also formerly worked at SK Hynix as a vice president and further estimated that the theft of data had caused at least $233 million worth of losses for Samsung Electronics.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-government-to-screen-foreign-phd-tech-students-denies-targeting-china-603576">Dutch government to screen foreign PhD tech students, denies targeting China</a>&nbsp;

The prosecutor's office said, "It's a grave crime that could deal a heavy blow to our economic security by shaking the foundation of the domestic chip industry at a time of intensifying competition in chip manufacturing."&nbsp;

As reported by the news agency Reuters, a prosecutor said that the defendant was arrested last month and is denying the allegations,&nbsp;adding&nbsp;that the suspect worked a combined 28 years at the South Korean chipmaker.&nbsp;

The news agency's report also mentioned a prosecutor as saying that attempt to build the new plant using Samsung data between 2018 and 2019 ended in failure due to funding issues.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;NASA scientist admits that the Moon 'might already have life on it'&nbsp;

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Prosecutors said they had indicted six other people for their suspected involvement, including an inspection company employee accused of leaking the architectural plan of Samsung's semiconductor factory.&nbsp;

A report by GIZMOCHINA mentioned that both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are the world's top two memory chip manufacturers and have invested heavily in chip factories in China. The report also mentions that these companies rely on US technology and equipment, and approximately 40 per cent of South Korea's chip exports are directed to China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A former executive at South Korea's Samsung Electronics, who hasn't been identified yet, was indicted on Monday (June 12) over claims and suspicion that he stole company technology for a copycat chip factory in China.

A former executive at South Korea's Samsung Electronics, who hasn't been identified yet, was indicted on Monday (June 12) over claims and suspicion that he stole company technology for a copycat chip factory in China. The prosecutors said that the person is also accused of jeopardising national economic security. South Korea is a chipmaking hub, but globally, the battle to produce more and more is raging. The chip industry competition was recently described by President Yoon Suk Yeol as an "all-out war", with massive pressure from the geopolitical and economic rivalry between the United States and China. In a statement, the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office said that the defendant is accused of illegally acquiring Samsung data to build a rival factory only 1.5 kilometres away from a Samsung chip manufacturing facility in Xian, China. The prosecutors mentioned that the executive also formerly worked at SK Hynix as a vice president and further estimated that the theft of data had caused at least $233 million worth of losses for Samsung Electronics. Also read | Dutch government to screen foreign PhD tech students, denies targeting China The prosecutor's office said, "It's a grave crime that could deal a heavy blow to our economic security by shaking the foundation of the domestic chip industry at a time of intensifying competition in chip manufacturing." As reported by the news agency Reuters, a prosecutor said that the defendant was arrested last month and is denying the allegations, adding that the suspect worked a combined 28 years at the South Korean chipmaker. The news agency's report also mentioned a prosecutor as saying that attempt to build the new plant using Samsung data between 2018 and 2019 ended in failure due to funding issues. Watch | NASA scientist admits that the Moon 'might already have life on it' × Also read | Can you trust your ears? AI voice scams rattle US Prosecutors said they had indicted six other people for their suspected involvement, including an inspection company employee accused of leaking the architectural plan of Samsung's semiconductor factory. A report by GIZMOCHINA mentioned that both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are the world's top two memory chip manufacturers and have invested heavily in chip factories in China. The report also mentions that these companies rely on US technology and equipment, and approximately 40 per cent of South Korea's chip exports are directed to China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Samsung Electronics executive accused of stealing secrets for China chip factory

A social experiment, a rather scary one, left pedestrians absolutely stunned when they saw a moving car&nbsp;without anyone in the driver's seat.&nbsp;

Well, this is not what exactly happened. There was a person, but he was disguised as a car seat. The man was wearing a car seat costume, with a mesh fabric on top.

The study at Nottingham University aimed at finding how people would react to self-driving vehicles when it comes to road safety.&nbsp;

They used a "ghost driver" to carry out the study. A visual display was placed in front of the car, which read External Human-Machine Interfaces (eHMIs).&nbsp;

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A report by UK-based The Engineer noted that researchers found that pedestrians rely on certain visual prompts more than others when deciding whether to cross in front of a car perceived as autonomous.&nbsp;

The car was driven around the university's Park Campus over several days. At first glance, it looked like there was no one, the so-called "ghost-driver" was there in the driver's seat.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that a series of different designs projected onto the eHMI informed pedestrians of the car's behaviour and intention.&nbsp;

The person in the driver's seat was David R Large, who is a senior research fellow with the Human Factors Research Group at the university.&nbsp;

As quoted by media reports, Large, said: "We wanted to explore how pedestrians would interact with a driverless car and developed this unique methodology to explore."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch this video:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://vimeo.com/833665304">Pedestrian study gauges reactions to visual prompts on ghost driven ‘autonomous’ car</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user51659126">The Engineer Magazine</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.
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<h2>How pedestrians would interact with a driverless car&nbsp;</h2>

A team member, who was in the back seat, controlled the eHMI, while front and rear dash cam footage was collected to observe pedestrians' reactions in real time.&nbsp;

The researchers were also placed at four crossing points to ask pedestrians to complete a short survey about their experience of the vehicle and its displays.&nbsp;

Large said in a statement: "As part of the ServCity project, which created a blueprint infrastructure for autonomous vehicles in the UK, we wanted to explore how pedestrians would interact with a driverless car and developed this unique methodology to explore their reactions."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-beachgoers-caught-unaware-as-sea-swells-due-to-cyclone-biparjoy-603397">Beachgoers caught unaware as sea swells due to Cyclone Biparjoy</a>&nbsp;

"We were keen to identify which designs invited the highest levels of trust by people wanting to cross the road. To do this we used three different levels of anthropomorphism; implicit, an LED strip designed to mimic an eye's pupil, low, a vehicle-centric icon and words such as 'giving way', and explicit, an expressive face and human-like language," he added.&nbsp;

According to the study, some indicators from the dashcam footage were used to evaluate pedestrians' crossing behaviour. The researchers have observed how long it took people to cross, how long they looked at the car and the number of times they glanced and/or gestured at the vehicle.&nbsp;

The study helped the researchers to study in detail people's attitudes and behaviour in response to the different eHMI displays, and autonomous vehicles.&nbsp;

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A social experiment, a rather scary one, left pedestrians absolutely stunned when they saw a moving car without anyone in the driver's seat. Well, this is not what exactly happened.

