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<p>China on&nbsp;Wednesday (May 15) allowed visa-free entry for foreign tour groups that come to the country via cruise ships.&nbsp;Citing the National Immigration Administration, a report by Bloomberg said that overseas tour groups on cruise boats will be able to&nbsp;enter and stay in China without a visa for up to 15 days.&nbsp;This measure has been introduced by Beijing in a further bid to attract&nbsp;international visitors and boost its sluggish inbound travel market.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference,&nbsp;Mao Xu, a senior official with the immigration administration, said that tour groups&nbsp;can&nbsp;enter China from&nbsp;13 ports&nbsp;including&nbsp;Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian and Haikou.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-rolls-out-e-visas-for-indian-tourists-all-you-need-to-know-707473">Japan rolls out e-visas for Indian tourists. All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>"Qualifying tour groups need to be received and handled by domestic travel agencies and will be allowed to travel to coastal provinces as well as&nbsp;Beijing,&nbsp;while they are in China,"&nbsp;Mao added.</p>

<h2><strong>The advantages</strong></h2>

<p>Mao told reporters that the visa-free entry policy for foreign tour groups on cruise ships would provide policy support for developing&nbsp;China's&nbsp;cruise industry.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"It will also help attract more foreign tourists to China and provide more convenient channels for&nbsp;people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries,"&nbsp;the&nbsp;official added.</p>

<p>Also&nbsp;during&nbsp;Wednesday's&nbsp;press conference, Transport Ministry official&nbsp;Zhu Zhenyu said that China has&nbsp;21 international cruise ships that ply the&nbsp;country’s&nbsp;ports en route to other destinations like Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;SOUTH CHINA SEA: Will China’s floating nuclear reactors intensify tensions in region? | WION Decodes</strong></p>

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<p>Last year,&nbsp;107,000 passenger trips were made&nbsp;via cruise ships in the country, Zhu said.</p>

<h2><strong>A push to attract more international travellers</strong></h2>

<p>China since last year has&nbsp;taken several measures&nbsp;to attract more international visitors, including visa-free entry for travellers from some European and Asian countries, including Singapore, reported Bloomberg.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China on Wednesday (May 15) allowed visa-free entry for foreign tour groups that come to the country via cruise ships. Citing the National Immigration Administration, a report by Bloomberg said that overseas tour groups on cruise boats will be able to enter and stay in China without a visa for up to 15 days.

China on Wednesday (May 15) allowed visa-free entry for foreign tour groups that come to the country via cruise ships. Citing the National Immigration Administration, a report by Bloomberg said that overseas tour groups on cruise boats will be able to enter and stay in China without a visa for up to 15 days. This measure has been introduced by Beijing in a further bid to attract international visitors and boost its sluggish inbound travel market. Addressing a press conference, Mao Xu, a senior official with the immigration administration, said that tour groups can enter China from 13 ports including Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian and Haikou. Also read | Japan rolls out e-visas for Indian tourists. All you need to know "Qualifying tour groups need to be received and handled by domestic travel agencies and will be allowed to travel to coastal provinces as well as Beijing, while they are in China," Mao added. The advantages Mao told reporters that the visa-free entry policy for foreign tour groups on cruise ships would provide policy support for developing China's cruise industry. "It will also help attract more foreign tourists to China and provide more convenient channels for people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries," the official added. Also during Wednesday's press conference, Transport Ministry official Zhu Zhenyu said that China has 21 international cruise ships that ply the country’s ports en route to other destinations like Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. Also watch | SOUTH CHINA SEA: Will China’s floating nuclear reactors intensify tensions in region? | WION Decodes × Last year, 107,000 passenger trips were made via cruise ships in the country, Zhu said. A push to attract more international travellers China since last year has taken several measures to attract more international visitors, including visa-free entry for travellers from some European and Asian countries, including Singapore, reported Bloomberg. (With inputs from agencies)

China allows visa-free entry for foreign tour groups via cruise ships

We’re Close to Finding a Ninth Planet in Solar System

The solar system has eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. There are five officially recognised dwarf planets in our solar system: Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris. However, there could be a ninth planet which is the size of Neptune.

Mysterious Planet on Edges of Solar System

This Neptune-sized planet could be lurking out at the edges of the solar system. According to astronomy YouTuber Astrokobi, this planet orbits way out past Pluto.

How Many Years Does the Planet Take to Complete an Orbit?

This mysterious planet takes 10,000-20,000 years to complete one full orbit, and scientists could be quite close to finding it.

Recently, astronomers noticed several small objects out in the Kuiper Belt that appeared to be gravitationally affected by this planet. But the planet find it hard to detect as it is way too far from the Sun.

Dinosaurs Roamed Earth on The Other Side of the Milky Way

All images: NASA, Representative images (Pexels)

Roamed Earth When It Was on the Other Side of the Milky Way

When dinosaurs ruled the Earth, the planet was on a completely different side of the Milky Way galaxy. This was revealed by NASA a few years back through an animation.

