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<p>As China looks to silence criticism over zero-Covid policy, the videos showing excesses by the authorities, have been removed from some platforms. &nbsp;</p>

<p>For some days, several videos of people being dragged from homes by health workers had gone viral. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping had also issued the strongest warning to people to keep a check on the criticism, media reports said. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-jinping-issues-strongest-warning-to-silence-uproar-over-zero-covid-policy-477028" hreflang="en">Chinese President Xi Jinping issues strongest warning to silence uproar over zero-Covid policy</a></strong></p>

<p>In recent days, China seems to have been regularly slammed within the nation and outside over the policy. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, Shanghai’s strict lockdown has entered its seventh week. This is happening even as there is a drop in the new cases. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In the clips, Covid-positive patients and their family members could be seen tussling with the workers in hazmat suits. They were being circulated till late on Sunday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China struggles to contain covid surge, Beijing ramps up mass testing</strong></p>

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<p>The authorities seem to be transporting all the people living in a building to designated quarantine facilities if a confirmed case of Covid is surfacing in the area, as per local residents and social media posts.&nbsp;They are now considering them as close contacts of confirmed cases.</p>

<p>Some videos of hazmat-suited workers taking the occupants of homes to quarantine after banging the doors have been erased. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The social media posts, which have questioned the measures, have also been removed. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


As China looks to silence criticism over zero-Covid policy, the videos showing excesses by the authorities, have been removed from some platforms. For some days, several videos of people being dragged from homes by health workers had gone viral.

As China looks to silence criticism over zero-Covid policy, the videos showing excesses by the authorities, have been removed from some platforms. For some days, several videos of people being dragged from homes by health workers had gone viral. Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping had also issued the strongest warning to people to keep a check on the criticism, media reports said. Also Read: Chinese President Xi Jinping issues strongest warning to silence uproar over zero-Covid policy In recent days, China seems to have been regularly slammed within the nation and outside over the policy. Now, Shanghai’s strict lockdown has entered its seventh week. This is happening even as there is a drop in the new cases. In the clips, Covid-positive patients and their family members could be seen tussling with the workers in hazmat suits. They were being circulated till late on Sunday. Watch: China struggles to contain covid surge, Beijing ramps up mass testing × The authorities seem to be transporting all the people living in a building to designated quarantine facilities if a confirmed case of Covid is surfacing in the area, as per local residents and social media posts. They are now considering them as close contacts of confirmed cases. Some videos of hazmat-suited workers taking the occupants of homes to quarantine after banging the doors have been erased. The social media posts, which have questioned the measures, have also been removed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

China silences criticism over zero-Covid policy by erasing videos of excesses by authorities  

<p>Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has accepted the resignation of the head of a United Nations agency that was under investigation for questionable investments.</p>

<p>Grete Faremo, a former Norwegian minister of justice and public security, had been undersecretary-general and executive director of the UN Office for Project Services since August 2014.</p>

<p>The office, headquartered in Copenhagen, says its mission is to provide infrastructure, procurement and project management services for a more sustainable world.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/darker-side-of-mother-teresa-a-documentary-claims-she-covered-up-the-worst-excesses-of-church-477491">'Darker side' of Mother Teresa: A documentary claims she covered up the worst excesses of church</a></strong></p>

<p>Faremo's resignation was accepted on Sunday, the day the New York Times reported that the agency made a baffling series of financial decisions&nbsp;that purportedly led to $25 million in losses.</p>

<p>The Times report followed an April 16 article in Devex, the media platform for the global development community by Brussels-based writer Ilya Gridneff, titled: What went wrong with UNOPS' ambitious impact-investing initiative.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US Federal Reserve hikes interest rates</strong></p>

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<p>That article said the investigation focused on a series of loans from the agency to a Singapore-based company that received tens of millions of dollars to develop plans to build more than 1 million affordable homes in six countries. Today, the entire project is stalled, UNOPS is owed tens of millions of dollars, and no houses have been built, it said.</p>

<p>Devex quoted an unidentified spokesperson for the agency as saying that steps are being taken to recover all outstanding amounts regardless of the source of activities.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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<p>The UN's internal watchdog had been investigating the transactions.</p>

<p>UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Faremo's resignation was effective on Sunday. He said Jens Wandel of Denmark, a former special adviser to the secretary-general on reforms, will serve as acting head of the agency while a new executive director is recruited.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-25-million-tonnes-of-grain-stuck-in-ukraine-un-food-agency-476870">Nearly 25 million tonnes of grain stuck in Ukraine: UN food agency</a></strong></p>

