Police in Texas, US, are still looking for a man who is suspected of killing five neighbours, including an eight-year-old, in a shooting incident, which happened on Friday. The incident reportedly&nbsp;took place after the neighbours asked the accused, identified by the police as Francisco Oropesa, to stop firing his rifle in his yard late at night because the noise was keeping a baby awake.&nbsp;

As quoted by news agencies, FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge James Smith told reporters on Sunday that they have "zero leads" right now. A reward of $80,000 is up for grabs for whosoever can provide the authorities with information that will lead to the suspect's apprehension.&nbsp;

In an effort to nab the 38-year-old, over 200 law enforcement personnel were going door-to-door looking for him, San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers said. Capers told ABC's Houston station KTRK: "In my opinion, they were actually trying to take care of the babies and keep them babies alive."&nbsp;

Media reports have mentioned that Oropesa was apparently infuriated by the request to stop shooting his weapon. The "drunken gunman" stormed into the crowded house and opened fire, reports said.&nbsp;

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<h2>Who is Francisco Oropesa?&nbsp;</h2>

According to media reports, Oropesa was born in Mexico and has no known criminal record. There is no clarity on his immigration status. The authorities involved in the case have hinted that he may have been intoxicated before the attack.&nbsp;

According to the police, Oropesa's name had been spelt "Oropeza" in early communications from law enforcement, but the FBI said on Sunday that it was later changed "to better reflect his identity in law enforcement systems".&nbsp;

As quoted by NBC News, Shawn Crawford, who is a neighbour, described the community as "family-oriented". Crawford said he knows Oropesa and also the victims and described the suspect as a "family guy".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Mass shootings on the rise in America&nbsp;

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Crawford said: "He's always working, training his horse. Never have I seen a fight, argument, raise his voice, anything."&nbsp;

An arrest warrant has been issued for Oropesa and the authorities have also charged him with five counts of murder.&nbsp;

According to the FBI, the victims were identified as Sonia Argentina Guzman, 25; Diana Velazquez Alvarado, 21; Julisa Molina Rivera, 31; Jose Jonathan Casarez, 18; and Daniel Enrique Laso, 8.&nbsp;

In the US, incidents related to gun violence have become common and a massive concern for the government. The Gun Violence Archive stated that at least 176 incidents have taken&nbsp;place so far in 2023, the most at this point in the year since at least 2016.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Police in Texas, US, are still looking for a man who is suspected of killing five neighbours, including an eight-year-old, in a shooting incident, which happened on Friday.

Police in Texas, US, are still looking for a man who is suspected of killing five neighbours, including an eight-year-old, in a shooting incident, which happened on Friday. The incident reportedly took place after the neighbours asked the accused, identified by the police as Francisco Oropesa, to stop firing his rifle in his yard late at night because the noise was keeping a baby awake. As quoted by news agencies, FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge James Smith told reporters on Sunday that they have "zero leads" right now. A reward of $80,000 is up for grabs for whosoever can provide the authorities with information that will lead to the suspect's apprehension. In an effort to nab the 38-year-old, over 200 law enforcement personnel were going door-to-door looking for him, San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers said. Capers told ABC's Houston station KTRK: "In my opinion, they were actually trying to take care of the babies and keep them babies alive." Media reports have mentioned that Oropesa was apparently infuriated by the request to stop shooting his weapon. The "drunken gunman" stormed into the crowded house and opened fire, reports said. ALSO READ | Florida principal forced to resign over Michelangelo's ‘David’ visits sculpture Who is Francisco Oropesa? According to media reports, Oropesa was born in Mexico and has no known criminal record. There is no clarity on his immigration status. The authorities involved in the case have hinted that he may have been intoxicated before the attack. According to the police, Oropesa's name had been spelt "Oropeza" in early communications from law enforcement, but the FBI said on Sunday that it was later changed "to better reflect his identity in law enforcement systems". As quoted by NBC News, Shawn Crawford, who is a neighbour, described the community as "family-oriented". Crawford said he knows Oropesa and also the victims and described the suspect as a "family guy". WATCH | Mass shootings on the rise in America × Crawford said: "He's always working, training his horse. Never have I seen a fight, argument, raise his voice, anything." An arrest warrant has been issued for Oropesa and the authorities have also charged him with five counts of murder. According to the FBI, the victims were identified as Sonia Argentina Guzman, 25; Diana Velazquez Alvarado, 21; Julisa Molina Rivera, 31; Jose Jonathan Casarez, 18; and Daniel Enrique Laso, 8. In the US, incidents related to gun violence have become common and a massive concern for the government. The Gun Violence Archive stated that at least 176 incidents have taken place so far in 2023, the most at this point in the year since at least 2016. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Suspect in Texas mass shooting still at large; authorities have 'zero leads'

Researchers believe that new antibiotics can be discovered from the fur of Costa Rican sloths as they may harbour antibiotic-producing bacteria. The theory has come up after experts noticed that these tropical animals never get sick and appear to be surprisingly infection-proof.&nbsp;

Scientists hope that they may find a solution to the growing problem of "superbugs", which are resistant to medicines that are available to us.&nbsp;

Max Chavarria of the University of Costa Rica told the news agency AFP that the sloths have a unique biotope of insects, algae and bacteria in their coats, that apparently protects them.&nbsp;

Chavarria took fur samples taken from sloths at the sanctuary to examine in his laboratory for the research, which began in 2020, and has already pinpointed 20 "candidate" microorganisms waiting to be named.&nbsp;

But he said there is a long road ahead in determining whether the sloth compounds could be useful to humans.&nbsp;

The study, published in the journal Environmental Microbiology, has found that the sloth fur is hosting different communities of microbes, but some of which could pose disease risks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-to-defeat-cancer-doctors-create-ai-tool-that-can-detect-disease-587653">AI to defeat cancer? Doctors create AI tool that can detect disease</a>&nbsp;

Chavarria told the news agency: "If you look at the sloth's fur, you see movement: you see moths, you see different types of insects... a very extensive habitat."&nbsp;

He said, "Obviously when there is co-existence of many types of organisms, there must also be systems that control them."&nbsp;

For further analyses, Chavarria with his team took fur samples from Costa Rican two- and three-toed sloths to understand it better and found that the possible existence of antibiotic-producing bacteria that "makes it possible to control the proliferation of potentially pathogenic bacteria... or inhibit other competitors" such as fungi.&nbsp;

