<p>New research has found that multidrug-resistant organisms could be passed on to hospitalised owners from even their healthy pets, and vice-versa, The Guardian reported. The research is to be presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology &amp; Infectious Diseases in Copenhagen, Denmark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Carolin Hackmann, from Charité University Hospital Berlin, Germany, and colleagues conducted the study of over 2,800 hospitalised patients and their companion animals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study was aimed at finding out whether or not pets are responsible for the infection of hospital patients with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, bacteria that resist treatment with more than one antibiotic are called MDROs. The multidrug-resistant organisms are found mainly in hospitals and long-term care facilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers used genetic sequencing to identify the species of bacteria in each sample and the presence of drug-resistant genes. They found that 30 per cent of hospital patients tested positive for MDROs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that the rate of dog ownership was 11 per cent and cat ownership 9 per cent in those who tested MDRO-positive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the report SciTechDaily, Dr Hackmann said, "Our findings verify that the sharing of multidrug-resistant organisms between companion animals and their owners is possible".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, we identified only a handful of cases suggesting that neither cat nor dog ownership is an important risk factor for multidrug-resistant organism colonization in hospital patients," said Dr Hackmann.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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New research has found that multidrug-resistant organisms could be passed on to hospitalised owners from even their healthy pets, and vice-versa, The Guardian reported.

New research has found that multidrug-resistant organisms could be passed on to hospitalised owners from even their healthy pets, and vice-versa, The Guardian reported. The research is to be presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases in Copenhagen, Denmark. Dr Carolin Hackmann, from Charité University Hospital Berlin, Germany, and colleagues conducted the study of over 2,800 hospitalised patients and their companion animals. The study was aimed at finding out whether or not pets are responsible for the infection of hospital patients with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). For the unversed, bacteria that resist treatment with more than one antibiotic are called MDROs. The multidrug-resistant organisms are found mainly in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The researchers used genetic sequencing to identify the species of bacteria in each sample and the presence of drug-resistant genes. They found that 30 per cent of hospital patients tested positive for MDROs. The report mentioned that the rate of dog ownership was 11 per cent and cat ownership 9 per cent in those who tested MDRO-positive. As quoted by the report SciTechDaily, Dr Hackmann said, "Our findings verify that the sharing of multidrug-resistant organisms between companion animals and their owners is possible". "However, we identified only a handful of cases suggesting that neither cat nor dog ownership is an important risk factor for multidrug-resistant organism colonization in hospital patients," said Dr Hackmann. 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.

Healthy pets could be passing on multidrug-resistant organisms to owners: Study

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<p>A decree by Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is a Taliban leader, ordered Afghan officials on Saturday to sack&nbsp;relatives they have hired for government positions and also advised them to not hire family members in future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akhundzada is the head of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the announcement is seen as the hardline Islamist regime's aim at targeting nepotism in the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A statement tweeted by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan read: "The leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan ... give a verbal directive to the officials of the Emirate institutions to dismiss their children from work."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-govt-mulling-to-legal-options-to-declare-imran-khans-pti-party-a-banned-outfit-573563">Pakistan govt mulling legal options to declare Imran Khan’s PTI party a banned outfit</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As cited by media reports, the Afghan Islamic Press, which is based in Pakistan's Peshawar, reported that the decision came after allegations were made that inexperienced people were hired apparently based on their personal connections.</p>

<p>The UPI reported that the Taliban Office of Administrative Affairs said that the concerned people have been assigned to the job of giving notice to anyone who is related to them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Police file terror charges against Imran Khan&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Parents urge Taliban to reopen schools for girls&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Khaama Press reported that parents and students in Afghanistan urged the Taliban to reopen the secondary schools for girls, which have been closed for the last 544 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, the parents of students expressed concern for their children's future and urged the authorities to allow their daughters to return to school.&nbsp;</p>

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A decree by Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is a Taliban leader, ordered Afghan officials on Saturday to sack relatives they have hired for government positions and also advised them to not hire family members in future.

