Former United States president Donald Trump arrived in New York City on his private plane on Monday (April 3) to face charges stemming from a probe into hush money of $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. Daniels said she was paid the money to keep silent about a sexual encounter she had with Trump, 76, at a Lake Tahoe hotel back in 2006. Trump, however, denies having had any such relationship with her.

Trump, the first US president ever to be criminally indicted, will be formally charged Tuesday over the case. He is due to surrender at the Attorney's Office and will likely be fingerprinted before appearing before a judge for an arraignment where he will plead not guilty.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-is-surprisingly-benefitting-from-his-indictment-578730">Trump campaign is surprisingly benefitting from his indictment</a>

Trump waved at supporters as he walked into his Trump Tower residence under tight security just before 4:15 pm (2015 GMT) after flying from Florida. Before arriving in New York, the former president took to his social media platform Truth Social and said, "THEY'RE NOT COMING AFTER ME, THEY'RE COMING AFTER YOU -- I'M JUST STANDING IN THEIR WAY!"

Speaking to the news agency Reuters, two sources said that Trump hired Todd Blanche, a prominent white-collar criminal defence lawyer, and former federal prosecutor, to join his defence.&nbsp;

Blanche and other Trump lawyers on Monday urged the judge not to allow videography, photography, and radio coverage of the arraignment.

Police have been on high alert with security cordons and Secret Service agents outside both Trump Tower and the court in Lower Manhattan. Earlier, NYC Mayor Eric Adams warned that anyone protesting violently would be arrested and held accountable, no matter who they are.&nbsp;

"While there may be some rabble-rousers thinking about coming to our city tomorrow our message is clear, is simple: 'control yourselves'," Adams told reporters.

Donald Trump, who is eyeing a return in 2024, is facing several criminal investigations at the state and federal levels over possible wrongdoing. The investigations include his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, his handling of classified documents, and his possible involvement in the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

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Former United States president Donald Trump arrived in New York City on his private plane on Monday (April 3) to face charges stemming from a probe into hush money of $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Former United States president Donald Trump arrived in New York City on his private plane on Monday (April 3) to face charges stemming from a probe into hush money of $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. Daniels said she was paid the money to keep silent about a sexual encounter she had with Trump, 76, at a Lake Tahoe hotel back in 2006. Trump, however, denies having had any such relationship with her. Trump, the first US president ever to be criminally indicted, will be formally charged Tuesday over the case. He is due to surrender at the Attorney's Office and will likely be fingerprinted before appearing before a judge for an arraignment where he will plead not guilty. ALSO READ | Trump campaign is surprisingly benefitting from his indictment Trump waved at supporters as he walked into his Trump Tower residence under tight security just before 4:15 pm (2015 GMT) after flying from Florida. Before arriving in New York, the former president took to his social media platform Truth Social and said, "THEY'RE NOT COMING AFTER ME, THEY'RE COMING AFTER YOU -- I'M JUST STANDING IN THEIR WAY!" Speaking to the news agency Reuters, two sources said that Trump hired Todd Blanche, a prominent white-collar criminal defence lawyer, and former federal prosecutor, to join his defence. Blanche and other Trump lawyers on Monday urged the judge not to allow videography, photography, and radio coverage of the arraignment. Police have been on high alert with security cordons and Secret Service agents outside both Trump Tower and the court in Lower Manhattan. Earlier, NYC Mayor Eric Adams warned that anyone protesting violently would be arrested and held accountable, no matter who they are. "While there may be some rabble-rousers thinking about coming to our city tomorrow our message is clear, is simple: 'control yourselves'," Adams told reporters. Donald Trump, who is eyeing a return in 2024, is facing several criminal investigations at the state and federal levels over possible wrongdoing. The investigations include his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, his handling of classified documents, and his possible involvement in the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. 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.

Ex-US president Trump arrives in New York to surrender in hush money case

Two Syrian civilians were killed on Tuesday (March 4) in an Israeli air strike targeting Syria's capital city Damascus and the country's south, the news agency AFP reported citing local media. This is the fourth&nbsp;such attack on government-held areas of the war-torn country in less than a week.

According to a military source, "the Israeli enemy" carried out the airstrike at 21.15 GMT Monday and the attack resulted in the death of two civilians. Local media reported that the strike came from the direction of "the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting some points in the vicinity of Damascus and the southern region", it said, adding that air defence intercepted "most of" the missiles.

Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Tuesday's airstrike comes after two Iran-affiliated fighters were killed in an Israeli air strike on targets in Syria last Sunday. Five Syrian soldiers were injured in this attack. Israel struck early Sunday near the western city of Homs, after striking the Syrian capital Thursday and early Friday.

A rare car bombing also rocked Damascus on Sunday, with no deaths reported and no side claiming responsibility.

During more than a decade of civil war in Syria, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on Syrian territory, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

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Two Syrian civilians were killed on Tuesday (March 4) in an Israeli air strike targeting Syria's capital city Damascus and the country's south, the news agency AFP reported citing local media.

Two Syrian civilians were killed on Tuesday (March 4) in an Israeli air strike targeting Syria's capital city Damascus and the country's south, the news agency AFP reported citing local media. This is the fourth such attack on government-held areas of the war-torn country in less than a week. According to a military source, "the Israeli enemy" carried out the airstrike at 21.15 GMT Monday and the attack resulted in the death of two civilians. Local media reported that the strike came from the direction of "the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting some points in the vicinity of Damascus and the southern region", it said, adding that air defence intercepted "most of" the missiles. Further details are awaited. Tuesday's airstrike comes after two Iran-affiliated fighters were killed in an Israeli air strike on targets in Syria last Sunday. Five Syrian soldiers were injured in this attack. Israel struck early Sunday near the western city of Homs, after striking the Syrian capital Thursday and early Friday. A rare car bombing also rocked Damascus on Sunday, with no deaths reported and no side claiming responsibility. During more than a decade of civil war in Syria, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on Syrian territory, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions. 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.

