Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday (April 4) in New Delhi at his residence. The Bhutanese king is currently on a two-day visit to India and arrived in New Delhi on April 3.&nbsp;

While sharing pictures with the Bhutanese King, PM Modi tweeted: "Pleased to receive His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. We had a warm and productive meeting. Deeply value our close friendship and the vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in guiding India-Bhutan relations to new heights."&nbsp;

The crucial talks were held against the backdrop of renewed focus on the Doklam tri-junction- the site of clashes between Indian and Chinese forces-&nbsp; as the leaders focused on a five-point broad roadmap to expand the ties.&nbsp;

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said India and Bhutan closely coordinate on shared national and security interests. He also noted that the security concerns of both sides are intertwined and indivisible. He was briefing about PM Modi's meeting with visiting Bhutanese king.&nbsp;

Kwatra said,&nbsp;"India will work to extend an additional standby credit facility. We will work to shape long-term sustainable arrangements for export of agricultural commodities from Bhutan. Also, work to develop long-term bilateral arrangements for assured supply of critical commodities like petroleum and coal."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pleased to receive His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. We had a warm and productive meeting. Deeply value our close friendship and the vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in guiding India-Bhutan relations to new heights. <a href="https://t.co/DD33W2LvjO">pic.twitter.com/DD33W2LvjO</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1643226284754104320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 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>

Recently, Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said that China has an equal say in resolving the border dispute relating to the strategically-located Doklam tri-junction.&nbsp;

Asked about the mention of the Doklam issue during the talks, Kwatra said that the ties between India and Bhutan are based on mutual respect, trust, close understanding and sensitivity to each other's concerns. He added that PM Modi and the king covered the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation including issues of "respective national interests".&nbsp;

Kwatra said, "Now besides this exemplary and unique relationship that India and Bhutan have, we also have a time-tested framework of security cooperation."&nbsp;

He added, "And as part of that, both countries maintain a longstanding tradition of very close consultations on matters relating to their mutual interest and, of course, security also. Now in this context, the intertwined and indivisible nature of our security concerns is self-evident."&nbsp;

"As regards the recent statements and the related commentary to them is concerned, I would say that one — India and Bhutan remain in close touch relating to our shared interests including our security interests," he said, and further added that India very closely follows all developments having a bearing on its national interest and it takes all necessary measures to safeguard them as necessary.&nbsp;

"I would only reiterate our earlier statements on this issue which very explicitly and very clearly bring out our position on the determination of the tri-junction boundary points," he added.&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 met with visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday (April 4) in New Delhi at his residence. The Bhutanese king is currently on a two-day visit to India and arrived in New Delhi on April 3.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday (April 4) in New Delhi at his residence. The Bhutanese king is currently on a two-day visit to India and arrived in New Delhi on April 3. While sharing pictures with the Bhutanese King, PM Modi tweeted: "Pleased to receive His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. We had a warm and productive meeting. Deeply value our close friendship and the vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in guiding India-Bhutan relations to new heights." The crucial talks were held against the backdrop of renewed focus on the Doklam tri-junction- the site of clashes between Indian and Chinese forces- as the leaders focused on a five-point broad roadmap to expand the ties. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said India and Bhutan closely coordinate on shared national and security interests. He also noted that the security concerns of both sides are intertwined and indivisible. He was briefing about PM Modi's meeting with visiting Bhutanese king. Kwatra said, "India will work to extend an additional standby credit facility. We will work to shape long-term sustainable arrangements for export of agricultural commodities from Bhutan. Also, work to develop long-term bilateral arrangements for assured supply of critical commodities like petroleum and coal." Pleased to receive His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. We had a warm and productive meeting. Deeply value our close friendship and the vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in guiding India-Bhutan relations to new heights. pic.twitter.com/DD33W2LvjO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2023 × Recently, Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said that China has an equal say in resolving the border dispute relating to the strategically-located Doklam tri-junction. Asked about the mention of the Doklam issue during the talks, Kwatra said that the ties between India and Bhutan are based on mutual respect, trust, close understanding and sensitivity to each other's concerns. He added that PM Modi and the king covered the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation including issues of "respective national interests". Kwatra said, "Now besides this exemplary and unique relationship that India and Bhutan have, we also have a time-tested framework of security cooperation." He added, "And as part of that, both countries maintain a longstanding tradition of very close consultations on matters relating to their mutual interest and, of course, security also. Now in this context, the intertwined and indivisible nature of our security concerns is self-evident." "As regards the recent statements and the related commentary to them is concerned, I would say that one — India and Bhutan remain in close touch relating to our shared interests including our security interests," he said, and further added that India very closely follows all developments having a bearing on its national interest and it takes all necessary measures to safeguard them as necessary. "I would only reiterate our earlier statements on this issue which very explicitly and very clearly bring out our position on the determination of the tri-junction boundary points," he 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.

