Chinese&nbsp;President Xi Jinping warned against "expanding military" alliances.&nbsp;The death toll from earthquake in Afghanistan has reached at least 1,000.&nbsp;Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Turkey for the first time in years.&nbsp;

Click on the links to read the full report&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-warns-against-expanding-military-alliances-490658">'Ukraine crisis is a wakeup call': Xi Jinping warns against 'expanding military alliances'&nbsp;</a> 
With Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and India, with which China had a border clash in attendance, President Xi Jinping warned against "expanding military" alliances.&nbsp;

<img alt="Xi Jinping" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a947cae5-0da7-4152-bfaa-d2fb2d0f88c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Xi%20Jinping.jpg" />&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/digging-grave-after-grave-1000-killed-as-powerful-earthquake-jolts-afghanistan-latest-updates-490630">'Digging grave after grave': 1000 killed as powerful earthquake jolts Afghanistan - Latest updates&nbsp;</a> 
The death toll from an overnight earthquake in Afghanistan has reached at least 1,000, an official from one of the worst-hit provinces said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="933f871c-73a7-4058-8b28-6eb5b7ca7efa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Afghanistan%20%287%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-ask-us-congress-to-stop-gas-tax-for-three-months-as-fuel-prices-rise-490645">Joe Biden to ask US Congress to stop gas tax for three months as fuel prices rise&nbsp;</a> 
United States President Joe Biden is expected to call on Congress to suspend the federal gas taxes for the next three months in order to combat the rapid rise in fuel prices.&nbsp;

<img alt="Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b8aa36b-bec1-4d22-a353-1866be2fcb81" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden%20%286%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-erdogan-to-meet-in-turkiye-with-full-normalisation-in-sights-490672">Saudi crown prince, Erdogan to meet in Turkiye with 'full normalisation' in sights&nbsp;</a> 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Turkey for the first time in years on Wednesday for talks with President Tayyip Erdogan aimed at fully normalising ties that were ruptured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;

<img alt="Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1c498f6-be7f-4deb-adea-4e06df9db09b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Saudi%20Crown%20Prince%20Mohammed.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oil-supplies-to-china-and-india-are-growing-noticeably-says-vladimir-putin-490706">Russian oil supplies to China and India are growing noticeably, says Vladimir Putin&nbsp;</a> 
The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted the United States and other western countries to impose hard sanctions of Russia and the European Union (EU) has also been trying to decrease oil and gas imports from the country.&nbsp;

<img alt="Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58d8ffbf-ff37-4d22-b00a-58185a026923" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Putin%20%283%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-and-imf-reach-agreement-on-bailout-programme-490590">Pakistan and IMF reach agreement on bailout programme&nbsp;</a> 
Pakistan and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached an agreement over bailout programme, said Pakistani media. It is expected that the agreement will be signed in-principle on Friday.&nbsp;

<img alt="IMF" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0b0bf1a-e867-4424-88ca-2d8a5b4053c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMF_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rwanda-deportations-is-uk-planning-to-override-european-court-of-human-rights-490707">Rwanda deportations: Is UK planning to override European Court of Human Rights?&nbsp;</a> 
Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab on Wednesday (June 22) said that the country will remain under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).&nbsp;

<img alt="ECHR" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="694ea510-9f22-4c62-8b76-526c367e1078" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/European%20Court%20of%20Human%20Rights%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khalsa-tv-surrenders-broadcast-license-in-uk-over-khalistani-propaganda-490692">Khalsa TV surrenders broadcast license in UK over 'Khalistani propaganda'&nbsp;</a> 
The Office of Communications (Ofcom) in the United Kingdom found the Khalsa Television Limited in breach of its broadcasting rules and the latter has now surrendered their license to broadcast in the UK.&nbsp;

<img alt="Khalsa Television" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be111920-3944-417c-8884-fad855bc6f28" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Khalsa%20Television.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pressure-to-flip-election-upended-lives-hearing-told-490676">Trump pressure to flip election 'upended' lives, hearing told&nbsp;</a> 
US state lawmakers and poll workers described Tuesday how their lives had been upended by threats of violence as Donald Trump singled them out in his bid to overturn the 2020 US election.&nbsp;

