Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Thursday (April 27) that they would prolong the ceasefire agreement by 72 hours. However, violence was reported in the capital city of Khartoum and the western region of Darfur. The previous three-day truce, which was set to expire on Thursday night, has been extended by three days through Sunday. In Ukraine, explosions were reported throughout the country on Friday. As per the Interfax news agency, &nbsp;explosions were reported after midnight in Dnipro, Kremenchuk and Poltava in central Ukraine and Mykolaiv in the south. The news agency Reuters reported that an explosion was also reported in the Kyiv region.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Nepal was hit by twin earthquakes of magnitudes 4.8 and 5.9 on the Richter Scale during the intervening night between April 27 and April 28. The epicentre of the earthquakes was at Bajura's Dahakot.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-army-rsf-agree-to-extend-truce-by-72-hours-586826">Sudanese army, RSF agree to extend truce by 72 hours</a>

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Sudan's warring factions, the army and the paramilitary, announced Thursday that they would extend the ceasefire truce by 72 hours.&nbsp;Both factions joined hands in October 2021 to overthrow the Sudanese government in a coup, but they are now embroiled in a fight for power.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-reported-throughout-ukraine-council-of-europe-says-russias-deportation-of-children-genocide-586831">Explosions reported throughout Ukraine; Council of Europe says Russia's deportation of children 'genocide'</a>

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Ukraine rang with air raid alerts on Friday. Quoting local sources, Interfax Ukraine news agency reported that explosions were witnessed throughout the nation, “in cities in widely separated regions.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-hit-by-twin-earthquakes-tremors-felt-in-himalayan-highlands-586822">Nepal hit by twin earthquakes, tremors felt in Himalayan highlands</a>

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Nepal was hit by twin earthquakes during the intervening night between April 27 and April 28. Two earthquakes&nbsp;of magnitudes 4.8 and 5.9 on the Richter Scale were felt overnight. The epicentre&nbsp;of the earthquake was at Bajura's Dahakot, over 800 km northwest of Kathmandu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-may-restrict-export-of-semiconductor-supplies-to-china-report-586820">Germany may restrict export of semiconductor supplies to China: Report</a>

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Germany is likely to put limits on export of chemicals to China that are used to manufacture semiconductors. The move is seen as part of the government's efforts to reduce its economic exposure to the world's second largest economy, Bloomberg news reported on Thursday.

WATCH | UNSC passes resolution condemning Taliban's crackdown on Afghan women's rights

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Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Thursday (April 27) that they would prolong the ceasefire agreement by 72 hours. However, violence was reported in the capital city of Khartoum and the western region of Darfur.

Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Thursday (April 27) that they would prolong the ceasefire agreement by 72 hours. However, violence was reported in the capital city of Khartoum and the western region of Darfur. The previous three-day truce, which was set to expire on Thursday night, has been extended by three days through Sunday. In Ukraine, explosions were reported throughout the country on Friday. As per the Interfax news agency, explosions were reported after midnight in Dnipro, Kremenchuk and Poltava in central Ukraine and Mykolaiv in the south. The news agency Reuters reported that an explosion was also reported in the Kyiv region. Meanwhile, Nepal was hit by twin earthquakes of magnitudes 4.8 and 5.9 on the Richter Scale during the intervening night between April 27 and April 28. The epicentre of the earthquakes was at Bajura's Dahakot. Click on the headlines to read more Sudanese army, RSF agree to extend truce by 72 hours Sudan's warring factions, the army and the paramilitary, announced Thursday that they would extend the ceasefire truce by 72 hours. Both factions joined hands in October 2021 to overthrow the Sudanese government in a coup, but they are now embroiled in a fight for power. Explosions reported throughout Ukraine; Council of Europe says Russia's deportation of children 'genocide' Ukraine rang with air raid alerts on Friday. Quoting local sources, Interfax Ukraine news agency reported that explosions were witnessed throughout the nation, “in cities in widely separated regions.” Nepal hit by twin earthquakes, tremors felt in Himalayan highlands Nepal was hit by twin earthquakes during the intervening night between April 27 and April 28. Two earthquakes of magnitudes 4.8 and 5.9 on the Richter Scale were felt overnight. The epicentre of the earthquake was at Bajura's Dahakot, over 800 km northwest of Kathmandu. Germany may restrict export of semiconductor supplies to China: Report Germany is likely to put limits on export of chemicals to China that are used to manufacture semiconductors. The move is seen as part of the government's efforts to reduce its economic exposure to the world's second largest economy, Bloomberg news reported on Thursday. WATCH | UNSC passes resolution condemning Taliban's crackdown on Afghan women's rights × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Morning brief: Sudan's warring factions agree to extend truce, explosions reported throughout Ukraine, & more

Sudan's doctor union said on Friday (April 28) that at least 74 people were killed in the two days of fighting in West Darfur's capital city El Geneina. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the union said these deaths were on Monday and Tuesday.&nbsp;

The union also said that it was still unable to confirm the number of people killed during the rest of the week amid the ongoing clashes. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Intense fighting has been reported in Darfur. The Darfur Bar Association said on Friday that fighters were launching rockets at houses in El Geneina. The association said the fighting has spread to nearly the entire city and the fighters looted camps for the displaced and the university hospital, and to markets, public buildings, aid warehouses and banks.&nbsp;

The association further urged to immediately stop this "foolish war" that was being waged on the backs of civilians across Sudan. Earlier the United Nations (UN) said it had reports of the distribution of weapons among local communities in El Geneina.&nbsp;

The conflict in Sudan has been raging despite the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreeing to extend the ceasefire for three more days.

The army is led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan while General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo is the leader of the RSF.&nbsp;

On Friday, Sudan's army said that the RSF shot at a Turkish evacuation aircraft as it was landing at the Wadi Seyidna airport outside Khartoum. Turkey's defence ministry confirmed that an evacuation aircraft was fired at and said there were no injuries. The aircraft's fuel system was damaged with the Sudanese army saying it was being repaired.&nbsp;

The RSF, meanwhile, denied firing and accused the army of spreading lies.&nbsp;

"Our forces have remained strictly committed to the humanitarian truce that we agreed upon since midnight, and it is not true that we targeted any aircraft in the sky of Wadi Seyidna in Omdurman," the RSF said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Sudan's doctor union said on Friday (April 28) that at least 74 people were killed in the two days of fighting in West Darfur's capital city El Geneina. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the union said these deaths were on Monday and Tuesday.