In Costa Rica, the sloth is a national symbol. These slo-mo animals are a major tourist attraction in the Central American country. Sloths are mostly found hanging from tall trees in cloud and rain forests and can also be seen some of them tucked onto a tree branch.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Pandas enjoy refreshments at Chongqing zoo&nbsp;

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The International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species stated that both the two-toed (Choloepus Hoffmanni) and three-toed (Bradypus variegatus) sloth species have seen their populations decline.&nbsp;

AFP report also mentioned Judy Avey, an American who runs a sanctuary in the balmy jungle to care for injured sloths. The animals often get injured after coming into contact with humans or other animals, and the report mentioned that Avey treats and rehabilitates the creatures with a view to releasing them back into the wild.&nbsp;

She told AFP: "We've never received a sloth that has been sick, that has a disease or has an illness. We've received sloths that had been burned by power lines and their entire arm is just destroyed... and there's no infection."&nbsp;

"I think maybe in the 30 years (we've been open), we've seen five animals that have come in with an infected injury. So that tells us there's something going on in their... bodily ecosystem," Avey added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Researchers believe that new antibiotics can be discovered from the fur of Costa Rican sloths as they may harbour antibiotic-producing bacteria. The theory has come up after experts noticed that these tropical animals never get sick and appear to be surprisingly infection-proof.

Researchers believe that new antibiotics can be discovered from the fur of Costa Rican sloths as they may harbour antibiotic-producing bacteria. The theory has come up after experts noticed that these tropical animals never get sick and appear to be surprisingly infection-proof. Scientists hope that they may find a solution to the growing problem of "superbugs", which are resistant to medicines that are available to us. Max Chavarria of the University of Costa Rica told the news agency AFP that the sloths have a unique biotope of insects, algae and bacteria in their coats, that apparently protects them. Chavarria took fur samples taken from sloths at the sanctuary to examine in his laboratory for the research, which began in 2020, and has already pinpointed 20 "candidate" microorganisms waiting to be named. But he said there is a long road ahead in determining whether the sloth compounds could be useful to humans. The study, published in the journal Environmental Microbiology, has found that the sloth fur is hosting different communities of microbes, but some of which could pose disease risks. ALSO READ | AI to defeat cancer? Doctors create AI tool that can detect disease Chavarria told the news agency: "If you look at the sloth's fur, you see movement: you see moths, you see different types of insects... a very extensive habitat." He said, "Obviously when there is co-existence of many types of organisms, there must also be systems that control them." For further analyses, Chavarria with his team took fur samples from Costa Rican two- and three-toed sloths to understand it better and found that the possible existence of antibiotic-producing bacteria that "makes it possible to control the proliferation of potentially pathogenic bacteria... or inhibit other competitors" such as fungi. In Costa Rica, the sloth is a national symbol. These slo-mo animals are a major tourist attraction in the Central American country. Sloths are mostly found hanging from tall trees in cloud and rain forests and can also be seen some of them tucked onto a tree branch. WATCH | Pandas enjoy refreshments at Chongqing zoo × The International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species stated that both the two-toed (Choloepus Hoffmanni) and three-toed (Bradypus variegatus) sloth species have seen their populations decline. AFP report also mentioned Judy Avey, an American who runs a sanctuary in the balmy jungle to care for injured sloths. The animals often get injured after coming into contact with humans or other animals, and the report mentioned that Avey treats and rehabilitates the creatures with a view to releasing them back into the wild. She told AFP: "We've never received a sloth that has been sick, that has a disease or has an illness. We've received sloths that had been burned by power lines and their entire arm is just destroyed... and there's no infection." "I think maybe in the 30 years (we've been open), we've seen five animals that have come in with an infected injury. So that tells us there's something going on in their... bodily ecosystem," Avey added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fur of Costa Rican sloths may harbour antibiotic-producing bacteria: Study

A bronze sculpture was unveiled Saturday in Norway of the walrus&nbsp;Freya&nbsp;who gained global attention last summer after playfully basking in the Oslo fjord until officials euthanised her.

The life-size sculpture depicts&nbsp;Freya&nbsp;lying on her side on the rocky shore of Oslo's Kongen Marina, not far from where the real 600-kilogram (1,300-pound) mammal last summer drew large crowds chasing ducks and swans and sunbathing on boats struggling to support her bulk.&nbsp;

Officials chose to put her down in August, citing signs she was experiencing stress and amid fears she posed a threat to the public who did not keep their distance as requested.&nbsp;

The decision sparked anger among some.&nbsp;

An online campaign raised over $25,000 to build the sculpture commemorating&nbsp;Freya, campaign organiser Erik Holm said.

"I started this because I'm furious about the way the Fisheries Directorate and the state handled this situation," Holm told AFP ahead of the unveiling.

"Beyond the issue of&nbsp;Freya, we need to ask ourselves how we treat animals and nature. We need to think about our relationship to wildlife," he said.

Freya, who was estimated to be around five years old, had been sighted in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden before choosing to spend part of the summer in Norway.

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A statue of Freya, the walrus murdered by Norwegian authorities, was unveiled in Oslo today. 
 
Animal-lovers raised around €20,000 in a few days to pay for the artwork. 💔 
 
📷 <a href="https://t.co/MhFkv9iRP7">https://t.co/MhFkv9iRP7</a> <a href="https://t.co/SrLrBzY1NW">pic.twitter.com/SrLrBzY1NW</a>
— Blue Planet Society (@Seasaver) <a href="https://twitter.com/Seasaver/status/1652320806586777600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The walrus is a protected species that normally lives in the more northerly latitudes of the Arctic.

Despite repeated appeals to stay away, curious onlookers approached the mammal, sometimes with children in tow, to take photographs.

Walruses do not normally behave aggressively towards humans, but they can feel threatened by intruders and attack.

Critics said the decision to put the animal down was rushed and did not take her well-being into account.

Officials meanwhile said sedating&nbsp;Freya&nbsp;and moving her to a less populated area would be too complex an operation.&nbsp;

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A bronze sculpture was unveiled Saturday in Norway of the walrus Freya who gained global attention last summer after playfully basking in the Oslo fjord until officials euthanised her.

