<p>London, with its six airports is world's most exposed city to air pollution from aviation, exposing its residents to the equivalent emissions of 3.23 million cars annually, according to a recent study.</p>

<p>Dubai&nbsp;and Tokyo are the top of the table, subjecting inhabitants to emissions comparable to 2.78 million cars' worth of pollutants from air traffic.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;new research initiative tracking air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from cargo and passenger flights globally, designate these three cities as the most severely impacted by aviation-related air pollution.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;London is most exposed city to air pollution from aviation</strong></p>

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<p>The study notes that the top 20 airports collectively produce carbon emissions equivalent to 58 coal-fired power stations.</p>

<p>Jo Dardenne, the aviation director at Transport &amp; Environment, a think tank involved in the research, highlights the concerning rise in pollution around airports each year, affecting millions and leading to health conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dardenne emphasises the urgency of addressing the sector's exponential growth, especially in light of slow adoption of clean technologies.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-air-pollution-worsened-in-2023-the-first-time-in-10-years-study-672662" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-air-pollution-worsened-in-2023-the-first-time-in-10-years-study-672662&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9tqOgvNCEAxWawjgGHV1NANkQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3LpHUBUz19IdI0YqgTpGSD" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-air-pollution-worsened-in-2023-the-first-time-in-10-years-study-672662" target="_blank">China's&nbsp;<b>air pollution</b>&nbsp;worsened in 2023, the first time in 10 years</a></p>

<p>The 2024 Airport Tracker, a collaboration between the global affairs think tank ODI and Transport &amp; Environment, updates research from 2021, now including the carbon footprint of air freight alongside passenger flights. It covers emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 1,300 airports.</p>

<p>Dubai airport emerges as the most polluting globally, responsible for 20.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in a year, equivalent to the emissions of five coal power plants.</p>

<p>Heathrow airport in London ranks second for climate impact, emitting 19.1 million tonnes of CO2 annually, along with notable NOx emissions. However, its PM2.5 pollution ranks it lower on the list.</p>

<p>Critics argue that airports lack sufficient safeguards against pollution, with concerns about aircraft noise levels and the absence of EU standards on ultrafine particles. Activists call for immediate measures such as night flight bans and improvements in jet fuel standards.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-airport-chaos-g20-summit-pollution-measures-delayed-repairs-to-main-cat-iii-runway-680544" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-airport-chaos-g20-summit-pollution-measures-delayed-repairs-to-main-cat-iii-runway-680544&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUjcOlu9CEAxU7g1YBHfWgAU0QFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1TGaErq35dCXIzyN9rVvl0" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-airport-chaos-g20-summit-pollution-measures-delayed-repairs-to-main-cat-iii-runway-680544" target="_blank">Delhi airport chaos: G20 Summit,&nbsp;<b>pollution</b>&nbsp;measures delayed&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Sam Pickard from ODI emphasises the long-term impact of airport infrastructure choices on climate and air quality, urging increased awareness and restrictions on expansion in various parts of the world.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


London, with its six airports is world's most exposed city to air pollution from aviation, exposing its residents to the equivalent emissions of 3.23 million cars annually, according to a recent study.

London, with its six airports is world's most exposed city to air pollution from aviation, exposing its residents to the equivalent emissions of 3.23 million cars annually, according to a recent study. Dubai and Tokyo are the top of the table, subjecting inhabitants to emissions comparable to 2.78 million cars' worth of pollutants from air traffic. The new research initiative tracking air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from cargo and passenger flights globally, designate these three cities as the most severely impacted by aviation-related air pollution. Watch: London is most exposed city to air pollution from aviation × The study notes that the top 20 airports collectively produce carbon emissions equivalent to 58 coal-fired power stations. Jo Dardenne, the aviation director at Transport & Environment, a think tank involved in the research, highlights the concerning rise in pollution around airports each year, affecting millions and leading to health conditions. Dardenne emphasises the urgency of addressing the sector's exponential growth, especially in light of slow adoption of clean technologies. Also read: China's air pollution worsened in 2023, the first time in 10 years The 2024 Airport Tracker, a collaboration between the global affairs think tank ODI and Transport & Environment, updates research from 2021, now including the carbon footprint of air freight alongside passenger flights. It covers emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 1,300 airports. Dubai airport emerges as the most polluting globally, responsible for 20.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in a year, equivalent to the emissions of five coal power plants. Heathrow airport in London ranks second for climate impact, emitting 19.1 million tonnes of CO2 annually, along with notable NOx emissions. However, its PM2.5 pollution ranks it lower on the list. Critics argue that airports lack sufficient safeguards against pollution, with concerns about aircraft noise levels and the absence of EU standards on ultrafine particles. Activists call for immediate measures such as night flight bans and improvements in jet fuel standards. Also read: Delhi airport chaos: G20 Summit, pollution measures delayed Sam Pickard from ODI emphasises the long-term impact of airport infrastructure choices on climate and air quality, urging increased awareness and restrictions on expansion in various parts of the world. (With inputs from agencies)

London is world's most exposed city to air pollution from aviation: Study

<p>Rinky Chakma, Femina Miss India Tripura 2017, has succumbed to cancer after a courageous battle. Diagnosed with Malignant Phyllodes Tumor (breast cancer) in 2022, Rinky underwent surgery following her diagnosis.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, the cancer metastasised to her lungs and later progressed to her head, leading to a brain tumor.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-males-how-its-different-from-females-558796" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-males-how-its-different-from-females-558796&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiR3ojw086EAxU6rVYBHbQsB7MQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YtLN1DH32gb3sXaIhJN1i" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-males-how-its-different-from-females-558796" target="_blank">Symptoms of&nbsp;<b>breast cancer</b>&nbsp;in males. How it's different from females</a></p>

<p>Despite undergoing medical procedures and chemotherapy, her health deteriorated and she was admitted to Max Hospital Saket on February 22, where she was placed on a ventilator in the ICU.</p>

<p>Three days prior to her admission, Rinky's close friend and Femina Miss India 2017 runner-up, Priyanka Kumari, shared Rinky's medical reports on social media to raise funds for her treatment.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/life-fun/health-and-wellness/breast-cancer-postrecovery-precautions-and-care-1707074259101" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/life-fun/health-and-wellness/breast-cancer-postrecovery-precautions-and-care-1707074259101&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiR3ojw086EAxU6rVYBHbQsB7MQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1kIHgtoC1eimF_nizZ9QW5" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/life-fun/health-and-wellness/breast-cancer-postrecovery-precautions-and-care-1707074259101" target="_blank"><b>Breast Cancer</b>: Post-recovery precautions and care</a></p>

<p>Priyanka appealed to their fans, stating, "We are raising funds for our friend Rinky Chakma, who has been battling cancer for the past two years. She had breast cancer initially, underwent surgery, but it later metastasised into her lungs and brain. Unfortunately, her health deteriorated, and she was unable to sustain chemotherapy, so she was discharged until her health restores. As of now, she is on a ventilator in the ICU, and we need to raise funds for her treatment."</p>

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<p>Rinky herself had sought financial assistance a few weeks earlier, sharing her struggles and the financial burden her family faced due to her prolonged medical treatment. Despite her challenging circumstances, Rinky maintained a positive outlook and requested support through donations.</p>

<p>The official page of the Femina Miss India pageant confirmed Rinky Chakma's passing, expressing deep sadness.</p>

<p>The post acknowledged Rinky's remarkable personality, describing her as a force of grace and purpose.</p>

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<p>Representing Tripura at the Femina Miss India 2017 pageant, she was honored with the title of Miss Beauty with a Purpose, reflecting her impactful endeavours and compassionate spirit.</p>

<p>The post extended heartfelt condolences to Rinky's family and friends, emphasising that her legacy of purpose and beauty will be forever remembered. Rinky Chakma will be profoundly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her, and may her soul find eternal peace.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rinky Chakma, Femina Miss India Tripura 2017, has succumbed to cancer after a courageous battle. Diagnosed with Malignant Phyllodes Tumor (breast cancer) in 2022, Rinky underwent surgery following her diagnosis.