<img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5766e210-b845-4ff9-8abf-365423f6d6d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Donald%20Trump%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victoria-becomes-australias-first-state-to-ban-public-displays-of-nazi-swastikas-490679">Victoria becomes Australia's first state to ban public displays of Nazi swastikas&nbsp;</a> 
Victoria becomes the first Australian state to ban the public display of Nazi swastikas, or Hakenkreuz, by passing a law.&nbsp;

<img alt="Victoria" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c033b9ca-9b55-4332-a958-c18fdd1ad464" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Swastika.jpg" />

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against "expanding military" alliances. The death toll from earthquake in Afghanistan has reached at least 1,000. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Turkey for the first time in years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against "expanding military" alliances. The death toll from earthquake in Afghanistan has reached at least 1,000. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Turkey for the first time in years. Click on the links to read the full report 'Ukraine crisis is a wakeup call': Xi Jinping warns against 'expanding military alliances' With Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and India, with which China had a border clash in attendance, President Xi Jinping warned against "expanding military" alliances. 'Digging grave after grave': 1000 killed as powerful earthquake jolts Afghanistan - Latest updates The death toll from an overnight earthquake in Afghanistan has reached at least 1,000, an official from one of the worst-hit provinces said. Joe Biden to ask US Congress to stop gas tax for three months as fuel prices rise United States President Joe Biden is expected to call on Congress to suspend the federal gas taxes for the next three months in order to combat the rapid rise in fuel prices. Saudi crown prince, Erdogan to meet in Turkiye with 'full normalisation' in sights Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits Turkey for the first time in years on Wednesday for talks with President Tayyip Erdogan aimed at fully normalising ties that were ruptured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Russian oil supplies to China and India are growing noticeably, says Vladimir Putin The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted the United States and other western countries to impose hard sanctions of Russia and the European Union (EU) has also been trying to decrease oil and gas imports from the country. Pakistan and IMF reach agreement on bailout programme Pakistan and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached an agreement over bailout programme, said Pakistani media. It is expected that the agreement will be signed in-principle on Friday. Rwanda deportations: Is UK planning to override European Court of Human Rights? Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab on Wednesday (June 22) said that the country will remain under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Khalsa TV surrenders broadcast license in UK over 'Khalistani propaganda' The Office of Communications (Ofcom) in the United Kingdom found the Khalsa Television Limited in breach of its broadcasting rules and the latter has now surrendered their license to broadcast in the UK. Trump pressure to flip election 'upended' lives, hearing told US state lawmakers and poll workers described Tuesday how their lives had been upended by threats of violence as Donald Trump singled them out in his bid to overturn the 2020 US election. Victoria becomes Australia's first state to ban public displays of Nazi swastikas Victoria becomes the first Australian state to ban the public display of Nazi swastikas, or Hakenkreuz, by passing a law.

Top 10 world news: Afghanistan earthquake, Jinping warns against expanding military ties, and more

Top dog to be named at US Westminster show - see pics

France might be facing a new wave of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases caused by the new variants, Reuters reported quoting French vaccination chief Alain Fischer.

With the daily cases at more than 95,000 on Tuesday, the country's case count reached a two-month peak.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-european-countries-seeing-rise-in-covid-infections-due-to-omicron-subvariants-ba4-and-ba5-report-490564">Several European countries seeing rise in Covid infections due to Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5: Report</a>

Reuters quoted Fischer, who spoke on France 2 television, that there was absolutely no doubt regarding the surge in Covid cases in the country once again.

He added&nbsp;his personal opinion on the need for reinstatement of mandatory mask-wearing during the use of public transport and in crowded areas.&nbsp;

"The question is: 'what intensity does this wave have?" he added.

Two new Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, are also causing a surge in cases in other European countries, especially Portugal.&nbsp;

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), these Omicron subvariants have the ability to potentially become dominant in the region.

