Apple is planning to cut a small number of roles within its corporate retail teams, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. The report further added that layoffs are expected to impact Apple's development and preservation teams. Bloomberg noted that the sources have asked not to be identified because the move hasn't been announced. &nbsp;

If reports are believed to be true, then this will mark its first known internal job cuts ever since it began raking and scraping effort last year. However, there's no clarification on the number of positions being eliminated, but the report said it was likely very small.&nbsp;

So far, the iPhone maker has not issued any official statement.&nbsp;

Though Apple's job cuts appear to be in a small number, it's in addition to job slashes being done by big firms in the tech sector amid a shaky economy and sluggish consumer spending.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Australia to ban TikTok on government devices: Reports&nbsp;

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In recent months, corporate America announced a series of job cuts in the aftermath of worries about an economic downturn due to rising interest rates have sparked.&nbsp;

Facebook-parent Meta Platforms last month said it would cut 10,000 jobs this year, making it the first Big Tech company to announce a second round of mass layoffs.&nbsp;

The people said that some management roles are also being slashed, it was mentioned that while those employees could be rehired as so-called individual contributors, they may not have the same compensation. Some employees are exempt and will keep their jobs without needing to reapply, the report said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Apple is planning to cut a small number of roles within its corporate retail teams, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. The report further added that layoffs are expected to impact Apple's development and preservation teams.

Apple is planning to cut a small number of roles within its corporate retail teams, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. The report further added that layoffs are expected to impact Apple's development and preservation teams. Bloomberg noted that the sources have asked not to be identified because the move hasn't been announced. If reports are believed to be true, then this will mark its first known internal job cuts ever since it began raking and scraping effort last year. However, there's no clarification on the number of positions being eliminated, but the report said it was likely very small. So far, the iPhone maker has not issued any official statement. Though Apple's job cuts appear to be in a small number, it's in addition to job slashes being done by big firms in the tech sector amid a shaky economy and sluggish consumer spending. WATCH | Australia to ban TikTok on government devices: Reports × In recent months, corporate America announced a series of job cuts in the aftermath of worries about an economic downturn due to rising interest rates have sparked. Facebook-parent Meta Platforms last month said it would cut 10,000 jobs this year, making it the first Big Tech company to announce a second round of mass layoffs. The people said that some management roles are also being slashed, it was mentioned that while those employees could be rehired as so-called individual contributors, they may not have the same compensation. Some employees are exempt and will keep their jobs without needing to reapply, the report 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.

Apple is planning to cut small number of jobs in some teams: Report

Tesla has been asked to pay nearly $3.2 million on Monday (April 3) in a racial discrimination case, which was brought to the court by a former Black employee.&nbsp;

Owen Diaz worked&nbsp;at the assembly plant in Fremont&nbsp;and sued the company for violating a California law that prohibits employers from failing to address hostile work environments.&nbsp;

The court filing revealed that Diaz said that Tesla turned a blind eye to racism at the Silicon Valley plant.

A San Francisco jury found that Diaz was subjected to a racially hostile work environment when he worked at the plant as a lift operator from 2015 to 2016 at its Fremont factory.&nbsp;

He alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs, including the N-word, on the Fremont factory floor. He also mentioned that he saw racist graffiti in bathrooms and a racially insensitive cartoon.&nbsp;

WATCH | Australia to ban TikTok on government devices&nbsp;

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The verdict by the San Francisco jury in the retrial was a victory of sorts for Tesla, which had been ordered to pay Owen Diaz $137 million by a jury when the original trial ended in October 2021.&nbsp;

A judge later reduced the amount in keeping with legal standards, but Diaz rejected the judge's proffered damages amount in favour of a new trial.&nbsp;

The suit, originally filed by Diaz, his son, and a third former employee said that instead of a modern workplace, the plaintiffs "encountered a scene straight from the Jim Crow era".&nbsp;

Diaz had also claimed that Tesla took no action over the regular racist abuse despite complaints to supervisors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Tesla has been asked to pay nearly $3.2 million on Monday (April 3) in a racial discrimination case, which was brought to the court by a former Black employee. Owen Diaz worked at the assembly plant in Fremont and sued the company for violating a California law that prohibits employers from failing to address hostile work environments.

Tesla has been asked to pay nearly $3.2 million on Monday (April 3) in a racial discrimination case, which was brought to the court by a former Black employee. Owen Diaz worked at the assembly plant in Fremont and sued the company for violating a California law that prohibits employers from failing to address hostile work environments. The court filing revealed that Diaz said that Tesla turned a blind eye to racism at the Silicon Valley plant. A San Francisco jury found that Diaz was subjected to a racially hostile work environment when he worked at the plant as a lift operator from 2015 to 2016 at its Fremont factory. He alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs, including the N-word, on the Fremont factory floor. He also mentioned that he saw racist graffiti in bathrooms and a racially insensitive cartoon. WATCH | Australia to ban TikTok on government devices × The verdict by the San Francisco jury in the retrial was a victory of sorts for Tesla, which had been ordered to pay Owen Diaz $137 million by a jury when the original trial ended in October 2021. A judge later reduced the amount in keeping with legal standards, but Diaz rejected the judge's proffered damages amount in favour of a new trial. The suit, originally filed by Diaz, his son, and a third former employee said that instead of a modern workplace, the plaintiffs "encountered a scene straight from the Jim Crow era". Diaz had also claimed that Tesla took no action over the regular racist abuse despite complaints to supervisors. (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.

