Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20).&nbsp;

PM Modi will attend the annual summit of the G7 grouping. The three-day summit runs through Sunday (May 21). He will also attend the third in-person Quad leaders' meeting.&nbsp;

PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture.&nbsp;

PM Modi said, "I congratulate you on the successful presidency of G7. I also want to thank you for inviting India to the G7 Summit. Your (PM Kishida) visit to India was a memorable one."&nbsp;

"It is a delightful moment for me as the Bodhi tree I gifted you has been planted by you in Hiroshima, I believe India-Japan relations will grow with the growth of this tree," the Indian prime minister added.&nbsp;

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PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met PM <a href="https://twitter.com/kishida230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kishida230</a> in Hiroshima. Both leaders discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture. <a href="https://t.co/FaYWYtm0Tl">pic.twitter.com/FaYWYtm0Tl</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1659699599999913985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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He later unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima during his visit to the city and stated that even today, the world gets frightened when they listen to the word 'Hiroshima'. "I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit," he said.&nbsp;

He further noted that the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima will take forward the idea of non-violence. "It is a great moment for me to know that the Bodhi tree that I gifted to the Japanese PM has been planted here in Hiroshima so that people can understand the importance of peace when they come here. I pay my respect to Mahatma Gandhi."&nbsp;

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PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> unveils a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan. <a href="https://t.co/RmZobqj9d2">pic.twitter.com/RmZobqj9d2</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1659716803529166850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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MEA Spokesperson Bagchi tweeted, "A symbol of friendship and goodwill... Mahatma's bust, a gift from India to the city of Hiroshima, is a befitting tribute to a city that symbolises humanity's yearning for peace."&nbsp;

Modi arrived in Hiroshima on Friday on the first leg of his three-nation trip to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia and is expected to take part in over 40 engagements.&nbsp;

<h2>G7 summit in Hiroshima&nbsp;</h2>

The G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. India is attending as a guest country.&nbsp;

Even today, the world gets frightened when they listen to the word 'Hiroshima'. I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit. Today, the world is suffering from climate change and terrorism...: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hiroshima, Japan

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20). PM Modi will attend the annual summit of the G7 grouping. The three-day summit runs through Sunday (May 21). He will also attend the third in-person Quad leaders' meeting. PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture. PM Modi said, "I congratulate you on the successful presidency of G7. I also want to thank you for inviting India to the G7 Summit. Your (PM Kishida) visit to India was a memorable one." "It is a delightful moment for me as the Bodhi tree I gifted you has been planted by you in Hiroshima, I believe India-Japan relations will grow with the growth of this tree," the Indian prime minister added. PM @narendramodi met PM @kishida230 in Hiroshima. Both leaders discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture. pic.twitter.com/FaYWYtm0Tl — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 19, 2023 × He later unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima during his visit to the city and stated that even today, the world gets frightened when they listen to the word 'Hiroshima'. "I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit," he said. He further noted that the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima will take forward the idea of non-violence. "It is a great moment for me to know that the Bodhi tree that I gifted to the Japanese PM has been planted here in Hiroshima so that people can understand the importance of peace when they come here. I pay my respect to Mahatma Gandhi." PM @narendramodi unveils a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan. pic.twitter.com/RmZobqj9d2 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 20, 2023 × MEA Spokesperson Bagchi tweeted, "A symbol of friendship and goodwill... Mahatma's bust, a gift from India to the city of Hiroshima, is a befitting tribute to a city that symbolises humanity's yearning for peace." Modi arrived in Hiroshima on Friday on the first leg of his three-nation trip to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia and is expected to take part in over 40 engagements. G7 summit in Hiroshima The G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. India is attending as a guest country. Even today, the world gets frightened when they listen to the word 'Hiroshima'. I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit. Today, the world is suffering from climate change and terrorism...: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hiroshima, Japan WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Narendra Modi meets Japan's Kishida on sidelines of G7 in Hiroshima

The White House confirmed on Friday (May 19) that debt limit talks between United States President Joe Biden's Democratic administration and House Republicans had come to a halt. The pause raised concerns a bit over a US default. "We've got to pause," Republican leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters in Congress, adding, "We can't be spending any more money next year."&nbsp;

But NBC News in its latest report mentioned that the Republicans returned to the debt ceiling negotiating table Friday night. Later, a White House official confirmed to the news outlet that the two parties had reopened talks.&nbsp;

McCarthy told Fox Business Friday night: "We will be back in the room tonight."&nbsp;

The deadline to avoid a potentially disastrous default looms as the Biden administration hopes to reach an agreement with Republicans led by McCarthy.&nbsp;

The nation stands on the verge of default if the government does not agree to raise the borrowing limit from its current 31.4 trillion dollars in order to maintain paying the nation's debts.&nbsp;

But both parties have been dilly-dallying for too long as reaching a common ground looks uncertain. Republicans say Biden must sign up to spending cuts in exchange for their support to raise the debt ceiling, ignoring repeated Democratic calls for a "clean" increase of the borrowing limit with no strings attached.&nbsp;

A White House official told reporters that a deal could be reached, but negotiations must be conducted in good faith.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the official said, "There are real differences between the parties on budget issues and talks will be difficult."&nbsp;

The official added that the president's team is working hard towards a reasonable bipartisan solution that can pass the House and the Senate.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The White House confirmed on Friday (May 19) that debt limit talks between United States President Joe Biden's Democratic administration and House Republicans had come to a halt.