Watch |&nbsp;France: 'Unprecedented' setback for Macron as he loses parliament majority

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-unprecedented-setback-for-macron-as-he-loses-parliament-majority-489777/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The ECDC also added that although these variants may not have a higher risk of severe disease than other forms of Omicron, they are more infectious than the latter and can lead to more hospitalisations and deaths.

The delay of two weeks between cases and hospitalisation, which is the usual trend, is similar to that of COVID-19 deaths.&nbsp;

Since the end of May, France has seen steady growth in the number of Covid infections, with the seven-day moving average of daily new cases nearly tripling between the May 27 toll at 17,705 and Tuesday's at 50,402.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-macron-handed-hung-parliament-france-risks-gridlock-490074">After Macron handed hung parliament, France risks gridlock</a>

However, the total number of infections is still seven times lower than the 366,179 records reached at the start of the year.

The number of hospitalised&nbsp;due to Covid fell to a six-month low of 13,876 on Saturday; however, it has risen by 458 over the last three days, to 14,334, which is almost a three-week high.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 death toll in France also increased by 56 over 24 hours on Tuesday to reach 149,162.

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France might be facing a new wave of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases caused by the new variants, Reuters reported quoting French vaccination chief Alain Fischer. With the daily cases at more than 95,000 on Tuesday, the country's case count reached a two-month peak.

France might be facing a new wave of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases caused by the new variants, Reuters reported quoting French vaccination chief Alain Fischer. With the daily cases at more than 95,000 on Tuesday, the country's case count reached a two-month peak. Also read | Several European countries seeing rise in Covid infections due to Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5: Report Reuters quoted Fischer, who spoke on France 2 television, that there was absolutely no doubt regarding the surge in Covid cases in the country once again. He added his personal opinion on the need for reinstatement of mandatory mask-wearing during the use of public transport and in crowded areas. "The question is: 'what intensity does this wave have?" he added. Two new Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, are also causing a surge in cases in other European countries, especially Portugal. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), these Omicron subvariants have the ability to potentially become dominant in the region. Watch | France: 'Unprecedented' setback for Macron as he loses parliament majority The ECDC also added that although these variants may not have a higher risk of severe disease than other forms of Omicron, they are more infectious than the latter and can lead to more hospitalisations and deaths. The delay of two weeks between cases and hospitalisation, which is the usual trend, is similar to that of COVID-19 deaths. Since the end of May, France has seen steady growth in the number of Covid infections, with the seven-day moving average of daily new cases nearly tripling between the May 27 toll at 17,705 and Tuesday's at 50,402. Also read | After Macron handed hung parliament, France risks gridlock However, the total number of infections is still seven times lower than the 366,179 records reached at the start of the year. The number of hospitalised due to Covid fell to a six-month low of 13,876 on Saturday; however, it has risen by 458 over the last three days, to 14,334, which is almost a three-week high. The COVID-19 death toll in France also increased by 56 over 24 hours on Tuesday to reach 149,162. 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.

France is facing a new COVID-19 wave, says vaccination chief

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab on Wednesday (June 22) said that the country will remain under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). His comments came days after the top court blocked the government's move to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda.&nbsp;

Raab told Sky News that "we are staying in the ECHR." However, he added that it was "legitimate to push back" against ECHR rulings. And also noted that the UK parliament should have the last word on the law of the land.&nbsp;

Despite the claims to remain under the jurisdiction of the ECHR, the UK has unveiled plans to override the European court after Rwanda spat.&nbsp;

On Wednesday (June 22), the UK government said that it will introduce legislation allowing it to ignore certain ECHR decisions.