A decree by Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is a Taliban leader, ordered Afghan officials on Saturday to sack relatives they have hired for government positions and also advised them to not hire family members in future. Akhundzada is the head of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the announcement is seen as the hardline Islamist regime's aim at targeting nepotism in the government. A statement tweeted by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan read: "The leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan ... give a verbal directive to the officials of the Emirate institutions to dismiss their children from work." ALSO READ | Pakistan govt mulling legal options to declare Imran Khan’s PTI party a banned outfit As cited by media reports, the Afghan Islamic Press, which is based in Pakistan's Peshawar, reported that the decision came after allegations were made that inexperienced people were hired apparently based on their personal connections. The UPI reported that the Taliban Office of Administrative Affairs said that the concerned people have been assigned to the job of giving notice to anyone who is related to them. WATCH | Pakistan: Police file terror charges against Imran Khan × Parents urge Taliban to reopen schools for girls Meanwhile, Khaama Press reported that parents and students in Afghanistan urged the Taliban to reopen the secondary schools for girls, which have been closed for the last 544 days. On Saturday, the parents of students expressed concern for their children's future and urged the authorities to allow their daughters to return to school. 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 to target nepotism? Leader asks officials to sack relatives given government jobs

<p>Pakistan's <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-ex-pm-toshakhana-case-live-updates-imran-khan-pti-leaders-booked-on-terror-charges-for-vandalism-in-islamabad-573601">former prime minister Imran Khan</a></strong> has promised to take legal action against the security officials who were involved in a raid on his residence in Lahore. Khan also slammed the brutal beating of his party workers during the search operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dozens of party workers were arrested when over 10,000 Punjab police officers launched a major operation at his Zaman Park residence. Media reports mentioned that the police seized weapons and petrol bombs from Khan's house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former prime minister was in Islamabad to mark his presence at a court on Saturday and before he returned, his supporters took control of his residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-govt-mulling-to-legal-options-to-declare-imran-khans-pti-party-a-banned-outfit-573563">Pakistan govt mulling legal options to declare Imran Khan’s PTI party a banned outfit</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The reports mentioned that the Punjab police used heavy machinery to break into Khan's residence and his wife—Bushra Bibi—was present in the house at that time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman said that he would take legal action against the violation and also claimed that police raided his house without a search warrant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>He claimed in a series of tweets: "The assault on my house today was first of all a contempt of court. We had agreed that an SP with one of our people would implement a search warrant because we knew otherwise they would plant stuff on their own, which they did."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also questioned the authorities as to what legal authority they had to break down the fence, cut down trees, and enter the residence. &nbsp;He claimed worse was that when he left to appear before the Islamabad court, police searched his home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan said: "Bushra bibi, a totally private non-political person, was alone in the house. This is a total violation of the Islamic principle of sanctity of chadar &amp; char diwari [veil and walls]."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has promised to take legal action against the security officials who were involved in a raid on his residence in Lahore.

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan has promised to take legal action against the security officials who were involved in a raid on his residence in Lahore. Khan also slammed the brutal beating of his party workers during the search operation. Dozens of party workers were arrested when over 10,000 Punjab police officers launched a major operation at his Zaman Park residence. Media reports mentioned that the police seized weapons and petrol bombs from Khan's house. The former prime minister was in Islamabad to mark his presence at a court on Saturday and before he returned, his supporters took control of his residence. ALSO READ | Pakistan govt mulling legal options to declare Imran Khan’s PTI party a banned outfit The reports mentioned that the Punjab police used heavy machinery to break into Khan's residence and his wife—Bushra Bibi—was present in the house at that time. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman said that he would take legal action against the violation and also claimed that police raided his house without a search warrant. Watch this report: × He claimed in a series of tweets: "The assault on my house today was first of all a contempt of court. We had agreed that an SP with one of our people would implement a search warrant because we knew otherwise they would plant stuff on their own, which they did." He also questioned the authorities as to what legal authority they had to break down the fence, cut down trees, and enter the residence. He claimed worse was that when he left to appear before the Islamabad court, police searched his home. Khan said: "Bushra bibi, a totally private non-political person, was alone in the house. This is a total violation of the Islamic principle of sanctity of chadar & char diwari [veil and walls]." (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.