<p>The secretary-general is grateful for Faremo's commitment and dedicated service to the organisation, Dujarric said in a statement.</p>

<p>He would not comment beyond the statement when asked whether Guterres asked for Faremo's resignation.</p>


Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has accepted the resignation of the head of a United Nations agency that was under investigation for questionable investments.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has accepted the resignation of the head of a United Nations agency that was under investigation for questionable investments. Grete Faremo, a former Norwegian minister of justice and public security, had been undersecretary-general and executive director of the UN Office for Project Services since August 2014. The office, headquartered in Copenhagen, says its mission is to provide infrastructure, procurement and project management services for a more sustainable world. Also read | 'Darker side' of Mother Teresa: A documentary claims she covered up the worst excesses of church Faremo's resignation was accepted on Sunday, the day the New York Times reported that the agency made a baffling series of financial decisions that purportedly led to $25 million in losses. The Times report followed an April 16 article in Devex, the media platform for the global development community by Brussels-based writer Ilya Gridneff, titled: What went wrong with UNOPS' ambitious impact-investing initiative. Watch | Gravitas: US Federal Reserve hikes interest rates That article said the investigation focused on a series of loans from the agency to a Singapore-based company that received tens of millions of dollars to develop plans to build more than 1 million affordable homes in six countries. Today, the entire project is stalled, UNOPS is owed tens of millions of dollars, and no houses have been built, it said. Devex quoted an unidentified spokesperson for the agency as saying that steps are being taken to recover all outstanding amounts regardless of the source of activities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The UN's internal watchdog had been investigating the transactions. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Faremo's resignation was effective on Sunday. He said Jens Wandel of Denmark, a former special adviser to the secretary-general on reforms, will serve as acting head of the agency while a new executive director is recruited. Also read | Nearly 25 million tonnes of grain stuck in Ukraine: UN food agency The secretary-general is grateful for Faremo's commitment and dedicated service to the organisation, Dujarric said in a statement. He would not comment beyond the statement when asked whether Guterres asked for Faremo's resignation.

UN agency chief resigns after probe into its investments

<p>Bitcoin has been acting volatile again.&nbsp;Its value seems to have been falling continuously over the weekend. It has dipped below $34,000 (£27,630), as per the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Since its peak in November last year, this cryptocurrency, which is actually the world's largest by market value, has nosedived and is down by 50%. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the stock markets around the world are facing a hard time and have been going down recently. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/lawsuit-filed-against-tesla-ceo-elon-musk-to-prevent-twitters-buyout-477098" hreflang="en">Lawsuit filed against Tesla CEO Elon Musk to prevent Twitter's buyout</a></strong></p>

<p>Some Asian markets may witness downward trend again on Monday as Japan's benchmark Nikkei index is down by around 2%.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a value of $636bn, Bitcoin seems to account for around a third of the whole cryptocurrency market. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The second biggest cryptocurrency in the world, Ethereum, has also been in dire straits and has gone down by over 10% last week. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Zimbabwe suspends bank lending in bid to arrest currency decline</strong></p>

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<p>This downside in the value of digital assets has become a huge reason to worry for investors. So, it is a time to tread cautiously. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In earlier years of the cryptocurrency market, the volatile trading was not unusual in digital assets.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>For most of the 2022, it had been relatively quiet though. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Bitcoin has been acting volatile again. Its value seems to have been falling continuously over the weekend. It has dipped below $34,000 (£27,630), as per the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange.

Bitcoin has been acting volatile again. Its value seems to have been falling continuously over the weekend. It has dipped below $34,000 (£27,630), as per the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange. Since its peak in November last year, this cryptocurrency, which is actually the world's largest by market value, has nosedived and is down by 50%. This comes as the stock markets around the world are facing a hard time and have been going down recently. Also Read: Lawsuit filed against Tesla CEO Elon Musk to prevent Twitter's buyout Some Asian markets may witness downward trend again on Monday as Japan's benchmark Nikkei index is down by around 2%. With a value of $636bn, Bitcoin seems to account for around a third of the whole cryptocurrency market. The second biggest cryptocurrency in the world, Ethereum, has also been in dire straits and has gone down by over 10% last week. Watch: Zimbabwe suspends bank lending in bid to arrest currency decline × This downside in the value of digital assets has become a huge reason to worry for investors. So, it is a time to tread cautiously. In earlier years of the cryptocurrency market, the volatile trading was not unusual in digital assets. For most of the 2022, it had been relatively quiet though. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Is Bitcoin too volatile again? Value falls over 50% since last peak