Rinky Chakma, Femina Miss India Tripura 2017, has succumbed to cancer after a courageous battle. Diagnosed with Malignant Phyllodes Tumor (breast cancer) in 2022, Rinky underwent surgery following her diagnosis. Unfortunately, the cancer metastasised to her lungs and later progressed to her head, leading to a brain tumor. Also read: Symptoms of breast cancer in males. How it's different from females Despite undergoing medical procedures and chemotherapy, her health deteriorated and she was admitted to Max Hospital Saket on February 22, where she was placed on a ventilator in the ICU. Three days prior to her admission, Rinky's close friend and Femina Miss India 2017 runner-up, Priyanka Kumari, shared Rinky's medical reports on social media to raise funds for her treatment. Also read: Breast Cancer: Post-recovery precautions and care Priyanka appealed to their fans, stating, "We are raising funds for our friend Rinky Chakma, who has been battling cancer for the past two years. She had breast cancer initially, underwent surgery, but it later metastasised into her lungs and brain. Unfortunately, her health deteriorated, and she was unable to sustain chemotherapy, so she was discharged until her health restores. As of now, she is on a ventilator in the ICU, and we need to raise funds for her treatment." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka Kumari (@priyankakumari_official) × Rinky herself had sought financial assistance a few weeks earlier, sharing her struggles and the financial burden her family faced due to her prolonged medical treatment. Despite her challenging circumstances, Rinky maintained a positive outlook and requested support through donations. The official page of the Femina Miss India pageant confirmed Rinky Chakma's passing, expressing deep sadness. The post acknowledged Rinky's remarkable personality, describing her as a force of grace and purpose. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Femina Miss India (@missindiaorg) × Representing Tripura at the Femina Miss India 2017 pageant, she was honored with the title of Miss Beauty with a Purpose, reflecting her impactful endeavours and compassionate spirit. The post extended heartfelt condolences to Rinky's family and friends, emphasising that her legacy of purpose and beauty will be forever remembered. Rinky Chakma will be profoundly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her, and may her soul find eternal peace. (With inputs from agencies)

Rinky Chakma, Miss India Tripura 2017, passes away at 29 following battle with cancer

<p>Thousands of South Korean junior doctors have walked off the job to protest against medical training reforms, causing healthcare chaos.</p>

<p>The government is refusing to back down on its plans but has sought talks with doctors.</p>

<p>AFP looks at what we know:</p>

<p><strong>What is the strike about?</strong></p>

<p>Nearly 10,000 junior doctors -- about 80 per cent of the trainee workforce -- handed in their notices and downed tools last week to protest against government plans to sharply increase medical school admissions to cope with shortages and an ageing society.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-doctors-strike-seoul-seeks-to-hold-talks-with-striking-doctors-694987">Striking South Korean doctors face threat of licence cancellation amid prospects of talks</a></p>

<p>They say the plan would hurt the quality of service and the Korean Medical Association (KMA) has slammed the government's intimidation tactics.</p>

<p>Proponents of the reform say doctors are mainly concerned the changes could erode their salaries and social status.</p>

<p>The government says South Korea has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios among developed countries.</p>

<p><strong>How has the walkout affected hospitals?</strong></p>

<p>Up to half of surgeries have been cancelled in major hospitals since last week, local media has reported.</p>

<p>Most hospitals stopped offering non-urgent walk-in appointments and patients have described long waits for emergency care, with some being repeatedly turned away even in urgent situations.</p>

<p>Senior doctors are still working but local media has reported they will stage a rally this weekend. Some 25,000 people are expected to join, local reports say.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-south-koreas-hospitals-on-red-alert-as-thousands-of-doctors-stage-walkout-over-proposed-reforms-692913">Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out</a></strong></p>

<p>South Korean media reported on Thursday (Feb 29) that a woman suffered a miscarriage after being turned away from hospitals, over a birth canal issue, because no doctors were available.</p>

<p>The government is also investigating a case where an elderly woman died of a heart attack in an ambulance after struggling to find a hospital.</p>

<p><strong>What is the public saying?</strong></p>

<p>Polling shows up to 75 per cent of the public support the reforms and President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has taken a hard line on the striking doctors, has seen his approval ratings tick up.</p>

<p>The Korea Severe Disease Association, a patients' group, condemned both the government and the KMA over the strikes.</p>

<p>Lee Hye-min, a 19-year-old university student, told AFP that her mother needed regular medical treatment.</p>

<p>"My mother has kidney problems and I remember her feeling very anxious as she went to the hospital. She was worried her doctors would go on strike, too," Lee said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;South Korea Doctors' Protest: Hundreds of senior doctors rally near Presidential office</strong></p>

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<p>"I think (the strike) is too extreme. There are patients still in hospital waiting for surgery who have been completely disregarded for the personal interests of doctors."</p>

<p>However, Noh Hye-sueng, 31, said the reforms would reduce the quality of medical care.</p>

<p>"When they expand the number of medical students, the new students won't be as reliable because schools will have to accept anyone just to fill the quota," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Is there any hope of compromise?</strong></p>

<p>With legislative elections coming in April, when Yoon's party hopes to win back a parliamentary majority, the government is unlikely to compromise quickly, analysts say.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-trainee-doctors-stop-work-to-protest-medical-reforms-692126" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-trainee-doctors-stop-work-to-protest-medical-reforms-692126&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqg-_K0dCEAxUhxTgGHdoUA9AQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2tiNjthDtL7eU9pfd4zTjq" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-trainee-doctors-stop-work-to-protest-medical-reforms-692126" target="_blank"><b>South Korean</b>&nbsp;trainee&nbsp;<b>doctors</b>&nbsp;stop work to protest medical reforms</a></p>

<p>The Korea Association of Medical Colleges has proposed what it calls a compromise: an 11 per cent increase in medical school admissions, compared with the government's planned 65 per cent increase.</p>

<p>The government rejected the offer.</p>

<p>In an attempt to convince the medics to return to hospitals by a Thursday (Feb 29) deadline, after which they risk legal action, a health minister met a group of trainee doctors behind closed doors.</p>

<p><strong>What about nurses?</strong></p>

<p>Nurses are picking up the slack. Park Na-rae, a nurse and union member at Seoul National University Hospital, told AFP she and her colleagues were taking on tasks previously carried out by resident doctors despite fears over their level of legal protection.</p>

<p>The government offered new legal protections to nurses to cover grey areas&nbsp;where it was not clear if a doctor was required.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-declares-severe-health-alert-amid-doctors-strike-693175" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-declares-severe-health-alert-amid-doctors-strike-693175&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqg-_K0dCEAxUhxTgGHdoUA9AQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3T9xrcsO0Mb9qcZqanej7B" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-declares-severe-health-alert-amid-doctors-strike-693175" target="_blank"><b>South Korea</b>&nbsp;declares 'severe' health alert amid&nbsp;<b>doctors</b>' strike</a></p>

<p>Many nurses are critical of the walkouts.</p>

<p>Lee Hye-ok, a nurse at one of the largest hospitals in South Korea, said nurses had previously gone on strike but had done so within the bounds of the law, taking measures to minimise the impact on patients.</p>

<p>"An irresponsible departure like this is nothing more than selfishness that uses patients' lives as a bargaining chip, even if professors are still remaining at hospitals."</p>


Thousands of South Korean junior doctors have walked off the job to protest against medical training reforms, causing healthcare chaos. The government is refusing to back down on its plans but has sought talks with doctors.

Thousands of South Korean junior doctors have walked off the job to protest against medical training reforms, causing healthcare chaos. The government is refusing to back down on its plans but has sought talks with doctors. AFP looks at what we know: What is the strike about? Nearly 10,000 junior doctors -- about 80 per cent of the trainee workforce -- handed in their notices and downed tools last week to protest against government plans to sharply increase medical school admissions to cope with shortages and an ageing society. Also read: Striking South Korean doctors face threat of licence cancellation amid prospects of talks They say the plan would hurt the quality of service and the Korean Medical Association (KMA) has slammed the government's intimidation tactics. Proponents of the reform say doctors are mainly concerned the changes could erode their salaries and social status. The government says South Korea has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios among developed countries. How has the walkout affected hospitals? Up to half of surgeries have been cancelled in major hospitals since last week, local media has reported. Most hospitals stopped offering non-urgent walk-in appointments and patients have described long waits for emergency care, with some being repeatedly turned away even in urgent situations. Senior doctors are still working but local media has reported they will stage a rally this weekend. Some 25,000 people are expected to join, local reports say. Also read | Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out South Korean media reported on Thursday (Feb 29) that a woman suffered a miscarriage after being turned away from hospitals, over a birth canal issue, because no doctors were available. The government is also investigating a case where an elderly woman died of a heart attack in an ambulance after struggling to find a hospital. What is the public saying? Polling shows up to 75 per cent of the public support the reforms and President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has taken a hard line on the striking doctors, has seen his approval ratings tick up. The Korea Severe Disease Association, a patients' group, condemned both the government and the KMA over the strikes. Lee Hye-min, a 19-year-old university student, told AFP that her mother needed regular medical treatment. "My mother has kidney problems and I remember her feeling very anxious as she went to the hospital. She was worried her doctors would go on strike, too," Lee said. Watch | South Korea Doctors' Protest: Hundreds of senior doctors rally near Presidential office × "I think (the strike) is too extreme. There are patients still in hospital waiting for surgery who have been completely disregarded for the personal interests of doctors." However, Noh Hye-sueng, 31, said the reforms would reduce the quality of medical care. "When they expand the number of medical students, the new students won't be as reliable because schools will have to accept anyone just to fill the quota," she said. Is there any hope of compromise? With legislative elections coming in April, when Yoon's party hopes to win back a parliamentary majority, the government is unlikely to compromise quickly, analysts say. Also read: South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms The Korea Association of Medical Colleges has proposed what it calls a compromise: an 11 per cent increase in medical school admissions, compared with the government's planned 65 per cent increase. The government rejected the offer. In an attempt to convince the medics to return to hospitals by a Thursday (Feb 29) deadline, after which they risk legal action, a health minister met a group of trainee doctors behind closed doors. What about nurses? Nurses are picking up the slack. Park Na-rae, a nurse and union member at Seoul National University Hospital, told AFP she and her colleagues were taking on tasks previously carried out by resident doctors despite fears over their level of legal protection. The government offered new legal protections to nurses to cover grey areas where it was not clear if a doctor was required. Also read: South Korea declares 'severe' health alert amid doctors' strike Many nurses are critical of the walkouts. Lee Hye-ok, a nurse at one of the largest hospitals in South Korea, said nurses had previously gone on strike but had done so within the bounds of the law, taking measures to minimise the impact on patients. "An irresponsible departure like this is nothing more than selfishness that uses patients' lives as a bargaining chip, even if professors are still remaining at hospitals."