The White House confirmed on Friday (May 19) that debt limit talks between United States President Joe Biden's Democratic administration and House Republicans had come to a halt. The pause raised concerns a bit over a US default. "We've got to pause," Republican leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters in Congress, adding, "We can't be spending any more money next year." But NBC News in its latest report mentioned that the Republicans returned to the debt ceiling negotiating table Friday night. Later, a White House official confirmed to the news outlet that the two parties had reopened talks. McCarthy told Fox Business Friday night: "We will be back in the room tonight." The deadline to avoid a potentially disastrous default looms as the Biden administration hopes to reach an agreement with Republicans led by McCarthy. The nation stands on the verge of default if the government does not agree to raise the borrowing limit from its current 31.4 trillion dollars in order to maintain paying the nation's debts. But both parties have been dilly-dallying for too long as reaching a common ground looks uncertain. Republicans say Biden must sign up to spending cuts in exchange for their support to raise the debt ceiling, ignoring repeated Democratic calls for a "clean" increase of the borrowing limit with no strings attached. A White House official told reporters that a deal could be reached, but negotiations must be conducted in good faith. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the official said, "There are real differences between the parties on budget issues and talks will be difficult." The official added that the president's team is working hard towards a reasonable bipartisan solution that can pass the House and the Senate. (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.

US debt ceiling talks resume after a temporary pause: Report

Blue Origin has won a $3.4 billion contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop a spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the moon's surface.&nbsp;

The US space agency's announcement on Friday (May 19) came as a breakthrough for the company, founded by Jeff Bezos, two years after Elon Musk's SpaceX was awarded the same contract to ferry astronauts.&nbsp;

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, "Today we are excited to announce Blue Origin will build a human landing system as NASA’s second provider to deliver Artemis astronauts to the lunar surface."

"We are in a golden age of human spaceflight, which is made possible by NASA’s commercial and international partnerships. Together, we are making an investment in the infrastructure that will pave the way to land the first astronauts on Mars," Nelson added.&nbsp;

Bezos said on Twitter that he was "honored to be on this journey with @NASA to land astronauts on the Moon - this time to stay."&nbsp;

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Honored to be on this journey with <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> to land astronauts on the Moon — this time to stay. Together, we’ll be solving the boil-off problem and making LOX-LH2 a storable propellant combination, pushing forward the state of the art for all deep space missions. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artemis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Artemis</a>… <a href="https://t.co/Y0zDhnp1qX">pic.twitter.com/Y0zDhnp1qX</a>
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Blue Origin intends to build its 52-foot tall Blue Moon lander in collaboration with Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing Co, Draper Software, and Astrobotic Robotics.&nbsp;

The aerospace and space exploration company was chosen by NASA over a rival offer led by Leidos Inc-owned defence contractor Dynetics, which also included Northrop Grumman Corp.&nbsp;

NASA's choice of Bezos and Blue Origin gives it a second option for sending people to the moon through its Artemis programme.&nbsp;

Previously, NASA gave SpaceX $3 billion in 2021 to develop the Starship spacecraft, which is expected to put astronauts on the moon's surface for the first time since the final Apollo mission in 1972.&nbsp;

<h2>Why another human landing system partner?&nbsp;</h2>

While announcing the contract at NASA's headquarters, the administrator Bill Nelson said at an event, "I've said it before: we want more competition, we want two landers, and that's better."&nbsp;

"It means that you have reliability, you have backups," he added. NASA has said that adding another human landing system partner will increase competition, and reduce costs to taxpayers.&nbsp;

NASA has chosen Blue Origin of Kent, Washington, to create a human landing system for the agency's Artemis V mission to the moon.&nbsp;

The space agency will explore more of the moon than ever before with Artemis, making more scientific discoveries and preparing for future astronaut expeditions to Mars.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that Blue Origin plans to use its New Glenn rocket, which has never flown before, to launch both its lander and this refuelling shuttle.&nbsp;

Artemis 4 is scheduled for 2028, and Artemis 5 a year later will both land on the moon, but will first pass through a new space station in lunar orbit, called Gateway, which has yet to be constructed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Blue Origin has won a $3.4 billion contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop a spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the moon's surface.

Blue Origin has won a $3.4 billion contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop a spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the moon's surface. The US space agency's announcement on Friday (May 19) came as a breakthrough for the company, founded by Jeff Bezos, two years after Elon Musk's SpaceX was awarded the same contract to ferry astronauts. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, "Today we are excited to announce Blue Origin will build a human landing system as NASA’s second provider to deliver Artemis astronauts to the lunar surface." "We are in a golden age of human spaceflight, which is made possible by NASA’s commercial and international partnerships. Together, we are making an investment in the infrastructure that will pave the way to land the first astronauts on Mars," Nelson added. Bezos said on Twitter that he was "honored to be on this journey with @NASA to land astronauts on the Moon - this time to stay." Honored to be on this journey with @NASA to land astronauts on the Moon — this time to stay. Together, we’ll be solving the boil-off problem and making LOX-LH2 a storable propellant combination, pushing forward the state of the art for all deep space missions. #Artemis… pic.twitter.com/Y0zDhnp1qX — Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) May 19, 2023 × Blue Origin intends to build its 52-foot tall Blue Moon lander in collaboration with Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing Co, Draper Software, and Astrobotic Robotics. The aerospace and space exploration company was chosen by NASA over a rival offer led by Leidos Inc-owned defence contractor Dynetics, which also included Northrop Grumman Corp. NASA's choice of Bezos and Blue Origin gives it a second option for sending people to the moon through its Artemis programme. Previously, NASA gave SpaceX $3 billion in 2021 to develop the Starship spacecraft, which is expected to put astronauts on the moon's surface for the first time since the final Apollo mission in 1972. Why another human landing system partner? While announcing the contract at NASA's headquarters, the administrator Bill Nelson said at an event, "I've said it before: we want more competition, we want two landers, and that's better." "It means that you have reliability, you have backups," he added. NASA has said that adding another human landing system partner will increase competition, and reduce costs to taxpayers. NASA has chosen Blue Origin of Kent, Washington, to create a human landing system for the agency's Artemis V mission to the moon. The space agency will explore more of the moon than ever before with Artemis, making more scientific discoveries and preparing for future astronaut expeditions to Mars. Reports have mentioned that Blue Origin plans to use its New Glenn rocket, which has never flown before, to launch both its lander and this refuelling shuttle. Artemis 4 is scheduled for 2028, and Artemis 5 a year later will both land on the moon, but will first pass through a new space station in lunar orbit, called Gateway, which has yet to be constructed. (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.