<p>After facing enormous criticism over zero-Covid policy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning to people to keep a check on the growing trend, media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent days, China seems to have been regularly slammed within the nation and outside over the policy. Several pictures and clips of incidents of forceful measures being taken up by the authorities have also surfaced. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-makes-covid-pcr-tests-a-part-of-everyday-life-opens-permanent-testing-centres-476876" hreflang="en">China makes Covid PCR tests a part of everyday life, opens permanent testing centres</a></strong></p>

<p>Several residents of Shanghai had also called for help on social media recently. They had showed their anger over food shortages and lack of access to healthcare in the last five weeks, reported CNN. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a meeting headed by the president on Thursday, the Communist Party's supreme Politburo Standing Committee vowed to "unswervingly adhere to the general policy of 'dynamic zero-Covid,' and resolutely fight against any words and acts that distort, doubt or deny our country's epidemic prevention policies." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Xi Jinping attacks zero covid 'doubters'</strong></p>

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<p>"Our prevention and control strategy is determined by the party's nature and mission, our policies can stand the test of history, our measures are scientific and effective. We have won the battle to defend Wuhan, and we will certainly be able to win the battle to defend Shanghai," the seven-member committee said as per Xinhua. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the state media, it is the first time Xi, who made an "important speech" at the meeting, has made public remarks about the policy since furore.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


After facing enormous criticism over zero-Covid policy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning to people to keep a check on the growing trend, media reports said.

After facing enormous criticism over zero-Covid policy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning to people to keep a check on the growing trend, media reports said. In recent days, China seems to have been regularly slammed within the nation and outside over the policy. Several pictures and clips of incidents of forceful measures being taken up by the authorities have also surfaced. Also Read: China makes Covid PCR tests a part of everyday life, opens permanent testing centres Several residents of Shanghai had also called for help on social media recently. They had showed their anger over food shortages and lack of access to healthcare in the last five weeks, reported CNN. In a meeting headed by the president on Thursday, the Communist Party's supreme Politburo Standing Committee vowed to "unswervingly adhere to the general policy of 'dynamic zero-Covid,' and resolutely fight against any words and acts that distort, doubt or deny our country's epidemic prevention policies." Watch | Gravitas: Xi Jinping attacks zero covid 'doubters' × "Our prevention and control strategy is determined by the party's nature and mission, our policies can stand the test of history, our measures are scientific and effective. We have won the battle to defend Wuhan, and we will certainly be able to win the battle to defend Shanghai," the seven-member committee said as per Xinhua. According to the state media, it is the first time Xi, who made an "important speech" at the meeting, has made public remarks about the policy since furore. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping issues strongest warning to silence uproar over zero-Covid policy

<p>Meteor showers are usually liked by one and all. This weekend, catch the glimpse of the Eta Aquarids, which is one of the busiest meteor showers. &nbsp;</p>

<p>For watching the "shooting stars", just step outside and look at the night sky. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Reaching peak on May 6, the Eta Aquarids will put up a strong show in the coming days. It will reach around 30 meteors an hour, media reports said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/warning-on-may-7-weak-solar-storm-will-pass-through-earth-says-noaa-find-out-its-effects-476915" hreflang="en">Warning! On May 7, solar storm will pass through Earth, says NOAA. Find out its effects</a></strong></p>

<p>These meteors are also known for their speed. They can reach around 148,000 mph (just over 238,000 km/h) when they hit atmosphere, NASA said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>If you are close to the equator or in the Southern Hemisphere, the meteor shower will be visible clearly. Well, don’t fret if you are elsewhere as you can still see the meteors in the Northern Hemisphere, said Bill Cooke, lead, NASA's Meteoroid Environments Office (MEO) at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-ufos-what-do-we-know-about-flying-saucers-476318/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>In a NASA post,&nbsp;Cooke said,&nbsp;"It will be interesting to see if the rates are low this year, or if we will get a spike in numbers before next year's forecast outburst."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>These shooting stars seem to have originated from Halley's Comet (1P/Halley). It is a short-period comet, which comes by every 75 to 76 years. It swings through the inner solar system. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it visits, it leaves behind a trail of dust grains, which Earth clears every May. Some debris, which hits our atmosphere, burn up before reaching us. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Meteor showers are usually liked by one and all. This weekend, catch the glimpse of the Eta Aquarids, which is one of the busiest meteor showers. For watching the "shooting stars", just step outside and look at the night sky.