What's happening in S. Korean hospitals as doctors strike?

<p>Affidavits filed in the case of Laken Riley, the nursing student killed on the University of Georgia campus, reveal that the suspect is accused of using an object as a weapon and disfiguring her skull.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-to-alleged-killing-of-laken-hope-riley-by-undocumented-immigrant-694282" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-to-alleged-killing-of-laken-hope-riley-by-undocumented-immigrant-694282&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL0_yW2cuEAxUXfGwGHcvJCMMQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0QKqXNkkA-eUGc96beFzh_" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reacts-to-alleged-killing-of-laken-hope-riley-by-undocumented-immigrant-694282" target="_blank">White House reacts to alleged killing of&nbsp;<b>Laken</b>&nbsp;Hope&nbsp;<b>Riley</b></a></p>

<p>According to the affidavit filed on February 23, Jose Antonio Ibarra is accused of the crime of physically impeding a 911 call and the felonies of malice murder, abduction, false detention, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and concealing the death of another.</p>

<p>According to new information added this week, Ibarra did commit the offence of aggravated battery when he cruelly causes bodily harm to another by seriously disfiguring her body or a member thereof by disfiguring her skull.</p>

<p>Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan citizen, entered the US unlawfully in 2022, according to immigration authorities.</p>

<p>Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University, was found dead after not returning from a morning run on the University of Georgia campus. Riley's roommate reported she did not return from an early morning run.<br />
<br />
Later, University of Georgia police found her body in the woods along a trail by the intramural fields that afternoon.</p>

<p>The tragic incident has become a political talking point, with Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp, using it to criticise President Biden's immigration policies.</p>

<p>In a letter to President Joe Biden last week, Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp demanded a response to questions surrounding the immigration status of the arrested suspect in the murder of Laken Riley and asylum claims of the suspect's brother.</p>

<p>Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that Ibarra was detained in 2022 after entering from Mexico and had a prior arrest in New York.</p>

<p>On Monday (Feb 26), the White House addressed Riley's murder, expressing condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-make-immigration-faster-easier-for-ai-professionals-how-will-this-help-indians-653502">US to make immigration faster, easier for AI professionals. How will this help Indians?</a></strong></p>

<p>A spokesperson for the White House informed Fox News Digital that individuals found guilty should face full accountability within the bounds of the law. As the case is currently active, inquiries were directed to state law enforcement and ICE.</p>

<p>In a separate development, Athens-Clarke County District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez appointed a special prosecutor, attorney Sheila Ross, emphasising her expertise in seeking justice for Laken Riley.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Affidavits filed in the case of Laken Riley, the nursing student killed on the University of Georgia campus, reveal that the suspect is accused of using an object as a weapon and disfiguring her skull.

Affidavits filed in the case of Laken Riley, the nursing student killed on the University of Georgia campus, reveal that the suspect is accused of using an object as a weapon and disfiguring her skull. Also read: White House reacts to alleged killing of Laken Hope Riley According to the affidavit filed on February 23, Jose Antonio Ibarra is accused of the crime of physically impeding a 911 call and the felonies of malice murder, abduction, false detention, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and concealing the death of another. According to new information added this week, Ibarra did commit the offence of aggravated battery when he cruelly causes bodily harm to another by seriously disfiguring her body or a member thereof by disfiguring her skull. Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan citizen, entered the US unlawfully in 2022, according to immigration authorities. Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University, was found dead after not returning from a morning run on the University of Georgia campus. Riley's roommate reported she did not return from an early morning run. Later, University of Georgia police found her body in the woods along a trail by the intramural fields that afternoon. The tragic incident has become a political talking point, with Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp, using it to criticise President Biden's immigration policies. In a letter to President Joe Biden last week, Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp demanded a response to questions surrounding the immigration status of the arrested suspect in the murder of Laken Riley and asylum claims of the suspect's brother. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that Ibarra was detained in 2022 after entering from Mexico and had a prior arrest in New York. On Monday (Feb 26), the White House addressed Riley's murder, expressing condolences to the family and loved ones of Laken Hope Riley. Also read | US to make immigration faster, easier for AI professionals. How will this help Indians? A spokesperson for the White House informed Fox News Digital that individuals found guilty should face full accountability within the bounds of the law. As the case is currently active, inquiries were directed to state law enforcement and ICE. In a separate development, Athens-Clarke County District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez appointed a special prosecutor, attorney Sheila Ross, emphasising her expertise in seeking justice for Laken Riley. (With inputs from agencies)

Laken Riley: Georgia nursing student murder suspect also disfigured her skull, reveal court documents

<p>A study suggests that individuals enduring long-term effects of Covid-19 exhibit measurable memory and cognitive impairments comparable to a discrepancy of approximately six IQ points.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/rising-cases-of-silent-heart-attacks-linked-to-long-covid-wion-decodes-687662" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/rising-cases-of-silent-heart-attacks-linked-to-long-covid-wion-decodes-687662&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjSht2ZsdCEAxUKSWwGHRSFDCUQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw34Ok4z_DxgU4DsUrrTXk5p" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/rising-cases-of-silent-heart-attacks-linked-to-long-covid-wion-decodes-687662" target="_blank">Rising cases of silent heart attacks linked to long&nbsp;<b>Covid</b>?</a></p>

<p>A study involving over 140,000 participants conducted in the summer of 2022&nbsp;suggests that the repercussions of Covid-19 on cognitive and memory functions may persist for a year or more post-infection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, individuals with persistent symptoms lasting over 12 weeks displayed significant deficits in tasks related to memory, reasoning, and executive function. Scientists assert that these findings provide concrete evidence of the tangible impact of brain fog.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-experimenting-with-deadly-covid-like-virus-that-is-fatal-to-mice-report-680390" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-experimenting-with-deadly-covid-like-virus-that-is-fatal-to-mice-report-680390&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjSht2ZsdCEAxUKSWwGHRSFDCUQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw37wPfbA9VlAfLqFqEM5iqA" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-experimenting-with-deadly-covid-like-virus-that-is-fatal-to-mice-report-680390" target="_blank">China experimenting with deadly&nbsp;<b>Covid</b>-like virus</a></p>

<p>Professor Adam Hampshire, a cognitive neuroscientist at Imperial College London and the study's lead author, highlighted the significance of the study, stating that while the concept of brain fog has been widely reported, this research demonstrates its correlation with objectively measurable impairments.</p>

<p>The study, conducted on participants from the React cohort, revealed that even after a year or more, individuals who had previously been infected but were symptom-free still exhibited detectable cognitive deficits, equivalent to around three IQ points.</p>

<p>For those with unresolved symptoms lasting beyond 12 weeks, the deficit was more pronounced, amounting to approximately six IQ points.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-scare-returns-with-jn1-rearing-its-head-do-you-need-to-worry-experts-speak-671776" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-scare-returns-with-jn1-rearing-its-head-do-you-need-to-worry-experts-speak-671776&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj28N_JsdCEAxVwS2wGHQg7DqAQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw20sm4ItGibZH3ygFxX9XwI" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-scare-returns-with-jn1-rearing-its-head-do-you-need-to-worry-experts-speak-671776" target="_blank"><b>Covid</b>&nbsp;scare returns: With JN.1 spreading fast, do you need to worry</a></p>

<p>Dr. Maxime Taquet from the University of Oxford, not involved in the study, emphasised that while the average cognitive deficits may be small, a considerable minority could experience more significant impairments affecting their daily functioning and work capacity.</p>

<p>Encouragingly, individuals with longer-lasting symptoms that eventually resolved demonstrated deficits comparable to those who experienced a mild, short-duration illness. On the other hand, individuals with unresolved symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more (indicative of long Covid) and those who had been hospitalised for Covid-19 exhibited more noticeable and broader-ranging cognitive deficits.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj28N_JsdCEAxVwS2wGHQg7DqAQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1TViFS_DYCOIPWYANjNpCQ" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" target="_blank">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for&nbsp;<b>COVID</b></a></p>

<p>Variations were also observed among those infected with early virus variants, though attributing these differences to vaccine introduction and improved treatment during the pandemic's progression was inconclusive.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A study suggests that individuals enduring long-term effects of Covid-19 exhibit measurable memory and cognitive impairments comparable to a discrepancy of approximately six IQ points.