Two Syrian civilians killed in Israeli air strike on Syria

Indian airliner Air India has refreshed its inflight menu for international flights. According to a statement issued on Monday (April 3), Air India said the refresh of the menus is based on guest feedback and is designed to offer travellers an assortment of gourmet meals, trendy appetizers, and decadent desserts, and showcase India's locally sourced culinary influence while keeping in line with the healthy eating trend.

"The airline’s bar menu now features a range of premium brands of spirits as well as a thoughtfully put-together wine list that includes fine French and Italian wines," the statement said, adding the new menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner across all classes, feature a mix of fusion dishes and classics.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tragedy-averted-air-india-and-nepal-airlines-aircraft-almost-collided-mid-air-two-officials-suspended-575890">Tragedy averted: Air India, Nepal Airlines aircraft almost collided mid-air, two ATC officials suspended</a>

The airline also said that its first and business-class customers who are vegan would now be able to choose from a selection of plant-based meal options. Customers on board would be able to indulge in sophistication with Air India’s bar menu.

Speaking on the news, Air India's Head of inflight services Sandeep Verma said, "As part of our ongoing effort of transforming the Air India experience for guests, we have brought great thought and energy into our new menus. We want our guests to enjoy their food and beverage on board Air India flights much like they would at their favourite restaurants."

Verma added that the airline's underlying focus while designing the new menus has been on ensuring that they include nutritious options that are delicious, and on incorporating contemporary, sustainable practices.&nbsp;

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Indian airliner Air India has refreshed its inflight menu for international flights. According to a statement issued on Monday (April 3), Air India said the refresh of the menus is based on guest feedback and is designed to offer travellers an assortment of gourmet meals, trendy appetizers, and decadent desserts, and showcase India's locally sourced culinary influence while keeping in line with the healthy eating trend.

Indian airliner Air India has refreshed its inflight menu for international flights. According to a statement issued on Monday (April 3), Air India said the refresh of the menus is based on guest feedback and is designed to offer travellers an assortment of gourmet meals, trendy appetizers, and decadent desserts, and showcase India's locally sourced culinary influence while keeping in line with the healthy eating trend. "The airline’s bar menu now features a range of premium brands of spirits as well as a thoughtfully put-together wine list that includes fine French and Italian wines," the statement said, adding the new menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner across all classes, feature a mix of fusion dishes and classics. ALSO READ | Tragedy averted: Air India, Nepal Airlines aircraft almost collided mid-air, two ATC officials suspended The airline also said that its first and business-class customers who are vegan would now be able to choose from a selection of plant-based meal options. Customers on board would be able to indulge in sophistication with Air India’s bar menu. Speaking on the news, Air India's Head of inflight services Sandeep Verma said, "As part of our ongoing effort of transforming the Air India experience for guests, we have brought great thought and energy into our new menus. We want our guests to enjoy their food and beverage on board Air India flights much like they would at their favourite restaurants." Verma added that the airline's underlying focus while designing the new menus has been on ensuring that they include nutritious options that are delicious, and on incorporating contemporary, sustainable practices. 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.

Air India refreshes inflight menu for international flights

United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will host Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in California on Wednesday (April 5). President &nbsp;Tsai Ing-wen is on her first US stopover since 2019, though Taiwanese presidents have regularly made such trips. According to a statement from McCarthy's office, "On Wednesday, April 5th, Speaker Kevin McCarthy will be hosting a bipartisan meeting with the President of Taiwan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library." This announcement is the official confirmation of what had been a widely anticipated meeting.

This will be the first between a Taiwanese leader and a US House of Representatives Speaker on American soil, although it is seen as a potentially less provocative alternative to McCarthy visiting Taiwan, something he has said he hopes to do, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-threatens-to-retaliate-if-us-house-speaker-meets-taiwan-president-washington-says-this-576877">China threatens to retaliate if US House Speaker meets Taiwan president; Washington says this</a>

Nearly a week back, China threatened to retaliate McCarthy met Tsai Ing-wen.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters in Beijing, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said on March 29 that Tsai's transits to the US were not just for her waiting at the airport or hotel, but for her to meet American officials and lawmakers.&nbsp;

Last year in August, Beijing held multi-day military drills around Taiwan in reaction to the visit of then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.

The US remains Taiwan's most important ally -- and its biggest arms supplier -- despite switching its diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. Local media reported on Monday that around 20 American lawmakers planned to accompany speaker McCarthy to the meeting in California.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese President Tsai met with members of Belize's House of Representatives and Prime Minister John Briceno in Belmopan. The two leaders are expected to reaffirm bilateral ties in the wake of Honduras cutting off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in late March to recognize China instead.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will host Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in California on Wednesday (April 5). President Tsai Ing-wen is on her first US stopover since 2019, though Taiwanese presidents have regularly made such trips.

United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will host Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in California on Wednesday (April 5). President Tsai Ing-wen is on her first US stopover since 2019, though Taiwanese presidents have regularly made such trips. According to a statement from McCarthy's office, "On Wednesday, April 5th, Speaker Kevin McCarthy will be hosting a bipartisan meeting with the President of Taiwan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library." This announcement is the official confirmation of what had been a widely anticipated meeting. This will be the first between a Taiwanese leader and a US House of Representatives Speaker on American soil, although it is seen as a potentially less provocative alternative to McCarthy visiting Taiwan, something he has said he hopes to do, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday. ALSO READ | China threatens to retaliate if US House Speaker meets Taiwan president; Washington says this Nearly a week back, China threatened to retaliate McCarthy met Tsai Ing-wen. Speaking to reporters in Beijing, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said on March 29 that Tsai's transits to the US were not just for her waiting at the airport or hotel, but for her to meet American officials and lawmakers. Last year in August, Beijing held multi-day military drills around Taiwan in reaction to the visit of then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. The US remains Taiwan's most important ally -- and its biggest arms supplier -- despite switching its diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. Local media reported on Monday that around 20 American lawmakers planned to accompany speaker McCarthy to the meeting in California. Meanwhile, Taiwanese President Tsai met with members of Belize's House of Representatives and Prime Minister John Briceno in Belmopan. The two leaders are expected to reaffirm bilateral ties in the wake of Honduras cutting off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in late March to recognize China instead. (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.