Meteor showers are usually liked by one and all. This weekend, catch the glimpse of the Eta Aquarids, which is one of the busiest meteor showers. For watching the "shooting stars", just step outside and look at the night sky. Reaching peak on May 6, the Eta Aquarids will put up a strong show in the coming days. It will reach around 30 meteors an hour, media reports said. Also Read: Warning! On May 7, solar storm will pass through Earth, says NOAA. Find out its effects These meteors are also known for their speed. They can reach around 148,000 mph (just over 238,000 km/h) when they hit atmosphere, NASA said. If you are close to the equator or in the Southern Hemisphere, the meteor shower will be visible clearly. Well, don’t fret if you are elsewhere as you can still see the meteors in the Northern Hemisphere, said Bill Cooke, lead, NASA's Meteoroid Environments Office (MEO) at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? In a NASA post, Cooke said, "It will be interesting to see if the rates are low this year, or if we will get a spike in numbers before next year's forecast outburst." These shooting stars seem to have originated from Halley's Comet (1P/Halley). It is a short-period comet, which comes by every 75 to 76 years. It swings through the inner solar system. When it visits, it leaves behind a trail of dust grains, which Earth clears every May. Some debris, which hits our atmosphere, burn up before reaching us. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Do not miss it! Catch memorable sight of Eta Aquarids meteor shower this weekend  

<p>A luxury yacht worth around $700 million has been impounded on Friday in Italy. The vessel seems to have been linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as per media reports. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Italian government had ordered the police to seize the vessel, said reports. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Since September, Scheherazade, which has six decks, has been undergoing repairs in the port of Marina di Carrara, Italy. But the crew seemed to be preparing to put the sleek yacht to sea, according to the recent activity at the dockside. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-new-150mn-weapons-package-us-president-joe-biden-to-send-counter-artillery-radar-others-to-ukraine-476979" hreflang="en">In new $150mn package, US prez to send counter-artillery radar to Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>The yacht, which has two helicopter landing pads, seems to belong to Putin, claimed an organisation set up by Alexei Navalny. In March, it released a report, saying it had evidence to substantiate the claim. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Police have struggled to identify the real owner of the Scheherazade, officials told Reuters. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The vessel can host up to 18 guests and 40 crew, and is registered in the Cayman Islands. The vessel, which was built by the German firm Luerssen, was delivered to its mysterious owner in 2020. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The police seem to believe that the owner of this vessel is Eduard Khudainatov, a Reuters report said citing a source familiar with the probe into the case. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Victory Day in Russia: Who will win the war? | WION Wideangle</strong></p>

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<p>Khudainatov, who is former chief of Russian energy giant Rosneft, is currently not a target of EU sanctions. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Without naming the owner, the finance ministry, while announcing the seizure order in a statement, said, he had ties to "prominent elements of the Russian government". &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A luxury yacht worth around $700 million has been impounded on Friday in Italy. The vessel seems to have been linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as per media reports.

A luxury yacht worth around $700 million has been impounded on Friday in Italy. The vessel seems to have been linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as per media reports. The Italian government had ordered the police to seize the vessel, said reports. Since September, Scheherazade, which has six decks, has been undergoing repairs in the port of Marina di Carrara, Italy. But the crew seemed to be preparing to put the sleek yacht to sea, according to the recent activity at the dockside. Also Read: In new $150mn package, US prez to send counter-artillery radar to Ukraine The yacht, which has two helicopter landing pads, seems to belong to Putin, claimed an organisation set up by Alexei Navalny. In March, it released a report, saying it had evidence to substantiate the claim. Police have struggled to identify the real owner of the Scheherazade, officials told Reuters. The vessel can host up to 18 guests and 40 crew, and is registered in the Cayman Islands. The vessel, which was built by the German firm Luerssen, was delivered to its mysterious owner in 2020. The police seem to believe that the owner of this vessel is Eduard Khudainatov, a Reuters report said citing a source familiar with the probe into the case. Watch: Victory Day in Russia: Who will win the war? | WION Wideangle × Khudainatov, who is former chief of Russian energy giant Rosneft, is currently not a target of EU sanctions. Without naming the owner, the finance ministry, while announcing the seizure order in a statement, said, he had ties to "prominent elements of the Russian government". WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Italy seizes $700-million luxury yacht 'Scheherazade' allegedly linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin

<p>As the conflict continues to escalate, a new $150 million weapons package for Ukraine has been signed and announced by US President Joe Biden on Friday, media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This package will help Ukraine fight off Russian invasion by giving it access to additional artillery munitions, radar and other equipment. It is the latest in the series of transfers. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The new package, which is worth $150 million, will include 25,000 155mm artillery rounds, jamming equipment, counter-artillery radar, field equipment and spare parts, a Reuters report said, citing a US official. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-helping-ukraine-target-russian-generals-pentagon-476727" hreflang="en">Not helping Ukraine 'target' Russian generals: Pentagon</a></strong></p>

<p>In a statement, Biden said, "Today, the United States is continuing our strong support for the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia's ongoing aggression." &nbsp;</p>

<p>To help Ukraine in this time of dire need, the United States has sent around $3.4 billion worth of armaments since Russian invasion. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It includes "Ghost" drones, howitzers, anti-tank Javelin missiles, anti-aircraft Stinger systems and ammunition. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The new transfers of weapons will happen from the remaining $250 million in Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA). &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Fighting destroyed nearly 400 hospitals, medical centres, says Zelensky</strong></p>

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<p>In response to an emergency, PDA allows the president to make the transfer of excess weapons without congressional approval from the US stocks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Ukraine, Biden had also proposed a $33 billion assistance package last month. To send it, the president needs Congress approval. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Congress should quickly provide the requested funding to strengthen Ukraine on the battlefield and at the negotiating table," Biden said while saying that the latest authorisation of weapons has "nearly exhausted" the drawdown authority funding. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


As the conflict continues to escalate, a new $150 million weapons package for Ukraine has been signed and announced by US President Joe Biden on Friday, media reports said.

As the conflict continues to escalate, a new $150 million weapons package for Ukraine has been signed and announced by US President Joe Biden on Friday, media reports said. This package will help Ukraine fight off Russian invasion by giving it access to additional artillery munitions, radar and other equipment. It is the latest in the series of transfers. The new package, which is worth $150 million, will include 25,000 155mm artillery rounds, jamming equipment, counter-artillery radar, field equipment and spare parts, a Reuters report said, citing a US official. Also Read | Not helping Ukraine 'target' Russian generals: Pentagon In a statement, Biden said, "Today, the United States is continuing our strong support for the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia's ongoing aggression." To help Ukraine in this time of dire need, the United States has sent around $3.4 billion worth of armaments since Russian invasion. It includes "Ghost" drones, howitzers, anti-tank Javelin missiles, anti-aircraft Stinger systems and ammunition. The new transfers of weapons will happen from the remaining $250 million in Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA). Watch | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Fighting destroyed nearly 400 hospitals, medical centres, says Zelensky × In response to an emergency, PDA allows the president to make the transfer of excess weapons without congressional approval from the US stocks. For Ukraine, Biden had also proposed a $33 billion assistance package last month. To send it, the president needs Congress approval. "Congress should quickly provide the requested funding to strengthen Ukraine on the battlefield and at the negotiating table," Biden said while saying that the latest authorisation of weapons has "nearly exhausted" the drawdown authority funding. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

In new $150mn weapons package, US President Joe Biden to send counter-artillery radar, others to Ukraine

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<p>Russia’s invasion in Ukraine has been escalating and the economic toll of it will be felt for the next many years to come as maintaining the military onslaught costs almost $900 million each day, as per reports citing experts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This figure does not take into account the money Russia has lost as a result of the economic sanctions imposed on it due to the invasion. As per the White House, sanctions may continue even if Russia withdraws its soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-deploys-8000-troops-to-europe-to-deter-russian-aggression-477036">UK deploys 8,000 troops to Europe to deter 'Russian aggression'</a></strong></p>

<p>Given its military strength, Russia was looking to overrun Ukraine in the invasion. But it has had little military success to date. Forces have battled to take control of Kyiv and other cities. As per Pentagon press secretary&nbsp;John Kirby, every move by Russian soldiers has been met with stiff resistance by the Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: European Union states block sanctions on Russia oil</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-european-union-states-block-sanctions-on-russia-oil-476973/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Russia’s failures have come at a high cost to the country, both financially and in term of living standards as well, though the Kremlin has remained tight-lipped regarding military deaths.</p>

<p>As per the reports issued two weeks after the Russian president announced the conflict, it has cost the country $7 billion in direct costs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>The collapse of the Russian rubble may take back the economy by up to 30 years, with predictions that Russia’s standard of living could be lowered for the next five years, reported CNBC.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia’s invasion in Ukraine has been escalating and the economic toll of it will be felt for the next many years to come as maintaining the military onslaught costs almost $900 million each day, as per reports citing experts.