A bronze sculpture was unveiled Saturday in Norway of the walrus Freya who gained global attention last summer after playfully basking in the Oslo fjord until officials euthanised her. The life-size sculpture depicts Freya lying on her side on the rocky shore of Oslo's Kongen Marina, not far from where the real 600-kilogram (1,300-pound) mammal last summer drew large crowds chasing ducks and swans and sunbathing on boats struggling to support her bulk. Officials chose to put her down in August, citing signs she was experiencing stress and amid fears she posed a threat to the public who did not keep their distance as requested. The decision sparked anger among some. An online campaign raised over $25,000 to build the sculpture commemorating Freya, campaign organiser Erik Holm said. "I started this because I'm furious about the way the Fisheries Directorate and the state handled this situation," Holm told AFP ahead of the unveiling. "Beyond the issue of Freya, we need to ask ourselves how we treat animals and nature. We need to think about our relationship to wildlife," he said. Freya, who was estimated to be around five years old, had been sighted in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden before choosing to spend part of the summer in Norway. A statue of Freya, the walrus murdered by Norwegian authorities, was unveiled in Oslo today. Animal-lovers raised around €20,000 in a few days to pay for the artwork. 💔 📷 https://t.co/MhFkv9iRP7 pic.twitter.com/SrLrBzY1NW — Blue Planet Society (@Seasaver) April 29, 2023 × The walrus is a protected species that normally lives in the more northerly latitudes of the Arctic. Despite repeated appeals to stay away, curious onlookers approached the mammal, sometimes with children in tow, to take photographs. Walruses do not normally behave aggressively towards humans, but they can feel threatened by intruders and attack. Critics said the decision to put the animal down was rushed and did not take her well-being into account. Officials meanwhile said sedating Freya and moving her to a less populated area would be too complex an operation. 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.

Sculpture of euthanised walrus Freya unveiled in Oslo fjord

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is one of the leading prime ministerial candidates in Thailand for the upcoming general elections, gave birth to a baby boy just two weeks before the polling day, her party confirmed on Monday (May 1).&nbsp;

The 36-year-old Paetongtarn, whose nickname is Ung Ing, announced the news about her second child on her official Facebook and Instagram. She shared a photo of the newborn, which appeared to be taken immediately after the birth.&nbsp;

The post on social media read: "Hi, my name is Prutthasin Sooksawas, nickname Thasin. Thanks for all the support. In a few days, wait for my mum to recover first, then I will meet the press."&nbsp;

The election is set to take place on May 14 and the campaigning is in the final stretch with Paetongtarn hoping to return to further fuel the populist movement her father and aunt led before they were ousted in army coups.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Philippines President Marcos: Meeting essential for national interests of Philippines&nbsp;

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The reformist groups, including Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are ahead of the establishment parties, news agencies reported citing opinion polls.&nbsp;

She is the daughter of billionaire former leader Thaksin Shinawatra. He is one of Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidates and has been polling strongly.&nbsp;

Even late in her pregnancy, she was leading the party's campaign for the election in provinces throughout Thailand as one out of three people nominated by the main opposition party Pheu Thai to become prime minister.&nbsp;

There were rumours that she might take some time off, but Rinthipond Varinvatchararoj, Pheu Thai acting spokeswoman, said that she is confident that she would be present at Pheu Thai's final rally in Bangkok on May 12. Rinthipond told the news agency AFP that Paetongtarn "gave birth this morning".&nbsp;

Paetongtarn's father also shared the news. Taking to his official Twitter, he said that he would return to the kingdom to care for his seventh grandchild.&nbsp;

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เช้าวันนี้ ผมดีใจมากที่ได้หลานคนที่ 7 เป็นชาย ชื่อ ธาษิณ จากน้องอิ๊งค์ แพทองธาร หลานทั้ง 7 คน คลอดในขณะที่ผมต้องอยู่ต่างประเทศ ผมคงต้องขออนุญาตกลับไปเลี้ยงหลาน เพราะผมอายุจะ 74 ปี กรกฎานี้แล้ว พบกันเร็ว ๆ นี้ ครับ ขออนุญาตนะครับ
— Thaksin Shinawatra (@ThaksinLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThaksinLive/status/1652843902586728448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Thaksin lives in Dubai to avoid corruption charges he says are politically motivated. He was ousted in a 2006 coup. "All of my seven grandchildren were born while I lived abroad. I will go back to raise my grandchildren," he wrote, without specifying when he might return.&nbsp;

Both Thaksin and Paetongtarn's aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, live in self-imposed exile to avoid prison convictions.&nbsp;

Paetongtarn is the front-runner, Prayuth trailed in fourth place in a mid-April poll for the prime ministerial candidate with 13.72 per cent. Prayuth became a civilian prime minister after the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

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Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is one of the leading prime ministerial candidates in Thailand for the upcoming general elections, gave birth to a baby boy just two weeks before the polling day, her party confirmed on Monday (May 1).

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is one of the leading prime ministerial candidates in Thailand for the upcoming general elections, gave birth to a baby boy just two weeks before the polling day, her party confirmed on Monday (May 1). The 36-year-old Paetongtarn, whose nickname is Ung Ing, announced the news about her second child on her official Facebook and Instagram. She shared a photo of the newborn, which appeared to be taken immediately after the birth. The post on social media read: "Hi, my name is Prutthasin Sooksawas, nickname Thasin. Thanks for all the support. In a few days, wait for my mum to recover first, then I will meet the press." The election is set to take place on May 14 and the campaigning is in the final stretch with Paetongtarn hoping to return to further fuel the populist movement her father and aunt led before they were ousted in army coups. WATCH | Philippines President Marcos: Meeting essential for national interests of Philippines × The reformist groups, including Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are ahead of the establishment parties, news agencies reported citing opinion polls. She is the daughter of billionaire former leader Thaksin Shinawatra. He is one of Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidates and has been polling strongly. Even late in her pregnancy, she was leading the party's campaign for the election in provinces throughout Thailand as one out of three people nominated by the main opposition party Pheu Thai to become prime minister. There were rumours that she might take some time off, but Rinthipond Varinvatchararoj, Pheu Thai acting spokeswoman, said that she is confident that she would be present at Pheu Thai's final rally in Bangkok on May 12. Rinthipond told the news agency AFP that Paetongtarn "gave birth this morning". Paetongtarn's father also shared the news. Taking to his official Twitter, he said that he would return to the kingdom to care for his seventh grandchild. เช้าวันนี้ ผมดีใจมากที่ได้หลานคนที่ 7 เป็นชาย ชื่อ ธาษิณ จากน้องอิ๊งค์ แพทองธาร หลานทั้ง 7 คน คลอดในขณะที่ผมต้องอยู่ต่างประเทศ ผมคงต้องขออนุญาตกลับไปเลี้ยงหลาน เพราะผมอายุจะ 74 ปี กรกฎานี้แล้ว พบกันเร็ว ๆ นี้ ครับ ขออนุญาตนะครับ — Thaksin Shinawatra (@ThaksinLive) May 1, 2023 × Thaksin lives in Dubai to avoid corruption charges he says are politically motivated. He was ousted in a 2006 coup. "All of my seven grandchildren were born while I lived abroad. I will go back to raise my grandchildren," he wrote, without specifying when he might return. Both Thaksin and Paetongtarn's aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, live in self-imposed exile to avoid prison convictions. Paetongtarn is the front-runner, Prayuth trailed in fourth place in a mid-April poll for the prime ministerial candidate with 13.72 per cent. Prayuth became a civilian prime minister after the 2019 elections. 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.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thai PM candidate gives birth two weeks before election