San Francisco jury orders Tesla to pay former worker nearly $3.2mn in racism case

World Bank on Tuesday (April 4) revised its forecast for India as it lowered the economic growth expectations in the current fiscal year that started on April 1 to 6.3 per cent from 6.6 per cent.&nbsp;

The international financial institution said that it expects that higher borrowing costs would hurt consumption. The World Bank said in a report: "Rising borrowing costs and slower income growth will weigh on private consumption growth."&nbsp;

"Government consumption is projected to grow at a slower pace due to the withdrawal of pandemic-related fiscal support measures," the report added.&nbsp;

World Bank also told a media outlet that in the second half of the last fiscal, India's growth will continue to be resilient. However, there will be moderation in growth.&nbsp;

Auguste Tano Kouame, who is World Bank's Country Director in India, told India-based media outlet NDTV that "whilst we have revised our forecast, India is still going to be one of the fastest-growing economies in the world".&nbsp;

As quoted, he also said that&nbsp;India wants to become an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a developed economy by 2047, for which it will need to grow at eight&nbsp;per cent.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Economists: Manufacturing numbers indicate a recession soon&nbsp;

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The report mentioned that it projected the current account deficit to narrow to 2.1 per cent of gross domestic product for the current fiscal year from an estimated three per cent in the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

World Bank economist Dhruv Sharma said that the impacts of the recent turmoil in financial markets in the United States and Europe pose&nbsp;a risk to short-term investment flows to emerging markets, including India. As quoted by news agency Reuters, Sharma said, "But Indian banks remain well capitalised."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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World Bank on Tuesday (April 4) revised its forecast for India as it lowered the economic growth expectations in the current fiscal year that started on April 1 to 6.

World Bank on Tuesday (April 4) revised its forecast for India as it lowered the economic growth expectations in the current fiscal year that started on April 1 to 6.3 per cent from 6.6 per cent. The international financial institution said that it expects that higher borrowing costs would hurt consumption. The World Bank said in a report: "Rising borrowing costs and slower income growth will weigh on private consumption growth." "Government consumption is projected to grow at a slower pace due to the withdrawal of pandemic-related fiscal support measures," the report added. World Bank also told a media outlet that in the second half of the last fiscal, India's growth will continue to be resilient. However, there will be moderation in growth. Auguste Tano Kouame, who is World Bank's Country Director in India, told India-based media outlet NDTV that "whilst we have revised our forecast, India is still going to be one of the fastest-growing economies in the world". As quoted, he also said that India wants to become an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a developed economy by 2047, for which it will need to grow at eight per cent. WATCH | Economists: Manufacturing numbers indicate a recession soon × The report mentioned that it projected the current account deficit to narrow to 2.1 per cent of gross domestic product for the current fiscal year from an estimated three per cent in the previous year. World Bank economist Dhruv Sharma said that the impacts of the recent turmoil in financial markets in the United States and Europe pose a risk to short-term investment flows to emerging markets, including India. As quoted by news agency Reuters, Sharma said, "But Indian banks remain well capitalised." (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.

World Bank lowers India FY24 growth forecast, but 'growth continues to be resilient'

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed fears of emergency or "martial law" in the country if&nbsp;a larger bench was not constituted to hear cases against former prime minister Imran Khan.fim In case it happens, it will plunge the country further deep into ongoing crises.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chair­man visited the residence of Head Constable Ghulam Abbas Leghari, who was martyred during the terrorist attack on the Ka­rachi Police Office.&nbsp;

Pakistan-based The News media outlet reported that Bhutto's remarks came when he spoke to the media in Larkana as he also said that his party will not accept whatever decision of the three judges on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab elections.&nbsp;

Weighing in on the rise in terrorism activities in the country, Bilawal said that Pakistan Army, rangers, police and LEAs had eliminated the terrorism and maintained peace in Pakistan by providing sacrifices, but "stupid" Imran Khan promoted the terrorists.&nbsp;

Bilawal accused former prime minister of patronising terrorists by inviting them from Afghanistan. The foreign minister also alleged that the policies of the PTI chief also led restrengthening of the terrorists' network.&nbsp;

Butto said that the country could face an "emergency-like situation" &nbsp;or "martial law" due to the constitutional cri­sis that might occur if the Su­preme Court does not consti­tute a larger bench to hear the PTI's petition against the Elec­tion Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to postpone polls to the Punjab Assembly.&nbsp;

As quoted by Pakistan-based media outlets, he said, "My concern is that if a larg­er bench is not constituted then such a constitutional cri­sis will be born that God for­bid martial law or emergen­cy-type situation [could be] imposed again on Pakistan."&nbsp;