In November 2019, an animation by NASA scientist Dr Jessie Christiansen showed just how long the dinosaurs’ reign lasted, and how short the era of humans has been in comparison, by tracing the solar system’s movement through the galaxy.

The sun orbits the Milky Way’s centre, completing its rotation every 250 million years or so. And, the animation by Dr Christiansen showed that last time the solar system was at its current point in the galaxy, the Triassic period was in full swing and dinosaurs were just beginning to emerge.

Christiansen got the idea to develop this animation when she was leading a stargazing party at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

Actors Who Would Be Perfect As Fantastic Four's Dr Doom

Dr Doom will be making his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) soon, and he will likely be a part of the upcoming Fantastic Four Film, reports have claimed.

Production of the upcoming Fantastic Four movie will begin this summer and the film will be released by July 2025. Here's a look at the actors who will be perfect for Dr Doom.

The Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer star plays villainous roles with relative ease, especially when he looks at people with his sledgehammering stare. The Irishman is known for taking up challenging roles and can bring a regal, calm quality to Doom, according to Screenrant.

For years, Mads Mikkelsen has shown the ability to portray incredible villains - from playing Le Chiffre in James Bond's Casino Royale to Hannibal Lecter in the famous American TV series Hannibal. The actor was wasted as the boring Kaecilius in Marvel's Doctor Strange, and a new role as Dr Doom would allow him to show his full potential.

Famously known for his role as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead where the character transitions from being calm to extremely violent, Andrew Lincoln is also among the top contenders for Dr Doom. 

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<p>The United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday (May 12) that an all-out Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah would provoke "anarchy" without eliminating Hamas.&nbsp;"Israel's on the trajectory, potentially, to inherit an insurgency with many armed Hamas left, or if it leaves, a vacuum filled by chaos, filled by anarchy and probably refilled by Hamas," Blinken told CBS News.</p>

<p>On being asked&nbsp;whether the US concurred with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Israeli forces had killed more civilians than Hamas militants since the war began, Blinken replied simply, "Yes, we do."</p>

<p>Speaking to another American media outlet, the US Secretary of State said on Sunday that Washington&nbsp;was continuing to press Israeli leaders to provide a plan for Gaza once the war is finally over. Blinken further said Hamas militants had already returned to&nbsp;certain areas&nbsp;of northern Gaza that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;had "liberated."</p>

<h2><strong>Fighting rages across Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>Blinken remarks came as fighting raged across the Gaza Strip on Sunday. The Israeli military sent tanks&nbsp;into eastern Jabalia in northern Gaza&nbsp;after a night of heavy aerial and ground bombardments, killing 19 people and wounding dozens of others, Palestinian health officials said.</p>

<p>Jabalia is the biggest of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps and is home to more than 100,000 people, most of whom were descendants of Palestinians who&nbsp;were driven&nbsp;from towns and villages in what is now&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that led to the creation the state of&nbsp;Israel.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said, "We identified in the past weeks attempts by Hamas to rehabilitate its military capabilities in Jabalia. We are operating there to eliminate those attempts."</p>

<p>Thousands of families&nbsp;were leaving Rafah as the&nbsp;Israeli military pressure intensified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the armed wing of Hamas&nbsp;and the Islamic Jihad said their fighters attacked&nbsp;Israeli forces in several areas inside Gaza with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, including in Rafah.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in Gaza over 35,000</strong></h2>

<p>The war between Israel and Hamas began last year when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The Palestinian militant group took hundreds of people as hostages.</p>

<p>Israel&nbsp;estimates 128 captives remain in Gaza. It&nbsp;is presumed&nbsp;that 36 of these 128 captives are dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel struck back hard in Gaza, killing thousands of Palestinians and displacing tens of thousands of more. On Sunday, the death toll in the war crossed 35,000, as per the Hamas-run health ministry.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday (May 12) that an all-out Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah would provoke "anarchy" without eliminating Hamas.

The United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday (May 12) that an all-out Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah would provoke "anarchy" without eliminating Hamas. "Israel's on the trajectory, potentially, to inherit an insurgency with many armed Hamas left, or if it leaves, a vacuum filled by chaos, filled by anarchy and probably refilled by Hamas," Blinken told CBS News. On being asked whether the US concurred with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Israeli forces had killed more civilians than Hamas militants since the war began, Blinken replied simply, "Yes, we do." Speaking to another American media outlet, the US Secretary of State said on Sunday that Washington was continuing to press Israeli leaders to provide a plan for Gaza once the war is finally over. Blinken further said Hamas militants had already returned to certain areas of northern Gaza that Israel had "liberated." Fighting rages across Gaza Blinken remarks came as fighting raged across the Gaza Strip on Sunday. The Israeli military sent tanks into eastern Jabalia in northern Gaza after a night of heavy aerial and ground bombardments, killing 19 people and wounding dozens of others, Palestinian health officials said. Jabalia is the biggest of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps and is home to more than 100,000 people, most of whom were descendants of Palestinians who were driven from towns and villages in what is now Israel during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that led to the creation the state of Israel. Addressing a press conference, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said, "We identified in the past weeks attempts by Hamas to rehabilitate its military capabilities in Jabalia. We are operating there to eliminate those attempts." Thousands of families were leaving Rafah as the Israeli military pressure intensified. Meanwhile, the armed wing of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad said their fighters attacked Israeli forces in several areas inside Gaza with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, including in Rafah. Death toll in Gaza over 35,000 The war between Israel and Hamas began last year when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The Palestinian militant group took hundreds of people as hostages. Israel estimates 128 captives remain in Gaza. It is presumed that 36 of these 128 captives are dead. Israel struck back hard in Gaza, killing thousands of Palestinians and displacing tens of thousands of more. On Sunday, the death toll in the war crossed 35,000, as per the Hamas-run health ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israel's Rafah offensive will provoke 'anarchy' without eliminating Hamas, says Blinken