Russia’s invasion in Ukraine has been escalating and the economic toll of it will be felt for the next many years to come as maintaining the military onslaught costs almost $900 million each day, as per reports citing experts. This figure does not take into account the money Russia has lost as a result of the economic sanctions imposed on it due to the invasion. As per the White House, sanctions may continue even if Russia withdraws its soldiers. Also Read | UK deploys 8,000 troops to Europe to deter 'Russian aggression' Given its military strength, Russia was looking to overrun Ukraine in the invasion. But it has had little military success to date. Forces have battled to take control of Kyiv and other cities. As per Pentagon press secretary John Kirby, every move by Russian soldiers has been met with stiff resistance by the Ukrainian forces. Watch | Gravitas: European Union states block sanctions on Russia oil Russia’s failures have come at a high cost to the country, both financially and in term of living standards as well, though the Kremlin has remained tight-lipped regarding military deaths. As per the reports issued two weeks after the Russian president announced the conflict, it has cost the country $7 billion in direct costs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The collapse of the Russian rubble may take back the economy by up to 30 years, with predictions that Russia’s standard of living could be lowered for the next five years, reported CNBC. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Russia shells out $900 million a day over 'special military operation'

<p>Kicking off environmental concerns, Brazil’s Amazon has been witnessing a huge spike in deforestation for some time, media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In April, it reached record levels. Around double the area of the forest has been removed in comparison to the same month last year, shows the preliminary government data. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In the region, deforestation touched 1,012.5 square km (390 square miles) in first 29 days of April, as per data from the National Space Research Agency (INPE) on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-flying-insects-felly-by-almost-60-in-20-years-in-uk-reveals-survey-warns-of-consequences-476962" hreflang="en">Number of flying insects fell by almost 60% in 20 years in UK, reveals survey</a></strong></p>

<p>For April’s final day, the agency will report data next week. It compiles data monthly since 2015/2016. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the third monthly record this year after January and February also witnessed surge. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In four months of this year, Brazilian Amazon’s deforestation has touched 1,954 square km (754 square miles). It is an increase of 69% compared to the same period last year. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Receding ice poses threat to Polar Bears, Norwegian Polar institute raises alarm</strong></p>

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<p>Since President Jair Bolsonaro took office in 2019, the deforestation has soared. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, Marcio Astrini, head, Brazilian advocacy group Climate Observatory, told the Guardian, “The cause of this record has a first and last name: Jair Messias Bolsonaro.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>The government is making efforts to fight environmental crimes. The police and environmental authorities are also cooperating on an operation to combat deforestation in the five Amazon states of the country, the ministries of environment and justice said in a joint statement. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Kicking off environmental concerns, Brazil’s Amazon has been witnessing a huge spike in deforestation for some time, media reports said. In April, it reached record levels.

Kicking off environmental concerns, Brazil’s Amazon has been witnessing a huge spike in deforestation for some time, media reports said. In April, it reached record levels. Around double the area of the forest has been removed in comparison to the same month last year, shows the preliminary government data. In the region, deforestation touched 1,012.5 square km (390 square miles) in first 29 days of April, as per data from the National Space Research Agency (INPE) on Friday. Also Read: Number of flying insects fell by almost 60% in 20 years in UK, reveals survey For April’s final day, the agency will report data next week. It compiles data monthly since 2015/2016. This is the third monthly record this year after January and February also witnessed surge. In four months of this year, Brazilian Amazon’s deforestation has touched 1,954 square km (754 square miles). It is an increase of 69% compared to the same period last year. Watch: Receding ice poses threat to Polar Bears, Norwegian Polar institute raises alarm × Since President Jair Bolsonaro took office in 2019, the deforestation has soared. In a statement, Marcio Astrini, head, Brazilian advocacy group Climate Observatory, told the Guardian, “The cause of this record has a first and last name: Jair Messias Bolsonaro.” The government is making efforts to fight environmental crimes. The police and environmental authorities are also cooperating on an operation to combat deforestation in the five Amazon states of the country, the ministries of environment and justice said in a joint statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Alarming! Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon hits new records, kicks off climate concerns

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