A new study sheds light on how, in some rare cases, coronavirus may have caused brain damage in babies, who apparently got the infection inside the womb of their mothers who got infected during pregnancy. Experts have often raised suspicion but the researchers claim that it was the first study to confirm cross-placental SARS-Cov-2 transmission leading to brain injury in the newborn.

A study published by the University of Miami in the journal Pediatrics on Thursday reported two confirmed cases in which the SARS-CoV-2 virus crossed a mother's placenta and caused brain damage in the babies.&nbsp;

The young mothers, who gave birth to the babies, had tested positive for the virus during their second trimester at the height of the pandemic's Delta wave in 2020. This was even before the Covid vaccines were available.&nbsp;

The evidence presented in the study, titled "<a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2022-058271/191033/Maternal-SARS-CoV-2-Placental-Changes-and-Brain?searchresult=1?autologincheck=redirected">Maternal SARS-CoV-2, Placental Changes and Brain Injury in 2 Neonates</a>", also "raises the possibility" that the coronavirus may be able to directly infect the fetal brain.&nbsp;

<h2>Babies had&nbsp;SARS-CoV-2 antibodies </h2>

The study shared details about the case. It revealed that the babies, who were admitted to Holtz Children's Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Centre, had tested negative for the virus at birth.&nbsp;

However, their reports showed a significant rise of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detectable in blood. The reports indicate that either the antibodies crossed the placenta, or passage of the virus occurred and it was the baby's immune response.&nbsp;

The study further revealed that both infants experienced seizures, had small head sizes and developmental delays, and one infant died at 13 months of age.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Dr Michael Paidas, chair of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Miami, told the briefing: "This is the first time that we have been able to demonstrate the virus in a fetal organ with the transplacental passage. That's why we think this is so important."&nbsp;

As quoted by Inventum, Shahnaz Duara, who is the professor of paediatrics at the Miller School of Medicine, and medical director of the NICU at Holtz Children's Hospital said, "Many women are affected by COVID-19 during pregnancy, but to see these kinds of problems in their infants at birth was clearly unusual."&nbsp;

Duara, who is also the senior author of the study, further noted: "We are trying to understand what made these two pregnancies different so we can direct research toward protecting vulnerable babies."&nbsp;

Several viruses, such as Cytomegalovirus, Rubella, HIV and Zika, are capable of crossing the placenta and causing fetal brain damage.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A new study sheds light on how, in some rare cases, coronavirus may have caused brain damage in babies, who apparently got the infection inside the womb of their mothers who got infected during pregnancy.

A new study sheds light on how, in some rare cases, coronavirus may have caused brain damage in babies, who apparently got the infection inside the womb of their mothers who got infected during pregnancy. Experts have often raised suspicion but the researchers claim that it was the first study to confirm cross-placental SARS-Cov-2 transmission leading to brain injury in the newborn. A study published by the University of Miami in the journal Pediatrics on Thursday reported two confirmed cases in which the SARS-CoV-2 virus crossed a mother's placenta and caused brain damage in the babies. The young mothers, who gave birth to the babies, had tested positive for the virus during their second trimester at the height of the pandemic's Delta wave in 2020. This was even before the Covid vaccines were available. The evidence presented in the study, titled "Maternal SARS-CoV-2, Placental Changes and Brain Injury in 2 Neonates", also "raises the possibility" that the coronavirus may be able to directly infect the fetal brain. Babies had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies The study shared details about the case. It revealed that the babies, who were admitted to Holtz Children's Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Centre, had tested negative for the virus at birth. However, their reports showed a significant rise of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detectable in blood. The reports indicate that either the antibodies crossed the placenta, or passage of the virus occurred and it was the baby's immune response. The study further revealed that both infants experienced seizures, had small head sizes and developmental delays, and one infant died at 13 months of age. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Dr Michael Paidas, chair of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Miami, told the briefing: "This is the first time that we have been able to demonstrate the virus in a fetal organ with the transplacental passage. That's why we think this is so important." As quoted by Inventum, Shahnaz Duara, who is the professor of paediatrics at the Miller School of Medicine, and medical director of the NICU at Holtz Children's Hospital said, "Many women are affected by COVID-19 during pregnancy, but to see these kinds of problems in their infants at birth was clearly unusual." Duara, who is also the senior author of the study, further noted: "We are trying to understand what made these two pregnancies different so we can direct research toward protecting vulnerable babies." Several viruses, such as Cytomegalovirus, Rubella, HIV and Zika, are capable of crossing the placenta and causing fetal brain damage. 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.