Japanese health ministry panel has formally approved a pill to terminate early-stage pregnancy, The Japan Times reported. The abortion pill will be available in the country for the first time and will provide an alternative to a surgical procedure. The decision came amid calls to focus on reproductive rights and gender equality for women.&nbsp;

Abortion is authorised only in the presence of certain conditions, outlined by the provision of the Eugenic Protection Law which was implemented in 1948. Artificial abortion is a penal offence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is legal for up to 22 weeks but consent is usually required from a spouse or partner, and until now a surgical procedure had been the only option.

News agency AFP reported that the ministry said in a notification to healthcare officials on Friday it had approved the drug made by British pharmaceutical company Linepharma. For approval in the nation in December 2021, the drugmaker filed its product, a two-step treatment of mifepristone and misoprostol.&nbsp;

In Japan, abortion has remained a matter of contention. Many countries, including France, which approved the abortion pill in 1988, and the United States, where it has been available since 2000, have similar medications.&nbsp;

The pill's clearance to stop pregnancies up to nine weeks follows a ministry panel's approval, which was delayed for a month due to thousands of public comments.&nbsp;

According to the national broadcaster NHK, the whole cost of the abortion pill and a medical consultation would be roughly $700. Notably, the public health insurance does not cover abortions. Surgical abortions can range between 100,000 and 200,000 yen.

In recent weeks, mifepristone has been at the centre of a high-profile US court fight. The United States Supreme Court has temporarily safeguarded access to the widely used abortion medication, halting lower court orders that would have outlawed or severely limited its distribution.&nbsp;

Campaigners in Japan are also advocating for increased availability of the morning-after pill, which prevents pregnancy and the emergency contraception in the country is currently unavailable without a doctor's prescription. It is also the only medicine that must be administered in front of a chemist to prevent it from being sold on the black market.&nbsp;

The government announced after a secondary panel analysed 12,000 public comments submitted online and the final permission from the health minister is forthcoming, although the timetable is unknown.

Japan authorities faced criticism for trailing behind other countries to approve abortion pills as they have been used for around 30 years in other countries, with over 80 countries having access to them.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese health ministry panel has formally approved a pill to terminate early-stage pregnancy, The Japan Times reported. The abortion pill will be available in the country for the first time and will provide an alternative to a surgical procedure.

Japanese health ministry panel has formally approved a pill to terminate early-stage pregnancy, The Japan Times reported. The abortion pill will be available in the country for the first time and will provide an alternative to a surgical procedure. The decision came amid calls to focus on reproductive rights and gender equality for women. Abortion is authorised only in the presence of certain conditions, outlined by the provision of the Eugenic Protection Law which was implemented in 1948. Artificial abortion is a penal offence. It is legal for up to 22 weeks but consent is usually required from a spouse or partner, and until now a surgical procedure had been the only option. News agency AFP reported that the ministry said in a notification to healthcare officials on Friday it had approved the drug made by British pharmaceutical company Linepharma. For approval in the nation in December 2021, the drugmaker filed its product, a two-step treatment of mifepristone and misoprostol. In Japan, abortion has remained a matter of contention. Many countries, including France, which approved the abortion pill in 1988, and the United States, where it has been available since 2000, have similar medications. The pill's clearance to stop pregnancies up to nine weeks follows a ministry panel's approval, which was delayed for a month due to thousands of public comments. According to the national broadcaster NHK, the whole cost of the abortion pill and a medical consultation would be roughly $700. Notably, the public health insurance does not cover abortions. Surgical abortions can range between 100,000 and 200,000 yen. In recent weeks, mifepristone has been at the centre of a high-profile US court fight. The United States Supreme Court has temporarily safeguarded access to the widely used abortion medication, halting lower court orders that would have outlawed or severely limited its distribution. Campaigners in Japan are also advocating for increased availability of the morning-after pill, which prevents pregnancy and the emergency contraception in the country is currently unavailable without a doctor's prescription. It is also the only medicine that must be administered in front of a chemist to prevent it from being sold on the black market. The government announced after a secondary panel analysed 12,000 public comments submitted online and the final permission from the health minister is forthcoming, although the timetable is unknown. Japan authorities faced criticism for trailing behind other countries to approve abortion pills as they have been used for around 30 years in other countries, with over 80 countries having access to them. (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 health ministry formally approves abortion pill for the first time

The situation of Britain's most vulnerable continues to worsen because of the increase in the cost of living crisis. A report by The Guardian citing the Observer highlighted that vulnerable women in the country are forced into "sex for rent".&nbsp;

The report mentioned that the charities have issued warming over the escalating prices, combined with years of underfunding, forcing women, including those suffering from trauma and mental illness, to turn to sex in return for accommodation or to meet other basic requirements.&nbsp;

The report mentioned a bizarre system that is "sex for rent", which means when landlords demand sex in exchange for cheap or free housing. Experts have noted that it is a rising problem with perpetrators using it as a tool to abuse and control.&nbsp;

The Observer also understands that sex for rent is especially a problem for migratory women and asylum seekers. The issue is making it more difficult for people who want to leave violent relationships.&nbsp;

The report mentioned the charity Beyond the Streets, which said that the cost of the living problem is causing many who are already vulnerable to turn to ‘survival sex’ to pay bills and rent, leading to increased exploitation and abuse.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the charity said: "The cost of living crisis is a driver [of survival sex], and for those already vulnerable, they face considerable exploitation. There is a lack of government funding to support the needs of women, and charities are struggling as their incomes reduce, expenses increase and they are faced with more demands on their services."&nbsp; 
 
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The situation of Britain's most vulnerable continues to worsen because of the increase in the cost of living crisis. A report by The Guardian citing the Observer highlighted that vulnerable women in the country are forced into "sex for rent".