Sudan's doctor union said on Friday (April 28) that at least 74 people were killed in the two days of fighting in West Darfur's capital city El Geneina. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the union said these deaths were on Monday and Tuesday. The union also said that it was still unable to confirm the number of people killed during the rest of the week amid the ongoing clashes. Further details are awaited. Intense fighting has been reported in Darfur. The Darfur Bar Association said on Friday that fighters were launching rockets at houses in El Geneina. The association said the fighting has spread to nearly the entire city and the fighters looted camps for the displaced and the university hospital, and to markets, public buildings, aid warehouses and banks. The association further urged to immediately stop this "foolish war" that was being waged on the backs of civilians across Sudan. Earlier the United Nations (UN) said it had reports of the distribution of weapons among local communities in El Geneina. The conflict in Sudan has been raging despite the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreeing to extend the ceasefire for three more days. The army is led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan while General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo is the leader of the RSF. On Friday, Sudan's army said that the RSF shot at a Turkish evacuation aircraft as it was landing at the Wadi Seyidna airport outside Khartoum. Turkey's defence ministry confirmed that an evacuation aircraft was fired at and said there were no injuries. The aircraft's fuel system was damaged with the Sudanese army saying it was being repaired. The RSF, meanwhile, denied firing and accused the army of spreading lies. "Our forces have remained strictly committed to the humanitarian truce that we agreed upon since midnight, and it is not true that we targeted any aircraft in the sky of Wadi Seyidna in Omdurman," the RSF said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan conflict: Medics say 74 killed in two days of fighting in El Geneina

The Russian government sacked Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev from the deputy defence minister's post, the news agency Reuters reported on Friday (April 28) citing media reports. Colonel General Mizintsev, also dubbed the "Butcher of Mariupol", had orchestrated the siege of the Ukrainian city in the early months of the conflict that started in February last year. In September, he was appointed Russia's deputy defence minister in charge of logistics and supplies.&nbsp;

The Russian defence ministry has not commented on Mikhail's sacking while the Kremlin said it could not say anything on the subject.&nbsp;

Last June, the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Mikhail Mizintsev and said he was responsible for the inhuman siege of Mariupol. The EU referred to him as the "Butcher of Mariupol."

ALSO READ | &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-reported-throughout-ukraine-council-of-europe-says-russias-deportation-of-children-genocide-586831">12 dead after Russian missiles hit Ukraine; Council of Europe says Moscow's deportation of children 'genocide'</a>

This news comes as Russia hurled missiles across Ukraine early Friday, killing at least 12 people. This was the first large-scale air strike in nearly two months.&nbsp;

In Uman, a Russian missile struck an upper floor of a residential apartment building killing 10 people. According to regional governor Ihor Taburets, the deceased included two children. Firefighters were seen battling the raging blaze at the building, and rescue workers clambered through a huge pile of the smouldering rubble, carrying out a body bag away on a stretcher, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"At first, the windows were blown out, then came the explosion. Everything flew out," Olga, a resident, told the news agency.&nbsp;

The other two deaths were reported in the southeastern city of Dnipro, where a missile struck a house, killing a two-year-old child and a 31-year-old woman, according to regional governor Serhiy Lysak said. Three people were injured in this strike.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the conflict, Russia has it does not deliberately target civilians, but its air strikes and shelling have killed thousands of people and devastated cities and towns across Ukraine.

These early morning attacks in&nbsp;came as the government is preparing to launch a counteroffensive to try to retake Russian-occupied territory.

"Equipment has been promised, prepared and partially delivered. In a global sense, we're ready," Ukrainian defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov said, adding preparations were coming to an end.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russian government sacked Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev from the deputy defence minister's post, the news agency Reuters reported on Friday (April 28) citing media reports.

The Russian government sacked Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev from the deputy defence minister's post, the news agency Reuters reported on Friday (April 28) citing media reports. Colonel General Mizintsev, also dubbed the "Butcher of Mariupol", had orchestrated the siege of the Ukrainian city in the early months of the conflict that started in February last year. In September, he was appointed Russia's deputy defence minister in charge of logistics and supplies. The Russian defence ministry has not commented on Mikhail's sacking while the Kremlin said it could not say anything on the subject. Last June, the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Mikhail Mizintsev and said he was responsible for the inhuman siege of Mariupol. The EU referred to him as the "Butcher of Mariupol." ALSO READ | 12 dead after Russian missiles hit Ukraine; Council of Europe says Moscow's deportation of children 'genocide' This news comes as Russia hurled missiles across Ukraine early Friday, killing at least 12 people. This was the first large-scale air strike in nearly two months. In Uman, a Russian missile struck an upper floor of a residential apartment building killing 10 people. According to regional governor Ihor Taburets, the deceased included two children. Firefighters were seen battling the raging blaze at the building, and rescue workers clambered through a huge pile of the smouldering rubble, carrying out a body bag away on a stretcher, Reuters reported. "At first, the windows were blown out, then came the explosion. Everything flew out," Olga, a resident, told the news agency. The other two deaths were reported in the southeastern city of Dnipro, where a missile struck a house, killing a two-year-old child and a 31-year-old woman, according to regional governor Serhiy Lysak said. Three people were injured in this strike. Since the beginning of the conflict, Russia has it does not deliberately target civilians, but its air strikes and shelling have killed thousands of people and devastated cities and towns across Ukraine. These early morning attacks in came as the government is preparing to launch a counteroffensive to try to retake Russian-occupied territory. "Equipment has been promised, prepared and partially delivered. In a global sense, we're ready," Ukrainian defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov said, adding preparations were coming to an end. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war 'Butcher of Mariupol' Mikhail Mizintsev sacked as Russian deputy defence minister, says report

Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, paid his respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at National War Memorial in Delhi on Thursday.