Jeff Bezos honoured as NASA taps Blue Origin to build moon lander

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI often misused a digital surveillance tool to exploit a restricted database of Americans' personal communications, while checking up the names of crime victims and participants in Black Lives Matter protests and the 2021 Capitol assault, news agency AFP reported citing a newly unsealed court document.&nbsp;

The declassified rulings from the secretive Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Court noted that the FBI accessed the database 278,000 times in recent years, frequently with no explanation. The database contains private emails, text messages, and other communications that the NSA claims it collects when snooping on foreigners.

The FBI can access the NSA database only when investigating a foreign intelligence issue, but court decisions show that they did so on a regular basis for domestic investigations.&nbsp;

The documents were made public as Congress mulls over renewing Section 702, a statute that permits the NSA to access US-hosted internet accounts in order to spy on foreign intelligence targets.&nbsp;

FBI officials say they have already resolved the issues, which they attribute to a misunderstanding between its employees and Justice Department lawyers about how to properly use a massive database known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

Some&nbsp;lawmakers believe it should be revised to better protect Americans' personal information. The intelligence agencies are concerned that this could impede their operations, but the&nbsp;legal experts and Democrats say the revelations demonstrate that reforms are required.&nbsp;

As quoted by AFP, Patrick Toomey of the Americans Civil Liberties Union: "The government has dramatically expanded its spying under Section 702 in ways never contemplated by Congress, but it's refusing to tell Americans what it's doing."&nbsp;

Senator Ron Wyden, a vocal opponent of Section 702, claimed the intelligence court records revealed "shocking abuses" of the statute.

"If Section 702 is to be reauthorized, there must be statutory reforms to ensure that the checks and balances are in place to put an end to these abuses," Wyden said.

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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI often misused a digital surveillance tool to exploit a restricted database of Americans' personal communications, while checking up the names of crime victims and participants in Black Lives Matter protests and the 2021 Capitol assault, news agency AFP reported citing a newly unsealed court document.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI often misused a digital surveillance tool to exploit a restricted database of Americans' personal communications, while checking up the names of crime victims and participants in Black Lives Matter protests and the 2021 Capitol assault, news agency AFP reported citing a newly unsealed court document. The declassified rulings from the secretive Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Court noted that the FBI accessed the database 278,000 times in recent years, frequently with no explanation. The database contains private emails, text messages, and other communications that the NSA claims it collects when snooping on foreigners. The FBI can access the NSA database only when investigating a foreign intelligence issue, but court decisions show that they did so on a regular basis for domestic investigations. The documents were made public as Congress mulls over renewing Section 702, a statute that permits the NSA to access US-hosted internet accounts in order to spy on foreign intelligence targets. FBI officials say they have already resolved the issues, which they attribute to a misunderstanding between its employees and Justice Department lawyers about how to properly use a massive database known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Some lawmakers believe it should be revised to better protect Americans' personal information. The intelligence agencies are concerned that this could impede their operations, but the legal experts and Democrats say the revelations demonstrate that reforms are required. As quoted by AFP, Patrick Toomey of the Americans Civil Liberties Union: "The government has dramatically expanded its spying under Section 702 in ways never contemplated by Congress, but it's refusing to tell Americans what it's doing." Senator Ron Wyden, a vocal opponent of Section 702, claimed the intelligence court records revealed "shocking abuses" of the statute. "If Section 702 is to be reauthorized, there must be statutory reforms to ensure that the checks and balances are in place to put an end to these abuses," Wyden 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.

FBI routinely accessed Americans' private communications: Report

Walt Disney Company will close its immersive Star Wars-themed luxury hotel in Orlando this September. The hotel debuted at Walt Disney World in March 2022.&nbsp;

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a two-day hotel experience, but it is closing less than two years after it opened.&nbsp;

The announcement comes amid the media giant's ongoing spree of cutting costs throughout its entertainment and parks businesses.&nbsp;

Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said in February that the company would reduce costs by $5.5 billion.&nbsp;

The company is working toward making the streaming TV business profitable.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?&nbsp;</h2>

It's not just a hotel, it's an experience. The experience involves resorts, cruise lines, and theme parks in a 48-hour space adventure.&nbsp;

It was first teased at Disney's D23 Expo in 2019 and opened in March 2022 near the company's Orlando, Florida-based Disney World Resort.

The trip costs about $1,200 per person per day, with family packages costing over $6,000 for the two-day adventure.

As mentioned in a Reuters report, some Star Wars fans had complained that the cost of staying at the Starcruiser was too high.&nbsp;

Disney also announced on Thursday that it was abandoning plans to create a roughly $1 billion corporate campus in Florida, citing "changing business conditions" in the midst of a legal battle with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

A Disney spokesman said the Starcruiser experience was "praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment."

"We will take what we've learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our guests and fans," the spokesperson said.

"Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment," the company said in a statement.&nbsp;

"This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms, and as we prepare for its final voyage, we will take what we’ve learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our guests and fans," the statement added.&nbsp;

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Walt Disney Company will close its immersive Star Wars-themed luxury hotel in Orlando this September. The hotel debuted at Walt Disney World in March 2022. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a two-day hotel experience, but it is closing less than two years after it opened.

