Russia has resumed its attack on last Ukrainian defenders in the port city Mariupol, according to Ukrainian official quoted by Reuters. These Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in a giant steel factory. The resumption of Russian attack has come days after Moscow's declaration of victory in Mariupol. As the time of declaring victory, Russia had said that its forces did not need to take the factory in the city.

Russian forces were hitting the Azovstal complex with airstrikes and trying to storm it, presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said, adding "the enemy is trying to strangle the final resistance of Mariupol's defenders".

Mariupol is crucial for Russia to link eastern Donbas region and Russian-controlled Crimea.

Russia-Ukraine War: Europe sent Weapons to Russia despite an embargo on arms shipment

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Russia's defence ministry said on Friday the remaining fighters had been "securely blockaded" at the steel plant. On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin had declared the city "liberated" and ordered his defence minister to block off the Azovstal complex "so not even a fly can get through" rather than try to storm it.

"There's no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities" Putin said on television.

As per Arestovych, the Ukrainian soldiers were holding out in Azovstal complex and were attempting counterattacks "despite the very difficult situation".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-designs-to-capture-other-countries-after-ukraine-says-zelensky-473173">Russia has designs to capture other countries after Ukraine, says Zelensky</a>

As per Ukrainian authorities, more than 1000 civilians are inside the steel plant along with soldiers.

Russian forces besieged and bombarded Mariupol - home to more than 400,000 people before the war - for weeks, leaving a city in ruins. Ukraine estimates tens of thousands of civilians have died and says 100,000 civilians are still there. The United Nations and Red Cross say the civilian toll is at least in the thousands.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has resumed its attack on last Ukrainian defenders in the port city Mariupol, according to Ukrainian official quoted by Reuters. These Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in a giant steel factory.

Russia has resumed its attack on last Ukrainian defenders in the port city Mariupol, according to Ukrainian official quoted by Reuters. These Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in a giant steel factory. The resumption of Russian attack has come days after Moscow's declaration of victory in Mariupol. As the time of declaring victory, Russia had said that its forces did not need to take the factory in the city. Russian forces were hitting the Azovstal complex with airstrikes and trying to storm it, presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said, adding "the enemy is trying to strangle the final resistance of Mariupol's defenders". Mariupol is crucial for Russia to link eastern Donbas region and Russian-controlled Crimea. Russia-Ukraine War: Europe sent Weapons to Russia despite an embargo on arms shipment × Russia's defence ministry said on Friday the remaining fighters had been "securely blockaded" at the steel plant. On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin had declared the city "liberated" and ordered his defence minister to block off the Azovstal complex "so not even a fly can get through" rather than try to storm it. "There's no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities" Putin said on television. As per Arestovych, the Ukrainian soldiers were holding out in Azovstal complex and were attempting counterattacks "despite the very difficult situation". Also Read | Russia has designs to capture other countries after Ukraine, says Zelensky As per Ukrainian authorities, more than 1000 civilians are inside the steel plant along with soldiers. Russian forces besieged and bombarded Mariupol - home to more than 400,000 people before the war - for weeks, leaving a city in ruins. Ukraine estimates tens of thousands of civilians have died and says 100,000 civilians are still there. The United Nations and Red Cross say the civilian toll is at least in the thousands. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia resumes attack on Mariupol, Ukraine soldiers holed up in steel plant

Pakistan's newly appointed Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Thursday that former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan incurred the expense of more than USD 5 million just on helicopter trips from Prime Minister's House to his private residence. She was quoted by Pakistani news outlet Dawn.

As per the report, the minister made the claim at a press conference in Islamabad.

The minister did not stop there, she also claimed that Imran Khan made Rs 142 million by selling state gifts from the Toshakhana.

Toshakhana of the Pakistani state&nbsp;officially holds gifts received by Pakistan prime minister and president.

Aurangzeb claimed that Khan paid only 20 per cent retention money on the gifts.

The information minister said Khan will have to show the money trail and the receipts as the Toshakhana gifts cannot be sold.

"Where is the money trail for the gifts you (Imran) retained?," she asked. She was quoted by news agency Press Trust of India.

"The PTI-led (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) government introduced a law to procure gifts from the Toshakhana at 50% of its original cost, but despite the law being introduced during their tenure, Imran Khan purchased the gift at 20% of the cost," Aurangzeb said.&nbsp;

Pakistan's newly appointed Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Thursday that former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan incurred the expense of more than USD 5 million just on helicopter trips from Prime Minister's House to his private residence.

Pakistan's newly appointed Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Thursday that former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan incurred the expense of more than USD 5 million just on helicopter trips from Prime Minister's House to his private residence. She was quoted by Pakistani news outlet Dawn. As per the report, the minister made the claim at a press conference in Islamabad. The minister did not stop there, she also claimed that Imran Khan made Rs 142 million by selling state gifts from the Toshakhana. Toshakhana of the Pakistani state officially holds gifts received by Pakistan prime minister and president. Aurangzeb claimed that Khan paid only 20 per cent retention money on the gifts. The information minister said Khan will have to show the money trail and the receipts as the Toshakhana gifts cannot be sold. "Where is the money trail for the gifts you (Imran) retained?," she asked. She was quoted by news agency Press Trust of India. "The PTI-led (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) government introduced a law to procure gifts from the Toshakhana at 50% of its original cost, but despite the law being introduced during their tenure, Imran Khan purchased the gift at 20% of the cost," Aurangzeb said.

Imran Khan spent USD 5 million on helicopter rides to home, alleges minister

The European Union (EU) can agree , as early as Friday (April 22), on a new regulation that will impose unprecedented curbs on online content. The regulation will represent the second part of the bloc's massive project to regulate tech companies.