During his visit, he met his Indian counterpart Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, on Thursday, and discussed ways to strengthen the defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh. An implementing arrangement for the training of Peacekeepers deployed in United Nations #Peacekeeping operations was also signed in the presence of both Chiefs.&nbsp;

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General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BangladeshArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BangladeshArmy</a>, laid a wreath at National War Memorial <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NWM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NWM</a> &amp; received a Guard of Honour at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthBlock?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthBlock</a>. The General Officer is on a three-day visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaBangladeshFriendship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaBangladeshFriendship</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://t.co/BsETy1HP4Q">pic.twitter.com/BsETy1HP4Q</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1651490834343231491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), took to Twitter and stated, "General Manoj Pande #COAS extended a warm welcome to General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed #COAS, #Bangladesh Army and discussed ways to further strengthen the #DefenceCooperation between the two Armies."

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General Manoj Pande <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> extended a warm welcome to General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> Army and discussed ways to further strengthen the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefenceCooperation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefenceCooperation</a> between the two Armies. 1/2<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaBangladeshFriendship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaBangladeshFriendship</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://t.co/UwrTnyfbnx">pic.twitter.com/UwrTnyfbnx</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1651492107075604480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed receives a Guard of Honour&nbsp;

General Ahmed, who is on a three-day visit to India from 27 April to 29 April 2023, was accorded a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns after which he also called on General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff.

Both the Army Chiefs discussed various issues related to training, anti-terrorism collaboration and overall bilateral cooperation as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

India and Bangladesh share the historical legacy of cooperation and support during the Liberation War of 1971. &nbsp;The active engagement on the defence side includes high-level exchanges at the level of service chiefs, the conduct of the inaugural annual defence dialogues by the defence Secretaries, Tri-services and Service-specific Staff Talks.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Army Chief to be Reviewing Officer for Passing Out Parade

Bangladesh Army Chief is the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade at Officers Training Academy (OTA), in Chennai, India, scheduled on 29 April 2023. &nbsp;He will visit the Officers Training Academy Museum and interact with the cadets of the passing out course.

(With agency inputs)

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Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, paid his respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at National War Memorial in Delhi on Thursday.

Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, paid his respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at National War Memorial in Delhi on Thursday. During his visit, he met his Indian counterpart Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, on Thursday, and discussed ways to strengthen the defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh. An implementing arrangement for the training of Peacekeepers deployed in United Nations #Peacekeeping operations was also signed in the presence of both Chiefs. General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff #COAS, #BangladeshArmy, laid a wreath at National War Memorial #NWM & received a Guard of Honour at the #SouthBlock. The General Officer is on a three-day visit to #India.#IndiaBangladeshFriendship#IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/BsETy1HP4Q — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 27, 2023 × The Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), took to Twitter and stated, "General Manoj Pande #COAS extended a warm welcome to General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed #COAS, #Bangladesh Army and discussed ways to further strengthen the #DefenceCooperation between the two Armies." General Manoj Pande #COAS extended a warm welcome to General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed #COAS, #Bangladesh Army and discussed ways to further strengthen the #DefenceCooperation between the two Armies. 1/2#IndiaBangladeshFriendship#IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/UwrTnyfbnx — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 27, 2023 × Bangladesh Army Chief General, SM Shafiuddin Ahmed receives a Guard of Honour General Ahmed, who is on a three-day visit to India from 27 April to 29 April 2023, was accorded a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns after which he also called on General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff. Both the Army Chiefs discussed various issues related to training, anti-terrorism collaboration and overall bilateral cooperation as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. India and Bangladesh share the historical legacy of cooperation and support during the Liberation War of 1971. The active engagement on the defence side includes high-level exchanges at the level of service chiefs, the conduct of the inaugural annual defence dialogues by the defence Secretaries, Tri-services and Service-specific Staff Talks. Bangladesh Army Chief to be Reviewing Officer for Passing Out Parade Bangladesh Army Chief is the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade at Officers Training Academy (OTA), in Chennai, India, scheduled on 29 April 2023. He will visit the Officers Training Academy Museum and interact with the cadets of the passing out course. (With agency inputs) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bangladesh Army Chief General pays tribute to war heroes on India visit

A history textbook for school students in China has mentioned the country's Covid pandemic response. But this sparked a discussion online with some questioning whether the book's description of China's fight against Covid is truthful. According to a report by BBC on Thursday (April 27), a short clip showing a paragraph of a history textbook for grade eight students on Douyin, China's domestic version of TikTok, started trending on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The video was uploaded by a user who appeared to be a history teacher. The caption of the post said, "It's already written in the history books."

The textbook was published by People's Education Press, a major publishing house in China. And the Covid reference appeared in the section featuring "changes in social life," the BBC reported.&nbsp;

The report said that next to a paragraph that described the increasing &nbsp;Chinese incomes and lifestyle changes since the country opened up in the 1970s, a text box mentioned the "war on Covid."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-china-to-scrap-pcr-test-for-inbound-travellers-from-starting-april-29-586263">Covid: China to scrap PCR test for inbound travellers starting April 29</a>

The text box read that China adhered to the supremacy of people and life, and protected people's life safety and health to the largest extent.&nbsp;"We achieved major achievements in coordinating the prevention and control of the pandemic," it added.&nbsp;

The textbook's narrative echoed the government's declaration over the pandemic. However, many people raised questions about whether it contained the whole truth.&nbsp;

The BBC reported that on the Douyin platform, the topic- "History textbook includes Covid response"- has been viewed more than five million times.&nbsp;

"Is there any mention of how it ended?" a Douyin user wrote. "How come you have the cheek to write it in there?" another user said. A third user on the platform, meanwhile, said that every single character on that page "seems to be mocking our painful three years."

For the last three years when the Covid pandemic emerged, China imposed an array of anti-virus controls to try to eliminate Covid from the country including lockdowns and regular mass testing. However, in December last year, the government suddenly rolled back the zero-Covid curbs following widespread protests against the policy, and scrapping quarantine for passengers arriving from abroad in early January this year.

From Saturday, travellers entering China will no longer be required to provide a negative PCR test result.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, "In order to further facilitate the exchange of Chinese and foreign personnel, in line with the principles of science, precision, safety, and order, China will further optimize the arrangements for remote (COVID-19) testing."