A social experiment, a rather scary one, left pedestrians absolutely stunned when they saw a moving car without anyone in the driver's seat. Well, this is not what exactly happened. There was a person, but he was disguised as a car seat. The man was wearing a car seat costume, with a mesh fabric on top. The study at Nottingham University aimed at finding how people would react to self-driving vehicles when it comes to road safety. They used a "ghost driver" to carry out the study. A visual display was placed in front of the car, which read External Human-Machine Interfaces (eHMIs). Also read | ‘Is time travel real?’ Apple CEO Tim Cook baffled after iPhone spotted in 350-year-old painting A report by UK-based The Engineer noted that researchers found that pedestrians rely on certain visual prompts more than others when deciding whether to cross in front of a car perceived as autonomous. The car was driven around the university's Park Campus over several days. At first glance, it looked like there was no one, the so-called "ghost-driver" was there in the driver's seat. The report mentioned that a series of different designs projected onto the eHMI informed pedestrians of the car's behaviour and intention. The person in the driver's seat was David R Large, who is a senior research fellow with the Human Factors Research Group at the university. As quoted by media reports, Large, said: "We wanted to explore how pedestrians would interact with a driverless car and developed this unique methodology to explore." Watch this video: Pedestrian study gauges reactions to visual prompts on ghost driven ‘autonomous’ car from The Engineer Magazine on Vimeo. × How pedestrians would interact with a driverless car A team member, who was in the back seat, controlled the eHMI, while front and rear dash cam footage was collected to observe pedestrians' reactions in real time. The researchers were also placed at four crossing points to ask pedestrians to complete a short survey about their experience of the vehicle and its displays. Large said in a statement: "As part of the ServCity project, which created a blueprint infrastructure for autonomous vehicles in the UK, we wanted to explore how pedestrians would interact with a driverless car and developed this unique methodology to explore their reactions." Also read | Beachgoers caught unaware as sea swells due to Cyclone Biparjoy "We were keen to identify which designs invited the highest levels of trust by people wanting to cross the road. To do this we used three different levels of anthropomorphism; implicit, an LED strip designed to mimic an eye's pupil, low, a vehicle-centric icon and words such as 'giving way', and explicit, an expressive face and human-like language," he added. According to the study, some indicators from the dashcam footage were used to evaluate pedestrians' crossing behaviour. The researchers have observed how long it took people to cross, how long they looked at the car and the number of times they glanced and/or gestured at the vehicle. The study helped the researchers to study in detail people's attitudes and behaviour in response to the different eHMI displays, and autonomous vehicles. 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

WATCH: 'Ghost driver' study reveals what'll people think when they see a driverless car

The United States plans to rejoin&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;from July this year, ending a lengthy dispute that saw Washington end its membership in 2018, the UN cultural agency announced on Monday.

"It is a strong act of confidence in&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;and in multilateralism," said its director general Audrey Azoulay when she informed representatives of the body's member states in Paris of Washington's decision to rejoin.

The United States, a founding member of&nbsp;UNESCO, was a major contributor to&nbsp;UNESCO's budget until 2011, when the body admitted Palestine as a member state.&nbsp;

That triggered an end to the contributions under US law.

Then-president Donald Trump went further by announcing in 2017 that the United States was withdrawing from&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;alongside Israel, accusing the body of bias against the Jewish state.&nbsp;

Its pullout took effect in 2018.

Azoulay, a former French culture minister who has headed&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;since 2017, has made it a priority of her mandate to bring the United States back.

"UNESCO&nbsp;is doing well, but it will be even better when the US returns," she said Monday.

"It's not hard to imagine all the things both the US government and civil society can bring to the international community in education, culture, and science," she added.

In a letter to Azoulay seen by AFP, Richard Verma, the US deputy secretary of state for management and resources, said Washington was "grateful" to Azoulay for progress on "significant issues", including "decreasing focus on politicised debate".

<h2>'Join hands'&nbsp;</h2>

Until the suspension of its contributions in 2011, the US paid about 22 percent of&nbsp;UNESCO's budget, or $75 million.

But the US Congress, then fully controlled by President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, in December paved the way for the United States to restore funding, setting aside $150 million in the budget.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in March said the US absence from&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;was letting China write rules on artificial intelligence.

"I very much believe we should be back in&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;-- again, not as a gift to&nbsp;UNESCO, but because things that are happening at&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;actually matter," Blinken told a Senate committee when he presented the budget.

"They are working on rules, norms and standards for artificial intelligence. We want to be there," he said.

China's ambassador to&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;Yang Jin said Monday that Beijing would not oppose the United States' return, saying the body "needs every member state to join hands to fulfil its missions" and that China "is willing to work with all the member states".

Ambassadors from many other countries worldwide, from Peru to Djibouti to Poland, hailed the news, with some such as Germany saying Washington should be readmitted "as soon as possible".

"I am confident that most of the member states will work on the return of the US," Japan's ambassador to&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;Atsuyuki Oike said, calling American participation "indispensable".

The US had already withdrawn from&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;in 1984 and rejoined the Organisation after an almost 20-year absence, in October 2003.&nbsp;

The proposed plan to rejoin in 2023 must now be submitted to the General Conference of&nbsp;UNESCO&nbsp;Member States for final approval.&nbsp;

Some member states want an extraordinary session to be held quickly to decide.

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The United States plans to rejoin UNESCO from July this year, ending a lengthy dispute that saw Washington end its membership in 2018, the UN cultural agency announced on Monday.