The act, named Digital Services Act (DSA) is focused on ensuring tougher consequences for online platforms that violate rules about banned content.

The text is the companion to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targeted anti-competitive practices among tech behemoths like Google and Facebook and was concluded in late March.&nbsp;

News Agency AFP cited a European source to say that Member of European Parliaments (MEPs) and EU countries were "very motivated" to reach agreement on the new regulation on Friday.

The act has been designed to tackle hate speech, disinformation, the selling of dangerous products. It also aimed agains other abusive online behaviour like spreading of so-called 'revenge porn'.

"What is allowed in everyday life will be allowed on the internet, but everything that is prohibited will be as well," EU internal markets commissioner Thierry Breton said earlier this year, describing the internet as the "Wild West".&nbsp;

Tech giants have been repeatedly called out for failing to police their platforms -- a New Zealand terrorist attack that was livestreamed on Facebook in 2019 caused global outrage, and the chaotic insurrection in the US last year was promoted online.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union (EU) can agree , as early as Friday (April 22), on a new regulation that will impose unprecedented curbs on online content. The regulation will represent the second part of the bloc's massive project to regulate tech companies.

The European Union (EU) can agree , as early as Friday (April 22), on a new regulation that will impose unprecedented curbs on online content. The regulation will represent the second part of the bloc's massive project to regulate tech companies. The act, named Digital Services Act (DSA) is focused on ensuring tougher consequences for online platforms that violate rules about banned content. The text is the companion to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targeted anti-competitive practices among tech behemoths like Google and Facebook and was concluded in late March. News Agency AFP cited a European source to say that Member of European Parliaments (MEPs) and EU countries were "very motivated" to reach agreement on the new regulation on Friday. The act has been designed to tackle hate speech, disinformation, the selling of dangerous products. It also aimed agains other abusive online behaviour like spreading of so-called 'revenge porn'. "What is allowed in everyday life will be allowed on the internet, but everything that is prohibited will be as well," EU internal markets commissioner Thierry Breton said earlier this year, describing the internet as the "Wild West". Tech giants have been repeatedly called out for failing to police their platforms -- a New Zealand terrorist attack that was livestreamed on Facebook in 2019 caused global outrage, and the chaotic insurrection in the US last year was promoted online. (With inputs from agencies)

EU may agree on stringent tech services regulation very soon

Solar eclipse even on Earth is a relatively rare phenomenon. Not everyone of us can boast of having witnessed the wonder from Earth. So forget about witnessing solar eclipse from another planet.

But NASA has come to our rescue. Its Perseverance rover has captured brilliant footage of solar eclipse from the surface of Mars. Mars' moon Phobos came between The Sun and Mars to cause a martian solar eclipse.

Phobos, Mars' satellite has an oblong shape. When this particular eclipse took place, Phobos partially covered the Sun. The footage was captured by the Perseverance rover which is still moving on the surface of the red planet. NASA has posted this footage.

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Truly fascinating. I zoomed in with my Mastcam-Z camera on a Phobos solar eclipse. This detailed video can help scientists on my team better understand the Martian moon’s orbit and how its gravity affects the interior of Mars, including its crust &amp; mantle. <a href="https://t.co/jVdJ4UwhDx">https://t.co/jVdJ4UwhDx</a> <a href="https://t.co/q45HwKwLIS">pic.twitter.com/q45HwKwLIS</a>
— NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere/status/1516864191415525376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In addition to being a visual treat, this footage may help scientists to study and better understand Phobos' orbit around Mars.

This eclipse took place on April 2. It was 397th Martian day or sol. Perseverance captured this eclipse with its next-generation Mastcam-Z camera.

The eclipse itself lasted only a little over 40 seconds. This may sound nothing but it needs to be borne in mind that Phobos, the Martian satellite is 157 times smaller than Earth's moon. Deimos, Mars' other satellite, is even smaller.

Yet another feather in Perseveraance's cap!

Solar eclipse even on Earth is a relatively rare phenomenon. Not everyone of us can boast of having witnessed the wonder from Earth. So forget about witnessing solar eclipse from another planet.

Solar eclipse even on Earth is a relatively rare phenomenon. Not everyone of us can boast of having witnessed the wonder from Earth. So forget about witnessing solar eclipse from another planet. But NASA has come to our rescue. Its Perseverance rover has captured brilliant footage of solar eclipse from the surface of Mars. Mars' moon Phobos came between The Sun and Mars to cause a martian solar eclipse. Phobos, Mars' satellite has an oblong shape. When this particular eclipse took place, Phobos partially covered the Sun. The footage was captured by the Perseverance rover which is still moving on the surface of the red planet. NASA has posted this footage. Truly fascinating. I zoomed in with my Mastcam-Z camera on a Phobos solar eclipse. This detailed video can help scientists on my team better understand the Martian moon’s orbit and how its gravity affects the interior of Mars, including its crust & mantle. https://t.co/jVdJ4UwhDx pic.twitter.com/q45HwKwLIS — NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) April 20, 2022 × In addition to being a visual treat, this footage may help scientists to study and better understand Phobos' orbit around Mars. This eclipse took place on April 2. It was 397th Martian day or sol. Perseverance captured this eclipse with its next-generation Mastcam-Z camera. The eclipse itself lasted only a little over 40 seconds. This may sound nothing but it needs to be borne in mind that Phobos, the Martian satellite is 157 times smaller than Earth's moon. Deimos, Mars' other satellite, is even smaller. Yet another feather in Perseveraance's cap!