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<p>A Russian national&nbsp;was arrested&nbsp;in the Indian city of Gurugram for selling drugs, including&nbsp;LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) and concentrated cannabis, the news agency PTI reported on Saturday (May 11)&nbsp;citing&nbsp;the police. The Russian, identified as 30-year-old&nbsp;Mikhailuk, was arrested from the Golf Course Road.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said that they recovered&nbsp;0.25 grams of LSD and&nbsp;250 grams of concentrated cannabis, more commonly known as charas. The arrest happened after the police got a tip-off and carried out a raid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-agencies-nab-pak-boat-with-6crew-that-carried-80kg-drugs-worth-60mn-699385">ndian agencies nab Pak boat with 6 crew carrying 80kg drugs worth $60 million&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>A senior police officer told the news agency that&nbsp;Mikhailuk was&nbsp;being interrogated&nbsp;to find the drug trail. The police were&nbsp;also verifying his visa and passport, the officer said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Accused arrived in India six years ago</strong></h2>

<p>A report by the Times of India (TOI) on Saturday said that&nbsp;Mikhailuk arrived in India six years ago on a tourist visa and stayed here illegally after it (the visa)&nbsp;expired. Police told TOI that the 30-year-old had been living across villages in Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man would transport drugs to Gurugram from Himachal and would sell them to random customers who visited roadside food stalls (in Gurugram) at night, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An FIR was lodged against Mikhailuk under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at the Sadar police station. Further investigation into the case is underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Russian national was arrested in the Indian city of Gurugram for selling drugs, including LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) and concentrated cannabis, the news agency PTI reported on Saturday (May 11) citing the police.

A Russian national was arrested in the Indian city of Gurugram for selling drugs, including LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) and concentrated cannabis, the news agency PTI reported on Saturday (May 11) citing the police. The Russian, identified as 30-year-old Mikhailuk, was arrested from the Golf Course Road. The police said that they recovered 0.25 grams of LSD and 250 grams of concentrated cannabis, more commonly known as charas. The arrest happened after the police got a tip-off and carried out a raid. Also read | Indian agencies nab Pak boat with 6 crew carrying 80kg drugs worth $60 million A senior police officer told the news agency that Mikhailuk was being interrogated to find the drug trail. The police were also verifying his visa and passport, the officer said. Accused arrived in India six years ago A report by the Times of India (TOI) on Saturday said that Mikhailuk arrived in India six years ago on a tourist visa and stayed here illegally after it (the visa) expired. Police told TOI that the 30-year-old had been living across villages in Himachal Pradesh. The man would transport drugs to Gurugram from Himachal and would sell them to random customers who visited roadside food stalls (in Gurugram) at night, the report said. An FIR was lodged against Mikhailuk under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at the Sadar police station. Further investigation into the case is underway. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian national arrested in India's Gurugram for selling drugs

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<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed&nbsp;Sergei Shoigu as the&nbsp;country's&nbsp;defence minister in a cabinet reshuffle. On Sunday (May 12), President Putin proposed&nbsp;Andrey Belousov to be the new defence minister.&nbsp;Belousov’s&nbsp;candidacy will need to be approved by&nbsp;Russia’s&nbsp;upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, a report by the news agency Associated Press said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Putin introduced proposals for other Cabinet positions&nbsp;as well&nbsp;but&nbsp;Shoigu is the only minister on that list who is&nbsp;being replaced.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-sergei-shoigu-putins-hunting-partner-just-shown-exit-door-from-russian-defence-ministry-720828">Who is Sergei Shoigu? Putin's hunting partner just shown exit door from Russian defence ministry</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing a press conference,&nbsp;Kremlin spokesperson&nbsp;Dmitry Peskov said that the decision to appoint&nbsp;Belousov as the defence minister&nbsp;was linked&nbsp;to the need to&nbsp;"making the economy of the security bloc part of the&nbsp;country’s&nbsp;economy."</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Andrey&nbsp;Belousov?</strong></h2>