The United States plans to rejoin UNESCO from July this year, ending a lengthy dispute that saw Washington end its membership in 2018, the UN cultural agency announced on Monday. "It is a strong act of confidence in UNESCO and in multilateralism," said its director general Audrey Azoulay when she informed representatives of the body's member states in Paris of Washington's decision to rejoin. The United States, a founding member of UNESCO, was a major contributor to UNESCO's budget until 2011, when the body admitted Palestine as a member state. That triggered an end to the contributions under US law. Then-president Donald Trump went further by announcing in 2017 that the United States was withdrawing from UNESCO alongside Israel, accusing the body of bias against the Jewish state. Its pullout took effect in 2018. Azoulay, a former French culture minister who has headed UNESCO since 2017, has made it a priority of her mandate to bring the United States back. "UNESCO is doing well, but it will be even better when the US returns," she said Monday. "It's not hard to imagine all the things both the US government and civil society can bring to the international community in education, culture, and science," she added. In a letter to Azoulay seen by AFP, Richard Verma, the US deputy secretary of state for management and resources, said Washington was "grateful" to Azoulay for progress on "significant issues", including "decreasing focus on politicised debate". 'Join hands' Until the suspension of its contributions in 2011, the US paid about 22 percent of UNESCO's budget, or $75 million. But the US Congress, then fully controlled by President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, in December paved the way for the United States to restore funding, setting aside $150 million in the budget. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in March said the US absence from UNESCO was letting China write rules on artificial intelligence. "I very much believe we should be back in UNESCO -- again, not as a gift to UNESCO, but because things that are happening at UNESCO actually matter," Blinken told a Senate committee when he presented the budget. "They are working on rules, norms and standards for artificial intelligence. We want to be there," he said. China's ambassador to UNESCO Yang Jin said Monday that Beijing would not oppose the United States' return, saying the body "needs every member state to join hands to fulfil its missions" and that China "is willing to work with all the member states". Ambassadors from many other countries worldwide, from Peru to Djibouti to Poland, hailed the news, with some such as Germany saying Washington should be readmitted "as soon as possible". "I am confident that most of the member states will work on the return of the US," Japan's ambassador to UNESCO Atsuyuki Oike said, calling American participation "indispensable". The US had already withdrawn from UNESCO in 1984 and rejoined the Organisation after an almost 20-year absence, in October 2003. The proposed plan to rejoin in 2023 must now be submitted to the General Conference of UNESCO Member States for final approval. Some member states want an extraordinary session to be held quickly to decide. 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.

UNESCO says US plans to rejoin body from July

Silvio Berlusconi's name will forever be associated with AC Milan, the football club he took over in the 1980s and with his immense wealth turned from a debt-ridden mess to a European powerhouse.

Berlusconi, whose death at the age of 86 was confirmed on Monday, reigned supreme at Milan from 1986 until 2017, during which time the club won 29 trophies, including five Champions League and eight Italian league titles.

The club said it was "grieving the passing of the unforgettable Silvio Berlusconi" as it led the tributes to its former owner.

Milan was a genuine passion for Berlusconi but his success as owner and the modern image he gave the club was a formidably effective communication tool that he used in the service of his business and political career.

Some of his teams made history, such as Arrigo Sacchi's revolutionary and all-conquering side of the late 1980s and his successor Fabio Capello's outfit which hammered Barcelona's "Dream Team" 4-0 in the 1994 Champions League final – the third European crown of the Berlusconi era.

During that period some of the game's greatest players wore Milan's famous red and black kit – from flying Dutchmen Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard to the likes of homegrown heroes Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.

But success had a price, and in an era when players changed clubs far less frequently than they do now, Berlusconi was among the pioneers of the modern-day football business.

One of the most notorious signings of the Berlusconi era was Gianluigi Lentini, a rampaging winger bought for a world-record fee in 1992 from a Torino team being dismantled at the same rate as their controversial owner Gian Mauro Borsano's finances imploded.

Lentini failed to shine on the bigger San Siro stage and the summer after a poor display in the 1993 Champions League final loss to Bernard Tapie's Marseille a major car accident signalled the beginning of the end.

Milan won the Champions League two more times this millennium as their star-studded teams beat Italian rivals Juventus in 2003 and then Liverpool in 2007, although that was two years after they lost an epic final to the Reds on penalties after letting slip a three-goal half-time lead.

The 2011 Serie A title was the last major honour won under Berlusconi, who with AC Milan in seemingly terminal decline sold his majority stake to Chinese businessman Li Yonghong six years later for more than 700 million euros ($754 million at today's conversion rates).

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<h2>Dream Monza promotion</h2>

Success didn't return to the red and black half of Milan until last season's Scudetto, won under the more parsimonious ownership of American investment fund Elliott, who took control of the club when Li Yonghong failed to pay debts.

On his departure, Berlusconi acknowledged in a message to fans that the ownership of football clubs had moved into another financial dimension: "To be competitive at the highest level of modern football requires investment and resources that a single family can no longer take on."&nbsp;

Remaining a fan of the team "my dad taught me to love as a kid", he nonetheless took a tiny portion of the money he earned selling Milan to purchase then third-tier Monza in 2018.&nbsp;

He vowed to take Monza to Serie A and with the help of his long-time right-hand man Adriano Galliani the team based near Milan reached the top flight for the first time in their history last season.

Monza are guaranteed another season in the top division after finishing the just-completed campaign in 11th position.

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Silvio Berlusconi's name will forever be associated with AC Milan, the football club he took over in the 1980s and with his immense wealth turned from a debt-ridden mess to a European powerhouse.

