The Trump administration is facing a firestorm of controversy over two massive financial payouts. First, a nearly $1 billion deal to pay a foreign energy giant to abandon U.S. offshore wind projects, and second, the creation of a nearly $2 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" currently under federal investigation


Report: How Trump Allies Landed a $1 Billion Energy Deal 

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian forces have claimed to capture two villages, Rivnopillia and Mala Tokmachka, in the southern Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. These strategic gains enhance Russia's position in southeastern Ukraine as they continue to fight Ukrainian forces, who are struggling with smaller troop numbers and ongoing attacks.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Drones Hit Russia's Black Sea Terminal 

Nepal, India, and Bangladesh have signed a trilateral agreement to trade 40 megawatts of electricity. Under this agreement, Nepal will export 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh through the Indian grid during the initial phase, from June 15 to November 15.

Nepal-India-Bangladesh Sign Landmark Power Trade Deal

Sri Lanka on Friday (Mar 1) cancelled the contract with a Chinese firm and awarded the construction of three solar and wind hybrid power generation facilities to an Indian company.

The project was initially funded by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan; however, it is now backed by an $11 million Indian government grant. The contract with the Chinese company was temporarily scrapped two years ago the after Indian government raised concerns.

India has over the past few years grown skeptical of growing Chinese involvement in its neighbour states, a trend it has sought to counter with its own initiatives.

Indian company U-Solar, based out of Bengaluru, will now be taking over the contract. India's assistance "underscored the significance New Delhi attached to bilateral energy partnership", the Indian embassy said in a statement.

The three facilities will have a combined 2,230 kilowatts of renewable energy capacity and be located on islets near the northern city of Jaffna, not far from India's southern coast.

“The hybrid project combines various forms of energy including both solar and wind, towards optimising capacities,” a press release from the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

<h2>Third Indian energy project in Sri Lanka</h2>

The energy project is the third Indian-backed major project in Sri Lanka. While the National Thermal Power Corporation is spearheading a solar venture in the eastern Sampur town, the Adani Group is setting up renewable energy projects in Mannar and Pooneryn in the north.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwin3_uy7tWEAxXVmVYBHXrmCbEQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/massive-outrage-over-whites-only-party-in-sri-lanka-at-russian-run-nightclub-694945" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/massive-outrage-over-whites-only-party-in-sri-lanka-at-russian-run-nightclub-694945&amp;ved=2ahUKEwin3_uy7tWEAxXVmVYBHXrmCbEQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Massive outrage over `whites-only` party in Sri Lanka at Russian-run nightclub</a>

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the third energy project was signed between the two nations back in March 2022, when India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar visited the South Asian country.

<h2>India’s growing influence</h2>

Earlier this year, Sri Lanka had imposed a one-year ban on Chinese “research vessels” from entering its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after India raised objections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwin3_uy7tWEAxXVmVYBHXrmCbEQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rats-on-the-plane-sri-lanka-airlines-plane-grounded-for-three-days-after-rodent-spotted-on-flight-694388" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rats-on-the-plane-sri-lanka-airlines-plane-grounded-for-three-days-after-rodent-spotted-on-flight-694388&amp;ved=2ahUKEwin3_uy7tWEAxXVmVYBHXrmCbEQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Rats on plane: Sri Lanka Airlines aircraft grounded for three days after rodent spotting on flight</a>

It was speculated that Chinese vessels track strategic military and naval assets of India under the garb of doing research work.

The ban on Chinese vessels was seen as a big diplomatic victory for India, as well as a major setback for China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka on Friday (Mar 1) cancelled the contract with a Chinese firm and awarded the construction of three solar and wind hybrid power generation facilities to an Indian company.

