Several aid workers and journalists kidnapped in Syria by a group of British Islamic State terrorists were forced to fight each other until they passed out, a&nbsp;US court was told during a hearing.

Between 2012 and 2015, a group of three British men known as “the Beatles”, took more than 20 westerners hostage under IS’s reign of terror. Prosecutors allege that El Shafee Elshiekh, who currently is on trial in Virginia, US, was the member nicknamed as Ringo by the hostages.

Federico Motka, an Italian-born aid worker, who grew up in UK, told the federal courthouse that he and David Haines, a British fellow aid worker, were forced to fight John Cantlie, an American journalist James Foley and a British war correspondent and photographer, in a “royal rumble” organised by the militant group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-bashar-al-assad-visits-uae-in-first-trip-to-arab-state-since-2011-463729">Syria's Bashar al-Assad visits UAE in first trip to Arab state since 2011</a>

“They were super excited about it,” Motka, describing 14 months of brutality at the hands of his IS kidnappers, told the court on Thursday. “We were so weak and shattered we could barely lift our arms.”

He further added that the trio humiliated them even more by mocking their forced fight, the Daily Telegraph reported. According to the Associated Press, during the summer of 2013, the hostages were told that the losers of the fight were being held captive at a facility known as “the box” that would be waterboarded.

Motka, in 2013, was surveying the needs of refugee camps, when he and Haines were captured.

He is the first surveying captive to testify at Elsheikh’s trial.

“They said I was a posh wanker because I went to boarding school,” Motka testified. “They said I was arrogant, and they were going to take me down a peg.”

When the judge stepped in to ask what the phrase “posh wanker” meant, there was a moment of uncomfortable laughter, forcing Motka to explain the term’s meaning.

He further told all the things that happened with them, from playing games with them, to giving them dog names to which they were supposed to respond immediately, made them wear orange jumpsuits to replicate the “conditions to the detainees at Guantánamo Bay”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-promises-to-pay-syrian-army-fighters-1100-to-fight-in-ukraine-watchdog-462529">Russia promises to pay Syrian army fighters $1,100 to fight in Ukraine: Watchdog</a>

The United States and United Kingdom did not pay for the release of hostages, which further led to the execution of Haines, British aid worker Alan Henning and four other Americans named in Elsheikh’s indictment – Foley, Steven Sotloff, Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig. He is accused of being involved in their murders.

In opening statements, the prosecutors mentioned three British citizens - Elsheikh, his long-term friend Alenxanda Kotey and Mohammed Emwazi, who is also known as “Jihadi John,” who frequently carried out the job of executioner.

Mohammed Emwazi was killed in a drone strike, while Kotey and Elsheikh were transferred to Virginia to face trials.

Lat year, Kotey pleaded guilty in a plea bargain.

The trials still continue as Elshiekh’s defence lawyer Edward MacMahon said there was “no dispute” about the horror the hostages’ fate.

MacMahon&nbsp;further said, there was no doubt that Elsheikh has gone to Syria to fight the IS, and there is no evidence to support that he was one of the members of “Beatles.”

Watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post: Syria's Assad returns to the world stage

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-syrias-assad-returns-to-the-world-stage-466752/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Several aid workers and journalists kidnapped in Syria by a group of British Islamic State terrorists were forced to fight each other until they passed out, a US court was told during a hearing.

Several aid workers and journalists kidnapped in Syria by a group of British Islamic State terrorists were forced to fight each other until they passed out, a US court was told during a hearing. Between 2012 and 2015, a group of three British men known as “the Beatles”, took more than 20 westerners hostage under IS’s reign of terror. Prosecutors allege that El Shafee Elshiekh, who currently is on trial in Virginia, US, was the member nicknamed as Ringo by the hostages. Federico Motka, an Italian-born aid worker, who grew up in UK, told the federal courthouse that he and David Haines, a British fellow aid worker, were forced to fight John Cantlie, an American journalist James Foley and a British war correspondent and photographer, in a “royal rumble” organised by the militant group. Also read | Syria's Bashar al-Assad visits UAE in first trip to Arab state since 2011 “They were super excited about it,” Motka, describing 14 months of brutality at the hands of his IS kidnappers, told the court on Thursday. “We were so weak and shattered we could barely lift our arms.” He further added that the trio humiliated them even more by mocking their forced fight, the Daily Telegraph reported. According to the Associated Press, during the summer of 2013, the hostages were told that the losers of the fight were being held captive at a facility known as “the box” that would be waterboarded. Motka, in 2013, was surveying the needs of refugee camps, when he and Haines were captured. He is the first surveying captive to testify at Elsheikh’s trial. “They said I was a posh wanker because I went to boarding school,” Motka testified. “They said I was arrogant, and they were going to take me down a peg.” When the judge stepped in to ask what the phrase “posh wanker” meant, there was a moment of uncomfortable laughter, forcing Motka to explain the term’s meaning. He further told all the things that happened with them, from playing games with them, to giving them dog names to which they were supposed to respond immediately, made them wear orange jumpsuits to replicate the “conditions to the detainees at Guantánamo Bay”. Also read | Russia promises to pay Syrian army fighters $1,100 to fight in Ukraine: Watchdog The United States and United Kingdom did not pay for the release of hostages, which further led to the execution of Haines, British aid worker Alan Henning and four other Americans named in Elsheikh’s indictment – Foley, Steven Sotloff, Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig. He is accused of being involved in their murders. In opening statements, the prosecutors mentioned three British citizens - Elsheikh, his long-term friend Alenxanda Kotey and Mohammed Emwazi, who is also known as “Jihadi John,” who frequently carried out the job of executioner. Mohammed Emwazi was killed in a drone strike, while Kotey and Elsheikh were transferred to Virginia to face trials. Lat year, Kotey pleaded guilty in a plea bargain. The trials still continue as Elshiekh’s defence lawyer Edward MacMahon said there was “no dispute” about the horror the hostages’ fate. MacMahon further said, there was no doubt that Elsheikh has gone to Syria to fight the IS, and there is no evidence to support that he was one of the members of “Beatles.” Watch | The West Asia Post: Syria's Assad returns to the world stage

Islamic States captives were forced to fight each other until they passed out, trial told

With the Russia-Ukraine crisis in foresight, the US and Europe fear that Chinese President Xi Jinping will take the opportunity to attack Taiwan.The start of Russia's "military operation" last month has pushed Taiwan to the forefront of geopolitics again.

While the western countries are afraid that Taiwan will face the same situation as Ukraine, the leaders of both the country (Taiwan and China) insisted that Taiwan and Ukraine are not on the same platform, American editorial magazine National Review reported.

