<p>US President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday, April 26, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. Pyongyang has asserted its nuclear belligerence in the Korean peninsula in recent weeks by claiming rapid development of nuclear-armed Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Standing beside the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in the White House, Biden said that any such attack by Pyongyang would be deemed "unacceptable" by the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-weapons-for-south-korea-yoon-and-biden-set-to-ink-landmark-agreement-586416">US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement</a></strong></p>

<p>"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden told a joint news conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US&nbsp;sign declaration | WION Pulse</strong></p>

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<p>The two nations will bolster the response to North Korea’s persistent nuclear threat with an agreement that includes plans to dock U.S. nuclear-armed submarines in South Korea for the first time in over 40 years, bolster training between the two countries and improve information sharing between the allies.</p>

<h2><strong>Peace comes through force not 'goodwill': South Korean leader</strong></h2>

<p>In the joint press conference with US President Joe Biden, the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Wednesday that peace with North Korea would come through strength and vowed that any response to a nuclear attack would include US atomic weapons.</p>

<p>Yoon said he and US President Joe Biden agreed that "we can achieve peace through the superiority of overwhelming force and not a false peace based on the goodwill of the other side."</p>

<p>"Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula does not happen automatically," Yoon said.</p>

<p>The US officials said that the so-called Washington Declaration was designed to allay South Korean fears over the North's nuclear weapons program and to keep the country from restarting its own nuclear program. South Korea gave up its nuclear program nearly 50 years ago when it signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yoon earlier this year said his country was weighing developing its own nuclear weapons or asking the US to redeploy them on the Korean Peninsula.</p>

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US President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday, April 26, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies.

US President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday, April 26, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. Pyongyang has asserted its nuclear belligerence in the Korean peninsula in recent weeks by claiming rapid development of nuclear-armed Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Standing beside the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in the White House, Biden said that any such attack by Pyongyang would be deemed "unacceptable" by the United States. ALSO READ | US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden told a joint news conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. ALSO WATCH | Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US sign declaration | WION Pulse × The two nations will bolster the response to North Korea’s persistent nuclear threat with an agreement that includes plans to dock U.S. nuclear-armed submarines in South Korea for the first time in over 40 years, bolster training between the two countries and improve information sharing between the allies. Peace comes through force not 'goodwill': South Korean leader In the joint press conference with US President Joe Biden, the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Wednesday that peace with North Korea would come through strength and vowed that any response to a nuclear attack would include US atomic weapons. Yoon said he and US President Joe Biden agreed that "we can achieve peace through the superiority of overwhelming force and not a false peace based on the goodwill of the other side." "Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula does not happen automatically," Yoon said. The US officials said that the so-called Washington Declaration was designed to allay South Korean fears over the North's nuclear weapons program and to keep the country from restarting its own nuclear program. South Korea gave up its nuclear program nearly 50 years ago when it signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Yoon earlier this year said his country was weighing developing its own nuclear weapons or asking the US to redeploy them on the Korean Peninsula. 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.

Joe Biden spells out Kim Jong-Un's 'end' with South Korean leader

<p>Singapore's government, in a bid to cool down the housing market, has doubled the stamp duty for foreigners buying a house in the city-state. The government has pitched the move as an effort to "promote a sustainable property market and prioritise housing for owner-occupation."</p>

<p>The revised rates will take effect from April 27, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Singapore Property Market: Revised stamp duty rates</strong></h2>

<p>The government has now doubled the stamp duty to 60 per cent for foreigners buying home.</p>

<p>For the Singapore citizens, it has raised the tax to 20 per cent from 17 per cent earlier for a second residential property.&nbsp;It was increased to 30 per cent&nbsp;from 25 per cent for the citizens purchasing their third or subsequent home, and for permanent residents purchasing a second residential property.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/singapore-launches-75mn-fund-to-boost-film-tv-productions-showcasing-the-city-state-579321">Singapore launches $7.5mn fund to boost film, TV productions showcasing the city-state</a></strong></p>

<p>The Singapore citizens do not need to pay any stamp duty while buying their first residential property as was the case before.</p>

<p>The government said that married couples with one of them a Singapore citizen, who jointly purchase a second residential property, can continue to apply for a refund of the stamp duty, "subject to conditions". These conditions include selling their first residential property within 6 months after the date of purchase of the second residential property.</p>

<h2><strong>Singapore Property Market: Why revision of stamp duty rates?</strong></h2>

<p>The latest measures for a "sustainable property market" in Singapore follow tax increases that were imposed in December 2021 and a tightening of home-loan limits in September 2022, Bloomberg reported.</p>

<p>The city-state's property prices have remained dynamic despite slowdowns in parts of the world due to increased interest rates and inflation.</p>

<p>Despite a "moderating effect" from the previous increases,&nbsp;property prices last quarter showed "renewed signs of acceleration amid resilient demand,"&nbsp;the Singapore government's statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Singapore tops list as best business hub</strong></p>

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<p>"Demand from locals purchasing homes for owner-occupation has been especially strong, and there has also been renewed interest from local and foreign investors in our residential property market," the government said.</p>

<p>"If left unchecked, prices could run ahead of economic fundamentals, with the risk of a sustained increase in prices relative to incomes."</p>

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Singapore's government, in a bid to cool down the housing market, has doubled the stamp duty for foreigners buying a house in the city-state. The government has pitched the move as an effort to "promote a sustainable property market and prioritise housing for owner-occupation.