PM Modi meets Bhutanese king in New Delhi, assures support to extend credit facility

A home theatre music system, which was received as a gift at a wedding reception, turned out to be a bomb that killed two and injured five in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The incident reportedly happened earlier this week in Chamari village of Kabirdham district.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Police claimed that they have solved the case as they revealed that the music system had explosives which blew&nbsp;up when it was plugged into power.&nbsp;

The police said that the victim has been identified as Hemendra Meravi, who got married to Lalita Marwari (22). The wedding ceremony was organised in Chamari village on April 2.

A day after the function, police said that the family members started unwrapping the gifts they had received.&nbsp;

According to ASP Manisha Thakur, who is the investigating officer, said: "As soon as Meravi tried to connect the music system to an electronic socket and switched it on, an explosion occurred, killing him on the spot."&nbsp;

As quoted by media reports, Thakur revealed that the suspect, identified as Sarju Markam, was detained on Tuesday. Markam is reported to be a resident of Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district.&nbsp;

The investigating officer also said, "During the&nbsp;questioning, the accused confessed to having planted explosives in the music system and gifting it to the newlyweds. We are yet to ascertain from where he got explosives and other details of the case."&nbsp;

Some reports have mentioned that Markam was Lalita's ex-boyfriend. The police also said that during the questioning, it was found that Meravi's wife was in constant touch with Markam.&nbsp;

The officer said that Meravi's brother succumbed to injuries during treatment in the hospital. The other injured people of the same family were rushed to a nearby hospital and are under treatment. "Condition of those injured in the explosion is said to be stable," the ASP added.&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>.

A home theatre music system, which was received as a gift at a wedding reception, turned out to be a bomb that killed two and injured five in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

A home theatre music system, which was received as a gift at a wedding reception, turned out to be a bomb that killed two and injured five in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The incident reportedly happened earlier this week in Chamari village of Kabirdham district. Chhattisgarh Police claimed that they have solved the case as they revealed that the music system had explosives which blew up when it was plugged into power. The police said that the victim has been identified as Hemendra Meravi, who got married to Lalita Marwari (22). The wedding ceremony was organised in Chamari village on April 2. A day after the function, police said that the family members started unwrapping the gifts they had received. According to ASP Manisha Thakur, who is the investigating officer, said: "As soon as Meravi tried to connect the music system to an electronic socket and switched it on, an explosion occurred, killing him on the spot." As quoted by media reports, Thakur revealed that the suspect, identified as Sarju Markam, was detained on Tuesday. Markam is reported to be a resident of Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district. The investigating officer also said, "During the questioning, the accused confessed to having planted explosives in the music system and gifting it to the newlyweds. We are yet to ascertain from where he got explosives and other details of the case." Some reports have mentioned that Markam was Lalita's ex-boyfriend. The police also said that during the questioning, it was found that Meravi's wife was in constant touch with Markam. The officer said that Meravi's brother succumbed to injuries during treatment in the hospital. The other injured people of the same family were rushed to a nearby hospital and are under treatment. "Condition of those injured in the explosion is said to be stable," the ASP 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.

Groom dies after bride's ex-lover gives explosive-filled 'home theatre system' as wedding gift

Journey of the mobile phones is quite fascinating. Those who have used, or seen, the first mobile phone ever launched, can tell about how phones have evolved over the period of time.&nbsp;

From taking high-definition photos to bringing the world to your fingertips via the internet, mobile phones provide countless features. But what will the future be?&nbsp;

Last month, Marty Cooper, who is credited with inventing the first phone in 1973, spoke to CNBC when he said that the "next generation will have the phone embedded under the skin of their ears".&nbsp;

In the interview at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Cooper suggested that one day, phones will become devices integrated into our skin.

Cooper also said that such devices won't need to be charged, as "your body is the perfect charger." 
 
"When you eat food, your body creates energy, right? You ingest food, your body creates energy. It takes a tiny bit of energy to run this earpiece," he added.