On the other hand, Beijing stated that Taiwan is their internal matter and linking it to Ukraine would only add this matter to the western developed conspiracy "democracy against dictatorship". While Taipei emphasizes that they are different from Ukraine in terms of its geostrategic and global supply-chain importance.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imitation-the-sincerest-form-of-flattery-french-president-discards-suits-dons-sweatshirt-copying-zelensky-462399">&nbsp;Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?</a>

Russia started its military operation in Ukraine on the grounds of protecting its people from the so-called "genocide" in Ukraine, NATO's expansion to the east and the need to "demilitarize" and "denazify" Ukraine.

The Washington-based magazine argues these justifications as an excuse for their aggression against Ukraine. The editorial claimed that Xi is an accomplice to Putin's war of aggression.

It says that the Chinese President has greatly increased his military intimidation of Taiwan since coming to power. On the same day that Putin started its military operation in Ukraine, nine Chinese military planes were seen inside Taiwan, violating Taiwan's air-defence identification zone, according to National Review.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-confirms-chinese-military-plane-crashed-into-south-china-sea-461836">Taiwan confirms Chinese military plane crashed into South China Sea</a>

The editorial magazine also believes that China will attack Taiwan, regardless of the outcome of the Ukraine-Russia crisis. It further added that there are high chances of Xi launching its military operation in Taiwan. The Chinese President has already ordered his military to accelerate war preparation by achieving the People's Liberation Army's centenary goal of "liberating Taiwan" by 2027, National Review reported.

The National Review also stated that the US and other western countries need to be firm and clear in their resolve to defend Taiwan. And China's one-China policy needs to be abandoned so that the sovereignty of Taiwan won't be impacted.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-russia-optimistic-about-round-4-of-talks-462334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The U.S. passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 after cutting off their diplomatic ties with China, promising that the US would "maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan," and subsequently than US President Reagan made "six assurances" and called for arms sales for Taiwan's defence.

However, these are not binding obligations under international law, but rather unilateral commitments, according to National Review.

With the Russia-Ukraine crisis in foresight, the US and Europe fear that Chinese President Xi Jinping will take the opportunity to attack Taiwan.The start of Russia's "military operation" last month has pushed Taiwan to the forefront of geopolitics again.

With the Russia-Ukraine crisis in foresight, the US and Europe fear that Chinese President Xi Jinping will take the opportunity to attack Taiwan.The start of Russia's "military operation" last month has pushed Taiwan to the forefront of geopolitics again. While the western countries are afraid that Taiwan will face the same situation as Ukraine, the leaders of both the country (Taiwan and China) insisted that Taiwan and Ukraine are not on the same platform, American editorial magazine National Review reported. On the other hand, Beijing stated that Taiwan is their internal matter and linking it to Ukraine would only add this matter to the western developed conspiracy "democracy against dictatorship". While Taipei emphasizes that they are different from Ukraine in terms of its geostrategic and global supply-chain importance. Also read | Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky? Russia started its military operation in Ukraine on the grounds of protecting its people from the so-called "genocide" in Ukraine, NATO's expansion to the east and the need to "demilitarize" and "denazify" Ukraine. The Washington-based magazine argues these justifications as an excuse for their aggression against Ukraine. The editorial claimed that Xi is an accomplice to Putin's war of aggression. It says that the Chinese President has greatly increased his military intimidation of Taiwan since coming to power. On the same day that Putin started its military operation in Ukraine, nine Chinese military planes were seen inside Taiwan, violating Taiwan's air-defence identification zone, according to National Review. Also read | Taiwan confirms Chinese military plane crashed into South China Sea The editorial magazine also believes that China will attack Taiwan, regardless of the outcome of the Ukraine-Russia crisis. It further added that there are high chances of Xi launching its military operation in Taiwan. The Chinese President has already ordered his military to accelerate war preparation by achieving the People's Liberation Army's centenary goal of "liberating Taiwan" by 2027, National Review reported. The National Review also stated that the US and other western countries need to be firm and clear in their resolve to defend Taiwan. And China's one-China policy needs to be abandoned so that the sovereignty of Taiwan won't be impacted. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks The U.S. passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 after cutting off their diplomatic ties with China, promising that the US would "maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan," and subsequently than US President Reagan made "six assurances" and called for arms sales for Taiwan's defence. However, these are not binding obligations under international law, but rather unilateral commitments, according to National Review.

Amid Ukraine crisis, US, Europe fears possible Chinese offensive against Taiwan

The&nbsp;son&nbsp;of&nbsp;Turkmenistan's autocrat leader, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov,&nbsp;decisively won the&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;election,&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said Tuesday, paving the way for hereditary succession in one of the world's most tightly controlled countries.

Serdar Berdymukhamedov, 40, won the ballot held last Saturday with 73 percent of the&nbsp;vote, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) said in a statement on its website.

Nine candidates stood in the poll in the isolated country of six million people, but few doubted that Berdymukhamedov's only&nbsp;son&nbsp;Serdar -- who has pledged to pursue his father's course -- would take over the country's top job.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkmenistan-votes-for-father-son-transition-461643">Turkmenistan votes for father-son transition</a>

Berdymukhamedov senior, who is now&nbsp;Turkmenistan's outgoing president, chair of the cabinet and senate chief, has been the regime's top decision-maker for the last 15 years.

The&nbsp;strongman&nbsp;known as the gas-rich country's "protector" has dominated public life since the country's founding president, Saparmurat Niyazov, died in 2006 and he tolerates no dissent.

Last month Berdymukhamedov said he would step aside and allow "young leaders" to govern, triggering a snap&nbsp;vote.

In the end Berdymukhamedov junior obtained a victory margin far lower than the 98- and 97-percent routs posted by his 64-year-old father in the hermit state's previous two&nbsp;elections.

No change to neutrality

Observers say his father will still be holding the reins, after the family patriarch pledged to remain in politics as head of the senate.

One thing that is unlikely to change is the republic's neutral status in international affairs.

Serdar Berdymukhamedov told journalists last Saturday that status would remain if he won because it "allows&nbsp;Turkmenistan&nbsp;to develop fully-fledged relations with all states".

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkmenistan-one-of-the-worlds-worst-emitters-of-planet-warming-methane-422645">&nbsp;Turkmenistan: One of the world’s worst emitters of planet-warming methane</a>

The country that honours its leaders with ostentatious gold statues remains strongly dependent on China, which dominates purchases of its natural gas.&nbsp;

Smaller volumes purchased by Russia's Gazprom, meanwhile, could be threatened by the impact of sanctions targeting Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine -- a conflict that Turkmen state media has all but ignored.