Singapore's government, in a bid to cool down the housing market, has doubled the stamp duty for foreigners buying a house in the city-state. The government has pitched the move as an effort to "promote a sustainable property market and prioritise housing for owner-occupation." The revised rates will take effect from April 27, 2023. Singapore Property Market: Revised stamp duty rates The government has now doubled the stamp duty to 60 per cent for foreigners buying home. For the Singapore citizens, it has raised the tax to 20 per cent from 17 per cent earlier for a second residential property. It was increased to 30 per cent from 25 per cent for the citizens purchasing their third or subsequent home, and for permanent residents purchasing a second residential property. ALSO READ | Singapore launches $7.5mn fund to boost film, TV productions showcasing the city-state The Singapore citizens do not need to pay any stamp duty while buying their first residential property as was the case before. The government said that married couples with one of them a Singapore citizen, who jointly purchase a second residential property, can continue to apply for a refund of the stamp duty, "subject to conditions". These conditions include selling their first residential property within 6 months after the date of purchase of the second residential property. Singapore Property Market: Why revision of stamp duty rates? The latest measures for a "sustainable property market" in Singapore follow tax increases that were imposed in December 2021 and a tightening of home-loan limits in September 2022, Bloomberg reported. The city-state's property prices have remained dynamic despite slowdowns in parts of the world due to increased interest rates and inflation. Despite a "moderating effect" from the previous increases, property prices last quarter showed "renewed signs of acceleration amid resilient demand," the Singapore government's statement said. ALSO WATCH | Singapore tops list as best business hub × "Demand from locals purchasing homes for owner-occupation has been especially strong, and there has also been renewed interest from local and foreign investors in our residential property market," the government said. "If left unchecked, prices could run ahead of economic fundamentals, with the risk of a sustained increase in prices relative to incomes." 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.

Singapore doubles stamp duty for foreigners buying home

<p>Meta's net income in the first quarter of 2023 fell by 24 per cent to $5.7bn as the company invested a significant bit of its finances into deploying Artificial Intelligence across its platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, the company reported better than expected quarterly results on Wednesday (April 26) after three quarters of straight decline. The small uptick in Meta's revenues came amid chief executive Mark Zuckerberg's "year of efficiency" pitch.</p>

<p>The company's earnings per share, however, dropped 19 per cent to $2.20.</p>

<h2><strong>Meta quarterly results: What do they show?</strong></h2>

<p>Meta's revenue in the first three months of the year was up 3 per cent from a year ago to $28.6bn. The analysts had expected a slight decline in Meta's revenue to $27.7bn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to S&amp;P Capital IQ, the company also forecast revenue in the ongoing quarter of between $29.5bn and 32bn, Financial Times reported.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/meta-layoffs-10000-job-cuts-facebook-whatsapp-instagram-indians-affected-facebook-layoffs-584200">Meta begins layoffs; to leave 10,000 without jobs across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp</a></strong></p>

<p>Meta also adjusted its guidance for expenses in 2023 in a bid to save about $2bn by the end of the year. From a range of $86bn to $92bn, they are now down between $86bn to $90bn.</p>

<p>Its capital expenditure guidance, however, remains unchanged at between $30bn and $33bn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meta shares rose 10 per cent on the Wall Street on Wednesday after it beat analysts' expectations and reported better-than-expected quarterly results.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Meta quarterly results and heat from mass layoffs</strong></h2>

<p>Meta announced a restructuring of its staff previously leading to about 20,000 job cuts, among the most in the Silicon Valley. The current quarterly results deem significance in the wake of Zuckerberg's "year of efficiency" pitch entailing mass layoffs at Meta to cut costs.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'We had a good quarter': Mark Zuckerberg</strong></h2>

<p>"We had a good quarter and our community continues to grow," Zuckerberg said after the release of Meta's quarterly results.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Another round of mass layoffs begin in Meta, to cut 10,000 more jobs</strong></p>

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<p>"Our Artificial Intelligence work is driving good results across our apps and business. We are also becoming more efficient s we can build better products faster and put ourselves in a stronger position to deliver our long-term vision."</p>

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Meta's net income in the first quarter of 2023 fell by 24 per cent to $5.7bn as the company invested a significant bit of its finances into deploying Artificial Intelligence across its platforms.

Meta's net income in the first quarter of 2023 fell by 24 per cent to $5.7bn as the company invested a significant bit of its finances into deploying Artificial Intelligence across its platforms. Overall, the company reported better than expected quarterly results on Wednesday (April 26) after three quarters of straight decline. The small uptick in Meta's revenues came amid chief executive Mark Zuckerberg's "year of efficiency" pitch. The company's earnings per share, however, dropped 19 per cent to $2.20. Meta quarterly results: What do they show? Meta's revenue in the first three months of the year was up 3 per cent from a year ago to $28.6bn. The analysts had expected a slight decline in Meta's revenue to $27.7bn. According to S&P Capital IQ, the company also forecast revenue in the ongoing quarter of between $29.5bn and 32bn, Financial Times reported. ALSO READ | Meta begins layoffs; to leave 10,000 without jobs across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Meta also adjusted its guidance for expenses in 2023 in a bid to save about $2bn by the end of the year. From a range of $86bn to $92bn, they are now down between $86bn to $90bn. Its capital expenditure guidance, however, remains unchanged at between $30bn and $33bn. Meta shares rose 10 per cent on the Wall Street on Wednesday after it beat analysts' expectations and reported better-than-expected quarterly results. Meta quarterly results and heat from mass layoffs Meta announced a restructuring of its staff previously leading to about 20,000 job cuts, among the most in the Silicon Valley. The current quarterly results deem significance in the wake of Zuckerberg's "year of efficiency" pitch entailing mass layoffs at Meta to cut costs. 'We had a good quarter': Mark Zuckerberg "We had a good quarter and our community continues to grow," Zuckerberg said after the release of Meta's quarterly results. ALSO WATCH | Another round of mass layoffs begin in Meta, to cut 10,000 more jobs × "Our Artificial Intelligence work is driving good results across our apps and business. We are also becoming more efficient s we can build better products faster and put ourselves in a stronger position to deliver our long-term vision." 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.