Walt Disney Company will close its immersive Star Wars-themed luxury hotel in Orlando this September. The hotel debuted at Walt Disney World in March 2022. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a two-day hotel experience, but it is closing less than two years after it opened. The announcement comes amid the media giant's ongoing spree of cutting costs throughout its entertainment and parks businesses. Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said in February that the company would reduce costs by $5.5 billion. The company is working toward making the streaming TV business profitable. What is Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser? It's not just a hotel, it's an experience. The experience involves resorts, cruise lines, and theme parks in a 48-hour space adventure. It was first teased at Disney's D23 Expo in 2019 and opened in March 2022 near the company's Orlando, Florida-based Disney World Resort. The trip costs about $1,200 per person per day, with family packages costing over $6,000 for the two-day adventure. As mentioned in a Reuters report, some Star Wars fans had complained that the cost of staying at the Starcruiser was too high. Disney also announced on Thursday that it was abandoning plans to create a roughly $1 billion corporate campus in Florida, citing "changing business conditions" in the midst of a legal battle with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. A Disney spokesman said the Starcruiser experience was "praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment." "We will take what we've learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our guests and fans," the spokesperson said. "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment," the company said in a statement. "This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms, and as we prepare for its final voyage, we will take what we’ve learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our guests and fans," the statement added. 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.

Disney to close its Star Wars-themed luxury hotel that opened in Florida last year

The central government in India on Friday (May 19) issued an ordinance to constitute the 'National Capital Civil Services Authority' in the national capital.&nbsp;

The ordinance comprises of Delhi CM, Chief Secy and Home Secy of the Delhi government and it will now decide on the transfer and posting of Group 'A' officers and DANICS officers serving in Delhi government.&nbsp;

"Provided also that in case of difference of opinion, the decision of the Lieutenant Governor shall be final," the order read.&nbsp;

The ordinance comes a week after the Indian Supreme Court (SC) handed over the control of services in the national capital to the Delhi government. Police, public order and land were excluded.&nbsp;

A few days ago, SC ruled that the New Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over services, a massive boost to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s government in the capital of the nation.&nbsp;

SC heard the Centre versus the Delhi government case over the demarcation of power. A constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said an elected government needs to have control over the administration.&nbsp;

"All matters required to be decided by the authority shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members present and voting. All recommendations of the authority shall be authenticated by the member secretary," the ordinance said.&nbsp;

The ordinance said that "there shall be an authority to be known as the National Capital Civil Service Authority to exercise the powers conferred on, and discharge the functions assigned to it".&nbsp;

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An ordinance has been passed by the Centre to constitute ‘National Capital Civil Services Authority’ in Delhi. This comprises of Delhi CM, Chief Secy and Home Secy of Delhi Govt. They will now decide on the transfer and posting of Group ‘A’ officers and DANICS officers serving in… <a href="https://t.co/AXDHP9aBtZ">https://t.co/AXDHP9aBtZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7yoOmNHoo">pic.twitter.com/V7yoOmNHoo</a>
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The authority is supposed to meet at a time and place as the member secretary decides with the approval of the chairperson.&nbsp;

"The central government, in consultation with the authority, shall determine the nature and the categories of officers and other employees required to assist the authority in the discharge of its functions and provide the authority with such officers and employees, as it may deem fit....&nbsp;

"Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, the National Capital Civil Service Authority shall have the responsibility to recommend the transfers and postings of all the Group 'A' officers and officers of DANICS serving in the affairs of the government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi but not officers serving in connection with any subject matter," it read.&nbsp;

<h2>AAP reacts</h2>

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Centre was planning to bring an ordinance to overturn the apex court verdict.&nbsp;

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Atishi said the Centre's ordinance is a "clear-cut case of contempt of court".&nbsp;

As quoted by news agency PTI, She said, "The Modi government has gone against the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court's constitution bench. The court had directed that the elected government be given powers to take decisions independently, as per its will, as per the principles of democracy."&nbsp;

"But the Centre's ordinance is a reflection of the (Narendra) Modi government being a graceless loser. The Centre's sole motive to bring this ordinance is to snatch powers from the Kejriwal government," she added.&nbsp;

AAP chief spokesperson and Services Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said the Centre had "deceived" the people of Delhi.&nbsp;

"This has never happened in the history of the country. This is deception committed with the Supreme Court and the people of Delhi who have chosen Kejriwal thrice to be the CM. He doesn't have any powers but the LG, who has not even been chosen but forced upon people, will have powers and through him the Centre will keep tabs on the work happening in Delhi. This is contempt of court," he said.

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1/2 ordinance drafted by persons blissfully ignorant of law. Power over CS under part 14 of ction, given to NCT by CB, diluted by ord. Federalism, part of basic structure, decimated. Answerability of civil service 2pol executive turned upside down. CM 2preside over own minority!
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The central government in India on Friday (May 19) issued an ordinance to constitute the 'National Capital Civil Services Authority' in the national capital. The ordinance comprises of Delhi CM, Chief Secy and Home Secy of the Delhi government and it will now decide on the transfer and posting of Group 'A' officers and DANICS officers serving in Delhi government.