Coronavirus caused brain damage in two infants after moms got infected during pregnancy: Study

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the latest tiger census data on Sunday (April 9), which revealed that the population of big cats in India was 3,167 in 2022.&nbsp;

The growth is significant as the data revealed that the population of tigers in India stood at 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, 2,967 in 2018 and 3,167 in 2022.&nbsp;

The prime minister also launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which will focus on the protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world, including tiger and lion.&nbsp;

PM Modi also released a booklet "Amrit Kaal Ka Tiger Vision", which presented the vision for tiger conservation in the next 25 years, at the inaugural session of the commemoration of 50 years of 'Project Tiger'.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister also said that the protection of wildlife was a universal issue, adding that IBCA was India's endeavour for the protection and conservation of big cats.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Project Tiger leads the way in protection and conservation of the big cats. <a href="https://t.co/53B9nwsNkt">https://t.co/53B9nwsNkt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1644966088357343232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Cheetahs had become extinct in India decades ago. We brought this magnificent big cat to India from Namibia and South Africa. This is the first successful transcontinental translocation of the big cat," Modi said.&nbsp;

He further added that in order to have thriving wildlife, it is extremely essential for ecosystems to thrive and noted that this has been happening in India.&nbsp;

"India is a country where protecting nature is part of the culture. We do not believe in the conflict between ecology and economy, but give importance to coexistence between the two," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the latest tiger census data on Sunday (April 9), which revealed that the population of big cats in India was 3,167 in 2022.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the latest tiger census data on Sunday (April 9), which revealed that the population of big cats in India was 3,167 in 2022. The growth is significant as the data revealed that the population of tigers in India stood at 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, 2,967 in 2018 and 3,167 in 2022. The prime minister also launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which will focus on the protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world, including tiger and lion. PM Modi also released a booklet "Amrit Kaal Ka Tiger Vision", which presented the vision for tiger conservation in the next 25 years, at the inaugural session of the commemoration of 50 years of 'Project Tiger'. The Indian prime minister also said that the protection of wildlife was a universal issue, adding that IBCA was India's endeavour for the protection and conservation of big cats. Project Tiger leads the way in protection and conservation of the big cats. https://t.co/53B9nwsNkt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2023 × "Cheetahs had become extinct in India decades ago. We brought this magnificent big cat to India from Namibia and South Africa. This is the first successful transcontinental translocation of the big cat," Modi said. He further added that in order to have thriving wildlife, it is extremely essential for ecosystems to thrive and noted that this has been happening in India. "India is a country where protecting nature is part of the culture. We do not believe in the conflict between ecology and economy, but give importance to coexistence between the two," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tiger census reveals India has 3,167 tigers, PM Modi releases data

India's Bank of Baroda has stopped clearing payments for Russian oil sold above the price cap set by the West. This is according to media sources that suggests that the move could expedite the process of paying for Russian oil in Indian rupees.

Indian bank adheres to sanctions on Russia

Amazon announced that it would be reducing employee stock awards as a part of its compensation plan. The company cited an uncertain economy for that. The decision would impact the final outlook here with a small reduction in restricted stock units awards.

Amazon to cut stock awards, considers balancing compensation with equity

Ford and Stellantis, two global scale car companies will see most of the electric and plug-in electric hybrid models with tax credits halved to 3,750 from April 18th after new US treasury rules came into effect. The rules aim to move US battery production and supply chains away from China.