Though, he did acknowl­edge that he was making "a big statement" but went on to say that there was still time for every­one to "come back to their senses".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed fears of emergency or "martial law" in the country if a larger bench was not constituted to hear cases against former prime minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed fears of emergency or "martial law" in the country if a larger bench was not constituted to hear cases against former prime minister Imran Khan.fim In case it happens, it will plunge the country further deep into ongoing crises. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman visited the residence of Head Constable Ghulam Abbas Leghari, who was martyred during the terrorist attack on the Karachi Police Office. Pakistan-based The News media outlet reported that Bhutto's remarks came when he spoke to the media in Larkana as he also said that his party will not accept whatever decision of the three judges on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab elections. Weighing in on the rise in terrorism activities in the country, Bilawal said that Pakistan Army, rangers, police and LEAs had eliminated the terrorism and maintained peace in Pakistan by providing sacrifices, but "stupid" Imran Khan promoted the terrorists. Bilawal accused former prime minister of patronising terrorists by inviting them from Afghanistan. The foreign minister also alleged that the policies of the PTI chief also led restrengthening of the terrorists' network. Butto said that the country could face an "emergency-like situation" or "martial law" due to the constitutional crisis that might occur if the Supreme Court does not constitute a larger bench to hear the PTI's petition against the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to postpone polls to the Punjab Assembly. As quoted by Pakistan-based media outlets, he said, "My concern is that if a larger bench is not constituted then such a constitutional crisis will be born that God forbid martial law or emergency-type situation [could be] imposed again on Pakistan." Though, he did acknowledge that he was making "a big statement" but went on to say that there was still time for everyone to "come back to their senses". (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.

What's next for Pakistan? Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto fears 'martial law'

The United States, South Korea and Japan started their first anti-submarine drills in six months on Monday (April 3). The drills by the navies are aimed to boost their coordination against increasing North Korean missile threats, South Korea's ministry said.&nbsp;

A US carrier strike group led by USS Nimitz arrived in the southeastern city of Busan last week to participate in the drills, which are staged in international waters off South Korea's southern island of Jeju.&nbsp;

The US and several other Western nations consider submarine-launched missiles by the North as serious security threats.&nbsp;

In the past few years, the North has tested sophisticated underwater-launched ballistic missiles and boasted of what it called a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea to ramp up production of weapons-grade nuclear materials&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, the tri-nation drill came in the aftermath of North Korea's unveiling of new and smaller nuclear warheads last week. Pyongyang had also vowed to produce more weapons-grade nuclear materials to expand its arsenal.&nbsp;

The South Korean ministry also said that this week's exercises will use a mobile anti-submarine warfare training target to improve the capabilities needed to detect, track and destroy North Korean underwater threats.&nbsp;

As reported by the news agency The Associated Press, the Defense Ministry statement said that in addition to anti-submarine drills, the three countries will practice humanitarian search-and-rescue operations, including saving people who fall into the water and treating emergency patients. It would be the three countries’ first such training in seven years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The United States, South Korea and Japan started their first anti-submarine drills in six months on Monday (April 3). The drills by the navies are aimed to boost their coordination against increasing North Korean missile threats, South Korea's ministry said.

The United States, South Korea and Japan started their first anti-submarine drills in six months on Monday (April 3). The drills by the navies are aimed to boost their coordination against increasing North Korean missile threats, South Korea's ministry said. A US carrier strike group led by USS Nimitz arrived in the southeastern city of Busan last week to participate in the drills, which are staged in international waters off South Korea's southern island of Jeju. The US and several other Western nations consider submarine-launched missiles by the North as serious security threats. In the past few years, the North has tested sophisticated underwater-launched ballistic missiles and boasted of what it called a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone. WATCH | North Korea to ramp up production of weapons-grade nuclear materials × Meanwhile, the tri-nation drill came in the aftermath of North Korea's unveiling of new and smaller nuclear warheads last week. Pyongyang had also vowed to produce more weapons-grade nuclear materials to expand its arsenal. The South Korean ministry also said that this week's exercises will use a mobile anti-submarine warfare training target to improve the capabilities needed to detect, track and destroy North Korean underwater threats. As reported by the news agency The Associated Press, the Defense Ministry statement said that in addition to anti-submarine drills, the three countries will practice humanitarian search-and-rescue operations, including saving people who fall into the water and treating emergency patients. It would be the three countries’ first such training in seven years. (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.

South Korea, US, Japan hold anti-submarine drills to counter North Korea threats

Oil&nbsp;prices soared Monday after top producers unveiled a shock output cut of more than a million barrels, while equities mostly rose after data showed US and European inflation eased further last month.

However, the decision by the OPEC+ cartel fanned concerns about a fresh spike in prices that could put pressure on central banks to push interest rates higher.

Both main crude contracts jumped almost six percent at one point following the cut by&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Algeria and Oman, which was the biggest since the group slashed two million barrels per day in October.

It came on top of a Russian decision to extend a cut of 500,000 barrels per day, and in spite of US calls to increase production.

A Saudi energy ministry official "emphasised that this is a precautionary measure aimed at supporting the stability of the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;market", according to the official Saudi Press Agency.

Crude prices have come down over the past year as concerns about a possible recession caused by higher borrowing costs have offset supply worries sparked by sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

"The production cut, coming at a time of an uncertain global demand environment clearly shows OPEC was not happy with the movement in the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;price which had fallen over recent months," said National Australia Bank's Tapas Strickland.

Analysts said the decision could deal a blow to markets, which had rallied in recent weeks on optimism that the recent banking sector turmoil could force the US Federal Reserve to end its rate hike drive sooner than expected.

"For equity investors, this could be a rude awakening, as markets imply a Goldilocks outlook of reduced discount rates but no recession," said Lazard Ltd's Ronald Temple.

"The OPEC+ production cut is another reminder that the inflation genie is not back in the bottle."

Still, the mood on Asian trading floors was upbeat, with most markets tracking a strong rally on Wall Street in response to news that US and eurozone price rises had slowed further.

