<p>India reported 3,303 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the total number of cases to 4,30,68,799 cases with 16,980 active cases, as per the data released from the Union health ministry. In the last 24 hours, the active covid-19 caseload has grown by 701 cases.</p>

<p>The death toll has risen to 5,23,693 cases with 39 more deaths according to the data updated by the ministry this morning at 8 am. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 0.66 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.61 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-three-arrested-for-trafficking-arms-for-terrorists-474521">Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists</a></strong></p>

<p>The number of persons who have recovered from the sickness has risen to 4,25,28,126 with a case fatality rate of 1.22 per cent, according to the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, more than 188.40 crore doses of covid vaccine have been administered across the country as part of the state-wide vaccination programme.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India slams UNSC 'reform' backed by the West</strong></p>

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<p>Kerala has 36 new deaths, with one each from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Out of the total 5,23,693 deaths reported in the country so far, 1,47,838 people in Maharashtra, 68,952 in Kerala, 26,170 in Delhi, 23,506 in Uttar Pradesh, and 21,201 in West Bengal. Telangana registered 49 new covid cases on Wednesday, bring the total number of cases in the state to reach 7,91,906.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-ensure-healthy-eating-india-may-make-food-labelling-mandatory-474505">To ensure healthy eating, India may make food labelling mandatory</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the ministry, more than 70 per cent deaths have been caused by comorbidities.</p>

<p>The ministry said on its website, "Our data are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” and figures from states are being verified and reconciled.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India reported 3,303 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the total number of cases to 4,30,68,799 cases with 16,980 active cases, as per the data released from the Union health ministry.

India reported 3,303 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the total number of cases to 4,30,68,799 cases with 16,980 active cases, as per the data released from the Union health ministry. In the last 24 hours, the active covid-19 caseload has grown by 701 cases. The death toll has risen to 5,23,693 cases with 39 more deaths according to the data updated by the ministry this morning at 8 am. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 0.66 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.61 per cent. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists The number of persons who have recovered from the sickness has risen to 4,25,28,126 with a case fatality rate of 1.22 per cent, according to the report. So far, more than 188.40 crore doses of covid vaccine have been administered across the country as part of the state-wide vaccination programme. Watch | Gravitas: India slams UNSC 'reform' backed by the West Kerala has 36 new deaths, with one each from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Out of the total 5,23,693 deaths reported in the country so far, 1,47,838 people in Maharashtra, 68,952 in Kerala, 26,170 in Delhi, 23,506 in Uttar Pradesh, and 21,201 in West Bengal. Telangana registered 49 new covid cases on Wednesday, bring the total number of cases in the state to reach 7,91,906. Also read | To ensure healthy eating, India may make food labelling mandatory As per the ministry, more than 70 per cent deaths have been caused by comorbidities. The ministry said on its website, "Our data are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” and figures from states are being verified and reconciled. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records more than 3,000 new cases and 39 deaths

<p>An autopsy-based study was undertaken by Indian researchers to understand and analyse the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in people who lost their lives to the deadly virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several other studies have also found signs of the subclinical impact of Covid across the body. From cardiovascular to pulmonary and renal function, the impact&nbsp;is seen with uncertain long-term effects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study aimed at understanding to what extent the organs like lungs, kidneys, heart, etc were damaged and understanding the pathophysiology of the disease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later correlating with the histopathological and virological findings with the antemortem clinical and biochemical determinants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study titled "Clinical, Virological, and Pathological Profile of Patients Who Died of COVID-19: An Autopsy-Based Study From India" was published in March 2022 in Cureus Journal of Medical Science.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-coronavirus-pandemic-contributed-to-the-risk-of-drug-overdose-474156">How coronavirus pandemic contributed to the risk of drug overdose</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the results, it has been established that in 90.4 per cent of cases, the presence of viral RNA was observed in all the organs including the liver (57.1%) and kidney (66.6%).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our team took the lead to carry out the first autopsy-based study in India. Until then, ICMR and the ministry of health were advising not to carry out autopsies on Covid-19 patients," former AIIMS-Bhopal director Dr Sarman Singh was quoted by Times Of India as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The important finding is that the virus goes to almost all the organs, besides the lungs and liver," added Dr Singh, who is currently at IISER Bhopal and is an adjunct professor (biological sciences).&nbsp;</p>

<p>To carry out the study, a complete autopsy was performed on 21 cases including 15 males and six females who had succumbed to COVID-19 infection. All the patients had been admitted for the treatment of the deadly disease.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed</strong></p>

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<p>The age of the patients ranged from 25-84 years and of these patients, 20 (95.2%) had presented with comorbidities at the time of hospital admission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study further added that five cases (23.8%) had presented with single comorbidity whereas 15 cases (71.4%) had presented with multiple comorbidities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study also found that "no correlation between the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score recorded clinically and lung histopathology was observed; nor was there any correlation between blood urea-creatinine levels and kidney histopathology."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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An autopsy-based study was undertaken by Indian researchers to understand and analyse the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in people who lost their lives to the deadly virus.

An autopsy-based study was undertaken by Indian researchers to understand and analyse the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in people who lost their lives to the deadly virus. Several other studies have also found signs of the subclinical impact of Covid across the body. From cardiovascular to pulmonary and renal function, the impact is seen with uncertain long-term effects. The study aimed at understanding to what extent the organs like lungs, kidneys, heart, etc were damaged and understanding the pathophysiology of the disease. Later correlating with the histopathological and virological findings with the antemortem clinical and biochemical determinants. The study titled "Clinical, Virological, and Pathological Profile of Patients Who Died of COVID-19: An Autopsy-Based Study From India" was published in March 2022 in Cureus Journal of Medical Science. ALSO READ | How coronavirus pandemic contributed to the risk of drug overdose As per the results, it has been established that in 90.4 per cent of cases, the presence of viral RNA was observed in all the organs including the liver (57.1%) and kidney (66.6%). "Our team took the lead to carry out the first autopsy-based study in India. Until then, ICMR and the ministry of health were advising not to carry out autopsies on Covid-19 patients," former AIIMS-Bhopal director Dr Sarman Singh was quoted by Times Of India as saying. "The important finding is that the virus goes to almost all the organs, besides the lungs and liver," added Dr Singh, who is currently at IISER Bhopal and is an adjunct professor (biological sciences). To carry out the study, a complete autopsy was performed on 21 cases including 15 males and six females who had succumbed to COVID-19 infection. All the patients had been admitted for the treatment of the deadly disease. WATCH | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed × ALSO READ | Covid pandemic increased antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections: Study The age of the patients ranged from 25-84 years and of these patients, 20 (95.2%) had presented with comorbidities at the time of hospital admission. The study further added that five cases (23.8%) had presented with single comorbidity whereas 15 cases (71.4%) had presented with multiple comorbidities. The study also found that "no correlation between the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score recorded clinically and lung histopathology was observed; nor was there any correlation between blood urea-creatinine levels and kidney histopathology." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Autopsy-based Indian study reveals deadly coronavirus 'goes to almost all the organs'