As reported by news agency AFP, Raab will bring the new Bill of Rights to parliament on Wednesday as the government attempts to implement its Rwanda plan.&nbsp;

Last week, the government's plan to fly asylum-seekers to Rwanda was blocked dramatically as there was a last-minute intervention by European judges. They had grounded the first plane minutes before it was due to depart.&nbsp;

However, the British government said that it's still&nbsp;working on its plan of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda which sparked fury among Conservatives.&nbsp;

Raab said Wednesday that the bill would assert that the Supreme Court in London is the ultimate arbiter on human rights issues. The law would also mean that interim measures from the court under issued under "rule 39" are not binding on UK courts.&nbsp;

"The UK Supreme Court should be supreme in their legal interpretations," Raab told Sky News.&nbsp;

Raab said that the new bill would instead "strengthen our UK tradition of freedom whilst injecting a healthy dose of common sense into the system".&nbsp;

"These reforms will reinforce freedom of speech, enable us to deport more foreign offenders and better protect the public from dangerous criminals," he said.&nbsp;

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Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab on Wednesday (June 22) said that the country will remain under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab on Wednesday (June 22) said that the country will remain under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). His comments came days after the top court blocked the government's move to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda. Raab told Sky News that "we are staying in the ECHR." However, he added that it was "legitimate to push back" against ECHR rulings. And also noted that the UK parliament should have the last word on the law of the land. Despite the claims to remain under the jurisdiction of the ECHR, the UK has unveiled plans to override the European court after Rwanda spat. On Wednesday (June 22), the UK government said that it will introduce legislation allowing it to ignore certain ECHR decisions. As reported by news agency AFP, Raab will bring the new Bill of Rights to parliament on Wednesday as the government attempts to implement its Rwanda plan. Last week, the government's plan to fly asylum-seekers to Rwanda was blocked dramatically as there was a last-minute intervention by European judges. They had grounded the first plane minutes before it was due to depart. However, the British government said that it's still working on its plan of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda which sparked fury among Conservatives. Raab said Wednesday that the bill would assert that the Supreme Court in London is the ultimate arbiter on human rights issues. The law would also mean that interim measures from the court under issued under "rule 39" are not binding on UK courts. "The UK Supreme Court should be supreme in their legal interpretations," Raab told Sky News. Raab said that the new bill would instead "strengthen our UK tradition of freedom whilst injecting a healthy dose of common sense into the system". "These reforms will reinforce freedom of speech, enable us to deport more foreign offenders and better protect the public from dangerous criminals," he 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.

Rwanda deportations: Is UK planning to override European Court of Human Rights?

This year on February 24, Russia announced an invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow says is a "military operation". The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been described as the biggest attack on a European state since World War II.

This year on February 24, Russia announced an invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow says is a "military operation". The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been described as the biggest attack on a European state since World War II. Amid the Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (June 21) said that he was "proud" of the action of his soldiers in Ukraine. In a televised remark during a Kremlin meeting with military academy graduates, Putin said, "We are proud that during the special military operation our fighters act with courage, professionalism, like real heroes." In the aftermath of the war, Russia was slapped with multiple economic sanctions by Western countries, leaving Moscow in tatters. Although referring to Western sanctions, Putin said "they will be overcome". He further said that "in the face of new threats and risks, we will further develop and strengthen our armed forces. Putin also promised that the new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile would be commissioned by the end of the year. "There is no doubt that we will be even stronger," Putin added. This year on April 20, Putin announced the test launch of its nuclear-capable Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Sarmat superheavy intercontinental ballistic missile is designed to elude anti-missile defence systems with a short initial boost phase, giving enemy surveillance systems a tiny window to track. Weighing more than 200 tonnes and able to transport multiple warheads, Putin says the missile can hit any target on Earth. Russia warns Lithuania Meanwhile, Russia's security council chief Nikolai Patrushev warned European Union and NATO member Lithuania of "serious" consequences over its decision to ban the rail transit of goods that are subject to EU sanctions between mainland Russia and Kaliningrad, a Russian region wedged between Lithuania and Poland. 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.

Vladimir Putin 'proud' of Russian troops in Ukraine; says SARMAT missile would be commissioned by year's end

The Russia-Ukraine war has threatened to cause an energy crisis in the coming winter as Europe's biggest gas buyers from Moscow are finding alternative fuel supplies.