<p>Born in 1959,&nbsp;Andrey Belousov is an economist&nbsp;by profession&nbsp;and has previously served in different positions.&nbsp;Belousov, 65,&nbsp;graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Moscow State University in 1981 with distinction. He defended his dissertation on&nbsp;"An imitative approach to modelling interrelated processes for the formation and use of working capital."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin appoints Sergei Shoigu as security council secretary</strong></p>

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<p>In 2000,&nbsp;Belousov&nbsp;was appointed a non-staff adviser to the Russian prime minister and joined the economy ministry as deputy minister six years later. Between&nbsp;2008 and 2012, he was director of the Department for Economics and Finance in the government apparatus, the same years Putin served as PM.</p>

<h2><strong>Belousov briefly took on PM duties in 2020</strong></h2>

<p>In late May 2012, he&nbsp;was made&nbsp;economics minister.&nbsp;From 2013 until 2020,&nbsp;Belousov&nbsp;served as adviser to Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From 2020, he worked as first deputy prime minister. When Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin got Covid in 2020,&nbsp;Belousov&nbsp;briefly took on the prime&nbsp;minister's&nbsp;duties while Mishustin got better.</p>

<p>The appointment of the 65-year-old has shocked many as he has no military background, but Belousov&nbsp;has been one of&nbsp;Putin’s&nbsp;most influential economic advisors over the last decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed Sergei Shoigu as the country's defence minister in a cabinet reshuffle. On Sunday (May 12), President Putin proposed Andrey Belousov to be the new defence minister.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has removed Sergei Shoigu as the country's defence minister in a cabinet reshuffle. On Sunday (May 12), President Putin proposed Andrey Belousov to be the new defence minister. Belousov’s candidacy will need to be approved by Russia’s upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. President Putin introduced proposals for other Cabinet positions as well but Shoigu is the only minister on that list who is being replaced. Also read | Who is Sergei Shoigu? Putin's hunting partner just shown exit door from Russian defence ministry Addressing a press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the decision to appoint Belousov as the defence minister was linked to the need to "making the economy of the security bloc part of the country’s economy." Who is Andrey Belousov? Born in 1959, Andrey Belousov is an economist by profession and has previously served in different positions. Belousov, 65, graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the Moscow State University in 1981 with distinction. He defended his dissertation on "An imitative approach to modelling interrelated processes for the formation and use of working capital." Also watch | Vladimir Putin appoints Sergei Shoigu as security council secretary × In 2000, Belousov was appointed a non-staff adviser to the Russian prime minister and joined the economy ministry as deputy minister six years later. Between 2008 and 2012, he was director of the Department for Economics and Finance in the government apparatus, the same years Putin served as PM. Belousov briefly took on PM duties in 2020 In late May 2012, he was made economics minister. From 2013 until 2020, Belousov served as adviser to Putin. From 2020, he worked as first deputy prime minister. When Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin got Covid in 2020, Belousov briefly took on the prime minister's duties while Mishustin got better. The appointment of the 65-year-old has shocked many as he has no military background, but Belousov has been one of Putin’s most influential economic advisors over the last decade. (With inputs from agencies)

Andrey Belousov, with no military background, likely to be Russia's new defence minister. Who is he?

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<p>Thousands of people in Western Canada fled their homes on Sunday (May 12) as the season's wildfires began earlier than usual.&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;issued a&nbsp;special&nbsp;air quality statement that extends from British Columbia to Ontario, the news agency Reuters reported early Monday.</p>

<p>The government, meanwhile, said that&nbsp;evacuation orders were issued&nbsp;over the weekend for small towns in the Alberta and Manitoba provinces, while smoke from wildfires drifted over much of western&nbsp;Canada, lowering air quality dramatically.</p>

<h2><strong>Fort Nelson&nbsp;among&nbsp;worst affected regions</strong></h2>

<p>British Columbia's&nbsp;Fort Nelson town was among the worst affected regions. Speaking to the news agency AFP, NRRM Mayor Rob Fraser said&nbsp;that fires&nbsp;were all around Fort Nelson from the west to the northeast.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-may-face-wildfires-worse-than-worst-ever-2023-inferno-government-wars-710135">Canada may face wildfires worse than worst-ever 2023 inferno, government warns</a></strong></p>

<p>Fraser&nbsp;urged hundreds of people who stayed put to&nbsp;get out of&nbsp;the town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AFP reported that a fire covering an area of 6,200 acres was burning 3.5 kilometres&nbsp;to the&nbsp;west of Fort Nelson.&nbsp;Nearly 3,500&nbsp;were evacuated&nbsp;by Friday evening.&nbsp;Fraser told the news agency on Sunday that&nbsp;cooler weather overnight helped slow the advance of the fire&nbsp;but&nbsp;strong winds later picked up in the afternoon, which could fan the flames.</p>

<p>In Alberta,&nbsp;43 fires were burning, including one 15 kilometres from&nbsp;the town of&nbsp;Fort McMurray, forcing people to prepare for possible evacuations.</p>