Ford and Stellantis EV tax credits slashed

Trump indictment: Investigations could result in serious charges, say analysts

Pope Francis has described sex as "one of the most beautiful things" that God has given to humans. The head of the Catholic Church praised the virtues of sex in a documentary, which was released on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The documentary, "The Pope Answers", is an original Spanish special featuring Pope Francis and captures a meeting he had last year in Rome with 10 people in their early 20s.&nbsp;

In the documentary, he said, "Sex is one of the beautiful things that God has given to the human person." referring to masturbation, Pope said that to express yourself sexually is "richness". "So anything that detracts from real sexual expression lessens you and depletes this richness," he said.&nbsp;

The young speakers asked Pope several intriguing, offbeat and thorny questions, to which he responded spontaneously. He was asked whether or not he knew what a "non-binary person" is, they also asked questions like does he know what is Tinder, and more. To the non-binary person's question, Pope replied affirmatively and reiterated that LGBT people must be welcomed by the Catholic Church.&nbsp;

He said: "All persons are the children of God, all persons. God does not reject anybody, God is a father. And I have no right to expel anyone from the Church."&nbsp;

Pope's remarks were published by the official Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, as he also talked about abortion as the Roman Catholic Church has consistently condemned abortion. It says that abortion is the direct and purposeful taking of the life of the unborn child.&nbsp;

On abortion, Pope said that priests should be "merciful" towards women who have terminated a pregnancy, but said the practice remains unacceptable.&nbsp;

"It good to call things by their name. It is one thing to accompany the person who had one (abortion), quite another to justify the act," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Pope Francis has described sex as "one of the most beautiful things" that God has given to humans. The head of the Catholic Church praised the virtues of sex in a documentary, which was released on Wednesday.

Pope Francis has described sex as "one of the most beautiful things" that God has given to humans. The head of the Catholic Church praised the virtues of sex in a documentary, which was released on Wednesday. The documentary, "The Pope Answers", is an original Spanish special featuring Pope Francis and captures a meeting he had last year in Rome with 10 people in their early 20s. In the documentary, he said, "Sex is one of the beautiful things that God has given to the human person." referring to masturbation, Pope said that to express yourself sexually is "richness". "So anything that detracts from real sexual expression lessens you and depletes this richness," he said. The young speakers asked Pope several intriguing, offbeat and thorny questions, to which he responded spontaneously. He was asked whether or not he knew what a "non-binary person" is, they also asked questions like does he know what is Tinder, and more. To the non-binary person's question, Pope replied affirmatively and reiterated that LGBT people must be welcomed by the Catholic Church. He said: "All persons are the children of God, all persons. God does not reject anybody, God is a father. And I have no right to expel anyone from the Church." Pope's remarks were published by the official Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, as he also talked about abortion as the Roman Catholic Church has consistently condemned abortion. It says that abortion is the direct and purposeful taking of the life of the unborn child. On abortion, Pope said that priests should be "merciful" towards women who have terminated a pregnancy, but said the practice remains unacceptable. "It good to call things by their name. It is one thing to accompany the person who had one (abortion), quite another to justify the act," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pope says sex is 'one of the most beautiful things' in a documentary

Taiwan on Thursday claimed that a Chinese anti-submarine helicopter and three warships had been detected around the island. This comes after President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles, a move which has angered Beijing. The meeting was significant as McCarthy become the senior most US figure to meet a Taiwanese leader on American soil in decades. He also said that there's an urgent need to speed up arms deliveries to Taiwan in the face of increasing threats from China.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said in a statement: "1 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today."&nbsp;

It added: "Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond to these activities."&nbsp;

Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s and also said that the island nation will defy China's one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. Beijing even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories.&nbsp;

Taiwan has its own constitution and leaders are elected democratically and the US says it backs the sovereignty of the island nation - the same war reiterated by Pelosi during her visit.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Xi Jinping's China unilaterally appoints Bishop in Shanghai&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-xi-jinpings-china-unilaterally-appoints-bishop-in-shanghai-579586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Wednesday, Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters at parliament in Taipei that the Chinese carrier, the Shandong, was spotted and&nbsp;at that time, it was 200 nautical miles off Taiwan's east coast.&nbsp;

Chiu said, adding aircraft had yet to be seen taking off from its deck: "It is training but the timing is quite sensitive, and what it is up to we are still studying."&nbsp;

China reacted to Tsai's headliner meeting with the US speaker but did not threaten specific action. The Chinese defence ministry said in a statement: "The Chinese People's Liberation Army adheres to its duties and missions, maintains a high degree of alert at all times, resolutely defends national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely maintains peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Taiwan on Thursday claimed that a Chinese anti-submarine helicopter and three warships had been detected around the island. This comes after President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles, a move which has angered Beijing.