The situation of Britain's most vulnerable continues to worsen because of the increase in the cost of living crisis. A report by The Guardian citing the Observer highlighted that vulnerable women in the country are forced into "sex for rent". The report mentioned that the charities have issued warming over the escalating prices, combined with years of underfunding, forcing women, including those suffering from trauma and mental illness, to turn to sex in return for accommodation or to meet other basic requirements. The report mentioned a bizarre system that is "sex for rent", which means when landlords demand sex in exchange for cheap or free housing. Experts have noted that it is a rising problem with perpetrators using it as a tool to abuse and control. The Observer also understands that sex for rent is especially a problem for migratory women and asylum seekers. The issue is making it more difficult for people who want to leave violent relationships. The report mentioned the charity Beyond the Streets, which said that the cost of the living problem is causing many who are already vulnerable to turn to ‘survival sex’ to pay bills and rent, leading to increased exploitation and abuse. A spokesperson for the charity said: "The cost of living crisis is a driver [of survival sex], and for those already vulnerable, they face considerable exploitation. There is a lack of government funding to support the needs of women, and charities are struggling as their incomes reduce, expenses increase and they are faced with more demands on their services." 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.

UK: Growing cost of living crisis forcing ‘vulnerable’ women into ‘sex for rent’

A report has highlighted that Israel suffers from a serious opioid problem, which might turn into an epidemic, The Times Of Israel reported. The report published by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies noted that Israel led the world per capita in prescriptions for potent and addictive drugs in 2020. The report is based on several peer-reviewed studies.&nbsp;

The report by the media outlet mentioned that Israel was initially trailing the United States and other countries dealing with opioid epidemics since the late 1990s, but the nation unfortunately caught up in the last decade.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that fentanyl abuse, which is 50 times stronger than heroin and highly addictive, is a major contributor to Israel's current public health crisis.&nbsp;

According to the Taub Centre assessment, the situation is serious but not insurmountable. Experts in public health and addiction are collaborating with the Health Ministry on a three-year plan that incorporates the report's recommendation for a coordinated and integrated national programme, the news outlet added. &nbsp;

As quoted in the report, Prof Nadav Davidovitch said, "The watershed was about 10 years ago, because before that doctors prescribed alternatives and there was less access to opioids."&nbsp;

"It wasn't as easy for patients to get them as is it today," added Davidovitch, who is also the co-author of the report and the Taub Center's principal researcher and health policy programme chair, as well as head of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's School of Public Health.&nbsp;

<h2>US on the use of fentanyl</h2>

US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar said on Saturday earlier this month that combating fentanyl, a deadly opioid that has killed tens of thousands of Americans, requires a global strategy similar to the one undertaken against coronavirus (COVID-19).&nbsp;

Salazar said. "The world has to unite, this is not just about the United States and Mexico. The governments of Europe are seeing what is happening with fentanyl. We know that other countries in Latin America are now looking at it with much more interest because it is a poison."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A report has highlighted that Israel suffers from a serious opioid problem, which might turn into an epidemic, The Times Of Israel reported. The report published by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies noted that Israel led the world per capita in prescriptions for potent and addictive drugs in 2020.

A report has highlighted that Israel suffers from a serious opioid problem, which might turn into an epidemic, The Times Of Israel reported. The report published by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies noted that Israel led the world per capita in prescriptions for potent and addictive drugs in 2020. The report is based on several peer-reviewed studies. The report by the media outlet mentioned that Israel was initially trailing the United States and other countries dealing with opioid epidemics since the late 1990s, but the nation unfortunately caught up in the last decade. The report mentioned that fentanyl abuse, which is 50 times stronger than heroin and highly addictive, is a major contributor to Israel's current public health crisis. According to the Taub Centre assessment, the situation is serious but not insurmountable. Experts in public health and addiction are collaborating with the Health Ministry on a three-year plan that incorporates the report's recommendation for a coordinated and integrated national programme, the news outlet added. As quoted in the report, Prof Nadav Davidovitch said, "The watershed was about 10 years ago, because before that doctors prescribed alternatives and there was less access to opioids." "It wasn't as easy for patients to get them as is it today," added Davidovitch, who is also the co-author of the report and the Taub Center's principal researcher and health policy programme chair, as well as head of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's School of Public Health. US on the use of fentanyl US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar said on Saturday earlier this month that combating fentanyl, a deadly opioid that has killed tens of thousands of Americans, requires a global strategy similar to the one undertaken against coronavirus (COVID-19). Salazar said. "The world has to unite, this is not just about the United States and Mexico. The governments of Europe are seeing what is happening with fentanyl. We know that other countries in Latin America are now looking at it with much more interest because it is a poison." (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.

Israel has a serious opioid problem, stares at addiction epidemic, reveals report

In another shooting incident in the United States, police said that at least two people were confirmed dead at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle late Saturday. The officials further said that another person has been transferred to a hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;

As quoted by The Seattle Times, Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz said at a news conference that one person died at the scene&nbsp;at Cal Anderson Park shortly after midnight on Sunday&nbsp; and the second died at Harborview Medical Center while the third one was also taken to Harborview with life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

The shooting incident took place in the heart of Seattle's nightlife area, as people packed the neighbourhood's clubs and restaurants on one of the year's first balmy evenings.&nbsp;

As quoted, Diaz said: "We have a lot of people out here who are trying to enjoy their night and then this is what happens. People are too quick to pick up a gun."&nbsp;

In a tweet, the Seattle Police Department officials said that at about 10:30pm (local time) they were investigating a shooting at Capitol Hill park.&nbsp;

As per the statement, officials arrived on the scene to find three people with gunshot injuries.&nbsp;

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Two killed in Cal Anderson shooting:<a href="https://t.co/aLuBwvajKL">https://t.co/aLuBwvajKL</a> <a href="https://t.co/6kE5MLKhuk">https://t.co/6kE5MLKhuk</a>
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeattlePD/status/1652584916398518273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Police said, "Despite lifesaving efforts by police and Seattle Fire, one man was pronounced dead at the scene. Medics transported the two other victims to Harborview Medical Center where one man later died, while the other remains in critical condition."&nbsp;

The official further noted that they were searching for another man "who was involved but left the scene before officers arrived."&nbsp;

According to Seattle crime data, Saturday's shooting is at least the eighth to occur on Capitol Hill in 2023.&nbsp; 
 
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In another shooting incident in the United States, police said that at least two people were confirmed dead at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle late Saturday. The officials further said that another person has been transferred to a hospital in critical condition.