US House Speaker McCarthy to host Taiwanese president on Wednesday in California

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday (March 31) approved a four-year $15.6 billion loan for Ukraine to help the war-torn country meet urgent funding needs as it continues to defend against the Russian offensive. The loan is Ukraine's biggest since the beginning of the conflict in February last year and the first major package approved by the IMF to a country that is involved in an active conflict.&nbsp;

According to a statement, the IMF said the Extended Fund Facility, "aims to anchor policies that sustain fiscal, external, price and financial stability and support economic recovery, while enhancing governance and strengthening institutions to promote long-term growth in the context of post-war reconstruction and Ukraine’s path to EU accession."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/need-for-vigilance-risks-to-financial-stability-have-increased-says-imf-chief-575977">Risks to financial stability have increased, says IMF chief calls for 'need for vigilance'</a>

The decision formalises an IMF staff-level agreement reached with Ukraine on March 21. The agreement takes into consideration Ukraine's path to accession to the European Union after the war. It is expected to help unleash large-scale financing for the war-torn country from international donors and partners.&nbsp;

Announcing the agreement, IMF official Gavin Gray said in a statement, "The overarching goals of the authorities' programme are to sustain economic and financial stability in circumstances of exceptionally high uncertainty, restore debt sustainability, and support Ukraine's recovery on the path toward EU accession in the post-war period."

"A gradual economic recovery is expected over the coming quarters, as activity recovers from the severe damage to critical infrastructure, although headwinds persist, including the risk of further escalation in the conflict," Gray said. The IMF official added that the fund currently expected the change in Ukraine's real gross domestic product for 2023 to range from -3% to +1%.&nbsp;

Last week, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hailed the agreement and thanked the IMF for its support. Taking to Telegram, Prime Minister Shmyhal said the programme would help Ukraine finance all critical expenditures and ensure macroeconomic stability and strengthen its interaction with other international partners.&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

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The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday (March 31) approved a four-year $15.6 billion loan for Ukraine to help the war-torn country meet urgent funding needs as it continues to defend against the Russian offensive.

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday (March 31) approved a four-year $15.6 billion loan for Ukraine to help the war-torn country meet urgent funding needs as it continues to defend against the Russian offensive. The loan is Ukraine's biggest since the beginning of the conflict in February last year and the first major package approved by the IMF to a country that is involved in an active conflict. According to a statement, the IMF said the Extended Fund Facility, "aims to anchor policies that sustain fiscal, external, price and financial stability and support economic recovery, while enhancing governance and strengthening institutions to promote long-term growth in the context of post-war reconstruction and Ukraine’s path to EU accession." ALSO READ | Risks to financial stability have increased, says IMF chief calls for 'need for vigilance' The decision formalises an IMF staff-level agreement reached with Ukraine on March 21. The agreement takes into consideration Ukraine's path to accession to the European Union after the war. It is expected to help unleash large-scale financing for the war-torn country from international donors and partners. Announcing the agreement, IMF official Gavin Gray said in a statement, "The overarching goals of the authorities' programme are to sustain economic and financial stability in circumstances of exceptionally high uncertainty, restore debt sustainability, and support Ukraine's recovery on the path toward EU accession in the post-war period." "A gradual economic recovery is expected over the coming quarters, as activity recovers from the severe damage to critical infrastructure, although headwinds persist, including the risk of further escalation in the conflict," Gray said. The IMF official added that the fund currently expected the change in Ukraine's real gross domestic product for 2023 to range from -3% to +1%. Last week, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hailed the agreement and thanked the IMF for its support. Taking to Telegram, Prime Minister Shmyhal said the programme would help Ukraine finance all critical expenditures and ensure macroeconomic stability and strengthen its interaction with other international partners. 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.

IMF board approves $15.6 billion loan for war-torn Ukraine

Eleven people were killed in a stampede during the distribution of food aid in Pakistan's Karachi city on Friday (March 31), according to a report by the news agency Reuters. The police said that the deceased included five women and three children, adding five other people were hospitalised following the incident,&nbsp;which occurred at a charity-run distribution site set up at a local factory.&nbsp;

Fida Janwari, a senior police officer in western Karachi's Baldia Town neighbourhood, told the news agency AFP that three factory employees were arrested after failing to inform police about organising the donation event for proper crowd control.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-launch-assault-on-police-station-kill-four-policemen-in-bomb-attack-577248">Pakistan Taliban launch assault on police station, kill four policemen in bomb attack</a>

This stampede in Karachi comes after one person was killed and eight others injured in a stampede for flour in northwestern Pakistan last week.&nbsp;

The central government has launched a flour distribution programme to reach millions of families in need during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan which started last week.

Thousands of people in Pakistan have gathered at flour distribution centres set up across the country, some as part of a government-backed programme to ease the impact of inflation, which is running above 30 per cent.&nbsp;

Citing official records, Reuters reported on Friday that thousands of bags of flour have also been looted from trucks and distribution points.&nbsp;

Pakistan's finances have been hobbled by decades of financial mismanagement and political chaos. The country is deep in debt and must enact tough tax reforms and push up utility prices if it hopes to unlock another tranche of a $6.5 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bail-out and avoid defaulting.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Eleven people were killed in a stampede during the distribution of food aid in Pakistan's Karachi city on Friday (March 31), according to a report by the news agency Reuters.