The central government in India on Friday (May 19) issued an ordinance to constitute the 'National Capital Civil Services Authority' in the national capital. The ordinance comprises of Delhi CM, Chief Secy and Home Secy of the Delhi government and it will now decide on the transfer and posting of Group 'A' officers and DANICS officers serving in Delhi government. "Provided also that in case of difference of opinion, the decision of the Lieutenant Governor shall be final," the order read. The ordinance comes a week after the Indian Supreme Court (SC) handed over the control of services in the national capital to the Delhi government. Police, public order and land were excluded. A few days ago, SC ruled that the New Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over services, a massive boost to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s government in the capital of the nation. SC heard the Centre versus the Delhi government case over the demarcation of power. A constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said an elected government needs to have control over the administration. "All matters required to be decided by the authority shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members present and voting. All recommendations of the authority shall be authenticated by the member secretary," the ordinance said. The ordinance said that "there shall be an authority to be known as the National Capital Civil Service Authority to exercise the powers conferred on, and discharge the functions assigned to it". An ordinance has been passed by the Centre to constitute ‘National Capital Civil Services Authority’ in Delhi. This comprises of Delhi CM, Chief Secy and Home Secy of Delhi Govt. They will now decide on the transfer and posting of Group ‘A’ officers and DANICS officers serving in… https://t.co/AXDHP9aBtZ pic.twitter.com/V7yoOmNHoo — ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2023 × The authority is supposed to meet at a time and place as the member secretary decides with the approval of the chairperson. "The central government, in consultation with the authority, shall determine the nature and the categories of officers and other employees required to assist the authority in the discharge of its functions and provide the authority with such officers and employees, as it may deem fit.... "Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, the National Capital Civil Service Authority shall have the responsibility to recommend the transfers and postings of all the Group 'A' officers and officers of DANICS serving in the affairs of the government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi but not officers serving in connection with any subject matter," it read. AAP reacts Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Centre was planning to bring an ordinance to overturn the apex court verdict. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Atishi said the Centre's ordinance is a "clear-cut case of contempt of court". As quoted by news agency PTI, She said, "The Modi government has gone against the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court's constitution bench. The court had directed that the elected government be given powers to take decisions independently, as per its will, as per the principles of democracy." "But the Centre's ordinance is a reflection of the (Narendra) Modi government being a graceless loser. The Centre's sole motive to bring this ordinance is to snatch powers from the Kejriwal government," she added. AAP chief spokesperson and Services Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said the Centre had "deceived" the people of Delhi. "This has never happened in the history of the country. This is deception committed with the Supreme Court and the people of Delhi who have chosen Kejriwal thrice to be the CM. He doesn't have any powers but the LG, who has not even been chosen but forced upon people, will have powers and through him the Centre will keep tabs on the work happening in Delhi. This is contempt of court," he said. 1/2 ordinance drafted by persons blissfully ignorant of law. Power over CS under part 14 of ction, given to NCT by CB, diluted by ord. Federalism, part of basic structure, decimated. Answerability of civil service 2pol executive turned upside down. CM 2preside over own minority! — Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) May 19, 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.

India: AAP reacts after Centre issues ordinance to place services under Delhi govt's control

Russian mercenary group received tens of thousands of protective helmets from China late last year, the Financial Times reported. The report mentioned the period of time when the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was apparently raising a massive prisoner army to attack Ukraine.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that entities used by the warlord to equip his operations in Africa have continued to freely export and import items across international markets despite Western sanctions.&nbsp;

The sanctions were aimed at curbing the private army that the US has designated as a "transnational crime organisation".&nbsp;

The report mentioned that as seen in the customs filings and interviews, a Wagner-connected Russian company named Broker Expert purchased 20,000 polymer-based helmets from a small Chinese company called Hangzhou Shinerain Import And Export Co in November and December of last year.&nbsp;

The Chinese organisation claimed they were intended for "gaming purposes". The helmets were reportedly split over four shipments with a combined value of more than £2m.&nbsp;

The Wagner chief told the media outlet in a voice message that he had "never heard of the name of the company" engaged in the helmet purchase.&nbsp;

Sarcastically, he also offered to send the FT "a large bag of my dirty laundry that I will collect over the course of a week or two so you can make a study of my underpants, socks, used toilet paper, and whatever else you want".&nbsp;

The report mentioned that Broker Expert sent power generators, welding electrodes, and fireproof insulating materials to a Prigozhin-controlled logging company in the Central African Republic in August.&nbsp;

In January, the US charged Wagner fighters in CAR with crimes including as "mass summary executions, rape, arbitrary detention, torture, and civilian displacement."&nbsp;

As quoted by FT, Marcel Plichta, who is a research fellow at the Centre for Global Law and Governance at the University of St Andrews, said: "That Prigozhin is still able to field armed contractors in Ukraine and at least three African countries, buy equipment from China, and smuggle resources show how resilient of a network he’s built."&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?&nbsp;</h2>

Prigozhin is a Russian oligarch and a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is sometimes referred to as "Putin's chef" because he owns restaurants and catering enterprises that serve the Kremlin. He also admitted that he is the founder of the Wagner group.&nbsp;

In a recent development, he said that his army is leading the assault on the devastated eastern city of Bakhmut said in a Telegram message released on Friday (May 19). He claimed that "heavy, bloody battles" were continuing and also claimed his men were close to completing the capture of the city itself.&nbsp;

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Russian mercenary group received tens of thousands of protective helmets from China late last year, the Financial Times reported. The report mentioned the period of time when the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was apparently raising a massive prisoner army to attack Ukraine.

Russian mercenary group received tens of thousands of protective helmets from China late last year, the Financial Times reported. The report mentioned the period of time when the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was apparently raising a massive prisoner army to attack Ukraine. The report mentioned that entities used by the warlord to equip his operations in Africa have continued to freely export and import items across international markets despite Western sanctions. The sanctions were aimed at curbing the private army that the US has designated as a "transnational crime organisation". The report mentioned that as seen in the customs filings and interviews, a Wagner-connected Russian company named Broker Expert purchased 20,000 polymer-based helmets from a small Chinese company called Hangzhou Shinerain Import And Export Co in November and December of last year. The Chinese organisation claimed they were intended for "gaming purposes". The helmets were reportedly split over four shipments with a combined value of more than £2m. The Wagner chief told the media outlet in a voice message that he had "never heard of the name of the company" engaged in the helmet purchase. Sarcastically, he also offered to send the FT "a large bag of my dirty laundry that I will collect over the course of a week or two so you can make a study of my underpants, socks, used toilet paper, and whatever else you want". The report mentioned that Broker Expert sent power generators, welding electrodes, and fireproof insulating materials to a Prigozhin-controlled logging company in the Central African Republic in August. In January, the US charged Wagner fighters in CAR with crimes including as "mass summary executions, rape, arbitrary detention, torture, and civilian displacement." As quoted by FT, Marcel Plichta, who is a research fellow at the Centre for Global Law and Governance at the University of St Andrews, said: "That Prigozhin is still able to field armed contractors in Ukraine and at least three African countries, buy equipment from China, and smuggle resources show how resilient of a network he’s built." Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? Prigozhin is a Russian oligarch and a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is sometimes referred to as "Putin's chef" because he owns restaurants and catering enterprises that serve the Kremlin. He also admitted that he is the founder of the Wagner group. In a recent development, he said that his army is leading the assault on the devastated eastern city of Bakhmut said in a Telegram message released on Friday (May 19). He claimed that "heavy, bloody battles" were continuing and also claimed his men were close to completing the capture of the city itself. 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.