In another shooting incident in the United States, police said that at least two people were confirmed dead at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle late Saturday. The officials further said that another person has been transferred to a hospital in critical condition. As quoted by The Seattle Times, Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz said at a news conference that one person died at the scene at Cal Anderson Park shortly after midnight on Sunday and the second died at Harborview Medical Center while the third one was also taken to Harborview with life-threatening injuries. The shooting incident took place in the heart of Seattle's nightlife area, as people packed the neighbourhood's clubs and restaurants on one of the year's first balmy evenings. As quoted, Diaz said: "We have a lot of people out here who are trying to enjoy their night and then this is what happens. People are too quick to pick up a gun." In a tweet, the Seattle Police Department officials said that at about 10:30pm (local time) they were investigating a shooting at Capitol Hill park. As per the statement, officials arrived on the scene to find three people with gunshot injuries. Two killed in Cal Anderson shooting:https://t.co/aLuBwvajKL https://t.co/6kE5MLKhuk — Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) April 30, 2023 × Police said, "Despite lifesaving efforts by police and Seattle Fire, one man was pronounced dead at the scene. Medics transported the two other victims to Harborview Medical Center where one man later died, while the other remains in critical condition." The official further noted that they were searching for another man "who was involved but left the scene before officers arrived." According to Seattle crime data, Saturday's shooting is at least the eighth to occur on Capitol Hill in 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Two killed, one critical in shooting at park in Seattle’s Capitol Hill, manhunt on for suspect

Turkish aviation authorities have cancelled the permission previously granted to the Flyone Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace, news agency Reuters reported on Sunday citing Armenpress news agency.&nbsp;

Aram Ananyan, who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Flyone Armenia Airline, told the news agency that they didn't even receive any advance notice.&nbsp;

Ananyan, said, "For reasons incomprehensible to us and without any visible grounds, Turkish aviation authorities cancelled the permission previously granted to the FlyOne Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace."&nbsp;

"Turkish aviation authorities implemented the cancellation without prior notification, putting our airline and our passengers in an uncomfortable situation," the chairman further added.&nbsp;

The low-cost FlyOne Armenia is a subsidiary of Moldovan airline FlyOne and commenced service in December 2021. Ananyan informed Armenpress in February 2023 that the carrier has five Airbus planes and served 14 destinations in eight European and Middle Eastern countries.&nbsp;

Notably, Ankara has had no diplomatic or economic&nbsp;ties with Armenia since the 1990s and both nations&nbsp;are at odds&nbsp;over Armenian claims that&nbsp;over&nbsp;1.5 million people were killed in 1915&nbsp;by the Ottoman Empire, the predecessor to modern&nbsp;Turkey. Armenia claims it was a genocide, which Turkey rejects.&nbsp;

However, a border gate between the neighbouring nations was opened in February to allow aid to victims of the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey for the first time in 35 years.

<h2>Armenia and Azerbaijan to hold peace settlement talks</h2>

In an attempt to normalise relations, Armenia and Azerbaijan will hold a new round of talks in Washington on Sunday. The talks come after weeks of rising tensions over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.&nbsp;

News agencies reported that armed forces from the two Caucasus neighbours have often exchanged fire over the mountain enclave, which is officially regarded as part of Azerbaijan but is primarily populated by ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;

Azerbaijan last Sunday established a new checkpoint on the Lachin corridor, a road to Karabakh that passes through Azeri territory, in what Armenia described as a flagrant violation of a 2020 ceasefire.&nbsp;

The spokesperson, Ani Badalyan, said on her official Facebook page: "From April 30, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will be in Washington DC on a working visit. The next round of discussions on the agreement on normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan is scheduled."&nbsp;

But so far, there was no immediate confirmation of the meeting by Azerbaijan. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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Turkish aviation authorities have cancelled the permission previously granted to the Flyone Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace, news agency Reuters reported on Sunday citing Armenpress news agency.

Turkish aviation authorities have cancelled the permission previously granted to the Flyone Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace, news agency Reuters reported on Sunday citing Armenpress news agency. Aram Ananyan, who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Flyone Armenia Airline, told the news agency that they didn't even receive any advance notice. Ananyan, said, "For reasons incomprehensible to us and without any visible grounds, Turkish aviation authorities cancelled the permission previously granted to the FlyOne Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace." "Turkish aviation authorities implemented the cancellation without prior notification, putting our airline and our passengers in an uncomfortable situation," the chairman further added. The low-cost FlyOne Armenia is a subsidiary of Moldovan airline FlyOne and commenced service in December 2021. Ananyan informed Armenpress in February 2023 that the carrier has five Airbus planes and served 14 destinations in eight European and Middle Eastern countries. Notably, Ankara has had no diplomatic or economic ties with Armenia since the 1990s and both nations are at odds over Armenian claims that over 1.5 million people were killed in 1915 by the Ottoman Empire, the predecessor to modern Turkey. Armenia claims it was a genocide, which Turkey rejects. However, a border gate between the neighbouring nations was opened in February to allow aid to victims of the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey for the first time in 35 years. Armenia and Azerbaijan to hold peace settlement talks In an attempt to normalise relations, Armenia and Azerbaijan will hold a new round of talks in Washington on Sunday. The talks come after weeks of rising tensions over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. News agencies reported that armed forces from the two Caucasus neighbours have often exchanged fire over the mountain enclave, which is officially regarded as part of Azerbaijan but is primarily populated by ethnic Armenians. Azerbaijan last Sunday established a new checkpoint on the Lachin corridor, a road to Karabakh that passes through Azeri territory, in what Armenia described as a flagrant violation of a 2020 ceasefire. The spokesperson, Ani Badalyan, said on her official Facebook page: "From April 30, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will be in Washington DC on a working visit. The next round of discussions on the agreement on normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan is scheduled." But so far, there was no immediate confirmation of the meeting by Azerbaijan. (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.

Turkey closes airspace to airline FlyOne Armenia without warning: Report

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (April 29) used the White House Correspondents' Dinner to highlight the free press and called for the release of journalists and citizens, who are detained abroad.

Biden said, "Let me start on a serious note, members of our administration are here to send a message to the country and, quite frankly, to the world. The free press is a pillar, maybe the pillar of a free society, not the enemy."