Watch: NASA's Perseverance rover witnesses solar eclipse on Mars

Local government officials in Shanghai asked people in some neighbourhoods to throw away food provided by the government after residents complained of quality issues. These included complaints of moldy food and issues with packaging. The low quality of the food caused a public outcry.

Shanghai is currently facing worst outbreak of Covid. A lockdown is in effect.

Officials in at least two districts in Shanghai's east issued warnings to residents about moldy braised duck and meatballs and issues with packaging of food proivided by the government, reported news network Bloomberg.

Some residents reportedly complained of stomach ache and diarrhea after consuming food they received on April 21. The issue was also discussed on Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media network. People vented their anger. Bloomberg reported that a hashtag demanding probe for what happened in Shanghai got more than 100 million views.

Many of the city's residents have been confined to their homes since March, with some flooding social media with complaints of food shortages, spartan quarantine conditions and heavy-handed enforcement.

Protest footage has circulated faster than government censors can delete it.

Chinese officials have scrambled in recent weeks to contain an outbreak spanning multiple regions, largely driven by the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

Local government officials in Shanghai asked people in some neighbourhoods to throw away food provided by the government after residents complained of quality issues.

Local government officials in Shanghai asked people in some neighbourhoods to throw away food provided by the government after residents complained of quality issues. These included complaints of moldy food and issues with packaging. The low quality of the food caused a public outcry. Shanghai is currently facing worst outbreak of Covid. A lockdown is in effect. Officials in at least two districts in Shanghai's east issued warnings to residents about moldy braised duck and meatballs and issues with packaging of food proivided by the government, reported news network Bloomberg. Some residents reportedly complained of stomach ache and diarrhea after consuming food they received on April 21. The issue was also discussed on Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media network. People vented their anger. Bloomberg reported that a hashtag demanding probe for what happened in Shanghai got more than 100 million views. Many of the city's residents have been confined to their homes since March, with some flooding social media with complaints of food shortages, spartan quarantine conditions and heavy-handed enforcement. Protest footage has circulated faster than government censors can delete it. Chinese officials have scrambled in recent weeks to contain an outbreak spanning multiple regions, largely driven by the fast-spreading Omicron variant. (With inputs from agencies)

Moldy food from government triggers public outcry in Shanghai

Myanmar's junta chief on Friday called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer anti-junta militias that have sprung up to fight the coup.

Myanmar has about 20 ethnic rebel armies -- many of which control swathes of remote border territory -- that have fought each other and the military for decades over the drug trade, natural resources and autonomy.

Some have condemned the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and offered shelter and weapons training to "People's Defence Forces" (PDF) that have sprung up since the putsch and which analysts say have surprised the military with their effectiveness.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-mark-new-year-holiday-myanmars-junta-govt-releases-over-1600-prisoners-but-not-political-detainees-471703">To mark New Year holiday, Myanmar's junta govt releases over 1,600 prisoners, but not ‘political detainees’</a>

"I invite leaders of ethnic armed groups for dialogue," junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said in an address on state media, calling for representatives to register by May 9 and adding he would meet them personally.

"We are all going to discuss honestly and openly... for the people to be able to enjoy the essence of peace and development," he said, without giving a date for proposed talks.

The call comes amid daily clashes between junta troops and PDF groups, some of which are fighting alongside ethnic rebels in border areas.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Junta burns over 100 villages in Central Myanmar

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Last week, the junta said its troops had displaced hundreds of PDF fighters as well as members of the Kachin Independence Army after days of clashes around Pinlebu town in the northern Sagaing region.

Heavy fighting has also been reported in Kayin state near the Thai border, with PDF fighters conducting operations alongside troops from the Karen National Union, another established rebel group.

&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sneaked-sketches-from-myanmars-prison-depicts-insights-of-life-in-prison-469068">Sketches smuggled out of Myanmar's prison tell horrible tale of country's most notorious jail - see pics</a>

Last month, Min Aung Hlaing vowed the military would "annihilate" PDF forces in a speech at the annual Armed Forces Day parade, which was attended by representatives from several ethnic rebel groups.

More than 1,700 people have been killed in a military crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.&nbsp;

Myanmar's junta chief on Friday called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer anti-junta militias that have sprung up to fight the coup.

Myanmar's junta chief on Friday called for face-to-face peace talks with the country's established ethnic rebel groups, as the military struggles to crush newer anti-junta militias that have sprung up to fight the coup. Myanmar has about 20 ethnic rebel armies -- many of which control swathes of remote border territory -- that have fought each other and the military for decades over the drug trade, natural resources and autonomy. Some have condemned the ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and offered shelter and weapons training to "People's Defence Forces" (PDF) that have sprung up since the putsch and which analysts say have surprised the military with their effectiveness. Also read | To mark New Year holiday, Myanmar's junta govt releases over 1,600 prisoners, but not ‘political detainees’ "I invite leaders of ethnic armed groups for dialogue," junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said in an address on state media, calling for representatives to register by May 9 and adding he would meet them personally. "We are all going to discuss honestly and openly... for the people to be able to enjoy the essence of peace and development," he said, without giving a date for proposed talks. The call comes amid daily clashes between junta troops and PDF groups, some of which are fighting alongside ethnic rebels in border areas. Watch | Junta burns over 100 villages in Central Myanmar Last week, the junta said its troops had displaced hundreds of PDF fighters as well as members of the Kachin Independence Army after days of clashes around Pinlebu town in the northern Sagaing region. Heavy fighting has also been reported in Kayin state near the Thai border, with PDF fighters conducting operations alongside troops from the Karen National Union, another established rebel group. Also read | Sketches smuggled out of Myanmar's prison tell horrible tale of country's most notorious jail - see pics Last month, Min Aung Hlaing vowed the military would "annihilate" PDF forces in a speech at the annual Armed Forces Day parade, which was attended by representatives from several ethnic rebel groups. More than 1,700 people have been killed in a military crackdown since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar junta chief calls for peace talks with ethnic rebels

The leader of one of&nbsp;Thailand's biggest political parties apologised on Tuesday over the conduct of a former executive accused by more than a dozen women of sexual abuse in what some activists have called the country's first "MeToo" moment.