WATCH | British company under fire for pay rise April Fool’s joke

<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/british-company-under-fire-for-pay-rise-april-fools-joke-579017/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

What Cooper said is not entirely unrealistic, because technology is developing, and anything is possible. In future, our bodies might become compatible with powerful microchips and sensors.&nbsp;

Elon Musk's Neuralink is one such example which is working on developing technologies that may, one day, combine computers with the human brain.&nbsp;

While commenting on the latest mobile phones, Cooper said: "Whenever I make a phone call and don't have an earpiece, I have to take this flat piece of material against my curved head [and] hold my arm up in an awkward position."&nbsp;

Talking about the pros and cons of mobile phones, Cooper said, "I have an abiding faith in humanity. I look at history and look at all of the advances that we’ve had with technology, and somehow people have figured it out."&nbsp;

He added, "People are better off now. And they live longer. They are wealthier, they are healthier than they've ever been before. We have ups and downs. But in general, humanity is progressing."&nbsp;

Apart from that, in the past few years, experts and analysts have weighed in on the use charges as they floated the idea that future generations may no longer have to charge smartphones with electricity and they can be charged using body heat or sunlight.&nbsp;

All these are mere predictions, and what will happen in future, only time will tell.&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>.

Journey of the mobile phones is quite fascinating. Those who have used, or seen, the first mobile phone ever launched, can tell about how phones have evolved over the period of time.

Journey of the mobile phones is quite fascinating. Those who have used, or seen, the first mobile phone ever launched, can tell about how phones have evolved over the period of time. From taking high-definition photos to bringing the world to your fingertips via the internet, mobile phones provide countless features. But what will the future be? Last month, Marty Cooper, who is credited with inventing the first phone in 1973, spoke to CNBC when he said that the "next generation will have the phone embedded under the skin of their ears". In the interview at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Cooper suggested that one day, phones will become devices integrated into our skin. Cooper also said that such devices won't need to be charged, as "your body is the perfect charger." "When you eat food, your body creates energy, right? You ingest food, your body creates energy. It takes a tiny bit of energy to run this earpiece," he added. WATCH | British company under fire for pay rise April Fool’s joke × What Cooper said is not entirely unrealistic, because technology is developing, and anything is possible. In future, our bodies might become compatible with powerful microchips and sensors. Elon Musk's Neuralink is one such example which is working on developing technologies that may, one day, combine computers with the human brain. While commenting on the latest mobile phones, Cooper said: "Whenever I make a phone call and don't have an earpiece, I have to take this flat piece of material against my curved head [and] hold my arm up in an awkward position." Talking about the pros and cons of mobile phones, Cooper said, "I have an abiding faith in humanity. I look at history and look at all of the advances that we’ve had with technology, and somehow people have figured it out." He added, "People are better off now. And they live longer. They are wealthier, they are healthier than they've ever been before. We have ups and downs. But in general, humanity is progressing." Apart from that, in the past few years, experts and analysts have weighed in on the use charges as they floated the idea that future generations may no longer have to charge smartphones with electricity and they can be charged using body heat or sunlight. All these are mere predictions, and what will happen in future, only time will tell. 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.

Charging of phones using body heat or sunlight? What future phones will look like

A priest in France is reportedly receiving death threats after a pole dancing show was held in his church, news agency AFP reported, further mentioning that a local paper called the performance "sexy" and the tickets were sold out.&nbsp;

Daniel Boessenbacher, who is the priest at the Protestant Saint-Guillaume church in Strasbourg, told the news agency that after he received two anonymous letters, he had alerted the police.&nbsp;

As quoted, Boessenbacher said: "There is no doubt, this is about a show involving Stabat Mater and pole dancing." The Connexion reported that he even filed a complaint with the police on Monday (April 3).&nbsp;

An arts association rented the church last week for two performances of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's lyrical sequence Stabat Mater. As per reports, they had combined the performance with dance and pole dance acts.&nbsp;

The priest, however, said that the entire show was "flirtatious but soft" and there were some people who didn't like it. He also talked about the threat letters, as he said that one of the threatening letters said "parishioners should be decapitated". The letter also said that "This is not a church, it's a cabaret".&nbsp;

The second letter appeared to be a bit concerning as it was said that "his [priest] head needs to be cut off because he handed the key to our holy church to a dancing serpent".&nbsp;

Boessenbacher also said copies of the show&nbsp;were found slipped under the church door, with&nbsp;remarks including "you will die" or "you're going to hell".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="683" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FParoisseProtestanteSaintGuillaume%2Fposts%2F566305242265116&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Boessenbacher wrote in a Facebook post: "Didn't plan on spending time at the police station on the first day of Holy Week. But oh well... my open-mindedness stops when pseudo-Christians drop anonymous mails at the parish."&nbsp;

"I write pseudo-Christians because I don't know where, in the Gospels, Jesus asks to send death threats. Of course, a complaint was filed," the post added.&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>.