Silvio Berlusconi's name will forever be associated with AC Milan, the football club he took over in the 1980s and with his immense wealth turned from a debt-ridden mess to a European powerhouse. Berlusconi, whose death at the age of 86 was confirmed on Monday, reigned supreme at Milan from 1986 until 2017, during which time the club won 29 trophies, including five Champions League and eight Italian league titles. The club said it was "grieving the passing of the unforgettable Silvio Berlusconi" as it led the tributes to its former owner. Milan was a genuine passion for Berlusconi but his success as owner and the modern image he gave the club was a formidably effective communication tool that he used in the service of his business and political career. Some of his teams made history, such as Arrigo Sacchi's revolutionary and all-conquering side of the late 1980s and his successor Fabio Capello's outfit which hammered Barcelona's "Dream Team" 4-0 in the 1994 Champions League final – the third European crown of the Berlusconi era. During that period some of the game's greatest players wore Milan's famous red and black kit – from flying Dutchmen Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard to the likes of homegrown heroes Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. But success had a price, and in an era when players changed clubs far less frequently than they do now, Berlusconi was among the pioneers of the modern-day football business. One of the most notorious signings of the Berlusconi era was Gianluigi Lentini, a rampaging winger bought for a world-record fee in 1992 from a Torino team being dismantled at the same rate as their controversial owner Gian Mauro Borsano's finances imploded. Lentini failed to shine on the bigger San Siro stage and the summer after a poor display in the 1993 Champions League final loss to Bernard Tapie's Marseille a major car accident signalled the beginning of the end. Milan won the Champions League two more times this millennium as their star-studded teams beat Italian rivals Juventus in 2003 and then Liverpool in 2007, although that was two years after they lost an epic final to the Reds on penalties after letting slip a three-goal half-time lead. The 2011 Serie A title was the last major honour won under Berlusconi, who with AC Milan in seemingly terminal decline sold his majority stake to Chinese businessman Li Yonghong six years later for more than 700 million euros ($754 million at today's conversion rates). Dream Monza promotion Success didn't return to the red and black half of Milan until last season's Scudetto, won under the more parsimonious ownership of American investment fund Elliott, who took control of the club when Li Yonghong failed to pay debts. On his departure, Berlusconi acknowledged in a message to fans that the ownership of football clubs had moved into another financial dimension: "To be competitive at the highest level of modern football requires investment and resources that a single family can no longer take on." Remaining a fan of the team "my dad taught me to love as a kid", he nonetheless took a tiny portion of the money he earned selling Milan to purchase then third-tier Monza in 2018. He vowed to take Monza to Serie A and with the help of his long-time right-hand man Adriano Galliani the team based near Milan reached the top flight for the first time in their history last season. Monza are guaranteed another season in the top division after finishing the just-completed campaign in 11th position. 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.

Berlusconi and AC Milan - passion, politics and trophies

Qantas, which is Australia's national airline, announced on Friday (June 9) that it will scrap its gender-based uniform guidelines. The airline has allowed male cabin crew to wear make-up. The women also have the option to ditch high heels.&nbsp;

The airline said that it has taken the decision to overhaul its guidelines to better reflect modern expectations. The move is aimed at making uniforms more comfortable for staff from "diverse cultural backgrounds".&nbsp;

Qantas said that "fashions change, and so have our style guidelines over the years. We're proud of our diversity as well as bringing our guidelines up to date".&nbsp;

In the past as well, the airline has drawn attention because of its style guide. It banned handlebar moustaches, policed the length of sideburns, and also specified the ideal shades of eyeliner.&nbsp;

Recently, there has been the insistence of labour unions, who urged Qantas to scrap rules such as the requirement that female staff wear make-up. According to Qantas, the new "style and grooming guidelines" would ditch the previous "male" and "female" uniform categories.&nbsp;

Now, cabin crew can choose whether to wear make-up, can opt for flat shoes, and can have long hair as long as it is in a ponytail or bun. Diamond earrings are also allowed, while strict rules governing the size and style of watches have been dumped.&nbsp;

<h2>The Qantas Group and Western Sydney International Airport agreement&nbsp;</h2>

The Qantas Group and Western Sydney International Airport have reached a landmark agreement that will see both Qantas and Jetstar operating domestic flights from the new airport when it opens in late 2026.&nbsp;

As quoted on its website, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the national carrier was proud to sign an agreement with Western Sydney International Airport.&nbsp;

Joyce said, "In just over three years, Qantas and Jetstar will take off from Western Sydney, connecting one of Australia’s fastest-growing areas through direct flights across the country."&nbsp;

He added, "As we take delivery of more aircraft and expand our fleet, we see Western Sydney Airport as a significant growth opportunity for the Group, which will complement our existing operations in the Sydney basin and nationally. Western Sydney International Airport has some big strategic advantages with no curfew, technology that allows aircraft to be turned around quickly and a next-generation baggage system."&nbsp;

"Our data shows that more than two million trips per year are taken by people who live in the Western Sydney catchment so we know there will be demand for these flights from day one. Jetstar has a long history of stimulating demand when it starts flying to new destinations through low fares, so expect to see some great value travel options," Joyce further said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Qantas, which is Australia's national airline, announced on Friday (June 9) that it will scrap its gender-based uniform guidelines. The airline has allowed male cabin crew to wear make-up.

Qantas, which is Australia's national airline, announced on Friday (June 9) that it will scrap its gender-based uniform guidelines. The airline has allowed male cabin crew to wear make-up. The women also have the option to ditch high heels. The airline said that it has taken the decision to overhaul its guidelines to better reflect modern expectations. The move is aimed at making uniforms more comfortable for staff from "diverse cultural backgrounds". Qantas said that "fashions change, and so have our style guidelines over the years. We're proud of our diversity as well as bringing our guidelines up to date". In the past as well, the airline has drawn attention because of its style guide. It banned handlebar moustaches, policed the length of sideburns, and also specified the ideal shades of eyeliner. Recently, there has been the insistence of labour unions, who urged Qantas to scrap rules such as the requirement that female staff wear make-up. According to Qantas, the new "style and grooming guidelines" would ditch the previous "male" and "female" uniform categories. Now, cabin crew can choose whether to wear make-up, can opt for flat shoes, and can have long hair as long as it is in a ponytail or bun. Diamond earrings are also allowed, while strict rules governing the size and style of watches have been dumped. The Qantas Group and Western Sydney International Airport agreement The Qantas Group and Western Sydney International Airport have reached a landmark agreement that will see both Qantas and Jetstar operating domestic flights from the new airport when it opens in late 2026. As quoted on its website, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the national carrier was proud to sign an agreement with Western Sydney International Airport. Joyce said, "In just over three years, Qantas and Jetstar will take off from Western Sydney, connecting one of Australia’s fastest-growing areas through direct flights across the country." He added, "As we take delivery of more aircraft and expand our fleet, we see Western Sydney Airport as a significant growth opportunity for the Group, which will complement our existing operations in the Sydney basin and nationally. Western Sydney International Airport has some big strategic advantages with no curfew, technology that allows aircraft to be turned around quickly and a next-generation baggage system." "Our data shows that more than two million trips per year are taken by people who live in the Western Sydney catchment so we know there will be demand for these flights from day one. Jetstar has a long history of stimulating demand when it starts flying to new destinations through low fares, so expect to see some great value travel options," Joyce further said. (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.