Eleven people were killed in a stampede during the distribution of food aid in Pakistan's Karachi city on Friday (March 31), according to a report by the news agency Reuters. The police said that the deceased included five women and three children, adding five other people were hospitalised following the incident, which occurred at a charity-run distribution site set up at a local factory. Fida Janwari, a senior police officer in western Karachi's Baldia Town neighbourhood, told the news agency AFP that three factory employees were arrested after failing to inform police about organising the donation event for proper crowd control. ALSO READ | Pakistan Taliban launch assault on police station, kill four policemen in bomb attack This stampede in Karachi comes after one person was killed and eight others injured in a stampede for flour in northwestern Pakistan last week. The central government has launched a flour distribution programme to reach millions of families in need during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan which started last week. Thousands of people in Pakistan have gathered at flour distribution centres set up across the country, some as part of a government-backed programme to ease the impact of inflation, which is running above 30 per cent. Citing official records, Reuters reported on Friday that thousands of bags of flour have also been looted from trucks and distribution points. Pakistan's finances have been hobbled by decades of financial mismanagement and political chaos. The country is deep in debt and must enact tough tax reforms and push up utility prices if it hopes to unlock another tranche of a $6.5 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bail-out and avoid defaulting. (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.

Pakistan: 11 killed in stampede during free food distribution in Karachi city

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (March 31) told Russia to release Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Moscow on espionage charges.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (March 31) told Russia to release Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Moscow on espionage charges. “Let him go,” Biden said to reporters at the White House on Friday morning when asked about his message to Russia on the arrest of Gershkovich. Russia's Federal Security Service has accused Evan Gershkovich of trying to obtain classified information. Gershkovich was detained in Yekaterinburg and will be in detention until May 29 pending trial. This is the first time an American journalist has been detained on accusations of spying since the Cold War. ALSO READ | Who is Evan Gershkovich, the US journalist arrested in Russia for espionage On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal's board of opinion editors published a piece where they called for the expulsion of Russia's ambassador to the US and also all Russian journalists working here. "The timing of the arrest looks like a calculated provocation to embarrass the US and intimidate the foreign press still working in Russia," the piece read. Responding to the newspaper's demand for expelling Russian journalists, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the newspaper could say that, but it should not happen. "There's just no reason for this," Peskov added, the news agency AFP reported. The Kremlin spokesperson also said Gershkovich was caught red-handed. US President Biden, meanwhile, said that expelling Russian journalists was not the plan right now. Don't travel to Russia: White House warns Americans Following Evan Gershkovich's arrest, the White House warned Americans not to travel to Russia and also advised those now inside the country to leave for their safety. In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, "The targeting of American citizens by the Russian government is unacceptable. We condemn the detention of Mr Gershkovich in the strongest terms." American officials, meanwhile, said that they were in touch with the journalist's family and the State Department had contacted Russia. (With inputs from Russia) 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.

‘Let him go’: US President Biden tells Russia to release American journalist

Russia on Friday (March 31) adopted a new foreign policy strategy that sets the elimination of Western dominance in global politics as a priority. "The Russian Federation intends to give priority to the elimination of vestiges of the dominance of the United States and other unfriendly countries in world politics," according to the new 42-page document. On Friday morning, United States President Joe Biden told Russia to release Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich after he was arrested on espionage charges. "Let him go," Biden told reporters at the White House. And almost a month after a derailment near the Pennsylvania border in East Palestine, Ohio, the US Justice Department on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the transportation provider Norfolk Southern Corp.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-vows-to-end-western-dominance-as-it-adopts-new-foreign-policy-577751">Russia looks for ‘elimination’ of western ‘dominance’ as it adopts new foreign policy</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/29/341724-new-wion-39.png?imwidth=1920" />

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (March 31) adopted a new foreign policy strategy which sets elimination of Western dominance in global politics as a priority. The new strategy has come on the first anniversary of Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine's Bucha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/let-him-go-us-president-biden-tells-russia-to-release-american-journalist-577795">'Let him go': US President Biden tells Russia to release American journalist</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/27/341356-untitled-design-2023-03-27t171333315.png?imwidth=1920" />

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (March 31) told Russia to release Wall Street Journal journalist&nbsp;Evan Gershkovich after he was arrested on espionage charges. “Let him go,” Biden told reporters at the White House on Friday morning when asked about his message to Russia on the arrest of Gershkovich.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-justice-department-sues-norfolk-southern-over-ohio-trail-derailment-577785">US Justice Department sues Norfolk Southern over Ohio trail derailment</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/31/342363-untitled-design-2023-03-31t202152997.png?imwidth=1920" />

Almost a month after the tragic derailment near the Pennsylvania border in East Palestine, Ohio, the US Justice Department on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the transportation provider Norfolk Southern Corp seeking damages for alleged Clean Water Act violations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-govt-run-aerospace-firm-records-highest-ever-revenue-of-32bn-577765">India's govt-run aerospace firm records highest-ever revenue of $3.2bn</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/31/342350-untitled-design-2023-03-31t195159194.png?imwidth=1920" />

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's partially state-owned defence and aerospace firm said that it registered around&nbsp;₹26,000 Crore or&nbsp;$3.2bn in revenue, during the&nbsp;financial year 2022-23. This is a growth of 8 per cent from the previous year, during which the firm recorded ₹24,620 Crore.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modis-degree-case-verdict-delhi-cm-kejriwal-says-illiterate-prime-minister-dangerous-for-country-577753">Gujarat HC quashes CIC order on PM Modi’s degree, imposes Rs 25,000 cost on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal</a>

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The Gujarat High Court on Friday quashed a seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

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The revelations from Vulkan Files, more than 5,000 pages of confidential documents that were published by a consortium of news organisations from a Moscow-based Information Technology company, have attained a spotlight of their own. The revelations claim insights into how 'Russian disinformation operations' take place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-romanians-likely-among-those-found-dead-while-crossing-into-us-from-canada-illegally-canadian-police-577799">Indians, Romanians likely among those found dead while crossing into US from Canada illegally: Canadian Police</a>

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A day after Canadian authorities recovered six bodies from the St. Lawrence River near Akwesasne Thursday, the Akwesasne authorities in an update Friday morning said the bodies are believed to be of two families, one of Romanian descent and others of Indian citizens.&nbsp;

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The White House has claimed to have found evidence that Russia is purchasing weapons from North Korea for its Ukrainian war, and in return providing food and water to the crisis-hit country.