A priest in France is reportedly receiving death threats after a pole dancing show was held in his church, news agency AFP reported, further mentioning that a local paper called the performance "sexy" and the tickets were sold out.

A priest in France is reportedly receiving death threats after a pole dancing show was held in his church, news agency AFP reported, further mentioning that a local paper called the performance "sexy" and the tickets were sold out. Daniel Boessenbacher, who is the priest at the Protestant Saint-Guillaume church in Strasbourg, told the news agency that after he received two anonymous letters, he had alerted the police. As quoted, Boessenbacher said: "There is no doubt, this is about a show involving Stabat Mater and pole dancing." The Connexion reported that he even filed a complaint with the police on Monday (April 3). An arts association rented the church last week for two performances of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's lyrical sequence Stabat Mater. As per reports, they had combined the performance with dance and pole dance acts. The priest, however, said that the entire show was "flirtatious but soft" and there were some people who didn't like it. He also talked about the threat letters, as he said that one of the threatening letters said "parishioners should be decapitated". The letter also said that "This is not a church, it's a cabaret". The second letter appeared to be a bit concerning as it was said that "his [priest] head needs to be cut off because he handed the key to our holy church to a dancing serpent". Boessenbacher also said copies of the show were found slipped under the church door, with remarks including "you will die" or "you're going to hell". × Boessenbacher wrote in a Facebook post: "Didn't plan on spending time at the police station on the first day of Holy Week. But oh well... my open-mindedness stops when pseudo-Christians drop anonymous mails at the parish." "I write pseudo-Christians because I don't know where, in the Gospels, Jesus asks to send death threats. Of course, a complaint was filed," the post 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.

'Pole dance show': French priest receives death threats over church event described as 'sexy'

Elon Musk no longer the world's richest, according to Forbes Billionaires List

Johnson &amp; Johnson has agreed to pay $8.9 billion to settle lawsuits claiming that its talcum powder products caused cancer. The move will potentially end the years-long legal fight over the issue.

The US-based pharmaceutical and baby products company said that the proposed settlement, which still needs the approval of a bankruptcy court, "will equitably and efficiently resolve all claims arising from cosmetic talc litigation".&nbsp;

Johnson &amp; Johnson faces tens of thousands of lawsuits in North America as people claimed that the baby powder and other talc-based products cause cancer.&nbsp;

J&amp;J has never admitted wrongdoing, but the company stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada in May 2020.&nbsp;

A company release mentioned that the claims related to cancer are premised on the allegation that cosmetic talc causes ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. J&amp;J claims this has been rejected by independent experts as well as governmental and regulatory bodies for decades.&nbsp;

Erik Haas, J&amp;J's vice president of litigation, said in a statement: "The company continues to believe that these claims are specious and lack scientific merit."&nbsp;

Haas added, "However, as the Bankruptcy Court recognised, resolving these cases in the tort system would take decades and impose significant costs on LTL and the system, with most claimants never receiving any compensation."&nbsp;

"Resolving this matter through the proposed reorganisation plan is both more equitable and more efficient, allows claimants to be compensated in a timely manner, and enables the Company to remain focused on our commitment to profoundly and positively impact health for humanity," it added.&nbsp;

The company said that its&nbsp;subsidiary LTL Management LLC has re-filed for voluntary bankruptcy protection to obtain approval of a reorganisation plan that "will equitably and efficiently resolve all claims arising from cosmetic talc litigation".&nbsp;

The company said that the amount is an increase of $6.9 billion over the $2 billion previously committed in connection with LTL’s initial bankruptcy filing in October 2021.&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>.

Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay $8.9 billion to settle lawsuits claiming that its talcum powder products caused cancer. The move will potentially end the years-long legal fight over the issue.

Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay $8.9 billion to settle lawsuits claiming that its talcum powder products caused cancer. The move will potentially end the years-long legal fight over the issue. The US-based pharmaceutical and baby products company said that the proposed settlement, which still needs the approval of a bankruptcy court, "will equitably and efficiently resolve all claims arising from cosmetic talc litigation". Johnson & Johnson faces tens of thousands of lawsuits in North America as people claimed that the baby powder and other talc-based products cause cancer. J&J has never admitted wrongdoing, but the company stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada in May 2020. A company release mentioned that the claims related to cancer are premised on the allegation that cosmetic talc causes ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. J&J claims this has been rejected by independent experts as well as governmental and regulatory bodies for decades. Erik Haas, J&J's vice president of litigation, said in a statement: "The company continues to believe that these claims are specious and lack scientific merit." Haas added, "However, as the Bankruptcy Court recognised, resolving these cases in the tort system would take decades and impose significant costs on LTL and the system, with most claimants never receiving any compensation." "Resolving this matter through the proposed reorganisation plan is both more equitable and more efficient, allows claimants to be compensated in a timely manner, and enables the Company to remain focused on our commitment to profoundly and positively impact health for humanity," it added. The company said that its subsidiary LTL Management LLC has re-filed for voluntary bankruptcy protection to obtain approval of a reorganisation plan that "will equitably and efficiently resolve all claims arising from cosmetic talc litigation". The company said that the amount is an increase of $6.9 billion over the $2 billion previously committed in connection with LTL’s initial bankruptcy filing in October 2021. (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.

Johnson & Johnson to pay $8.9 billion to settle lawsuits over 'cancer-causing' talc

French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will land in China on Wednesday (April 5), in a rare and significant three-day state visit amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Macron and von der Leyen are also scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This will be von der Leyen's first trip since becoming European Commission president, while Macron last visited China in 2019.&nbsp;

The visit&nbsp;comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plans 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, which has led to global crises, including food and fuel.&nbsp;

The Western leaders and Ukrainian allies will seek resetting ties with an important economic partner China amid an evident shift in the world order. Some reports claimed that Macron&nbsp;will visit China hoping to persuade Beijing to not support Russia's invasion of Ukraine apart from attempting to forge closer ties with a crucial trade partner.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-johnson-to-pay-89-billion-to-settle-lawsuits-over-cancer-causing-talc-579243">Johnson &amp; Johnson to pay $8.9 billion to settle lawsuits over 'cancer-causing' talc</a>&nbsp;

Xi recently visited Moscow and met with President Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic".&nbsp;

Russia and China presented a unified front against the West and both leaders&nbsp;called each other "dear friends" and hailed a "new era" in their nations' ties.&nbsp;

Noah Barkin, an analyst with Rhodium Group, told Reuter,&nbsp;"It's not the time to announce business deals or big new investments. It would essentially be a vote of confidence in the Chinese economy and send the message that France is not on board with the US approach."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gloomy economic outlook boosts economic crisis&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/gloomy-economic-outlook-boosts-economic-crisis-579275/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, the White House said that on the eve of his visit, Macron discussed his trip to China during a phone call with United States President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

News agency AFP cited a French diplomatic source, who noted that the two leaders said they want China to help "accelerate" the search for a solution to the war.&nbsp;

The source said that the conversation showed the "common will of France and the United States to engage the Chinese to accelerate with us the end of the war in Ukraine and build a lasting peace".&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 and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will land in China on Wednesday (April 5), in a rare and significant three-day state visit amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will land in China on Wednesday (April 5), in a rare and significant three-day state visit amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Macron and von der Leyen are also scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This will be von der Leyen's first trip since becoming European Commission president, while Macron last visited China in 2019. The visit comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plans 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, which has led to global crises, including food and fuel. The Western leaders and Ukrainian allies will seek resetting ties with an important economic partner China amid an evident shift in the world order. Some reports claimed that Macron will visit China hoping to persuade Beijing to not support Russia's invasion of Ukraine apart from attempting to forge closer ties with a crucial trade partner. ALSO READ | Johnson & Johnson to pay $8.9 billion to settle lawsuits over 'cancer-causing' talc Xi recently visited Moscow and met with President Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic". Russia and China presented a unified front against the West and both leaders called each other "dear friends" and hailed a "new era" in their nations' ties. Noah Barkin, an analyst with Rhodium Group, told Reuter, "It's not the time to announce business deals or big new investments. It would essentially be a vote of confidence in the Chinese economy and send the message that France is not on board with the US approach." WATCH | Gloomy economic outlook boosts economic crisis × Meanwhile, the White House said that on the eve of his visit, Macron discussed his trip to China during a phone call with United States President Joe Biden. News agency AFP cited a French diplomatic source, who noted that the two leaders said they want China to help "accelerate" the search for a solution to the war. The source said that the conversation showed the "common will of France and the United States to engage the Chinese to accelerate with us the end of the war in Ukraine and build a lasting peace". (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 and trade ties on agenda as France's Emmanuel Macron begins China trip