The country has also not admitted any coronavirus cases since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The now-confirmed father-son&nbsp;leadership transition will be the first of its kind in Central Asia, a former communist region that also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

CEC&nbsp;officials&nbsp;in&nbsp;Turkmenistan&nbsp;had taken their time to announce the results of one of the world's most predictable&nbsp;elections, which saw Berdymukhamedov face off against relatively unknown civil servants and provincial&nbsp;officials.

On Sunday, CEC's chairman Gulmyrat Myradov told journalists who had attended a press conference in expectation of hearing the results that the latter were being delayed due to "the need for a thorough count".

Across the Caspian Sea in the Caucasus region, Azerbaijan became the first former Soviet country to establish a dynasty, when President Ilham Aliyev took the helm upon father Heydar Aliyev's death in 2003.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Turkmenistan: President Berdymukhamedov instructs officials to extinguish fire at 'Gateway to Hell'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkmenistan-president-berdymukhamedov-instructs-officials-to-extinguish-fire-at-gateway-to-hell-443403/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tajikistan, the ex-Soviet bloc's poorest successor state, is expected to follow a similar path. Upper house head Rustam Emomali, 34, is in pole position to succeed veteran leader Emomali Rakhmon, 69, should Rakhmon retire or prove unable to fulfil his duties.

The younger Berdymukhamedov's inauguration is scheduled for next Saturday.

The son of Turkmenistan's autocrat leader, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, decisively won the presidential election, officials said Tuesday, paving the way for hereditary succession in one of the world's most tightly controlled countries.

The son of Turkmenistan's autocrat leader, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, decisively won the presidential election, officials said Tuesday, paving the way for hereditary succession in one of the world's most tightly controlled countries. Serdar Berdymukhamedov, 40, won the ballot held last Saturday with 73 percent of the vote, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) said in a statement on its website. Nine candidates stood in the poll in the isolated country of six million people, but few doubted that Berdymukhamedov's only son Serdar -- who has pledged to pursue his father's course -- would take over the country's top job. Also read | Turkmenistan votes for father-son transition Berdymukhamedov senior, who is now Turkmenistan's outgoing president, chair of the cabinet and senate chief, has been the regime's top decision-maker for the last 15 years. The strongman known as the gas-rich country's "protector" has dominated public life since the country's founding president, Saparmurat Niyazov, died in 2006 and he tolerates no dissent. Last month Berdymukhamedov said he would step aside and allow "young leaders" to govern, triggering a snap vote. In the end Berdymukhamedov junior obtained a victory margin far lower than the 98- and 97-percent routs posted by his 64-year-old father in the hermit state's previous two elections. No change to neutrality Observers say his father will still be holding the reins, after the family patriarch pledged to remain in politics as head of the senate. One thing that is unlikely to change is the republic's neutral status in international affairs. Serdar Berdymukhamedov told journalists last Saturday that status would remain if he won because it "allows Turkmenistan to develop fully-fledged relations with all states". Also read | Turkmenistan: One of the world’s worst emitters of planet-warming methane The country that honours its leaders with ostentatious gold statues remains strongly dependent on China, which dominates purchases of its natural gas. Smaller volumes purchased by Russia's Gazprom, meanwhile, could be threatened by the impact of sanctions targeting Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine -- a conflict that Turkmen state media has all but ignored. The country has also not admitted any coronavirus cases since the outbreak of the pandemic. The now-confirmed father-son leadership transition will be the first of its kind in Central Asia, a former communist region that also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. CEC officials in Turkmenistan had taken their time to announce the results of one of the world's most predictable elections, which saw Berdymukhamedov face off against relatively unknown civil servants and provincial officials. On Sunday, CEC's chairman Gulmyrat Myradov told journalists who had attended a press conference in expectation of hearing the results that the latter were being delayed due to "the need for a thorough count". Across the Caspian Sea in the Caucasus region, Azerbaijan became the first former Soviet country to establish a dynasty, when President Ilham Aliyev took the helm upon father Heydar Aliyev's death in 2003. Watch | Turkmenistan: President Berdymukhamedov instructs officials to extinguish fire at 'Gateway to Hell' Tajikistan, the ex-Soviet bloc's poorest successor state, is expected to follow a similar path. Upper house head Rustam Emomali, 34, is in pole position to succeed veteran leader Emomali Rakhmon, 69, should Rakhmon retire or prove unable to fulfil his duties. The younger Berdymukhamedov's inauguration is scheduled for next Saturday.

Turkmenistan strongman's son wins presidential vote: Official results

India&nbsp;is reviewing its standard operating&nbsp;procedures&nbsp;for weapons systems and will immediately fix any shortcomings&nbsp;after&nbsp;accidentally launching a&nbsp;missile&nbsp;into&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;last week, its defence minister said on Tuesday.

Pakistan&nbsp;said it was not satisfied and reiterated a demand for a joint investigation into the incident by the nuclear-armed arch rivals.

Although tensions between&nbsp;India&nbsp;and&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;have calmed in recent months, military experts have previously warned against the possibility of accidents or miscalculations by the South Asian neighbours, who have fought three wars.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-demands-joint-probe-to-accurately-establish-facts-on-accidental-firing-of-indian-missile-461817">Pakistan demands joint probe into 'accidental firing' of Indian missile</a>

The&nbsp;missile, released around 7 p.m. last Wednesday during routine maintenance and inspection, landed in&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;without causing any casualties,&nbsp;India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told parliament.

"We attach the highest priority to the safety and security of our weapon systems," Singh said in the first public statement by an&nbsp;Indian official on the incident first reported by&nbsp;Pakistan's military on Thursday.

"I would also like to state that a review of the standard operating&nbsp;procedures&nbsp;for operations, maintenance and inspections is being conducted," Singh added.

Pakistan&nbsp;Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said at a news conference that the statement was "incomplete and insufficient".

"Pakistan&nbsp;cannot be satisfied by the explanation given, and I reject it," he said, adding that Islamabad wanted a joint probe.

Pakistan&nbsp;has demanded New Delhi give details about the safety mechanisms in place to prevent&nbsp;accidental&nbsp;missile&nbsp;launches and asked the international community to help maintain regional stability.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wearing-hijab-is-not-an-essential-religious-practice-says-indian-court-as-it-upholds-hijab-ban-462378">Wearing hijab is not an essential religious practice, says Indian court as it upholds hijab ban</a>

China urged the two countries to set up a reporting mechanism to avoid such incidents and share information, said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at its foreign ministry.