The PCE Price Index, the Fed's preferred measure of inflation, slowed to an annual rate of 5.0 percent in February from 5.3 percent in January.

Meanwhile, eurozone prices rose 6.9 percent in March, well down from 8.5 percent in February, beating expectations as energy prices eased.

In early trade, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Manila and Jakarta all rose, though Hong Kong dipped after last week's rally. Seoul and Wellington also slipped.

Tokyo rose despite the Bank of Japan's closely watched Tankan survey showing confidence among the country's largest manufacturers falling to its lowest level in more than two years.

However, US futures dipped as Treasury yields climbed on bets of further monetary tightening by the Fed.

Key figures around 0230 GMT

West Texas Intermediate: UP 5.6 percent at $79.91 per barrel

Brent North Sea crude: UP 5.5 percent&nbsp;at $84.26 per barrel

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.4 percent at 28,149.89 (break)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.3 percent at 20,348.41

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.2 percent at 3,278.61

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0806 from $1.0846&nbsp;on Friday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2297 from $1.2331

Euro/pound: DOWN at 87.87 pence from 87.93 pence&nbsp;

Dollar/yen: UP at 133.02 yen from 132.82 yen

New York - Dow: UP 1.3 percent at 33,274.15 (close)

London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 7,631.74 (close)&nbsp;

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Oil prices soared Monday after top producers unveiled a shock output cut of more than a million barrels, while equities mostly rose after data showed US and European inflation eased further last month.

Oil prices soared Monday after top producers unveiled a shock output cut of more than a million barrels, while equities mostly rose after data showed US and European inflation eased further last month. However, the decision by the OPEC+ cartel fanned concerns about a fresh spike in prices that could put pressure on central banks to push interest rates higher. Both main crude contracts jumped almost six percent at one point following the cut by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Algeria and Oman, which was the biggest since the group slashed two million barrels per day in October. It came on top of a Russian decision to extend a cut of 500,000 barrels per day, and in spite of US calls to increase production. A Saudi energy ministry official "emphasised that this is a precautionary measure aimed at supporting the stability of the oil market", according to the official Saudi Press Agency. Crude prices have come down over the past year as concerns about a possible recession caused by higher borrowing costs have offset supply worries sparked by sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. "The production cut, coming at a time of an uncertain global demand environment clearly shows OPEC was not happy with the movement in the oil price which had fallen over recent months," said National Australia Bank's Tapas Strickland. Analysts said the decision could deal a blow to markets, which had rallied in recent weeks on optimism that the recent banking sector turmoil could force the US Federal Reserve to end its rate hike drive sooner than expected. "For equity investors, this could be a rude awakening, as markets imply a Goldilocks outlook of reduced discount rates but no recession," said Lazard Ltd's Ronald Temple. "The OPEC+ production cut is another reminder that the inflation genie is not back in the bottle." Still, the mood on Asian trading floors was upbeat, with most markets tracking a strong rally on Wall Street in response to news that US and eurozone price rises had slowed further. The PCE Price Index, the Fed's preferred measure of inflation, slowed to an annual rate of 5.0 percent in February from 5.3 percent in January. Meanwhile, eurozone prices rose 6.9 percent in March, well down from 8.5 percent in February, beating expectations as energy prices eased. In early trade, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Manila and Jakarta all rose, though Hong Kong dipped after last week's rally. Seoul and Wellington also slipped. Tokyo rose despite the Bank of Japan's closely watched Tankan survey showing confidence among the country's largest manufacturers falling to its lowest level in more than two years. However, US futures dipped as Treasury yields climbed on bets of further monetary tightening by the Fed. Key figures around 0230 GMT West Texas Intermediate: UP 5.6 percent at $79.91 per barrel Brent North Sea crude: UP 5.5 percent at $84.26 per barrel Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.4 percent at 28,149.89 (break) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.3 percent at 20,348.41 Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.2 percent at 3,278.61 Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0806 from $1.0846 on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2297 from $1.2331 Euro/pound: DOWN at 87.87 pence from 87.93 pence Dollar/yen: UP at 133.02 yen from 132.82 yen New York - Dow: UP 1.3 percent at 33,274.15 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 7,631.74 (close) 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.

Oil prices soar as producers unveil shock output cut

Finland's prime minister Sanna Marin, who conceded defeat in the election, hailed Social Democratic Party (SDP) improvement in both her party's vote share and its projected number of MPs as she addressed supporters and said that "it's a really good achievement, even though I didn't finish first today".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukraine said that it is still "holding" Bakhmut after Wagner claimed its "legal capture".&nbsp;

Also, read a report on the Marburg virus as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged all travellers going to Guinea and Tanzania to take prevention to avoid catching the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read the full report:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-election-sanna-marin-suffers-defeat-national-coalition-party-claims-victory-578394">Finland election: Sanna Marin concedes defeat, right-wing National Coalition Party claims victory</a> 
Finland's prime minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in the election as right-wing opposition National Coalition Party leader Petteri Orpo on Sunday (April 2) claimed victory in the parliamentary election.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/03/342756-finland.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-still-holding-bakhmut-after-wagner-claims-its-legal-capture-578399">Ukraine says still 'holding' Bakhmut after Wagner claims its 'legal capture'</a> 
The Ukrainian army on Sunday stated that they are still "holding" the embattled city of Bakhmut, which Wagner mercenary group, fighting on behalf of Russia, claimed to have captured "in a legal sense" by occupying the city's administration building.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/03/342760-untitled-design-2023-04-03t083653104.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/mcdonalds-shuts-offices-in-us-temporarily-prepares-for-layoffs-report-578401">McDonald’s shuts offices in US temporarily, prepares for layoffs: Report</a> 
US burger chain McDonald’s is temporarily closing off its offices earlier this week in the US and preparing to lay off its employees, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper has reported.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/st-petersburg-cafe-blast-kills-popular-russian-military-blogger-vladlen-tatarsky-578361">St Petersburg cafe blast kills popular Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky</a> 
A blast in a cafe in St Petersburg killed well-known Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported. They added that the blast was caused by an explosive device.