A UN spokesman said on Tuesday (April 4) that the Taliban have issued an order to ban Afghan women employees of the United Nations staff from working throughout Afghanistan. The reported move is significant as the UN had so far been exempt from such bans.&nbsp;

Stephane Dujarric, who is the spokesman for the secretary-general, said, "We were told from various conduits that this applies to the whole country."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, news agencies reported that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had earlier said that the women UN staff in the country had been blocked from work in an eastern province.&nbsp;

As quoted by news agencies, Dujarric said that UNAMA received word of an order by the de facto authorities that ban female national staff members of the UN from working. He added that the UN had heard "from various conduits that this applies to the whole country".&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/talibans-new-diktat-against-afghan-women-un-says-its-female-staffers-banned-by-taliban-wion-579252/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Dujarric said no written order had yet been received. The UN was to hold meetings with the Taliban on Wednesday in Kabul to "seek some clarity".&nbsp;

For UN chief Antonio Guterres, Dujarric said, "Any such ban would be unacceptable and frankly, inconceivable."&nbsp;

"This is the latest in a disturbing trend undermining the ability of aid organizations to reach those most in need," he added.&nbsp;

"Female staff members are essential for the United Nations to deliver lifesaving assistance," he said. The spokesperson also said that the UN is working to reach 23 million people with humanitarian aid in the country. &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>.

A UN spokesman said on Tuesday (April 4) that the Taliban have issued an order to ban Afghan women employees of the United Nations staff from working throughout Afghanistan.

A UN spokesman said on Tuesday (April 4) that the Taliban have issued an order to ban Afghan women employees of the United Nations staff from working throughout Afghanistan. The reported move is significant as the UN had so far been exempt from such bans. Stephane Dujarric, who is the spokesman for the secretary-general, said, "We were told from various conduits that this applies to the whole country." Meanwhile, news agencies reported that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had earlier said that the women UN staff in the country had been blocked from work in an eastern province. As quoted by news agencies, Dujarric said that UNAMA received word of an order by the de facto authorities that ban female national staff members of the UN from working. He added that the UN had heard "from various conduits that this applies to the whole country". × Dujarric said no written order had yet been received. The UN was to hold meetings with the Taliban on Wednesday in Kabul to "seek some clarity". For UN chief Antonio Guterres, Dujarric said, "Any such ban would be unacceptable and frankly, inconceivable." "This is the latest in a disturbing trend undermining the ability of aid organizations to reach those most in need," he added. "Female staff members are essential for the United Nations to deliver lifesaving assistance," he said. The spokesperson also said that the UN is working to reach 23 million people with humanitarian aid in the country. (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.

Taliban's order blocks Afghan women staff from work, says UN

At least one person died and over dozen were seriously injured early Tuesday when a high-speed passenger train derailed in southwest Netherlands, news agencies reported citing emergency services.&nbsp;

The Hollands Midden emergency services said: "One person has died and at least 30 people have been injured. Eleven people are being housed in homes of local residents, while the seriously injured are taken to hospital."&nbsp;

The crash took place around 3:25am (0125 GMT), near the village of Voorschoten, between The Hague and Amsterdam.&nbsp;

The emergency services also said that the rescue teams were seen ferrying away the injured in the pre-dawn darkness at the scene of the accident.&nbsp;

A fire department spokesman told Dutch radio that 19 people were rushed to the hospital and some were being treated on the crash site.&nbsp;

ANP news agency said that the front carriage of the night train from Leiden city to The Hague derailed and ploughed into a field after the accident. It further mentioned that the second carriage was on its side and a fire broke out in the rear carriage but was later extinguished.&nbsp;

So far, there's no confirmation of the main cause of the crash. Some reports claimed that it derailed after slamming into construction equipment.&nbsp;

Some reports claimed that the passenger train had collided with a freight train. Dutch Railways (NS) spokesman Erik Kroeze said a freight train was involved in the accident but could not give details.&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>.