Imran Khan vows legal action against security officials involved in raid on his Lahore residence

<p>President Vladimir Putin discussed Mariupol's reconstruction plans and spoke to the residents as he made a surprise visit to the Russian-occupied city in Ukraine. His visit came a day after being accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). It was Putin's first trip to the city since the conflict began last year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
After the surprise visit to the embattled port city over the weekend, the Kremlin said Sunday that President Vladimir Putin's trip to Mariupol in Ukraine was "spontaneous".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Footage of his critical visit was released by the Russian authorities. As reported by news agencies, the video showed Putin landing at Mariupol airport in a helicopter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was also seen driving a car around the city and speaking to residents who looked absolutely stunned by his visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-conduct-joint-air-drills-573592">US, South Korea conduct joint air drills with fighter jets, bombers</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Putin was also seen sitting in the driver's seat along with Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and was reportedly talking about reconstruction plans for Mariupol, which has been ravaged by the ongoing war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by news agencies, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "It was all very spontaneous." Peskov noted that Putin's movements around the city or his meeting with local residents were not planned.</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Ukraine slams the visit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine reacted sharply to Putin's surprise trip and&nbsp;the defence ministry said Sunday that the visit to the port city took place during the night "as befits a thief". Mariupol fell under Russian control last year after battle for months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry said on Twitter: "As befits a thief, Putin visited Ukrainian Mariupol, under the cover of night. First, it is safer. Also, darkness allows him to highlight what he wants to show, and keeps the city his army completely destroyed and its few surviving inhabitants away from prying eyes."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As befits a thief, putin visited Ukrainian Mariupol, under the cover of night.<br />
First, it is safer.<br />
Also, darkness allows him to highlight what he wants to show, and keeps the city his army completely destroyed and its few surviving inhabitants away from prying eyes.</p>
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1637417207415046146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em><br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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President Vladimir Putin discussed Mariupol's reconstruction plans and spoke to the residents as he made a surprise visit to the Russian-occupied city in Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin discussed Mariupol's reconstruction plans and spoke to the residents as he made a surprise visit to the Russian-occupied city in Ukraine. His visit came a day after being accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). It was Putin's first trip to the city since the conflict began last year. After the surprise visit to the embattled port city over the weekend, the Kremlin said Sunday that President Vladimir Putin's trip to Mariupol in Ukraine was "spontaneous". Footage of his critical visit was released by the Russian authorities. As reported by news agencies, the video showed Putin landing at Mariupol airport in a helicopter. He was also seen driving a car around the city and speaking to residents who looked absolutely stunned by his visit. ALSO READ | US, South Korea conduct joint air drills with fighter jets, bombers Putin was also seen sitting in the driver's seat along with Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and was reportedly talking about reconstruction plans for Mariupol, which has been ravaged by the ongoing war. As quoted by news agencies, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "It was all very spontaneous." Peskov noted that Putin's movements around the city or his meeting with local residents were not planned. Watch this report: × Ukraine slams the visit Ukraine reacted sharply to Putin's surprise trip and the defence ministry said Sunday that the visit to the port city took place during the night "as befits a thief". Mariupol fell under Russian control last year after battle for months. The ministry said on Twitter: "As befits a thief, Putin visited Ukrainian Mariupol, under the cover of night. First, it is safer. Also, darkness allows him to highlight what he wants to show, and keeps the city his army completely destroyed and its few surviving inhabitants away from prying eyes." As befits a thief, putin visited Ukrainian Mariupol, under the cover of night. First, it is safer. Also, darkness allows him to highlight what he wants to show, and keeps the city his army completely destroyed and its few surviving inhabitants away from prying eyes. — Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 19, 2023 × Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (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: Putin discusses Mariupol reconstruction plans during surprise visit

<p>Indian economic and banking systems are strong and won't be affected by the turmoil currently rocking global markets, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday during a conclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Amidst a global crisis, today India's economic system is strong, the banking system is strong. This is the power of our institutions," Modi said at an India Today gathering.</p>