Sri Lanka on Friday (Mar 1) cancelled the contract with a Chinese firm and awarded the construction of three solar and wind hybrid power generation facilities to an Indian company. The project was initially funded by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan; however, it is now backed by an $11 million Indian government grant. The contract with the Chinese company was temporarily scrapped two years ago the after Indian government raised concerns. India has over the past few years grown skeptical of growing Chinese involvement in its neighbour states, a trend it has sought to counter with its own initiatives. Indian company U-Solar, based out of Bengaluru, will now be taking over the contract. India's assistance "underscored the significance New Delhi attached to bilateral energy partnership", the Indian embassy said in a statement. The three facilities will have a combined 2,230 kilowatts of renewable energy capacity and be located on islets near the northern city of Jaffna, not far from India's southern coast. “The hybrid project combines various forms of energy including both solar and wind, towards optimising capacities,” a press release from the Indian High Commission in Colombo said. Third Indian energy project in Sri Lanka The energy project is the third Indian-backed major project in Sri Lanka. While the National Thermal Power Corporation is spearheading a solar venture in the eastern Sampur town, the Adani Group is setting up renewable energy projects in Mannar and Pooneryn in the north. Also read: Massive outrage over `whites-only` party in Sri Lanka at Russian-run nightclub A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the third energy project was signed between the two nations back in March 2022, when India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar visited the South Asian country. India’s growing influence Earlier this year, Sri Lanka had imposed a one-year ban on Chinese “research vessels” from entering its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after India raised objections. Also read: Rats on plane: Sri Lanka Airlines aircraft grounded for three days after rodent spotting on flight It was speculated that Chinese vessels track strategic military and naval assets of India under the garb of doing research work. The ban on Chinese vessels was seen as a big diplomatic victory for India, as well as a major setback for China. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka scraps energy deal with China, signs fresh contract with Bengaluru company

Greece and Bulgaria on Thursday (February 16) signed deals to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas. Greek prime minister's office said that the Balkan neighbours will co-operate on procuring and storing natural gas. It also said that the two countries will "explore" creation of a new pipeline between the ports of Alexandroupolis and Burgas.

The agreements are "one more step towards the strategic goal of European (energy) autonomy," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said after a meeting with visiting Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.

The president said that Greek companies would now be able to store natural gas in underground facility of Chiren while Bulgarian companies will have access to Greek terminal of Revithoussa.

"Both countries will have assured access to facilities that are critical to their energy security," Mitsotakis said.

He said the agreement "turns our two countries into crossroads for gas distribution not just from Greece to Bulgaria, but to the rest of Europe."

Both states have sped up projects to diversify away from dependence on Russian oil and gas.

Earlier in February, Bulgaria launched construction of a long-delayed gas pipeline link to neighbouring Serbia, while Greece has increased its capacity to store liquid natural gas.

Russia is a major supplier of natural gas to Europe. But ever since the Ukraine war broke out, Russia has been leveraging its position as major energy provider for political gains.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Greece and Bulgaria on Thursday (February 16) signed deals to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas. Greek prime minister's office said that the Balkan neighbours will co-operate on procuring and storing natural gas.

Greece and Bulgaria on Thursday (February 16) signed deals to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas. Greek prime minister's office said that the Balkan neighbours will co-operate on procuring and storing natural gas. It also said that the two countries will "explore" creation of a new pipeline between the ports of Alexandroupolis and Burgas. The agreements are "one more step towards the strategic goal of European (energy) autonomy," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said after a meeting with visiting Bulgarian President Rumen Radev. The president said that Greek companies would now be able to store natural gas in underground facility of Chiren while Bulgarian companies will have access to Greek terminal of Revithoussa. "Both countries will have assured access to facilities that are critical to their energy security," Mitsotakis said. He said the agreement "turns our two countries into crossroads for gas distribution not just from Greece to Bulgaria, but to the rest of Europe." Both states have sped up projects to diversify away from dependence on Russian oil and gas. Earlier in February, Bulgaria launched construction of a long-delayed gas pipeline link to neighbouring Serbia, while Greece has increased its capacity to store liquid natural gas. Russia is a major supplier of natural gas to Europe. But ever since the Ukraine war broke out, Russia has been leveraging its position as major energy provider for political gains. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Greece and Bulgaria come together, sign energy deal to reduce dependence on Russia

The Taliban officials and Moscow are on the verge of finalizing a trade agreement. According to the authorities, the Taliban will purchase gasoline and benzene from Russia.

Putin to supply Russian oil, gas to Taliban

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