At least one person died and over dozen were seriously injured early Tuesday when a high-speed passenger train derailed in southwest Netherlands, news agencies reported citing emergency services.

At least one person died and over dozen were seriously injured early Tuesday when a high-speed passenger train derailed in southwest Netherlands, news agencies reported citing emergency services. The Hollands Midden emergency services said: "One person has died and at least 30 people have been injured. Eleven people are being housed in homes of local residents, while the seriously injured are taken to hospital." The crash took place around 3:25am (0125 GMT), near the village of Voorschoten, between The Hague and Amsterdam. The emergency services also said that the rescue teams were seen ferrying away the injured in the pre-dawn darkness at the scene of the accident. A fire department spokesman told Dutch radio that 19 people were rushed to the hospital and some were being treated on the crash site. ANP news agency said that the front carriage of the night train from Leiden city to The Hague derailed and ploughed into a field after the accident. It further mentioned that the second carriage was on its side and a fire broke out in the rear carriage but was later extinguished. So far, there's no confirmation of the main cause of the crash. Some reports claimed that it derailed after slamming into construction equipment. Some reports claimed that the passenger train had collided with a freight train. Dutch Railways (NS) spokesman Erik Kroeze said a freight train was involved in the accident but could not give details. (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.

At least one person killed in Dutch train crash, many seriously injured

Police said on Monday (April 3) that the shooter in last week's deadly attack at a private Christian school in Nashville, USA, which killed six people, planned it for months.&nbsp;

Police said they found journals of the 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who was a former student of the school, in the shooter's car and bedroom after the March 27 attack.&nbsp;

As quoted by US media outlets, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said that the shooter outlined plans "to commit mass murder at The Covenant School" in journals.&nbsp;

Police previously said that Hale, who was also killed during the attack, had been receiving treatment for an emotional disorder. Hale was armed with two assault rifles and a handgun when entering the small Christian academy of about 200 students in Tennessee.&nbsp;

Hale was identified by police as a female who had used male pronouns on social media. Police previously had also revealed that the shooter had maps of the school and left a manifesto that suggested more attacks were planned.&nbsp;

The investigating officers and police have not established a motive behind the attack. However, they said the shooter "considered the actions of other mass murderers".&nbsp;

As quoted by NBC News, the police department said: "The writings remain under careful review by the MNPD and the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit based in Quantico, Virginia."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Nashville School Shooting: Demonstrators protest against gun violence in US&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/nashville-school-shooting-demonstrators-protest-against-gun-violence-in-us-577575/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, a recently approved legislation states residents in the US state of Florida will be able to carry concealed firearms without a license. The legislation was approved by the state's Republican-led Senate and supported by Governor Ron DeSantis.&nbsp;

The bill cleared the Senate on a 27-13 vote, at the state legislature in Tallahassee. When the measure becomes law, those wishing to carry a concealed weapon in public will only need personal identification, such as a driver's license.&nbsp;

Previously, people in Florida seeking such a permit were required to undergo training and a background check.&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>.

Police said on Monday (April 3) that the shooter in last week's deadly attack at a private Christian school in Nashville, USA, which killed six people, planned it for months.

Police said on Monday (April 3) that the shooter in last week's deadly attack at a private Christian school in Nashville, USA, which killed six people, planned it for months. Police said they found journals of the 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who was a former student of the school, in the shooter's car and bedroom after the March 27 attack. As quoted by US media outlets, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said that the shooter outlined plans "to commit mass murder at The Covenant School" in journals. Police previously said that Hale, who was also killed during the attack, had been receiving treatment for an emotional disorder. Hale was armed with two assault rifles and a handgun when entering the small Christian academy of about 200 students in Tennessee. Hale was identified by police as a female who had used male pronouns on social media. Police previously had also revealed that the shooter had maps of the school and left a manifesto that suggested more attacks were planned. The investigating officers and police have not established a motive behind the attack. However, they said the shooter "considered the actions of other mass murderers". As quoted by NBC News, the police department said: "The writings remain under careful review by the MNPD and the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit based in Quantico, Virginia." WATCH | Nashville School Shooting: Demonstrators protest against gun violence in US × Meanwhile, a recently approved legislation states residents in the US state of Florida will be able to carry concealed firearms without a license. The legislation was approved by the state's Republican-led Senate and supported by Governor Ron DeSantis. The bill cleared the Senate on a 27-13 vote, at the state legislature in Tallahassee. When the measure becomes law, those wishing to carry a concealed weapon in public will only need personal identification, such as a driver's license. Previously, people in Florida seeking such a permit were required to undergo training and a background check. (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.