<p>Evacuation alerts were in place in several municipalities of Alberta. Though there was no immediate risk,&nbsp;the alerts ensured that&nbsp;residents&nbsp;were prepared&nbsp;to evacuate if conditions changed.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Another catastrophic wildfire season</strong></h2>

<p>The government has warned that Canada would face&nbsp;another "catastrophic" wildfire season as it forecast higher-than-normal spring and summer temperatures across much of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Wildfires: The burning issue</strong></p>

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<p>Last year&nbsp;was&nbsp;Canada's worst ever for forest fires, with flames burning from coast to coast and charring&nbsp;more than&nbsp;15 million hectares of land. Eight firefighters died&nbsp;and&nbsp;230,000 people&nbsp;were evacuated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Thousands of people in Western Canada fled their homes on Sunday (May 12) as the season's wildfires began earlier than usual. Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement that extends from British Columbia to Ontario, the news agency Reuters reported early Monday.

Thousands of people in Western Canada fled their homes on Sunday (May 12) as the season's wildfires began earlier than usual. Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement that extends from British Columbia to Ontario, the news agency Reuters reported early Monday. The government, meanwhile, said that evacuation orders were issued over the weekend for small towns in the Alberta and Manitoba provinces, while smoke from wildfires drifted over much of western Canada, lowering air quality dramatically. Fort Nelson among worst affected regions British Columbia's Fort Nelson town was among the worst affected regions. Speaking to the news agency AFP, NRRM Mayor Rob Fraser said that fires were all around Fort Nelson from the west to the northeast. Also read | Canada may face wildfires worse than worst-ever 2023 inferno, government warns Fraser urged hundreds of people who stayed put to get out of the town. AFP reported that a fire covering an area of 6,200 acres was burning 3.5 kilometres to the west of Fort Nelson. Nearly 3,500 were evacuated by Friday evening. Fraser told the news agency on Sunday that cooler weather overnight helped slow the advance of the fire but strong winds later picked up in the afternoon, which could fan the flames. In Alberta, 43 fires were burning, including one 15 kilometres from the town of Fort McMurray, forcing people to prepare for possible evacuations. Evacuation alerts were in place in several municipalities of Alberta. Though there was no immediate risk, the alerts ensured that residents were prepared to evacuate if conditions changed. Another catastrophic wildfire season The government has warned that Canada would face another "catastrophic" wildfire season as it forecast higher-than-normal spring and summer temperatures across much of the country. Also watch | Wildfires: The burning issue × Last year was Canada's worst ever for forest fires, with flames burning from coast to coast and charring more than 15 million hectares of land. Eight firefighters died and 230,000 people were evacuated. (With inputs from agencies)

Wildfires in Canada: Widespread blaze in western region forces evacuations

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<p>The Canadian Police on Saturday (May 11) arrested a fourth person and charged him with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.&nbsp;The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Saturday that Amandeep Singh (an alleged Indian national)&nbsp;has&nbsp;been charged&nbsp;with first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder&nbsp;Nijjar, the news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<p>Singh's arrest came days after the police&nbsp;arrested and charged three men (alleged Indian nationals) in the city of Edmonton in Alberta. The three men&nbsp;were identified&nbsp;as&nbsp;Karanpreet&nbsp;Singh, 28, Kamalpreet&nbsp;Singh, 22, and Karan Brar, 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-have-to-wait-for-indias-jaishankar-reacts-to-arrests-in-nijjar-murder-case-718139">Will have to wait for...: India's foreign minister S Jaishankar reacts to arrests in Nijjar murder case</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday (May 7), the three&nbsp;appeared briefly in a British Columbia courtroom, wearing prison uniforms.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nijjar shot dead in June 2023</strong></h2>

<p>Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45,&nbsp;was shot dead in June 2023 outside a Sikh temple in Surrey. Nijjar was labelled a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020.</p>

<p>In September last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Ottawa&nbsp;pursuing&nbsp;allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder. New Delhi rejected Trudeau's claim as absurd.</p>

<h2><strong>India will wait for Canada to share details on arrests</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, the Indian government said&nbsp;that it&nbsp;would wait for Canadian authorities&nbsp;to share information on Karanpreet, Kamalpreet, and Karan. Addressing a press conference, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson&nbsp;Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi was aware of the arrest but has not received a formal communication from Canada regarding the case.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India calls western report on Nijjar 'fake' &amp; 'fabricated'</strong></p>

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<p>"We have long maintained that separatists, extremists and those advocating violence have been given political space in Canada. Our diplomats have been threatened with impunity and obstructed in their&nbsp;performance of&nbsp;duties. We have also pointed out to the Canadian authorities that figures associated with organised crime with links in India have been allowed entry and residency," Jaiswal said.</p>

<p>"Many of our extradition requests are pending with them. We are having discussions at the diplomatic level on all these matters with the Canadian side,"&nbsp;he&nbsp;added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Canadian Police on Saturday (May 11) arrested a fourth person and charged him with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Saturday that Amandeep Singh (an alleged Indian national) has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder Nijjar, the news agency Reuters reported.