Qantas to scrap its gender-based uniform guidelines. Male cabin crew can wear make-up

Australia's most-read&nbsp;newspaper&nbsp;apologised for its coverage of a massacre two centuries ago in which it campaigned against prosecuting colonists who slaughtered dozens of Indigenous people, saying "truth is an essential force for reconciliation".

Though&nbsp;Australia's history since European arrival in 1788 is replete with colonial violence against the original inhabitants, the Myall Creek massacre of June 10, 1838, is seen as a turning point because of its brutality and the fact it sparked the first criminal charges for settler violence against First Nations people.

About 28 sheltering Indigenous women, children and elderly men were decapitated with swords or stomped to death by horses, their bodies later burned, while one woman was kept to be raped over the following days, according to historians.

But the Sydney Morning Herald, in an editorial posted at the top of its website on Friday, said it had "failed dismally" at the time by publishing articles calling for the attackers to be spared prosecution and, once found guilty, spared the death penalty.

"Today's generation is not responsible for the sins of earlier ones, yet we can help heal old harms nonetheless," the Nine Entertainment-owned paper said. "The capacity to recognise a past wrong is a sign of a strong future."

The unusual editorial reflects a mood of atonement that is building in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;as the government plans a referendum, expected between October and December, on whether to change the constitution to include an Indigenous advisory body to parliament.

Most polls suggest the country will vote in favour of the change, although the lead is narrowing as opponents, including the federal opposition, warn it would divide&nbsp;Australians.

The Herald, which gets the most website visits of any&nbsp;Australian news outlet, according to industry data, invoked the referendum in its editorial to mark the 185th anniversary of the massacre for which seven people were ultimately found guilty of murder and hanged.

"As&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;prepares for a referendum on constitutional recognition for Indigenous&nbsp; Australians later this year, the nation is thinking deeply about what reconciliation looks like in 2023," it said. "So too is the Herald." 
 
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Australia's most-read newspaper apologised for its coverage of a massacre two centuries ago in which it campaigned against prosecuting colonists who slaughtered dozens of Indigenous people, saying "truth is an essential force for reconciliation".

Australia's most-read newspaper apologised for its coverage of a massacre two centuries ago in which it campaigned against prosecuting colonists who slaughtered dozens of Indigenous people, saying "truth is an essential force for reconciliation". Though Australia's history since European arrival in 1788 is replete with colonial violence against the original inhabitants, the Myall Creek massacre of June 10, 1838, is seen as a turning point because of its brutality and the fact it sparked the first criminal charges for settler violence against First Nations people. About 28 sheltering Indigenous women, children and elderly men were decapitated with swords or stomped to death by horses, their bodies later burned, while one woman was kept to be raped over the following days, according to historians. But the Sydney Morning Herald, in an editorial posted at the top of its website on Friday, said it had "failed dismally" at the time by publishing articles calling for the attackers to be spared prosecution and, once found guilty, spared the death penalty. "Today's generation is not responsible for the sins of earlier ones, yet we can help heal old harms nonetheless," the Nine Entertainment-owned paper said. "The capacity to recognise a past wrong is a sign of a strong future." The unusual editorial reflects a mood of atonement that is building in Australia as the government plans a referendum, expected between October and December, on whether to change the constitution to include an Indigenous advisory body to parliament. Most polls suggest the country will vote in favour of the change, although the lead is narrowing as opponents, including the federal opposition, warn it would divide Australians. The Herald, which gets the most website visits of any Australian news outlet, according to industry data, invoked the referendum in its editorial to mark the 185th anniversary of the massacre for which seven people were ultimately found guilty of murder and hanged. "As Australia prepares for a referendum on constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians later this year, the nation is thinking deeply about what reconciliation looks like in 2023," it said. "So too is the Herald." 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.

Australian newspaper apologises for coverage of 1838 Indigenous massacre

Amid the ongoing economic crisis, Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar unveiled the annual budget for 2023-24 on Friday (June 9) on the floor of the National Assembly. It was a 14.5 trillion rupee (around $50.5 billion) budget, with over half set aside to service 7.3 trillion rupees of debt. This is being deemed as the last budget of the government before the general elections later this year.&nbsp;

One of the key takeaways from the budget speech was when the minister said that the government was not imposing new taxes for the upcoming year.&nbsp;

As quoted by local media outlets, Dar said that the budget is "not an election budget" and is focusing on the "elements of the real economy". He further added that for the next year, GDP growth had been budgeted at 3.5 per cent, terming it a "modest target".&nbsp;

The government has set aside about 950 billion rupees for vote-winning development projects ahead of a general election later this year. Other measures include civil service pay rises of up to 35 per cent and a 17.5 per cent increase for state pensions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-100-leaders-who-defected-imran-khans-pti-form-new-party-allegedly-backed-by-military-602503">More than 100 leaders, who quit Imran Khan’s PTI, form new party allegedly backed by military</a>&nbsp;

The economy of the nation has been stricken by a balance-of-payments crisis as it attempts to service crippling external debt. Months of political chaos have worsened the situation.&nbsp;

The cost of living crisis is also troubling the common people as inflation has rocketed, the rupee has plummeted and the country can no longer afford imports. This has led to a severe decline in industrial output.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>Pakistan defence budget&nbsp;</h2>

Pakistan also hiked defence spending by 15.5 per cent and allocated over Rs 1.8 trillion. Dar said that a sum of Rs 1,804 billion has been proposed for defence, which is higher than Rs 1.523 billion allocated last year. The defence expenditure is 15.5 per cent higher than last year, making up about 1.7 per cent of the GDP.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-gets-bail-in-murder-case-says-lawyer-602350">Imran Khan gets bail from Islamabad high court in lawyer’s murder case</a>&nbsp;

The defence sector expenses are the second biggest component of the annual expenditure after the debt payments, which for the next year would be Rs 7,303 billion and is the biggest single expense of the country. The minister declared a 3.5 per cent GDP growth target for the next year, which is a moderate target.&nbsp;

The minister said that the inflation target for the next fiscal year would be 21 per cent while the budget deficit would be 6.54 per cent of the GDP. He said that the export target would be Rs 30 billion and the target of remittances would be Rs 33 billion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Amid the ongoing economic crisis, Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar unveiled the annual budget for 2023-24 on Friday (June 9) on the floor of the National Assembly.