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South Africa’s Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has been denied parole in the Reeva Steenkamp murder case on Friday, March 31. Steenkamp, a model and girlfriend of Pistorius was killed by in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013, firing four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house, in a killing that shocked the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-jonathan-majors-assault-charges-marvel-mulling-over-actors-future-in-mcu-577794">Jonathan Majors assault charges: Marvel mulling over actor's future in MCU?</a>

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Jonathan Majors, star of Creed III and&nbsp;Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,&nbsp;was arrested on March 25 on charges of assault, strangulation, and harassment following a domestic dispute with a 30-year-old woman. She reportedly sustained minor injuries to her head and neck.

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Russia on Friday (March 31) adopted a new foreign policy strategy that sets the elimination of Western dominance in global politics as a priority. "The Russian Federation intends to give priority to the elimination of vestiges of the dominance of the United States and other unfriendly countries in world politics," according to the new 42-page document.

Russia on Friday (March 31) adopted a new foreign policy strategy that sets the elimination of Western dominance in global politics as a priority. "The Russian Federation intends to give priority to the elimination of vestiges of the dominance of the United States and other unfriendly countries in world politics," according to the new 42-page document. On Friday morning, United States President Joe Biden told Russia to release Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich after he was arrested on espionage charges. "Let him go," Biden told reporters at the White House. And almost a month after a derailment near the Pennsylvania border in East Palestine, Ohio, the US Justice Department on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the transportation provider Norfolk Southern Corp. Click on the headlines to read more: Russia looks for ‘elimination’ of western ‘dominance’ as it adopts new foreign policy Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (March 31) adopted a new foreign policy strategy which sets elimination of Western dominance in global politics as a priority. The new strategy has come on the first anniversary of Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine's Bucha. 'Let him go': US President Biden tells Russia to release American journalist United States President Joe Biden on Friday (March 31) told Russia to release Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich after he was arrested on espionage charges. “Let him go,” Biden told reporters at the White House on Friday morning when asked about his message to Russia on the arrest of Gershkovich. US Justice Department sues Norfolk Southern over Ohio trail derailment Almost a month after the tragic derailment near the Pennsylvania border in East Palestine, Ohio, the US Justice Department on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the transportation provider Norfolk Southern Corp seeking damages for alleged Clean Water Act violations. India's govt-run aerospace firm records highest-ever revenue of $3.2bn Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's partially state-owned defence and aerospace firm said that it registered around ₹26,000 Crore or $3.2bn in revenue, during the financial year 2022-23. This is a growth of 8 per cent from the previous year, during which the firm recorded ₹24,620 Crore. Gujarat HC quashes CIC order on PM Modi’s degree, imposes Rs 25,000 cost on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal The Gujarat High Court on Friday quashed a seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Listicle | Vulcan Files reveal Russian plans against critical cyber targets in Europe, US The revelations from Vulkan Files, more than 5,000 pages of confidential documents that were published by a consortium of news organisations from a Moscow-based Information Technology company, have attained a spotlight of their own. The revelations claim insights into how 'Russian disinformation operations' take place. Indians, Romanians likely among those found dead while crossing into US from Canada illegally: Canadian Police A day after Canadian authorities recovered six bodies from the St. Lawrence River near Akwesasne Thursday, the Akwesasne authorities in an update Friday morning said the bodies are believed to be of two families, one of Romanian descent and others of Indian citizens. Russia buying weapons from North Korea in exchange for food, claims US The White House has claimed to have found evidence that Russia is purchasing weapons from North Korea for its Ukrainian war, and in return providing food and water to the crisis-hit country. Oscar Pistorius denied parole in Reeva Steenkamp murder case; to stay behind the bars South Africa’s Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has been denied parole in the Reeva Steenkamp murder case on Friday, March 31. Steenkamp, a model and girlfriend of Pistorius was killed by in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013, firing four times through the bathroom door of his ultra-secure Pretoria house, in a killing that shocked the world. Jonathan Majors assault charges: Marvel mulling over actor's future in MCU? Jonathan Majors, star of Creed III and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, was arrested on March 25 on charges of assault, strangulation, and harassment following a domestic dispute with a 30-year-old woman. She reportedly sustained minor injuries to her head and neck. 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.

Top 10 world news: Russia adopts new foreign policy; Biden tells Moscow to release US journalist, & more

The Chinese government, which is cash-strapped after imposing a costly zero-Covid policy, is cutting medical benefits for the elderly and also planning to raise the retirement age. Citing analysts, a report by CNN on Friday (March 31) said the changes are part of a national overhaul mainly intended to cover deficits in public medical insurance funds that have been drained after paying for mass Covid testing, mandatory quarantine and other pandemic controls over the last three years.

Since January, thousands of elderly people have been protesting against big cuts to the monthly medical benefit payments.&nbsp;The protesters gathered in China's four major cities, demanding that local officials reverse the decisions.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-spent-240-billion-bailing-out-countries-who-have-taken-belt-and-road-loan-report-576440">China spent $240 billion bailing out countries who have taken Belt and Road loans: Report</a>

Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies,&nbsp;a think tank in Washington, said that Chinese pensioners view these latest reforms as yet another broken party promise, "One that could profoundly impact their quality of life" in the face of the country's looming demographic crisis.