The Canadian Police on Saturday (May 11) arrested a fourth person and charged him with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Saturday that Amandeep Singh (an alleged Indian national) has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder Nijjar, the news agency Reuters reported. Singh's arrest came days after the police arrested and charged three men (alleged Indian nationals) in the city of Edmonton in Alberta. The three men were identified as Karanpreet Singh, 28, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karan Brar, 22. Also read | Will have to wait for...: India's foreign minister S Jaishankar reacts to arrests in Nijjar murder case On Tuesday (May 7), the three appeared briefly in a British Columbia courtroom, wearing prison uniforms. Nijjar shot dead in June 2023 Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, was shot dead in June 2023 outside a Sikh temple in Surrey. Nijjar was labelled a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020. In September last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Ottawa pursuing allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder. New Delhi rejected Trudeau's claim as absurd. India will wait for Canada to share details on arrests On Thursday, the Indian government said that it would wait for Canadian authorities to share information on Karanpreet, Kamalpreet, and Karan. Addressing a press conference, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi was aware of the arrest but has not received a formal communication from Canada regarding the case. Also watch | Gravitas: India calls western report on Nijjar 'fake' & 'fabricated' × "We have long maintained that separatists, extremists and those advocating violence have been given political space in Canada. Our diplomats have been threatened with impunity and obstructed in their performance of duties. We have also pointed out to the Canadian authorities that figures associated with organised crime with links in India have been allowed entry and residency," Jaiswal said. "Many of our extradition requests are pending with them. We are having discussions at the diplomatic level on all these matters with the Canadian side," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Nijjar killing: Canadian police arrest fourth person, charge him with murder of Khalistani terrorist

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<p>The hopes of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in their war in the Gaza Strip are fading. On Saturday (May 11), United States President Joe Biden said that a truce deal would happen as soon as "tomorrow" if Hamas&nbsp;released the hostages it held captive following its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.&nbsp;"Israel said it's up to Hamas, if&nbsp;they wanted to do it, we could end it tomorrow. And the ceasefire would begin tomorrow," Biden said.</p>

<p>The Canadian Police&nbsp;on Saturday&nbsp;arrested a fourth person and charged him with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The arrested man&nbsp;was identified&nbsp;as Amandeep Singh. Earlier the police had arrested three Indian men in connection with the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news, the world is celebrating Mother's Day on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-gaza-ceasefire-possible-tomorrow-if-hamas-releases-hostages-720494"><strong>Biden says Gaza ceasefire possible as soon as 'tomorrow' if Hamas releases hostages</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/12/430854-succession-2024-05-07t232735966.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (May 11) said that a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas would happen as soon as "tomorrow" if the Palestinian militant group released the hostages it held captive following its Oct 7 assault.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nijjar-killing-canadian-police-arrest-fourth-person-and-charges-him-with-murder-of-khalistani-terrorist-720482"><strong>Nijjar killing: Canadian police arrest fourth person and charge him with murder of Khalistani terrorist</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/12/430847-2024-05-04t022225z1lynxmpek4300ortroptp4canada-india.JPG?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The Canadian Police on Saturday (May 11) arrested a fourth person and charged him with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.&nbsp;The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Saturday that Amandeep Singh (an Indian)&nbsp;has&nbsp;been charged&nbsp;with first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder Nijjar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mothers-day-meet-anna-jarvis-the-mothers-day-founder-who-fought-against-it-720488"><strong>Meet Anna Jarvis, the Mother's Day 'founder' who fought against its commercialisation</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/12/430850-mothersday.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The cards have been dispatched, florists are having their time of the year, and you may struggle to find that favourite spot of yours at your favourite restaurant. The second Sunday of May is here, and with that, it's Mother's Day.&nbsp;But do you know that the founder of Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis, fought against its commercialisation and even attempted to have it rescinded.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kidnapping-epidemic-in-nigeria-gunmen-abduct-over-100-during-raids-on-three-villages-720497"><strong>Kidnapping epidemic in Nigeria: Gunmen abduct over 100 during raids on three villages</strong></a></p>

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<p>Gunmen raided three villages in northwest Nigeria on Friday (May 10) night, kidnapping more than 100 people, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday, citing&nbsp;a district official and residents.&nbsp;Alhaji Bala, head of a district in the Birnin-Magaji local government area of Zamfara, told Reuters that gunmen attacked the villages of&nbsp;Gora, Madomawa, and Jambuzu.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China's nuke power in the South China Sea sparks concerns | WION Decodes&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The hopes of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in their war in the Gaza Strip are fading. On Saturday (May 11), United States President Joe Biden said that a truce deal would happen as soon as "tomorrow" if Hamas released the hostages it held captive following its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