A study suggests that individuals enduring long-term effects of Covid-19 exhibit measurable memory and cognitive impairments comparable to a discrepancy of approximately six IQ points. Also read: Rising cases of silent heart attacks linked to long Covid? A study involving over 140,000 participants conducted in the summer of 2022 suggests that the repercussions of Covid-19 on cognitive and memory functions may persist for a year or more post-infection. Notably, individuals with persistent symptoms lasting over 12 weeks displayed significant deficits in tasks related to memory, reasoning, and executive function. Scientists assert that these findings provide concrete evidence of the tangible impact of brain fog. Also read: China experimenting with deadly Covid-like virus Professor Adam Hampshire, a cognitive neuroscientist at Imperial College London and the study's lead author, highlighted the significance of the study, stating that while the concept of brain fog has been widely reported, this research demonstrates its correlation with objectively measurable impairments. The study, conducted on participants from the React cohort, revealed that even after a year or more, individuals who had previously been infected but were symptom-free still exhibited detectable cognitive deficits, equivalent to around three IQ points. For those with unresolved symptoms lasting beyond 12 weeks, the deficit was more pronounced, amounting to approximately six IQ points. Also read: Covid scare returns: With JN.1 spreading fast, do you need to worry Dr. Maxime Taquet from the University of Oxford, not involved in the study, emphasised that while the average cognitive deficits may be small, a considerable minority could experience more significant impairments affecting their daily functioning and work capacity. Encouragingly, individuals with longer-lasting symptoms that eventually resolved demonstrated deficits comparable to those who experienced a mild, short-duration illness. On the other hand, individuals with unresolved symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more (indicative of long Covid) and those who had been hospitalised for Covid-19 exhibited more noticeable and broader-ranging cognitive deficits. Also read: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID Variations were also observed among those infected with early virus variants, though attributing these differences to vaccine introduction and improved treatment during the pandemic's progression was inconclusive. (With inputs from agencies)

Measurable impact of 'brain fog' linked to long Covid: Study

<p>The judge who presided over former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial in New York City received an envelope containing white powder. This occurrence triggered an immediate emergency response from police and fire officials, Law enforcement sources informed ABC News on Feb 28.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-fraud-case-trump-ordered-to-pay-nearly-355-mn-he-is-barred-from-doing-business-in-state-for-3-yrs-691092" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-fraud-case-trump-ordered-to-pay-nearly-355-mn-he-is-barred-from-doing-business-in-state-for-3-yrs-691092&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZ8t3kzs6EAxWkbmwGHQMODMoQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kTHU74AgV7iFClb87D0ZD" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-fraud-case-trump-ordered-to-pay-nearly-355-mn-he-is-barred-from-doing-business-in-state-for-3-yrs-691092" target="_blank">New York fraud case: Trump ordered to pay nearly $355 mn</a></p>

<p>Justice Arthur Engoron, who had imposed a nearly half-billion dollar judgment against Trump, was the intended recipient of the envelope.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two court officers were exposed to the substance, but sources indicate it is not believed to be harmful.</p>

<p>The incident occurred in the operations office of the downtown Manhattan courthouse. Although multiple threats, including a bomb threat at his Long Island residence on the day of closing arguments, were directed at Engoron during and after Trump's civil fraud trial, sources reassured that the judge himself was never in danger.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-court-re-imposes-gag-order-on-donald-trump-664849" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-court-re-imposes-gag-order-on-donald-trump-664849&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZ8t3kzs6EAxWkbmwGHQMODMoQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_3sqQUGlfPmVMtimzY-pN" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-court-re-imposes-gag-order-on-donald-trump-664849" target="_blank">New York court re-imposes gag order on Donald Trump</a></p>

<p>Engoron had previously implemented a limited gag order on Trump's statements during the civil fraud trial to safeguard court staff.</p>

<p>As legal proceedings against Trump continue, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is seeking a similar gag order for the upcoming criminal trial, scheduled to commence next month at a courthouse located two blocks away.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in his most prominent case last week, Engoron prohibited Trump from conducting business in New York for a duration of three years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-refuses-to-delay-donald-trumps-civil-fraud-trial-640820" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-refuses-to-delay-donald-trumps-civil-fraud-trial-640820&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZ8t3kzs6EAxWkbmwGHQMODMoQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ID4ITtWAJU4ql9aIFrn3g" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-refuses-to-delay-donald-trumps-civil-fraud-trial-640820" target="_blank">US court refuses to delay Donald Trump's civil fraud trial</a></p>

<p>Additionally, the former president was instructed to compensate $355 million in damages. This legal action stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James, accusing Trump of inflating his assets and engaging in fraudulent activities.</p>

<p>In a comprehensive 92-page judgment, Engoron determined that Trump and the defendants bore responsibility for "persistent and repeated fraud", "falsifying business records", "issuing false financial statements", "conspiracy to falsify false financial statements", "insurance fraud", and "conspiracy to commit insurance fraud".</p>

<p>Within the ruling, Engoron also took the opportunity to critique Trump's conduct during the trial, highlighting that the former president "rarely responded to the questions asked" and frequently indulged in lengthy, irrelevant speeches that extended beyond the trial's scope.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The judge who presided over former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial in New York City received an envelope containing white powder. This occurrence triggered an immediate emergency response from police and fire officials, Law enforcement sources informed ABC News on Feb 28.

The judge who presided over former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial in New York City received an envelope containing white powder. This occurrence triggered an immediate emergency response from police and fire officials, Law enforcement sources informed ABC News on Feb 28. Also read: New York fraud case: Trump ordered to pay nearly $355 mn Justice Arthur Engoron, who had imposed a nearly half-billion dollar judgment against Trump, was the intended recipient of the envelope. Two court officers were exposed to the substance, but sources indicate it is not believed to be harmful. The incident occurred in the operations office of the downtown Manhattan courthouse. Although multiple threats, including a bomb threat at his Long Island residence on the day of closing arguments, were directed at Engoron during and after Trump's civil fraud trial, sources reassured that the judge himself was never in danger. Also read: New York court re-imposes gag order on Donald Trump Engoron had previously implemented a limited gag order on Trump's statements during the civil fraud trial to safeguard court staff. As legal proceedings against Trump continue, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is seeking a similar gag order for the upcoming criminal trial, scheduled to commence next month at a courthouse located two blocks away. Meanwhile, in his most prominent case last week, Engoron prohibited Trump from conducting business in New York for a duration of three years. Also read: US court refuses to delay Donald Trump's civil fraud trial Additionally, the former president was instructed to compensate $355 million in damages. This legal action stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James, accusing Trump of inflating his assets and engaging in fraudulent activities. In a comprehensive 92-page judgment, Engoron determined that Trump and the defendants bore responsibility for "persistent and repeated fraud", "falsifying business records", "issuing false financial statements", "conspiracy to falsify false financial statements", "insurance fraud", and "conspiracy to commit insurance fraud". Within the ruling, Engoron also took the opportunity to critique Trump's conduct during the trial, highlighting that the former president "rarely responded to the questions asked" and frequently indulged in lengthy, irrelevant speeches that extended beyond the trial's scope. (With inputs from agencies)

Judge overseeing Trump fraud trial receives envelope with suspicious white powder: Sources

<p>The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav as a witness for questioning in the illegal mining case, Indian media reports said citing sources within the investigative agency.</p>

<p>The reports said the sources revealed that the former chief minister of the northern Uttar Pradesh state is scheduled to undergo questioning on February 29.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sps-akhilesh-yadav-shuns-rahul-gandhis-march-as-deeper-crack-appears-in-oppn-india-bloc-691721">SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc</a></p>

<p>Akhilesh Yadav had previously headed the mining department from 2012 to June 2013.</p>

<p>Illegal mining incidents were reported in seven districts of Uttar Pradesh including Shamli, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Deoria, Saharanpur, Hamirpur and Siddharthnagar.</p>

<p>The allegations suggest that government officials unlawfully allocated mining sites, disregarding rules and regulations between 2012 and 2016. The mining rights were granted in violation of NGT (National Green Tribunal) orders, according to the agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-akhilesh-yadav-hints-seat-sharing-talks-with-congress-finalised-692297">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Samajwadi Party and Congress finalise seat-sharing plan</a></p>