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WATCH | Marburg virus: US health body warns travellers to observe symptoms for 21 days 
Marburg virus, which is similar as Ebola, has been spreading in parts of Africa. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged all travellers going to Guinea and Tanzania to take prevention to avoid catching the deadly virus.&nbsp;

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Finland's prime minister Sanna Marin, who conceded defeat in the election, hailed Social Democratic Party (SDP) improvement in both her party's vote share and its projected number of MPs as she addressed supporters and said that "it's a really good achievement, even though I didn't finish first today".

Finland's prime minister Sanna Marin, who conceded defeat in the election, hailed Social Democratic Party (SDP) improvement in both her party's vote share and its projected number of MPs as she addressed supporters and said that "it's a really good achievement, even though I didn't finish first today". Meanwhile, Ukraine said that it is still "holding" Bakhmut after Wagner claimed its "legal capture". Also, read a report on the Marburg virus as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged all travellers going to Guinea and Tanzania to take prevention to avoid catching the deadly virus. Click on headlines to read the full report: Finland election: Sanna Marin concedes defeat, right-wing National Coalition Party claims victory Finland's prime minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in the election as right-wing opposition National Coalition Party leader Petteri Orpo on Sunday (April 2) claimed victory in the parliamentary election. Ukraine says still 'holding' Bakhmut after Wagner claims its 'legal capture' The Ukrainian army on Sunday stated that they are still "holding" the embattled city of Bakhmut, which Wagner mercenary group, fighting on behalf of Russia, claimed to have captured "in a legal sense" by occupying the city's administration building. McDonald’s shuts offices in US temporarily, prepares for layoffs: Report US burger chain McDonald’s is temporarily closing off its offices earlier this week in the US and preparing to lay off its employees, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper has reported. St Petersburg cafe blast kills popular Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky A blast in a cafe in St Petersburg killed well-known Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported. They added that the blast was caused by an explosive device. WATCH | Marburg virus: US health body warns travellers to observe symptoms for 21 days Marburg virus, which is similar as Ebola, has been spreading in parts of Africa. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged all travellers going to Guinea and Tanzania to take prevention to avoid catching the deadly virus. ×

Morning news brief: Finland election result, Wagner claims 'legal capture' of Bakhmut, and more

Finland's prime minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in the election as right-wing opposition National Coalition Party leader Petteri Orpo on Sunday (April 2) claimed victory in the parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Orpo's party looked set to get the most seats in parliament, 48 out of 200 in total, with almost all votes counted on Sunday. Justice ministry election data showed his party will also get 20.5 per cent support among votes cast.&nbsp;

Marin hailed Social Democratic Party (SDP) improvement in both her party's vote share and its projected number of MPs as she addressed supporters and said that "it's a really good achievement, even though I didn't finish first today".&nbsp;

Marin, who in 2019 became the world's youngest premier at 34, also congratulated the election winners during her concession speech. &nbsp;

In a speech to the party workers and followers, Orpo said that "we got the biggest mandate" and mentioned that the party would now be leading the coalition talks. Meanwhile, Finns leader Riikka Purra called it an "an excellent result".&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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While speaking during the Associated Press at NCP's victory event, Orpo also mentioned the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and reiterated the stand of Finland—a nation that is vying to become a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member.&nbsp;

Orpo said, "First to Ukraine: we stand by you, with you. We cannot accept this terrible war. And we will do all that is needed to help Ukraine, Ukrainian people because they fight for us. This is clear. And the message to [Russian president Vladimir] Putin is: go away from Ukraine because you will lose."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Finland's prime minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in the election as right-wing opposition National Coalition Party leader Petteri Orpo on Sunday (April 2) claimed victory in the parliamentary election.

Finland's prime minister Sanna Marin has conceded defeat in the election as right-wing opposition National Coalition Party leader Petteri Orpo on Sunday (April 2) claimed victory in the parliamentary election. Orpo's party looked set to get the most seats in parliament, 48 out of 200 in total, with almost all votes counted on Sunday. Justice ministry election data showed his party will also get 20.5 per cent support among votes cast. Marin hailed Social Democratic Party (SDP) improvement in both her party's vote share and its projected number of MPs as she addressed supporters and said that "it's a really good achievement, even though I didn't finish first today". Marin, who in 2019 became the world's youngest premier at 34, also congratulated the election winners during her concession speech. In a speech to the party workers and followers, Orpo said that "we got the biggest mandate" and mentioned that the party would now be leading the coalition talks. Meanwhile, Finns leader Riikka Purra called it an "an excellent result". Watch this report: × While speaking during the Associated Press at NCP's victory event, Orpo also mentioned the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and reiterated the stand of Finland—a nation that is vying to become a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member. Orpo said, "First to Ukraine: we stand by you, with you. We cannot accept this terrible war. And we will do all that is needed to help Ukraine, Ukrainian people because they fight for us. This is clear. And the message to [Russian president Vladimir] Putin is: go away from Ukraine because you will lose." (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.