Nashville school shooting: Audrey Hale planned the attack for months, say police

Artemis II: NASA's mission to take astronauts around the Moon

California has been battered by heavy rain and strong winds, leaving the&nbsp;entire state&nbsp;covered in a blanket of snow, looking extremely beautiful.&nbsp;

The latest figures from the California Department of Water Resources show that winter weather has driven up snow levels to 237% of normal after three years of extreme drought.&nbsp;

The figures have put this year's snowpack on track to be the largest on record. Currently, it is perhaps the deepest snowpack recorded in more than 70 years, officials said Monday, as reported by US-based media outlets.&nbsp;

Sean de Guzman, chief of the CDWR Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Section, told reporters at the survey site: "As of right now, it's looking like this year's statewide snowpack will probably most likely be either the first or second biggest snowpack on record dating back to 1950".&nbsp;

<h2>What's the reason behind this situation?&nbsp;</h2>

Experts have stated that a series of 'atmospheric rivers' have contributed to the bumper snowpack. On the other side, they have also led to widespread flooding, rockfalls and sinkholes across the most populous US state. The Central Valley, known as the country's agricultural breadbasket, has been impacted badly.&nbsp;

The situation also has some positive impacts as the flooding and snowstorms also had a positive effect by allowing reservoirs to refill and alleviating drought in much of the state.&nbsp;

CDWR Director Karla Nemeth said drought was still a concern as the record snow will. What will happen then?

Nemeth said: "It is possible that, given the conditions in the Central Valley, particularly in the to Tulare Lake Basin, that there will be simultaneously water supply challenges that come along with drought, but also water supply challenges that come along with very, very significant flooding."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the authorities have started taking action as Gavin Newsom, who is the state's governor, recently signed an executive order to help the flood response in the basin.&nbsp;

Newsom said, "With historic rain and snowpack creating immense challenges for this region, our first priority is protecting lives and livelihoods impacted by this devastating flooding."&nbsp;

"State officials are on the ground to assist communities, support the local emergency response under way and prepare for the surge of snowmelt runoff in the months ahead," &nbsp;Newsom added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

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>.

California has been battered by heavy rain and strong winds, leaving the entire state covered in a blanket of snow, looking extremely beautiful. The latest figures from the California Department of Water Resources show that winter weather has driven up snow levels to 237% of normal after three years of extreme drought.

California has been battered by heavy rain and strong winds, leaving the entire state covered in a blanket of snow, looking extremely beautiful. The latest figures from the California Department of Water Resources show that winter weather has driven up snow levels to 237% of normal after three years of extreme drought. The figures have put this year's snowpack on track to be the largest on record. Currently, it is perhaps the deepest snowpack recorded in more than 70 years, officials said Monday, as reported by US-based media outlets. Sean de Guzman, chief of the CDWR Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Section, told reporters at the survey site: "As of right now, it's looking like this year's statewide snowpack will probably most likely be either the first or second biggest snowpack on record dating back to 1950". What's the reason behind this situation? Experts have stated that a series of 'atmospheric rivers' have contributed to the bumper snowpack. On the other side, they have also led to widespread flooding, rockfalls and sinkholes across the most populous US state. The Central Valley, known as the country's agricultural breadbasket, has been impacted badly. The situation also has some positive impacts as the flooding and snowstorms also had a positive effect by allowing reservoirs to refill and alleviating drought in much of the state. CDWR Director Karla Nemeth said drought was still a concern as the record snow will. What will happen then? Nemeth said: "It is possible that, given the conditions in the Central Valley, particularly in the to Tulare Lake Basin, that there will be simultaneously water supply challenges that come along with drought, but also water supply challenges that come along with very, very significant flooding." Meanwhile, the authorities have started taking action as Gavin Newsom, who is the state's governor, recently signed an executive order to help the flood response in the basin. Newsom said, "With historic rain and snowpack creating immense challenges for this region, our first priority is protecting lives and livelihoods impacted by this devastating flooding." "State officials are on the ground to assist communities, support the local emergency response under way and prepare for the surge of snowmelt runoff in the months ahead," Newsom 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.

California snowpack on track to be largest on record

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.