"Starting April 29, everyone entering China can take an antigen test instead of a nucleic acid test within 48 hours prior to boarding the plane. Airlines no longer need to check (COVID-19) test results before boarding," Ning added.&nbsp;

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A history textbook for school students in China has mentioned the country's Covid pandemic response. But this sparked a discussion online with some questioning whether the book's description of China's fight against Covid is truthful.

A history textbook for school students in China has mentioned the country's Covid pandemic response. But this sparked a discussion online with some questioning whether the book's description of China's fight against Covid is truthful. According to a report by BBC on Thursday (April 27), a short clip showing a paragraph of a history textbook for grade eight students on Douyin, China's domestic version of TikTok, started trending on Wednesday. The video was uploaded by a user who appeared to be a history teacher. The caption of the post said, "It's already written in the history books." The textbook was published by People's Education Press, a major publishing house in China. And the Covid reference appeared in the section featuring "changes in social life," the BBC reported. The report said that next to a paragraph that described the increasing Chinese incomes and lifestyle changes since the country opened up in the 1970s, a text box mentioned the "war on Covid." ALSO READ | Covid: China to scrap PCR test for inbound travellers starting April 29 The text box read that China adhered to the supremacy of people and life, and protected people's life safety and health to the largest extent. "We achieved major achievements in coordinating the prevention and control of the pandemic," it added. The textbook's narrative echoed the government's declaration over the pandemic. However, many people raised questions about whether it contained the whole truth. The BBC reported that on the Douyin platform, the topic- "History textbook includes Covid response"- has been viewed more than five million times. "Is there any mention of how it ended?" a Douyin user wrote. "How come you have the cheek to write it in there?" another user said. A third user on the platform, meanwhile, said that every single character on that page "seems to be mocking our painful three years." For the last three years when the Covid pandemic emerged, China imposed an array of anti-virus controls to try to eliminate Covid from the country including lockdowns and regular mass testing. However, in December last year, the government suddenly rolled back the zero-Covid curbs following widespread protests against the policy, and scrapping quarantine for passengers arriving from abroad in early January this year. From Saturday, travellers entering China will no longer be required to provide a negative PCR test result. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, "In order to further facilitate the exchange of Chinese and foreign personnel, in line with the principles of science, precision, safety, and order, China will further optimize the arrangements for remote (COVID-19) testing." "Starting April 29, everyone entering China can take an antigen test instead of a nucleic acid test within 48 hours prior to boarding the plane. Airlines no longer need to check (COVID-19) test results before boarding," Ning added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's history textbook mentioning 'war on Covid' sparks online discussion: Report

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Thursday (April 27) that there are approximately 3,500 Indians and 1,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) in Sudan, adding that New Delhi is constantly monitoring the situation in the conflict-torn country. Addressing a press conference, Foreign Secretary Kwatra said, "Our estimate is that there are approximately 3500 Indians &amp; 1000 PIOs in Sudan."

"As we speak, we have a situation that roughly 600 Indian nationals have either arrived in India or are on their way. So, 360 of them arrived on a Saudi Arabia flight yesterday night. Another 246 (Indian nationals) are being flown to Maharashtra. Approximately, 495 Indian nationals were in Jeddah as of now. These numbers will either go up or come down depending upon the evacuations," Kwatra added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-ousted-president-omar-al-bashir-moved-to-military-hospital-before-conflict-began-586286">Sudan's ousted president Omar al-Bashir moved to military hospital before conflict began</a>

The foreign secretary also said that India received requests for the evacuation of citizens of other countries from Sudan, adding this is subject to the fulfilment of the procedures.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra gives details on the 
evacuation of Indian citizens from conflict-hit Sudan<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a> <a href="https://t.co/L6qYtCrVpO">pic.twitter.com/L6qYtCrVpO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1651468065119547393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Indian government has launched "Operation Kaveri" to bring back Indians stranded in Sudan. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-touchdown-delhi-360-indians-evacuated-from-war-torn-sudan-reach-capital-via-flight-586441">On Wednesday night</a>, the first aircraft carrying 360 Indians to Saudi Arabia from Sudan took off from Jeddah Airport and arrived in New Delhi. Taking to Twitter, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "India welcomes back its own. Operation Kaveri brings 360 Indian Nationals to the homeland as first flight reaches New Delhi."

And on Thursday, Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that as many as 128 Indians arrived in Saudi Arabia's&nbsp;Jeddah.&nbsp;

"Another IAF C-130J flight under #OperationKaveri arrived at Jeddah with 128 Indians, the fourth aircraft from Sudan. Efforts are on to ensure that all Indians, who arrived in Jeddah will be sent to India at the earliest," Muraleedharan tweeted.&nbsp;

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The 4th IAF C-130J flight takes off from Port Sudan for Jeddah with 128 passengers. 
 
This is the sixth batch of Indians to be evacuated from Sudan under <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a>, taking the total to nearly 1100 persons. <a href="https://t.co/lBhEHOiY9o">pic.twitter.com/lBhEHOiY9o</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1651345310051110913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, MEA spokesperson Arindam Baghchi tweeted that nearly 1,100 Indians were evacuated from Sudan.&nbsp;

The North African country has been in conflict since April 15 after fighting broke out between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan is under a 72-hour ceasefire which started on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<h2>Sudan army approves extension of ceasefire</h2>

On Wednesday, Sudan army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan gave initial approval to a plan to extend the ceasefire for another 72 hours and sent an army envoy to Juba for talks, the news agency Reuters reported early Thursday. There was no immediate response from the RSF to the proposal.&nbsp;

Also on Wednesday- the second day of the initial agreed ceasefire- witnesses reported heavy air strikes in East Nile. Speaking to the news agency AFP, &nbsp;the witnesses said that warplanes flew over the northern suburbs of Khartoum, drawing heavy anti-aircraft fire from the paramilitaries.&nbsp;