<p>His comments were made amid global economic turmoil after the recent collapse of two American banks—Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-fumio-kishida-in-india-focus-on-indo-pacific-bodhi-tree-visit-and-strengthening-partnership-573524">Japanese PM Fumio Kishida in India: Focus on Indo-Pacific, Bodhi Tree visit and strengthening partnership</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The authorities have rescued lenders on the edge but the collapse caused a sharp decline in banking stocks worldwide and also led to massive concerns over the global financial system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a veiled reference to the ongoing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s intense attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his criticism during a lecture in a UK university, PM Modi further said that the success of India's democracy and its institutions is hurting some people and that is why they are attacking it.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;S Jaishankar says 'Situation stands fragile' on India-China relationship&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The Indian prime minister also hailed the strength of the country's various institutions. He said that this strength has led to increasing participation of people in elections, the successful conduct of many polls during COVID-19, a strong economy and banking system amid a global crisis, and the administration of more than 220 crore vaccine doses against the coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the conclave, he said, "Whatever India is achieving today, it is due to the power of our democracy, the power of our institutions. It seems to me that this success is hurting some people and that is why they are attacking our democracy and institutions."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Indian economic and banking systems are strong and won't be affected by the turmoil currently rocking global markets, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday during a conclave.

Indian economic and banking systems are strong and won't be affected by the turmoil currently rocking global markets, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday during a conclave. "Amidst a global crisis, today India's economic system is strong, the banking system is strong. This is the power of our institutions," Modi said at an India Today gathering. His comments were made amid global economic turmoil after the recent collapse of two American banks—Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank. ALSO READ | Japanese PM Fumio Kishida in India: Focus on Indo-Pacific, Bodhi Tree visit and strengthening partnership The authorities have rescued lenders on the edge but the collapse caused a sharp decline in banking stocks worldwide and also led to massive concerns over the global financial system. In a veiled reference to the ongoing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s intense attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his criticism during a lecture in a UK university, PM Modi further said that the success of India's democracy and its institutions is hurting some people and that is why they are attacking it. WATCH | S Jaishankar says 'Situation stands fragile' on India-China relationship × The Indian prime minister also hailed the strength of the country's various institutions. He said that this strength has led to increasing participation of people in elections, the successful conduct of many polls during COVID-19, a strong economy and banking system amid a global crisis, and the administration of more than 220 crore vaccine doses against the coronavirus. During the conclave, he said, "Whatever India is achieving today, it is due to the power of our democracy, the power of our institutions. It seems to me that this success is hurting some people and that is why they are attacking our democracy and institutions." (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.

Amid global economic turmoil, PM Modi says India’s economic and banking systems are strong

<p>Ali Ramzi al-Aswad, a commander in the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad was allegedly "assassinated" in Syria on Sunday (March 19), news agency The Associated Press reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad group, said that the 31-year-old al-Aswad was killed in the Damascus countryside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group referred to Israel pinning blame as it said that the Palestinian militant group commander died in a "cowardly assassination with bullets bearing the fingerprints of the Zionist enemy."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the alleged assassination was neither confirmed nor denied by Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The West refers to the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine as Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and also perceives it as threat. PIJ was reportedly formed in 1981.</p>

<p>The Islamic Jihad said in a statement that al-Aswad joined the organisation as a young man when his family had settled in the refugee camps in Syria after they had been displaced from the city of Haifa in 1948, the AP report mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past few years, Israel carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of Syria. Last month, reports claimed that Syrian officials said that at least five people were killed in airstrikes on residential areas in Damascus. The Syrian officials blamed Israel for the strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by AP, an Islamic Jihad official warned Israel in a statement that there would be "a decisive response without delay to any assassination attempt (on) the leaders of the resistance."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ali Ramzi al-Aswad, a commander in the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad was allegedly "assassinated" in Syria on Sunday (March 19), news agency The Associated Press reported.