Prinn Panitchpakdi, 44, resigned as deputy leader of the Democrat Party last week and was charged on Saturday with sexual abuse and rape after complaints were filed against him by five women separately.

Prinn, the son of former World Trade Organisation (WTO) chief Supachai Panitchpakdi, has denied the charges and was freed on bail on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnamese-man-tries-to-row-from-thailand-to-india-to-see-wife-465166">Vietnamese man tries to row from Thailand to India to see wife</a>

Nine more women have since come forward with similar allegations against Prinn, according to police. Prinn has made no public comment since the new allegations were made and said he was unavailable when contacted by Reuters on Tuesday.

Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit, a close associate of Prinn, on Tuesday apologised over the scandal and acknowledged his role in endorsing him as a senior party member.

"I'm deeply sorry and must apologise for everything that has happened that was linked to a Democrat Party member," Jurin told a news conference, without elaborating.

"As a party leader, I must acknowledge that I was a key part in an effort to bring Prinn into the party."

Watch |&nbsp;Thailand's prime minister visits Saudi Arabia, calls it a 'new journey

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The hashtag #MeToo has trended on social media in&nbsp;Thailand since last week, with users expressing outrage over the scope of the alleged misconduct and a perception of impunity for the political elite.

Jurin, who is commerce minister and deputy prime minister in the ruling coalition, said his party stands against sexual harassment and violence against children and women.

He also resigned as chairman of two government committees on gender equality and women's policies, and said the Democrat Party would conduct its own internal investigation.

"We will not step in to protect Prinn, nor intervene in the justice process," he said.

Trairong Piwpan, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, confirmed to Reuters that 14 victims had so far come forward with allegations against Prinn, nine of whom met on Monday with police, who were considering the cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-drops-pre-arrival-covid-19-test-for-foreign-visitors-463581">Thailand drops pre-arrival COVID-19 test for foreign visitors</a>

According to Sittra Biabungkerd of the People's Lawyers Foundation, a legal assistance group representing the victims, all were between 17 and 30 at the time of the alleged offences, some of which were more than a decade ago, and five have said they were raped.

"There are many others who are still afraid to come forward," Sittra told Reuters.

The leader of one of Thailand's biggest political parties apologised on Tuesday over the conduct of a former executive accused by more than a dozen women of sexual abuse in what some activists have called the country's first "MeToo" moment.

The leader of one of Thailand's biggest political parties apologised on Tuesday over the conduct of a former executive accused by more than a dozen women of sexual abuse in what some activists have called the country's first "MeToo" moment. Prinn Panitchpakdi, 44, resigned as deputy leader of the Democrat Party last week and was charged on Saturday with sexual abuse and rape after complaints were filed against him by five women separately. Prinn, the son of former World Trade Organisation (WTO) chief Supachai Panitchpakdi, has denied the charges and was freed on bail on Sunday. Also read | Vietnamese man tries to row from Thailand to India to see wife Nine more women have since come forward with similar allegations against Prinn, according to police. Prinn has made no public comment since the new allegations were made and said he was unavailable when contacted by Reuters on Tuesday. Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit, a close associate of Prinn, on Tuesday apologised over the scandal and acknowledged his role in endorsing him as a senior party member. "I'm deeply sorry and must apologise for everything that has happened that was linked to a Democrat Party member," Jurin told a news conference, without elaborating. "As a party leader, I must acknowledge that I was a key part in an effort to bring Prinn into the party." Watch | Thailand's prime minister visits Saudi Arabia, calls it a 'new journey The hashtag #MeToo has trended on social media in Thailand since last week, with users expressing outrage over the scope of the alleged misconduct and a perception of impunity for the political elite. Jurin, who is commerce minister and deputy prime minister in the ruling coalition, said his party stands against sexual harassment and violence against children and women. He also resigned as chairman of two government committees on gender equality and women's policies, and said the Democrat Party would conduct its own internal investigation. "We will not step in to protect Prinn, nor intervene in the justice process," he said. Trairong Piwpan, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, confirmed to Reuters that 14 victims had so far come forward with allegations against Prinn, nine of whom met on Monday with police, who were considering the cases. Also read | Thailand drops pre-arrival COVID-19 test for foreign visitors According to Sittra Biabungkerd of the People's Lawyers Foundation, a legal assistance group representing the victims, all were between 17 and 30 at the time of the alleged offences, some of which were more than a decade ago, and five have said they were raped. "There are many others who are still afraid to come forward," Sittra told Reuters.

Thailand party apologises as sexual misconduct cases mount against executive

Pope&nbsp;Francis has said he has dropped plans to meet in&nbsp;June&nbsp;with&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Orthodox&nbsp;Patriarch Kirill, an ally of&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin who has backed Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Francis, who has several times implicitly criticised Russia and Putin over the war, told Argentine newspaper La Nacion in an interview that he regretted that the plan had to be "suspended" because Vatican diplomats advised that such a&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;"could lend itself to much confusion at this moment".