<p>A high-level delegation of US officials visited the Solomon Islands for talks with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and as per reports, they are convinced "only a handful of people in a very small circle" have seen the final version of its new security deal with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The delegation arrived in the Pacific nation last Friday and three days after that, Beijing announced the deal had been signed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Concerns have been raised by the United States and its allies after China said it signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humans-extract-enough-sand-every-year-to-build-a-wall-27-metres-wide-around-the-earth-un-474038">Humans extract enough sand every year to build a wall 27 metres wide around the Earth: UN</a></strong></p>

<p>The move prompted questions, what will happen next? As it is said that the apparently controversial pact would significantly extend China's military reach in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Significantly, a draft version of the pact leaked on social media in March. It led to lobbying by US and Australia, who are considered longtime Solomons' allies. For a long time, the allies have feared an expansion of Chinese military reach in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being about the same, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink on Tuesday said: "I think it's clear that only a handful of people in a very small circle have seen this agreement."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-police-officer-risks-life-to-save-baby-stuck-at-burning-apartment-in-us-474056">Police officer risks life to save baby stuck at burning apartment in US</a></strong></p>

<p>Kritenbrink was quizzed about whether the delegation had asked to see the deal during talks with Sogavare. As reported by the AFP agency, he further added that it was a source of concern that Sogavare had stated publicly he would "only share the details with China's permission".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kritenbrink was critical of the "complete lack of transparency behind this agreement", saying other Pacific nations as well as "friends inside the Solomon Islands" were similarly concerned the deal had been inked behind closed doors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What precisely are the motivations behind the agreement? What exactly are China's objectives?" Kritenbrink asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think they are completely unclear, because this agreement has not been scrutinised, or viewed, or subject to any kind of consultation or approval process by anyone else," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;PM Sogavare told a visiting Japanese delegation on Tuesday (April 26) that he had no intention of allowing China to build military bases in his country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A high-level delegation of US officials visited the Solomon Islands for talks with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and as per reports, they are convinced "only a handful of people in a very small circle" have seen the final version of its new security deal with China.

A high-level delegation of US officials visited the Solomon Islands for talks with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and as per reports, they are convinced "only a handful of people in a very small circle" have seen the final version of its new security deal with China. The delegation arrived in the Pacific nation last Friday and three days after that, Beijing announced the deal had been signed. Concerns have been raised by the United States and its allies after China said it signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands earlier this month. ALSO READ | Humans extract enough sand every year to build a wall 27 metres wide around the Earth: UN The move prompted questions, what will happen next? As it is said that the apparently controversial pact would significantly extend China's military reach in the region. Significantly, a draft version of the pact leaked on social media in March. It led to lobbying by US and Australia, who are considered longtime Solomons' allies. For a long time, the allies have feared an expansion of Chinese military reach in the region. On being about the same, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink on Tuesday said: "I think it's clear that only a handful of people in a very small circle have seen this agreement." WATCH | Police officer risks life to save baby stuck at burning apartment in US Kritenbrink was quizzed about whether the delegation had asked to see the deal during talks with Sogavare. As reported by the AFP agency, he further added that it was a source of concern that Sogavare had stated publicly he would "only share the details with China's permission". Kritenbrink was critical of the "complete lack of transparency behind this agreement", saying other Pacific nations as well as "friends inside the Solomon Islands" were similarly concerned the deal had been inked behind closed doors. "What precisely are the motivations behind the agreement? What exactly are China's objectives?" Kritenbrink asked. "I think they are completely unclear, because this agreement has not been scrutinised, or viewed, or subject to any kind of consultation or approval process by anyone else," he added. Meanwhile, PM Sogavare told a visiting Japanese delegation on Tuesday (April 26) that he had no intention of allowing China to build military bases in his country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Only a handful of people' have seen China-Solomon Islands deal, says US

<p>A Myanmar junta court on Wednesday (April 27) found deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of corruption and sentenced her to five years in prison, news agencies reported citing a source familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On February 1, 2021, a coup d'état in Myanmar began when members of the ruling party National League for Democracy (NLD) were deposed by the military. Suu Kyi has been in military custody since the night of the coup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 76-year-old Nobel laureate is facing criminal cases that could apparently see her jailed for decades. In the latest case, she was accused of accepting a bribe of $600,000 cash and gold bars. Meanwhile, Suu Kyi had called the allegations "absurd" and denied all the charges. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/world-bank-agrees-to-provide-600-million-in-financial-assistance-to-sri-lanka-474087">World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka</a></strong></p>

<p>The source further added that the judge handed down the verdict within moments of the court convening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The source declined to be identified because the trial is being held behind closed doors, with information restricted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has been understood that the case centred on allegations that Suu Kyi accepted 11.4 kg of gold and cash payments from her protege-turned-accuser, former Yangon chief minister Phyo Min Thein.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have stated that Suu Kyi has been held in an undisclosed location, however, there's no confirmation whether she would be transferred to a prison.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea remains unvaccinated as it demands American jabs against COVID-19</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-unveils-new-golden-visa-policy-to-combat-economic-crisis-473959">Sri Lanka unveils new 'golden' visa policy to combat economic crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>The international community has been demanding the release of Suu Kyi ever since she, with some other politicians, was detained when the military seized control of the country and ousted the democratically elected government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;The military says Suu Kyi is on trial because she committed crimes and is being given due process by an independent judiciary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A Myanmar junta court on Wednesday (April 27) found deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of corruption and sentenced her to five years in prison, news agencies reported citing a source familiar with the matter.