"Pakistan&nbsp;and&nbsp;India&nbsp;are both important countries in South Asia, bearing responsibilities for maintaining regional security and stability," he told reporters on Monday.

While&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;appreciated China's statement, Qureshi said that the U.S. State Department spokesperson had "skirted the issue" a day earlier and had not taken a position on the matter, which he stressed could have lead to war.

He added he had written to the UN Security Council too, but said the international community was not taking the matter seriously enough.

Watch |&nbsp;India’s missile system ‘highly secure and safe’, says Rajnath Singh

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-missile-system-highly-secure-and-safe-says-rajnath-singh-462467/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Delivering short statements in both houses of&nbsp;India's parliament, Singh said the safety&nbsp;procedures&nbsp;and protocols for the country's&nbsp;missile&nbsp;systems were of the highest standard and reviewed periodically.

"I can assure the House that the&nbsp;missile&nbsp;system is very reliable and safe," he said, without saying which&nbsp;missile&nbsp;had been&nbsp;accidentally launched.

India is reviewing its standard operating procedures for weapons systems and will immediately fix any shortcomings after accidentally launching a missile into Pakistan last week, its defence minister said on Tuesday.

India is reviewing its standard operating procedures for weapons systems and will immediately fix any shortcomings after accidentally launching a missile into Pakistan last week, its defence minister said on Tuesday. Pakistan said it was not satisfied and reiterated a demand for a joint investigation into the incident by the nuclear-armed arch rivals. Although tensions between India and Pakistan have calmed in recent months, military experts have previously warned against the possibility of accidents or miscalculations by the South Asian neighbours, who have fought three wars. Also read | Pakistan demands joint probe into 'accidental firing' of Indian missile The missile, released around 7 p.m. last Wednesday during routine maintenance and inspection, landed in Pakistan without causing any casualties, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told parliament. "We attach the highest priority to the safety and security of our weapon systems," Singh said in the first public statement by an Indian official on the incident first reported by Pakistan's military on Thursday. "I would also like to state that a review of the standard operating procedures for operations, maintenance and inspections is being conducted," Singh added. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said at a news conference that the statement was "incomplete and insufficient". "Pakistan cannot be satisfied by the explanation given, and I reject it," he said, adding that Islamabad wanted a joint probe. Pakistan has demanded New Delhi give details about the safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidental missile launches and asked the international community to help maintain regional stability. Also read | Wearing hijab is not an essential religious practice, says Indian court as it upholds hijab ban China urged the two countries to set up a reporting mechanism to avoid such incidents and share information, said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at its foreign ministry. "Pakistan and India are both important countries in South Asia, bearing responsibilities for maintaining regional security and stability," he told reporters on Monday. While Pakistan appreciated China's statement, Qureshi said that the U.S. State Department spokesperson had "skirted the issue" a day earlier and had not taken a position on the matter, which he stressed could have lead to war. He added he had written to the UN Security Council too, but said the international community was not taking the matter seriously enough. Watch | India’s missile system ‘highly secure and safe’, says Rajnath Singh Delivering short statements in both houses of India's parliament, Singh said the safety procedures and protocols for the country's missile systems were of the highest standard and reviewed periodically. "I can assure the House that the missile system is very reliable and safe," he said, without saying which missile had been accidentally launched.

India is reviewing procedures after accidental firing of missile into Pakistan : Indian defence minister

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;will offer&nbsp;4,000&nbsp;special&nbsp;visas&nbsp;to&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;fleeing the Russian invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;if they have family in the southern hemisphere nation, its government said Tuesday.

Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said it was&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's largest special visa category in decades in support of an international aid effort.

Over 2.8 million people have fled&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;since Russia invaded on February 24, according to UN estimates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/refugee-exodus-in-20-days-28-million-people-have-fled-ukraine-462361">Europe's fastest growing refugee crisis: In 20 days, 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine</a>

"It's a two-year visa to help people escape the current conflict and to shelter here in the hope they can return home when the&nbsp;war&nbsp;ends," Faafoi said.

For one year, the estimated 1,600 Ukrainian-born citizens and residents in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;will be allowed to sponsor family members for the special visa, under which they will be allowed to work.

Relatives included in the scheme include parents, grandparents and their adult siblings or adult children and their immediate family who have fled&nbsp;Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-having-early-discussions-about-biden-traveling-to-europe-462458">White House having early discussions about Biden traveling to Europe</a>

"New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;has moved quickly to condemn the brutal and intolerable invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine," the minister said.

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;also announced an extra NZ$4&nbsp;million (US$2.7 million) in humanitarian funding.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine Under Attack: Shelling prevents humanitarian aid from entering Mariupol

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-under-attack-shelling-prevents-humanitarian-aid-from-entering-mariupol-462465/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Alongside other diplomatic measures, we have acted urgently to respond to Russia's hostility by instituting travel bans, export controls, passing the Russia Sanctions Act 2022, and providing aid funding to support crucial humanitarian work," the minister said.

New Zealand will offer 4,000 special visas to refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine if they have family in the southern hemisphere nation, its government said Tuesday.

New Zealand will offer 4,000 special visas to refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine if they have family in the southern hemisphere nation, its government said Tuesday. Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said it was New Zealand's largest special visa category in decades in support of an international aid effort. Over 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded on February 24, according to UN estimates. Also read | Europe's fastest growing refugee crisis: In 20 days, 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine "It's a two-year visa to help people escape the current conflict and to shelter here in the hope they can return home when the war ends," Faafoi said. For one year, the estimated 1,600 Ukrainian-born citizens and residents in New Zealand will be allowed to sponsor family members for the special visa, under which they will be allowed to work. Relatives included in the scheme include parents, grandparents and their adult siblings or adult children and their immediate family who have fled Ukraine. Also read | White House having early discussions about Biden traveling to Europe "New Zealand has moved quickly to condemn the brutal and intolerable invasion of Ukraine," the minister said. New Zealand also announced an extra NZ$4 million (US$2.7 million) in humanitarian funding. Watch | Ukraine Under Attack: Shelling prevents humanitarian aid from entering Mariupol "Alongside other diplomatic measures, we have acted urgently to respond to Russia's hostility by instituting travel bans, export controls, passing the Russia Sanctions Act 2022, and providing aid funding to support crucial humanitarian work," the minister said.

New Zealand offers visas to 4,000 Ukraine war refugees

China&nbsp;does&nbsp;not&nbsp;want&nbsp;to be impacted by Western economic&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;Russia, the&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministry said Tuesday, as pressure grows on Beijing to withdraw support from an isolated Moscow.