Finland election: Sanna Marin concedes defeat, right-wing National Coalition Party claims victory

In a landmark decision, the Malaysian parliament on Monday (April 3) approved legal reforms to remove the mandatory death penalty. In the sweeping legal reforms that were passed, the parliament also cut down the number of offences punishable by death and abolished natural-life prison sentences.&nbsp;

The amendments that were passed will now provide alternatives to the death penalty including whipping and imprisonment of between 30 to 40 years, news agency Reuters reported. All previous provisions that call for imprisonment for the duration of the offender’s natural life will be replaced.&nbsp;

The country has had a moratorium on executions since 2018.&nbsp;

The agency report also mentioned that life imprisonment sentences, which were defined by Malaysian law as a fixed term of 30 years, will be retained.&nbsp;

Deputy law minister Ramkarpal Singh said capital punishment was an irreversible punishment that had not been an effective deterrent for crime.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-and-malaysia-dump-dollar-to-settle-trade-in-indian-rupee-578485">India and Malaysia dump dollar, to settle trade in Indian rupee</a>

"The death penalty has not brought the results it was intended to bring," he said while wrapping up the parliamentary debates on the bill.&nbsp;

The Malaysian move to scrap death penalty comes amid an increase in the use of capital punishment by other Southeast Asian countries. Last year, Singapore executed&nbsp;11 individuals&nbsp;for drug offences. In India's neighbourhood, the&nbsp;military-ruled Myanmar carried out its first death sentence in decades against four anti-military activists.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Death penalty for taking bribes? All about China’s capital crimes

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The current amendments passed apply to 34 offences currently punishable by death, including murder and drug trafficking.

More than 1,300 people are facing the death penalty or imprisonment for natural life in Malaysia. They included all&nbsp;those who have exhausted all other legal appeals. Such individuals in Malaysia can seek a sentencing review under the new rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a landmark decision, the Malaysian parliament on Monday (April 3) approved legal reforms to remove the mandatory death penalty. In the sweeping legal reforms that were passed, the parliament also cut down the number of offences punishable by death and abolished natural-life prison sentences.

In a landmark decision, the Malaysian parliament on Monday (April 3) approved legal reforms to remove the mandatory death penalty. In the sweeping legal reforms that were passed, the parliament also cut down the number of offences punishable by death and abolished natural-life prison sentences. The amendments that were passed will now provide alternatives to the death penalty including whipping and imprisonment of between 30 to 40 years, news agency Reuters reported. All previous provisions that call for imprisonment for the duration of the offender’s natural life will be replaced. The country has had a moratorium on executions since 2018. The agency report also mentioned that life imprisonment sentences, which were defined by Malaysian law as a fixed term of 30 years, will be retained. Deputy law minister Ramkarpal Singh said capital punishment was an irreversible punishment that had not been an effective deterrent for crime. ALSO READ | India and Malaysia dump dollar, to settle trade in Indian rupee "The death penalty has not brought the results it was intended to bring," he said while wrapping up the parliamentary debates on the bill. The Malaysian move to scrap death penalty comes amid an increase in the use of capital punishment by other Southeast Asian countries. Last year, Singapore executed 11 individuals for drug offences. In India's neighbourhood, the military-ruled Myanmar carried out its first death sentence in decades against four anti-military activists. ALSO WATCH | Death penalty for taking bribes? All about China’s capital crimes × The current amendments passed apply to 34 offences currently punishable by death, including murder and drug trafficking. More than 1,300 people are facing the death penalty or imprisonment for natural life in Malaysia. They included all those who have exhausted all other legal appeals. Such individuals in Malaysia can seek a sentencing review under the new rules. (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.

In a landmark decision, Malaysia scraps mandatory death penalty, natural-life prison terms

Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar issued a warning to the Khalistan backers as he said that India was not a country that would put up with its national flag being pulled down by somebody; it was "very responsible" along with being "very firm".&nbsp;

Jaishankar referred to the incident last month in London where a group of protesters waved separatist Khalistani flags and chanted pro-Khalistani slogans. Media reports claimed that they were also seen pulling down the tricolour and flying atop the Indian High Commission.&nbsp;

The external affairs minister noted that an even bigger flag was immediately put up on the building to make a statement to the Khalistanis and the British.&nbsp;

As quoted by news agencies, Jaishankar said: "You have seen in the last few days some incidents in London, something in Canada, a little bit in Australia and San Francisco... This is not an India which will accept its national flag being pulled down by somebody."&nbsp;

The foreign minister was speaking at an interactive session as he further said: "The first thing our High Commissioner did when it happened: he got an even bigger flag and he put it right up there on that building."&nbsp;

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Chad 😎 Jaishankar clear message to Canada, UK and Australia 
 
This is Not the India which will tolerate its National Flag pull down or embassy or embassy staff attacked. 
It is your responsibility to provide Safety. If you fail than be ready for reactions<a href="https://t.co/r7pfa0lazz">pic.twitter.com/r7pfa0lazz</a>
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeghUpdates/status/1642583484760727552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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He stated that "it was not only a statement to those so-called Khalistanis. It was also a statement to the British, saying this is my flag and I will make it even bigger if somebody tries to disrespect it".&nbsp;

He added, "there is today a different India, an India which is very responsible, but also very firm".&nbsp;

India registered its strong protest with the British government over the safety of its diplomatic mission in the aftermath of the incident in London. New Delhi also questioned the lack of sufficient security on the premises.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar issued a warning to the Khalistan backers as he said that India was not a country that would put up with its national flag being pulled down by somebody; it was "very responsible" along with being "very firm".

Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar issued a warning to the Khalistan backers as he said that India was not a country that would put up with its national flag being pulled down by somebody; it was "very responsible" along with being "very firm". Jaishankar referred to the incident last month in London where a group of protesters waved separatist Khalistani flags and chanted pro-Khalistani slogans. Media reports claimed that they were also seen pulling down the tricolour and flying atop the Indian High Commission. The external affairs minister noted that an even bigger flag was immediately put up on the building to make a statement to the Khalistanis and the British. As quoted by news agencies, Jaishankar said: "You have seen in the last few days some incidents in London, something in Canada, a little bit in Australia and San Francisco... This is not an India which will accept its national flag being pulled down by somebody." The foreign minister was speaking at an interactive session as he further said: "The first thing our High Commissioner did when it happened: he got an even bigger flag and he put it right up there on that building." Chad 😎 Jaishankar clear message to Canada, UK and Australia This is Not the India which will tolerate its National Flag pull down or embassy or embassy staff attacked. It is your responsibility to provide Safety. If you fail than be ready for reactionspic.twitter.com/r7pfa0lazz — Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 2, 2023 × He stated that "it was not only a statement to those so-called Khalistanis. It was also a statement to the British, saying this is my flag and I will make it even bigger if somebody tries to disrespect it". He added, "there is today a different India, an India which is very responsible, but also very firm". India registered its strong protest with the British government over the safety of its diplomatic mission in the aftermath of the incident in London. New Delhi also questioned the lack of sufficient security on the premises. (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.

Jaishankar warns Khalistan supporters, says India won't accept its national flag being pulled down

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci on Monday pleaded not guilty to charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity at a trial in a special court in The Hague, where protesters rallied outside in support of the leader formerly feted by the West.

The 10 charges of persecution, murder, torture and forced disappearance of people stem from the 1998-99 insurgency that eventually brought independence from Serbia and made him a hero among many compatriots.

Thaci and three co-defendants, all principle leaders of the KLA guerrilla Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and later in peacetime politics, all pleaded not guilty shortly after hearings got underway.

"I understand the indictment and I am fully not guilty," Thaci, 54, said in court. Dressed in a dark pinstripe suit, he looked pale and grayer after two years in detention.

More than 13,000 people, the majority of them members of Kosovo's 90% ethnic Albanian majority, are believed to have died during the insurgency, when it was still a province of Serbia under then-strongman president Slobodan Milosevic.

The trial, conducted by international judges and prosecutors, began with opening statements by the prosecution followed by defence lawyers and a representative of Kosovo's war Victims Council over the ensuing three days.

In the Hague, protesters carried banners bearing Thaci's image. Another protest in Kosovo on Sunday attracted thousands of supporters.

Thaci resigned as president shortly after his indictment in 2020 and was transferred to detention in The Hague.

The defendants targeted political opponents, ethnic Serbs and Roma, during and just after the conflict, prosecutor Alex Whiting said in an opening statement. Prosecutors said there were hundreds of detainees held across Kosovo in terrible conditions and over 100 were murdered. Most victims were Kosovo Albanians.

"Why the crimes were committed? The evidence will show to gain power," Whiting said.

The four defendants are charged with participating in a "joint criminal enterprise ... that carried out widespread or systematic attacks" on KLA opponents.

TRIAL COULD LAST YEARS

The trial is likely to be lengthy as prosecutors said they would need two years to present their evidence.

During his time as a KLA leader and a prominent politician, Thaci worked closely with many Western leaders. Joe Biden, when he was U.S. vice president, called him "the George Washington of Kosovo" and Thaci was en route to a meeting at Donald Trump's White House when his indictment was announced.

The trial began two weeks after the world's permanent war crimes tribunal, the International Criminal Court (ICC), also based in the Hague, issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, for the alleged crime of deporting Ukrainian children.

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers, seated in the Netherlands and staffed by international judges and lawyers, was set up in 2015 to handle cases under Kosovo law against ex-KLA guerrillas.

Many Kosovars believe that the tribunal is biased against the KLA and interested in denigrating its record in paving the way to liberation of the ethnic-Albanian majority region from repressive Serbian rule.

The court was created separately from the U.N. tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), also held in the Hague, which tried and convicted mainly Serbian officials for war crimes in the Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo conflicts.

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Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci on Monday pleaded not guilty to charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity at a trial in a special court in The Hague, where protesters rallied outside in support of the leader formerly feted by the West.