Meta's net income drops as thousands lose jobs amid AI race

<p>Former Republican Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson formally launched his 2024 presidential bid on Wednesday, posing a challenge to the Republican frontrunner and former US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hutchinson's speech portrayed him as a more moderate alternative to the party frontrunner Donald Trump.</p>

<p>Hutchinson was one of the fewest in the Republican Party, who, at the time of Trump's indictment over hush payments to a porn star, said that the former president should pull out of the 2024 presidential race.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Asa Hutchinson?</strong></h2>

<p>A practicing lawyer in&nbsp;Arkansas' Fort Smith for 21 years, Hutchinson has reportedly handled more than 100 jury trials.</p>

<p>On two of the country's biggest issues of electoral concern, abortion rights and immigration, Hutchinson's stances have Republican written all over them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Arkansas governor, in&nbsp;March 2021, he signed SB6, a near-total abortion bill, into law. He said that the bill was intended "to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law [Roe Vs Wade]."</p>

<p>"I would have preferred the legislation to include the exceptions for rape and incest, which has been my consistent view, and such exceptions would increase the chances for a review by the US&nbsp;Supreme Court," he had said.</p>

<h2><strong>Asa Hutchinson's White House prospects</strong></h2>

<p>Hutchinson's bid is considered a long-shot.</p>

<p>In his formal announcement speech, Hutchinson did not name Donald&nbsp;Trump. However, he&nbsp;appeared to break with the former president&nbsp;on foreign policy by decrying the isolationist approach Trump took to international issues during his time in the White House [2016-2021]</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Donald Trump indictment explained</strong></p>

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<p>"Isolationism only leads to weakness and weakness leads to war," Hutchinson said. His formal kick-off speech followed an announcement earlier this month that he was running for president.</p>

<p>Hutchinson, who has little name recognition nationally, will present himself to Republican primary voters as a more moderate alternative to Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, another conservative fire-brand who is expected to announce his presidential campaign soon.</p>

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Former Republican Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson formally launched his 2024 presidential bid on Wednesday, posing a challenge to the Republican frontrunner and former US President Donald Trump.

Former Republican Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson formally launched his 2024 presidential bid on Wednesday, posing a challenge to the Republican frontrunner and former US President Donald Trump. Hutchinson's speech portrayed him as a more moderate alternative to the party frontrunner Donald Trump. Hutchinson was one of the fewest in the Republican Party, who, at the time of Trump's indictment over hush payments to a porn star, said that the former president should pull out of the 2024 presidential race. Who is Asa Hutchinson? A practicing lawyer in Arkansas' Fort Smith for 21 years, Hutchinson has reportedly handled more than 100 jury trials. On two of the country's biggest issues of electoral concern, abortion rights and immigration, Hutchinson's stances have Republican written all over them. As Arkansas governor, in March 2021, he signed SB6, a near-total abortion bill, into law. He said that the bill was intended "to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law [Roe Vs Wade]." "I would have preferred the legislation to include the exceptions for rape and incest, which has been my consistent view, and such exceptions would increase the chances for a review by the US Supreme Court," he had said. Asa Hutchinson's White House prospects Hutchinson's bid is considered a long-shot. In his formal announcement speech, Hutchinson did not name Donald Trump. However, he appeared to break with the former president on foreign policy by decrying the isolationist approach Trump took to international issues during his time in the White House [2016-2021] ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Donald Trump indictment explained × "Isolationism only leads to weakness and weakness leads to war," Hutchinson said. His formal kick-off speech followed an announcement earlier this month that he was running for president. Hutchinson, who has little name recognition nationally, will present himself to Republican primary voters as a more moderate alternative to Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, another conservative fire-brand who is expected to announce his presidential campaign soon. 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.

Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, announces White House bid

<p>US President Joe Biden, hours after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-announces-reelection-bid-for-2024-585969">announcing his 2024 re-election bid</a>, addressed a packed gathering of union workers numbering up to 3200 on Wednesday, April 25. The labour unions have long been one of Biden's political safe spaces.</p>

<p>While Biden did not mention the hashtag that has been trending across the United States all Wednesday — #BidenHarris2024 — he was welcomed by the chants of "four more years" at the union workers' gathering.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-takes-shots-at-biden-after-he-announces-2024-re-election-bid-586109">Joe Biden's political career: 'Self-declared Republican' turned Democratic POTUS seeks another term</a></strong></p>

<p>"I'm here because there’s no better place to talk about the progress we have made together and wouldn’t be made without you," the president said at the official White House event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But while the crowd erupted into a "Let’s go Joe" chant, Biden did not make an overt case for his re-election bid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is because as president, Biden is supposed to walk a thin line between president and an incumbent presidential candidate for the Democrats.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-takes-shots-at-biden-after-he-announces-2024-re-election-bid-586109">Trump attacks Biden after he announces 2024 re-election bid, warns of World War III</a></strong></p>

<p>In what was billed as a White House event and not a campaign stop, Biden claimed that during his presidential tenure, creation of good-paying union jobs has been an administrative priority. The president sought to make the case that his administration is strengthening the economy for American families, even as still-high inflation continues to hammer Americans' budgets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Under my predecessor, Infrastructure Week became a punchline," Biden said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On my watch, infrastructure has&nbsp;become a decade headline, a decade. And that's where you all come in. No, really. That's where you all come in. We have&nbsp;already announced over 25,000 infrastructure projects in 4,500 towns across America. And we are just getting started, not even close. Union workers will build roads, bridges, lay internet cable, install 500,000 electric vehicle chargers throughout America. And union workers are going to transform America. And union workers will finish the job."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;82 year old Biden to kick-off 2024 Election Campaign</strong></p>

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<p>On Tuesday morning, the president's campaign released a three-minute video with the president trying to make the case that he and fellow Democrats want to protect as many American freedoms as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I ran for president four years ago, I said we are in a battle for the soul of America — and we still are," Mr. Biden said in the video. "The question we are facing is whether in the years ahead we have more freedom or less freedom, more rights or fewer. I know what I want the answer to be. This is not a time to be complacent. That's why I'm running for reelection."</p>

<p>Biden has long voiced his support for unions, a key group in funding and backing his successful 2020 presidential election bid against former President Donald Trump. The line, "The middle class built America — and unions built the middle class," has been a frequent catchphrase in Biden's speeches.&nbsp;</p>

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US President Joe Biden, hours after announcing his 2024 re-election bid, addressed a packed gathering of union workers numbering up to 3200 on Wednesday, April 25.