The hopes of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in their war in the Gaza Strip are fading. On Saturday (May 11), United States President Joe Biden said that a truce deal would happen as soon as "tomorrow" if Hamas released the hostages it held captive following its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. "Israel said it's up to Hamas, if they wanted to do it, we could end it tomorrow. And the ceasefire would begin tomorrow," Biden said. The Canadian Police on Saturday arrested a fourth person and charged him with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The arrested man was identified as Amandeep Singh. Earlier the police had arrested three Indian men in connection with the case. In other news, the world is celebrating Mother's Day on Sunday. Click on the headlines to read more: Biden says Gaza ceasefire possible as soon as 'tomorrow' if Hamas releases hostages United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (May 11) said that a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas would happen as soon as "tomorrow" if the Palestinian militant group released the hostages it held captive following its Oct 7 assault. Nijjar killing: Canadian police arrest fourth person and charge him with murder of Khalistani terrorist The Canadian Police on Saturday (May 11) arrested a fourth person and charged him with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Saturday that Amandeep Singh (an Indian) has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder Nijjar. Meet Anna Jarvis, the Mother's Day 'founder' who fought against its commercialisation The cards have been dispatched, florists are having their time of the year, and you may struggle to find that favourite spot of yours at your favourite restaurant. The second Sunday of May is here, and with that, it's Mother's Day. But do you know that the founder of Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis, fought against its commercialisation and even attempted to have it rescinded. Kidnapping epidemic in Nigeria: Gunmen abduct over 100 during raids on three villages Gunmen raided three villages in northwest Nigeria on Friday (May 10) night, kidnapping more than 100 people, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday, citing a district official and residents. Alhaji Bala, head of a district in the Birnin-Magaji local government area of Zamfara, told Reuters that gunmen attacked the villages of Gora, Madomawa, and Jambuzu. Watch: China's nuke power in the South China Sea sparks concerns | WION Decodes ×

Morning brief: Gaza war updates; Canada makes fourth arrest in Nijjar killing case; and more

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<p>Gunmen raided three villages in northwest Nigeria on Friday (May 10) night, kidnapping more than 100 people, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday&nbsp;citing&nbsp;a district official and residents.&nbsp;Alhaji Bala, head of a district in the Birnin-Magaji local government area of Zamfara, told Reuters that gunmen attacked the villages of&nbsp;Gora, Madomawa, and Jambuzu.</p>

<p>Bala added that&nbsp;38 men and 67 women and children were missing.&nbsp;"But the number of people abducted could be more than that," he&nbsp;added. Reuters reported that&nbsp;Zamfara has been a hotspot for kidnapping gangs who carry out attacks and retreat into forests where they have set up camps.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gunmen arrived on bikes, shot&nbsp;sporadically</strong></h2>

<p>Madomawa village head Aminu&nbsp;Aliyu Asha said on Saturday that gunmen arrived in his village on motorbikes and shot sporadically before kidnapping several people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-200-abducted-schoolchildren-in-northwestern-nigeria-freed-after-two-weeks-703700">Over 200 abducted schoolchildren in northwestern Nigeria freed after two weeks</a></strong></p>

<p>"The abduction breaches the peace agreement between us and bandits. In February this year, we made several ransom payments in order to stop them from attacking our territory," Asha added.</p>

<p>A resident from Madomawa&nbsp;said that&nbsp;his two brothers were among those abducted, while&nbsp;another&nbsp;resident,&nbsp;said that among the abducted were 15 passengers in a lorry that was passing through&nbsp;Gora, Madomawa, and Jambuzu.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kidnapping has become endemic in northwest&nbsp;region</strong></h2>

<p>Kidnapping incidents have become endemic in Nigeria's northwest region, as gangs are abducting&nbsp;people from villages, highways, and&nbsp;schools,&nbsp;and demanding ransom money from their relatives.</p>

<p>Mass kidnappings were first carried out by Boko Haram&nbsp;but&nbsp;now&nbsp;the practice&nbsp;has been adopted by armed gangs with no known ideological affiliation and has grown as Nigerians grapple with economic hardship.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Tanker explosion in Nigeria: People stranded for hours, many trapped in their vehicle</strong></p>

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<p>Friday's kidnappings came a day after at least nine students were kidnapped from their classrooms by gunmen at the&nbsp;Confluence University of Science and Technology in the state of&nbsp;Kogi.</p>

<p>Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Kogi's information commissioner, said the students were studying when gunmen attacked the university on Thursday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Gunmen raided three villages in northwest Nigeria on Friday (May 10) night, kidnapping more than 100 people, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday citing a district official and residents.