China sent helmets to the Wagner mercenary group despite sanctions: Report

The Russian branch of environmental group&nbsp;Greenpeace&nbsp;on Friday said it would shut down after authorities declared the group an "undesirable organisation", effectively banning it from operating.

In a statement, Russia's Prosecutor General said&nbsp;Greenpeace&nbsp;had tried to "interfere in the internal affairs of the state" and was "engaged in anti-Russian propaganda" by calling for sanctions against Moscow.

"We express our categorical disagreement with the decision of the Prosecutor General's Office,"&nbsp;Greenpeace&nbsp;Russia said in a statement posted on Telegram.

"This decision makes it illegal for any&nbsp;Greenpeace&nbsp;activity to continue in Russia. Therefore, the Russian branch of&nbsp;Greenpeace&nbsp;is forced to close."

The label "undesirable" has been applied to dozens of foreign groups since Moscow began using the classification in 2015, and effectively bans an organisation outright.

Russia previously launched criminal proceedings against&nbsp;Greenpeace&nbsp;activists in 2013 when they attempted to scale an offshore oil rig in the Arctic Ocean belonging to state energy giant Gazprom, to protest against Arctic oil production.

In that incident, Russian security services boarded the group's Dutch-registered boat and took its 30 strong crew into custody, where they were investigated for piracy.

Born out of the anti-nuclear, counterculture movement of the late 1960s,&nbsp;Greenpeace&nbsp;is one of the largest and most recognisable environmental organisations in the world, operating in over 50 countries.

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The Russian branch of environmental group Greenpeace on Friday said it would shut down after authorities declared the group an "undesirable organisation", effectively banning it from operating.

The Russian branch of environmental group Greenpeace on Friday said it would shut down after authorities declared the group an "undesirable organisation", effectively banning it from operating. In a statement, Russia's Prosecutor General said Greenpeace had tried to "interfere in the internal affairs of the state" and was "engaged in anti-Russian propaganda" by calling for sanctions against Moscow. "We express our categorical disagreement with the decision of the Prosecutor General's Office," Greenpeace Russia said in a statement posted on Telegram. "This decision makes it illegal for any Greenpeace activity to continue in Russia. Therefore, the Russian branch of Greenpeace is forced to close." The label "undesirable" has been applied to dozens of foreign groups since Moscow began using the classification in 2015, and effectively bans an organisation outright. Russia previously launched criminal proceedings against Greenpeace activists in 2013 when they attempted to scale an offshore oil rig in the Arctic Ocean belonging to state energy giant Gazprom, to protest against Arctic oil production. In that incident, Russian security services boarded the group's Dutch-registered boat and took its 30 strong crew into custody, where they were investigated for piracy. Born out of the anti-nuclear, counterculture movement of the late 1960s, Greenpeace is one of the largest and most recognisable environmental organisations in the world, operating in over 50 countries. 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.

Greenpeace to shut down in Russia after being declared 'undesirable organisation'

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday met&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and thanked him for backing Ukraine's sovereignty, a statement from the presidency said.

"The President thanked the Crown Prince of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," Zelensky's office said, adding that he had invited Mohammed bin Salman to visit Ukraine.&nbsp;

Zelensky "noted the successful participation of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia in the return of ten prisoners of war" and said he hoped to continue joint efforts on the issue.

Zelensky also met with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, who he thanked for "Iraq's solidarity" and its "firm position in supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state."

Zelensky also held talks with the heads of the delegations from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Kuwait, with whom he discussed Ukraine's peace formula.&nbsp;

The formula refers to Zelensky's peace plan, which includes the full withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine's state borders.

The Ukrainian leader discussed issues relating to trade and investment as well as "global food security and the work of the Black Sea Grain Initiative" with the UAE delegation head.&nbsp;

He "emphasised the importance of supporting Ukraine's peaceful efforts by the countries of the region" in discussions with Oman's Asaad bin Tarik Al Said.

Zelensky also "expressed gratitude to Kuwait for its consistent support... repeatedly confirmed in the course of voting for the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly."

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President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday met Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and thanked him for backing Ukraine's sovereignty, a statement from the presidency said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday met Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and thanked him for backing Ukraine's sovereignty, a statement from the presidency said. "The President thanked the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," Zelensky's office said, adding that he had invited Mohammed bin Salman to visit Ukraine. Zelensky "noted the successful participation of Saudi Arabia in the return of ten prisoners of war" and said he hoped to continue joint efforts on the issue. Zelensky also met with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, who he thanked for "Iraq's solidarity" and its "firm position in supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state." Zelensky also held talks with the heads of the delegations from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Kuwait, with whom he discussed Ukraine's peace formula. The formula refers to Zelensky's peace plan, which includes the full withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine's state borders. The Ukrainian leader discussed issues relating to trade and investment as well as "global food security and the work of the Black Sea Grain Initiative" with the UAE delegation head. He "emphasised the importance of supporting Ukraine's peaceful efforts by the countries of the region" in discussions with Oman's Asaad bin Tarik Al Said. Zelensky also "expressed gratitude to Kuwait for its consistent support... repeatedly confirmed in the course of voting for the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly." 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's Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Saudi for supporting Kyiv