Taiwan on Thursday claimed that a Chinese anti-submarine helicopter and three warships had been detected around the island. This comes after President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles, a move which has angered Beijing. The meeting was significant as McCarthy become the senior most US figure to meet a Taiwanese leader on American soil in decades. He also said that there's an urgent need to speed up arms deliveries to Taiwan in the face of increasing threats from China. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said in a statement: "1 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today." It added: "Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond to these activities." Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s and also said that the island nation will defy China's one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. Beijing even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. Taiwan has its own constitution and leaders are elected democratically and the US says it backs the sovereignty of the island nation - the same war reiterated by Pelosi during her visit. WATCH | Gravitas: Xi Jinping's China unilaterally appoints Bishop in Shanghai × On Wednesday, Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters at parliament in Taipei that the Chinese carrier, the Shandong, was spotted and at that time, it was 200 nautical miles off Taiwan's east coast. Chiu said, adding aircraft had yet to be seen taking off from its deck: "It is training but the timing is quite sensitive, and what it is up to we are still studying." China reacted to Tsai's headliner meeting with the US speaker but did not threaten specific action. The Chinese defence ministry said in a statement: "The Chinese People's Liberation Army adheres to its duties and missions, maintains a high degree of alert at all times, resolutely defends national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely maintains peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." (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.

Chinese aircraft, warships spotted around Taiwan as Tsai meets US speaker

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6). In response, Xi said that he also hoped that the two warring nations could hold peace negotiations as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Xi greeted Macron at the grand Great Hall of the People with an elaborate military parade and after that, the leaders went on to hold their talks and discussed trade ties and issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

Both Macron and Xi advocated the urgency to pursue peace talks and also reaffirmed that they are opposed to using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Pointing towards China’s support for the United Nations Charter, which calls for respect of a country’s territorial integrity, and for nuclear agreements, Macron said, “I know I can count on you, under the two principles I just mentioned, to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table.”

“We need to find a lasting peace. I believe that this is also an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe,” Macron told Xi. 
 
The Elysee Palace said that the talks were "frank and constructive", meanwhile Beijing said the discussions were "friendly" and "in-depth".&nbsp; 
 
Ahead of the meeting with Xi's, Macron met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the French president stressed the importance of dialogue between China and France "in these troubled times".

<h2>Ukraine takes centre stage</h2>

Ukraine emerged to be a headline point during the talks between Xi and Macron, and both leaders agreed on the need to focus on "peace talks". The French president said that Beijing can play a "major role" in finding a path to peace in the conflict and welcomed China's "willingness to commit to a resolution".&nbsp;

Macron's visit comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plan&nbsp;to end the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. China had floated a peace plan as a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation of the war.&nbsp;

Macron said he is "counting" on Xi to persuade the Russian president, however, it appears to be unlikely, especially after the Chinese president's recent visit to Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic".&nbsp;

Also, Beijing is officially neutral and Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion and has never spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the war started last year in February. &nbsp; 
 
China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and this trade has propped up the Kremlin's revenue amid sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>No prospect of Chinese mediation</h2>

The Kremlin said it saw no "prospect" for China to mediate the Ukraine conflict and said it had "no other way" than to press on with its offensive.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Undoubtedly, China has a very effective and commanding potential for mediation. But the situation with Ukraine is complex, so far there are no prospects for a political settlement. At the moment, there are no other ways for us aside from the continuation of the special military operation."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6).