US President Joe Biden, hours after announcing his 2024 re-election bid, addressed a packed gathering of union workers numbering up to 3200 on Wednesday, April 25. The labour unions have long been one of Biden's political safe spaces. While Biden did not mention the hashtag that has been trending across the United States all Wednesday — #BidenHarris2024 — he was welcomed by the chants of "four more years" at the union workers' gathering. ALSO READ | Joe Biden's political career: 'Self-declared Republican' turned Democratic POTUS seeks another term "I'm here because there’s no better place to talk about the progress we have made together and wouldn’t be made without you," the president said at the official White House event. But while the crowd erupted into a "Let’s go Joe" chant, Biden did not make an overt case for his re-election bid. This is because as president, Biden is supposed to walk a thin line between president and an incumbent presidential candidate for the Democrats. ALSO READ | Trump attacks Biden after he announces 2024 re-election bid, warns of World War III In what was billed as a White House event and not a campaign stop, Biden claimed that during his presidential tenure, creation of good-paying union jobs has been an administrative priority. The president sought to make the case that his administration is strengthening the economy for American families, even as still-high inflation continues to hammer Americans' budgets. "Under my predecessor, Infrastructure Week became a punchline," Biden said. "On my watch, infrastructure has become a decade headline, a decade. And that's where you all come in. No, really. That's where you all come in. We have already announced over 25,000 infrastructure projects in 4,500 towns across America. And we are just getting started, not even close. Union workers will build roads, bridges, lay internet cable, install 500,000 electric vehicle chargers throughout America. And union workers are going to transform America. And union workers will finish the job." ALSO WATCH | 82 year old Biden to kick-off 2024 Election Campaign × On Tuesday morning, the president's campaign released a three-minute video with the president trying to make the case that he and fellow Democrats want to protect as many American freedoms as possible. "When I ran for president four years ago, I said we are in a battle for the soul of America — and we still are," Mr. Biden said in the video. "The question we are facing is whether in the years ahead we have more freedom or less freedom, more rights or fewer. I know what I want the answer to be. This is not a time to be complacent. That's why I'm running for reelection." Biden has long voiced his support for unions, a key group in funding and backing his successful 2020 presidential election bid against former President Donald Trump. The line, "The middle class built America — and unions built the middle class," has been a frequent catchphrase in Biden's speeches. 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.

'Union workers will finish the job', says Biden amid 'four more years' chants

<p>French fries, the comfort food for many generations, is barely considered healthy. But did you know it may have a negative impact on mental health as well?</p>

<p>Research in China found that frequent consumption of fried food items, especially fried potatoes, is linked with a high risk of depression and even a higher risk of anxiety.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People frequently consuming fried food items such as French fries were 12 per cent more likely to develop anxiety-related issues than the ones who do not consume such food items. As for depression, the researchers found 7 per cent higher risk of depression than in people who did not eat fried foods.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/artificial-intelligence-helps-solve-the-mystery-match-medicine-to-patient-aid-in-treatment-of-depression-583377">Artificial Intelligence helps 'solve the mystery,' match medicine to patient, aid in treatment of depression</a></strong></p>

<p>The findings of the research were published in the journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America).</p>

<p>The link was more pronounced among young men and younger consumers of fried food products.</p>

<h2><strong>Fried foods linked with depression: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The results "open an avenue in the significance of reducing fried food consumption for mental health," according to the research.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But there remains a crucial caveat in the findings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts cited in the media say that since the results of the research are preliminary, it is yet to be made clear whether fried foods drive mental health issues or people with mental health issues turn to fried food items. That is, the Catch-22 situation can be understood as: Are you driven to fried food items because you are anxious or depressed, or do the fried food items drive anxiety or depression in the first place?</p>

<p>This is because people with underlying symptoms of anxiety and depression often turn to comfort foods.</p>

<p>The study evaluated 140,728 people over a period of more than 11.3 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After excluding participants diagnosed with depression within the first two years, a total of 8,294 cases of anxiety and 12,735 cases of depression were found in those that consumed fried food.</p>

<p>The study had also found that the participants consuming more than one serving of fried food regularly were more likely to be youngsters, specifically the young men.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Exposure to air pollution causes depression, anxiety; linked to mental health</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, a study, titled: '<em>Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing'&nbsp;</em>had&nbsp;found that poor nutrition can progress a mental health condition by lowering one's mood. The latest study adds to a growing evidence of unhealthy food's links to mental health conditions.</p>

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French fries, the comfort food for many generations, is barely considered healthy. But did you know it may have a negative impact on mental health as well? Research in China found that frequent consumption of fried food items, especially fried potatoes, is linked with a high risk of depression and even a higher risk of anxiety.

French fries, the comfort food for many generations, is barely considered healthy. But did you know it may have a negative impact on mental health as well? Research in China found that frequent consumption of fried food items, especially fried potatoes, is linked with a high risk of depression and even a higher risk of anxiety. People frequently consuming fried food items such as French fries were 12 per cent more likely to develop anxiety-related issues than the ones who do not consume such food items. As for depression, the researchers found 7 per cent higher risk of depression than in people who did not eat fried foods. ALSO READ | Artificial Intelligence helps 'solve the mystery,' match medicine to patient, aid in treatment of depression The findings of the research were published in the journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America). The link was more pronounced among young men and younger consumers of fried food products. Fried foods linked with depression: What does it mean? The results "open an avenue in the significance of reducing fried food consumption for mental health," according to the research. But there remains a crucial caveat in the findings. Experts cited in the media say that since the results of the research are preliminary, it is yet to be made clear whether fried foods drive mental health issues or people with mental health issues turn to fried food items. That is, the Catch-22 situation can be understood as: Are you driven to fried food items because you are anxious or depressed, or do the fried food items drive anxiety or depression in the first place? This is because people with underlying symptoms of anxiety and depression often turn to comfort foods. The study evaluated 140,728 people over a period of more than 11.3 years. After excluding participants diagnosed with depression within the first two years, a total of 8,294 cases of anxiety and 12,735 cases of depression were found in those that consumed fried food. The study had also found that the participants consuming more than one serving of fried food regularly were more likely to be youngsters, specifically the young men. ALSO WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Exposure to air pollution causes depression, anxiety; linked to mental health × Earlier, a study, titled: 'Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing' had found that poor nutrition can progress a mental health condition by lowering one's mood. The latest study adds to a growing evidence of unhealthy food's links to mental health conditions. 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.