In Moscow, the RIA news agency quoted Metropolitan Hilarion, a senior&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Orthodox&nbsp;Church&nbsp;official, as saying the&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;was postponed because "the events of the last two months" would have created many difficulties in its preparation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-pope-calls-to-observe-easter-of-war-pak-military-airstrikes-in-afg-and-more-471708">Top 10 world news: Pope calls to observe 'Easter of war', Pak military airstrikes in Afg, and more</a>

Reuters reported on April 11 that the Vatican was considering extending the&nbsp;pope's trip to Lebanon on&nbsp;June&nbsp;12-13 by a day so that he could meet with Kirill on&nbsp;June&nbsp;14 in Jerusalem.

Kirill, 75, has given his full-throated blessing for Russia's invasion of Ukraine since it began on Feb. 24, a position that has splintered the worldwide&nbsp;Orthodox&nbsp;Church and unleashed an internal rebellion that theologians and academics say is unprecedented.

Francis, 85, has used terms such as unjustified aggression and invasion in his public comments on the war, and has lamented atrocities against civilians.

Asked in the interview why he has never named Russia or Putin specifically, Francis was quoted as saying: "A&nbsp;pope&nbsp;never names a head of state, much less a country, which is superior to its head of state".

Watch |&nbsp;Landmark reform by Pope Francis: Women and Lay Catholics to head departments

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Putin, a member of the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Orthodox&nbsp;Church, has described Moscow's actions as a "special military operation" in Ukraine aimed at demilitarising and "denazifying" the country. Moscow has denied targetting civilians

Francis has specifically rejected Russia's terminology, calling it a war that has caused "rivers of blood".

A Vatican source familiar with the planning for the Jerusalem stop said on Friday that it had been at an advanced stage, with even the location for the&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;with Kirill chosen.

It would have been only their second&nbsp;meeting. Their first, in Cuba in 2016, was the first between a&nbsp;pope&nbsp;and a&nbsp;leader&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Orthodox&nbsp;Church since the Great Schism that split Christianity into Eastern and Western branches in 1054.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-pope-holding-ukrainian-flag-condemns-the-massacre-of-bucha-468798">Russia-Ukraine war: Pope, holding Ukrainian flag, condemns Bucha killing</a>

Francis said earlier this month that he was considering a trip to Kyiv, telling reporters on a flight to Malta on April 2 that it was "on the table". He has been invited by Ukrainian political and religious&nbsp;leaders.

Asked in the Argentine interview why he has not yet made the trip, he said:

"I cannot do anything that would jeopardize higher objectives, which are an end to the war, a truce or at least a humanitarian corridor. What good would it do for the&nbsp;pope&nbsp;to go to Kyiv if the war continues the next day?"

Pope Francis has said he has dropped plans to meet in June with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who has backed Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Pope Francis has said he has dropped plans to meet in June with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who has backed Moscow's war in Ukraine. Francis, who has several times implicitly criticised Russia and Putin over the war, told Argentine newspaper La Nacion in an interview that he regretted that the plan had to be "suspended" because Vatican diplomats advised that such a meeting "could lend itself to much confusion at this moment". In Moscow, the RIA news agency quoted Metropolitan Hilarion, a senior Russian Orthodox Church official, as saying the meeting was postponed because "the events of the last two months" would have created many difficulties in its preparation. Also read | Top 10 world news: Pope calls to observe 'Easter of war', Pak military airstrikes in Afg, and more Reuters reported on April 11 that the Vatican was considering extending the pope's trip to Lebanon on June 12-13 by a day so that he could meet with Kirill on June 14 in Jerusalem. Kirill, 75, has given his full-throated blessing for Russia's invasion of Ukraine since it began on Feb. 24, a position that has splintered the worldwide Orthodox Church and unleashed an internal rebellion that theologians and academics say is unprecedented. Francis, 85, has used terms such as unjustified aggression and invasion in his public comments on the war, and has lamented atrocities against civilians. Asked in the interview why he has never named Russia or Putin specifically, Francis was quoted as saying: "A pope never names a head of state, much less a country, which is superior to its head of state". Watch | Landmark reform by Pope Francis: Women and Lay Catholics to head departments Putin, a member of the Russian Orthodox Church, has described Moscow's actions as a "special military operation" in Ukraine aimed at demilitarising and "denazifying" the country. Moscow has denied targetting civilians Francis has specifically rejected Russia's terminology, calling it a war that has caused "rivers of blood". A Vatican source familiar with the planning for the Jerusalem stop said on Friday that it had been at an advanced stage, with even the location for the meeting with Kirill chosen. It would have been only their second meeting. Their first, in Cuba in 2016, was the first between a pope and a leader of the Russian Orthodox Church since the Great Schism that split Christianity into Eastern and Western branches in 1054. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Pope, holding Ukrainian flag, condemns Bucha killing Francis said earlier this month that he was considering a trip to Kyiv, telling reporters on a flight to Malta on April 2 that it was "on the table". He has been invited by Ukrainian political and religious leaders. Asked in the Argentine interview why he has not yet made the trip, he said: "I cannot do anything that would jeopardize higher objectives, which are an end to the war, a truce or at least a humanitarian corridor. What good would it do for the pope to go to Kyiv if the war continues the next day?"

Pope says June meeting with Russian Orthodox leader is off

French&nbsp;authorities have issued an&nbsp;international&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;for disgraced former Nissan boss Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn,&nbsp;prosecutors&nbsp;told AFP on Friday.

The&nbsp;warrant, issued on Thursday, relates to suspect payments of some 15 million euros ($16.3 million) between the Renault-Nissan alliance that&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;once headed and its dealer in Oman, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA),&nbsp;prosecutors&nbsp;said.