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6). In response, Xi said that he also hoped that the two warring nations could hold peace negotiations as soon as possible. Xi greeted Macron at the grand Great Hall of the People with an elaborate military parade and after that, the leaders went on to hold their talks and discussed trade ties and issues of mutual interest. Both Macron and Xi advocated the urgency to pursue peace talks and also reaffirmed that they are opposed to using nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Pointing towards China’s support for the United Nations Charter, which calls for respect of a country’s territorial integrity, and for nuclear agreements, Macron said, “I know I can count on you, under the two principles I just mentioned, to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table.” “We need to find a lasting peace. I believe that this is also an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe,” Macron told Xi. The Elysee Palace said that the talks were "frank and constructive", meanwhile Beijing said the discussions were "friendly" and "in-depth". Ahead of the meeting with Xi's, Macron met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the French president stressed the importance of dialogue between China and France "in these troubled times". Ukraine takes centre stage Ukraine emerged to be a headline point during the talks between Xi and Macron, and both leaders agreed on the need to focus on "peace talks". The French president said that Beijing can play a "major role" in finding a path to peace in the conflict and welcomed China's "willingness to commit to a resolution". Macron's visit comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plan to end the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. China had floated a peace plan as a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation of the war. Macron said he is "counting" on Xi to persuade the Russian president, however, it appears to be unlikely, especially after the Chinese president's recent visit to Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic". Also, Beijing is officially neutral and Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion and has never spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the war started last year in February. China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and this trade has propped up the Kremlin's revenue amid sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. No prospect of Chinese mediation The Kremlin said it saw no "prospect" for China to mediate the Ukraine conflict and said it had "no other way" than to press on with its offensive. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Undoubtedly, China has a very effective and commanding potential for mediation. But the situation with Ukraine is complex, so far there are no prospects for a political settlement. At the moment, there are no other ways for us aside from the continuation of the special military operation." (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.

Macron in China: French president wants Xi Jinping to ‘bring Russia to its senses’

Several claims and counterclaims have been made over the origin of coronavirus (COVID-19) ever since the spread was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020. The outbreak became a pandemic in just a few weeks&nbsp;that year in March, and caused havoc on mankind, killing millions of people and leaving many more reeling with long-Covid.

Researchers in China have now published reports that&nbsp;quash unproven theories linking the spread of the virus to lab leaks. The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) researchers have published an analysis of swabs, which were collected at a wet market in Wuhan, a place in China where Covid is said to have originated.

The detailed report, which is published in Nature on April 5, has been produced after analysing the samples that were collected in the early weeks of the Covid spread in Wuhan.&nbsp;

This is also the first peer-reviewed analysis of the Chinese swabs of the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which the world had been asking China to publish.&nbsp;

The crucial point is that it confirms animal DNA was present in samples that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The market has been long linked to the start of the pandemic.&nbsp;

It means that an animal could have been an intermediate host of a virus that spilt over to infect humans. 
 
However, the researchers still say that the findings are not enough to provide definitive proof that SARS-CoV-2 originated from an animal-to-human spillover event.&nbsp;

Despite the doubts, the analysis based on genomic data is crucial as it offered some proof of how the deadly pandemic began and Covid's much-debated theories.

As quoted by Nature, Florence Débarre, an evolutionary biologist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in Paris, said: "It's one of the most important data sets we've had since the emergence of the pandemic. They exist because at the time the right things were done."&nbsp;

Débarre is an evolutionary biologist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in the French capital and was also part of a team that caused controversy by publishing their own analysis of the China CDC data last month.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a virologist Jesse Bloom said that even earlier samples are needed to find the pandemic’s origins. Bloom, who is at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, said, "If we ever learn the exact origins of SARS-CoV-2, I suspect it will come from new information about cases or events in early December or November of 2019, or earlier."&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Several claims and counterclaims have been made over the origin of coronavirus (COVID-19) ever since the spread was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020.

Several claims and counterclaims have been made over the origin of coronavirus (COVID-19) ever since the spread was declared a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020. The outbreak became a pandemic in just a few weeks that year in March, and caused havoc on mankind, killing millions of people and leaving many more reeling with long-Covid. Researchers in China have now published reports that quash unproven theories linking the spread of the virus to lab leaks. The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) researchers have published an analysis of swabs, which were collected at a wet market in Wuhan, a place in China where Covid is said to have originated. The detailed report, which is published in Nature on April 5, has been produced after analysing the samples that were collected in the early weeks of the Covid spread in Wuhan. This is also the first peer-reviewed analysis of the Chinese swabs of the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which the world had been asking China to publish. The crucial point is that it confirms animal DNA was present in samples that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The market has been long linked to the start of the pandemic. It means that an animal could have been an intermediate host of a virus that spilt over to infect humans. However, the researchers still say that the findings are not enough to provide definitive proof that SARS-CoV-2 originated from an animal-to-human spillover event. Despite the doubts, the analysis based on genomic data is crucial as it offered some proof of how the deadly pandemic began and Covid's much-debated theories. As quoted by Nature, Florence Débarre, an evolutionary biologist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in Paris, said: "It's one of the most important data sets we've had since the emergence of the pandemic. They exist because at the time the right things were done." Débarre is an evolutionary biologist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in the French capital and was also part of a team that caused controversy by publishing their own analysis of the China CDC data last month. Meanwhile, a virologist Jesse Bloom said that even earlier samples are needed to find the pandemic’s origins. Bloom, who is at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, said, "If we ever learn the exact origins of SARS-CoV-2, I suspect it will come from new information about cases or events in early December or November of 2019, or earlier." (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.