French fries may drive anxiety, depression, new research suggests

<p>The First Republic Bank’s shares continued to plunge on Tuesday as financial regulators scrambled to come up with a plan to stabilise the financial&nbsp;health of the bank.</p>

<p>The California-based lender’s stock price is now down by more than 90 per cent this year. It fell by a further 50 per cent a day after it was reported that the customers has withdrawn $100bn of deposits during last month’s turmoil led by Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse.</p>

<h2><strong>What the First Republic is saying?</strong></h2>

<p>The First Republic said on Monday that it was considering “strategic options” as it announced the firing of up to 25 per cent of its workforce. However, a report in the Financial Times citing people briefed on the matter, said that the bank is struggling to come up with a solution.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/first-republic-bank-to-cut-up-to-25-workforce-as-deposits-tumble-585828">First Republic Bank to cut up to 25% workforce as deposits tumble</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Washington remains on alert following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank last month.</p>

<h2><strong>First Republic crisis: What can the US government do?</strong></h2>

<p>The leading options involve large US banks rescuing the First Republic by injecting more money. Or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation can take control of the bank while offering a government-sponsored guarantee for all deposits. The Biden administration is reportedly becoming increasingly concerned that First Republic is running out of time to assure depositors and investors that it stands on solid financial ground, the&nbsp;Financial Times report added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/first-republic-bank-to-cut-up-to-25-workforce-as-deposits-tumble-585828">First Republic Bank loses $100 billion in deposits</a></strong></p>

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<p>But there are signs that the US government is not much concerned about a supposed expansion of the First Republic crisis into a wider banking sector.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, the KBW regional bank index was down less than 4 per cent despite a massive dip recorded by the First Republic Bank.</p>

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The First Republic Bank’s shares continued to plunge on Tuesday as financial regulators scrambled to come up with a plan to stabilise the financial health of the bank.

The First Republic Bank’s shares continued to plunge on Tuesday as financial regulators scrambled to come up with a plan to stabilise the financial health of the bank. The California-based lender’s stock price is now down by more than 90 per cent this year. It fell by a further 50 per cent a day after it was reported that the customers has withdrawn $100bn of deposits during last month’s turmoil led by Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse. What the First Republic is saying? The First Republic said on Monday that it was considering “strategic options” as it announced the firing of up to 25 per cent of its workforce. However, a report in the Financial Times citing people briefed on the matter, said that the bank is struggling to come up with a solution. ALSO READ | First Republic Bank to cut up to 25% workforce as deposits tumble Meanwhile, Washington remains on alert following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank last month. First Republic crisis: What can the US government do? The leading options involve large US banks rescuing the First Republic by injecting more money. Or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation can take control of the bank while offering a government-sponsored guarantee for all deposits. The Biden administration is reportedly becoming increasingly concerned that First Republic is running out of time to assure depositors and investors that it stands on solid financial ground, the Financial Times report added. ALSO WATCH | First Republic Bank loses $100 billion in deposits × But there are signs that the US government is not much concerned about a supposed expansion of the First Republic crisis into a wider banking sector. On Tuesday, the KBW regional bank index was down less than 4 per cent despite a massive dip recorded by the First Republic Bank. 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.

First Republic Bank crisis deepens as shares plunge 50 per cent with sharp sell off

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN">Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy slammed US President Joe Biden’s re-election bid, saying that the Democrat top gun is being used as a "puppet"&nbsp;by a "managerial class" in the White House and beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN">"It is just the managerial class using Joe Biden as a front to advance its own agenda,"&nbsp;Ramaswamy said on Monday in an interview with Fox News.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN">The 37-year-old entrepreneur, who announce.d his candidacy in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries in February 2023, said that Biden has become a vehicle for other institutions of the United States to assert power through the executive branch.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/union-workers-will-finish-the-job-says-biden-amid-four-more-years-chants-586124">'Union workers will finish the job', says Biden amid 'four more years' chants</a></strong></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN">Ramaswamy, whose parents emigrated to the United States from Palakkad, Kerala in South India in the 1980s, compared Biden’s re-election bid to “elder abuse.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN">"The administrative state more effectively controls its puppets when they are hollowed-out husks of themselves. The fact that it's elder abuse is just a cost of doing business for Biden's handlers. It's revealing that the DNC (Democratic National Committee) refuses to host primary debates this year. They are spitting in the face of their grassroots base," Ramaswamy said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN">Ramaswamy added, "This is how the managerial class crushes everyday citizens: not with a bang, but with a whimper."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN">Biden announced his 2024 bid for the White House earlier on Tuesday. The US president is facing Democratic primary challenges from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and author Marianne Williamson. Biden is expected to pass the challenge as Democrat front-runner.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN"><o:p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;</strong></o:p><o:p><strong>More than 50% democrats feel Joe Biden should not run again: Polls</strong></o:p></span></p>

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<p>Ahead of Joe Biden’s announcement about his 2024 presidential re-run, a USA Today-Suffolk University Poll found that 40 per cent individuals who voted for Joe Biden in 2020 do not think he should seek a re-election. The poll reportedly surveyed an equal number of voters who supported Biden and former President Donald Trump in 2020. About 35 per cent of people surveyed said they would vote for a third-party candidate over Joe Biden in 2024.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN">Joe Biden is the oldest president in the US history. If he ends up winning the re-election to White House in 2024, then by the end of his term in 2029 he will be 86.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

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Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy slammed US President Joe Biden’s re-election bid, saying that the Democrat top gun is being used as a "puppet" by a "managerial class" in the White House and beyond.

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy slammed US President Joe Biden’s re-election bid, saying that the Democrat top gun is being used as a "puppet" by a "managerial class" in the White House and beyond. "It is just the managerial class using Joe Biden as a front to advance its own agenda," Ramaswamy said on Monday in an interview with Fox News. The 37-year-old entrepreneur, who announce.d his candidacy in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries in February 2023, said that Biden has become a vehicle for other institutions of the United States to assert power through the executive branch. ALSO READ | 'Union workers will finish the job', says Biden amid 'four more years' chants Ramaswamy, whose parents emigrated to the United States from Palakkad, Kerala in South India in the 1980s, compared Biden’s re-election bid to “elder abuse.” "The administrative state more effectively controls its puppets when they are hollowed-out husks of themselves. The fact that it's elder abuse is just a cost of doing business for Biden's handlers. It's revealing that the DNC (Democratic National Committee) refuses to host primary debates this year. They are spitting in the face of their grassroots base," Ramaswamy said. Ramaswamy added, "This is how the managerial class crushes everyday citizens: not with a bang, but with a whimper." Biden announced his 2024 bid for the White House earlier on Tuesday. The US president is facing Democratic primary challenges from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and author Marianne Williamson. Biden is expected to pass the challenge as Democrat front-runner. ALSO WATCH | More than 50% democrats feel Joe Biden should not run again: Polls × Ahead of Joe Biden’s announcement about his 2024 presidential re-run, a USA Today-Suffolk University Poll found that 40 per cent individuals who voted for Joe Biden in 2020 do not think he should seek a re-election. The poll reportedly surveyed an equal number of voters who supported Biden and former President Donald Trump in 2020. About 35 per cent of people surveyed said they would vote for a third-party candidate over Joe Biden in 2024. Joe Biden is the oldest president in the US history. If he ends up winning the re-election to White House in 2024, then by the end of his term in 2029 he will be 86. 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.