Gunmen raided three villages in northwest Nigeria on Friday (May 10) night, kidnapping more than 100 people, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday citing a district official and residents. Alhaji Bala, head of a district in the Birnin-Magaji local government area of Zamfara, told Reuters that gunmen attacked the villages of Gora, Madomawa, and Jambuzu. Bala added that 38 men and 67 women and children were missing. "But the number of people abducted could be more than that," he added. Reuters reported that Zamfara has been a hotspot for kidnapping gangs who carry out attacks and retreat into forests where they have set up camps. Gunmen arrived on bikes, shot sporadically Madomawa village head Aminu Aliyu Asha said on Saturday that gunmen arrived in his village on motorbikes and shot sporadically before kidnapping several people. Also read | Over 200 abducted schoolchildren in northwestern Nigeria freed after two weeks "The abduction breaches the peace agreement between us and bandits. In February this year, we made several ransom payments in order to stop them from attacking our territory," Asha added. A resident from Madomawa said that his two brothers were among those abducted, while another resident, said that among the abducted were 15 passengers in a lorry that was passing through Gora, Madomawa, and Jambuzu. Kidnapping has become endemic in northwest region Kidnapping incidents have become endemic in Nigeria's northwest region, as gangs are abducting people from villages, highways, and schools, and demanding ransom money from their relatives. Mass kidnappings were first carried out by Boko Haram but now the practice has been adopted by armed gangs with no known ideological affiliation and has grown as Nigerians grapple with economic hardship. Also watch | Tanker explosion in Nigeria: People stranded for hours, many trapped in their vehicle × Friday's kidnappings came a day after at least nine students were kidnapped from their classrooms by gunmen at the Confluence University of Science and Technology in the state of Kogi. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Kogi's information commissioner, said the students were studying when gunmen attacked the university on Thursday night. (With inputs from agencies)

Kidnapping endemic in Nigeria: Gunmen abduct over 100 during raids on three villages

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<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Russia-Ukraine war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</strong></em></p>

<p>More than 1,700 people were evacuated from areas&nbsp;near the Russian border in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on Saturday (May 11), after Russia launched&nbsp;a surprise ground offensive. In a post on social media,&nbsp;Kharkiv governor Oleg Synegubov said, "A total of 1,775 people have been evacuated."&nbsp;He further said that Russian&nbsp;artillery and mortar attacks on 30 settlements were reported over the last 24 hours.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a fierce battle was underway in Kharkiv. "We must disrupt Russian offensive operations and return the initiative to Ukraine," President Zelensky added. Kharkiv has been mostly under Ukrainian control since September 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gives-new-400mn-military-aid-to-ukraine-kyiv-to-get-its-first-f-16-jets-soon-720218">US gives new $400mn military aid to Ukraine; Kyiv to get its first F-16 jets soon</a></strong></p>

<p>Ukraine earlier warned of a Russian buildup in the area, potentially signalling preparations for an offensive or a ploy to divert and pin down Kyiv's overstretched and outnumbered defenders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent times,&nbsp;Ukrainian forces have multiplied attacks inside Russia and Russian-held areas of Ukraine, particularly on energy infrastructure.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian&nbsp;strike at oil depot kills 3, injures 8</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, in the latest news from the Russia-Ukraine war, a Ukrainian strike on Friday night&nbsp;killed three people, injured eight, and triggered a large fire at an oil storage depot in&nbsp;Ukraine's occupied Luhansk region.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes</strong></p>

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<p>In a post on Telegram, Luhansk's Russian-installed governor said the injured&nbsp;remained hospitalised after the attack&nbsp;in the town of Rovenky, 60 kilometres from the regional centre of Luhansk.</p>

<p>It was the second such assault in three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In both instances, Pasechnik suggested, without evidence, that&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;used US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).</p>


Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Russia-Ukraine war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos More than 1,700 people were evacuated from areas near the Russian border in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on Saturday (May 11), after Russia launched a surprise ground offensive.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Russia-Ukraine war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos More than 1,700 people were evacuated from areas near the Russian border in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on Saturday (May 11), after Russia launched a surprise ground offensive. In a post on social media, Kharkiv governor Oleg Synegubov said, "A total of 1,775 people have been evacuated." He further said that Russian artillery and mortar attacks on 30 settlements were reported over the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a fierce battle was underway in Kharkiv. "We must disrupt Russian offensive operations and return the initiative to Ukraine," President Zelensky added. Kharkiv has been mostly under Ukrainian control since September 2022. Also read | US gives new $400mn military aid to Ukraine; Kyiv to get its first F-16 jets soon Ukraine earlier warned of a Russian buildup in the area, potentially signalling preparations for an offensive or a ploy to divert and pin down Kyiv's overstretched and outnumbered defenders. In recent times, Ukrainian forces have multiplied attacks inside Russia and Russian-held areas of Ukraine, particularly on energy infrastructure. Ukrainian strike at oil depot kills 3, injures 8 Meanwhile, in the latest news from the Russia-Ukraine war, a Ukrainian strike on Friday night killed three people, injured eight, and triggered a large fire at an oil storage depot in Ukraine's occupied Luhansk region. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × In a post on Telegram, Luhansk's Russian-installed governor said the injured remained hospitalised after the attack in the town of Rovenky, 60 kilometres from the regional centre of Luhansk. It was the second such assault in three days. In both instances, Pasechnik suggested, without evidence, that Ukraine used US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).

Ukraine war: Over 1,700 evacuated from areas near Russian border in Kharkiv

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