Animal DNA in Wuhan’s positive samples ‘confirms’ origin of COVID-19: Report

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 6) lashed out at the Opposition as he addressed the party workers on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 44th Foundation Day.&nbsp;

PM Modi said that the BJP represents a new culture of taking everyone along as he slammed people with a "baadshahi" mindset for insulting the poor and backwards.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister said that the BJP was committed to taking tough steps to rid India of corruption, nepotism and law and order challenges and also stressed that his party is focusing on the idea of "Nation First".&nbsp;

PM Modi even warned his own party workers and said that complacency must not prevail. He stressed that it is already said that no one can defeat it in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

He said, "Despite being the world's biggest political party, we don't have to be complacent. People have already said that no one can defeat the BJP in 2024. This is true but as BJP workers we have to win the heart of every country's citizen."&nbsp;

Watch his address:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
भाजपा के स्थापना दिवस पर सभी कार्यकर्ताओं को बधाई। पार्टी को खून-पसीने से सींचने वाले कार्यकर्ताओं के कारण ही हमें देश सेवा का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ है। <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/SK9HYAwf77">https://t.co/SK9HYAwf77</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1643832693631729667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Modi accused the Indian National Congress and other political parties of being tied to nepotism, dynasty, casteism and regionalism.&nbsp;

He said that the BJP represents a new culture of taking everyone along. He also said they have been battling an existential crisis and resorting to levelling allegations and conspiracies against the ruling party, with any direct reference to various allegations levelled by these parties against his government.&nbsp;

PM Modi said that the opposition is full of hate and frustration, and also added: "Today, they have become so desperate that they have openly started saying 'Modi teri kabar khudegi' (your grave will be dug)".&nbsp;

PM Modi said that the support of the poor, tribals, backward, Dalits and women among others would continue to protect 'lotus' and help it bloom. Lotus is BJP's election symbol.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 6) lashed out at the Opposition as he addressed the party workers on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 44th Foundation Day.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 6) lashed out at the Opposition as he addressed the party workers on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 44th Foundation Day. PM Modi said that the BJP represents a new culture of taking everyone along as he slammed people with a "baadshahi" mindset for insulting the poor and backwards. The Indian prime minister said that the BJP was committed to taking tough steps to rid India of corruption, nepotism and law and order challenges and also stressed that his party is focusing on the idea of "Nation First". PM Modi even warned his own party workers and said that complacency must not prevail. He stressed that it is already said that no one can defeat it in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He said, "Despite being the world's biggest political party, we don't have to be complacent. People have already said that no one can defeat the BJP in 2024. This is true but as BJP workers we have to win the heart of every country's citizen." Watch his address: भाजपा के स्थापना दिवस पर सभी कार्यकर्ताओं को बधाई। पार्टी को खून-पसीने से सींचने वाले कार्यकर्ताओं के कारण ही हमें देश सेवा का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ है। @BJP4India https://t.co/SK9HYAwf77 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2023 × Modi accused the Indian National Congress and other political parties of being tied to nepotism, dynasty, casteism and regionalism. He said that the BJP represents a new culture of taking everyone along. He also said they have been battling an existential crisis and resorting to levelling allegations and conspiracies against the ruling party, with any direct reference to various allegations levelled by these parties against his government. PM Modi said that the opposition is full of hate and frustration, and also added: "Today, they have become so desperate that they have openly started saying 'Modi teri kabar khudegi' (your grave will be dug)". PM Modi said that the support of the poor, tribals, backward, Dalits and women among others would continue to protect 'lotus' and help it bloom. Lotus is BJP's election symbol. (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.