Ali Ramzi al-Aswad, a commander in the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad was allegedly "assassinated" in Syria on Sunday (March 19), news agency The Associated Press reported. In a statement, the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad group, said that the 31-year-old al-Aswad was killed in the Damascus countryside. The group referred to Israel pinning blame as it said that the Palestinian militant group commander died in a "cowardly assassination with bullets bearing the fingerprints of the Zionist enemy." However, the alleged assassination was neither confirmed nor denied by Israel. The West refers to the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine as Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and also perceives it as threat. PIJ was reportedly formed in 1981. The Islamic Jihad said in a statement that al-Aswad joined the organisation as a young man when his family had settled in the refugee camps in Syria after they had been displaced from the city of Haifa in 1948, the AP report mentioned. In the past few years, Israel carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of Syria. Last month, reports claimed that Syrian officials said that at least five people were killed in airstrikes on residential areas in Damascus. The Syrian officials blamed Israel for the strikes. As quoted by AP, an Islamic Jihad official warned Israel in a statement that there would be "a decisive response without delay to any assassination attempt (on) the leaders of the resistance." (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.

Palestinian militant group claims senior commander assassinated in Syria: Report

<p>The foreign ministers of Ukraine and China Thursday (March 16) apparently discussed the importance and significance of the territorial integrity of the war-torn nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that during his call with China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang earlier in the day, they discussed the "significance of the principle of territorial integrity".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing again mentioned the idea of the so-called peace plan it floated last month as the foreign minister urged Kyiv and Moscow to restart peace talks "as soon as possible".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-send-ukraine-four-mig-29-fighter-jets-becomes-first-nato-nation-to-do-so-572727">Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>During the telephone conversation, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told his Ukrainian counterpart that China "hopes that all parties will keep calm, exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible and return to the track of political settlement". It was the first official talks between them since the Chinese foreign minister took office in December.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qin said, "China is concerned that the crisis could escalate and get out of control. China hopes that Ukraine and Russia retain hope for dialogue and negotiation."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;War in Ukraine divides Republicans&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>China has been criticised by Western countries for failing to condemn Moscow's invasion of its European neighbour, and last month strongly denied US claims that it was mulling arms shipments to support Russia's war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The foreign ministers of Ukraine and China Thursday (March 16) apparently discussed the importance and significance of the territorial integrity of the war-torn nation.

The foreign ministers of Ukraine and China Thursday (March 16) apparently discussed the importance and significance of the territorial integrity of the war-torn nation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that during his call with China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang earlier in the day, they discussed the "significance of the principle of territorial integrity". Beijing again mentioned the idea of the so-called peace plan it floated last month as the foreign minister urged Kyiv and Moscow to restart peace talks "as soon as possible". ALSO READ | Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so During the telephone conversation, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told his Ukrainian counterpart that China "hopes that all parties will keep calm, exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible and return to the track of political settlement". It was the first official talks between them since the Chinese foreign minister took office in December. Qin said, "China is concerned that the crisis could escalate and get out of control. China hopes that Ukraine and Russia retain hope for dialogue and negotiation." WATCH | War in Ukraine divides Republicans × China has been criticised by Western countries for failing to condemn Moscow's invasion of its European neighbour, and last month strongly denied US claims that it was mulling arms shipments to support Russia's war. Beijing recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations. (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.

China urges Ukraine and Russia to restart peace talks 'as soon as possible'

<p>Thousands of Greek workers walked off the job on Thursday and rallied in central Athens to protest neglected safety standards they say had led to the deadliest train crash in the country's history.</p>

<p>Flights to and from Greece were grounded, ships remained docked at ports, and public services and state schools were closed as workers joined the 24-hour strike called by Greece's largest labour unions, GSEE and ADEDY.</p>

<p>The walkout is the latest in a series of protests since the head-on collision last month of a passenger train carrying more than 350 people, most of them university students, with a freight train near the city of Larissa in the central Greek region of Tempi. The crash killed 57.</p>

<p>Protesters accuse the conservative government and the country's political system of ignoring repeated calls by unions over deficient safety measures.</p>

<p>"It was not human error, it was crime," read a banner held by protesters rallying outside parliament in Athens. "Our dead, your profits," read another one.</p>

<p>Clashes broke out when a group of protesters broke off the rally and hurled petrol bombs at police officers, who responded with teargas.</p>

<p>More than 25,000 people rallied in central Athens, according to police estimates, and protests were also held in other Greek cities.</p>