Biden’s 2024 presidential bid is 'elder abuse' by 'managerial class': Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy

<p>Britain urged all its nationals to head to the airstrip in the Sudanese capital Khartoum as the first British evacuation flight with 40 nationals landed in Cyprus earlier on April 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Travel within Sudan is conducted at British nationals' own risk and plans may change depending on the security situation," Andrew Mitchell, the UK's minister for Africa said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Britain, which has estimated that about 4,000 of its nationals are in Sudan, said military flights would depart from an airfield outside Khartoum, and would be open to those with British passports.</p>

<p>Meanwhile the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that more than 1,000 people in Sudan have contacted British overseas officials in the country. Sunak added that there would be "many more" evacuation flights that will rescue British nationals from the conflict-ridden nation.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-whats-happening-in-sudan-what-caused-the-clashes-583043">Explained: What's happening in Sudan? What caused the army-paramilitary clashes?</a></strong></p>

<p>"We will have more flights this evening and we will have many more into tomorrow,” Sunak said.</p>

<p>A 72-hour truce brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia is set to be in place starting Tuesday, 10:00 PM GMT (Wednesday, 3:30 AM, IST).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Sudan Conflict: Diplomats and foreign nationals evacuated</strong></p>

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<p>Cyprus's foreign ministry said the first British civilians evacuated from Sudan had arrived on the island on Tuesday, with about 40 civilians on board a plane belonging to Britain's Royal Air Force.</p>

<p>Sunak's spokesman earlier said flights would continue for as long as possible and British nationals would be taken to Cyprus, with the government facilitating their travel on to Britain.</p>

<p>Cyprus, a former colony and home to two sprawling British military bases, said it had activated a humanitarian rescue mechanism following a British request and would offer reception facilities for the evacuation of third-country civilians.</p>

<p>Sunak said that Britain was exploring other options for evacuations, including Port Sudan.</p>

<p>"We can't guarantee the long term sustainability of the airfield that we're currently using. So we're also exploring and standing up other alternative routes for safe exit from Sudan," Sunak said.</p>

<p>Sudanese and foreign nationals are streaming out of the capital of Khartoum and surrounding battle zones.</p>

<p>The impending ceasefire will be the&nbsp;third of its kind announced in recent days by Sudan's warring sides. The two previous ones either failed outright or led to a brief halt in fighting during which foreign missions managed to find a window to evacuate their citizens via air and sea routes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Britain urged all its nationals to head to the airstrip in the Sudanese capital Khartoum as the first British evacuation flight with 40 nationals landed in Cyprus earlier on April 25.

Britain urged all its nationals to head to the airstrip in the Sudanese capital Khartoum as the first British evacuation flight with 40 nationals landed in Cyprus earlier on April 25. "Travel within Sudan is conducted at British nationals' own risk and plans may change depending on the security situation," Andrew Mitchell, the UK's minister for Africa said. Britain, which has estimated that about 4,000 of its nationals are in Sudan, said military flights would depart from an airfield outside Khartoum, and would be open to those with British passports. Meanwhile the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that more than 1,000 people in Sudan have contacted British overseas officials in the country. Sunak added that there would be "many more" evacuation flights that will rescue British nationals from the conflict-ridden nation. ALSO READ | Explained: What's happening in Sudan? What caused the army-paramilitary clashes? "We will have more flights this evening and we will have many more into tomorrow,” Sunak said. A 72-hour truce brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia is set to be in place starting Tuesday, 10:00 PM GMT (Wednesday, 3:30 AM, IST). ALSO WATCH | Sudan Conflict: Diplomats and foreign nationals evacuated × Cyprus's foreign ministry said the first British civilians evacuated from Sudan had arrived on the island on Tuesday, with about 40 civilians on board a plane belonging to Britain's Royal Air Force. Sunak's spokesman earlier said flights would continue for as long as possible and British nationals would be taken to Cyprus, with the government facilitating their travel on to Britain. Cyprus, a former colony and home to two sprawling British military bases, said it had activated a humanitarian rescue mechanism following a British request and would offer reception facilities for the evacuation of third-country civilians. Sunak said that Britain was exploring other options for evacuations, including Port Sudan. "We can't guarantee the long term sustainability of the airfield that we're currently using. So we're also exploring and standing up other alternative routes for safe exit from Sudan," Sunak said. Sudanese and foreign nationals are streaming out of the capital of Khartoum and surrounding battle zones. The impending ceasefire will be the third of its kind announced in recent days by Sudan's warring sides. The two previous ones either failed outright or led to a brief halt in fighting during which foreign missions managed to find a window to evacuate their citizens via air and sea routes. (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.