Beijing has refused to condemn its close ally&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;over its invasion of Ukraine, while blaming the United States and NATO's "eastward expansion" for worsening tensions.

Moscow and Beijing have grown closer in recent times, in what Washington sees as an increasingly hostile alliance of the authoritarian nuclear powers.

"China&nbsp;is not a party to the crisis, still less wants to be&nbsp;affected&nbsp;by the&nbsp;sanctions,"&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Wang Yi said, according to a readout of a phone call with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares published on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-hikes-china-us-prices-for-second-time-within-a-week-462382">Tesla hikes China, US prices for second time within a week</a>

China&nbsp;has "always opposed using&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;to solve problems, let alone unilateral&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;that have no basis in international law", Wang said, according to the readout.

Around three weeks after Russian troops marched into Ukraine, Moscow's forces have bombarded and besieged several towns and cities.

Wang's comments were published after a seven-hour meeting between high-ranking US and Chinese officials in Rome, at which Washington said the US had expressed concern about "alignment" between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;China.

US media has reported that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has asked&nbsp;China&nbsp;for military and economic assistance, as its troops struggle to make ground and its economy faces devastation from Western&nbsp;sanctions.

The New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, said there was no indication whether&nbsp;China&nbsp;had responded.

But Beijing has so far sent mixed signals on&nbsp;Russia's bloody invasion and US officials say the jury is still out on how&nbsp;China&nbsp;will act.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-seeking-military-assistance-from-china-for-ukraine-invasion-report-462010">&nbsp;US warns China against providing any support to Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict</a>

Foreign&nbsp;ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Tuesday told reporters that Beijing "strongly urges the US not to harm&nbsp;China's legitimate rights and interests when handling relations with&nbsp;Russia".

Asked about articles saying Moscow had asked Beijing for help, Zhao accused the US of "spreading disinformation" against&nbsp;China.

"Our aim is very clear, that is, to promote de-escalation of the situation... and end the conflict," he added.

Deep concerns

In the Rome meeting on Monday with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan,&nbsp;China's senior diplomat Yang Jiechi reiterated the country's stance that Beijing is "committed to promoting peace talks", the official Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday.

China&nbsp;called on all parties to exercise "maximum restraint" and "protect civilians" in the Ukraine crisis at the meeting.

The international community should support such talks to achieve substantive results as soon as possible, Yang said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US warns China against helping Russia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-warns-china-against-helping-russia-462332/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Although Beijing&nbsp;does&nbsp;not back Western&nbsp;sanctions, the White House is pressuring the world's second-largest economy to refrain from rescuing&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;from potential default or sending weaponry.

"We've communicated very clearly to Beijing that we won't stand by," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.&nbsp;

"We will not allow any country to compensate&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;for its losses."

China does not want to be impacted by Western economic sanctions on Russia, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, as pressure grows on Beijing to withdraw support from an isolated Moscow.

China does not want to be impacted by Western economic sanctions on Russia, the foreign ministry said Tuesday, as pressure grows on Beijing to withdraw support from an isolated Moscow. Beijing has refused to condemn its close ally Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, while blaming the United States and NATO's "eastward expansion" for worsening tensions. Moscow and Beijing have grown closer in recent times, in what Washington sees as an increasingly hostile alliance of the authoritarian nuclear powers. "China is not a party to the crisis, still less wants to be affected by the sanctions," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, according to a readout of a phone call with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares published on Tuesday. Also read | Tesla hikes China, US prices for second time within a week China has "always opposed using sanctions to solve problems, let alone unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law", Wang said, according to the readout. Around three weeks after Russian troops marched into Ukraine, Moscow's forces have bombarded and besieged several towns and cities. Wang's comments were published after a seven-hour meeting between high-ranking US and Chinese officials in Rome, at which Washington said the US had expressed concern about "alignment" between Russia and China. US media has reported that Russia has asked China for military and economic assistance, as its troops struggle to make ground and its economy faces devastation from Western sanctions. The New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, said there was no indication whether China had responded. But Beijing has so far sent mixed signals on Russia's bloody invasion and US officials say the jury is still out on how China will act. Also read | US warns China against providing any support to Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Tuesday told reporters that Beijing "strongly urges the US not to harm China's legitimate rights and interests when handling relations with Russia". Asked about articles saying Moscow had asked Beijing for help, Zhao accused the US of "spreading disinformation" against China. "Our aim is very clear, that is, to promote de-escalation of the situation... and end the conflict," he added. Deep concerns In the Rome meeting on Monday with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, China's senior diplomat Yang Jiechi reiterated the country's stance that Beijing is "committed to promoting peace talks", the official Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday. China called on all parties to exercise "maximum restraint" and "protect civilians" in the Ukraine crisis at the meeting. The international community should support such talks to achieve substantive results as soon as possible, Yang said. Watch | Gravitas: US warns China against helping Russia Although Beijing does not back Western sanctions, the White House is pressuring the world's second-largest economy to refrain from rescuing Russia from potential default or sending weaponry. "We've communicated very clearly to Beijing that we won't stand by," State Department spokesman Ned Price said. "We will not allow any country to compensate Russia for its losses."

China wary of being impacted by Russia sanctions: Foreign minister

Bangladesh will ban questions probing the "immoral character" of&nbsp;rape&nbsp;victims in criminal&nbsp;cases, authorities said Tuesday, after a long campaign by rights groups against humiliating interrogations of traumatised survivors.

Experts say the country's Evidence Act, a 19th-century relic of the British colonial era, has been routinely used to discredit the testimony of victims during court cross-examinations and police investigations.

Women activists have spent more than a decade demanding the law be amended and last year a coalition of rights groups petitioned Bangladesh's top court for its repeal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eam-s-jaishankar-meets-counterparts-from-bangladesh-south-korea-czech-republic-and-eu-in-paris-455276">EAM S Jaishankar meets counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, Czech Republic and EU in Paris</a>

Justice Minister Anisul Huq told AFP that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet resolved to remove the character evidence provisions from the law.

He said the law currently allows those accused of&nbsp;rape&nbsp;to "ask questions as to the immoral character of the victim" but this would be banned, with parliament expected to formalise the decision by June.

"This is another step towards empowerment of women," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-have-stopped-bangladesh-killings-rights-activists-452729">US sanctions have stopped Bangladesh killings: Rights activists</a>

Prominent activist Nina Goswami of the local Ain o Salish Kendra rights group hailed the move as a "remarkable achievement".

She said character evidence had hindered justice for decades, with many survivors deciding not to seek charges against their attackers out of fear of social humiliation.

"This will now stop," she said.