Amid the ongoing economic crisis, Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar unveiled the annual budget for 2023-24 on Friday (June 9) on the floor of the National Assembly. It was a 14.5 trillion rupee (around $50.5 billion) budget, with over half set aside to service 7.3 trillion rupees of debt. This is being deemed as the last budget of the government before the general elections later this year. One of the key takeaways from the budget speech was when the minister said that the government was not imposing new taxes for the upcoming year. As quoted by local media outlets, Dar said that the budget is "not an election budget" and is focusing on the "elements of the real economy". He further added that for the next year, GDP growth had been budgeted at 3.5 per cent, terming it a "modest target". The government has set aside about 950 billion rupees for vote-winning development projects ahead of a general election later this year. Other measures include civil service pay rises of up to 35 per cent and a 17.5 per cent increase for state pensions. Also read: More than 100 leaders, who quit Imran Khan’s PTI, form new party allegedly backed by military The economy of the nation has been stricken by a balance-of-payments crisis as it attempts to service crippling external debt. Months of political chaos have worsened the situation. The cost of living crisis is also troubling the common people as inflation has rocketed, the rupee has plummeted and the country can no longer afford imports. This has led to a severe decline in industrial output. Watch this report: × Pakistan defence budget Pakistan also hiked defence spending by 15.5 per cent and allocated over Rs 1.8 trillion. Dar said that a sum of Rs 1,804 billion has been proposed for defence, which is higher than Rs 1.523 billion allocated last year. The defence expenditure is 15.5 per cent higher than last year, making up about 1.7 per cent of the GDP. Also read: Imran Khan gets bail from Islamabad high court in lawyer’s murder case The defence sector expenses are the second biggest component of the annual expenditure after the debt payments, which for the next year would be Rs 7,303 billion and is the biggest single expense of the country. The minister declared a 3.5 per cent GDP growth target for the next year, which is a moderate target. The minister said that the inflation target for the next fiscal year would be 21 per cent while the budget deficit would be 6.54 per cent of the GDP. He said that the export target would be Rs 30 billion and the target of remittances would be Rs 33 billion. (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.

Pakistan unveils $51 billion budget with focus on ‘elements of real economy’, hikes defence spending

An "explosion" was detected at the site and the time a dam was breached in Ukraine that caused major flooding, Norway's seismological institute said on Friday (June 9).&nbsp;

News agency AFP reported that the announcement by the NORSAR (or Norwegian Seismic Array) did not provide any information about the cause of the blast.&nbsp;

It supports suggestions that the hydroelectric dam did not burst as a result of damage incurred during months of heavy bombing.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the hydroelectric dam was ripped open after a reported blast. In the aftermath, both Moscow and Kyiv have blamed each other for the attack.&nbsp;

The alleged attack caused tensions as the Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.&nbsp;

Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while raising fears of an ecological disaster after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-receiving-materials-from-iran-to-build-drone-factory-says-white-house-602656">Russia receiving materials from Iran to build drone factory, says White House</a>&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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Ben Dando, who is a senior Norsar official, told AFP: "We are confident that there was an explosion."&nbsp;

According to the institute, the blast occurred at 2:54 am (local time), at a site whose coordinates correspond to the Kakhovka dam.&nbsp;

The magnitude of the blast was "between 1 and 2", said Norsar, which had yet to calculate its equivalent in tonnes of TNT.&nbsp;

Dando said, "It's not a weak explosion." It was detected at the Bukovina station in Romania, some 620 kilometres from the location of the blast.&nbsp;

<h2>Rescue work underway</h2>

Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while fears of an ecological disaster increased&nbsp;after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro.&nbsp;

Ukrainian officials said that more people were evacuated on Friday from southern areas where at least five people had been killed in the flooding.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-to-have-created-its-first-ever-hypersonic-missile-fattah-601277">Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile ‘Fattah’: Here's what we know</a>&nbsp;

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said four people had died and 13 people were missing in the Kherson region, and that one person had died in the Mykolayiv region. According to Kherson's military administration, 2,528 people, including 140 children, had been evacuated from flooded areas.

A Russian-appointed official said eight people had died in Russian-held territory and more than 5,800 had been evacuated from their homes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the authorities were working round the clock to save people. Zelensky said, "The evacuation continues. Wherever we can get people out of the flood zone, we are doing it."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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An "explosion" was detected at the site and the time a dam was breached in Ukraine that caused major flooding, Norway's seismological institute said on Friday (June 9).

An "explosion" was detected at the site and the time a dam was breached in Ukraine that caused major flooding, Norway's seismological institute said on Friday (June 9). News agency AFP reported that the announcement by the NORSAR (or Norwegian Seismic Array) did not provide any information about the cause of the blast. It supports suggestions that the hydroelectric dam did not burst as a result of damage incurred during months of heavy bombing. Earlier this week, the hydroelectric dam was ripped open after a reported blast. In the aftermath, both Moscow and Kyiv have blamed each other for the attack. The alleged attack caused tensions as the Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while raising fears of an ecological disaster after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro. Also read: Russia receiving materials from Iran to build drone factory, says White House Watch this report: × Ben Dando, who is a senior Norsar official, told AFP: "We are confident that there was an explosion." According to the institute, the blast occurred at 2:54 am (local time), at a site whose coordinates correspond to the Kakhovka dam. The magnitude of the blast was "between 1 and 2", said Norsar, which had yet to calculate its equivalent in tonnes of TNT. Dando said, "It's not a weak explosion." It was detected at the Bukovina station in Romania, some 620 kilometres from the location of the blast. Rescue work underway Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while fears of an ecological disaster increased after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro. Ukrainian officials said that more people were evacuated on Friday from southern areas where at least five people had been killed in the flooding. Also read: Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile ‘Fattah’: Here's what we know Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said four people had died and 13 people were missing in the Kherson region, and that one person had died in the Mykolayiv region. According to Kherson's military administration, 2,528 people, including 140 children, had been evacuated from flooded areas. A Russian-appointed official said eight people had died in Russian-held territory and more than 5,800 had been evacuated from their homes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the authorities were working round the clock to save people. Zelensky said, "The evacuation continues. Wherever we can get people out of the flood zone, we are doing it." (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.