A Myanmar junta court on Wednesday (April 27) found deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of corruption and sentenced her to five years in prison, news agencies reported citing a source familiar with the matter. On February 1, 2021, a coup d'état in Myanmar began when members of the ruling party National League for Democracy (NLD) were deposed by the military. Suu Kyi has been in military custody since the night of the coup. The 76-year-old Nobel laureate is facing criminal cases that could apparently see her jailed for decades. In the latest case, she was accused of accepting a bribe of $600,000 cash and gold bars. Meanwhile, Suu Kyi had called the allegations "absurd" and denied all the charges. ALSO READ | World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka The source further added that the judge handed down the verdict within moments of the court convening. The source declined to be identified because the trial is being held behind closed doors, with information restricted. It has been understood that the case centred on allegations that Suu Kyi accepted 11.4 kg of gold and cash payments from her protege-turned-accuser, former Yangon chief minister Phyo Min Thein. Reports have stated that Suu Kyi has been held in an undisclosed location, however, there's no confirmation whether she would be transferred to a prison. ALSO WATCH | North Korea remains unvaccinated as it demands American jabs against COVID-19 × ALSO READ | Sri Lanka unveils new 'golden' visa policy to combat economic crisis The international community has been demanding the release of Suu Kyi ever since she, with some other politicians, was detained when the military seized control of the country and ousted the democratically elected government. The military says Suu Kyi is on trial because she committed crimes and is being given due process by an independent judiciary. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Myanmar junta sentences Aung San Suu Kyi for five years in prison

<p>The unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) impacted the lives of people across the world. The deadly virus left millions dead and others grieving. People also suffered from long Covid that led to a range of ill impacts on the health of people people.</p>

<p>The pandemic disrupted the lives of people who use drugs in ways that hurt their mental health. According to a study, Covid changed behaviours of drug use, increasing the risk for overdose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US study 'Trends in Drug Overdose Deaths Among US Adolescents, January 2010 to June 2021', published this month in JAMA Network analysed drug use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It noted that the drug supply has increasingly become "contaminated with illicitly manufactured fentanyls and other synthetic opioid and benzodiazepine analogues".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-pandemic-increased-antibiotic-resistant-bacterial-infections-study-473991">Covid pandemic increased antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>"Adolescent drug use rates remained generally stable between 2010 and 2020, with 30.2% and 30.4%, respectively, of 10th-graders reporting any illicit drug use in the past 12 months, which declined to 18.7% of 10th-graders in 2021," the study noted, referring US-based data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Drug overdoses have soared during the Covid-19 pandemic, with US overdose deaths topping 100,000 during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, India-based news agency IANS reported, quoting a study published in the journal Addiction Science and Clinical Practice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per researchers, the pandemic and strategies for preventing the spread of the virus, such as stay-at-home orders, may have contributed to this increase in deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We know that there has been a tragic increase in overdose deaths during the pandemic. Our study provides insight into why and how there have been more overdose deaths," said Suzan Walters, research assistant professor at New York University's School of Global Public Health.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dangerous-superbugs-may-get-transmitted-from-pigs-to-humans-say-scientists-473502">Dangerous superbugs may get transmitted from pigs to humans, say scientists </a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed</strong></p>

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<p>The study mentioned that people who use drugs and live in rural areas may be impacted by changes brought on during the pandemic. The reason is many rural areas have higher rates of opioid and methamphetamine use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Between August 2020 and May 2021, the researchers conducted surveys with 50 individuals who use opioids (without a prescription) or inject drugs, and did in-depth interviews with a subset of 17 participants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Only 38 per cent of participants felt confident that they could maintain a stable income during the pandemic. Three-quarters of the survey respondents felt more anxious or on edge during the pandemic. More than half felt more depressed and nearly half felt lonelier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such issues lead to anxiety and depression, which is associated with increased substance use, which in turn can increase the risk for overdose.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) impacted the lives of people across the world. The deadly virus left millions dead and others grieving. People also suffered from long Covid that led to a range of ill impacts on the health of people people.

The unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) impacted the lives of people across the world. The deadly virus left millions dead and others grieving. People also suffered from long Covid that led to a range of ill impacts on the health of people people. The pandemic disrupted the lives of people who use drugs in ways that hurt their mental health. According to a study, Covid changed behaviours of drug use, increasing the risk for overdose. The US study 'Trends in Drug Overdose Deaths Among US Adolescents, January 2010 to June 2021', published this month in JAMA Network analysed drug use. It noted that the drug supply has increasingly become "contaminated with illicitly manufactured fentanyls and other synthetic opioid and benzodiazepine analogues". ALSO READ | Covid pandemic increased antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections: Study "Adolescent drug use rates remained generally stable between 2010 and 2020, with 30.2% and 30.4%, respectively, of 10th-graders reporting any illicit drug use in the past 12 months, which declined to 18.7% of 10th-graders in 2021," the study noted, referring US-based data. Drug overdoses have soared during the Covid-19 pandemic, with US overdose deaths topping 100,000 during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, India-based news agency IANS reported, quoting a study published in the journal Addiction Science and Clinical Practice. As per researchers, the pandemic and strategies for preventing the spread of the virus, such as stay-at-home orders, may have contributed to this increase in deaths. "We know that there has been a tragic increase in overdose deaths during the pandemic. Our study provides insight into why and how there have been more overdose deaths," said Suzan Walters, research assistant professor at New York University's School of Global Public Health. ALSO READ | Dangerous superbugs may get transmitted from pigs to humans, say scientists WATCH | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed × The study mentioned that people who use drugs and live in rural areas may be impacted by changes brought on during the pandemic. The reason is many rural areas have higher rates of opioid and methamphetamine use. Between August 2020 and May 2021, the researchers conducted surveys with 50 individuals who use opioids (without a prescription) or inject drugs, and did in-depth interviews with a subset of 17 participants. Only 38 per cent of participants felt confident that they could maintain a stable income during the pandemic. Three-quarters of the survey respondents felt more anxious or on edge during the pandemic. More than half felt more depressed and nearly half felt lonelier. Such issues lead to anxiety and depression, which is associated with increased substance use, which in turn can increase the risk for overdose. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × (With inputs from agencies)

How coronavirus pandemic contributed to the risk of drug overdose

<p>Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday released a report alleging that top Trump administration officials awarded a $700 million pandemic relief loan to a struggling trucking company in 2020 over the objections of career officials at the Defense Department.</p>