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci on Monday pleaded not guilty to charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity at a trial in a special court in The Hague, where protesters rallied outside in support of the leader formerly feted by the West. The 10 charges of persecution, murder, torture and forced disappearance of people stem from the 1998-99 insurgency that eventually brought independence from Serbia and made him a hero among many compatriots. Thaci and three co-defendants, all principle leaders of the KLA guerrilla Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and later in peacetime politics, all pleaded not guilty shortly after hearings got underway. "I understand the indictment and I am fully not guilty," Thaci, 54, said in court. Dressed in a dark pinstripe suit, he looked pale and grayer after two years in detention. More than 13,000 people, the majority of them members of Kosovo's 90% ethnic Albanian majority, are believed to have died during the insurgency, when it was still a province of Serbia under then-strongman president Slobodan Milosevic. The trial, conducted by international judges and prosecutors, began with opening statements by the prosecution followed by defence lawyers and a representative of Kosovo's war Victims Council over the ensuing three days. In the Hague, protesters carried banners bearing Thaci's image. Another protest in Kosovo on Sunday attracted thousands of supporters. Thaci resigned as president shortly after his indictment in 2020 and was transferred to detention in The Hague. The defendants targeted political opponents, ethnic Serbs and Roma, during and just after the conflict, prosecutor Alex Whiting said in an opening statement. Prosecutors said there were hundreds of detainees held across Kosovo in terrible conditions and over 100 were murdered. Most victims were Kosovo Albanians. "Why the crimes were committed? The evidence will show to gain power," Whiting said. The four defendants are charged with participating in a "joint criminal enterprise ... that carried out widespread or systematic attacks" on KLA opponents. TRIAL COULD LAST YEARS The trial is likely to be lengthy as prosecutors said they would need two years to present their evidence. During his time as a KLA leader and a prominent politician, Thaci worked closely with many Western leaders. Joe Biden, when he was U.S. vice president, called him "the George Washington of Kosovo" and Thaci was en route to a meeting at Donald Trump's White House when his indictment was announced. The trial began two weeks after the world's permanent war crimes tribunal, the International Criminal Court (ICC), also based in the Hague, issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, for the alleged crime of deporting Ukrainian children. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers, seated in the Netherlands and staffed by international judges and lawyers, was set up in 2015 to handle cases under Kosovo law against ex-KLA guerrillas. Many Kosovars believe that the tribunal is biased against the KLA and interested in denigrating its record in paving the way to liberation of the ethnic-Albanian majority region from repressive Serbian rule. The court was created separately from the U.N. tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), also held in the Hague, which tried and convicted mainly Serbian officials for war crimes in the Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo conflicts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Kosovo president Hashim Thaci pleads not guilty to war crimes

Vice Admiral Suraj Berry on Sunday took over as the new Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy, a news agency reported citing an official document.

The official statement said that Berry was commissioned on January 1, 1987, and is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. His Sea commands include the missile vessel INS Nirbhik, missile corvette INS Karmuk, stealth frigate INS Talwar, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya of which he was the commissioning Commanding Officer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The statement further added that his Staff and Operational appointments include those as the Operations Officer of the Mobile Missile Coastal Battery, Fleet Gunnery Officer of the Western Fleet, Defence Adviser to the Indian High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and Maldives, Director at the Directorate of Staff Requirements and Naval Assistant to the Chief of Naval Staff and Principal Director Strategy, Concepts and Transformation at the Naval Headquarters.&nbsp;

In 2006, Berry received the Vishisht Seva Medal (Meritorious Service Medal) for services during the Tsunami Relief operations in Sri Lanka/Maldives and the Nau Sena Medal (Navy Medal) in 2015 for devotion to duty.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Vice Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Naval Staff on Saturday and on assumption, he paid homage to the Bravehearts at the National War Memorial and reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi.

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VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Naval Staff <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VCNS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VCNS</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/01Apr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#01Apr</a> 23. On assumption he paid homage to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bravehearts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bravehearts</a> at the National War Memorial &amp; reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi. 
<a href="https://t.co/pCYKdslSHJ">https://t.co/pCYKdslSHJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/M9NQuHY88R">pic.twitter.com/M9NQuHY88R</a>
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1642458527783612416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Vice Admiral Suraj Berry on Sunday took over as the new Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy, a news agency reported citing an official document. The official statement said that Berry was commissioned on January 1, 1987, and is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare.

Vice Admiral Suraj Berry on Sunday took over as the new Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy, a news agency reported citing an official document. The official statement said that Berry was commissioned on January 1, 1987, and is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. His Sea commands include the missile vessel INS Nirbhik, missile corvette INS Karmuk, stealth frigate INS Talwar, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya of which he was the commissioning Commanding Officer. The statement further added that his Staff and Operational appointments include those as the Operations Officer of the Mobile Missile Coastal Battery, Fleet Gunnery Officer of the Western Fleet, Defence Adviser to the Indian High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and Maldives, Director at the Directorate of Staff Requirements and Naval Assistant to the Chief of Naval Staff and Principal Director Strategy, Concepts and Transformation at the Naval Headquarters. In 2006, Berry received the Vishisht Seva Medal (Meritorious Service Medal) for services during the Tsunami Relief operations in Sri Lanka/Maldives and the Nau Sena Medal (Navy Medal) in 2015 for devotion to duty. Meanwhile, Vice Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Naval Staff on Saturday and on assumption, he paid homage to the Bravehearts at the National War Memorial and reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi. VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Naval Staff #VCNS on #01Apr 23. On assumption he paid homage to the #bravehearts at the National War Memorial & reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi. https://t.co/pCYKdslSHJ pic.twitter.com/M9NQuHY88R — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 2, 2023 × (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.

Vice admiral Suraj Berry takes charge as new Chief of Personnel of Indian Navy

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