Britain starts Sudan evacuation effort with Sunak's call for 'many more' flights

<p>Japanese firm ispace's attempt to become the first private entity in the world to put a lander on the moon has ended in failure, the company said Wednesday.</p>

<p>Soon after the company lost contact with its lander, the employees of "ispace" bowed their heads&nbsp;in respect of the&nbsp;HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-private-moon-landing-japanese-company-aims-to-achieve-historic-feat-today-586077">First private moon landing: Japanese firm ispace loses communication with lander</a></strong></p>

<p>"We do not expect to complete the lunar landing at this time," CEO and founder Takeshi Hakamada said in a statement, with the company saying the Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander was believed to have made a "hard landing" on the moon's surface.</p>

<p>The Japanese firm "determined that there is a high probability that the lander eventually made a hard landing."</p>

<p>The 7-foot lander (2.3-meter) lander carried a mini lunar rover for the United Arab Emirates and a robot from&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;designed to roll around in the moon dust.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;All you need to know about Hakuto-R Moon landing mission</strong></p>

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<p>There were also items from private customers on board.</p>

<p>Named Hakuto, Japanese for white rabbit, the spacecraft had targeted Atlas crater in the northeastern section of the moon’s near side, more than 50 miles (87 km) across and just over 1 mile (2 km) deep.</p>

<p>Founded in 2010, ispace hopes to start turning a profit as a one-way taxi service to the moon for other businesses and organisations. The company has already raised $300 million to cover the first three missions, according to reports in Japanese media.</p>

<p>"We will keep going, never quit lunar quest,"&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>The moon is suddenly hot again, with numerous countries and private companies clamouring to get on the lunar bandwagon.&nbsp;China has successfully landed three spacecraft&nbsp;on the moon since 2013, and U.S., China, India and South Korea have satellites currently circling the moon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Japanese firm ispace's attempt to become the first private entity in the world to put a lander on the moon has ended in failure, the company said Wednesday. Soon after the company lost contact with its lander, the employees of "ispace" bowed their heads in respect of the HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program.

Japanese firm ispace's attempt to become the first private entity in the world to put a lander on the moon has ended in failure, the company said Wednesday. Soon after the company lost contact with its lander, the employees of "ispace" bowed their heads in respect of the HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program. ALSO READ | First private moon landing: Japanese firm ispace loses communication with lander "We do not expect to complete the lunar landing at this time," CEO and founder Takeshi Hakamada said in a statement, with the company saying the Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander was believed to have made a "hard landing" on the moon's surface. The Japanese firm "determined that there is a high probability that the lander eventually made a hard landing." The 7-foot lander (2.3-meter) lander carried a mini lunar rover for the United Arab Emirates and a robot from Japan designed to roll around in the moon dust. ALSO WATCH | All you need to know about Hakuto-R Moon landing mission × There were also items from private customers on board. Named Hakuto, Japanese for white rabbit, the spacecraft had targeted Atlas crater in the northeastern section of the moon’s near side, more than 50 miles (87 km) across and just over 1 mile (2 km) deep. Founded in 2010, ispace hopes to start turning a profit as a one-way taxi service to the moon for other businesses and organisations. The company has already raised $300 million to cover the first three missions, according to reports in Japanese media. "We will keep going, never quit lunar quest," he said. The moon is suddenly hot again, with numerous countries and private companies clamouring to get on the lunar bandwagon. China has successfully landed three spacecraft on the moon since 2013, and U.S., China, India and South Korea have satellites currently circling the moon. (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.

Japan's privately-owned lunar lander that went up in a SpaceX rocket, likely crashed on moon: Company

<p>An Indian Navy Ship carrying 278 passengers evacuated from conflict-ridden Sudan landed in Saudi Arabia's port city of Jeddah Tuesday late night. The INS Sumedha's docking in Jeddah marks first successful segment carried under&nbsp;Operation Kaveri, a rescue operation launched by New Delhi to evacuate Indians and neighbouring South Asian nationals stuck in Sudan&nbsp;</p>

<p>Operation Kaveri aims to bring back Indian citizens who are stuck in the conflict-ridden Sudan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As INS Sumedha docked in Jeddah, India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar took to Twitter to thank his Saudi Arabian counterpart Faisal bin Farhan as well as the Saudi Arabian authorities for their cooperation in India's evacuation efforts.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Operation Kaveri unfolds.<br />
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INS Sumedha docks in Jeddah with 278 passengers.<br />
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Thank HH <a href="https://twitter.com/FaisalbinFarhan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FaisalbinFarhan</a> and Saudi Arabian authorities for their fullest cooperation. <a href="https://t.co/4a0gqHOTNi">pic.twitter.com/4a0gqHOTNi</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1650947473953701888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched 'Operation Kaveri', named after one of the major rivers from South India, to bring back stranded Indians from conflict-ridden Sudan.</p>

<p>Later, during the wee hours of Tuesday, India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar informed that the first C-130 plan landed in Jeddah with another 121 passengers. Jaishankar shared the visuals of C-130 plane landing at&nbsp;King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a> - the next step.<br />
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The first C-130 lands flight lands in Jeddah with another 121 passengers. They will be reaching home soon. <a href="https://t.co/uzjTwGxjFy">pic.twitter.com/uzjTwGxjFy</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1650994567100116992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shortly after, a second C-130 plane landed at Jeddah's international airport with&nbsp;135 evacuated passengers from Sudan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A second C-130 flight reaches Jeddah bringing 135 passengers from Sudan.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a> moving steadily forward. <a href="https://t.co/JvwKgelnqN">pic.twitter.com/JvwKgelnqN</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1651001489089781761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>'Operation Kaveri': Significance</strong></h2>

<p>The choice of naming the evacuation operation as 'Operation Kaveri' has a lot of significance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is on the same lines as that the Prime Minister [Modi] chose to name the operation in Ukraine as Operation Ganga," a top source in the government was quoted as saying by New Delhi-based news agency ANI, while referring to the massive evacuation operation Indian authorities carried out when Russia launched 'special military operations' against Ukraine in February 2022.</p>

<p>The Kaveri river, which flows through southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, holds a sacred place for the people in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"River reach their destination irrespective of barriers. It's like a mother who will ensue she will bring her children back to safety," the top source adds further.</p>

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An Indian Navy Ship carrying 278 passengers evacuated from conflict-ridden Sudan landed in Saudi Arabia's port city of Jeddah Tuesday late night. The INS Sumedha's docking in Jeddah marks first successful segment carried under Operation Kaveri, a rescue operation launched by New Delhi to evacuate Indians and neighbouring South Asian nationals stuck in Sudan Operation Kaveri aims to bring back Indian citizens who are stuck in the conflict-ridden Sudan.