Norway's seismological institute detected 'explosion' at Ukraine dam blast site

"Estrela de FURA 55.22", the largest and most valuable ruby to ever appear at auction, was sold for a whopping $34.8 million, setting a new record at Sotheby's New York on Monday (June 8). "Estrela de Fura 55.22" means Star of Fura in Portuguese.&nbsp;

The incredible gemstone was offered at a starting price of $21 million, and it was sold for $30 million plus fees and commissions to an anonymous telephone buyer.&nbsp;

The stunning gemstone was cut from a 101-carat rough stone discovered in July last year at the Montepeuz ruby mine in Mozambique, which is operated by the Fura Gems company.&nbsp;

The official website of Sotheby's shared details about FURA Gems, a company which started its journey in Mozambique in 2017 and currently holds nine ruby mining licenses in the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pencil-purported-to-have-belonged-to-hitler-to-be-auctioned-next-month-report-597721">Pencil given to Hitler by partner could fetch nearly $99,000 in auction: Report</a>&nbsp;

The auction site stated that FURA is the fastest-growing coloured gemstone mining company in the world and is committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. It has sister emerald and sapphire mines in Colombia and Australia.&nbsp;

Miners in Montepuez discovered the remarkable ruby last year, which was transparent and stunningly vivid rough. It weighed a staggering 101 carats. It was dubbed "Estrela de FURA" (or Star of FURA in Portuguese).&nbsp;

The Estrela de FURA was unveiled in Dubai in September 2022 and grabbed worldwide attention as the largest gem-quality ruby ever discovered.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tipu-sultans-iconic-sword-sold-for-a-whopping-174-million-at-london-auction-596181">Tipu Sultan’s iconic sword sold&nbsp;for a whopping&nbsp;$17.4 million&nbsp;at London auction</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Uni Kim, who is a jewellery specialist at Sotheby's Hong Kong, said, "It is from Mozambique, which is also one of the new and more popular origins that we see for rubies, apart from the more traditional and the classic Burmese pieces."&nbsp;

"It is one of the biggest and largest gem-quality ruby that we have ever seen. The colour and the saturation, the clarity together with you know everything that comes together with the ruby, it's just a very fantastic and beautiful piece (sic)," Kim said.&nbsp;

Previously, the world record for a ruby sold at auction was set in May 2015 by a 25.59-carat Burmese stone called "Sunrise Ruby". It had fetched $30.3 million at Sotheby's in Geneva.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Watch belonging to China's last emperor fetches $5 million in auction&nbsp;

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<h2>‘The Eternal Pink’</h2>

Sotheby's also sold "The Eternal Pink," a rare 10.57-carat diamond from a mine in Botswana, for the same price of $34.8 million.&nbsp;

That set a record per carat of $3.29 million for a stone of its colour. The most expensive pink diamond sold to date was the $71.2 million paid for the 59.60-carat "Pink Star" in Hong Kong in 2017.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
&nbsp;

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"Estrela de FURA 55.22", the largest and most valuable ruby to ever appear at auction, was sold for a whopping $34.8 million, setting a new record at Sotheby's New York on Monday (June 8).

"Estrela de FURA 55.22", the largest and most valuable ruby to ever appear at auction, was sold for a whopping $34.8 million, setting a new record at Sotheby's New York on Monday (June 8). "Estrela de Fura 55.22" means Star of Fura in Portuguese. The incredible gemstone was offered at a starting price of $21 million, and it was sold for $30 million plus fees and commissions to an anonymous telephone buyer. The stunning gemstone was cut from a 101-carat rough stone discovered in July last year at the Montepeuz ruby mine in Mozambique, which is operated by the Fura Gems company. The official website of Sotheby's shared details about FURA Gems, a company which started its journey in Mozambique in 2017 and currently holds nine ruby mining licenses in the country. Also read: Pencil given to Hitler by partner could fetch nearly $99,000 in auction: Report The auction site stated that FURA is the fastest-growing coloured gemstone mining company in the world and is committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. It has sister emerald and sapphire mines in Colombia and Australia. Miners in Montepuez discovered the remarkable ruby last year, which was transparent and stunningly vivid rough. It weighed a staggering 101 carats. It was dubbed "Estrela de FURA" (or Star of FURA in Portuguese). The Estrela de FURA was unveiled in Dubai in September 2022 and grabbed worldwide attention as the largest gem-quality ruby ever discovered. Also read: Tipu Sultan’s iconic sword sold for a whopping $17.4 million at London auction As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Uni Kim, who is a jewellery specialist at Sotheby's Hong Kong, said, "It is from Mozambique, which is also one of the new and more popular origins that we see for rubies, apart from the more traditional and the classic Burmese pieces." "It is one of the biggest and largest gem-quality ruby that we have ever seen. The colour and the saturation, the clarity together with you know everything that comes together with the ruby, it's just a very fantastic and beautiful piece (sic)," Kim said. Previously, the world record for a ruby sold at auction was set in May 2015 by a 25.59-carat Burmese stone called "Sunrise Ruby". It had fetched $30.3 million at Sotheby's in Geneva. WATCH | Watch belonging to China's last emperor fetches $5 million in auction × ‘The Eternal Pink’ Sotheby's also sold "The Eternal Pink," a rare 10.57-carat diamond from a mine in Botswana, for the same price of $34.8 million. That set a record per carat of $3.29 million for a stone of its colour. The most expensive pink diamond sold to date was the $71.2 million paid for the 59.60-carat "Pink Star" in Hong Kong in 2017. (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.