<p>The report, released by the Democratic staff of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, describes the role of corporate lobbyists during the early months of the pandemic in helping to secure government funds as trillions of dollars of relief money were being pumped into the economy. It also suggests that senior officials such as Steven Mnuchin, the former Treasury secretary, and Mark Esper, the former defense secretary, intervened to ensure that the trucking company, Yellow Corp., received special treatment despite concerns about its eligibility to receive relief funds.</p>

<p>“Today’s select subcommittee staff report reveals yet another example of the Trump administration disregarding their obligation to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the chairman of the subcommittee, said in a statement. “Political appointees risked hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds against the recommendations of career DOD officials and in clear disregard of provisions of the CARES Act intended to protect national security and American taxpayers.”</p>

<p>The $2.2 trillion pandemic relief package Congress passed in 2020 included a $17 billion pot of money set up by Congress and controlled by the Treasury Department to assist companies that were considered critical to national security. In July 2020, the Treasury Department announced it was giving a $700 million loan to the trucking company YRC Worldwide, which has since changed its name to Yellow.</p>

<p>Lobbyists for Yellow had been in close touch with White House officials throughout the loan process and had discussed how the company employs teamsters as its drivers, according to the report.</p>

<p>Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, was a “key actor” coordinating with Yellow’s lobbyists, according to correspondences that the committee obtained. The report also noted that the White House’s political operation was “almost giddy” in its effort to assist with the application.</p>

<p>The loan raised immediate questions from watchdog groups because of the company’s close ties to the Trump administration and because it had faced years of financial and legal turmoil. The firm had lost more than $100 million in 2019 and was being sued by the Justice Department over claims that it had defrauded the federal government for a seven-year period. It recently agreed to pay $6.85 million to resolve allegations “that they knowingly presented false claims to the U.S. Department of Defense by systematically overcharging for freight carrier services and making false statements to hide their misconduct.”</p>

<p>To qualify for a national security loan, a company needed certification by the Defense Department.</p>

<p>According to the report, defense officials had recommended against certification because of the accusations that the company had overcharged the government. They also noted that the work that the company had been doing for the federal government — which included shipping meal kits, protective equipment and other supplies to military bases — could be replaced by other trucking firms.</p>

<p>But the day after a defense official notified a Treasury official that the company would not be certified, one of Mnuchin’s aides set up a telephone call between him and Esper.</p>

<p>Following the call, Esper certified that the company was critical to national security and a week later the approval of the loan was announced.</p>

<p>Mnuchin then sent an email to Meadows that included news reports praising the loan. He highlighted positive comments from James Hoffa, the longtime president of the Teamsters union, who according to documents in the report made a direct plea to President Donald Trump about the loan.</p>

<p>Mnuchin and Esper declined to comment.</p>

<p>At a congressional oversight hearing before leaving office in late 2020, Mnuchin said the loan was appropriate and necessary for saving jobs and maintaining trucking services to the Defense Department. Lawmakers from both parties, such as Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Pat Roberts, the Republican former senator from Kansas, had sent letters to Mnuchin urging him to consider the loan application.</p>

<p>Yellow had many connections to the Trump administration. The company had financial backing from Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm with close ties to administration officials. Trump had selected the company’s CEO, Darren Hawkins, to serve on a coronavirus economic task force. And he had nominated the company’s former CEO, William Zollars, to the U.S. Postal Service’s board of governors.</p>

<p>The report accuses Yellow of misrepresenting its business to help secure the loan. It claimed to provide a larger share of trucking services to the Defense Department than the department assessed. Communications included in the report also showed a company executive discussing using funds to catch up on capital investments when the relief money was supposed to be used for offsetting losses from the pandemic. The executive said the company had its “hand in the cookie jar.”</p>

<p>Along with the release of the report, Clyburn sent a letter to the Treasury Department’s inspector general asking for an investigation into whether Yellow had violated the False Claims Act.</p>

<p>A law firm representing Yellow sent a letter to Clyburn before the release of the report defending the company’s actions and describing many of the allegations as “baseless.” The letter noted that company had settled its dispute with the government last month.</p>

<p>The letter, which was written by Marc E. Kasowitz, who was previously Trump’s personal attorney, was provided to The New York Times by Heather Nauert, an adviser to Yellow who was previously a spokesperson for Mike Pompeo, Trump’s secretary of state.</p>


Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday released a report alleging that top Trump administration officials awarded a $700 million pandemic relief loan to a struggling trucking company in 2020 over the objections of career officials at the Defense Department.

Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday released a report alleging that top Trump administration officials awarded a $700 million pandemic relief loan to a struggling trucking company in 2020 over the objections of career officials at the Defense Department. The report, released by the Democratic staff of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, describes the role of corporate lobbyists during the early months of the pandemic in helping to secure government funds as trillions of dollars of relief money were being pumped into the economy. It also suggests that senior officials such as Steven Mnuchin, the former Treasury secretary, and Mark Esper, the former defense secretary, intervened to ensure that the trucking company, Yellow Corp., received special treatment despite concerns about its eligibility to receive relief funds. “Today’s select subcommittee staff report reveals yet another example of the Trump administration disregarding their obligation to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the chairman of the subcommittee, said in a statement. “Political appointees risked hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds against the recommendations of career DOD officials and in clear disregard of provisions of the CARES Act intended to protect national security and American taxpayers.” The $2.2 trillion pandemic relief package Congress passed in 2020 included a $17 billion pot of money set up by Congress and controlled by the Treasury Department to assist companies that were considered critical to national security. In July 2020, the Treasury Department announced it was giving a $700 million loan to the trucking company YRC Worldwide, which has since changed its name to Yellow. Lobbyists for Yellow had been in close touch with White House officials throughout the loan process and had discussed how the company employs teamsters as its drivers, according to the report. Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, was a “key actor” coordinating with Yellow’s lobbyists, according to correspondences that the committee obtained. The report also noted that the White House’s political operation was “almost giddy” in its effort to assist with the application. The loan raised immediate questions from watchdog groups because of the company’s close ties to the Trump administration and because it had faced years of financial and legal turmoil. The firm had lost more than $100 million in 2019 and was being sued by the Justice Department over claims that it had defrauded the federal government for a seven-year period. It recently agreed to pay $6.85 million to resolve allegations “that they knowingly presented false claims to the U.S. Department of Defense by systematically overcharging for freight carrier services and making false statements to hide their misconduct.” To qualify for a national security loan, a company needed certification by the Defense Department. According to the report, defense officials had recommended against certification because of the accusations that the company had overcharged the government. They also noted that the work that the company had been doing for the federal government — which included shipping meal kits, protective equipment and other supplies to military bases — could be replaced by other trucking firms. But the day after a defense official notified a Treasury official that the company would not be certified, one of Mnuchin’s aides set up a telephone call between him and Esper. Following the call, Esper certified that the company was critical to national security and a week later the approval of the loan was announced. Mnuchin then sent an email to Meadows that included news reports praising the loan. He highlighted positive comments from James Hoffa, the longtime president of the Teamsters union, who according to documents in the report made a direct plea to President Donald Trump about the loan. Mnuchin and Esper declined to comment. At a congressional oversight hearing before leaving office in late 2020, Mnuchin said the loan was appropriate and necessary for saving jobs and maintaining trucking services to the Defense Department. Lawmakers from both parties, such as Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Pat Roberts, the Republican former senator from Kansas, had sent letters to Mnuchin urging him to consider the loan application. Yellow had many connections to the Trump administration. The company had financial backing from Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm with close ties to administration officials. Trump had selected the company’s CEO, Darren Hawkins, to serve on a coronavirus economic task force. And he had nominated the company’s former CEO, William Zollars, to the U.S. Postal Service’s board of governors. The report accuses Yellow of misrepresenting its business to help secure the loan. It claimed to provide a larger share of trucking services to the Defense Department than the department assessed. Communications included in the report also showed a company executive discussing using funds to catch up on capital investments when the relief money was supposed to be used for offsetting losses from the pandemic. The executive said the company had its “hand in the cookie jar.” Along with the release of the report, Clyburn sent a letter to the Treasury Department’s inspector general asking for an investigation into whether Yellow had violated the False Claims Act. A law firm representing Yellow sent a letter to Clyburn before the release of the report defending the company’s actions and describing many of the allegations as “baseless.” The letter noted that company had settled its dispute with the government last month. The letter, which was written by Marc E. Kasowitz, who was previously Trump’s personal attorney, was provided to The New York Times by Heather Nauert, an adviser to Yellow who was previously a spokesperson for Mike Pompeo, Trump’s secretary of state.

Trump officials awarded $700 million pandemic loan despite objections

<p>Do you believe in aliens? Do you think life, not originated on Earth, may occur outside the blue planet? Well, some people do!&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now and then people have come up with outrageous theories related to their so-called encounter with extraterrestrial life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, a woman has claimed that she has seen several Unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and now she is too scared to leave the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a report by UK-based tabloid The Mirror, the 51-year-old Sacha Christie fears that she may be abducted... by the aliens.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/presence-of-alien-tech-on-earth-scientist-wants-to-probe-interstellar-object-lying-in-the-pacific-ocean-473699">Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean'</a></strong></p>

<p>As quoted by the website, Sacha said: "It's very hard to explain my encounters, as it's hard for me to believe what I've seen."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I've spent my whole life trying to think of other scenarios, of things that it could be, but the only conclusion is that it's other life forms and UFOs," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added that "looking at the sky, it scares me, as I don't know what I'm going to see next."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-shows-key-ingredients-needed-for-life-on-earth-may-have-arrived-from-outer-space-474239">Study shows key ingredients needed for life on earth may have arrived from outer space</a></strong></p>

<p>The report added that Christie is a stay-at-home mother from Liverpool, Merseyside. She has seen lights flying across the sky as she claims that those were UFOs. She even had a joint encounter with some friends while on holiday in Wales in 1997.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, she apparently suffers from PTSD due to her experiences. For the unversed, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is basically triggered by a terrifying event, either after experiencing it or witnessing it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | What’s special about these astronauts returning to earth from space?</strong></p>

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<p>She shared one of the experiences that she recently had. As stated by the media website, she was on holiday when she allegedly saw the UFO. She was with her ex-partner and son in the small town of Glyn Ceiriog.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>As quoted, she said: "I saw Steve outside looking at the sky, I ran out there to see what was wrong. He was pointing at these fluorescent lights in the sky that seemed to be getting bigger the closer they moved towards us."</p>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
<p>"As the clouds were so low, the shadows and shape of the UFO made it look like bright rippling jellyfish in the sky. It was fascinating. That's when something reached out of the hedge and touched Louie's foot. I really couldn't believe it; I was in shock</p>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
<p>"Louie had told me that something had touched his foot and I believed him, but I wanted to look at the lights more, to understand what was going on. I stood there for another minute or so, when I suddenly heard something running barefoot in the mud behind me.</p>

<p>"All of a sudden, it bumped into me as it ran past and my chest exploded. Before I even realised it was happening, I was running back to the house in a panic, in complete hysterical blindness, I couldn't see where I was going. I just knew I needed to run" — Sacha Christie said.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The claims are quite intriguing, but should we believe them?</p>

<p>What do you think about what she has to say?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Do you believe in aliens? Do you think life, not originated on Earth, may occur outside the blue planet? Well, some people do! Now and then people have come up with outrageous theories related to their so-called encounter with extraterrestrial life.