An Indian Navy Ship carrying 278 passengers evacuated from conflict-ridden Sudan landed in Saudi Arabia's port city of Jeddah Tuesday late night. The INS Sumedha's docking in Jeddah marks first successful segment carried under Operation Kaveri, a rescue operation launched by New Delhi to evacuate Indians and neighbouring South Asian nationals stuck in Sudan Operation Kaveri aims to bring back Indian citizens who are stuck in the conflict-ridden Sudan. As INS Sumedha docked in Jeddah, India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar took to Twitter to thank his Saudi Arabian counterpart Faisal bin Farhan as well as the Saudi Arabian authorities for their cooperation in India's evacuation efforts. Operation Kaveri unfolds. INS Sumedha docks in Jeddah with 278 passengers. Thank HH @FaisalbinFarhan and Saudi Arabian authorities for their fullest cooperation. pic.twitter.com/4a0gqHOTNi — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 25, 2023 × India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched 'Operation Kaveri', named after one of the major rivers from South India, to bring back stranded Indians from conflict-ridden Sudan. Later, during the wee hours of Tuesday, India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar informed that the first C-130 plan landed in Jeddah with another 121 passengers. Jaishankar shared the visuals of C-130 plane landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. #OperationKaveri - the next step. The first C-130 lands flight lands in Jeddah with another 121 passengers. They will be reaching home soon. pic.twitter.com/uzjTwGxjFy — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 25, 2023 × Shortly after, a second C-130 plane landed at Jeddah's international airport with 135 evacuated passengers from Sudan. A second C-130 flight reaches Jeddah bringing 135 passengers from Sudan.#OperationKaveri moving steadily forward. pic.twitter.com/JvwKgelnqN — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 25, 2023 × 'Operation Kaveri': Significance The choice of naming the evacuation operation as 'Operation Kaveri' has a lot of significance. "This is on the same lines as that the Prime Minister [Modi] chose to name the operation in Ukraine as Operation Ganga," a top source in the government was quoted as saying by New Delhi-based news agency ANI, while referring to the massive evacuation operation Indian authorities carried out when Russia launched 'special military operations' against Ukraine in February 2022. The Kaveri river, which flows through southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, holds a sacred place for the people in the region. "River reach their destination irrespective of barriers. It's like a mother who will ensue she will bring her children back to safety," the top source adds further. 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.

'Operation Kaveri unfolds': Indians evacuated from Sudan reach Jeddah

<p>The Islamic State cell leader, who reportedly planned the deadly August 2021 suicide bombing at the Kabul international airport that left 183 people dead, was killed by the Taliban, the US National Security Council said on Tuesday, April 25.</p>

<p>The suicide bombing at Kabul airport, which also left 13 US service members dead in August 2021, coincided with the tumultuous American exit from Afghanistan 20 years after it invaded the South Asian nation following the 9/11 attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Kabul airport attack: Life or Death decisions were made by US troops</strong></p>

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<p>The Biden administration did not name the ISIS-Khorasan leader killed. But reports have claimed that it was&nbsp;Abdul Rehman Al-Loghri, the top ISIS-K figurehead who was released from a prison at Bagram airbase, only days before the Taliban replaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government from Kabul's corridors of power.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suicide-bomber-who-carried-out-kabul-airport-attack-was-arrested-in-delhi-earlier-claims-isis-k-414143">Suicide bomber who carried out Kabul airport attack was arrested in Delhi earlier, claims ISIS-K</a></strong></p>

<p>"He was a key ISIS-K official directly involved in plotting operations like Abbey Gate, and now is no longer able to plot or conduct attacks," White House spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement, referring to the Abbey Gate entrance to the Kabul airport where the blast occurred. He did not name the official.</p>

<p>The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan or ISIS-K, after an old name of the region, is an enemy of the Taliban. Fighters loyal to Islamic State first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014 and later made inroads in other areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The August 2021&nbsp;attack raised ISIS-K’s international profile, immediately&nbsp;positioning it as a major threat to Taliban's newly gunned out rule in Kabul.</p>

<p>Since taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have waged a heavy armed campaign against ISIS-K. The Taliban, so far, have managed to prevent the group from seizing Afghanistan's territory. Reports suggest that the hardliners have even limited the recruitment to ISIS-K of the former Taliban fighters.</p>

<p>But despite that, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the ISIS-K has spread out from eastern Afghanistan to all of the country's 34 provinces.</p>

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The Islamic State cell leader, who reportedly planned the deadly August 2021 suicide bombing at the Kabul international airport that left 183 people dead, was killed by the Taliban, the US National Security Council said on Tuesday, April 25.

The Islamic State cell leader, who reportedly planned the deadly August 2021 suicide bombing at the Kabul international airport that left 183 people dead, was killed by the Taliban, the US National Security Council said on Tuesday, April 25. The suicide bombing at Kabul airport, which also left 13 US service members dead in August 2021, coincided with the tumultuous American exit from Afghanistan 20 years after it invaded the South Asian nation following the 9/11 attacks. ALSO WATCH | Kabul airport attack: Life or Death decisions were made by US troops × The Biden administration did not name the ISIS-Khorasan leader killed. But reports have claimed that it was Abdul Rehman Al-Loghri, the top ISIS-K figurehead who was released from a prison at Bagram airbase, only days before the Taliban replaced democratically-elected Ashraf Ghani government from Kabul's corridors of power. ALSO READ | Suicide bomber who carried out Kabul airport attack was arrested in Delhi earlier, claims ISIS-K "He was a key ISIS-K official directly involved in plotting operations like Abbey Gate, and now is no longer able to plot or conduct attacks," White House spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement, referring to the Abbey Gate entrance to the Kabul airport where the blast occurred. He did not name the official. The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan or ISIS-K, after an old name of the region, is an enemy of the Taliban. Fighters loyal to Islamic State first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014 and later made inroads in other areas. The August 2021 attack raised ISIS-K’s international profile, immediately positioning it as a major threat to Taliban's newly gunned out rule in Kabul. Since taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have waged a heavy armed campaign against ISIS-K. The Taliban, so far, have managed to prevent the group from seizing Afghanistan's territory. Reports suggest that the hardliners have even limited the recruitment to ISIS-K of the former Taliban fighters. But despite that, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the ISIS-K has spread out from eastern Afghanistan to all of the country's 34 provinces. 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.

Taliban kill ISIS leader behind deadly Kabul airport attack of August 2021

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