The Russia-Ukraine war has threatened to cause an energy crisis in the coming winter as Europe's biggest gas buyers from Moscow are finding alternative fuel supplies. As a result, they could burn more coal to cope with reduced gas flows. Recently, Germany said that it will take emergency measures to ensure it meets its energy needs after the drop in the supply of Russian gas. The so-called, emergency measures include increased use of coal. Germany's economy ministry said in a statement: "To reduce gas consumption, less gas must be used to generate electricity. Coal-fired power plants will have to be used more instead." On the other hand, Austria also announced that it would reopen a mothballed coal power station because of power shortages. After a crisis meeting of the government, the authorities said that they would work with the Verbund group, which is the country's main electricity supplier, to get the station back in action. Meanwhile, the Netherlands said it would lift all restrictions on power stations fired by the fossil fuel. Earlier, they were limited to just over a third of output. Dutch climate and energy minister Rob Jetten told journalists in The Hague that the cabinet has decided to "immediately withdraw the restriction" on production for coal-fired power stations from 2002 to 2024. Europe is trying to cope with the crisis. In the process, European nations are inclined to burn more coal, but isn't it hypocrisy? The European governments have been accused of exploiting the fossil fuel reserves of the developing world. Leading European nations are firing up their coal plants again - after refusing to commit to climate financing. WATCH this report: × If we talk about Germany, how the country will plan to exit coal in 2030? As the authorities said that will ease restrictions on power stations fired by fossil fuels. Not just Germany, the EU's ambition is to become climate neutral by 2050. Going back to using coal for power generation seriously threatens that. Even Brussels raised concerns as European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told several European media in an interview: "We have to make sure that we use this crisis to move forward and not to have a backsliding on the dirty fossil fuels." She added that it's a "fine line and it is not determined whether we are going to take the right turn". Neil Makaroff of Climate Action Network said that turning back to coal "is a bad choice" with structural consequences. Makaroff said that the "countries are continuing to back fossil energy rather than investing enough in renewables." "The risk is substituting one dependency for another: importing Colombian or Australian coal, US or Qatari liquified natural gas, to replace Russian hydrocarbons," he 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.

Turning back to coal is bad choice. European countries 'exploiting' fossil fuel reserves of developing nations

Sri Lanka will call China, India and Japan to a donor conference to drum up more foreign assistance and present an interim budget in August, the prime minister said on Wednesday, amid ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The island nation of 22 million people is struggling with its worst economic crisis in seven decades, unable to import essentials including food, fuel and medicines because of a severe shortage of foreign exchange.

An interim budget will be presented in August, seeking to put public finances on a more sustainable path and increase funds to the poor who have been hardest hit, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament.

"The interim budget will set the path forward. This, together with an IMF programme and debt sustainability, will lay the foundation for Sri Lanka to return to economic stability," he said.

In late May, Wickremesinghe had told Reuters he would present an interim budget within six weeks, cutting government spending down "to the bone".

The dearth of basic necessities and spiralling inflation has stroked public unrest, pushing Wickremesinghe's government to redouble efforts to bring in assistance from the likes of the IMF and friendly countries.

"We need the support of India, Japan and China who have been historic allies. We plan to convene a donor conference with the involvement of these countries to find solutions for Sri Lanka’s crisis," Wickremesinghe told parliament.

"We will also seek help from the U.S.," he said, adding that his administration will use $70 million from the World Bank for buying cooking gas, which has been in short supply, setting off sporadic protests.

A high-level delegation from India will arrive on Thursday for talks on additional support from New Delhi, and a team from the U.S. Treasury will visit next week, Wickremesinghe said.

India has so far provided around $4 billion worth of assistance, the prime minister said, including a $400 million swap and credit lines totalling $1.5 billion.

China, which has traditionally jostled with New Delhi for influence over the Indian Ocean island, is considering an appeal from Sri Lanka to renegotiate the terms of a yuan-denominated swap worth $1.5 billion to fund essential imports.

IMF TALKS

The government also delayed publication of its first quarter GDP data, due on Wednesday, because its census and statistics department did not receive all required inputs on time, an official said.

"We are working to get the growth numbers out as soon as possible but it will probably take a few days due to delays and staff shortages," said Anura Kumara, director general of the Census and Statistics Department.