<p>The CBI contends that on February 17, 2013, leases were unlawfully granted by the district magistrate of Hamirpur, B Chandrakala, in contravention of the 2012 e-tender policy.</p>

<p>This approval was reportedly obtained from the chief minister's office, despite the fact that the policy had received validation from the Allahabad High Court on January 29 of the same year.</p>

<p>In January 2019, the CBI conducted searches at 14 locations in connection with its FIR against 11 individuals, including IAS officer B Chandrakala, Samajwadi Party MLC Ramesh Kumar Mishra, and Sanjay Dixit, who unsuccessfully contested the 2017 assembly election on a BSP ticket.</p>

<p>Akhilesh Yadav served as the Minister of Mining from 2012 to June 2013, placing his actions under scrutiny. Subsequently, Gayatri Prajapati took over the post&nbsp;in 2013. Prajapati faced arrest in 2017 following an allegation of rape made by a woman residing in Chitrakoot.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav as a witness for questioning in the illegal mining case, Indian media reports said citing sources within the investigative agency.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav as a witness for questioning in the illegal mining case, Indian media reports said citing sources within the investigative agency. The reports said the sources revealed that the former chief minister of the northern Uttar Pradesh state is scheduled to undergo questioning on February 29. Also read: SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc Akhilesh Yadav had previously headed the mining department from 2012 to June 2013. Illegal mining incidents were reported in seven districts of Uttar Pradesh including Shamli, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Deoria, Saharanpur, Hamirpur and Siddharthnagar. The allegations suggest that government officials unlawfully allocated mining sites, disregarding rules and regulations between 2012 and 2016. The mining rights were granted in violation of NGT (National Green Tribunal) orders, according to the agency. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Samajwadi Party and Congress finalise seat-sharing plan The CBI contends that on February 17, 2013, leases were unlawfully granted by the district magistrate of Hamirpur, B Chandrakala, in contravention of the 2012 e-tender policy. This approval was reportedly obtained from the chief minister's office, despite the fact that the policy had received validation from the Allahabad High Court on January 29 of the same year. In January 2019, the CBI conducted searches at 14 locations in connection with its FIR against 11 individuals, including IAS officer B Chandrakala, Samajwadi Party MLC Ramesh Kumar Mishra, and Sanjay Dixit, who unsuccessfully contested the 2017 assembly election on a BSP ticket. Akhilesh Yadav served as the Minister of Mining from 2012 to June 2013, placing his actions under scrutiny. Subsequently, Gayatri Prajapati took over the post in 2013. Prajapati faced arrest in 2017 following an allegation of rape made by a woman residing in Chitrakoot. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian probe agency CBI calls Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav as witness in illegal mining case: Reports

<p>US President Joe Biden warned top congressional leaders Tuesday of the dire cost of failing to give Ukraine military aid as he hosted high-stakes talks at the White House.</p>

<p>The rare Oval Office meeting escalated efforts to unlock billions of dollars of stalled assistance for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion -- and to avert a government shutdown at home.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-have-captured-ukrainian-village-near-avdiivka-694478">Russia claims to have captured Ukrainian village near Avdiivka</a></p>

<p>"On Ukraine, I think the need is urgent," said Biden, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, adding that the "consequence of inaction every day in Ukraine is dire."</p>

<p>House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Donald Trump ally who leads a razor-thin Republican majority, has refused to allow a vote on a so-called supplemental funding bill in which Biden has asked for the new aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/noon-against-putin-navalny-ally-urges-russians-to-join-election-day-protest-in-kremlin-critics-memory-694449">‘Noon against Putin’: Navalny ally urges Russians to join election day protest in Kremlin critic’s memory</a></p>

<p>Biden met Johnson and his Democratic counterpart Hakeem Jeffries, as well as the Senate's Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and opposition chief Mitch McConnell.</p>

<p>The showdown comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine desperately needs continued support from the West to defeat Russia's invasion, and voiced hope the United States would approve the stalled package that includes $60 billion of weapons and other aid.</p>

<p>Moscow is currently mounting heavy attacks on Ukrainian troops, who are struggling with an ammunition shortage as skeptical Republicans in the House of Representatives block aid.</p>

<p>Trump, Biden's likely rival in November's presidential election, is pressuring his party to deny further Ukraine funding until the United States has addressed his own top campaign issue -- a surge in illegal immigration at the US-Mexican border.</p>

<p>Many Republicans, though, are believed to want to back Ukraine's fight.</p>

<p>"There is a strong bipartisan majority in the House standing ready to pass this bill if it comes to the floor," Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, told CNN. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"And that decision rests on the shoulders of one person -- and history is watching whether Speaker Johnson will put that bill on the floor."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>- 'Act now' -</strong></p>

<p>When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, US lawmakers were overwhelmingly in favor of arming the pro-Western former Soviet republic, which denuclearized in the 1990s after gaining assurances from the West over its security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Senate has remained largely supportive and recently passed a package pairing the Ukraine funding with help for Israel's military and for democratic Taiwan. But this then died in the House.</p>

<p>"Now is the time for action. Speaker Johnson cannot let politics or blind obeisance to Donald Trump get in the way," Schumer, who led a trip to western Ukraine last week, said in a letter to colleagues.</p>

<p>Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also called Tuesday for Congress to green light the aid.</p>

<p>The House "must act now" to help Ukraine and "to protect our national security interests and the values we and our allies and partners all share," she told a press conference ahead of a meeting of the G20 finance ministers in Sao Paulo, Brazil.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Zelensky thanks Biden: Ukraine has exactly what our soldiers need</strong></p>

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<p>The White House meeting will also address a partial government shutdown looming Friday night, as Congress still hasn't approved the 12 annual spending bills that make up the federal budget, almost five months into the 2024 fiscal year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Without a resolution, a full government shutdown would come the following Friday -- a day after Biden's annual State of the Union address.</p>

<p>The two sides have been negotiating daily and had hoped to release the text on Sunday for the first four spending bills covering about a quarter of the budget, including agriculture, veterans, transport and housing.</p>


US President Joe Biden warned top congressional leaders Tuesday of the dire cost of failing to give Ukraine military aid as he hosted high-stakes talks at the White House.

US President Joe Biden warned top congressional leaders Tuesday of the dire cost of failing to give Ukraine military aid as he hosted high-stakes talks at the White House. The rare Oval Office meeting escalated efforts to unlock billions of dollars of stalled assistance for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion -- and to avert a government shutdown at home. Also read: Russia claims to have captured Ukrainian village near Avdiivka "On Ukraine, I think the need is urgent," said Biden, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, adding that the "consequence of inaction every day in Ukraine is dire." House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Donald Trump ally who leads a razor-thin Republican majority, has refused to allow a vote on a so-called supplemental funding bill in which Biden has asked for the new aid to Ukraine. Also read: ‘Noon against Putin’: Navalny ally urges Russians to join election day protest in Kremlin critic’s memory Biden met Johnson and his Democratic counterpart Hakeem Jeffries, as well as the Senate's Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and opposition chief Mitch McConnell. The showdown comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine desperately needs continued support from the West to defeat Russia's invasion, and voiced hope the United States would approve the stalled package that includes $60 billion of weapons and other aid. Moscow is currently mounting heavy attacks on Ukrainian troops, who are struggling with an ammunition shortage as skeptical Republicans in the House of Representatives block aid. Trump, Biden's likely rival in November's presidential election, is pressuring his party to deny further Ukraine funding until the United States has addressed his own top campaign issue -- a surge in illegal immigration at the US-Mexican border. Many Republicans, though, are believed to want to back Ukraine's fight. "There is a strong bipartisan majority in the House standing ready to pass this bill if it comes to the floor," Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, told CNN. "And that decision rests on the shoulders of one person -- and history is watching whether Speaker Johnson will put that bill on the floor." - 'Act now' - When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, US lawmakers were overwhelmingly in favor of arming the pro-Western former Soviet republic, which denuclearized in the 1990s after gaining assurances from the West over its security. The Senate has remained largely supportive and recently passed a package pairing the Ukraine funding with help for Israel's military and for democratic Taiwan. But this then died in the House. "Now is the time for action. Speaker Johnson cannot let politics or blind obeisance to Donald Trump get in the way," Schumer, who led a trip to western Ukraine last week, said in a letter to colleagues. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also called Tuesday for Congress to green light the aid. The House "must act now" to help Ukraine and "to protect our national security interests and the values we and our allies and partners all share," she told a press conference ahead of a meeting of the G20 finance ministers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Watch: Zelensky thanks Biden: Ukraine has exactly what our soldiers need × The White House meeting will also address a partial government shutdown looming Friday night, as Congress still hasn't approved the 12 annual spending bills that make up the federal budget, almost five months into the 2024 fiscal year. Without a resolution, a full government shutdown would come the following Friday -- a day after Biden's annual State of the Union address. The two sides have been negotiating daily and had hoped to release the text on Sunday for the first four spending bills covering about a quarter of the budget, including agriculture, veterans, transport and housing.