As per the CNN report, local governments in China, for nearly three years, bore the brunt of enforcing pandemic controls which resulted in soaring expenditures even as the income from revenue sources such as land sales slumped.

The concerns were sparked after Guangdong province and Dalian city announced last year they would tap medical insurance funds to pay for mass virus testing.&nbsp;This issue was exacerbated after the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) said the money should not be used in this way and local governments should fund testing with their budgets.

The report added that was exactly unclear how much China spent in total maintaining the zero-Covid policy or where that money came from. However, 17 of the total 31 provinces revealed the enormous sums they spent on combating Covid.

The Guangdong province was the biggest spender. Last year, the province spent $10.3 billion (711 billion yuan) on measures such as vaccination, testing and emergency benefits for medical workers, an increase of over 50% from the year before. On the other hand, Zhejiang and Beijing spent 43.5 billion yuan and 30 billion yuan respectively.

George Magnus, an associate at the China Centre at Oxford University, said local governments are running short of money, and in some cases, out of money.

Magnus highlighted that funding the zero-Covid policy was the proximate cause for the crunch, but local finances were falling deteriorating for other reasons as well. 
The protests by elderly people have been dubbed the “gray hair movement” by local media. And these protests are indicative of a fundamental issue facing Beijing: How to care for a society when 30% of the population&nbsp;will be 60 or older by 2035.

<h2>The wave of protests not limited to the elderly</h2>

The recent protests are not only limited to China's elderly. The country's working population is also demonstrating against the government. Last week, teachers in Leping city expressed their dissatisfaction on the issue of the large gap between teachers' salary vis a vis public servants, the news agency ANI reported on Tuesday.

And after the government abruptly ended the zero-Covid policy, the vast system for Covid surveillance and testing collapsed, resulting in the sudden unemployment of various workers- who are now demanding wages and jobs.

Last year, China saw protests by many depositors who lost their savings with small local banks and other institutions. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The Chinese government, which is cash-strapped after imposing a costly zero-Covid policy, is cutting medical benefits for the elderly and also planning to raise the retirement age.

The Chinese government, which is cash-strapped after imposing a costly zero-Covid policy, is cutting medical benefits for the elderly and also planning to raise the retirement age. Citing analysts, a report by CNN on Friday (March 31) said the changes are part of a national overhaul mainly intended to cover deficits in public medical insurance funds that have been drained after paying for mass Covid testing, mandatory quarantine and other pandemic controls over the last three years. Since January, thousands of elderly people have been protesting against big cuts to the monthly medical benefit payments. The protesters gathered in China's four major cities, demanding that local officials reverse the decisions. ALSO READ | China spent $240 billion bailing out countries who have taken Belt and Road loans: Report Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, a think tank in Washington, said that Chinese pensioners view these latest reforms as yet another broken party promise, "One that could profoundly impact their quality of life" in the face of the country's looming demographic crisis. As per the CNN report, local governments in China, for nearly three years, bore the brunt of enforcing pandemic controls which resulted in soaring expenditures even as the income from revenue sources such as land sales slumped. The concerns were sparked after Guangdong province and Dalian city announced last year they would tap medical insurance funds to pay for mass virus testing. This issue was exacerbated after the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) said the money should not be used in this way and local governments should fund testing with their budgets. The report added that was exactly unclear how much China spent in total maintaining the zero-Covid policy or where that money came from. However, 17 of the total 31 provinces revealed the enormous sums they spent on combating Covid. The Guangdong province was the biggest spender. Last year, the province spent $10.3 billion (711 billion yuan) on measures such as vaccination, testing and emergency benefits for medical workers, an increase of over 50% from the year before. On the other hand, Zhejiang and Beijing spent 43.5 billion yuan and 30 billion yuan respectively. George Magnus, an associate at the China Centre at Oxford University, said local governments are running short of money, and in some cases, out of money. Magnus highlighted that funding the zero-Covid policy was the proximate cause for the crunch, but local finances were falling deteriorating for other reasons as well. The protests by elderly people have been dubbed the “gray hair movement” by local media. And these protests are indicative of a fundamental issue facing Beijing: How to care for a society when 30% of the population will be 60 or older by 2035. The wave of protests not limited to the elderly The recent protests are not only limited to China's elderly. The country's working population is also demonstrating against the government. Last week, teachers in Leping city expressed their dissatisfaction on the issue of the large gap between teachers' salary vis a vis public servants, the news agency ANI reported on Tuesday. And after the government abruptly ended the zero-Covid policy, the vast system for Covid surveillance and testing collapsed, resulting in the sudden unemployment of various workers- who are now demanding wages and jobs. Last year, China saw protests by many depositors who lost their savings with small local banks and other institutions. (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.

Cash-strapped China cutting medical benefits for the elderly: Reports

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk is making plans to visit China as early as April and is seeking a meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang, two people with knowledge of planning for the trip told Reuters.

The exact timing of the visit is subject to Li Qiang's availability, one of the sources said.

Tesla and China's State Council Information Office did not immediately reply to requests for comment on Friday.

China is Tesla's second-largest market after the United States and its Shanghai plant is the electric carmaker's largest production hub.

A visit by Musk would mark his first visit to China since the Covid-19 pandemic and since Xi Jinping secured a third term as China's president. Before Li became premier in March, he served as Shanghai's party secretary where he oversaw the construction and opening of the Tesla factory.

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Musk last visited China in early 2020, when he set the internet abuzz by dancing on stage during an event at the Shanghai factory. But he has continued to deliver virtual speeches at forums such as China's World Internet Conference.

Li and Musk have met before, at the 2019 opening of the Shanghai plant. In 2020, they participated in an online meeting where Musk thanked the then-Shanghai party secretary for supporting the plant's operations during the pandemic's outbreak, according to local media reports.