Last year the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) said character evidence had been used to cast doubt on victim testimony, making it difficult to secure guilty verdicts.

Watch |&nbsp;Ground report from Bangladesh: Authorities struggle to ensure proper healthcare at Rohingya camps

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ground-report-from-bangladesh-authorities-struggle-to-ensure-proper-healthcare-at-rohingya-camps-453230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rights groups have said the number of rapes has increased alarmingly in recent years, blaming legal loopholes and a culture of impunity for violence against women.

National anger over the issue has boiled over into sustained public protests, as in 2020 when members of the student wing of Hasina's party were arrested and charged in a gang-rape&nbsp;case that outraged the public.

Bangladesh will ban questions probing the "immoral character" of rape victims in criminal cases, authorities said Tuesday, after a long campaign by rights groups against humiliating interrogations of traumatised survivors.

Bangladesh will ban questions probing the "immoral character" of rape victims in criminal cases, authorities said Tuesday, after a long campaign by rights groups against humiliating interrogations of traumatised survivors. Experts say the country's Evidence Act, a 19th-century relic of the British colonial era, has been routinely used to discredit the testimony of victims during court cross-examinations and police investigations. Women activists have spent more than a decade demanding the law be amended and last year a coalition of rights groups petitioned Bangladesh's top court for its repeal. Also read | EAM S Jaishankar meets counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, Czech Republic and EU in Paris Justice Minister Anisul Huq told AFP that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet resolved to remove the character evidence provisions from the law. He said the law currently allows those accused of rape to "ask questions as to the immoral character of the victim" but this would be banned, with parliament expected to formalise the decision by June. "This is another step towards empowerment of women," he said. Also read | US sanctions have stopped Bangladesh killings: Rights activists Prominent activist Nina Goswami of the local Ain o Salish Kendra rights group hailed the move as a "remarkable achievement". She said character evidence had hindered justice for decades, with many survivors deciding not to seek charges against their attackers out of fear of social humiliation. "This will now stop," she said. Last year the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) said character evidence had been used to cast doubt on victim testimony, making it difficult to secure guilty verdicts. Watch | Ground report from Bangladesh: Authorities struggle to ensure proper healthcare at Rohingya camps Rights groups have said the number of rapes has increased alarmingly in recent years, blaming legal loopholes and a culture of impunity for violence against women. National anger over the issue has boiled over into sustained public protests, as in 2020 when members of the student wing of Hasina's party were arrested and charged in a gang-rape case that outraged the public.

Bangladesh to ban 'immoral character' evidence in rape cases

&nbsp;With an eye on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government later this month in the National Assembly, Pakistan's federal government has tightened the security to maintain law and order situation.

The decision to deploy paramilitary forces was made after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party announced a plan to hold a public gathering in Islamabad on March 27, Pakistan`s Geo News reported citing sources.

The report said that Pakistan's Interior Ministry has sent a summary to the Cabinet regarding the deployment of at least 1,000 paramilitary personnel in Islamabad.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-diplomats-under-pressure-from-taliban-regime-462072">Afghan diplomats under pressure from Taliban regime</a>

After PTI made the announcement about holding the public rally, the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) called the people and workers of opposition parties to begin a long march towards Islamabad on March 23 to stage a sit-in.

This announcement was made by PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman after attending the meeting of the joint opposition at the residence of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, PTI senator Javed Khan announced that the voting for no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to take place after March 27.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-didnt-join-politics-to-know-the-prices-of-aloo-and-tamatar-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-462066">I didn't join politics to know the prices of aloo and tamatar: Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a>

The PTI senator said in a tweet that the "biggest rally" in Pakistan's history will take place in Islamabad's D-Chowk on March 27 in front of the Parliament House, where the Pakistani PM will give a "historic speech."

"Voting on the no-confidence motion will take place after March 27. The opposition will face complete defeat. Confidence in PM Imran Khan will [increase]," Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.

Last week, while addressing a public meeting in Lower Dir district, Imran Khan urged people to gather at D-Chowk on the eve of the no-trust vote.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Here's why Imran Khan entered politics in his own words

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-heres-why-imran-khan-entered-politics-in-his-own-words-462330/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. While the PTI government has exuded confidence to defeat the no-trust motion, the Opposition is sure that they will oust Imran Khan.

With an eye on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government later this month in the National Assembly, Pakistan's federal government has tightened the security to maintain law and order situation.

With an eye on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government later this month in the National Assembly, Pakistan's federal government has tightened the security to maintain law and order situation. The decision to deploy paramilitary forces was made after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party announced a plan to hold a public gathering in Islamabad on March 27, Pakistan`s Geo News reported citing sources. The report said that Pakistan's Interior Ministry has sent a summary to the Cabinet regarding the deployment of at least 1,000 paramilitary personnel in Islamabad. Also read | Afghan diplomats under pressure from Taliban regime After PTI made the announcement about holding the public rally, the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) called the people and workers of opposition parties to begin a long march towards Islamabad on March 23 to stage a sit-in. This announcement was made by PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman after attending the meeting of the joint opposition at the residence of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, PTI senator Javed Khan announced that the voting for no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to take place after March 27. Also read | I didn't join politics to know the prices of aloo and tamatar: Pakistan PM Imran Khan The PTI senator said in a tweet that the "biggest rally" in Pakistan's history will take place in Islamabad's D-Chowk on March 27 in front of the Parliament House, where the Pakistani PM will give a "historic speech." "Voting on the no-confidence motion will take place after March 27. The opposition will face complete defeat. Confidence in PM Imran Khan will [increase]," Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. Last week, while addressing a public meeting in Lower Dir district, Imran Khan urged people to gather at D-Chowk on the eve of the no-trust vote. Watch | Gravitas: Here's why Imran Khan entered politics in his own words The opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. While the PTI government has exuded confidence to defeat the no-trust motion, the Opposition is sure that they will oust Imran Khan.

Pakistan government to deploy paramilitary forces in Islamabad ahead of no-confidence motion

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi conceded that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should help each other accomplish goals instead of "draining each other's energies", while adding that "some forces" have tried to create division between the two Asian countries.

India and China have been locked in a border tussle since May 2020. In June 2020, Chinese and Indian troops had clashed at Galwan leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and 4 PLA soldiers although reports claimed the casualties among the Chinese troops was much higher.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/stalemate-in-ladakh-de-escalation-from-the-friction-points-and-the-way-ahead-419900">Also Read:&nbsp;Stalemate in Ladakh - De-escalation from the friction points and the way ahead</a>

In February last year, the Chinese government had said it was pulling out troops from the forward areas along the LAC, however, India's Army said Chinese troops hadn't pulled back completely and were fortifying positions and building infrastructure.