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Thursday retracted his claim that four Indigenous children missing for more than two weeks after an airplane crash in the Amazon had been found alive.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Thursday retracted his claim that four Indigenous children missing for more than two weeks after an airplane crash in the Amazon had been found alive. Writing on Twitter, Petro said he had deleted his tweet from Wednesday night in which he had announced the rescue of the four children, including an 11-month-old baby. "I am sorry for what happened. The military forces and Indigenous communities will continue in their tireless search to give the country the news it is waiting for," he said. More than 100 soldiers have been deployed with sniffer dogs to search for the minors who were travelling in an airplane that crashed on May 1, leaving three adults including the pilot and the children's mother dead. Rescuers believe the children -- who in addition to the 11-month-old include a 13, nine and four-year-old -- have been wandering through the jungle in the southern Caqueta department since the crash. "At this time there is no other priority other than progressing with the search until finding them," added Petro. "The children's lives are the most important thing." Petro's stunning announcement on Wednesday had been met with uncertainty as he gave no details about where or how the children had been rescued, nor how they had survived alone in the jungle. "Joy for the country," he had declared. Amid widespread confusion, the military has not commented since Petro's announcement on Wednesday. The children's grandmother, Fidencio Valencia said there was hope that they would be found alive since "they are used to being in the jungle." She said they might be hiding out of fear but she told the Caracol Noticias television newscast that "Indigenous energy" would help the rescuers locate them. Signs of survival The government's Institute of Family Welfare said that it had on Wednesday received "information from the territory confirming contact with the four children." It said the report indicated that "they had been found alive and are also in good health." However, the agency acknowledged that the military had not been able to "establish official contact" due to bad weather and difficult terrain, and were continuing search and rescue operations. Avianline Charters, owner of the crashed aircraft, had previously said that one of its pilots in the search area was told the children had been found and that they were being taken by boat downriver. But the company also said that there was no confirmation that the children were out of danger, and thunderstorms posed a risk to them reaching safety. On Wednesday, the armed forces had said their search efforts intensified after rescuers came across a "shelter built in an improvised way with sticks and branches," leading them to believe there were survivors. In photographs released by the military, scissors, shoes, and hair ties could be seen among branches on the jungle floor. A baby's drinking bottle and half-eaten pieces of fruit had been spotted before the shelter's discovery. On Monday and Tuesday, soldiers found the bodies of the pilot and two adults who had been flying from a jungle location to San Jose del Guaviare, one of the main cities in Colombia's east where grasslands give way to Amazon rainforest. Difficult access Giant trees that can grow up to 40 meters tall and heavy rainfall made the "Operation Hope" search difficult. Three helicopters were used to help, one of which blasted out a recorded message from the children's grandmother in their native Huitoto language telling them to stop moving through the jungle. Authorities have not indicated what caused the plane crash. The pilot had reported problems with the engine just minutes before the airplane disappeared from radars, Colombia's disaster response body said. It is a region with few roads and is also difficult to access by river, so airplane transport is common. The children are from the Indigenous Huitoto community, also spelled Witoto, who are known for living in harmony with the jungle. The community develops skills in hunting, fishing and gathering, which may have helped the children to survive. Exploitation, disease and assimilation have reduced the Huitoto population sharply over many decades. 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.

Colombia president retracts claim children found after plane crash

Concerns were raised by Pakistan's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday over the payment of $18 billion in penalty if the country does not go ahead with the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, &nbsp;DAWN reported.&nbsp;

As quoted, PAC Chairman Noor Alam Khan said, "The US should pay the penalty if it does not approve of Pakistan and Iran going ahead with the gas pipeline project."&nbsp;

"The USA will have to do away with double standards — being lenient with India in meeting its energy needs while punishing Pakistan for the same," Khan added.&nbsp;

As per the report, the observation came after Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) wrote a letter to PAC to inform that a meeting with the US ambassador would be arranged after his return from Washington.&nbsp;

As quoted by DAWN, the ministry said: "In view of the great importance of the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project in the emerging regional situation, this ministry has been exploring all possible options, including close engagements and meaningful exchanges with relevant parties, including Iran and the USA."&nbsp;

"In this regard, a technical team from the petroleum division visited Tehran in January to discuss ways and means to proceed with the IP gas project. The Prime Minister’s Office has held inter-ministerial meetings of all stakeholders and agreed on an action plan to proceed on the IP gas pipeline project," it added.&nbsp;

While responding to a query regarding the purchase of petroleum products from Russia, the foreign ministry said that an agreement has been made with Moscow to purchase a test cargo of crude oil, which will arrive in Pakistan soon.&nbsp;

The ministry said, "Pakistan was committed to the Pak Stream Pipeline project. The two sides are negotiating outstanding issues."&nbsp;

<h2>Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project</h2>

The project is an under-construction pipeline to deliver natural gas from Iran to Pakistan. It is being built to carry natural gas from Iran's South Pars field to Baluchistan and Sindh provinces in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that the pipeline will allow Pakistan to start receiving 750 million cubic feet of gas from Iran daily.&nbsp;

The project was supposed to be completed by December 2014, with operations beginning on January 1, 2015, but there have been massive delays.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Tehran told a visiting Pakistani official delegation that the US sanctions on Iran are illegal. It also said that Pakistan should construct the gas pipeline in its territory by February-March 2024.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Concerns were raised by Pakistan's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday over the payment of $18 billion in penalty if the country does not go ahead with the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, DAWN reported.