<p>Last week, tens of thousands rallied in the capital and other cities in the largest street demonstrations the government has faced since being elected in 2019.</p>

<p><strong>DELAY, APOLOGY AND PROMISES TO FIX</strong></p>

<p>The train crash has stirred up public outrage against consecutive governments over the last decade that has delayed a plan to install safety systems across the country's 2,500-km (1,550-mile) rail network.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, whose term ends in July, has apologised over the crash, and promised to hire more staff and to fix the rail sector with support from the European Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has also acknowledged under-investment and neglect - a legacy of Greece's decade-long debt crisis - and ordered a judicial inquiry, but it has blamed the crash mainly on human error.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Four railway workers have been detained and accused of disrupting public transport leading to deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rail workers have staged rolling strikes, and demanded the government revamps the sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will not allow a lack of transparency, a cover-up, a renunciation of responsibilities and any delays to lead to oblivion," private sector union GSEE said in a statement.</p>

<p>Passenger and freight services, halted since March 1 for safety checks, are expected to resume gradually from next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Urban transport was also disrupted on Thursday as metro staff held work stoppages and taxi drivers joined the walkout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, people laid flowers and candles at the Athens central train station, and carried placards bearing the slogans of the protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Message me when you get there," read one carried by a student marching to parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Measures should have been taken a long time ago and (they should not be) waiting for an accident to happen to take them," 33-year old taxi driver Theodoros Dokos said. "Whatever the measures are, they do not appease the pain of the people."&nbsp;</p>

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Thousands of Greek workers walked off the job on Thursday and rallied in central Athens to protest neglected safety standards they say had led to the deadliest train crash in the country's history.

Thousands of Greek workers walked off the job on Thursday and rallied in central Athens to protest neglected safety standards they say had led to the deadliest train crash in the country's history. Flights to and from Greece were grounded, ships remained docked at ports, and public services and state schools were closed as workers joined the 24-hour strike called by Greece's largest labour unions, GSEE and ADEDY. The walkout is the latest in a series of protests since the head-on collision last month of a passenger train carrying more than 350 people, most of them university students, with a freight train near the city of Larissa in the central Greek region of Tempi. The crash killed 57. Protesters accuse the conservative government and the country's political system of ignoring repeated calls by unions over deficient safety measures. "It was not human error, it was crime," read a banner held by protesters rallying outside parliament in Athens. "Our dead, your profits," read another one. Clashes broke out when a group of protesters broke off the rally and hurled petrol bombs at police officers, who responded with teargas. More than 25,000 people rallied in central Athens, according to police estimates, and protests were also held in other Greek cities. Last week, tens of thousands rallied in the capital and other cities in the largest street demonstrations the government has faced since being elected in 2019. DELAY, APOLOGY AND PROMISES TO FIX The train crash has stirred up public outrage against consecutive governments over the last decade that has delayed a plan to install safety systems across the country's 2,500-km (1,550-mile) rail network. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, whose term ends in July, has apologised over the crash, and promised to hire more staff and to fix the rail sector with support from the European Union. The government has also acknowledged under-investment and neglect - a legacy of Greece's decade-long debt crisis - and ordered a judicial inquiry, but it has blamed the crash mainly on human error. Four railway workers have been detained and accused of disrupting public transport leading to deaths. Rail workers have staged rolling strikes, and demanded the government revamps the sector. "We will not allow a lack of transparency, a cover-up, a renunciation of responsibilities and any delays to lead to oblivion," private sector union GSEE said in a statement. Passenger and freight services, halted since March 1 for safety checks, are expected to resume gradually from next week. Urban transport was also disrupted on Thursday as metro staff held work stoppages and taxi drivers joined the walkout. Meanwhile, people laid flowers and candles at the Athens central train station, and carried placards bearing the slogans of the protests. "Message me when you get there," read one carried by a student marching to parliament. "Measures should have been taken a long time ago and (they should not be) waiting for an accident to happen to take them," 33-year old taxi driver Theodoros Dokos said. "Whatever the measures are, they do not appease the pain of the people." 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.