Negotiations with an IMF team, which arrived in Sri Lanka's commercial capital Colombo this week, have made progress, with a staff-level agreement with the lender likely by the end of the month, Wickremesinghe said.

"We have discussed multiple points including fiscal policy, debt restructuring and direct cash transfers," he said.

"Parallel to this we have also started talks on a debt restructuring framework, which we hope will be completed in July."

Sri Lanka, which suspended payment on $12 billion of foreign debt in April, is seeking around $3 billion from the IMF to put its public finances on track and access bridge financing.

Wickremesinghe said that once an agreement with the IMF was reached, his government would focus on a plan to increase Sri Lanka's exports and stabilise the economy.

"It is no easy task to revive a country with a completely collapsed economy," he said, calling for opposition support for his economic recovery plan.

Sri Lanka will call China, India and Japan to a donor conference to drum up more foreign assistance and present an interim budget in August, the prime minister said on Wednesday, amid ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Sri Lanka will call China, India and Japan to a donor conference to drum up more foreign assistance and present an interim budget in August, the prime minister said on Wednesday, amid ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The island nation of 22 million people is struggling with its worst economic crisis in seven decades, unable to import essentials including food, fuel and medicines because of a severe shortage of foreign exchange. An interim budget will be presented in August, seeking to put public finances on a more sustainable path and increase funds to the poor who have been hardest hit, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament. "The interim budget will set the path forward. This, together with an IMF programme and debt sustainability, will lay the foundation for Sri Lanka to return to economic stability," he said. In late May, Wickremesinghe had told Reuters he would present an interim budget within six weeks, cutting government spending down "to the bone". The dearth of basic necessities and spiralling inflation has stroked public unrest, pushing Wickremesinghe's government to redouble efforts to bring in assistance from the likes of the IMF and friendly countries. "We need the support of India, Japan and China who have been historic allies. We plan to convene a donor conference with the involvement of these countries to find solutions for Sri Lanka’s crisis," Wickremesinghe told parliament. "We will also seek help from the U.S.," he said, adding that his administration will use $70 million from the World Bank for buying cooking gas, which has been in short supply, setting off sporadic protests. A high-level delegation from India will arrive on Thursday for talks on additional support from New Delhi, and a team from the U.S. Treasury will visit next week, Wickremesinghe said. India has so far provided around $4 billion worth of assistance, the prime minister said, including a $400 million swap and credit lines totalling $1.5 billion. China, which has traditionally jostled with New Delhi for influence over the Indian Ocean island, is considering an appeal from Sri Lanka to renegotiate the terms of a yuan-denominated swap worth $1.5 billion to fund essential imports. IMF TALKS The government also delayed publication of its first quarter GDP data, due on Wednesday, because its census and statistics department did not receive all required inputs on time, an official said. "We are working to get the growth numbers out as soon as possible but it will probably take a few days due to delays and staff shortages," said Anura Kumara, director general of the Census and Statistics Department. Negotiations with an IMF team, which arrived in Sri Lanka's commercial capital Colombo this week, have made progress, with a staff-level agreement with the lender likely by the end of the month, Wickremesinghe said. "We have discussed multiple points including fiscal policy, debt restructuring and direct cash transfers," he said. "Parallel to this we have also started talks on a debt restructuring framework, which we hope will be completed in July." Sri Lanka, which suspended payment on $12 billion of foreign debt in April, is seeking around $3 billion from the IMF to put its public finances on track and access bridge financing. Wickremesinghe said that once an agreement with the IMF was reached, his government would focus on a plan to increase Sri Lanka's exports and stabilise the economy. "It is no easy task to revive a country with a completely collapsed economy," he said, calling for opposition support for his economic recovery plan.