In January, the two nations concluded the 14th round of corps commander-level meeting at the Chushul-Moldo border.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the two sides said had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views" on the issues related to the LAC in the western sector while seeking to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said that India will not agree to any status change along the LAC.

"We are absolutely clear that we will not agree to any change in the status quo. Any attempt to change the LAC unilaterally by one side. So however complex, however long it takes, however difficult it is, I think that clarity is what guides us," Jaishankar said while adding that "friction points" still needed to be resolved.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi conceded that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should help each other accomplish goals instead of "draining each other's energies", while adding that "some forces" have tried to create division between the two Asian countries.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi conceded that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should help each other accomplish goals instead of "draining each other's energies", while adding that "some forces" have tried to create division between the two Asian countries. India and China have been locked in a border tussle since May 2020. In June 2020, Chinese and Indian troops had clashed at Galwan leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and 4 PLA soldiers although reports claimed the casualties among the Chinese troops was much higher. Also Read: Stalemate in Ladakh - De-escalation from the friction points and the way ahead In February last year, the Chinese government had said it was pulling out troops from the forward areas along the LAC, however, India's Army said Chinese troops hadn't pulled back completely and were fortifying positions and building infrastructure. In January, the two nations concluded the 14th round of corps commander-level meeting at the Chushul-Moldo border. In a joint statement, the two sides said had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views" on the issues related to the LAC in the western sector while seeking to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels. India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said that India will not agree to any status change along the LAC. "We are absolutely clear that we will not agree to any change in the status quo. Any attempt to change the LAC unilaterally by one side. So however complex, however long it takes, however difficult it is, I think that clarity is what guides us," Jaishankar said while adding that "friction points" still needed to be resolved. (With inputs from Agencies)

India, China should help each other, not drain each other's energies: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi

Sydney, Australia's most populous city that has been drenched in&nbsp;rain&nbsp;for days, braced for&nbsp;more&nbsp;heavy downpours on Sunday as the&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;from&nbsp;flooding across the country's east rose to 17.

A wild weather system that dumped&nbsp;more&nbsp;than a year's worth of&nbsp;rainfall over a week in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) brought widespread destruction, leaving thousands of people in the states displaced and sweeping away property, livestock and roads.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-conflict-putin-likens-sanctions-on-russia-to-declaration-of-war-459428">Ukraine conflict: Putin likens sanctions on Russia to declaration of war</a>

Seventeen people have been killed since the deluge began, including a Queensland woman, whose body was found on Saturday, according to police.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) of NSW said a new weather system could bring another round of heavy&nbsp;rains across NSW, of which&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;is the capital, raising the risks of flooding.

"We are facing, unfortunately, a few&nbsp;more&nbsp;days of ongoing wet, stormy weather which will be quite dangerous for residents of NSW," BOM meteorologist Jane Golding said at a televised briefing.

In the north of New South Wales, the Clarence River remained at a major flood level, but Golding said that the severe weather appeared likely to clear&nbsp;from&nbsp;Wednesday onwards.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-needs-fighter-jets-russian-oil-embargo-says-report-459441">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs fighter jets, Russian oil embargo, says report</a>

In Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, and surrounding areas that were hit by heavy storms last weekend and flooded several thousand properties, the clean-up continued over the weekend.

The process of recovery will take months, authorities said on Sunday, while donating&nbsp;more&nbsp;than A$2 million ($1.5 million) to different charities.

"For an event that lasted just three days, it's going to have a big impact on our economy and on our budget," Queensland's treasurer, Cameron Dick, said at a briefing.

Sydney, Australia's most populous city that has been drenched in rain for days, braced for more heavy downpours on Sunday as the death toll from flooding across the country's east rose to 17.

Sydney, Australia's most populous city that has been drenched in rain for days, braced for more heavy downpours on Sunday as the death toll from flooding across the country's east rose to 17. A wild weather system that dumped more than a year's worth of rainfall over a week in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) brought widespread destruction, leaving thousands of people in the states displaced and sweeping away property, livestock and roads. Also read | Ukraine conflict: Putin likens sanctions on Russia to declaration of war Seventeen people have been killed since the deluge began, including a Queensland woman, whose body was found on Saturday, according to police. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) of NSW said a new weather system could bring another round of heavy rains across NSW, of which Sydney is the capital, raising the risks of flooding. "We are facing, unfortunately, a few more days of ongoing wet, stormy weather which will be quite dangerous for residents of NSW," BOM meteorologist Jane Golding said at a televised briefing. In the north of New South Wales, the Clarence River remained at a major flood level, but Golding said that the severe weather appeared likely to clear from Wednesday onwards. Also read | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs fighter jets, Russian oil embargo, says report In Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, and surrounding areas that were hit by heavy storms last weekend and flooded several thousand properties, the clean-up continued over the weekend. The process of recovery will take months, authorities said on Sunday, while donating more than A$2 million ($1.5 million) to different charities. "For an event that lasted just three days, it's going to have a big impact on our economy and on our budget," Queensland's treasurer, Cameron Dick, said at a briefing.

Sydney faces more rain as death toll from Australian floods rises to 17

Card payment giants Visa and Mastercard announced Saturday they will suspend operations in Russia, the latest major US firms to join the business freeze-out&nbsp;of Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

"Noting the unprecedented nature of the current conflict and the uncertain economic environment," Mastercard said it had "decided to suspend our network services in Russia."

Visa, for its part, said that "effective immediately" it would "work with its clients and partners within Russia to cease all Visa transactions over the coming days."

US President Joe Biden "welcomed the decision" during a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in which the two discussed US, ally and private industry actions to deter Russia from aggression, according to a White House readout.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-holds-phone-call-with-joe-biden-pushes-for-more-us-support-to-ukraine-459443">Zelensky holds phone call with Joe Biden, pushes for more US support to Ukraine</a>

Major corporations across a range of industries have halted business in Russia since its invasion began on February 24, including everything from US-based tech firms such as Intel and Airbnb to French luxury giants LVMH, Hermes and Chanel.

Visa and Mastercard had already announced that they were complying with US and international sanctions imposed on Russia in the wake of its attack.

"Our colleagues, our customers and our partners have been affected in ways that most of us could not imagine," Mastercard said, stating that its cards issued by Russian banks would no longer be supported by the company's network.

Visa similarly said that cards issued in Russia would no longer work outside the country.

Both companies said cards issued abroad would no longer work in Russia.

&nbsp;Russian banks downplay effects&nbsp;

"We are compelled to act following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the unacceptable events that we have witnessed," Visa CEO Al Kelly said.