Do you believe in aliens? Do you think life, not originated on Earth, may occur outside the blue planet? Well, some people do! Now and then people have come up with outrageous theories related to their so-called encounter with extraterrestrial life. Recently, a woman has claimed that she has seen several Unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and now she is too scared to leave the house. As per a report by UK-based tabloid The Mirror, the 51-year-old Sacha Christie fears that she may be abducted... by the aliens. ALSO READ | Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean' As quoted by the website, Sacha said: "It's very hard to explain my encounters, as it's hard for me to believe what I've seen." "I've spent my whole life trying to think of other scenarios, of things that it could be, but the only conclusion is that it's other life forms and UFOs," she added. She added that "looking at the sky, it scares me, as I don't know what I'm going to see next." ALSO READ | Study shows key ingredients needed for life on earth may have arrived from outer space The report added that Christie is a stay-at-home mother from Liverpool, Merseyside. She has seen lights flying across the sky as she claims that those were UFOs. She even had a joint encounter with some friends while on holiday in Wales in 1997. Now, she apparently suffers from PTSD due to her experiences. For the unversed, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is basically triggered by a terrifying event, either after experiencing it or witnessing it. WATCH | What’s special about these astronauts returning to earth from space? × She shared one of the experiences that she recently had. As stated by the media website, she was on holiday when she allegedly saw the UFO. She was with her ex-partner and son in the small town of Glyn Ceiriog. As quoted, she said: "I saw Steve outside looking at the sky, I ran out there to see what was wrong. He was pointing at these fluorescent lights in the sky that seemed to be getting bigger the closer they moved towards us." "As the clouds were so low, the shadows and shape of the UFO made it look like bright rippling jellyfish in the sky. It was fascinating. That's when something reached out of the hedge and touched Louie's foot. I really couldn't believe it; I was in shock "Louie had told me that something had touched his foot and I believed him, but I wanted to look at the lights more, to understand what was going on. I stood there for another minute or so, when I suddenly heard something running barefoot in the mud behind me. "All of a sudden, it bumped into me as it ran past and my chest exploded. Before I even realised it was happening, I was running back to the house in a panic, in complete hysterical blindness, I couldn't see where I was going. I just knew I needed to run" — Sacha Christie said. The claims are quite intriguing, but should we believe them? What do you think about what she has to say? WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Sounds BIZARRE but this woman is seriously scared of aliens after 'nine UFO sightings'

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar&nbsp;on Wednesday (April 27) said that the country will engage with the world the way it wants instead of pleasing the world as a "pale imitation" of who they are.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar said: "It is better to engage with the world on the basis of who we are rather than try to please the world as a pale imitation of who they are."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The idea that others define us and we need approval is an era that we need to put behind us," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When we look at India at 75, we are not just looking at the 75 completed years, but 25 years ahead. What have we done, where have we faltered?" he said while talking about India at 75.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weighing in on the future of the country, Jaishankar said in the next 25 years, India should be at the next stage of globalisation, adding that the nation&nbsp;should be about capability building.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-says-covid-jabs-for-kids-a-priority-urges-caution-at-meet-with-cms-474290">Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Democracy is global today because of India, says EAM Jaishankar <a href="https://t.co/6xUx1iQ08H">pic.twitter.com/6xUx1iQ08H</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1519200866674176000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There was a time that in this part of the world we were the only democracy. We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field &amp; must be fixated on outcomes &amp; leveraging from international environment in coming years: EAM S Jaishankar on India's future course in next 25 yrs <a href="https://t.co/amvfTumUIk">pic.twitter.com/amvfTumUIk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1519208614678130689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Madagascar FM calls Indo Pacific legitimate vision; bats for peaceful military cooperation with India</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-becomes-latest-indian-state-to-make-wearing-masks-in-public-mandatory-amid-surge-in-covid-19-cases-474261">Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory amid surge in COVID-19 cases</a></strong></p>

<p>He said that there was a time when this part of the "world we were the only democracy". "We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field and must be fixated on outcomes and leveraging from the international environment in coming years", Jaishankar noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a gut sense that democracy is the future," he said that one difference that he can pick is that Indians have asserted to the world that they are a democracy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday (April 27) said that the country will engage with the world the way it wants instead of pleasing the world as a "pale imitation" of who they are.

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday (April 27) said that the country will engage with the world the way it wants instead of pleasing the world as a "pale imitation" of who they are. While speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar said: "It is better to engage with the world on the basis of who we are rather than try to please the world as a pale imitation of who they are." "The idea that others define us and we need approval is an era that we need to put behind us," he added. "When we look at India at 75, we are not just looking at the 75 completed years, but 25 years ahead. What have we done, where have we faltered?" he said while talking about India at 75. Weighing in on the future of the country, Jaishankar said in the next 25 years, India should be at the next stage of globalisation, adding that the nation should be about capability building. ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs Democracy is global today because of India, says EAM Jaishankar pic.twitter.com/6xUx1iQ08H — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 27, 2022 × There was a time that in this part of the world we were the only democracy. We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field & must be fixated on outcomes & leveraging from international environment in coming years: EAM S Jaishankar on India's future course in next 25 yrs pic.twitter.com/amvfTumUIk — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2022 × WATCH | Madagascar FM calls Indo Pacific legitimate vision; bats for peaceful military cooperation with India × ALSO READ | Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory amid surge in COVID-19 cases He said that there was a time when this part of the "world we were the only democracy". "We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field and must be fixated on outcomes and leveraging from the international environment in coming years", Jaishankar noted. "There is a gut sense that democracy is the future," he said that one difference that he can pick is that Indians have asserted to the world that they are a democracy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Jaishankar: Better to engage with world on own terms than try to please it

<p>The woman suicide bomber responsible for an attack that killed four people&nbsp; including three Chinese nationals near Karachi university on Tuesday (April 26) was a teacher who had enrolled for a master's degree at the Pakistani varsity, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday, quoting an official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least four people were killed, including three Chinese nationals, in the attack on a vehicle carrying staff from the Confucious Institute affiliated with the Karachi University.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) had taken responsibility for the blast. The group's spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement published in English on Telegram messaging app.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to the incident, China's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack. The ministry further demanded Pakistan punish the perpetrators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/possible-suicide-attack-in-pakistan-3-chinese-people-killed-473965">Baloch group claims Pak suicide blast carried out by woman that killed 3 Chinese</a></strong></p>

<p>BLA&nbsp;claimed that its main objective is complete independence for Balochistan. In the province, there has been insurgency for years against the alleged unfair exploitation of resources in the mineral-rich region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fact that Beijing is involved in huge infrastructure projects as part of its Belt and Road Initiative in Balochistan, there have been reports that separatists have attacked separatists regularly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CCTV footage of the attack broadcast by local channels showed a woman standing near the gate of a Confucius Institute as a minibus pulls up. When the vehicle gets to within a metre she turns her back on it and detonates a bomb strapped to her body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were having a meeting at the dean's office when we heard the deafening blast," said Naeema Saeed, a professor at the university's criminology department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It seemed that the roof was falling or the earth was torn. We all rushed outside. We looked around and saw smoke rising," Saeed added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-shehbaz-sharif-says-pakistan-cannot-afford-to-have-enmity-with-the-us-at-all-474250">PM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan 'cannot afford to have enmity with the US at all'</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The woman suicide bomber responsible for an attack that killed four people including three Chinese nationals near Karachi university on Tuesday (April 26) was a teacher who had enrolled for a master's degree at the Pakistani varsity, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday, quoting an official.