In southern Khartoum, machinegun fire was reported near one of the homes owned by paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan, who is leading the RSF against the armed forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Thursday (April 27) that there are approximately 3,500 Indians and 1,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) in Sudan, adding that New Delhi is constantly monitoring the situation in the conflict-torn country.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Thursday (April 27) that there are approximately 3,500 Indians and 1,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) in Sudan, adding that New Delhi is constantly monitoring the situation in the conflict-torn country. Addressing a press conference, Foreign Secretary Kwatra said, "Our estimate is that there are approximately 3500 Indians & 1000 PIOs in Sudan." "As we speak, we have a situation that roughly 600 Indian nationals have either arrived in India or are on their way. So, 360 of them arrived on a Saudi Arabia flight yesterday night. Another 246 (Indian nationals) are being flown to Maharashtra. Approximately, 495 Indian nationals were in Jeddah as of now. These numbers will either go up or come down depending upon the evacuations," Kwatra added. ALSO READ | Sudan's ousted president Omar al-Bashir moved to military hospital before conflict began The foreign secretary also said that India received requests for the evacuation of citizens of other countries from Sudan, adding this is subject to the fulfilment of the procedures. #WATCH | Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra gives details on the evacuation of Indian citizens from conflict-hit Sudan#OperationKaveri pic.twitter.com/L6qYtCrVpO — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2023 × The Indian government has launched "Operation Kaveri" to bring back Indians stranded in Sudan. On Wednesday night, the first aircraft carrying 360 Indians to Saudi Arabia from Sudan took off from Jeddah Airport and arrived in New Delhi. Taking to Twitter, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "India welcomes back its own. Operation Kaveri brings 360 Indian Nationals to the homeland as first flight reaches New Delhi." And on Thursday, Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that as many as 128 Indians arrived in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah. "Another IAF C-130J flight under #OperationKaveri arrived at Jeddah with 128 Indians, the fourth aircraft from Sudan. Efforts are on to ensure that all Indians, who arrived in Jeddah will be sent to India at the earliest," Muraleedharan tweeted. The 4th IAF C-130J flight takes off from Port Sudan for Jeddah with 128 passengers. This is the sixth batch of Indians to be evacuated from Sudan under #OperationKaveri, taking the total to nearly 1100 persons. pic.twitter.com/lBhEHOiY9o — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) April 26, 2023 × Earlier, MEA spokesperson Arindam Baghchi tweeted that nearly 1,100 Indians were evacuated from Sudan. The North African country has been in conflict since April 15 after fighting broke out between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan is under a 72-hour ceasefire which started on Tuesday. Sudan army approves extension of ceasefire On Wednesday, Sudan army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan gave initial approval to a plan to extend the ceasefire for another 72 hours and sent an army envoy to Juba for talks, the news agency Reuters reported early Thursday. There was no immediate response from the RSF to the proposal. Also on Wednesday- the second day of the initial agreed ceasefire- witnesses reported heavy air strikes in East Nile. Speaking to the news agency AFP, the witnesses said that warplanes flew over the northern suburbs of Khartoum, drawing heavy anti-aircraft fire from the paramilitaries. In southern Khartoum, machinegun fire was reported near one of the homes owned by paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan, who is leading the RSF against the armed forces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Approximately 3,500 Indians in conflict-torn Sudan, New Delhi monitoring situation: Foreign Secretary Kwatra

United States President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday (April 26) that a nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of whichever regime were to take such an action. Biden made this remark during a joint press conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro appeared before the federal police and categorically denied any role in the anti-government riots in Brasilia on January 8.&nbsp;

The first aircraft carrying 360 Indians to Saudi Arabia from conflict-torn Sudan took off from Jeddah Airport and arrived in New Delhi at 9 pm on Wednesday. Taking to Twitter, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "India welcomes back its own. Operation Kaveri brings 360 Indian Nationals to the homeland as the first flight reaches New Delhi."

Click on the headlines to read more

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US President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday, April 26, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies.&nbsp;

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Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, appeared before federal police on Wednesday and categorically denied any role in the anti-government Jan 6-style riots in&nbsp;the Brazilian capital.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-raped-me-author-e-jean-caroll-testifies-in-new-york-court-live-updates-586427">'Donald Trump raped me', author E. Jean Carroll's testimony in New York court | As it happened</a>

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Former US President Donald Trump is facing a civil lawsuit in a New York court. The lawsuit, filed by advice columnist and author E Jean Carroll, accuses Trump of sexual assault.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-touchdown-delhi-360-indians-evacuated-from-war-torn-sudan-reach-capital-via-flight-586441">Touchdown Delhi: 360 Indians evacuated from war-torn Sudan reach capital via flight</a>

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The first aircraft carrying 360 Indians to Saudi Arabia from Sudan's conflict-torn region took off from Jeddah Airport and arrived in New Delhi&nbsp;at 9 p.m. on&nbsp;Wednesday (April 26).

WATCH | China's Xi Jinping speaks with Ukraine's Zelensky for first time since Russia's invasion

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United States President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday (April 26) that a nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of whichever regime were to take such an action.

United States President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday (April 26) that a nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of whichever regime were to take such an action. Biden made this remark during a joint press conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro appeared before the federal police and categorically denied any role in the anti-government riots in Brasilia on January 8. The first aircraft carrying 360 Indians to Saudi Arabia from conflict-torn Sudan took off from Jeddah Airport and arrived in New Delhi at 9 pm on Wednesday. Taking to Twitter, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "India welcomes back its own. Operation Kaveri brings 360 Indian Nationals to the homeland as the first flight reaches New Delhi." Click on the headlines to read more Joe Biden spells out Kim Jong-Un's 'end' with South Korean leader US President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday, April 26, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. 'Trump of the Tropics' Bolsonaro denies role in Jan 6-style attack on Brazilian capital Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, appeared before federal police on Wednesday and categorically denied any role in the anti-government Jan 6-style riots in the Brazilian capital. 'Donald Trump raped me', author E. Jean Carroll's testimony in New York court | As it happened Former US President Donald Trump is facing a civil lawsuit in a New York court. The lawsuit, filed by advice columnist and author E Jean Carroll, accuses Trump of sexual assault. Touchdown Delhi: 360 Indians evacuated from war-torn Sudan reach capital via flight The first aircraft carrying 360 Indians to Saudi Arabia from Sudan's conflict-torn region took off from Jeddah Airport and arrived in New Delhi at 9 p.m. on Wednesday (April 26). WATCH | China's Xi Jinping speaks with Ukraine's Zelensky for first time since Russia's invasion × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Morning brief: Joe Biden's warning to North Korea, Brazil's Bolsonaro denies role in Jan 8 riots, & more