Concerns were raised by Pakistan's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday over the payment of $18 billion in penalty if the country does not go ahead with the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, DAWN reported. As quoted, PAC Chairman Noor Alam Khan said, "The US should pay the penalty if it does not approve of Pakistan and Iran going ahead with the gas pipeline project." "The USA will have to do away with double standards — being lenient with India in meeting its energy needs while punishing Pakistan for the same," Khan added. As per the report, the observation came after Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) wrote a letter to PAC to inform that a meeting with the US ambassador would be arranged after his return from Washington. As quoted by DAWN, the ministry said: "In view of the great importance of the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project in the emerging regional situation, this ministry has been exploring all possible options, including close engagements and meaningful exchanges with relevant parties, including Iran and the USA." "In this regard, a technical team from the petroleum division visited Tehran in January to discuss ways and means to proceed with the IP gas project. The Prime Minister’s Office has held inter-ministerial meetings of all stakeholders and agreed on an action plan to proceed on the IP gas pipeline project," it added. While responding to a query regarding the purchase of petroleum products from Russia, the foreign ministry said that an agreement has been made with Moscow to purchase a test cargo of crude oil, which will arrive in Pakistan soon. The ministry said, "Pakistan was committed to the Pak Stream Pipeline project. The two sides are negotiating outstanding issues." Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project The project is an under-construction pipeline to deliver natural gas from Iran to Pakistan. It is being built to carry natural gas from Iran's South Pars field to Baluchistan and Sindh provinces in Pakistan. Reports have mentioned that the pipeline will allow Pakistan to start receiving 750 million cubic feet of gas from Iran daily. The project was supposed to be completed by December 2014, with operations beginning on January 1, 2015, but there have been massive delays. Earlier this year, Tehran told a visiting Pakistani official delegation that the US sanctions on Iran are illegal. It also said that Pakistan should construct the gas pipeline in its territory by February-March 2024. (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 could face $18bn penalty if it doesn’t complete Iran gas project

The United States, among other Western nations, sent million-dollar worth of military aid to Ukraine to help in its fight against Russia in the ongoing war which began after Moscow launched a "special military" operation on February 24 last year.&nbsp;

But the Pentagon overestimated the value of the ammunition, missiles and other equipment it sent to Ukraine, news agency Reuters reported on Thursday citing a Senate aide and a defence official.&nbsp;

The source-based report stated that the Pentagon and State Department officials told congressional staff members on Thursday that the error-free and revised accounting frees up $3 billion worth of weapons — it means more weapons could be given from existing stocks to Ukraine for its defence against Russian forces.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency, one of the senior defence officials said that "we've discovered inconsistencies in how we value the equipment that we've given" to Ukraine, the sources said that the officials and the Senate aide spoke on the condition of anonymity. The report mentioned that Congress is being notified of the accounting adjustment.&nbsp;

The defence official said that the amount of overestimated weaponry might exceed $3 billion as the Pentagon conducts a detailed probe. The top defence officials said as quoted that in its accounting, the Pentagon used replacement cost to value the aid of the weapon, instead of the weaponry's value when it was purchased and depreciated. &nbsp;

US Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: "The Department of Defense's change in evaluating the costs of arms sent to Ukraine is a major mistake."&nbsp;

"Its effect would be to underestimate future needs for our European allies. Our priority should be a Ukrainian victory over Putin. Unilaterally altering military aid calculations is an attempt at deception and undermines this goal," Wicker added.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | Wagner Chief: Forces inside Bakhmut are still advancing&nbsp;

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<h2>US aid to Ukraine</h2>

The US has sent precision weapons to Ukraine. Earlier this month, the US announced a new $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country's air defences and provide it with additional artillery ammunition.&nbsp;

At that time, the US Defense Department said in a statement that the package underscores the continued US commitment to Ukraine "by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defense systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine's armed forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term."&nbsp;

The US has sent in 37 Presidential Drawdown Authority packages including High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, Javelin anti-tank weapons and a Patriot surface-to-air missile system, and more.&nbsp;

One of the senior defence officials said that "the services - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines - were using, the current replacement cost of the item". &nbsp;

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The United States, among other Western nations, sent million-dollar worth of military aid to Ukraine to help in its fight against Russia in the ongoing war which began after Moscow launched a "special military" operation on February 24 last year.

The United States, among other Western nations, sent million-dollar worth of military aid to Ukraine to help in its fight against Russia in the ongoing war which began after Moscow launched a "special military" operation on February 24 last year. But the Pentagon overestimated the value of the ammunition, missiles and other equipment it sent to Ukraine, news agency Reuters reported on Thursday citing a Senate aide and a defence official. The source-based report stated that the Pentagon and State Department officials told congressional staff members on Thursday that the error-free and revised accounting frees up $3 billion worth of weapons — it means more weapons could be given from existing stocks to Ukraine for its defence against Russian forces. As quoted by the news agency, one of the senior defence officials said that "we've discovered inconsistencies in how we value the equipment that we've given" to Ukraine, the sources said that the officials and the Senate aide spoke on the condition of anonymity. The report mentioned that Congress is being notified of the accounting adjustment. The defence official said that the amount of overestimated weaponry might exceed $3 billion as the Pentagon conducts a detailed probe. The top defence officials said as quoted that in its accounting, the Pentagon used replacement cost to value the aid of the weapon, instead of the weaponry's value when it was purchased and depreciated. US Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: "The Department of Defense's change in evaluating the costs of arms sent to Ukraine is a major mistake." "Its effect would be to underestimate future needs for our European allies. Our priority should be a Ukrainian victory over Putin. Unilaterally altering military aid calculations is an attempt at deception and undermines this goal," Wicker added. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war | Wagner Chief: Forces inside Bakhmut are still advancing × US aid to Ukraine The US has sent precision weapons to Ukraine. Earlier this month, the US announced a new $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country's air defences and provide it with additional artillery ammunition. At that time, the US Defense Department said in a statement that the package underscores the continued US commitment to Ukraine "by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defense systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine's armed forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term." The US has sent in 37 Presidential Drawdown Authority packages including High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, Javelin anti-tank weapons and a Patriot surface-to-air missile system, and more. One of the senior defence officials said that "the services - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines - were using, the current replacement cost of the item". 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.

Pentagon made an accounting error. It overvalued Ukraine's weapons aid by $3 billion

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Srishti Sisodia

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