The woman suicide bomber responsible for an attack that killed four people including three Chinese nationals near Karachi university on Tuesday (April 26) was a teacher who had enrolled for a master's degree at the Pakistani varsity, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday, quoting an official. At least four people were killed, including three Chinese nationals, in the attack on a vehicle carrying staff from the Confucious Institute affiliated with the Karachi University. Later, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) had taken responsibility for the blast. The group's spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement published in English on Telegram messaging app. Responding to the incident, China's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack. The ministry further demanded Pakistan punish the perpetrators. ALSO READ | Baloch group claims Pak suicide blast carried out by woman that killed 3 Chinese BLA claimed that its main objective is complete independence for Balochistan. In the province, there has been insurgency for years against the alleged unfair exploitation of resources in the mineral-rich region. Fact that Beijing is involved in huge infrastructure projects as part of its Belt and Road Initiative in Balochistan, there have been reports that separatists have attacked separatists regularly. CCTV footage of the attack broadcast by local channels showed a woman standing near the gate of a Confucius Institute as a minibus pulls up. When the vehicle gets to within a metre she turns her back on it and detonates a bomb strapped to her body. "We were having a meeting at the dean's office when we heard the deafening blast," said Naeema Saeed, a professor at the university's criminology department. "It seemed that the roof was falling or the earth was torn. We all rushed outside. We looked around and saw smoke rising," Saeed added. ALSO READ | PM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan 'cannot afford to have enmity with the US at all' WATCH WION LIVE HERE × (With inputs from agencies)

Woman suicide bomber who killed 3 Chinese was a student at Karachi University

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is looking forward to mending ties with the friends and allies of the country including the United States, DAWN reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While responding to senior journalists during an Iftar dinner at Prime Minister House on Tuesday (April 26), Sharif said that "Pakistan cannot afford to have enmity with the US at all."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former PM Imran Khan claimed that a foreign-funded conspiracy apparently linked to the United States was the reason behind the ouster of his government from power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-gets-five-year-jail-term-for-corruption-474182">Myanmar junta sentences Aung San Suu Kyi for five years in prison</a></strong></p>

<p>Ever since assuming power, Sharif has reiterated that Islamabad needs to develop good ties with Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in recent days, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) staged several protests across the country against the United States for an alleged "foreign conspiracy".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although, Sharif has said that he will consider forming a judicial commission to probe the claims, however, the National Security Committee's statement dismisses any foreign conspiracy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former PM Khan was unseated from power after losing the no-confidence vote initiated by the Opposition in the National Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/world-bank-agrees-to-provide-600-million-in-financial-assistance-to-sri-lanka-474087">World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH | PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will take oath today</strong></p>

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<p>On Tuesday, Shahbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation. During the conversation, they discussed public health and social sector programmes supported by the foundation in Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pak PM office said in a statement that the prime minister highlighted that Pakistan deeply values its cooperation with the Gates foundation in polio eradication and improving immunisation, nutrition and financial inclusion services in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is looking forward to mending ties with the friends and allies of the country including the United States, DAWN reported. While responding to senior journalists during an Iftar dinner at Prime Minister House on Tuesday (April 26), Sharif said that "Pakistan cannot afford to have enmity with the US at all.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is looking forward to mending ties with the friends and allies of the country including the United States, DAWN reported. While responding to senior journalists during an Iftar dinner at Prime Minister House on Tuesday (April 26), Sharif said that "Pakistan cannot afford to have enmity with the US at all." Former PM Imran Khan claimed that a foreign-funded conspiracy apparently linked to the United States was the reason behind the ouster of his government from power. ALSO READ | Myanmar junta sentences Aung San Suu Kyi for five years in prison Ever since assuming power, Sharif has reiterated that Islamabad needs to develop good ties with Washington. Meanwhile, in recent days, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) staged several protests across the country against the United States for an alleged "foreign conspiracy". Although, Sharif has said that he will consider forming a judicial commission to probe the claims, however, the National Security Committee's statement dismisses any foreign conspiracy. Former PM Khan was unseated from power after losing the no-confidence vote initiated by the Opposition in the National Assembly. ALSO READ | World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka WATCH | PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will take oath today × On Tuesday, Shahbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. During the conversation, they discussed public health and social sector programmes supported by the foundation in Pakistan. The Pak PM office said in a statement that the prime minister highlighted that Pakistan deeply values its cooperation with the Gates foundation in polio eradication and improving immunisation, nutrition and financial inclusion services in the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

PM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan 'cannot afford to have enmity with the US at all'

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his family members received death threats in a letter, which also had a live bullet, local media reported quoting officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the aftermath, the Prime Minister's Office stated that the security units responsible for protecting Bennett's family have been reinforced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A joint investigation has been launched by the Lahav 433 serious crime unit and the Shin Bet security agency to probe the origin of the threatening letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A statement issued on Tuesday (April 26) by the PM's media adviser noted: "Following a letter with a death threat and a live bullet inside that was addressed to the Prime Minister and his family, security officials in the Prime Minister's Office have decided to reinforce the security of the unit responsible for protecting Prime Minister Bennett's family."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-first-human-case-of-bird-flu-four-year-old-boy-infected-474192">China reports first human case of bird flu; four-year old boy infected</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27c93862-bef5-4c61-bd13-e24a559948cc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Israel%27s%20Prime%20Minister%20Naftali%20Bennett.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>File photo of Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Image credit: Reuters</em></p>

<p>Several media reports mentioned that the threatening letter with live ammunition was delivered to the Israeli Prime Minister's family in Ra’anana on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Israel-based newspaper Ha'aretz online quoted an informed source as saying that letter was apparently sent to the former workplace of Gilat Bennett, the prime minister's wife.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a veiled reference to the incident, Bennett on his official Twitter handle wrote: "A political argument, no matter how deep it is, should not come to violence, thuggery and death threats."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have to do everything, as leaders and as citizens who care about their future and the future of their children in this country, so that such phenomena simply do not exist. We are all people," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-day-after-twitter-takeover-elon-musk-reacts-to-concerns-over-free-speech-474170">A day after Twitter takeover, Elon Musk reacts to concerns over free speech</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="iw">אני ראש ממשלה ואיש פוליטי, אבל אני גם בעל ואבא, וחובתי היא גם לשמור על אשתי ועל ילדיי.<br />
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עלינו להנמיך את הלהבות של השיח הפוליטי. &gt;&gt;</p>
— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) <a href="https://twitter.com/naftalibennett/status/1518970205115977728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Amid heightened tensions, a series of terror attacks and clashes in Jerusalem around the Al-Aqsa Mosque recently, it has been announced that US President Joe Biden will visit Israel in the coming months following an invitation from Bennett.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, the two leaders spoke and Bennett briefed Biden on efforts "to stop the violence and incitement in Jerusalem."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his family members received death threats in a letter, which also had a live bullet, local media reported quoting officials.