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force's (IAF)&nbsp;first female pilot to fly the Rafale combat aircraft, is part of the IAF contingent&nbsp;taking part in the ongoing multinational Exercise Orion in France. Squadron Leader Singh is in France to take part in the exercise, where India has sent Rafale aircraft for the first time outside the country, IAF officers said, according to a report by the news agency ANI on Wednesday (April 26).&nbsp;

Singh joined the air force in 2017 and was commissioned into the second batch of women fighter pilots. And in 2020, she became the first woman fighter pilot to fly the Rafale. Before this, she flew the&nbsp;MiG-21 Bison.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meet-shaliza-dhami-first-woman-officer-to-lead-combat-unit-in-iaf-570238">India: Meet Shaliza Dhami, first woman officer to lead combat unit in IAF</a>

Squadron Leader Singh is a resident of Varanasi and is part&nbsp;of the IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based in Punjab's Ambala.

Earlier, the IAF sent a woman fighter pilot for the first time to an international exercise in January this year&nbsp;when Squadron Leader Avni Chaturvedi went to Japan for the exercise 'Dharma Guardian'.

<h2>About Exercise Orion</h2>

The multinational wargame Exercise Orion is taking place at Mont-de-Marsan in France. ANI reported on Wednesday that Orion involves many of France's NATO and other important allies. It is the largest ever multinational exercise being carried out by the French defence forces which have involved their army, navy and air force along with their allies. More than 7,000 NATO troops have taken part in the drill.&nbsp;

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Busy Minds, Busier Skies! 
 
A detailed pre flight brief is as important as the flight itself.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a> Air Warriors busy planning their routines during the ongoing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExOrion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExOrion</a> 23. <a href="https://t.co/up0VCIC22J">pic.twitter.com/up0VCIC22J</a>
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The exercise started on April 17 and will continue till May 5. The IAF's contingent comprises four Rafale aircraft, two C-17s,&nbsp;two ll-78 aircraft, and 165 air warriors. According to an official statement, this would be the&nbsp;first overseas exercise for Rafale aircraft.&nbsp;

“Besides the IAF and the FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States would also be flying in this multilateral exercise. Participation in this exercise would further enrich the employment philosophy of the Indian Air Force, by imbibing the best practices from other Air Forces,” the statement added.&nbsp;

On April 17,&nbsp;Emmanuel Lenain, the ambassador of France to India, said, "France warmly welcomes the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent that will take part in the exercise from today.”

Rafale is the latest aircraft to have been inducted into the IAF. The 36 Rafales have been completely inducted and they have played a significant role in improving India's&nbsp;preparedness along the borders with Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) first female pilot to fly the Rafale combat aircraft, is part of the IAF contingent taking part in the ongoing multinational Exercise Orion in France.

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) first female pilot to fly the Rafale combat aircraft, is part of the IAF contingent taking part in the ongoing multinational Exercise Orion in France. Squadron Leader Singh is in France to take part in the exercise, where India has sent Rafale aircraft for the first time outside the country, IAF officers said, according to a report by the news agency ANI on Wednesday (April 26). Singh joined the air force in 2017 and was commissioned into the second batch of women fighter pilots. And in 2020, she became the first woman fighter pilot to fly the Rafale. Before this, she flew the MiG-21 Bison. ALSO READ | India: Meet Shaliza Dhami, first woman officer to lead combat unit in IAF Squadron Leader Singh is a resident of Varanasi and is part of the IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based in Punjab's Ambala. Earlier, the IAF sent a woman fighter pilot for the first time to an international exercise in January this year when Squadron Leader Avni Chaturvedi went to Japan for the exercise 'Dharma Guardian'. About Exercise Orion The multinational wargame Exercise Orion is taking place at Mont-de-Marsan in France. ANI reported on Wednesday that Orion involves many of France's NATO and other important allies. It is the largest ever multinational exercise being carried out by the French defence forces which have involved their army, navy and air force along with their allies. More than 7,000 NATO troops have taken part in the drill. Busy Minds, Busier Skies! A detailed pre flight brief is as important as the flight itself.#IAF Air Warriors busy planning their routines during the ongoing #ExOrion 23. pic.twitter.com/up0VCIC22J — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 26, 2023 × The exercise started on April 17 and will continue till May 5. The IAF's contingent comprises four Rafale aircraft, two C-17s, two ll-78 aircraft, and 165 air warriors. According to an official statement, this would be the first overseas exercise for Rafale aircraft. “Besides the IAF and the FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States would also be flying in this multilateral exercise. Participation in this exercise would further enrich the employment philosophy of the Indian Air Force, by imbibing the best practices from other Air Forces,” the statement added. On April 17, Emmanuel Lenain, the ambassador of France to India, said, "France warmly welcomes the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent that will take part in the exercise from today.” Rafale is the latest aircraft to have been inducted into the IAF. The 36 Rafales have been completely inducted and they have played a significant role in improving India's preparedness along the borders with Pakistan and China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's first woman Rafale pilot part of IAF team in Exercise Orion in France

The Kremlin said on Thursday (April 27) that it welcomed any attempt to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year. Addressing a press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "We are ready to welcome anything that could hasten the end of the conflict in Ukraine and Russia achieving all the goals it has set itself."

Peskov said that he was familiar with the details of what Volodymyr Zelensky and Xi Jinping discussed and said their stances on the war were well-known.&nbsp;

The Kremlin spokesperson, however, pointed out, "As for the fact that they communicated - that is a sovereign matter for each of these countries and a question of their bilateral dialogue."