Striking Greeks protest over deadly train crash

<p>The European Command of the United States military on Thursday (March 16), released the footage of the critical encounter which happened between an American surveillance drone and Russian fighter jet&nbsp;over the Black Sea earlier this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called&nbsp;it a "reckless" incident.&nbsp;US Air Force General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, said: "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video released by the Pentagon, the Russian military jet can be seen coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-faceoffs-here-are-the-worst-confrontations-between-two-top-global-powers-in-recent-times-572548">Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in a sequential order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia has denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A ministry statement said that the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Wednesday: "There is a pattern of behaviour recently where there is a little bit more aggressive actions being conducted by the Russians."&nbsp;</p>

<p>General Milley further added that it was unclear whether the Russian pilots had intended to strike the drone. But the incident was seen as the first direct encounter between the world's leading nuclear powers since the Ukraine war began last year in February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the release of the footage, the White House said that it refuted Moscow's version of events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters: "It absolutely just decimates the Russian lie about what they said happened or what they said didn't happen. It's pretty darn obvious when you look at that video that (the) fighter jet hit our drone."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The European Command of the United States military on Thursday (March 16), released the footage of the critical encounter which happened between an American surveillance drone and Russian fighter jet over the Black Sea earlier this week.

The European Command of the United States military on Thursday (March 16), released the footage of the critical encounter which happened between an American surveillance drone and Russian fighter jet over the Black Sea earlier this week. The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called it a "reckless" incident. US Air Force General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, said: "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9." In the video released by the Pentagon, the Russian military jet can be seen coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept. ALSO READ | Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in a sequential order. Meanwhile, Russia has denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea. A ministry statement said that the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone." WATCH the video here: × General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Wednesday: "There is a pattern of behaviour recently where there is a little bit more aggressive actions being conducted by the Russians." General Milley further added that it was unclear whether the Russian pilots had intended to strike the drone. But the incident was seen as the first direct encounter between the world's leading nuclear powers since the Ukraine war began last year in February. After the release of the footage, the White House said that it refuted Moscow's version of events. White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters: "It absolutely just decimates the Russian lie about what they said happened or what they said didn't happen. It's pretty darn obvious when you look at that video that (the) fighter jet hit our drone." (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.

WATCH | Pentagon releases video of moment when Russian fighter jet hit US drone over Black Sea

<p>Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday (March 16) said that Warsaw is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days amid the ongoing war. With this announcement, Poland becomes the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country to do so after Ukraine's persistent requests of supplying warplanes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duda said that Poland has around a dozen of MIGs that it got in the 90s when the aircraft were handed down from the German Democratic Republic. He mentioned that the jets are functional and play a part in the defence of the nation's airspace. He agreed that the fighter jets are at the end of their operational life but insisted that they are "still functional."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-faceoffs-here-are-the-worst-confrontations-between-two-top-global-powers-in-recent-times-572548">Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Duda told a news conference: "Firstly, literally within the next few days, we will hand over, as far as I remember, four aircraft to Ukraine in full working order. The rest are being prepared, serviced."&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In the coming days we will hand over four planes to the Ukraine, the remaining machines are being serviced and prepared for handover. We will replace them with deliveries of South Korean FA-50s and American F-35s,” the Polish president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pentagon releases 40-second declassified video of Russian jet crashing into US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Duda said that Poland had roughly 10-20 MiG 29 jets. The ones transferred to war-torn Ukraine will be replaced at home with South Korean FA-50 planes bought by Poland, followed by American F-35s. Poland has also sent 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak had also said that the nation wanted to transfer MiG-29 planes to Ukraine "within the framework of a larger coalition of countries". On being quizzed about the nations in this coalition, Blaszczak mentioned Slovakia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he noted that "of course, we are open to others," and added that "we absolutely want to conduct our activity within the framework of a coalition."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday (March 16) said that Warsaw is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days amid the ongoing war.

Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday (March 16) said that Warsaw is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days amid the ongoing war. With this announcement, Poland becomes the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country to do so after Ukraine's persistent requests of supplying warplanes. Duda said that Poland has around a dozen of MIGs that it got in the 90s when the aircraft were handed down from the German Democratic Republic. He mentioned that the jets are functional and play a part in the defence of the nation's airspace. He agreed that the fighter jets are at the end of their operational life but insisted that they are "still functional." ALSO READ | Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs Duda told a news conference: "Firstly, literally within the next few days, we will hand over, as far as I remember, four aircraft to Ukraine in full working order. The rest are being prepared, serviced." “In the coming days we will hand over four planes to the Ukraine, the remaining machines are being serviced and prepared for handover. We will replace them with deliveries of South Korean FA-50s and American F-35s,” the Polish president said. WATCH | Pentagon releases 40-second declassified video of Russian jet crashing into US drone × Duda said that Poland had roughly 10-20 MiG 29 jets. The ones transferred to war-torn Ukraine will be replaced at home with South Korean FA-50 planes bought by Poland, followed by American F-35s. Poland has also sent 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak had also said that the nation wanted to transfer MiG-29 planes to Ukraine "within the framework of a larger coalition of countries". On being quizzed about the nations in this coalition, Blaszczak mentioned Slovakia. However, he noted that "of course, we are open to others," and added that "we absolutely want to conduct our activity within the framework of a coalition." (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.

Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so

<p>Several reports have highlighted that marriage rates in South Korea have been declining. A recent Bloomberg report mentioned that marriages in the nation fell to a new record low last year. The report noted that the data showed that the fertility rate in the country saw a decline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to data released by the national statistics office on Thursday, South Korea's crude marriage rate, which is the number of marriages per 1,000 people, slid to 3.7 from 3.8 in 2021. About 191,700 marriages took place in 2022, down 0.4% from a year earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts have noted that there is reluctance among South Koreans about marriage, which is alarming as it may lead to a further decline in&nbsp;fertility rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marriage is closely associated with fertility in Korea and it is quite rare to see births outside marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Here's America's 'Plan B' for Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Last month, a Reuters report mentioned a boost in relationship reality TV shows, and their impact on the country's interest in romance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters stated that there are a large number of shows matchmaking young singles. However, it also mentioned the growth in acceptance of non-traditional relationships that don't revolve around marriage and starting a family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Living Together without Marriage", for example, focuses on couples who have chosen not to tie the knot, and "His Man" is one of two shows featuring LGBTQ people. Other shows throw the spotlight on divorced people searching for love again.</p>

<p>The recent report suggests that from high costs of housing to the difficulties of raising a child, there are several reasons behind Koreans' reluctance to marry.&nbsp;</p>

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Several reports have highlighted that marriage rates in South Korea have been declining. A recent Bloomberg report mentioned that marriages in the nation fell to a new record low last year.

Several reports have highlighted that marriage rates in South Korea have been declining. A recent Bloomberg report mentioned that marriages in the nation fell to a new record low last year. The report noted that the data showed that the fertility rate in the country saw a decline. According to data released by the national statistics office on Thursday, South Korea's crude marriage rate, which is the number of marriages per 1,000 people, slid to 3.7 from 3.8 in 2021. About 191,700 marriages took place in 2022, down 0.4% from a year earlier. Experts have noted that there is reluctance among South Koreans about marriage, which is alarming as it may lead to a further decline in fertility rate. Marriage is closely associated with fertility in Korea and it is quite rare to see births outside marriage. WATCH | Gravitas: Here's America's 'Plan B' for Ukraine × Last month, a Reuters report mentioned a boost in relationship reality TV shows, and their impact on the country's interest in romance. Reuters stated that there are a large number of shows matchmaking young singles. However, it also mentioned the growth in acceptance of non-traditional relationships that don't revolve around marriage and starting a family. "Living Together without Marriage", for example, focuses on couples who have chosen not to tie the knot, and "His Man" is one of two shows featuring LGBTQ people. Other shows throw the spotlight on divorced people searching for love again. The recent report suggests that from high costs of housing to the difficulties of raising a child, there are several reasons behind Koreans' reluctance to marry. 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 Korean marriages fell to a new record low last year

Israeli protesters paint 'red line' leading to Supreme Court - see pics

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