The allegations against&nbsp;Ghosn, 68, include misuse of company assets, money laundering and corruption.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/frances-tallest-man-uses-tiktok-fame-to-celebrate-uniqueness-of-human-body-472963">France's tallest man uses TikTok fame to celebrate uniqueness of human body</a>

The auto tycoon -- who holds&nbsp;French, Lebanese and Brazilian passports -- was initially due to stand trial in Japan, following his detention there in 2018, but he jumped bail and made a sensational getaway to Lebanon, where he now lives.

The&nbsp;international&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;issued on Thursday by a court in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, is a strong message to Lebanon, which does not extradite its citizens and has banned&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;from leaving its territory.

If the&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;is carried out,&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;will be summoned before a judge in Nanterre and formally indicted.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;probe centres on suspect&nbsp;financial dealings between Renault-Nissan's Dutch subsidiary RNBV and SBA, consultancy work involving RNBV and a former government minister, and lavish parties organised at the Versailles Palace in France.

The investigating judge in Nanterre has also issued&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;warrants for four current or former SBA bosses -- the company founder, his two sons and the current director-general, sources close to the case told AFP. The four are suspected of corruption and money laundering.

Watch |&nbsp;French Presidential Elections: After fiery pre-election debate, Macron, Le Pen are making final push for votes

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Major development

Renault, which is a civil party in the case, said it "took note" of the Nanterre&nbsp;prosecutors' move.

"This is a major development which can be explained in part by the severity of new information that has come to light ... concerning hidden financial dealings worth several million euros between Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;and SBA's founders and bosses," Renault lawyer Kami Haeri told AFP.

The&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;saga, which began in 2018, has grabbed headlines worldwide.

In November 2018,&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;-- then boss of Nissan and head of an alliance between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors -- was detained in Japan on suspicion of financial misconduct along with his top aide, Greg Kelly. They both denied wrongdoing.

In December 2019 as he awaited trial,&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;was smuggled out of Japan on a private jet, hidden in an audio equipment case, and flown to Beirut.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidential-elections-2022-runoff-voting-how-does-the-polling-system-work-472305">French presidential elections 2022 |&nbsp;Runoff voting: How does the polling system work?</a>

He justified his escape to Lebanon by saying he did not believe he would get a fair trial in Tokyo.

Ghosn&nbsp;also accused Nissan of colluding with&nbsp;prosecutors&nbsp;to have him arrested in a "palace coup" because he had sought to strengthen the Japanese firm's alliance with Renault.

Stab in the back

In 2020 Interpol issued a "red notice", advising Beirut that&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;was a fugitive from Japan and was wanted by the Tokyo authorities for prosecution.&nbsp;

Lebanon, which has no extradition treaty with Japan, has not arrested him.

He is respected in Lebanon for his entrepreneurial skills and gives lectures at the Saint-Esprit de Kaslik University near Beirut. But he remains discreet and steers clear of commenting on the country's political and economic upheavals.

One of&nbsp;Ghosn's lawyers, Jean Tamalet, told AFP the&nbsp;French&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;was "very surprising because the investigating judge and the Nanterre prosecutor know perfectly well that Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn, who has always cooperated with justice, is subject to a judicial ban on leaving Lebanese territory".

French&nbsp;officials have twice travelled to Beirut in the course of their investigations. They questioned&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;in 2021 but only as a witness as a formal indictment cannot be made until and unless he is on&nbsp;French&nbsp;territory.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidential-election-macrons-lead-over-le-pen-widens-in-polls-472246">French presidential election: Macron's lead over Le Pen widens in polls</a>

Meanwhile, his former aide Kelly was last month handed a six-month suspended sentence by a Tokyo court over allegations he helped&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;attempt to conceal income.

Prosecutors&nbsp;had sought two years in prison for Kelly, accusing him of helping&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;under-report his income to the tune of 9.1 billion yen ($79 million) between 2010 and 2018. The court only found Kelly guilty for the financial year 2017.

In an interview with&nbsp;French&nbsp;newspaper Le Parisien in February,&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;hit out at what he said was a "stab in the back by the&nbsp;French&nbsp;government and the Renault board of directors".

French&nbsp;Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire declined on Friday to comment on the latest developments, telling BFMTV/RMC radio: "Let justice take its course."

French authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for disgraced former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, prosecutors told AFP on Friday. The warrant, issued on Thursday, relates to suspect payments of some 15 million euros ($16.

French authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for disgraced former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, prosecutors told AFP on Friday. The warrant, issued on Thursday, relates to suspect payments of some 15 million euros ($16.3 million) between the Renault-Nissan alliance that Ghosn once headed and its dealer in Oman, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), prosecutors said. The allegations against Ghosn, 68, include misuse of company assets, money laundering and corruption. Also read | France's tallest man uses TikTok fame to celebrate uniqueness of human body The auto tycoon -- who holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian passports -- was initially due to stand trial in Japan, following his detention there in 2018, but he jumped bail and made a sensational getaway to Lebanon, where he now lives. The international arrest warrant issued on Thursday by a court in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, is a strong message to Lebanon, which does not extradite its citizens and has banned Ghosn from leaving its territory. If the warrant is carried out, Ghosn will be summoned before a judge in Nanterre and formally indicted. The French probe centres on suspect financial dealings between Renault-Nissan's Dutch subsidiary RNBV and SBA, consultancy work involving RNBV and a former government minister, and lavish parties organised at the Versailles Palace in France. The investigating judge in Nanterre has also issued arrest warrants for four current or former SBA bosses -- the company founder, his two sons and the current director-general, sources close to the case told AFP. The four are suspected of corruption and money laundering. Watch | French Presidential Elections: After fiery pre-election debate, Macron, Le Pen are making final push for votes Major development Renault, which is a civil party in the case, said it "took note" of the Nanterre prosecutors' move. "This is a major development which can be explained in part by the severity of new information that has come to light ... concerning hidden financial dealings worth several million euros between Carlos Ghosn and SBA's founders and bosses," Renault lawyer Kami Haeri told AFP. The Ghosn saga, which began in 2018, has grabbed headlines worldwide. In November 2018, Ghosn -- then boss of Nissan and head of an alliance between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors -- was detained in Japan on suspicion of financial misconduct along with his top aide, Greg Kelly. They both denied wrongdoing. In December 2019 as he awaited trial, Ghosn was smuggled out of Japan on a private jet, hidden in an audio equipment case, and flown to Beirut. Also read | French presidential elections 2022 | Runoff voting: How does the polling system work? He justified his escape to Lebanon by saying he did not believe he would get a fair trial in Tokyo. Ghosn also accused Nissan of colluding with prosecutors to have him arrested in a "palace coup" because he had sought to strengthen the Japanese firm's alliance with Renault. Stab in the back In 2020 Interpol issued a "red notice", advising Beirut that Ghosn was a fugitive from Japan and was wanted by the Tokyo authorities for prosecution. Lebanon, which has no extradition treaty with Japan, has not arrested him. He is respected in Lebanon for his entrepreneurial skills and gives lectures at the Saint-Esprit de Kaslik University near Beirut. But he remains discreet and steers clear of commenting on the country's political and economic upheavals. One of Ghosn's lawyers, Jean Tamalet, told AFP the French warrant was "very surprising because the investigating judge and the Nanterre prosecutor know perfectly well that Carlos Ghosn, who has always cooperated with justice, is subject to a judicial ban on leaving Lebanese territory". French officials have twice travelled to Beirut in the course of their investigations. They questioned Ghosn in 2021 but only as a witness as a formal indictment cannot be made until and unless he is on French territory. Also read | French presidential election: Macron's lead over Le Pen widens in polls Meanwhile, his former aide Kelly was last month handed a six-month suspended sentence by a Tokyo court over allegations he helped Ghosn attempt to conceal income. Prosecutors had sought two years in prison for Kelly, accusing him of helping Ghosn under-report his income to the tune of 9.1 billion yen ($79 million) between 2010 and 2018. The court only found Kelly guilty for the financial year 2017. In an interview with French newspaper Le Parisien in February, Ghosn hit out at what he said was a "stab in the back by the French government and the Renault board of directors". French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire declined on Friday to comment on the latest developments, telling BFMTV/RMC radio: "Let justice take its course."

French prosecutors issue international arrest warrant for Ghosn

For early birds among us, sunrise is a sight to behold. Well yes, the event occurs daily but there is something undeniably refreshing about it. We don't need anyone's help to witness the beauty of a sunrise.&nbsp;But how about if it is on Mars?

The interesting and enthralling idea of sunrise on Mars is no longer confined to imagination courtesy NASA.

A few days ago, NASA's InSight lander captured a marvelous video of sunrise from Martian surface. The space agency posted the footage in form of a GIF on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’ll never tire of sunrise on Mars. ☀️ Each morning, that distant dot climbs higher in the sky, giving me energy for another round of listening to the rumbles beneath my feet. <a href="https://t.co/QB4uVOBLAP">https://t.co/QB4uVOBLAP</a> <a href="https://t.co/61dZe75k2I">pic.twitter.com/61dZe75k2I</a>
— NASA InSight (@NASAInSight) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAInSight/status/1514282311528841220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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InSight lander captured this beautiful Martian dawn on April 10, 2022. It was 1198th Martian day of the mission.

InSight is NASA's first mission to study Mars' interior (crust, mantle and core). InSight is short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy, and Heat Transport

InSight landed on the Martian surface in November 2018. It touched down in a region of Mars called Elysium Planitia. Objectives of the preliminary mission during the first Martian year have already been met.

A Martian year is longer than a year on Earth. Since Mars is located further away from Sun than Earth, the planet takes more time to complete one revolution around the Sun than Earth.

One Martian year consists of 687 Earth days.

For early birds among us, sunrise is a sight to behold. Well yes, the event occurs daily but there is something undeniably refreshing about it. We don't need anyone's help to witness the beauty of a sunrise.

For early birds among us, sunrise is a sight to behold. Well yes, the event occurs daily but there is something undeniably refreshing about it. We don't need anyone's help to witness the beauty of a sunrise. But how about if it is on Mars? The interesting and enthralling idea of sunrise on Mars is no longer confined to imagination courtesy NASA. A few days ago, NASA's InSight lander captured a marvelous video of sunrise from Martian surface. The space agency posted the footage in form of a GIF on Twitter. I’ll never tire of sunrise on Mars. ☀️ Each morning, that distant dot climbs higher in the sky, giving me energy for another round of listening to the rumbles beneath my feet. https://t.co/QB4uVOBLAP pic.twitter.com/61dZe75k2I — NASA InSight (@NASAInSight) April 13, 2022 × InSight lander captured this beautiful Martian dawn on April 10, 2022. It was 1198th Martian day of the mission. InSight is NASA's first mission to study Mars' interior (crust, mantle and core). InSight is short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy, and Heat Transport InSight landed on the Martian surface in November 2018. It touched down in a region of Mars called Elysium Planitia. Objectives of the preliminary mission during the first Martian year have already been met. A Martian year is longer than a year on Earth. Since Mars is located further away from Sun than Earth, the planet takes more time to complete one revolution around the Sun than Earth. One Martian year consists of 687 Earth days.