Biden warns Congress leaders of ‘dire’ Ukraine fate as govt shutdown looms

<p>Hezbollah and Israel were involved in a renewed exchange of hostilities on Tuesday (Feb 27), sparked by Israeli airstrikes in east Lebanon a day earlier.</p>

<p>This conflict, which erupted on October 7 between Israel and the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group Hamas, has witnessed continuous clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, a key ally of Hamas.</p>

<p>The recent Israeli raids near Baalbek marked a significant escalation, as they were the first in the area since the commencement of hostilities.</p>

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<p>The Israeli military justified the airstrikes, stating that they targeted Hezbollah's air defences in response to the group's downing of an Israeli drone.</p>

<p>The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, expressed concern about the dangerous cycle of violence and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasising the need to return to a state of ceasefire.</p>

<p>Hezbollah retaliated on Tuesday (Feb 27) by launching a substantial rocket attack on the Meron air control base. In response, Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes, destroying a military site and other infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah.</p>

<p>The situation further escalated as Hezbollah targeted the same base again, along with several other Israeli positions, marking the first time since the onset of hostilities.</p>

<p>The exchange of fire has not been confined to the typical border regions, with strikes reaching areas such as Baisariyeh, nearly 30 kilometres from the nearest Israeli boundary.</p>

<p>The clashes resulted in the death of two Hezbollah fighters in east Lebanon on Monday. Later that day, Hezbollah fired 60 rockets at an Israeli base in the annexed Golan Heights.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel trades fire with Lebanon's Hezbollah</strong></p>

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<p>The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a warning, noting a concerning shift in the exchanges of fire in recent days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement highlighted an escalation and intensification of strikes, emphasising the potential risk to a political solution. UNIFIL called on all involved parties to halt hostilities, providing space for a diplomatic and political resolution.</p>

<p>Since October, the cross-border exchanges have claimed at least 284 lives on the Lebanese side, predominantly Hezbollah fighters and 44 civilians.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hezbollah-unlikely-to-join-the-war-unless-iran-wants-it-to-653194" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hezbollah-unlikely-to-join-the-war-unless-iran-wants-it-to-653194&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjiy-2uicyEAxXQUGwGHfn8DSwQFnoECAMQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ytppoc0jl04fgNiXSQ-BP" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hezbollah-unlikely-to-join-the-war-unless-iran-wants-it-to-653194" target="_blank">Israel-Palestine War:&nbsp;<b>Hezbollah</b>&nbsp;unlikely to join the war</a></p>

<p>On the Israeli side, 10 soldiers and six civilians have lost their lives, according to the Israeli army. The situation remains tense, with concerns about further escalation and the impact on regional stability.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hezbollah and Israel were involved in a renewed exchange of hostilities on Tuesday (Feb 27), sparked by Israeli airstrikes in east Lebanon a day earlier. This conflict, which erupted on October 7 between Israel and the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group Hamas, has witnessed continuous clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, a key ally of Hamas.

Hezbollah and Israel were involved in a renewed exchange of hostilities on Tuesday (Feb 27), sparked by Israeli airstrikes in east Lebanon a day earlier. This conflict, which erupted on October 7 between Israel and the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group Hamas, has witnessed continuous clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, a key ally of Hamas. The recent Israeli raids near Baalbek marked a significant escalation, as they were the first in the area since the commencement of hostilities. Also read: Israel Army claims to have killed Hezbollah commander in Lebanon The Israeli military justified the airstrikes, stating that they targeted Hezbollah's air defences in response to the group's downing of an Israeli drone. The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, expressed concern about the dangerous cycle of violence and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasising the need to return to a state of ceasefire. Hezbollah retaliated on Tuesday (Feb 27) by launching a substantial rocket attack on the Meron air control base. In response, Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes, destroying a military site and other infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah. The situation further escalated as Hezbollah targeted the same base again, along with several other Israeli positions, marking the first time since the onset of hostilities. The exchange of fire has not been confined to the typical border regions, with strikes reaching areas such as Baisariyeh, nearly 30 kilometres from the nearest Israeli boundary. The clashes resulted in the death of two Hezbollah fighters in east Lebanon on Monday. Later that day, Hezbollah fired 60 rockets at an Israeli base in the annexed Golan Heights. Watch: Israel trades fire with Lebanon's Hezbollah × The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a warning, noting a concerning shift in the exchanges of fire in recent days. The statement highlighted an escalation and intensification of strikes, emphasising the potential risk to a political solution. UNIFIL called on all involved parties to halt hostilities, providing space for a diplomatic and political resolution. Since October, the cross-border exchanges have claimed at least 284 lives on the Lebanese side, predominantly Hezbollah fighters and 44 civilians. Also read: Israel-Palestine War: Hezbollah unlikely to join the war On the Israeli side, 10 soldiers and six civilians have lost their lives, according to the Israeli army. The situation remains tense, with concerns about further escalation and the impact on regional stability. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah and Israel engage in crossfire as UN calls for ceasefire

<p class="MsoNormal">Congress minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday (Feb 28) stated that he will withhold his resignation until the observers' report is submitted.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-politics-crisis-live-15-bjp-mlas-expelled-as-harsh-mahajan-won-rajya-sabha-seat-amid-cross-voting-694639">Himachal Pradesh political crisis LIVE: BJP seeks no-trust vote</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">He emphasised the distinction between retracting the resignation and deferring its press until the conclusion of the dialogue.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Singh mentioned, "We have engaged with the observers, apprising them of the current situation. I will refrain from pressing my resignation until a decision is reached. The ultimate resolution will be determined in the near future."</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">On Tuesday, the BJP secured victory in Himachal Pradesh's sole Rajya Sabha seat, as their candidate Harsh Mahajan defeated the Congress veteran Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The competition concluded with both Congress and BJP candidates receiving 34 votes each, indicating that at least six Congress MLAs voted against their party. The final outcome was determined through a draw of lots.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-claims-congress-govt-in-himachal-pradesh-loses-majority-amid-reports-of-cross-voting-in-rs-polls-694446" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-claims-congress-govt-in-himachal-pradesh-loses-majority-amid-reports-of-cross-voting-in-rs-polls-694446&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjM48yfuc6EAxVBcGwGHdCvApgQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0YI666TKPFV_vGEDfJqTKg" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-claims-congress-govt-in-himachal-pradesh-loses-majority-amid-reports-of-cross-voting-in-rs-polls-694446" target="_blank">Congress govt in&nbsp;<b>Himachal Pradesh</b>&nbsp;has lost majority, claims BJP</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">In the 68-member assembly, the Congress holds 40 seats, while the BJP has 25 legislators in Himachal. The remaining three seats are occupied by independent members.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Jairam Thakur, after conferring with party legislators in Shimla, remarked, "The Speaker has suspended 15 BJP MLAs from the House; this suspension was undoubtedly executed to safeguard the government. If the budget motion had not passed today, it would have confirmed that the government had lost its majority."</p>

<p>Congress leader&nbsp;Jairam Ramesh&nbsp;accused the BJP of attempting to overthrow the Congress government in the state. He asserted that the party leadership would not hesitate to make tough decisions, emphasising the supremacy of the party.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-political-crisis-after-rajya-sabha-debacle-what-it-means-for-congress-party-694692" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-political-crisis-after-rajya-sabha-debacle-what-it-means-for-congress-party-694692&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjM48yfuc6EAxVBcGwGHdCvApgQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3n0KgYj2PWI4283HYY03cZ" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-political-crisis-after-rajya-sabha-debacle-what-it-means-for-congress-party-694692" target="_blank"><b>Himachal Pradesh</b>&nbsp;political crisis after Rajya Sabha debacle</a></p>

<p>"Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and AICC in-charge Rajeev Shukla are actively involved. They have engaged with the Congress president, who has instructed them to convene meetings and attentively address the grievances and demands of all MLAs," stated Jairam Ramesh.</p>

<p>He further remarked, "Cross-voting occurred, but dealing with the conspiracy to destabilise the Congress government — the steps to be taken by the party to counter this 'Operation Lotus' — the Congress president has directed these senior colleagues to interact with everyone, gather their perspectives, and submit a report promptly."</p>

<p>During the Wednesday (Feb 28) assembly session, the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly expelled 15 BJP MLAs, including LoP Jairam Thakur, Vipin Singh Parmar, Randheer Sharma, Lokender Kumar, Vinod Kumar, Hans Raj, Janak Raj, Balbir Verma, Trilok Jamwal, Surender Shori, Deep Raj, Puran Thakur, Inder Singh Gandhi, Dileep Thakur, and Inder Singh Gandhi. The expulsion was reportedly a consequence of their involvement in disruptive behaviour, including shouting slogans, within the Speaker's chamber.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday (Feb 28) stated that he will withhold his resignation until the observers' report is submitted. Also read: Himachal Pradesh political crisis LIVE: BJP seeks no-trust vote He emphasised the distinction between retracting the resignation and deferring its press until the conclusion of the dialogue.