PM Modi accuses opposition of nepotism, dynasty, casteism and regionalism

April 4, 2023, turned out to be a "great day" for Finland as it became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Helsinki's journey to becoming the 31st member of the crucial security alliance was completed with the hoisting of Finland's blue-and-white Nordic cross flag at NATO's headquarters.&nbsp;

Finland is now under NATO's security blanket and the alliance will also get a crucial and reliable ally. President Sauli Niinisto claimed that joining the defence alliance is a new era for his country.&nbsp;

Niinisto said, "It is a great day for Finland. Security and stability are those elements which we feel very strongly; if people can live in secure stable circumstances, that are the basic elements of a happy life."&nbsp;

The Finnish presidency said in a statement that "each country maximises its own security. So does Finland. At the same time, NATO membership strengthens our international position and room for manoeuvre." The statement also mentioned that in the future, Finland will contribute to NATO's collective "deterrence and defence".&nbsp;

<h2>Is Finland joining NATO a direct threat to Russia?&nbsp;</h2>

Analysts and experts from the West said that Finland joining NATO is a major blow to Russia. Moscow began Ukraine's invasion last year in February, which President Vladimir Putin calls a "special military operation", but the war prompted Finland to apply for NATO membership, along with Sweden. Finland's bid was historic because of its decades-old policy of military non-alignment.&nbsp;

Several concerns were raised over more possible invasions by Moscow after Ukraine in future. But any military attack on Finland will definitely get escalated as becoming a NATO member puts Finland under the alliance's Article Five, the collective defence pledge that an attack on one member "shall be considered an attack against them all".&nbsp;

After taking Helsinki into the camp, NATO doubled the length of its land border with Russia as Finland shares a 1,300-kilometre-long border with its neighbour. Moscow now has the West and its military forces closer to its border than before.&nbsp;

A response is expected in one way or another because Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that "this forces us to take countermeasures... in tactical and strategic terms".&nbsp;

But in an immediate reaction, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the nation will make the countermeasures public in a calm manner and in due time.&nbsp;

"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves here. Why should we? We will calmly disclose what we will do in response when the time is ripe," said Ryabkov, further adding that the West is "deeply mistaken" and "a reaction will follow". &nbsp;

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that NATO's move to increase its own combat readiness has escalated the risk of conflict. Shoigu said that the West is intensifying combat training and reconnaissance activities near the borders of Russia and Belarus and all this creates the risk&nbsp;of a "significant escalation" of the conflict. He also stressed that the move will not affect the outcome of the "special military operation".&nbsp;

Putin has often warned the West that NATO's expansion would be seen as aggression towards Russia and would justify the invasion.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described Finland's membership as a proud day for both—him and the alliance. He said, "This will make Finland safer and NATO&nbsp;stronger. President Putin had a declared goal of the invasion of Ukraine to get less NATO&nbsp;along its borders and no more membership in Europe, he's getting exactly the opposite."&nbsp;

<h2>What Finland will provide to NATO?&nbsp;</h2>

Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939 and it stayed out of NATO throughout the Cold War and also adopted neutrality in World War II. But its recent NATO membership portrays a significant change in Europe's political landscape.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As mentioned, Finland will now help NATO allies to keep a watch on Russian activities as its strategic location boosts defences on a border running from the vulnerable Baltic states to the increasingly competitive Arctic.&nbsp;

NATO&nbsp;will now have seven members on the Baltic Sea, further isolating Russia's coastal access to St Petersburg and its small exclave of Kaliningrad.

Its membership also brings a potent military into the alliance with a wartime strength of 280,000 and one of Europe's largest artillery arsenals.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened to Sweden's bid?&nbsp;</h2>

Stockholm also applied for NATO membership along with Finland, but its bid has been stalled. Sweden has upset Hungary's leader Viktor Orban, one of Putin's closest allies in Europe, by expressing alarm over the rule of law in Hungary.&nbsp;

Turkey is also angry with it because of refusing to extradite "terrorists" upon Turkish request. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan links them to a failed 2016 coup attempt and the Kurdish independence struggle.&nbsp;

Also, analysts have said that they do not expect Turkey to ratify Sweden's application until after Turkey's May 14 election.

Not just Sweden, Ukraine is also pushing for eventual NATO membership. However, Western diplomats say that remains a distant prospect.&nbsp;

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said,&nbsp;"There is no better strategic solution to ensuring strategic security in the Euro-Atlantic region than the membership of Ukraine in the alliance."&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

April 4, 2023, turned out to be a "great day" for Finland as it became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Helsinki's journey to becoming the 31st member of the crucial security alliance was completed with the hoisting of Finland's blue-and-white Nordic cross flag at NATO's headquarters.