Biden mentioned the family of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, who was arrested in Russia last month after being&nbsp;accused of espionage, but US officials deny the allegations. A media campaign has also been launched, asking Russia to release him as soon as possible.&nbsp;

News agencies have reported that Gershkovich is the first known foreign journalist arrested in Russia on spying charges since the collapse of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Biden praised Gershkovich's courage and said, "Evan went to Russia to shed light on the darkness that you escaped from years ago." He noted that "tonight our message is this: journalism is not a crime". &nbsp;

Biden also noted that the authorities are "working every day to secure his release" and they are "looking at opportunities and tools to bring him home". The US president said, "We keep the faith."&nbsp;

Ties between US and Russia have worsened in the past 12 months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this week, Russia said it had denied a consular visit to Gershkovich in retaliation for Washington not issuing visas to several Russian journalists.&nbsp;

Biden also mentioned Debra Tice, who is the mother of Austin Tice, a journalist been held captive in Syria for more than 10 years. He said, "Evan and Austin should be released immediately, along with every American held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad."&nbsp;

He also mentioned basketball player Brittney Griner, who was released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap last year. Griner was also among the dinner's prominent attendees.&nbsp;

He also mentioned Paul Whelan, the former US marine who is presently held in Russia, and pledged to Whelan's family that he and his government would not relent until Whelan was released.&nbsp;

Apart from the serious issues, Biden also told some jokes at the occasion, which was meant to celebrate the Constitution's First Amendment guarantees of free speech and to advocate for a free press worldwide. Biden made fun of his age as he said, "I believe in the First Amendment. Not just because my good friend Jimmy Madison wrote it."

He added,&nbsp;“Look, I get that age is a completely reasonable issue. It's in everybody's mind and by everyone, I mean the New York Times. Headline: ‘Biden's advanced age is a big issue. Trump's, however, is not’.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (April 29) used the White House Correspondents' Dinner to highlight the free press and called for the release of journalists and citizens, who are detained abroad.

United States President Joe Biden on Saturday (April 29) used the White House Correspondents' Dinner to highlight the free press and called for the release of journalists and citizens, who are detained abroad. Biden said, "Let me start on a serious note, members of our administration are here to send a message to the country and, quite frankly, to the world. The free press is a pillar, maybe the pillar of a free society, not the enemy." Biden mentioned the family of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, who was arrested in Russia last month after being accused of espionage, but US officials deny the allegations. A media campaign has also been launched, asking Russia to release him as soon as possible. News agencies have reported that Gershkovich is the first known foreign journalist arrested in Russia on spying charges since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Biden praised Gershkovich's courage and said, "Evan went to Russia to shed light on the darkness that you escaped from years ago." He noted that "tonight our message is this: journalism is not a crime". Biden also noted that the authorities are "working every day to secure his release" and they are "looking at opportunities and tools to bring him home". The US president said, "We keep the faith." Ties between US and Russia have worsened in the past 12 months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this week, Russia said it had denied a consular visit to Gershkovich in retaliation for Washington not issuing visas to several Russian journalists. Biden also mentioned Debra Tice, who is the mother of Austin Tice, a journalist been held captive in Syria for more than 10 years. He said, "Evan and Austin should be released immediately, along with every American held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad." He also mentioned basketball player Brittney Griner, who was released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap last year. Griner was also among the dinner's prominent attendees. He also mentioned Paul Whelan, the former US marine who is presently held in Russia, and pledged to Whelan's family that he and his government would not relent until Whelan was released. Apart from the serious issues, Biden also told some jokes at the occasion, which was meant to celebrate the Constitution's First Amendment guarantees of free speech and to advocate for a free press worldwide. Biden made fun of his age as he said, "I believe in the First Amendment. Not just because my good friend Jimmy Madison wrote it." He added, “Look, I get that age is a completely reasonable issue. It's in everybody's mind and by everyone, I mean the New York Times. Headline: ‘Biden's advanced age is a big issue. Trump's, however, is not’.” (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.

‘Journalism is not a crime’: Biden calls for release of journalists held around the world

A Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian village near the border killed at least two people, the regional governor said Sunday (April 30). The governor of Bryansk oblast, Alexander Bogomaz, said that the missiles hit the village of Suzemka, to the east of the frontier between the two countries.&nbsp;

He said in a message posted on Telegram: "As a result of the strike inflicted by Ukrainian nationalists, unfortunately, two civilians were killed."&nbsp;

"According to preliminary data, one residential building was completely destroyed, two more houses were partially destroyed," he added.

The missile attack appeared to be part of the counteroffensive as it comes a week after Russia renewed heavy missile attacks on Ukrainian cities while&nbsp;a massive fire broke out in Moscow-annexed Crimea on Saturday after a suspected drone attack triggered a blaze at a fuel storage facility.&nbsp;

The officials, appointed by Russia, in eastern Ukraine also reported that Ukrainian shelling had killed nine people, including an eight-year-old girl, in the city of Donetsk.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine on supply route into Bakhmut&nbsp;</h2>

A military spokesperson said on Saturday that Ukraine remains in control of a key supply route into Bakhmut as the head of Russia's mercenary Wagner Group threatened to withdraw some of his troops from the eastern city if Moscow did not send more ammunition.&nbsp;

Russian forces have been trying to break into the shattered remains of what was once a 70,000-population city, but Kyiv has said that it is committed to defending Bakhmut, which Russia sees as a starting stone to a larger offensive on other cities.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Serhiy Cherevatyi, who is spokesperson for the Ukrainian troops in the east, said in an interview with the local news website Dzerkalo Tyzhnia: "For several weeks, the Russians have been talking about seizing the 'road of life,' as well as about constant fire control over it. Yes, it is really difficult there...(but) the defence forces have not allowed the Russians to 'cut off' our logistics."&nbsp;

The news agency further added that the "road of life" connects the ruins of Bakhmut to the neighbouring town Chasiv Yar to the west, a distance of slightly over 17 kilometres.&nbsp;

In its daily briefing on Sunday, Ukraine's senior military command stated that its forces withstood 58 Russian attacks the previous day along the frontline spanning from Bakhmut through Avdiivka and on to Maryinka farther south in the Donetsk area.&nbsp;

Military observers have said that if Bakhmut falls, Chasiv Yar would be the next target for Russians, despite the fact that it is on higher terrain and Ukrainian forces are thought to have built defensive fortifications nearby.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian village near the border killed at least two people, the regional governor said Sunday (April 30). The governor of Bryansk oblast, Alexander Bogomaz, said that the missiles hit the village of Suzemka, to the east of the frontier between the two countries.

A Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian village near the border killed at least two people, the regional governor said Sunday (April 30). The governor of Bryansk oblast, Alexander Bogomaz, said that the missiles hit the village of Suzemka, to the east of the frontier between the two countries. He said in a message posted on Telegram: "As a result of the strike inflicted by Ukrainian nationalists, unfortunately, two civilians were killed." "According to preliminary data, one residential building was completely destroyed, two more houses were partially destroyed," he added. The missile attack appeared to be part of the counteroffensive as it comes a week after Russia renewed heavy missile attacks on Ukrainian cities while a massive fire broke out in Moscow-annexed Crimea on Saturday after a suspected drone attack triggered a blaze at a fuel storage facility. The officials, appointed by Russia, in eastern Ukraine also reported that Ukrainian shelling had killed nine people, including an eight-year-old girl, in the city of Donetsk. Ukraine on supply route into Bakhmut A military spokesperson said on Saturday that Ukraine remains in control of a key supply route into Bakhmut as the head of Russia's mercenary Wagner Group threatened to withdraw some of his troops from the eastern city if Moscow did not send more ammunition. Russian forces have been trying to break into the shattered remains of what was once a 70,000-population city, but Kyiv has said that it is committed to defending Bakhmut, which Russia sees as a starting stone to a larger offensive on other cities. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Serhiy Cherevatyi, who is spokesperson for the Ukrainian troops in the east, said in an interview with the local news website Dzerkalo Tyzhnia: "For several weeks, the Russians have been talking about seizing the 'road of life,' as well as about constant fire control over it. Yes, it is really difficult there...(but) the defence forces have not allowed the Russians to 'cut off' our logistics." The news agency further added that the "road of life" connects the ruins of Bakhmut to the neighbouring town Chasiv Yar to the west, a distance of slightly over 17 kilometres. In its daily briefing on Sunday, Ukraine's senior military command stated that its forces withstood 58 Russian attacks the previous day along the frontline spanning from Bakhmut through Avdiivka and on to Maryinka farther south in the Donetsk area. Military observers have said that if Bakhmut falls, Chasiv Yar would be the next target for Russians, despite the fact that it is on higher terrain and Ukrainian forces are thought to have built defensive fortifications nearby. (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.

Russia-Ukraine war: Missile strike on Russian village near border kills two, says official

Border Security Force (BSF) has shot down a Pakistani drone which was apparently trying to sneak into Indian territory, officials said on Thursday (April 27). The officials added that carrying packets of Heroin and Opium, near Dhanoe Kalan village of Punjab's Amritsar.&nbsp;

BSF Punjab Frontier informed that during the initial search of the area, the BSF troops recovered a black coloured Drone (Quadcopter, DJI Matrice 300 RTK) in partially broken condition.&nbsp;

The BSF added that a big packet wrapped with yellow adhesive tape containing two packets of suspected heroin and two small packets of Opium was recovered. They said that one iron ring attached to the consignment was also found. As per the officials, the weight of the two packets of heroin was 2kilo grams, and that of Opium was around 170 grams.

BSF said in a press release said that at about 2:20am (local time), BSF troops deployed at the border, heard the buzzing sound of a suspected drone entering from Pakistan to Indian territory and as per the laid down drill, troops immediately reacted to intercept the drone by firing.&nbsp;

The press release noted that the troops deployed in the depth area also heard the sound of drones and the dropping of consignments in the farm fields on the outskirts of the village.&nbsp;

BSF shot down a Pakistani drone in Amritsar on March 28 soon after it entered Indian territory. The paramilitary force stated that it was carrying a consignment of contraband items. News agencies mentioned that the drone was shot down in the Amritsar when the BSF troops heard the buzzing sound of the flying object. It was recovered the next day morning during a search operation conducted by the border guarding force. The BSF said that the drone entered Indian territory from Pakistan and it was detected in the area of Border Outpost Rajatal in the Amritsar Sector.&nbsp;

Earlier, BSF troops shot down a Pakistani drone along the Indo-Pak border which intruded on the Amritsar sector in the intervening night of February 2 to February 3 at 2:30 AM. The drone entered the area of responsibility of the Border Observation Post (BOP) Rear Kakkar in the Amritsar sector of Punjab, said BSF.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Border Security Force (BSF) has shot down a Pakistani drone which was apparently trying to sneak into Indian territory, officials said on Thursday (April 27). The officials added that carrying packets of Heroin and Opium, near Dhanoe Kalan village of Punjab's Amritsar.

Border Security Force (BSF) has shot down a Pakistani drone which was apparently trying to sneak into Indian territory, officials said on Thursday (April 27). The officials added that carrying packets of Heroin and Opium, near Dhanoe Kalan village of Punjab's Amritsar. BSF Punjab Frontier informed that during the initial search of the area, the BSF troops recovered a black coloured Drone (Quadcopter, DJI Matrice 300 RTK) in partially broken condition. The BSF added that a big packet wrapped with yellow adhesive tape containing two packets of suspected heroin and two small packets of Opium was recovered. They said that one iron ring attached to the consignment was also found. As per the officials, the weight of the two packets of heroin was 2kilo grams, and that of Opium was around 170 grams. BSF said in a press release said that at about 2:20am (local time), BSF troops deployed at the border, heard the buzzing sound of a suspected drone entering from Pakistan to Indian territory and as per the laid down drill, troops immediately reacted to intercept the drone by firing. The press release noted that the troops deployed in the depth area also heard the sound of drones and the dropping of consignments in the farm fields on the outskirts of the village. BSF shot down a Pakistani drone in Amritsar on March 28 soon after it entered Indian territory. The paramilitary force stated that it was carrying a consignment of contraband items. News agencies mentioned that the drone was shot down in the Amritsar when the BSF troops heard the buzzing sound of the flying object. It was recovered the next day morning during a search operation conducted by the border guarding force. The BSF said that the drone entered Indian territory from Pakistan and it was detected in the area of Border Outpost Rajatal in the Amritsar Sector. Earlier, BSF troops shot down a Pakistani drone along the Indo-Pak border which intruded on the Amritsar sector in the intervening night of February 2 to February 3 at 2:30 AM. The drone entered the area of responsibility of the Border Observation Post (BOP) Rear Kakkar in the Amritsar sector of Punjab, said BSF. (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.

BSF shoots down drone along India-Pakistan border in Punjab

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Srishti Sisodia

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