Congress minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday (Feb 28) stated that he will withhold his resignation until the observers' report is submitted. Also read: Himachal Pradesh political crisis LIVE: BJP seeks no-trust vote He emphasised the distinction between retracting the resignation and deferring its press until the conclusion of the dialogue. Singh mentioned, "We have engaged with the observers, apprising them of the current situation. I will refrain from pressing my resignation until a decision is reached. The ultimate resolution will be determined in the near future." On Tuesday, the BJP secured victory in Himachal Pradesh's sole Rajya Sabha seat, as their candidate Harsh Mahajan defeated the Congress veteran Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The competition concluded with both Congress and BJP candidates receiving 34 votes each, indicating that at least six Congress MLAs voted against their party. The final outcome was determined through a draw of lots. Also read: Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh has lost majority, claims BJP In the 68-member assembly, the Congress holds 40 seats, while the BJP has 25 legislators in Himachal. The remaining three seats are occupied by independent members. Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Jairam Thakur, after conferring with party legislators in Shimla, remarked, "The Speaker has suspended 15 BJP MLAs from the House; this suspension was undoubtedly executed to safeguard the government. If the budget motion had not passed today, it would have confirmed that the government had lost its majority." Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of attempting to overthrow the Congress government in the state. He asserted that the party leadership would not hesitate to make tough decisions, emphasising the supremacy of the party. Also read: Himachal Pradesh political crisis after Rajya Sabha debacle "Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and AICC in-charge Rajeev Shukla are actively involved. They have engaged with the Congress president, who has instructed them to convene meetings and attentively address the grievances and demands of all MLAs," stated Jairam Ramesh. He further remarked, "Cross-voting occurred, but dealing with the conspiracy to destabilise the Congress government — the steps to be taken by the party to counter this 'Operation Lotus' — the Congress president has directed these senior colleagues to interact with everyone, gather their perspectives, and submit a report promptly." During the Wednesday (Feb 28) assembly session, the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly expelled 15 BJP MLAs, including LoP Jairam Thakur, Vipin Singh Parmar, Randheer Sharma, Lokender Kumar, Vinod Kumar, Hans Raj, Janak Raj, Balbir Verma, Trilok Jamwal, Surender Shori, Deep Raj, Puran Thakur, Inder Singh Gandhi, Dileep Thakur, and Inder Singh Gandhi. The expulsion was reportedly a consequence of their involvement in disruptive behaviour, including shouting slogans, within the Speaker's chamber. (With inputs from agencies)

Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Minister Vikramaditya Singh withholds his resignation

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday pleaded with Balkan leaders for greater backing to help fend off Russian forces, emphasising how ammo shortages were impacting frontline troops.</p>

<p>Zelensky has been crisscrossing the globe in recent weeks to rally support for his embattled country, as fresh US support is tangled in domestic politics and Russia has made battlefield advances.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-feud-between-zelensky-and-ukraine-army-chief-he-wants-to-sack-685971" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-feud-between-zelensky-and-ukraine-army-chief-he-wants-to-sack-685971&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6uvPKpM6EAxVPr1YBHeW_B3oQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MvNL5OErG5iaTPWYLQprn" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-feud-between-zelensky-and-ukraine-army-chief-he-wants-to-sack-685971" target="_blank">Explained | The feud between&nbsp;<b>Zelensky</b>&nbsp;and Ukraine Army chief</a></p>

<p>During opening remarks at the meeting in Albania, Zelensky thanked Balkan leaders for their military and humanitarian support over the past two years of war, but emphasised that supplies were still running low at the frontline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We see the problems with the supply of ammunition which are affecting the situation on the battlefield," said Zelensky, adding that his administration was interested in hosting a future "Ukrainian-Balkans defence industry forum".</p>

<p>Zelensky went on to stress that efforts to supply Ukraine must be streamlined immediately, warning against further delays that provided Russia with an advantage in the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelenskys-rare-admission-says-31000-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-in-war-with-russia-693799" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/zelenskys-rare-admission-says-31000-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-in-war-with-russia-693799&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6uvPKpM6EAxVPr1YBHeW_B3oQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2NC76Al5OSZ0479QQL7FUb" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelenskys-rare-admission-says-31000-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-in-war-with-russia-693799" target="_blank"><b>Zelensky</b>&nbsp;admits 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in war with Russia</a></p>

<p>"Every pause in supply, every doubt that the world is ready to defend itself, all this inspires one person. All this inspires Putin," he told reporters, referring to the Russian president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We don't have time and we don't have alternatives," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comments came hours after arriving in Albania late Tuesday for the "Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit" -- his first visit to the Balkan nation since Russia's invasion in February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following a sitdown with Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday, the Ukrainian president said the two sides were exploring further defence cooperation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Albania has supported Ukraine in our struggle for freedom and territorial integrity," Zelensky wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today we also discussed Ukraine's defence needs and potential joint arms production," he added.</p>

<p><strong>- Urgent need for help -</strong></p>

<p>Albania, a NATO member since 2009, has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine but has stayed largely quiet in public about supplying Kyiv with arms.</p>

<p>During a visit to Albania earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Tirana's backing of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-has-become-stronger-zelensky-vows-to-unleash-wrath-against-russia-in-2024-675416" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-has-become-stronger-zelensky-vows-to-unleash-wrath-against-russia-in-2024-675416&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimuI3lpM6EAxXDbmwGHZvpACs4ChAWegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3w-ETKyefpV5YaVIU3yQL9" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-has-become-stronger-zelensky-vows-to-unleash-wrath-against-russia-in-2024-675416" target="_blank">'Ukraine has become stronger':&nbsp;<b>Zelensky</b></a></p>

<p>"It was one of the first countries to send military aid to Ukraine in the wake of the Russian aggression –- guns, ammunition, mine resistant vehicles –- and it's currently one of the top ten per capita in terms of its support for Ukraine and security assistance," Blinken said.</p>

<p>Leaders from across the Balkans -- including Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani -- were in attendance at the summit in Tirana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Serbia remains a rare outlier in the region for refusing to sanction Russia, while Ukraine has never formally recognised Kosovo's independence declaration in 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the lack of ties, Kosovo's president said the government in Pristina was supportive of Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia &amp; Ukraine exchange over 400 Prisoners of War, Zelensky releases video of people celebrating</strong></p>

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<p>"The moment of joint recognition will come with the freedom of Ukraine," Osmani told reporters as she entered the summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky has repeatedly pleaded with allies for more aid, warning that Ukrainian victory depends on the West boosting support.</p>

<p>Already outgunned, his country is fending off a renewed Russian offensive with dwindling ammunition that has had to be rationed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>- US aid dries up -</strong></p>

<p>EU allies are rallying to address that shortfall with a Czech-led plan to buy artillery from outside the bloc.</p>

<p>More than two years after Russia's invasion, the EU is facing the prospect of having to shoulder more of the aid burden as funds from the United States dry up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Political infighting in the US Congress has stalled a vital $60 billion aid package, with the Republican right-wing, led by 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump, souring against Ukraine's cause.</p>

<p>House Speaker Mike Johnson, an ally of former president Donald Trump and head of a razor-thin Republican majority, has refused to allow a vote on the package.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-personally-ordered-belgorod-attack-claims-russian-state-media-675579" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-personally-ordered-belgorod-attack-claims-russian-state-media-675579&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimuI3lpM6EAxXDbmwGHZvpACs4ChAWegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2w9UOG3BC6imKbtw4nFO_l" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-personally-ordered-belgorod-attack-claims-russian-state-media-675579" target="_blank"><b>Zelensky</b>&nbsp;personally ordered Belgorod attack, claims Russia</a></p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron meanwhile provoked backlash from fellow allies and a warning from the Kremlin this week when he raised the possibility of sending Western troops into Ukraine.</p>