NASA InSight lander captures images of sunrise on Mars

Although James Webb Space Telescope is soon to open entirely new vista of space research for us, good ol' Hubble deserves its due. Humanity's very firt eye in the sky has been steadfast in sending pictures of far corners of space for last three decades. And to commemorate its 32nd year of operation, a unique image has been released.

The image shows five galaxies that are eventually going to collide. The galaxies are so closely situated (well in galactic terms) that it in itself is a thing of wonder.

This group of galaxies is called Hickson Compact Group 40. These galaxies are situated unusually close.

These galaxies are on a collision course, about a billion years from now, all five galaxies would collide to form a single elliptical galaxy.

So what are the types of galaxies present in the photo?

We can see three spiral galaxies, marked by orange colour visible due to space dust. The one in the middle is an elliptical galaxy. The one in the bottom right corner is a lenticular (lens-like) galaxy.

This galactic huddle is sitting somewhere in the direction of constellation Hydra.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/breakthrough-in-search-for-aliens-what-does-a-habitable-ice-shell-on-jupiters-moon-europa-mean-472318">Breakthrough in search for aliens? What does a habitable ice shell on Jupiter's moon Europa mean?</a>

How big is this huddle? Well all five of these galaxies would fit inside two Milky Ways.

Scientists think Dark Matter is playing part in merger of these galaxies. They think that the Dark Matter is forming a cloud around the group and slowing individual galaxies down.

Although James Webb Space Telescope is soon to open entirely new vista of space research for us, good ol' Hubble deserves its due. Humanity's very firt eye in the sky has been steadfast in sending pictures of far corners of space for last three decades.

Although James Webb Space Telescope is soon to open entirely new vista of space research for us, good ol' Hubble deserves its due. Humanity's very firt eye in the sky has been steadfast in sending pictures of far corners of space for last three decades. And to commemorate its 32nd year of operation, a unique image has been released. The image shows five galaxies that are eventually going to collide. The galaxies are so closely situated (well in galactic terms) that it in itself is a thing of wonder. This group of galaxies is called Hickson Compact Group 40. These galaxies are situated unusually close. These galaxies are on a collision course, about a billion years from now, all five galaxies would collide to form a single elliptical galaxy. So what are the types of galaxies present in the photo? We can see three spiral galaxies, marked by orange colour visible due to space dust. The one in the middle is an elliptical galaxy. The one in the bottom right corner is a lenticular (lens-like) galaxy. This galactic huddle is sitting somewhere in the direction of constellation Hydra. Also Read | Breakthrough in search for aliens? What does a habitable ice shell on Jupiter's moon Europa mean? How big is this huddle? Well all five of these galaxies would fit inside two Milky Ways. Scientists think Dark Matter is playing part in merger of these galaxies. They think that the Dark Matter is forming a cloud around the group and slowing individual galaxies down.

Check out this fantastic Hubble image of five colliding galaxies

Police in Afghanistan said on Friday that the Taliban had arrested a suspected mastermind of the Afghan mosque attack. The suspect is reportedly an Islamic State (IS) militant. IS has claimed responsibility for the blast in a Shiite mosque in Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif. The blast took place on Thursday (April 21) during midday prayers. 58 people were wounded.

Balkh province's police spokesman Asif Waziri said Abdul Hamid Sangaryar was a key operative of IS.

"He was the mastermind of yesterday's attack on the mosque," Waziri told AFP.&nbsp;

The country's interior ministry also reported the arrest of Sangaryar, an Afghan national.

"He played a key role in several attacks in the past and had repeatedly managed to escape, but this time we arrested him in a special operation," Waziri said.

IS also claimed a separate bomb attack in another northern city of Kunduz on Thursday that killed four people and wounded 18 people.

Though the Taliban have assumed power in Afghanistan, the Islamic State has carried out periodic attacks and act of terrorism. Shiite Afghans have been target of the IS which considers them heretics.

The Taliban have stepped up security around mosques in Kabul after Thursday's blasts. Worshippers attending Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramzaan are being frisked by Taliban fighters before they are allowed to enter the mosques.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police in Afghanistan said on Friday that the Taliban had arrested a suspected mastermind of the Afghan mosque attack. The suspect is reportedly an Islamic State (IS) militant.

Police in Afghanistan said on Friday that the Taliban had arrested a suspected mastermind of the Afghan mosque attack. The suspect is reportedly an Islamic State (IS) militant. IS has claimed responsibility for the blast in a Shiite mosque in Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif. The blast took place on Thursday (April 21) during midday prayers. 58 people were wounded. Balkh province's police spokesman Asif Waziri said Abdul Hamid Sangaryar was a key operative of IS. "He was the mastermind of yesterday's attack on the mosque," Waziri told AFP. The country's interior ministry also reported the arrest of Sangaryar, an Afghan national. "He played a key role in several attacks in the past and had repeatedly managed to escape, but this time we arrested him in a special operation," Waziri said. IS also claimed a separate bomb attack in another northern city of Kunduz on Thursday that killed four people and wounded 18 people. Though the Taliban have assumed power in Afghanistan, the Islamic State has carried out periodic attacks and act of terrorism. Shiite Afghans have been target of the IS which considers them heretics. The Taliban have stepped up security around mosques in Kabul after Thursday's blasts. Worshippers attending Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramzaan are being frisked by Taliban fighters before they are allowed to enter the mosques. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan mosque attack 'mastermind' arrested by Taliban, says police

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