Russia's major banks, including its largest lender Sberbank and the Russia Central Bank, downplayed the effects that the cards' suspensions would have on their clients.

"All Visa and Mastercard bank cards issued by Russian banks will continue to operate normally on Russian territory until their expiration date," the Russia Central Bank said.

Sberbank said in a statement on its official Telegram account that the cards "can be used for operations in the Russian territory -- to withdraw cash, make transfers using the card number, and for payment at offline as well as at online Russian stores."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-needs-fighter-jets-russian-oil-embargo-says-report-459441">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs fighter jets, Russian oil embargo, says report</a>

The cards would continue to work on Russian territory, it said, because all payments in Russia are made through a national system and do not depend on foreign systems.

However, the central bank warned that Russians traveling abroad should carry alternate means of payment.

Mastercard added that it would continue to provide pay and benefits to its nearly 200 employees in Russia.

Visa's and Mastercard's announcements came hours after PayPal also halted its services in Russia.

Ukrainian deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov tweeted a letter early Saturday from PayPal CEO Dan Schulman officially announcing the stop.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus | Ukraine War: Are we heading towards World War III

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-ukraine-war-are-we-heading-towards-world-war-iii-459352/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Under the current circumstances, we are suspending PayPal services in Russia," Schulman said in the letter.

He added that PayPal would continue to support its staff in the region and would focus on "enabling our customers and our global employee community to support" humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

&nbsp;

Card payment giants Visa and Mastercard announced Saturday they will suspend operations in Russia, the latest major US firms to join the business freeze-out of Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Card payment giants Visa and Mastercard announced Saturday they will suspend operations in Russia, the latest major US firms to join the business freeze-out of Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. "Noting the unprecedented nature of the current conflict and the uncertain economic environment," Mastercard said it had "decided to suspend our network services in Russia." Visa, for its part, said that "effective immediately" it would "work with its clients and partners within Russia to cease all Visa transactions over the coming days." US President Joe Biden "welcomed the decision" during a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in which the two discussed US, ally and private industry actions to deter Russia from aggression, according to a White House readout. Also read | Zelensky holds phone call with Joe Biden, pushes for more US support to Ukraine Major corporations across a range of industries have halted business in Russia since its invasion began on February 24, including everything from US-based tech firms such as Intel and Airbnb to French luxury giants LVMH, Hermes and Chanel. Visa and Mastercard had already announced that they were complying with US and international sanctions imposed on Russia in the wake of its attack. "Our colleagues, our customers and our partners have been affected in ways that most of us could not imagine," Mastercard said, stating that its cards issued by Russian banks would no longer be supported by the company's network. Visa similarly said that cards issued in Russia would no longer work outside the country. Both companies said cards issued abroad would no longer work in Russia. Russian banks downplay effects "We are compelled to act following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the unacceptable events that we have witnessed," Visa CEO Al Kelly said. Russia's major banks, including its largest lender Sberbank and the Russia Central Bank, downplayed the effects that the cards' suspensions would have on their clients. "All Visa and Mastercard bank cards issued by Russian banks will continue to operate normally on Russian territory until their expiration date," the Russia Central Bank said. Sberbank said in a statement on its official Telegram account that the cards "can be used for operations in the Russian territory -- to withdraw cash, make transfers using the card number, and for payment at offline as well as at online Russian stores." Also read | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs fighter jets, Russian oil embargo, says report The cards would continue to work on Russian territory, it said, because all payments in Russia are made through a national system and do not depend on foreign systems. However, the central bank warned that Russians traveling abroad should carry alternate means of payment. Mastercard added that it would continue to provide pay and benefits to its nearly 200 employees in Russia. Visa's and Mastercard's announcements came hours after PayPal also halted its services in Russia. Ukrainian deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov tweeted a letter early Saturday from PayPal CEO Dan Schulman officially announcing the stop. Watch | Gravitas Plus | Ukraine War: Are we heading towards World War III "Under the current circumstances, we are suspending PayPal services in Russia," Schulman said in the letter. He added that PayPal would continue to support its staff in the region and would focus on "enabling our customers and our global employee community to support" humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

Russia Ukraine Crisis: Visa, Mastercard suspend operations in Russia

India&nbsp;is&nbsp;set&nbsp;to&nbsp;export&nbsp;a&nbsp;record&nbsp;7&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;this&nbsp;year&nbsp;as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said.

"Indian&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports have picked up," Sudhanshu Pandey, the most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, told reporters on Saturday.

"By the end of February, we had already&nbsp;exported 6.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat. Still one month is left."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sigh-of-relief-183-indian-citizens-reach-delhi-in-special-flight-under-operation-ganga-459431">Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight under Operation Ganga</a>

In the 2012-13 fiscal&nbsp;year,&nbsp;India&nbsp;shipped a&nbsp;record&nbsp;6.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes.

A recent rally in international prices has made&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;shipments more lucrative for traders.

Benchmark&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;prices in Chicago have surged by more than 40% this week on fears of supply disruptions due to sanctions on Russia and the war in Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of world&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports.

Traders last week said&nbsp;India's&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports were expected to accelerate with a flurry of enquiries from buyers seeking alternatives to Black Sea shipments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-official-slams-pak-for-sending-inedible-wheat-says-indias-far-better-reports-459159">Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports</a>

India&nbsp;will also send 50,000&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;to Afghanistan, Pandey said, in a bid to help the country facing poverty and hunger since the takeover by the Taliban last&nbsp;year.

New Delhi has already sent 4,000&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of the grain to Afghanistan via an infrequently used land route through Pakistan.

India is set to export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat this year as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said.

India is set to export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat this year as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said. "Indian wheat exports have picked up," Sudhanshu Pandey, the most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, told reporters on Saturday. "By the end of February, we had already exported 6.6 million tonnes of wheat. Still one month is left." Also read | Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight under Operation Ganga In the 2012-13 fiscal year, India shipped a record 6.5 million tonnes. A recent rally in international prices has made wheat shipments more lucrative for traders. Benchmark wheat prices in Chicago have surged by more than 40% this week on fears of supply disruptions due to sanctions on Russia and the war in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of world wheat exports. Traders last week said India's wheat exports were expected to accelerate with a flurry of enquiries from buyers seeking alternatives to Black Sea shipments. Also read | Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports India will also send 50,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan, Pandey said, in a bid to help the country facing poverty and hunger since the takeover by the Taliban last year. New Delhi has already sent 4,000 tonnes of the grain to Afghanistan via an infrequently used land route through Pakistan.

India set to export record 7 million tonnes wheat this year

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