April 4, 2023, turned out to be a "great day" for Finland as it became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Helsinki's journey to becoming the 31st member of the crucial security alliance was completed with the hoisting of Finland's blue-and-white Nordic cross flag at NATO's headquarters. Finland is now under NATO's security blanket and the alliance will also get a crucial and reliable ally. President Sauli Niinisto claimed that joining the defence alliance is a new era for his country. Niinisto said, "It is a great day for Finland. Security and stability are those elements which we feel very strongly; if people can live in secure stable circumstances, that are the basic elements of a happy life." The Finnish presidency said in a statement that "each country maximises its own security. So does Finland. At the same time, NATO membership strengthens our international position and room for manoeuvre." The statement also mentioned that in the future, Finland will contribute to NATO's collective "deterrence and defence". Is Finland joining NATO a direct threat to Russia? Analysts and experts from the West said that Finland joining NATO is a major blow to Russia. Moscow began Ukraine's invasion last year in February, which President Vladimir Putin calls a "special military operation", but the war prompted Finland to apply for NATO membership, along with Sweden. Finland's bid was historic because of its decades-old policy of military non-alignment. Several concerns were raised over more possible invasions by Moscow after Ukraine in future. But any military attack on Finland will definitely get escalated as becoming a NATO member puts Finland under the alliance's Article Five, the collective defence pledge that an attack on one member "shall be considered an attack against them all". After taking Helsinki into the camp, NATO doubled the length of its land border with Russia as Finland shares a 1,300-kilometre-long border with its neighbour. Moscow now has the West and its military forces closer to its border than before. A response is expected in one way or another because Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that "this forces us to take countermeasures... in tactical and strategic terms". But in an immediate reaction, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said the nation will make the countermeasures public in a calm manner and in due time. "We don't want to get ahead of ourselves here. Why should we? We will calmly disclose what we will do in response when the time is ripe," said Ryabkov, further adding that the West is "deeply mistaken" and "a reaction will follow". Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that NATO's move to increase its own combat readiness has escalated the risk of conflict. Shoigu said that the West is intensifying combat training and reconnaissance activities near the borders of Russia and Belarus and all this creates the risk of a "significant escalation" of the conflict. He also stressed that the move will not affect the outcome of the "special military operation". Putin has often warned the West that NATO's expansion would be seen as aggression towards Russia and would justify the invasion. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described Finland's membership as a proud day for both—him and the alliance. He said, "This will make Finland safer and NATO stronger. President Putin had a declared goal of the invasion of Ukraine to get less NATO along its borders and no more membership in Europe, he's getting exactly the opposite." What Finland will provide to NATO? Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939 and it stayed out of NATO throughout the Cold War and also adopted neutrality in World War II. But its recent NATO membership portrays a significant change in Europe's political landscape. As mentioned, Finland will now help NATO allies to keep a watch on Russian activities as its strategic location boosts defences on a border running from the vulnerable Baltic states to the increasingly competitive Arctic. NATO will now have seven members on the Baltic Sea, further isolating Russia's coastal access to St Petersburg and its small exclave of Kaliningrad. Its membership also brings a potent military into the alliance with a wartime strength of 280,000 and one of Europe's largest artillery arsenals. What happened to Sweden's bid? Stockholm also applied for NATO membership along with Finland, but its bid has been stalled. Sweden has upset Hungary's leader Viktor Orban, one of Putin's closest allies in Europe, by expressing alarm over the rule of law in Hungary. Turkey is also angry with it because of refusing to extradite "terrorists" upon Turkish request. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan links them to a failed 2016 coup attempt and the Kurdish independence struggle. Also, analysts have said that they do not expect Turkey to ratify Sweden's application until after Turkey's May 14 election. Not just Sweden, Ukraine is also pushing for eventual NATO membership. However, Western diplomats say that remains a distant prospect. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, "There is no better strategic solution to ensuring strategic security in the Euro-Atlantic region than the membership of Ukraine in the alliance." 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.

Explained: Finland is now a NATO member. Is it a direct threat to Russia?

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Srishti Sisodia

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.