'Estrela de Fura': World's largest ruby sells at auction for record $34.8 million

Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. A&nbsp;Ukrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports,&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency.

Several American media houses had reported that the much-talked-about counteroffensive had begun.&nbsp;NBC news had, citing a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines, reported the offensive had begun. The Washington Post cited “four individuals” in the armed forces saying the same thing.

This comes after Russia claimed on the same day that Ukrainian strikes killed two people at an evacuation point for civilians from the Kherson region, which was flooded after a dam in Russian-held territory was destroyed.&nbsp;

The Moscow-installed head of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said on Telegram: "Fighters from the Kyiv regime committed a heinous crime. They shelled a civilian evacuation point in Gola Prystan. Two people were killed, including a 33-year-old pregnant woman. Two more people were wounded."&nbsp;

The Washington Post cited multiple individuals in Ukrainian armed forces to report that the troops on Wednesday night intensified their attacks on the front line in the country's southeast, as claimed by Russia as well. The report mentioned that it can be seen as a significant push toward Russian-occupied territory.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that four members of the military, including officers, spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were apparently not authorised to discuss war-related developments publicly.&nbsp;

ABC News also reported citing two Ukrainian officials, including a source close to President Volodymry Zelensky, that an active phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway.&nbsp;

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Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 8 June 2023. 
 
Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: <a href="https://t.co/Xuz1SZBZuV">https://t.co/Xuz1SZBZuV</a> 
 
🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/abjNhlu7Xm">pic.twitter.com/abjNhlu7Xm</a>
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1666674733708898305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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In its Thursday update, Britain's defence ministry said that "heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front" amid a highly complex operational picture unfolding.&nbsp;

It further mentioned that the Russian forces are likely being ordered to "return to the offensive as soon as possible". It mentioned that Chechen units have led an unsuccessful attempt to take the town of Marivka, near Donetsk city.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine's counteroffensive&nbsp;</h2>

Some reports have argued that Ukraine's counteroffensive started a few days ago. The Institute for the Study of War said on Monday that Russian and Ukrainian officials are signalling the "start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive".&nbsp;

The report by ABC News even cited unofficial pro-Ukrainian sources as saying that the southeastern front is becoming more active. It further mentioned that there are unconfirmed images and reports that Ukraine's new modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks are involved in the offensive.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine dam: Dislodged mines a major concern&nbsp;

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<h2>Russia repelled an offensive&nbsp;</h2>

Russia said on Thursday that after a two-hour battle, it had repelled an offensive by Ukrainian forces involving 1,500 soldiers in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "Today at 1:30 am (2230 GMT) in the Zaporizhzhia area... there was an attempt to break through our defences."&nbsp;

"The enemy was stopped and retreated after heavy losses," Shoigu said, adding that the "Ukrainian forces used 150 armoured vehicles in their offensive".

Already this week, Russia has said it has repelled several assaults by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials have said their forces were ready for a long-expected counteroffensive but that there would be no formal announcement when it begins. "Plans like silence," said Deputy Minister of Ukraine Ganna Malyar said. "The offensive will not begin on social media."&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

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Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. A Ukrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports, said, “We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency.

Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. A Ukrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports, said, “We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency. Several American media houses had reported that the much-talked-about counteroffensive had begun. NBC news had, citing a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines, reported the offensive had begun. The Washington Post cited “four individuals” in the armed forces saying the same thing. This comes after Russia claimed on the same day that Ukrainian strikes killed two people at an evacuation point for civilians from the Kherson region, which was flooded after a dam in Russian-held territory was destroyed. The Moscow-installed head of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said on Telegram: "Fighters from the Kyiv regime committed a heinous crime. They shelled a civilian evacuation point in Gola Prystan. Two people were killed, including a 33-year-old pregnant woman. Two more people were wounded." The Washington Post cited multiple individuals in Ukrainian armed forces to report that the troops on Wednesday night intensified their attacks on the front line in the country's southeast, as claimed by Russia as well. The report mentioned that it can be seen as a significant push toward Russian-occupied territory. The report mentioned that four members of the military, including officers, spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were apparently not authorised to discuss war-related developments publicly. ABC News also reported citing two Ukrainian officials, including a source close to President Volodymry Zelensky, that an active phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 8 June 2023. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Xuz1SZBZuV 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/abjNhlu7Xm — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 8, 2023 × In its Thursday update, Britain's defence ministry said that "heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front" amid a highly complex operational picture unfolding. It further mentioned that the Russian forces are likely being ordered to "return to the offensive as soon as possible". It mentioned that Chechen units have led an unsuccessful attempt to take the town of Marivka, near Donetsk city. Ukraine's counteroffensive Some reports have argued that Ukraine's counteroffensive started a few days ago. The Institute for the Study of War said on Monday that Russian and Ukrainian officials are signalling the "start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive". The report by ABC News even cited unofficial pro-Ukrainian sources as saying that the southeastern front is becoming more active. It further mentioned that there are unconfirmed images and reports that Ukraine's new modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks are involved in the offensive. Watch: Ukraine dam: Dislodged mines a major concern × Russia repelled an offensive Russia said on Thursday that after a two-hour battle, it had repelled an offensive by Ukrainian forces involving 1,500 soldiers in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "Today at 1:30 am (2230 GMT) in the Zaporizhzhia area... there was an attempt to break through our defences." "The enemy was stopped and retreated after heavy losses," Shoigu said, adding that the "Ukrainian forces used 150 armoured vehicles in their offensive". Already this week, Russia has said it has repelled several assaults by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials have said their forces were ready for a long-expected counteroffensive but that there would be no formal announcement when it begins. "Plans like silence," said Deputy Minister of Ukraine Ganna Malyar said. "The offensive will not begin on social media." Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine dismisses reports of counteroffensive in Russian-held regions

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