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka plans donor conference, interim budget in August

Victoria becomes the first Australian state to ban the public display of Nazi swastikas, or Hakenkreuz, by passing a law. Those who will intentionally display the symbol will be slapped with a fine of $15,000 or even face up to a year in jail.&nbsp;

It is understood that the move will address the growing concerns regarding the rate at which local young people are apparently being radicalised. The Swastika symbol is a hooked cross — to some extent similar to a sacred Hindu symbol, but it is entirely different.&nbsp;

The law in Victoria does not prohibit the display of swastikas in certain religious and cultural contexts as it is considered sacred among Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and some other faith communities.&nbsp;

The symbol is widely recognised for its appropriation by the Nazi Party and by neo-Nazis. The West associate the symbol with Nazism, white supremacism and antisemitism as a result of World War II and the Holocaust.&nbsp;

As quoted by news agency AP, Dvir Abramovich on Wednesday said that he expected Australia's most populous state, New South Wales, and the states of Queensland and Tasmania will soon pass similar laws. Abramovich is the chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, which fights antisemitism.&nbsp;

"The fact that we've got a resurgent white supremacist and neo-Nazi movement is a cause for concern in every state," said Abramovich, who lives in the Victorian capital, Melbourne.&nbsp;

"What the bill does is to say to those forces of evil that are trying to break our spirit and instill fear that the law's no longer on their side," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Victoria becomes the first Australian state to ban the public display of Nazi swastikas, or Hakenkreuz, by passing a law. Those who will intentionally display the symbol will be slapped with a fine of $15,000 or even face up to a year in jail.

Victoria becomes the first Australian state to ban the public display of Nazi swastikas, or Hakenkreuz, by passing a law. Those who will intentionally display the symbol will be slapped with a fine of $15,000 or even face up to a year in jail. It is understood that the move will address the growing concerns regarding the rate at which local young people are apparently being radicalised. The Swastika symbol is a hooked cross — to some extent similar to a sacred Hindu symbol, but it is entirely different. The law in Victoria does not prohibit the display of swastikas in certain religious and cultural contexts as it is considered sacred among Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and some other faith communities. The symbol is widely recognised for its appropriation by the Nazi Party and by neo-Nazis. The West associate the symbol with Nazism, white supremacism and antisemitism as a result of World War II and the Holocaust. As quoted by news agency AP, Dvir Abramovich on Wednesday said that he expected Australia's most populous state, New South Wales, and the states of Queensland and Tasmania will soon pass similar laws. Abramovich is the chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, which fights antisemitism. "The fact that we've got a resurgent white supremacist and neo-Nazi movement is a cause for concern in every state," said Abramovich, who lives in the Victorian capital, Melbourne. "What the bill does is to say to those forces of evil that are trying to break our spirit and instill fear that the law's no longer on their side," he added. (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.

Victoria becomes Australia's first state to ban public displays of Nazi swastikas

With Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and India, with which China had a border clash in attendance, President Xi Jinping warned against "expanding military" alliances. Jinping was speaking at the BRICS Business Forum on Wednesday (June 22) ahead of the BRICS virtual summit with top leaders from Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa.&nbsp;

His comments came amid talk of more countries like Sweden and Finland seeking to join NATO, and as India, the US, Japan and Australia expanding cooperation under Quad, which Chinese circles derisively refer to as Asian NATO.&nbsp;

As per the Chinese state media, Xi told the BRICS Business Forum that the "Ukraine crisis is... a wake-up call" and warned against "expanding military alliances and seeking one's own security at the expense of other countries' security".&nbsp;

The Chinese President is set to host the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing on June 23. Hua Chunying, who is the country's foreign ministry spokesperson said that the summit will be held in virtual format. Chunying further noted that the theme of the event is to foster a high-quality partnership for better global development.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-plan-on-having-a-conversation-with-president-xi-says-biden-over-tariffs-on-chinese-goods-490445">I plan on having a conversation with President Xi, says Biden over tariffs on Chinese goods</a>

The summit will also allow the Russian President Vladimir Putin to be back on the world stage amid the Ukraine war, for which Moscow has been criticised by the West. After announcing the invasion of Ukraine in February this year, this will be Putin's first time attending a forum with the heads of major economies. Russia calls the invasion "special military operations".&nbsp;

BRICS consists of emerging economies China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa - which account for more than 40 per cent of the global population and nearly a quarter of the world's gross domestic product.&nbsp;

When it comes to the Russia-Ukraine war and BRICS, three countries (China, India and South Africa) have abstained from voting on a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Why is Kaliningrad at center of row between Russia and Lithuania?