Musk's planned visit also comes as China is trying to woo more foreign investment to help shore up an economy battered by three years of COVID curbs.

Li has been at the forefront of that effort, speaking over the past week at business events attended by the likes of Apple Inc's Tim Cook and Pfizer's Albert Bourla.

The sources did not say what Musk intends to discuss with Li or do in China.

Tesla is grappling with multiple issues, such as delays to its plans to more than double production capacity at the Shanghai plant.

Tesla cars have also been barred from Chinese military complexes and political meeting venues amid concerns over cameras installed on the vehicles, and the company is still waiting for Beijing's approval to offer its full self-driving technology in China.

China is also one of the largest, non-US&nbsp;revenue streams for Twitter, which Musk took over last year for $44 billion, sources have told Reuters.

Twitter's China operations have caused divisions within the company between teams keen to maximise the sales opportunity and others concerned about the optics of doing business with state-affiliated entities at a time of growing tension between Beijing and Washington, the sources said.

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Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk is making plans to visit China as early as April and is seeking a meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang, two people with knowledge of planning for the trip told Reuters.

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk is making plans to visit China as early as April and is seeking a meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang, two people with knowledge of planning for the trip told Reuters. The exact timing of the visit is subject to Li Qiang's availability, one of the sources said. Tesla and China's State Council Information Office did not immediately reply to requests for comment on Friday. China is Tesla's second-largest market after the United States and its Shanghai plant is the electric carmaker's largest production hub. A visit by Musk would mark his first visit to China since the Covid-19 pandemic and since Xi Jinping secured a third term as China's president. Before Li became premier in March, he served as Shanghai's party secretary where he oversaw the construction and opening of the Tesla factory. ALSO READ | Elon Musk now the most followed on Twitter; overtakes Barack Obama, Justin Bieber Musk last visited China in early 2020, when he set the internet abuzz by dancing on stage during an event at the Shanghai factory. But he has continued to deliver virtual speeches at forums such as China's World Internet Conference. Li and Musk have met before, at the 2019 opening of the Shanghai plant. In 2020, they participated in an online meeting where Musk thanked the then-Shanghai party secretary for supporting the plant's operations during the pandemic's outbreak, according to local media reports. Musk's planned visit also comes as China is trying to woo more foreign investment to help shore up an economy battered by three years of COVID curbs. Li has been at the forefront of that effort, speaking over the past week at business events attended by the likes of Apple Inc's Tim Cook and Pfizer's Albert Bourla. The sources did not say what Musk intends to discuss with Li or do in China. Tesla is grappling with multiple issues, such as delays to its plans to more than double production capacity at the Shanghai plant. Tesla cars have also been barred from Chinese military complexes and political meeting venues amid concerns over cameras installed on the vehicles, and the company is still waiting for Beijing's approval to offer its full self-driving technology in China. China is also one of the largest, non-US revenue streams for Twitter, which Musk took over last year for $44 billion, sources have told Reuters. Twitter's China operations have caused divisions within the company between teams keen to maximise the sales opportunity and others concerned about the optics of doing business with state-affiliated entities at a time of growing tension between Beijing and Washington, the sources 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.

Elon Musk plans China visit, seeks meeting with premier

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is currently on a visit to China, said on Friday (March 31) that he expressed concerns over Russia's offensive in Ukraine during a meeting earlier in the day with Chinese President Xi Jinping and encouraged him to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky has said repeatedly that he would be open to talks with Xi- an overture the Chinese president is yet to respond to, despite multiple rounds of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters in Beijing on Friday, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez said he told Xi that Madrid supported the peace formula proposed by Zelensky in November last year, which included demands to restore Ukraine's territory to the status quo before Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-no-right-to-advise-chinese-president-xi-jinping-on-whether-to-go-to-ukraine-577082">Russia says it has ‘no right’ to advise Chinese President Xi Jinping on whether to go to Ukraine</a>

"I transmitted our concern at the illegal invasion of Ukraine," Sanchez said, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"I believe it's a plan that lays the foundations for a durable peace in Ukraine and is perfectly aligned with the United Nations charter and its principles, which have been violated by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin with his invasion," he said

Sanchez welcomed China's stance opposing the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict, and accused Russian President Putin of seeking to weaken the European Union's (EU) multilateral project for peace and welfare.&nbsp;

Before leaving for China, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/during-china-visit-spanish-pm-to-push-for-territorial-integrity-for-ukraine-575965">the Spanish PM said last week he would push for territorial integrity </a>for Ukraine. He is the second European leader to visit China after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the East Asian country.&nbsp;

Spain, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has been a staunch ally of Ukraine. On Wednesday, Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said that the government would send six German-made &nbsp;2A4 Leopard tanks to the war-torn country after the April 9 Easter holiday.&nbsp;