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his family members received death threats in a letter, which also had a live bullet, local media reported quoting officials. In the aftermath, the Prime Minister's Office stated that the security units responsible for protecting Bennett's family have been reinforced. A joint investigation has been launched by the Lahav 433 serious crime unit and the Shin Bet security agency to probe the origin of the threatening letter. A statement issued on Tuesday (April 26) by the PM's media adviser noted: "Following a letter with a death threat and a live bullet inside that was addressed to the Prime Minister and his family, security officials in the Prime Minister's Office have decided to reinforce the security of the unit responsible for protecting Prime Minister Bennett's family." ALSO READ | China reports first human case of bird flu; four-year old boy infected File photo of Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Image credit: Reuters Several media reports mentioned that the threatening letter with live ammunition was delivered to the Israeli Prime Minister's family in Ra’anana on Tuesday morning. However, Israel-based newspaper Ha'aretz online quoted an informed source as saying that letter was apparently sent to the former workplace of Gilat Bennett, the prime minister's wife. In a veiled reference to the incident, Bennett on his official Twitter handle wrote: "A political argument, no matter how deep it is, should not come to violence, thuggery and death threats." "We have to do everything, as leaders and as citizens who care about their future and the future of their children in this country, so that such phenomena simply do not exist. We are all people," he added. ALSO READ | A day after Twitter takeover, Elon Musk reacts to concerns over free speech אני ראש ממשלה ואיש פוליטי, אבל אני גם בעל ואבא, וחובתי היא גם לשמור על אשתי ועל ילדיי. עלינו להנמיך את הלהבות של השיח הפוליטי. >> — Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) April 26, 2022 × Amid heightened tensions, a series of terror attacks and clashes in Jerusalem around the Al-Aqsa Mosque recently, it has been announced that US President Joe Biden will visit Israel in the coming months following an invitation from Bennett. On Sunday, the two leaders spoke and Bennett briefed Biden on efforts "to stop the violence and incitement in Jerusalem." WATCH WION LIVE HERE × (With inputs from agencies)

Israel PM Naftali Bennett and his family receive death threat with live bullet, probe launched

<p>Space is full of mysteries. There is always something unusual lurking out in the deep depths of the mysterious space. With the advancement in technology, space agencies across the world unravel mysteries and theories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) keeps sharing images and pieces of information to reveal various aspects of space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, NASA has shared an image on its official Instagram account in which a large and dark shadow can be seen on Jupiter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/presence-of-alien-tech-on-earth-scientist-wants-to-probe-interstellar-object-lying-in-the-pacific-ocean-473699">Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean'</a></strong></p>

<p>The shadow on the left side of the image was apparently cast by Jupiter's moon Ganymede.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA revealed that NASA Solar System Exploration's Juno spacecraft captured the stunning image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the space agency, the image was taken during the mission's 40th close pass by the giant planet on February 25, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-insight-lander-captures-images-of-sunrise-on-mars-473049">NASA InSight lander captures images of sunrise on Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA also mentioned that Eclipses on Jupiter are more common than what we experience on Earth because the planet has four major moons that often pass between Jupiter and the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In just one week, Ganymede transits once; Europa, twice; and Io, four times. And since Jupiter’s moons orbit in a plane close to Jupiter’s orbital plane, the moon shadows are often cast upon the planet," NASA revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Deadly coral disease grips Florida coast, efforts on to restore damaged reef</strong></p>

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<p>NASA said that citizen scientist Thomas Thomopoulos created this enhanced-colour image using raw data from the JunoCam instrument.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At the time the raw image was taken, the Juno spacecraft was about 71,000 kilometres above Jupiter’s cloud tops, at a latitude of about 55 degrees south, and 15 times closer than Ganymede, which orbits about 1.1 million kilometres away from Jupiter," NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

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Space is full of mysteries. There is always something unusual lurking out in the deep depths of the mysterious space. With the advancement in technology, space agencies across the world unravel mysteries and theories.

Space is full of mysteries. There is always something unusual lurking out in the deep depths of the mysterious space. With the advancement in technology, space agencies across the world unravel mysteries and theories. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) keeps sharing images and pieces of information to reveal various aspects of space. Recently, NASA has shared an image on its official Instagram account in which a large and dark shadow can be seen on Jupiter. ALSO READ | Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean' The shadow on the left side of the image was apparently cast by Jupiter's moon Ganymede. NASA revealed that NASA Solar System Exploration's Juno spacecraft captured the stunning image. As per the space agency, the image was taken during the mission's 40th close pass by the giant planet on February 25, 2022. ALSO READ | NASA InSight lander captures images of sunrise on Mars NASA also mentioned that Eclipses on Jupiter are more common than what we experience on Earth because the planet has four major moons that often pass between Jupiter and the Sun. "In just one week, Ganymede transits once; Europa, twice; and Io, four times. And since Jupiter’s moons orbit in a plane close to Jupiter’s orbital plane, the moon shadows are often cast upon the planet," NASA revealed. WATCH | Deadly coral disease grips Florida coast, efforts on to restore damaged reef × NASA said that citizen scientist Thomas Thomopoulos created this enhanced-colour image using raw data from the JunoCam instrument. "At the time the raw image was taken, the Juno spacecraft was about 71,000 kilometres above Jupiter’s cloud tops, at a latitude of about 55 degrees south, and 15 times closer than Ganymede, which orbits about 1.1 million kilometres away from Jupiter," NASA said. ×

What's that giant black spot on Jupiter?

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