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In a call, last week Xi assured Putin that China would support Moscow's core interests in "sovereignty and security".&nbsp;

Xi also took a swipe at the US and European Union sanctions on Russia in the speech on Wednesday, saying "sanctions are a boomerang and a double-edged sword".&nbsp;

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With Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and India, with which China had a border clash in attendance, President Xi Jinping warned against "expanding military" alliances.

With Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and India, with which China had a border clash in attendance, President Xi Jinping warned against "expanding military" alliances. Jinping was speaking at the BRICS Business Forum on Wednesday (June 22) ahead of the BRICS virtual summit with top leaders from Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa. His comments came amid talk of more countries like Sweden and Finland seeking to join NATO, and as India, the US, Japan and Australia expanding cooperation under Quad, which Chinese circles derisively refer to as Asian NATO. As per the Chinese state media, Xi told the BRICS Business Forum that the "Ukraine crisis is... a wake-up call" and warned against "expanding military alliances and seeking one's own security at the expense of other countries' security". The Chinese President is set to host the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing on June 23. Hua Chunying, who is the country's foreign ministry spokesperson said that the summit will be held in virtual format. Chunying further noted that the theme of the event is to foster a high-quality partnership for better global development. ALSO READ | I plan on having a conversation with President Xi, says Biden over tariffs on Chinese goods The summit will also allow the Russian President Vladimir Putin to be back on the world stage amid the Ukraine war, for which Moscow has been criticised by the West. After announcing the invasion of Ukraine in February this year, this will be Putin's first time attending a forum with the heads of major economies. Russia calls the invasion "special military operations". BRICS consists of emerging economies China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa - which account for more than 40 per cent of the global population and nearly a quarter of the world's gross domestic product. When it comes to the Russia-Ukraine war and BRICS, three countries (China, India and South Africa) have abstained from voting on a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. WATCH | Why is Kaliningrad at center of row between Russia and Lithuania? × In a call, last week Xi assured Putin that China would support Moscow's core interests in "sovereignty and security". Xi also took a swipe at the US and European Union sanctions on Russia in the speech on Wednesday, saying "sanctions are a boomerang and a double-edged sword". 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 crisis is a wakeup call': Xi Jinping warns against 'expanding military alliances'

'Digging grave after grave': 1000 killed as powerful earthquake jolts Afghanistan - Latest updates

Australia celebrates shortest day of the year with icy swims and lantern festivals - see pics

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.

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. Stephen Zabielski, a United States citizen was killed while fighting for Ukraine against Russia amid the ongoing war, the US State Department said Tuesday (June 21). Zabielski is the second US citizen to die fighting against Russian forces. As per an obituary published in a New York newspaper The Recorder, the 52-year-old Zabielski was killed on May 15 in the village of Dorozhnyanka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. However, US State Department confirmed the news on Tuesday. The department has not revealed the details about Zabielski's unfortunate death as it said: "Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have nothing further." In a statement, a State Department spokesperson said the agency has been in touch with his family and provided "all possible consular assistance." However, a report by Rolling Stone mentioned that Zabielski, who was a US war veteran-turned-construction worker, died after stepping on a landmine. The spokesperson's statement repeated earlier warnings that US citizens should not travel to Ukraine because of the conflict and the potential for the Russian government to single them out. It added that any citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately. Despite the earlier warnings not to take up arms in Ukraine, several Americans have volunteered to fight alongside Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday confirmed that Americans Andy Huynh, 27, of Hartselle, Alabama, and Alexander Drueke, 39, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, were detained while fighting on the Ukrainian side. Peskov said they were mercenaries who endangered the lives of Russian servicemen and should face responsibility for their actions. (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.

Stephen Zabielski: Second American fighting in Ukraine killed, US State Department confirms

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