<p>Before arriving in Tirana, Zelensky stopped in Saudi Arabia, where he sought to promote his peace plan and discuss potential prisoner of war exchanges.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia maintains relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has mediated between the warring parties before, including a deal struck in September 2022 that saw the release of more than 200 captive Ukrainians.</p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday pleaded with Balkan leaders for greater backing to help fend off Russian forces, emphasising how ammo shortages were impacting frontline troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday pleaded with Balkan leaders for greater backing to help fend off Russian forces, emphasising how ammo shortages were impacting frontline troops. Zelensky has been crisscrossing the globe in recent weeks to rally support for his embattled country, as fresh US support is tangled in domestic politics and Russia has made battlefield advances. Also read: Explained | The feud between Zelensky and Ukraine Army chief During opening remarks at the meeting in Albania, Zelensky thanked Balkan leaders for their military and humanitarian support over the past two years of war, but emphasised that supplies were still running low at the frontline. "We see the problems with the supply of ammunition which are affecting the situation on the battlefield," said Zelensky, adding that his administration was interested in hosting a future "Ukrainian-Balkans defence industry forum". Zelensky went on to stress that efforts to supply Ukraine must be streamlined immediately, warning against further delays that provided Russia with an advantage in the war. Also read: Zelensky admits 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in war with Russia "Every pause in supply, every doubt that the world is ready to defend itself, all this inspires one person. All this inspires Putin," he told reporters, referring to the Russian president. "We don't have time and we don't have alternatives," he added. The comments came hours after arriving in Albania late Tuesday for the "Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit" -- his first visit to the Balkan nation since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Following a sitdown with Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday, the Ukrainian president said the two sides were exploring further defence cooperation. "Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Albania has supported Ukraine in our struggle for freedom and territorial integrity," Zelensky wrote on X. "Today we also discussed Ukraine's defence needs and potential joint arms production," he added. - Urgent need for help - Albania, a NATO member since 2009, has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine but has stayed largely quiet in public about supplying Kyiv with arms. During a visit to Albania earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Tirana's backing of Ukraine. Also read: 'Ukraine has become stronger': Zelensky "It was one of the first countries to send military aid to Ukraine in the wake of the Russian aggression –- guns, ammunition, mine resistant vehicles –- and it's currently one of the top ten per capita in terms of its support for Ukraine and security assistance," Blinken said. Leaders from across the Balkans -- including Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani -- were in attendance at the summit in Tirana. Serbia remains a rare outlier in the region for refusing to sanction Russia, while Ukraine has never formally recognised Kosovo's independence declaration in 2008. Despite the lack of ties, Kosovo's president said the government in Pristina was supportive of Ukraine. Watch: Russia & Ukraine exchange over 400 Prisoners of War, Zelensky releases video of people celebrating × "The moment of joint recognition will come with the freedom of Ukraine," Osmani told reporters as she entered the summit. Zelensky has repeatedly pleaded with allies for more aid, warning that Ukrainian victory depends on the West boosting support. Already outgunned, his country is fending off a renewed Russian offensive with dwindling ammunition that has had to be rationed. - US aid dries up - EU allies are rallying to address that shortfall with a Czech-led plan to buy artillery from outside the bloc. More than two years after Russia's invasion, the EU is facing the prospect of having to shoulder more of the aid burden as funds from the United States dry up. Political infighting in the US Congress has stalled a vital $60 billion aid package, with the Republican right-wing, led by 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump, souring against Ukraine's cause. House Speaker Mike Johnson, an ally of former president Donald Trump and head of a razor-thin Republican majority, has refused to allow a vote on the package. Also read: Zelensky personally ordered Belgorod attack, claims Russia French President Emmanuel Macron meanwhile provoked backlash from fellow allies and a warning from the Kremlin this week when he raised the possibility of sending Western troops into Ukraine. Before arriving in Tirana, Zelensky stopped in Saudi Arabia, where he sought to promote his peace plan and discuss potential prisoner of war exchanges. Saudi Arabia maintains relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has mediated between the warring parties before, including a deal struck in September 2022 that saw the release of more than 200 captive Ukrainians.

Zelensky rallies Balkan allies for support, weapons

<p>Last year, the global generation of municipal waste reached 2.3 billion tonnes and the United Nations cautioned on Wednesday (Feb 28) that this garbage heap is projected to increase by two-thirds by 2050, posing severe consequences for health, economies, and the environment.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-accounts-for-half-of-annual-global-food-waste-report-680526" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-accounts-for-half-of-annual-global-food-waste-report-680526&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjChqqbms6EAxXX1zgGHS0KCuEQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3uxwriTikQao9JIHluVGWG" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-accounts-for-half-of-annual-global-food-waste-report-680526" target="_blank">Saudi Arabia accounts for half of annual global food&nbsp;<b>waste</b>: Report</a></p>

<p>According to recent research by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), pollution is anticipated to surge, particularly in regions currently reliant on open dumping and burning, practices that release greenhouse gases and introduce toxic chemicals into soil, water, and air.</p>

<p>In the absence of prompt action, the waste volume is estimated to reach 3.8 billion tonnes by the mid-century, surpassing previous predictions.</p>

<p>The report also indicates that economic burdens will nearly double when factoring in hidden costs associated with inadequate waste disposal, encompassing pollution, health issues, and climate change. By 2050, these costs are expected to escalate to approximately $640 billion annually, up from around $361 billion in 2020.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/international-day-of-awareness-on-food-loss-and-waste-reduction-heres-how-food-waste-affects-the-environment-640920" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/international-day-of-awareness-on-food-loss-and-waste-reduction-heres-how-food-waste-affects-the-environment-640920&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivtM2_ms6EAxW82DgGHajzAWEQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KaWDjubbOrsV0-5N1un2G" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/international-day-of-awareness-on-food-loss-and-waste-reduction-heres-how-food-waste-affects-the-environment-640920" target="_blank">Explained | Int'l day of awareness of food loss &amp;&nbsp;<b>waste</b>&nbsp;reduction</a></p>

<p>Inger Andersen, UNEP's Executive Director, emphasised the intrinsic link between waste generation and GDP, noting that many rapidly growing economies are grappling with the challenges of swift waste expansion.</p>

<p>She expressed hope that the report could assist governments in their endeavours to build more sustainable societies and secure a habitable planet for future generations.</p>

<p>The joint report by UNEP and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), launched at the UN's Environment Assembly in Nairobi, serves as both a guide and a call to action.</p>

<p>Proposed solutions involve not only addressing waste disposal but also preventing the generation of rubbish in the first place. Enhanced disposal and treatment methods could reduce net annual costs to approximately $270 billion by 2050, according to the report.</p>

<p>Furthermore, a transition to a more circular economic model, decoupling increased prosperity from heightened waste, is advocated. This shift entails sustainable business practices and comprehensive trash management, potentially yielding a net gain of over $100 billion annually, as outlined in the report.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/ants-worst-affected-by-plastic-waste-get-snared-in-microparticles-study-647923" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/ants-worst-affected-by-plastic-waste-get-snared-in-microparticles-study-647923&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjChqqbms6EAxXX1zgGHS0KCuEQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw33DePAbSkJEbOl_kYMr_g9" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ants-worst-affected-by-plastic-waste-get-snared-in-microparticles-study-647923" target="_blank">Ants worst affected by plastic&nbsp;<b>waste</b></a></p>

<p>Zoe Lenkiewicz, lead author of the report from UNEP, underscored the urgent need for a zero-waste approach to mitigate pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and adverse impacts on human health.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Last year, the global generation of municipal waste reached 2.3 billion tonnes and the United Nations cautioned on Wednesday (Feb 28) that this garbage heap is projected to increase by two-thirds by 2050, posing severe consequences for health, economies, and the environment.

Last year, the global generation of municipal waste reached 2.3 billion tonnes and the United Nations cautioned on Wednesday (Feb 28) that this garbage heap is projected to increase by two-thirds by 2050, posing severe consequences for health, economies, and the environment. Also read: Saudi Arabia accounts for half of annual global food waste: Report According to recent research by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), pollution is anticipated to surge, particularly in regions currently reliant on open dumping and burning, practices that release greenhouse gases and introduce toxic chemicals into soil, water, and air. In the absence of prompt action, the waste volume is estimated to reach 3.8 billion tonnes by the mid-century, surpassing previous predictions. The report also indicates that economic burdens will nearly double when factoring in hidden costs associated with inadequate waste disposal, encompassing pollution, health issues, and climate change. By 2050, these costs are expected to escalate to approximately $640 billion annually, up from around $361 billion in 2020. Also read: Explained | Int'l day of awareness of food loss & waste reduction Inger Andersen, UNEP's Executive Director, emphasised the intrinsic link between waste generation and GDP, noting that many rapidly growing economies are grappling with the challenges of swift waste expansion. She expressed hope that the report could assist governments in their endeavours to build more sustainable societies and secure a habitable planet for future generations. The joint report by UNEP and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), launched at the UN's Environment Assembly in Nairobi, serves as both a guide and a call to action. Proposed solutions involve not only addressing waste disposal but also preventing the generation of rubbish in the first place. Enhanced disposal and treatment methods could reduce net annual costs to approximately $270 billion by 2050, according to the report. Furthermore, a transition to a more circular economic model, decoupling increased prosperity from heightened waste, is advocated. This shift entails sustainable business practices and comprehensive trash management, potentially yielding a net gain of over $100 billion annually, as outlined in the report. Also read: Ants worst affected by plastic waste Zoe Lenkiewicz, lead author of the report from UNEP, underscored the urgent need for a zero-waste approach to mitigate pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and adverse impacts on human health. (With inputs from agencies)

Urgent global action needed to stop surge of polluting trash, UN warns

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