On Wednesday, Xi Jinping spoke to Volodymyr Zelensky with the Ukrainian president describing the hour-long call as meaningful. Citing Chinese state media, the news agency Reuters reported Xi told Zelensky that China would send special representatives to Ukraine and hold talks with all parties seeking peace.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-xi-jinping-securing-third-term-as-chinas-president-a-look-at-his-political-career-570544">Explained: Xi Jinping's rule in China extended. A look at his political career so far</a>

Later on Wednesday, Zelensky said in a video address that there was "an opportunity to use China's political power to reinforce the principles and rules that peace should be built upon."

"Ukraine and China, like the absolute majority of the world, are equally interested in the strength of the sovereignty of nations and territorial integrity," the Ukrainian president added.&nbsp;

Zelensky also said that the Chinese president expressed "words of support" for the extension of the deal to export Ukrainian grain from its Black Sea ports.

Apart from Kremlin, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the phone call between Xi and Zelensky, pointing out it was important&nbsp;that China gets a better understanding of Ukrainian perspectives.&nbsp;

"I welcome the call between (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskiy and (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping). I think it's important also that China gets a better understanding of the Ukrainian perspectives. This doesn't change the fact that China has not been able to condemn Russia's illegal war, illegal invasion of Ukraine," Stoltenberg said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the war, Xi Jinping has refrained from denouncing the Russian offensive. He paid a visit to Moscow last month and since February, he has promoted a 12-point peace plan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Kremlin said on Thursday (April 27) that it welcomed any attempt to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year.

The Kremlin said on Thursday (April 27) that it welcomed any attempt to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year. Addressing a press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "We are ready to welcome anything that could hasten the end of the conflict in Ukraine and Russia achieving all the goals it has set itself." Peskov said that he was familiar with the details of what Volodymyr Zelensky and Xi Jinping discussed and said their stances on the war were well-known. The Kremlin spokesperson, however, pointed out, "As for the fact that they communicated - that is a sovereign matter for each of these countries and a question of their bilateral dialogue." On Wednesday, Xi Jinping spoke to Volodymyr Zelensky with the Ukrainian president describing the hour-long call as meaningful. Citing Chinese state media, the news agency Reuters reported Xi told Zelensky that China would send special representatives to Ukraine and hold talks with all parties seeking peace. ALSO READ | Explained: Xi Jinping's rule in China extended. A look at his political career so far Later on Wednesday, Zelensky said in a video address that there was "an opportunity to use China's political power to reinforce the principles and rules that peace should be built upon." "Ukraine and China, like the absolute majority of the world, are equally interested in the strength of the sovereignty of nations and territorial integrity," the Ukrainian president added. Zelensky also said that the Chinese president expressed "words of support" for the extension of the deal to export Ukrainian grain from its Black Sea ports. Apart from Kremlin, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the phone call between Xi and Zelensky, pointing out it was important that China gets a better understanding of Ukrainian perspectives. "I welcome the call between (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskiy and (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping). I think it's important also that China gets a better understanding of the Ukrainian perspectives. This doesn't change the fact that China has not been able to condemn Russia's illegal war, illegal invasion of Ukraine," Stoltenberg said on Thursday. Since the beginning of the war, Xi Jinping has refrained from denouncing the Russian offensive. He paid a visit to Moscow last month and since February, he has promoted a 12-point peace plan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Xi-Zelensky phone call, Kremlin says welcomes any attempt to end Ukraine war

One person was killed and 23 others were injured in a Russian missile strike early Thursday (April 27) on an apartment block and houses in Ukraine's Mykolaiv. Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia bombarded Mykolaiv with four Kalibr missiles launched from the Black Sea.

One person was killed and 23 others were injured in a Russian missile strike early Thursday (April 27) on an apartment block and houses in Ukraine's Mykolaiv. Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia bombarded Mykolaiv with four Kalibr missiles launched from the Black Sea. "The high-precision weapons were aimed at private houses, a historic building, and a high-rise building. For now, we know about one dead and 23 wounded, including a child," Zelensky added. Regional governor Vitaliy Kim. meanwhile, said that emergency services doused fires caused by the missile debris, adding the rubble was being cleared. Further details are awaited. Mykolaiv, a shipbuilding centre and port, suffered heavy Russian bombardments throughout the war. Wagner suspends artillery fire in Bakhmut Russian mercenary group Wagner, which has been spreading Moscow's assault in Ukraine's Bakhmut, said on Thursday (April 27) that it was suspending artillery fire in the city to allow Ukrainian forces on the other side to safely show the city to visiting American journalists. In an audio message, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said, "A decision has been taken to suspend artillery fire so that American journalists can safely film Bakhmut and go home," the news agency Reuters reported. Prigozhin also warned Ukraine to not bring any extra forces under the cover of the journalists' visit. On Sunday (April 23), the Wagner chief said that his men fighting in Bakhmut would kill rival soldiers and take no more prisoners. "We will kill everyone on the battlefield. Take no more prisoners of war!" Prigozhin said. Till now, Ukrainian forces have thwarted Wagner's attempts to take full control of Bakhmut. The forces are holed up in a network of dimly lit and cramped basements in the city's western districts, making a determined last stand against the Russian offensive. Speaking to the news agency AFP on Wednesday, a Ukrainian deputy battalion commander said, "They don't stop attacking day or night or day. Only when we hit them, they're busy evacuating their wounded and killed." The commander, who identified himself as "Philosopher", said that little by little, Russia was nibbling away little pieces of Bakhmut. "On our side, we're tired, people are exhausted," Philosopher said, "(But) each day we resist here gives more opportunities for other units to prepare for a counterattack." 'We do not plan nuclear escalation, but....': Russia Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that her country did not intend to take the path of nuclear escalation in its standoff with the West over Ukraine, but others should not test its patience. Speaking to reporters, Zakharova said, "We will do everything to prevent the development of events according to the worst scenario, but not at the cost of infringing on our vital interests." "I do not recommend that anybody doubt our determination and put it to the test in practice," the foreign ministry spokesperson added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: 1 killed, 23 injured in Russian missile strike in Mykolaiv

A Canadian chef has been accused of selling lethal poison to suicidal youngsters. According to a report by the Times on Tuesday (April 25), the chef- Kenneth Law- has been sending the poison to vulnerable people around the world from a post office near Toronto for two years.