"By sending the Leopards, we will continue to help the Ukrainian people... to defend themselves against an absolutely unjust attack," Robles said, adding, Madrid would repair another four tanks which would be sent in near future.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is currently on a visit to China, said on Friday (March 31) that he expressed concerns over Russia's offensive in Ukraine during a meeting earlier in the day with Chinese President Xi Jinping and encouraged him to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is currently on a visit to China, said on Friday (March 31) that he expressed concerns over Russia's offensive in Ukraine during a meeting earlier in the day with Chinese President Xi Jinping and encouraged him to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky has said repeatedly that he would be open to talks with Xi- an overture the Chinese president is yet to respond to, despite multiple rounds of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters in Beijing on Friday, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez said he told Xi that Madrid supported the peace formula proposed by Zelensky in November last year, which included demands to restore Ukraine's territory to the status quo before Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea. ALSO READ | Russia says it has ‘no right’ to advise Chinese President Xi Jinping on whether to go to Ukraine "I transmitted our concern at the illegal invasion of Ukraine," Sanchez said, the news agency Reuters reported. "I believe it's a plan that lays the foundations for a durable peace in Ukraine and is perfectly aligned with the United Nations charter and its principles, which have been violated by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin with his invasion," he said Sanchez welcomed China's stance opposing the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict, and accused Russian President Putin of seeking to weaken the European Union's (EU) multilateral project for peace and welfare. Before leaving for China, the Spanish PM said last week he would push for territorial integrity for Ukraine. He is the second European leader to visit China after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the East Asian country. Spain, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has been a staunch ally of Ukraine. On Wednesday, Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said that the government would send six German-made 2A4 Leopard tanks to the war-torn country after the April 9 Easter holiday. "By sending the Leopards, we will continue to help the Ukrainian people... to defend themselves against an absolutely unjust attack," Robles said, adding, Madrid would repair another four tanks which would be sent in near future. (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: Encouraged Chinese prez Xi to talk to Zelensky, says Spanish PM

Two soldiers of the Indian Army were killed on Wednesday (March 29) during a routine river crossing exercise in West Bengal's Barrackpore. The soldiers, from the Assam regiment, were identified as Naik Lengkholal and Sepoy Aldrin Hmingthanzwala. "Lt Gen RP Kalita #ArmyCdrEC and All Ranks offer tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Nk Lengkholal and Sep Aldrin Hmingthanzuala, in the line of duty at Barrackpore while carrying out Assault River crossing exercise. Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families," the Eastern Command tweeted on Thursday.&nbsp;

According to a report by the news agency IANS, their mortal remains were being flown back to their respective homes after completing the necessary formalities, including autopsies conducted to ascertain the cause of death. The army has set up a court of inquiry (CoI) to probe the incident that took place on Wednesday. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Lt Gen RP Kalita <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyCdrEC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyCdrEC</a> &amp; All Ranks offer tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Nk Lengkholal &amp; Sep Aldrin Hmingthanzuala, in the line of duty at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Barrackpore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Barrackpore</a> while carrying out Assault River crossing excercise. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> stands firm with the bereaved families <a href="https://t.co/OXXm9UFcVd">pic.twitter.com/OXXm9UFcVd</a>
— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) <a href="https://twitter.com/easterncomd/status/1641330523065958400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The incident occurred at the Sarovar Lake within the Barrackpore Cantonment, about 40 kilometres north of Kolkata. On Wednesday morning, six soldiers were participating in the exercise. While the first three soldiers made it safely, the rope snapped when the remaining were crossing. While one soldier could be rescued, the other two drowned.

An official from the Eastern Command said that assault river crossing exercises are held at the lake on a routine basis.

Such exercises are usually held with all the trappings of a real-life situation, including enemy posts maintaining watch. This means that the soldiers participating (in the exercise) are in full battle gear. It is a 'touch and go'&nbsp;situation if a soldier loses his grip on the rope unless he is an expert swimmer.

"Unfortunately, that is how it is. The army needs to train its personnel for all situations. We have been part of such exercises. Life jackets are not an option, given the weight a soldier carries," a person familiar with developments told IANS.&nbsp;

The person said that incidents (like that of Wednesday) were unfortunate but rare, adding, a probe was certainly required to know why the rope snapped. "If somebody is found responsible, he should be punished," the person further said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Two soldiers of the Indian Army were killed on Wednesday (March 29) during a routine river crossing exercise in West Bengal's Barrackpore. The soldiers, from the Assam regiment, were identified as Naik Lengkholal and Sepoy Aldrin Hmingthanzwala.

Two soldiers of the Indian Army were killed on Wednesday (March 29) during a routine river crossing exercise in West Bengal's Barrackpore. The soldiers, from the Assam regiment, were identified as Naik Lengkholal and Sepoy Aldrin Hmingthanzwala. "Lt Gen RP Kalita #ArmyCdrEC and All Ranks offer tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Nk Lengkholal and Sep Aldrin Hmingthanzuala, in the line of duty at Barrackpore while carrying out Assault River crossing exercise. Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved families," the Eastern Command tweeted on Thursday. According to a report by the news agency IANS, their mortal remains were being flown back to their respective homes after completing the necessary formalities, including autopsies conducted to ascertain the cause of death. The army has set up a court of inquiry (CoI) to probe the incident that took place on Wednesday. Lt Gen RP Kalita #ArmyCdrEC & All Ranks offer tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Nk Lengkholal & Sep Aldrin Hmingthanzuala, in the line of duty at #Barrackpore while carrying out Assault River crossing excercise. #IndianArmy stands firm with the bereaved families pic.twitter.com/OXXm9UFcVd — EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) March 30, 2023 × The incident occurred at the Sarovar Lake within the Barrackpore Cantonment, about 40 kilometres north of Kolkata. On Wednesday morning, six soldiers were participating in the exercise. While the first three soldiers made it safely, the rope snapped when the remaining were crossing. While one soldier could be rescued, the other two drowned. An official from the Eastern Command said that assault river crossing exercises are held at the lake on a routine basis. Such exercises are usually held with all the trappings of a real-life situation, including enemy posts maintaining watch. This means that the soldiers participating (in the exercise) are in full battle gear. It is a 'touch and go' situation if a soldier loses his grip on the rope unless he is an expert swimmer. "Unfortunately, that is how it is. The army needs to train its personnel for all situations. We have been part of such exercises. Life jackets are not an option, given the weight a soldier carries," a person familiar with developments told IANS. The person said that incidents (like that of Wednesday) were unfortunate but rare, adding, a probe was certainly required to know why the rope snapped. "If somebody is found responsible, he should be punished," the person further said. (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.

West Bengal: Two army soldiers killed after rope snaps during training exercise in Barrackpore

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Harshit Sabarwal

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