A Canadian chef has been accused of selling lethal poison to suicidal youngsters. According to a report by the Times on Tuesday (April 25), the chef- Kenneth Law- has been sending the poison to vulnerable people around the world from a post office near Toronto for two years. Law sold the substance, which has not been identified yet, on a website disguised to fool authorities about its true purpose. Canadian authorities are investigating Law and his website was taken offline, The Times report said. Up to seven deaths, including four from the United Kingdom (UK), were linked to the poison. Law claimed that he sent the product to hundreds of people in the UK. He said that Britons were some of his most frequent buyers. On being asked how many in the UK got the poison, Law said, “It will be literally in the hundreds. And they’ve all received it. We have had many, many customers in the UK who have purchased it.” “People in the UK have died, people in the US have died, people in Canada have died, and other parts of the world,” he added. The report said that Law is a former aerospace engineer and had spent six months in Coventry working on the Boeing 7E7 programme team for Dunlop Standard Aerospace. However, he was most recently employed as a chef in a hotel in Toronto. Citing sources, the Times reported on Tuesday that Law worked at the hotel after wanting a lifestyle change. But the hotel said that he was not an employee. Speaking to the publication, he said that he came up with the business after seeing his mother suffer greatly following a stroke. Law said that his father is religious and did not believe very much in euthanasia. “She was bedridden, couldn’t speak and they had to feed her through a tube to her stomach for over seven years. And that was very painful. Not only for her family but also very painful for me to witness," Law said. “This is why I created some avenue of escape, so that people if they are in such a circumstance, can undertake it either by themselves or by somebody else,” he added. The victims The Times report mentioned the names of some of the victims who took their lives after buying the poison. The oldest victim was 38 years oldest while the youngest was 17. In the UK, twenty-two-year-old Tom Parfett was one of the victims who bought the poison from Law's company. Tom's father David said that Law was the man that effectively "handed a loaded gun to my son." David said that Tom would still be alive if it wasn't for Law and the substance. David also pointed out that Law was knowingly supplying the substance for people to take their own lives and gained some kind of perverse pleasure from the knowledge that they were doing it. Michael Dunham, 38, Neha Raju, 23 and a 21-year-old student who was not identified- were all from the UK and died in the last 18 months after they bought poison from Law. The report also said that there were three deaths linked to Law in the US. One of the victims, Anthony Jones, 17, consumed the substance and ran to his mother shouting he wanted to live. However, he died shortly afterwards. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canadian chef sold poison to suicidal youngsters around the world: Report

A mother and a stepfather in Texas were arrested for forcibly tying down their two children and tattooing them. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by TV station KTRE on Tuesday (April 25), the parents-Megan Mae Farr, 27, and Gunner Farr, 23, of Zavalla, tied down their children, ages nine and five, and forcibly gave them tattoos. The affidavit said that one child was given a tattoo on their foot, and the other on their shoulder.&nbsp;

Megan Farr was charged with two counts of injury to a child and unlawful restraint. Gunner Farr, on the other hand, was charged with one count of unlawful restraint and one count of injury to a child. They each have a bond amount totalling $35,000.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-missing-woman-discovered-alive-in-submerged-car-in-texas-lake-581743">US: Missing woman discovered alive in car submerged in Texas lake</a>

The parents tied the children down with a rope, covering their mouths with and covering their eyes with a rag as the tattoos were made. The affidavit added that the parents sought to conceal the tattoos by cutting, scraping and scrubbing the inked areas, KTRE reported. They also attempted to remove the ink by rubbing it with lemon juice.&nbsp;

The concealment of tattoos happened once Child Protective Services (CPS) got involved in the case. The children's biological father and stepmother saw the tattoos (on the children) and asked Megan Farr about it. However, Farr laughed (about the incident), and the incident was then reported to the CPS, the report said.&nbsp;

The children were in the custody of the CPS.&nbsp;

Zavalla Police's Chief Lieutenant James Denby said that there were forensic interviews with the children, adding a lot of details from these interviews were used in the investigation.&nbsp;

Denby said a tattoo kit was turned over to the investigators. “Someone came forward and turned in a tattoo kit that she claimed was loaned to Gunner to perform tattoos. She didn’t know it was going to be performed on a child,” the police chief said.&nbsp;

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A mother and a stepfather in Texas were arrested for forcibly tying down their two children and tattooing them. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by TV station KTRE on Tuesday (April 25), the parents-Megan Mae Farr, 27, and Gunner Farr, 23, of Zavalla, tied down their children, ages nine and five, and forcibly gave them tattoos.

A mother and a stepfather in Texas were arrested for forcibly tying down their two children and tattooing them. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by TV station KTRE on Tuesday (April 25), the parents-Megan Mae Farr, 27, and Gunner Farr, 23, of Zavalla, tied down their children, ages nine and five, and forcibly gave them tattoos. The affidavit said that one child was given a tattoo on their foot, and the other on their shoulder. Megan Farr was charged with two counts of injury to a child and unlawful restraint. Gunner Farr, on the other hand, was charged with one count of unlawful restraint and one count of injury to a child. They each have a bond amount totalling $35,000. ALSO READ | US: Missing woman discovered alive in car submerged in Texas lake The parents tied the children down with a rope, covering their mouths with and covering their eyes with a rag as the tattoos were made. The affidavit added that the parents sought to conceal the tattoos by cutting, scraping and scrubbing the inked areas, KTRE reported. They also attempted to remove the ink by rubbing it with lemon juice. The concealment of tattoos happened once Child Protective Services (CPS) got involved in the case. The children's biological father and stepmother saw the tattoos (on the children) and asked Megan Farr about it. However, Farr laughed (about the incident), and the incident was then reported to the CPS, the report said. The children were in the custody of the CPS. Zavalla Police's Chief Lieutenant James Denby said that there were forensic interviews with the children, adding a lot of details from these interviews were used in the investigation. Denby said a tattoo kit was turned over to the investigators. “Someone came forward and turned in a tattoo kit that she claimed was loaned to Gunner to perform tattoos. She didn’t know it was going to be performed on a child,” the police chief said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Texas parents arrested for forcibly tattooing children, says report

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